Aubrey's Rise of the Runelords campaign (Inactive)

Game Master Aubrey the Malformed

Ready to roll?

Hudak buys
2 tents
3 water skins
10 days rations
2 grappling hook
100 feet of rope
2 bullseye lanterns
6 flasks of oil

I see soap and oil; would napalm be metagaming?

"Let's hit the road."

ready

Picked up four flasks of alchemist's fire. I'm ready to move out.

Aye, lets be goin'! Ye can be loadin' yer extra heavy stuff on me mule here. Ol' Crag dinnae be much to be lookin' at but he sure be a strong feller!

Elisile walks with Larken. If he seems in the mood for listening, she talks about her childhood, and life in Merisiel. She talks about her joy at attending the Academy, and her dismay and anger at having her studies interrupted so close to completion by the humanoid and giant invasion. She tells about being told that she has an important role to play in the fate of the land, and her belief that that role has something to do with this place, and perhaps the Old Light. She tells of her shock and dismay at her early encounters with humans, and the fact that they continue to surprise her now, both in good ways and bad.

If he does not seem in the mood to listen, she takes her leave and begins preparing for the journey to the goblins’ home.

Buys an additional 2 days rations and prepares spells: ready.

"Hey, Dravite...how'd you teach him to talk just like you? Oh, never mind..."

EeEEeYYY-HaaaaaWWW

Damn. Now I want a critter too.

All set. I picked up 10 days worth of rations, which I will load onto ol' Crag with Dravite's permission. I'm already dangerously close to my medium load as it is.

Vethran appears somewhat weary but eager to continue, his eyes showing the tell-tale signs of too much time spent reading by candlelight and he wrings his hands to work out the cramps of so much writing.

Elisile stands stoically at the town’s north gate, arms folded, as the noisy trio of Hudak, Dravite and the mule approach.

When everyone is gathered, she speaks. “Shall we all travel the northern road as a single group, or is there benefit in a few of us scouting ahead? Larken and I can move quickly and quietly, and have sharp eyes. I have a signal whistle that can alert the group if we stumble into any trouble. Although they are normally dis-organised, the goblins may have prepared some surprises on the road ahead.”

"That's your call. I'm not too sure of it, but It's possible they might have scouts about."

"I like it. How far ahead do you want to stray?"

"I like it. How far ahead do you want to stray?"

Elisile shakes her head. “Not far. Just enough that if we spot some type of ambush or trouble on the road, we can give the rest of the group a few seconds warning – a pair of scouts will be harder to see or hear than a group of eight. It might give us an edge.”

In game terms, I’m suggesting we stay about 100 to 150 feet ahead of the rest of the group, moving at speed 15 or 20 and continuously “taking 10” on Listen, Spot, Hide and MS checks (or rolling them as directed by Aubrey if preferred).

The group are given fairly clear instructions before heading off: they need to follow the North Road until they reach the Thistle River crossing, about six miles from Sandpoint, and then follow the river into the Thistle Wood. There, hopefully, they can pick up a trail to Thistletop.

A small deputation of the town dignitaries waves them off the following morning, including High Priest Zantus, who asks them to return the stolen remains of Nualia’s father if they are able. As part of a small wayside ritual, a band of acolytes asks for the blessings of the gods in the endeavour and, displaying a somewhat half-hearted belief in the likelihood of success, requests that the party should be welcomed to the proper afterlife should they fail.

The group sets off. The sun burns off the morning mist and it turns into a pleasantly bright day, if somewhat crisp. The “North” Road actually runs east from Sandpoint, and passes through farmland which then turns into rolling hills covered with woods. Eventually, after three hours, they reach the bridge at Thistle River.

Scouts, Spot checks, DC 15:

Scouts, also make Hide and Move Silently checks.

Aubrey, ahead of making those checks, did we get a good idea of how far Thistletop was from Sandpoint? Ie, if we were to move at “half speed” (speed 15) would we still be likely to make it within a day; the speed we are moving at will effect our Hide and MS checks.

I took account of that - that is why it has taken three hours instead of two to get to the bridge. Maybe another three hours from here.

Cool. Moving at half speed we have no penalty to MS or Hide checks – of course that assumes it is physically possible to remain hidden from any watchers (ie, obscured by trees or what have-you.
Spot: 19+6 = 25 – can Elisile determine numbers?
Move Silently: 9+7 = 16. Hide: 14+7 = 21

Elisile puts up a hand, indicating Larken (or whoever the other scout is) to halt. “Under the bridge,” she breathes softly.

If it does not appear we have been spotted or heard, Elisile suggests through gestures that they return to warn the rest of the group.

They don't seem to have spotted you. The other scout, however... There seem to be six goblins.

spot 10r +6 = 16
move silently 18r +8 = 26
hide 9r +8 = 17

Assuming we're unnoticed -
Larken nods at Elisile's suggested course of action, and waits for her to start easing back, then follows.

The goblins appear to have spotted neither scout and remain under the bridge.

Continuing to move as quietly as possible, Elisile heads back to the rest of the group, holding up her hand to indicate a halt.

“Six goblins, under the bridge ahead,” she explains quietly. “I do not think they have seen us. If we are quick, we may surprise them.”

Dravite pulls the bow it's sheath and quickly strings it*
I gots some stealth ta me and I can be rainin' a few arrows down on de gobbos.
I be wantin' ta see all those wit' a measure o' stealth and some ranged ability ta be movin' inta range and tryin' fer quick kills on de gobbos. Maybe de casters have sumfin' in mind also fer movin' an' wagglin' fingers. We need some speedy people to quickly move ta close and make sure no gobbos get away ta warn de tribe or maybe they can be crossin' de stream upriver and come up behind de gobbos? If so maybe we should be doin' dat ta cut off escape.
Maybe me, Hudak and Alwyn can be crossing upstream ta cut off escape, the other can be stayin' ta dis side and firin' on de gobbos. I would fire on the gobbos from de utter side while Hudak and Alwyn be makin sure ta not let any gobbos past them. We can be pickin' off any what run ta try ta tell the rest o der tribe.

*Dravite leads the mule back a few hundred feet and hitches him to a tree.*

Whadda yous guys tink?

Is no one using the magic shortbow? If so and we have it with us, I'll use that for archer support.

"I like it a lot. We can't let any escape- some of the point is to take the tribe by surprise."

Alwyn's wearing leather armour while traveling, so he's fast and stealthy (by his own standards).

Edit: The shortbow's not magical - it is masterwork and Str 12. But I don't think anyone's claimed it yet.

Let's do it. Am I on swording duty, or archery? I say sword.

Ahh- It's the +1 from comp I was confusing. Okay. I'll put it to use for our sniper group.

I'll be using my new crossbow for this fight.

Let's do it. Am I on swording duty, or archery? I say sword.

Yerself an' Alwyn will be headin' wit me ta cross de river upstream. Fer our team I be seein' ye an' Alwyn closin' wit de gobbos while I send arrows flying fer any what be gettin' by ye. De other team o' Larken, Elisile, and Illes will be fer layin' down some serious ranged attackin'.

"I have a few spells capable of striking at great range. If you'll permit me the 'opening shot,' I can almost assuredly drop one. Also, do you know if the creatures possess bows of their own, or will they need to cross the distance to us?"

"I have a few spells capable of striking at great range. If you'll permit me the 'opening shot,' I can almost assuredly drop one. Also, do you know if the creatures possess bows of their own, or will they need to cross the distance to us?"

That be a great ideer! I was leavin' some o' the group out of the plans cause I really dinnae know where they would fit best, yerself included. Be ye' havin' a preference fer what group ye be stickin' wit?

"Hmm? Ah," The dwarf's words drag me back from some silent reverie.

"I should be with the swords, dare we need give chase, then Gurney and I will be quite helpful."

Which reminds me, I need to level Gurney based on my new feat of doggy not die

"I do have another suggestion though. These goblins may show more with then standard for the rot-minds, but they still are not to bright. They may be drawn out to attack us if only a small group goes in. If we can get them to come running this way, our obviously skilled scouts can flank them and secure the bridge, making sure none return to warn their fellows."

"I volunteer to be the bait."

"We'll combine the two plans. Hudak and myself sneak around and prepare to strike the goblins from behind. In 15 minutes or so, Lo'j wanders towards the bridge, drawing the enemy's attention. As their minds are occupied, the rest of us hit them from both sides, quickly wiping them all out. How about that?"

That be a great ideer! I was leavin' some o' the group out of the plans cause I really dinnae know where they would fit best, yerself included. Be ye' havin' a preference fer what group ye be stickin' wit?

"I believe I would perform best with the ranged attackers. I'm not terribly keen on the prospect of getting stabbed, either. My powers are effective out to 40 yards or so, give or take a few."

"Hmm? Ah," The dwarf's words drag me back from some silent reverie.

"I should be with the swords, dare we need give chase, then Gurney and I will be quite helpful."

Which reminds me, I need to level Gurney based on my new feat of doggy not die

"I do have another suggestion though. These goblins may show more with then standard for the rot-minds, but they still are not to bright. They may be drawn out to attack us if only a small group goes in. If we can get them to come running this way, our obviously skilled scouts can flank them and secure the bridge, making sure none return to warn their fellows."

"I volunteer to be the bait."

I be lovin' it! That'll get ye close up fer the slice and dice. Great idea!

Aye. Let's do it. Bastard sword and shield out.

“It is a good plan,” nods Elisile, “assuming that the goblins have not left the bridge, settled down and raised children whilst we have been discussing it. Let us act on it.”

Whatever happened to the days when eight third level adventurers would just charge in at six goblins without a second thought? Stupid monsters with class levels! ;-)
It’s a good plan though.

Elisile readies her bow and puts the signal whistle between her lips, keeping a careful eye on the path leading to the bridge.
Init: 13+3 = 16

(Good plan - I'll get to work and give you the set-up.)

Can I have a donut?

“It is a good plan,” nods Elisile, “assuming that the goblins have not left the bridge, settled down and raised children whilst we have been discussing it. Let us act on it.”

"For such long-lived creatures, you elves certainly don't brook much hesitation or foresight, do you?" The mage smirked at the elven ranger.

"I agree, though, the plan is sound. Let us continue."

With that, Vethran fell into step alongside the elf, waiting for a goblin head to pop out and make itself a target.

Init: 12 + 2 = 14.

Init 8+2=10.

OK, nice simple set up. There is a stream running north-south with a bridge on it, and a track running east-west either side of the bridge. Other than that, it is light undergrowth. The bridge is 10' wide and 20' long, and the track is 10' wide. The stream is 10' wide. The stream, and entering or leaving it, adds no additional dificulty to movement. Lo'j and his archer strike team approach from the west, Dravite and his sneaky assault team from the east.

OK - coordinates. A to Z runs west to east, 1 to 10 runs north to south. The bridge is at K-O/5-6, and the track runs directly east and west from there. The stream is at M-N/1-10. The goblins are all under the bridge.

Please place yourselves on the map. Assume that you are not within 40' of the centre of the bridge, as you will be spotted (even the goblins would see that) unless you make successful DC 9 Move Silently and Hide checks (though see below about undergrowth). I guess Lo'j will effectively trigger the encounter when he and Gurney move within that distance. It might be premature to roll initiative, as I expect you will be readying actions.

Light undergrowth requires 2 sqares of movement to enter, and increases Tumble and Move Silently DCs by 2. You also gain 20% concealment.

I am on the North half of the trail, with Gurney on the sououth half. I am as close as they let me get, before jumping out with Jawas. I have my shield slung on my back, and only have my war razor in hand but folded, since an armed, armored and battle ready human may send someone skittering back immediately to report.

And my active Auras (for anyone within 60') Are master of tactics, and motivate urgency.

Alwyn starts at W8. He starts with a javelin in hand, but is too far from the bridge to ready an attack action. However, on my turn, I'll rush forward and chuck it at a gobbo.

I'll take v4.

Dravite is in W7 with arrow nocked and pulled waiting for a spell and whistle to go off and a target to appear before unleashing his Rapid Shot.

Larken will ease into position at I3
move silently 12r + 8 = 20
hide 7r + 8 = 15
He plans to wait for a goblin to pop up to attack L'oj, and hit it with a sneak attack. I'm anticipating them trying to ambush him, and thus not going straight into combat awareness mode. If I can see a goblin from my position, I go ahead and sight in on him.

Larken makes good use of the quarter-hour before the attack to slowly crawl into a sniper's position. By the time he gets into position, it's obvious to him that he could have probably crawled right up behind a goblin and shot it in the back of the head, but where he is will do fine. He listens for L'oj, or for something to go wrong.

Elisile is hiding at D9, an arrow nocked and ready, preparing to fire at the first goblin to pop into sight.

Waiting for Vethran and Illes, and then the fun begins. Well, possibly not for the goblins.