Cyrodiil Wars (Inactive)

Game Master Gandal

Alric looks over the selection of clothes, trying to hide a grimace as he he does so, painfully aware that even these poor substitutes for proper garments were better than his current garb. He grabs a backup set of clothes and a shortbow and some arrows, aware that his usual talents were not currently available to help him in the more honorable melee approach, and these savages weren't worth wasting much honor on anyway.

Zesaste recovers his heirloom- a finely made Falcata laid carelessly to one side. He also finds his spellbook and his component pouch, looking them over with a critical eye. He also recovers his dagger in its spring loaded wrist sheath. He changes awkwardly in the corner of the room, averting his eyes from everyone. Within a few minutes he is ready to move on, Szortel in hand.

A spiked imperial steel shield in the traditional make is the only thing Rahn takes an interest in, and even that he seems to do only reluctantly. There's a greatsword here, and he doesn't even look twice at the fine long blade, strapping the heavy metal buckles to his arm to fasten the shield on tight. Not the most opportune choice, and he certainly doesn't look well armed, but perhaps he was serious about keeping the sword for those less able to kill a man with their bare hands?

Added the Spiked Shield to the offense section of Rahn's profile. Note that because of Improved Shield Bash he doesn't lose his Shield Bonus to AC when making Shield Bash attacks.

The man is hardly dressed. Leather breeches and thick chaps to protect the thighs, and heavy fur-topped boots, and a thick leather belt, nothing more. He certainly cuts an imposing figure, bare-chested and half-flayed.

"We were fortunate here. Everything we need but chilled mead. Count this as a victory, friends. We are half-way home."

Just before leaving the room Alric sees a small object gleaming in the corner, and discovers that someone has carelessly thrown his family ring in the dust of the corner. Cursing the savages under his breath, so as not to offend the ladies, he carefully cleans it off, and puts in on. "It would appear that our way out is certainly going to be easier now that we can at least fight back. Still, these savages have proven surprisingly resourceful in the past, so it would be best not to underestimate them. Once we have had some proper rest, I can provide some proper music to assist us in battle, as well as some magic, but for now, I fear I am a bit too out of sorts, unable to provide anything but mere parlor tricks."

Much to my surprise I find my silver holy symbol. I was sure that it would have been melted down by down for the base metal. I kneel and say a prayer to Arkay to reconsencrate the symbol to Him. Feeling much better about our chances, I find myself some servicable attire and change out of the rags we have been living in for far too long. Slipping a dagger in my belt, I announce, "Seems we are blessed today. While it would have been nice to have some armor, at least now we have a fighting chance. I think it is definately time to move on though before someone comes looking for the dead man....and/or us."

Waiting Emelia and Gabrielle

While you are searching for weapons/tools everyone roll a perception check DC20 (Gabrielle Cacheux needs only DC15)

Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Emelia nearly grins upon seeing the bow in the cupboard, taking it with quick hands and testing the pull. She pulls the clothes on, carrying little for the revealing of her body. 'What hasn't been seen?

She takes up a place at the rear of the others as they look about.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Perception 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

While everyone look around searching for their equip, or rather something to replace it, Emelia senses a very light, almost imperceptible blow of air coming from the other part of the wardrobe she was looting.
Weird, because the furniture is resting against a solid wall. A more accurate search of that section reveals a sliding wall which hide what looks like the entrance to a cave.

It is dark from now on, if you want to take the secret passage.I remember you there are a lot of torches. From the store room you can also take backpacks,bedrools and other survival tools.

As soon as the secret passage opens, a cat jumps in and runs among the arms of Gabrielle. Looks like the breton girl joined a friend she though had been lost.

Grabbing some flint and steel, I light up one of the torches. Looks like our way is clear. I'll hold onto the torch since it looks like I'll be sticking to the middle of our little parade.

Alric finishes grabbing a few things before taking shortbow in hand, and staying close to the light source. "It appears our ancestors smile upon us today. Let us not waste the opportunity."

Rahn takes up a torch and moves to the front of the party. Shield strapped to his right arm and torch in his left, he forges the way down into the cave system, flimsy wood and pitch held against the darkness. "Watch your step and watch our backs. We don't want to be taken by surprise."

Emelia takes a backpack and fills it for herself, slinging it over her back. She nods after the others enter, taking the rear of the party as they enter the cave. "One foot in front of the other," she murmurs to herself.

We should really wait Gabrielle now. Hope she shows up today

Zesaste moves up to stand beside the Nord, remembering his oratory about fire and ice and unity. The young Dunmer man looks a little more confident with his blade now clutched in both hands.

So for clarity, no other equipment just a pair of weapons right?

For the moment yes. In summary :
Clothes as you like
What you need to use class features (musical instrument of choice, Holy symbol, thieves tool, heirloom weapons, components/spellbook/familiar,whatever your class and what is reasonable)
Survival tools (baclpack,flint/steel,bedroll,some rations ecc ecc)
The weapons of choice for your class/feats

You need to rest now. Let me know if you want to settle down right here or a bit deeper. You'll soon have the occasion to get more loot

Feeling the effects of days? weeks? of not communing with Arkay weighing down on me I ask, "It seems that there are a number of casters here, including myself. Do you think it would be wise to hide in this secret passage to study up and rest before moving foward? I think the addition of magicial might to our party outways the risk of discovery."

Just want to check something else I move into the passage with a lit torch. Closing the door behind me. Then entering the room again. I ask, Did anyone see any light escape through the cracks in the door?"

I think that is my job to answer, but adjust your post accordingly.
Light is effectively more visible and the small cracks are lit by it. It is easier to spot the secret door (DC 18) but you need to be actually looking there, unless who is in the room already know this passage.

Just to speed things up, i'll assume all of you already entered the passage and closed the secret door behind.

Shortly after entering the tunnel heard agitated voices from the corridor in the cell block, someone is giving the alarm.
The group is forced to explore the entrance to the secret passage, which seems slightly uphill and gradually opens into a cave. Reached a point that seems suited to a makeshift camp, with no wet rocks and hidden by a sagging, the fugitives were finally able to rest properly.

Sleep and guard turns please

"This seems like a nice place. Quiet, dry and defensable. To get everyone rested up and ready with spells, we are going to need about 9 hrs uninterupted rest. Still, I don't see why we can't rest and watch in 3 hour shifts. I can take 1st watch, anyone else with me?"

Emelia nods. "I'll take the second watch."

"We should spread the warriors out as much as possible. No point in having a watch if the only people awake are effectively unable to fight. Birard and the Nord would work for first watch, the two ladies can chat over second watch, and we Dunmer can take third watch. If anyone has any objections, bear in mind that the longer we debate this, the less rest we get, and the better the chance of being overheard." Alric's noble training comes through as he puts forth the plan with the expectation that there will be no arguments.

Not sure what to do with Gabrielle; would not like to substitute her so soon, if she is having problems it would not be fair.For now i'll say she took a light crossbow with 20 bolts, clothes, components bag and the usual survival tools everyone got

Gabrielle says she too would prefer to be togheter with Emelia in guard shift, for a matter of discretion.

The big nord grunts his assent and growls softly "Move a bit further down the path. And make it ten hours... I could use some rest as well. Assuming I can get any sleep on a bare stone floor. Just thirty feet, or a bend, so our light isn't right on the back side of the door, eh? And our guards can wait where they can see up to the door." Rahn eases down the passage a little ways further, just exploring to the first corner, or about 50' or so.

I already checked the chance of a random encounter, or the DM determined encounter happening beforehand, but nothing, so no need to post the remaining turns. You are all well rested and with full array of spells/class features.

The prisoners on the run resumed the journey, finally seeing some hope of freedom.The passage continues without major deviations except for breakdowns, tunnels that separate and then reunite, forks to explore in both directions so to continue on what appears to be the correct one and so on.
The sole inhabitants that are encountered are rats, bats and insects, all creatures that do not hinder the advance of the group.
Not sure which direction they are following they keep a slow step, but the way seems longer and the required time infinite.
When they glimpse the passage getting wider and wider until it becomes a much lighted cave  they think they are near the end of the trail, but strange noises coming from their destination restrain their enthusiasm, along with their walking.

More to follow

The noises are clearly someone speaking, and quite a few.You can tell there are also squeaks from some animals, probably rodents. None of you recognizes the lang that is being spoken, but whoever it is, it isn't trying to hide his presence.You are still not in sight of the main cave itself, so neither of his occupants.

Stealth rolls from anyone who tries to approach please. Map probably tomorrow morning

Never stealthy even out of my scale mail armor, I don't attempt to move up to the cave. Instead I pull out my holy symbol and prepare to cast Bless.

Alric waits by Birene, ready to cast Summon Instrument should it prove to be a battle.

I never realized that dragon slaying would have been so exausting *WHEEEW*

Gabrielle too isn't at easy with subterfuge. She looks what she can cast should be needed

Emelia pulls the string of her bow slightly at the sound of voices, crouching to (hopefully) remain unseen.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Emelia pulls the string of her bow slightly at the sound of voices, crouching to (hopefully) remain unseen.

Stealth: 1d20+7

Not very high stealth there Emelia ^_^ but my perception was worste so you have some rounds to look the situation. Skyrim is consuming me, but holidays are almost done :( so won't be able to play it as much as this week. Would like to give you the entire encounter info now but it is 2:30 AM now here, and i'm exhausted.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

...

Rahn heads forward too, stealthy Nord that he is, creeping along to *CLANK... screeeeeeech...* The side of his shield digs into the rock wall of the tunnel and he stumbles, leaning against the side and causing a shriek of spiked metal raking stone. That's.... not good.

He freezes in place, wide-eyed and for a moment panicked. He's rested, feeling more at ease in his torn skin, but apparently not on his game just yet.

Map

In the natural light that filters from the ceiling,Emelia spots some goblins. They seems to be tormenting giant rats closed in a fence by throwing rocks at them.
Even though the imperial scout isn't in her best day, she manages to enter the cave to have a better look unseen, the same cannot be told for her companion, whose shield alerts goblin E by hitting the cave wall nearby.

The Goblins you can see for now all have standard NPC equip (short swords,light maces,leather armors,light wood shields and shortbows, but it is all for small sized creatures)

Initiative:
Goblins A-E 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Goblins boss 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Zesaste Torath 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Alric Dres 1d20 ⇒ 17
Gabrielle Cacheux 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Emelia Agrudilius 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Rahn White Eyes 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Birard Mene 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Round 1:
Goblins A-E
Zesaste Torath
Alric Dres
Goblins boss
Rahn White Eyes
Birard Mene
Gabrielle Cacheux
Emelia Agrudilius

Goblins A-D are enjoying their game too much, they ignore everything.
Goblin E turns toward the sound of Rahn's shield and starts preparing his bow.

Zesaste Torath to act

Each square is 5 feet right?

Zesaste advances forward 30 feet, sword in hand. Flexing his falcata, he murmurs words of power and summons a shimmering shield of force around him. Simultaneously, his blade glows with power that shimmers down his sword arm and into the blade

Cast shield and imbue blade with magic as swift action. AC16.

Each square is 5 feet right?

Zesaste advances forward 30 feet, sword in hand. Flexing his falcata, he murmurs words of power and summons a shimmering shield of force around him. Simultaneously, his blade glows with power that shimmers down his sword arm and into the blade

Cast shield and imbue blade with magic as swift action. AC16.

Another thing i have to force myself into remembering, use feet, i'm used to think in meters (yep each square is 5 feet)

So Zoraste is going to C60?

Yup.

Alric will simply cast summon instrument on his turn.

You cannot yet see what the Goblin Shaman (the boss) doing, so it is Rahn White Eyes turn

Rahn eases up into position, the difficult terrain on his left, the wall to his right, and plants himself. Too late for subtlety!

"Ysgramor crush your worthless spirits, daedra-spawn! Let us show you what a Nord can do!" he roars, voice echoing through the tunnel. This is a ploy, a plot, a ruse. He readies himself to receive the first charge, squared and waiting for that half-second opening they're bound to offer.

Move forward 25' to D56 and Ready Action: Defensively Shield-bash the first enemy to get within reach.

For Speed of Play: Defensive Shieldbash Attack: (-4 attack, +2 AC) 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21 vs AC; Confirm 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 A regular hit, but a definite hit. 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 Bashing and Piercing Damage.

The first goblin that nears Rahn receives a bone-shattering smash from his shield, sweeping the creature across the floor and pinning it once viciously against the stone wall. He's swinging back into position in an instant, that blood-spattered spiked imperial shield a heavy wall of steel between his flayed form and the enemies.

Raising my symbol of Arkay above me as I move to the spot vacated by Rahn C61, I call to him to Bless us in this battle. Cast Bless, everyone is +1 to hit and +1 vs. fear

Gabrielle prepared : cantrips Daze,Detect Magic,Resistance
level 1 Heal Light Wounds, Burning Hands

Warned by Emelia of the presence of an enemy caster in the distance, Gabrielle casts a defensive ward.

moves to C62
casting Resistance on herself

Emelia turn

For Speed of Play: Defensive Shieldbash Attack: (-4 attack, +2 AC) 1d20 + 1 vs AC; Confirm 1d20 + 1 A regular hit, but a definite hit. 1d6 + 4 Bashing and Piercing Damage.

OK i'll allow you to keep that roll for the next turn only. You are right it speeds play posting future attacks, but shouldn't be done in case you want to know in advance if you will hit or miss. Hope you understand my point

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7 Piercing

Emelia watches the goblins a bit longer than she had intended, her eyes wide upon seeing the creatures. Shaking her head as an obvious fight begins she moves from behind Rahn (to B59), taking the clear shot of the goblin readying their own bow. She holds her breath with the pull of her string and lets the arrow fly.

Attack: 1d20+5

Damage: 1d8 Piercing

Your favored enemies bonus applies to goblins. 7 damage are enough to kill the little freak for good, but your damage should be 1d8+2

Emelia takes out one enemy, the other goblins start to get into defensive positions. Their shaman is still out of sight range. The rest of the party also advances while taking defensive countermeasures

Round 2
Goblins A-E
Zesaste Torath
Alric Dres
Goblins boss
Rahn White Eyes
Birard Mene
Gabrielle Cacheux
Emelia Agrudilius

Map update

Two goblins move toward the party and ready their bows two moves actions-end of round

The other nearby goes to open the gate of the fence, probably he wants to release the giant rats.one move action,one standard action-end of round

The last goblin stands defensively and fires his bow to Rahn White Eyes
one move action,one standard action-end of round
1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 - 2 = 11
but the hurry and the distance lead the goblin into badly misfiring, the arrow widely misses the nord man.

Zesaste next, then Alric