Beyond Fort Horizon (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

Minerva watches the new arrival warily, eyeing the large sword.

To keep her mind from the silent man, the tiefling smiled again at Derrick

"Well you may certainly have a peek at some of my sketches, if you like. I might even include you in a few, should the mood strike me" Minerva winked, and while her tone indicated that the mood certainly struck her at that moment, she busied herself with rechecking her mule's baggage.

Derrick laughs and bows. "I would be honored on both counts, Lady Minerva." With that and a smile, he sets his naginata down and begins his work with the katana, slowly going through various forms and motions.

Day 5, leaving Fort Horizon

One by one more people begin to show up, until there is a regular crowd gathered by the wagon.

When all the introductions are made, and a few goodbyes are said to the departing elven couple, it becomes painfully obvious that no one has been assigned to drive the Wagon.

No worries folks. I’ve got this. A tall man in a dark hat steps toward the wagon, and climb into the single seat. He has a rough face, dark brown eyes and a stubble that seems to indicate he isn’t fond of regular shaves. His sandy brown hair hangs lose out from under a worn leather hat.

He gives everyone a smile, or a nod. His eyes linger long on Portia and Minerva, and he chuckles when he sees Droka, as if he is in on some joke that no one else knows.

He wears fine leather chaps, and a long duster. Brown pants, and a red cotton shirt, that is in an unusual style
The Red Shirt

And he wears a rather large black bandana tied around the collar of the shirt. His boots are hard, shiny black leather, and tipped with silver accents.

The stranger doesn’t introduce himself, but merely snaps the reins, takes a whip from under the seat, and flicks it toward the Bull’s head.

The large bull takes a step forward, then another, and soon the wagon is moving toward the gate.

There is no set formation, no one is required to be any place in particular, but the young elves stay close at the rear of the wagon. The people who were hired to escort this supply wagon, move about taking in the sights, examining the trail and features of the land, while Portia stays well in advance of the wagon, scouting for the well worn ruts that she was told would be the only indication of a “trail” toward Mystic Valley.

There is some conversation, but mostly folks are quiet, as they make slow and steady progress away from Fort Horizon.

After several hours there is a break, and some supplies are shared, long drinks of water are had, and everyone marvels at how Fort Horizon has grown small behind them.

You are rising in altitude, as you travel, and there are steep walls of rock all around as you travel high into the foothills north east of the Fort.

Just after midday, when the air is still, the sun is hot, and the dust swirls around the feet of the bull and cows as they plod along, some of you begin to wonder just when you will stop for the night, and how long it will be before you actually reach this place called Mystic Valley when suddenly…

A large war band of strange looking creatures appears over the rise of a hill to your left. They look like creatures that are part man and part dog. Some of them are as tall as regular humans, while others are short like halflings, but they are all muscled and broad shouldered. They hoot and holler war cries in an unintelligible tongue.

They are armed with bows, spears, and axes (and they are not crude weapons).

There are more than twenty of them.
I will create a map tonight, if I can find the time, and it will show the wagon, and all the characters. The Monsters are attacking from the top of the map, when you can see it, but they will not be on the map yet. They are 120 feet away when the surprise you. I will let each player choose a location on the map in relation to the Wagon, other than Portia, who will be 30 feet in front of the Wagon. You can all roll initiative, if at least one player beats the monsters, then the whole party will go before the monsters. This is a large group so some combat details will be “interpreted” but if you feel your action needs set up or cooperation with another character, go to the discussion thread and work out the details. Ritmush You will join this encounter, from behind the monsters, on round 2.

Init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Init: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Well I'm glad some of us rolled well...

Intiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

For when he enters.
Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Sithundan behind himself at the elf couple and the wagon driver and says "Those who are not going to fight grab the animals and take cover behind the wagon." He then takes out his heavy crossbow and prepares to fire on the attackers.

The stranger on the Wagon rolls across the covered goods, and lands on his feet next to Sithundan
Are there any weapons in this cart?he asks as he begins to try to untie one of the ropes holding down the tarp.

Minerva didn't panic outwardly. She had been on the road before, and bandits were a common enough occurrence. Still, she couldn't keep a tremble away.

To fight, revealing her true nature, or to hang back and allow the guards to do their work? In the end, she slid her short sword from it's sheath and moved her Mule to behind the wagon. She kept her horns and tail hidden, keeping one of her hand on the dagger in it's wrist sheath.

"I'd have hoped for a more handsome enemy" she spoke with false humour and painted on confidence, using the humour to cover her nerves. "these beasts will hardly make for a good showing when I commemorate our imminent victory""

Bluff check to maintain her aura of confidence: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Don’t look under the tarp. There’s nothing we can use in the wagon! the young female elf snaps

The young male elf, smiles at Minerva's confident assurance, and then hears his companion snap at the stranger, he spins, fakes a nervous laugh, and takes the girl by the arm as he says

Yes, only supplies, nothing that we would find useful, come darling, let’s get behind cover like the large man says

Thikka narrows her eyes at the elf couple, and puts a hand on the wagon, her sleeve ending under the tarp. A white rat with big red eyes runs down her arm and slips out of the sleeve and into the wagon, sniffing and snooping at whatever is under the tarp.

Bhen Stealth: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33

Looking over her shoulder at Minerva, she snorts. "Couldn't care less what they look like, as long as they run away or die for us, instead of the other way around. I'll celebrate if I don't have to bury anyone from the caravan."

Neither Kokole'a'no, nor Wiani'ni notice the rat as it scurries into the wagon

Unbolath takes in the enemies, examining them. He peers hard at them...

Perception check: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 2 = 28

Humans are my favored enemy...

Taking cover behind a wagon and casting shield spell, readying a composite longbow.

Rolandor draws his bow and readies an arrow. He will fire at the first one that gets in range.

Droka begins singing in order to inspire his allies.

Inspire Courage: An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.

Portia, walk in front of the caravan, and hears the all familiar screech of Issabelle. She turns in the direction she heard her feathery companion, to see a small mob of potential enemies on the ridge, looking poised to attack. She makes a quick whistle, to tell Issabelle to stay put, and not attack. Portia, tells the others of the possible impending attack, and readies her sling in the event they come rushing down the hill.

surprise round
Draw and load bow, tell Issaabelle to hover

round 1

Portia, hearing the man cry out from behind about weaponry, does a quick inventory of what she may or may not have to help the driver. She moves back to the wagon, sling at the ready and looks at the driver, I have a dagger in my belt, take it. Just make sure you give it back, she says with a wink.

move back to wagon, ready a sling should they get within 50 feet, tell driver to take my dagger

Derrick glances to the ridge, then his companions. He gives a small smile to Minerva, but it's clear that his demeanor is now serious and business-like: combat is his life, in some ways. "Any who dislike fighting should stay behind the warriors," he comments simply, stepping between the wagon and the attackers. The commentary from the elven couple is suspicious, but it has to wait for now; he prepares his naginata, ready to slash the first of the ambushers who comes within reach.

"Behind the warriors..." The ratfolk spits something in ratfolk that doesn't sound pleasant. "Those who don't like dying should stay in front of the healers..."

"Let me into the front row! I've got a longspear!" Valind calls out "We do know they're hostile? Is it worth trying to negotiate? Does anyone know what language they speak?"

I do't recognize their language....they don't look friendly.....

hey boss, check my languages do they speak one of them?

"A longspear? Then you should stay a rank back," Derrick says to Valind, also wary of the halfling's small stature and less-than-warlike appearance--He's a lawyer and priest, not a soldier.

the language being shouted by the attackers, is giberrish and unrecognizable by anyone in the party. Anyone can attempt to speak to the attackers, but no one in this group has ever encountered creatures like this before, so the language you try on them could be any language you know

Thikka shuffles forward to E0, so she has the minimum travel time to heal the front line, and also decent position to hex the enemy. Her dagger is put back in her sheath, as she takes a better grip of the walking stick instead.

Unbolath notes to the group, out loud, in his gravelly voice, "These creatures are not what they appear to be, their mannerisms and movements are more like regular humans."

As part of his round 1 action ( indicated above ) Unbolath moves to the cover of the wagon as he prepares magic and weapons.

The stranger, the man who had been driving the wagon, takes the dagger from Portia’s belt, and using the handle, he adjusts his hat upward, while saying, Thanks, Ma’am. The name’s Victor, Victor Jankowski.

Then he turns to see the oncoming savages, Hears Minerva’s comment, turns his head toward her and winks while saying, That’s the spirit. After we’re done, we should introduce ourselves like civilized people do.

Day 5, Gulley Ambush

The party scrambles, moving in different directions, at times almost colliding with each other as some rush for the protection of the wagon, while others move into a position to meet to oncoming enemy.

Some of the beast-men attacking the party stop, draw arrows, and fire at the group.

Ten Arrows are fired. Let’s find out what the targets will be. There are 16 targets, I’ve assigned a number to each of you, the cows, and the NPCs.

Perhaps it is because of his size, or unusual appearance, but Sithundan is targeted by three arrows. Portia is targeted by 2, Derrick by one, Valind by 1, a Cow, Wiani, and Victor are also targeted

Sithundan, AC 14
Missile Attack #1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Missile Attack #2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Missile Attack #3: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Portia, AC 17
Missile Attack #1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Missile Attack #2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Derrick, AC 15
Missile Attack #1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Valind, AC 12
Missile Attack #1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Cow #1, AC 11
Missile Attack #1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Wiani, AC 21 (improved Cover)
Missile Attack #1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Victor, AC 23 (improved Cover)
Missile Attack #1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Sithundan is struck by an arrow, as is Valind, and the cow
Damage Sithundan: 1d8 ⇒ 8
Damage Valind: 1d8 ⇒ 7
Damage Cow #1: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Round 2 begins now

The map doesn't appear to have been updated, Thikka moved to E1 before the fight began

Thikka reaches out and touches Sithandan as an arrow whumps into him.

Healing Hex: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Yes, I am a bit under the weather, and did not fire up the other computer today, but I will try to get that done tonight. I hope it doesn't set anyone back because of the delay

-Round 2-
Derrick frowns at the volley of arrows, and begins moving forward, keeping his naginata held in front of him, ready to attack any enemies that come too close. Move action to -C, 1; standard to ready a trip attempt against the first enemy to hit within reach.

Trip: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Round 2
Ritmush's AC verse ranged weapons is now currently 16, 20 if he gets cover from the cliff face. Which I really hope he does.

"Neck deep next to an anthill..leave em tired to a tree with a buzzwasp nest... in bear country... angry squirrels... peanut butter... beartrap tied to a rock at the bottom of a lake." Ritmush muttered at an angry whisper as he followed the creatures ahead of him. Gonna get em' back. Take their horrible suits an' bury em. Leave those No-lls and No-bolds out in the sun so they can know what it feels like when the bugs start wearing them.
Ritmush was angry "Feed em' feet firs' to tha snap shell in opal lake." Ritmush mutters, remembering some of his past while moving "Good kobolds dun'let tha angry boil out ah em whenever tha bad 'uns want. Makes dead kobolds, good kobolds wait an' listen. Good kobolds don'get angry, they get even." The young man spoke to himself as he scrambled to the cliffside and lay down on the cliffside in time to watch the mass of No-bolds and No-lls attack a bunch of travelers. "Gonna get you now." the young man stated as he lined up the first target with his crossbow. "Make sure you regret it a long time. No one wears my family and gets away with it."
Ensuring the bolt is in the right position and with his supply of extra in easy reach Ritmush fires.
directed at No-bold -O,-9 the purple one if he isn't granted cover from where ritmush ends up at. If not the yellow one at R -12.
Fiyah one: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Swing'n a miss!

No problem, get well soon. Just wanted to make sure it was known where she was.

Portia, whistles to Issabelle to keeo her away from the volley of arrows. Just as she looks up, she sees two arrows come flying towards her, lucky for her they both land in front of her and break off in the dirt almost 10 feet in front of her. Unfortunately she sees Sithudan, Valind, and the poor cow get struck with an arrow each.

Portia, lets a sling bullet fly towards the nearest enemy, despite it being a little out of her range.

Portia will let a sling bullet fly towards the enemy in -J2

sling-range: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 2 = 71d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Minerva shivered as she stood ready behind the line that had naturally formed, caught between the nerves of battle and her Obligation to keep in character...

To that end, she simply slipped forward, letting out a(hopefully lady-like)shriek as arrows buzzed by, taking up the gap in the line when the naginata-wielding warrior strode forward.

Okay, she might have been taking a few itty bitty mental notes about Mr Tramsen's shapely form, arrayed as he was against the enemy.

Entirely innocent notes on the play of light on his armour and the shine of gleaming metal from his blade mind you.

Move to D, 1. Use the leftover action to slide one of her daggers from it's hidden sheathe

Droka waves his hand, and a shadowy eagle pops into existence in front of him. As he continues to sing in a guttural, eerie language, he points at a gnoll standing by itself. The eagle flies towards the gnoll and tries to peck it.
Free action to maintain bardic performance. Standard action to summon eagle. Eagle moves into melee and attacks with its bite.

Sithundan turn and thanks Thikka for the healing before advancing to A2. As he walks he will pull out his heavy crossbow. When he gets to A2 he will fire it at the "No-ll" in -J2, the purple one.
Attack roll: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Damage roll: 1d10 ⇒ 3

Rolandor fires at the gnoll ay -J, -3.

attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 51d8 ⇒ 6

Unbolath should now be in one of the squares behind the wagon (F or G 4, 5 or 6). AC 20 or more due to shield spell and cover.

He casts the Gravity Bow spell and begins to select targets and keep aware of the battle, watching for fallen companions.

move to -C2
put on coat
Valind doubles over as the arrow slams into his lightweight shirt.
Cursing himself for taking off his armor just because it was a bit hot, Valind shrugs it on as he bolts over to stand next to Derrick.
"What's your plan?" he asks curiously.

"Bring any who charge to the ground, strike others who approach. Switch to my sword when the time comes." The warrior speaks swiftly and seriously.

I apologize to everyone for the delays, this is a bit tough to manage, and I have no one to blame but myself. I'll try to give you all a better game!

Day 5, Gulley Ambush

Round 2

A bolt, fired from a crossbow, sails high over the heads of the attacking monsters and falls to the ground inches in front of Derrick. Looking out toward the cliff face, Derrick is sure the bolt did not come from one of the monsters, as none of them are carrying cross bows, but all he can see are the rocks and sparse vegetation of the desert canyon wall.

Then, snapping back to the present moment, a strange looking creature rushes toward Derrick and he sweeps the thing’s legs out from under it.

Sithundan strikes a creature in the leg with a cross bow bolt of his own, and the thing begins to limp, but does not stop moving forward.

A shadowy eagle appears in the sky, and swoops into the battle, but the creature it is targeting ducks at the last moment. Portia hurls a rock, but her aim is off.

Portia, I think you should make a Handle Animal Skill Check, DC 10, as a free action, to make sure Isabelle doesn’t get confused and attack the shadow eagle

Another arrow flies, this one fired from a bow behind Derrick, but it also misses.

Eight Arrows fly toward the party, while two other creatures close in on Derrick’s forward position

Melee Attack #1 Derrick: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Melee Attack #2 Derrick: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

The two humanoid like creatures rush Derrick, brandishing new looking hand axes, but their attacks are clumsy, and Derrick easily avoids them

Arrows
Ranged Attack versus Cow #1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Ranged Attack versus Unbolath +4 AC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Ranged Attack versus Portia: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Ranged Attack versus Valind: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Ranged Attack versus Rolandor: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Ranged Attack versus Sithundan: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Ranged Attack versus Waini, +4 AC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Ranged Attack versus Droka +2 AC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Sithundan is hit again
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2
But this time the arrow grazes his arm barely drawing blood

I've zoomed in the map a bit, Ritmush cannot be seen now, so he is gone again, hehe