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Notice: This discussion is a work of fiction. It does not reflect the views or opinions of the people participating, nor should any comments made be interpreted to be anything but the result of an imaginary character. This is also a work of fantasy, and contains descriptions of violence and adult behaviour that may be disturbing for some readers. This discussion also follows the rules of Paizo's messageboards, found here.
This Play-by-Post game uses Paizo's Pathfinder RPG Beta Test rules, which can be found at this link.
This Play-by-Post game references Wizards of the Coast's Red Hand of Doom, written by Richard Baker and James Jacobs. No material from this work will be copied here.
I will be playing the part of Dungeon Master.
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The Characters:
The Elsir Vale rests in the cradle of the Five Kings Mountains within the small mercantile nation of Druma. Many environments pepper this ordinarily active area. The Elsir River runs from West to East through the Vale, around ancient Dwarven and Human ruins alike. To the west of Highhelm is the largest city in the Vale, a collection of merchant routes known as Brindol. Further to the west lies Macridi, known in the common tongue as Drellin's Ferry. Numerous other small settlements dot the landscape between these two human populations.
Renowned for its prosperous mining and farming communities, the Vale has fallen on hard times recently. The last two summers have been unusually hot, and local grain and water reserves are running thin. This year the weather has been worse than ever, and without constant water supply, many of the mines in the area have been forced to shut down. Farms have been abandoned, and it seems lately only the Elsir River is keeping the land alive.
To the south-west, a massive patch of dry land known as the Thornwaste has been spreading, encroaching even upon the Stonefist Clanhold. In the north, the Blackfens marsh has become infested with vermin thriving in the oppressive heat, driving the normally peaceful elves to desperation. But something worse is fermenting in the Vale.
Your group has been contacted through a messenger by an anonymous representative of Brindol, no doubt a prophet, who has instructed you to investigate the possibility of a goblinoid surge in the Western Vale. Your destination is Macridi, where you will receive initial payment and a description of your duties.
Travelling west from Highhelm along the Dawn Way and its byways you circumvented Brindol, a massive walled city on the banks of the Elsir, approximately three days ago. With your supplies running low, and the sweltering heat wearing upon your brows, the cooler night air is thankfully falling. Ahead a road marker reads "DF 5 mi".
Disable Device
Search
Spot
Keep in mind if you are taking 10 or 20 you can simply provide the result, even on the above checks.
Drax:
Every once in awhile your unfortunate enough to catch the sun in all it's glory reflecting off of Mijanor's polished fullplate or shield. You can only imagine that anything within miles is aware of your presence because of it. His huffing and puffing is barely any better but he seems able to keep up......barely.
Alexei: 17 nonlethal. (7 to horse)
Augrok: 24 nonlethal. (13 to black bear)
Ergrin: 12 nonlethal.
Mijanor: 15 nonlethal (from hustle).
Kin Lur: 13 nonlethal. (16 to Fourthea)
Vykos: 15 nonlethal.
Vykos would require healing during the day. This also means that everyone is currently fatigued from heat stroke, as are your mounts.
Mijanor:
You have therefore used endure elements and either a cure light or channel positive energy to remove half the damage, let me know which. You haven't had a chance to remove the "end of day" damage. A channel positive would reduce everyones damage by half.
Drax:
Alexei: 17 nonlethal. (7 to horse)
Wow -- Survival skill isn't helping me a bit. Should've spent the points on Craft (Parisol).
Can I use Stealth to put some mud or a cloak or something over Majinor's gleaming plate, so that we're not visible 72 miles away?
By the way, how do I know these people? And how did I get away from my unit?
Alexei: 4 nonlethal. Light warhorse: 12 nonlethal.
Augrok: 8 nonlethal. Black bear: 4 nonlethal.
Ergrin: 5 nonlethal.
Kin Lur: 2 nonlethal. Fourthea: 4 nonlethal.
Vykos: 13 nonlethal.
Alexei:
I was hoping you could be a member of the Blackjackets (the Druma Mercenary League protecting the merchants). You have been assigned to the group, some of whom you already know, as a "watchdog" of sorts. You are just as ignorant as to who gave the orders or is paying for this endeavour, but your happy to comply - the League is often a bit too mean-spirited for your tastes.
Disable Device
Search
Spot
Ergrin takes out a single copper piece, a gold, and a couple of silver and sets them on a neat pile on the road marker.
"Too obvious?," he asks to no one in particular. Deciding it is, he grabs up a clump of dirt and moistens it with water from his wineskin and squeezes it around the coins. He sets the ball of mud on a rock and says, "For thems that need it. 'Sides, makes me numbers work out right."
Vykos has tied his blanket to his Scythe and Reaper's saddle and is trying to use it like a shade cloth as he rides.
"The sooner we are out of this blasted heat the better. I like being outdoors, my people love the open road, but this heat is ridiculous." You see a small wince as he mentions his people, something that you are now accustomed to.
"The sooner we reach this, what was it Drellin's Ferry, the better as far as I am concerned."
Out of habit from riding alone, Kin Lur will ride a short ways apart from the rest of the group to allow him to a better vantage point for watching for anything (or anyone) out of the ordinary. In front or following the group, either one. That is, unless someone tries to engage him in conversation -- he is not trying to be rude, just vigilant.
Since he can match the dwarven marcher's pace, he will probably dismount for part of the trip and lead Fourthea -- this would give the dog a break and allow him to converse with the craftsman about the possibility of making better barding for the riding dog.
Remember too that Vykos gets harmed by Positive Energy, so Selectively Channel him out please. =)
Since he can match the dwarven marcher's pace, he will probably dismount for part of the trip and lead Fourthea -- this would give the dog a break and allow him to converse with the craftsman about the possibility of making better barding for the riding dog.
"Hah hah, that's a lad! Nothin' like good dwarven steel to protect yer loved ones. But it 's not better bardin' lad, it's the BEST bardin' short o' Torag makin' it 'imself. With a good forge and the right metals I could be makin' it in a couple o' months."
Out of habit from riding alone, Kin Lur will ride a short ways apart from the rest of the group to allow him to a better vantage point for watching for anything (or anyone) out of the ordinary. In front or following the group, either one. That is, unless someone tries to engage him in conversation -- he is not trying to be rude, just vigilant.
The road has been particularly quiet recently. Yesterday a merchant and her guards passed you heading towards Drellin's Ferry, but you have seen no other travellers in the last two days.
"Mojanir," says the soldier, riding closer alongside with an easy twitch of his hip, "no offense, but the flash of your armor gives away our position -- possibly to hostile watchers in the hills." He speaks quietly, out of the side of his mouth, while scanning both sides of the road. "Any chance of permitting me to cover it a bit?"
Even had Augrok not been traveling with this group for a while now, there was no doubt in his mind that if he had been in the region, he would be curious about the weather. Given that he was suffering from it now, it was a given that he was wondering about the heat. Droughts he could understand, but was it supposed to be this hot? He had since pulled off his armor in an attempt to alleviate the heat and did what he could for his bear companion in their breaks between walking.
His armor was hanging from his axe, which he was using mostly as a walking staff, instead of being slung over his back. The faded grey shirt that he wore under the armor was thin and worn in the spots where the armor rubbed the most, fraying in some spots and stained from sweat. The sleeves had since been sacrificed and had been used as bandages at one point or another before being lost.
In the fading light, Alexei begins looking for things to cover Mijanor's armor, if he permits The holy dwarf procedes to do an odd ritual over the road marker.
(Spot checks made) Augrok, Ergrin, Kin Lur (and Fourthea), and Vykos suddenly spot movement in the treeline up ahead. With the golden sun dipping below the trees, they notice two humanoid figures, one on each side of the road. The figures do not appear to have seen you.
At this point in the road, the treeline is up on a 5 foot embankment on both sides, continuing around a bend in the road ahead. The figures are crouched behind trees, and appear to be wielding longbows.
Augrok:
Augrok hissed, primarily to warn the others of the group that had perhaps not seen what he had, but also at himself for not expecting trouble. The hiss was what he had begun to use as a warning of danger a little while back, since the shouting of "to arms!" and other things that he had heard some others say were far too ridiculous. They also gave away that they had been seen. Instead of reacting obviously to the sight of the two waiting at the road ahead, he looked around further, expecting these two to be like wolves. While you saw one, the others were counting on you to think that the two you saw were the only ones there were.
Decidedly unhappy about the conflict that was no doubt about to occur, he waited on the group to make ready.
Out of habit from riding alone, Kin Lur will ride a short ways apart from the rest of the group to allow him to a better vantage point for watching for anything (or anyone) out of the ordinary. In front or following the group, either one. That is, unless someone tries to engage him in conversation -- he is not trying to be rude, just vigilant.
(Spot checks made) Augrok, Ergrin, Kin Lur (and Fourthea), and Vykos suddenly spot movement in the treeline up ahead. With the golden sun dipping below the trees, they notice two humanoid figures, one on each side of the road. The figures do not appear to have seen you.
At this point in the road, the treeline is up on a 5 foot embankment on both sides, continuing around a bend in the road ahead. The figures are crouched behind trees, and appear to be wielding longbows.
Kin Lur will ready his bow as he guides Fourthea up to them and quietly make them aware of the lurking archers. "What do you suggest?"
Ergrin and his mule 'Ergrin' do not break pace but remain silent and attentive to the rest of the party.
"Kin Lur, you and I should take opposite sides of the road, circling wide behind the watchers. The rest continue forward, ready to pull back and turn on their would-be attackers at the last minute before they reach the "ambush." If the watchers attack, we come up behind them and cut their throats. If they have hostile friends, we kill them as efficiently as possible."
Alexei casually reaches down to flick some imagined dirt from his boot , sliding out of the saddle at the same time , out of sight of the watchers (being blocked behind a larger horse). The more observant of you can see him slide into the woods on the left side of the road.
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Alexei:
You realize that scrambling the embankment will easily give away your intent and position. However, you do recognize that if trouble comes, you are better off dismounted. You can roll Bluff and Ride checks to dismount casually.
One of the figures rises slightly as Ergrin approaches closer. Raising a hand to its mouth, it calls out in Goblin.
For those who speak Goblin:
Fat pickins!
It then raises its bow around the tree, taking aim towards your group, the failing sun glinting off the razor-sharp arrowhead.
Initiative please. Alexei and Vykos have shadowy illumination. Alexei may or may not be mounted.
I thought I was examining Mijanir's armor, until Kin Lur motioned me to drop back?
Initiative = roll 4 + 6 = 10.
Is there a rogue talent to let you climb stealthily? If so, I want it when I hit 6th level!
Alexei:
Apologies for the occasional mix-up. I'm still getting the whole PbP thing down.
** spoiler omitted **
Oops... no wonder I rolled so daggone low! Lemme try again: Not much better! 6 + 6 = 12. I'm new to the PBP AND to the "roll online" thing.
Alexei:
Alexei looks for a moment as if he's considering dismounting, shakes his head at the embankments along the road, and pulls his bow from the saddle-sheath as he spurs his mount, shouting something in goblin.
To those who speak goblin:
And in Common:
"Mojanir," says the soldier, riding closer alongside with an easy twitch of his hip, "no offense, but the flash of your armor gives away our position -- possibly to hostile watchers in the hills." He speaks quietly, out of the side of his mouth, while scanning both sides of the road. "Any chance of permitting me to cover it a bit?"
"It's Mijanor boy. What makes ye think I don't want 'em to see me comin? Only fair to give em a runnin 'ead start. Don't get yer furnace stoked about it, I'll cover up if ye be worried were gettin into dangerous territory," With that he pulls his bright white cloak with a silver hammer embroidered upon the back around his armor. Well the glare is gone so it's a small improvement.
Upon spotting the duo on the road, Mijanor says, "Now there's a promise of a break in all this marchin. Torag be blessin us this day."
Here's my rolls.
Blah. My mistake. I've been confusing dwarves. So Mijanor is by Alexei, Ergrin has moved past the sign-post.
Keep those initiative rolls coming.
Blah. My mistake. I've been confusing dwarves.
Just kidding!
Blah. My mistake. I've been confusing dwarves.Just kidding!
Thanks, though. This place needs more humour lately.
See, I can derail my own threads! I would like to see some more initiative checks...let's try and keep things on track. ;)
One of the figures rises slightly as Ergrin approaches closer. Raising a hand to its mouth, it calls out in Goblin.
It then raises its bow around the tree, taking aim towards your group, the failing sun glinting off the razor-sharp arrowhead.
Initiative please. Alexei and Vykos have shadowy illumination. Alexei may or may not be mounted.
Thanks, Kin.
I'll take your actions into account once initiative starts.
Thanks, Kin.
I'll take your actions into account once initiative starts.
Ergrin remains attentive and alert. If an arrow comes towards him, he will attempt to deflect it.
Deflect Arrows (Combat)
You can knock arrows and other projectiles off course, preventing
them from hitting you.
Prerequisites: Dex 13, Improved Unarmed Strike.
Benefit: You must have at least one hand free (holding
nothing) to use this feat. Once per round when you would
normally be hit with a ranged weapon, you may def lect it
so that you take no damage from it. You must be aware of
the attack and not f lat-footed.
Attempting to deflect a ranged weapon doesn’t count
as an action. Unusually massive ranged weapons (such as
boulders or ballista bolts) and ranged attacks generated by
spell effects can’t be deflected.
Regardless of whether Ergrin is fired upon, he will move off of the road and begin moving towards the goblins, attempting to move stealthily. Attempting, I said. Stealth (1d20+8=10)
DM Drax: How far away are they? I mean are we a long way from them or relatively close?
Yeah, if they're within 70 ft. I just start shooting; none of this riding around stuff first, except to get more than 20 ft. away from the others in case of fireball.
The enemy is currently 60ft away. Ergrin is about 40ft from the enemy.
EDIT: Posted the map.
The enemy is currently 60ft away. Ergrin is about 40ft from the enemy.
Sizing up the situation, the soldier hisses, "This is foolishness! Let's ride back whence we came and see if we can draw them after us!"
Sizing up the situation...
Wrong avatar. Sorry!
A few rules for initiative:
For initiative I will just post the initiative order, including the enemy, as you will figure it out eventually anyway. In all cases, wait at the end of the round before starting the next round so I can factor in other effects. If you cast a spell with a duration in rounds, on your turn make sure to include the rounds remaining in your spell
Initiative for this combat:
Augrok: 19Ergrin: 18
Enemy: 15
Alexei: 12
Kin Lur: 14
Mijanor: 11
Enemy: 8
Vykos: 6
As his traveling companions edged off of the road to investigate the two archers that they could see, Augrok sighed and did away with the pretense of not noticing them, his hands pulling and shaping, looking as if he was building something up and then scarring ridges around something, guiding the magic of nature that his words called up. The entirety of the shaping took no more than a few seconds, and once that was done, he touched Ur, applying what he had shaped onto her.
It took an especially sharp eye to notice any changes in the bear beside him, as her skin was covered in fur. The most notable part of the bear was her face, which had taken on ridges and looked somewhat arboreal, if only in the surface resemblance. She shook herself, and slightly more telling was that her fur did not move as much as it should have. It was as if it were moss, or lichen.
Thumping himself on the chest, he spoke a word to Ur "Vigi!", asking her to guard him for now. They would join their companions soon enough.
It was really too hot for this stuff.
The two humanoids engage in open hostility, loosing their arrows at the lead party member, Ergrin. Ergin's senses and reflexes, highly tuned from years of training in the Stonefist Hold, react with the quickness of a scurrying dungeon beetle. With one rough hand, he knocks an arrow out of the way, sending it skipping harmlessly into the dirt. The second arrow finds home, striking Ergrin hard in the shoulder.
Ergrin takes 6 damage.
Ergin:
Ahead you hear what sounds like creatures moving along the edge of the treeline, possibly within 100ft and on both sides of the road.
Next initiatives.
I whistle quietly to the others and, if they can see me, attempt to signal by making little walkie-walkie fingers with both hands and indicate that these little walkie-walkie hand people are coming towards us. They will either understand or think I've lost it.
I crouch down in my position off of the road.