I am having a great time.
+1
No victim is ever nameless, faceless, nor without a story to tell...
Just to be certain, Tuzak is not asleep yet?
Correct
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Sorry for the lack of activity recently. I put in 3-6 hours of overtime every single day last week either for training or after shift paperwork... And then had a wedding Friday night, then Brewfest yesterday. I'm back on track today, but my folks are in town visiting this week, so my posting will likely be minimal the upcoming week.
We are really going to miss your bow in the battle!
I hope you find a couple of spots to lurk around and even post :)
Looks like my post was eaten again in the main game thread. Good thing I saved it this time.
Grrr, another post eaten.
To sum up, the AP has it lined out that you have a few rounds to meet up with Omast, decide upon a strategy, and then get into position.
At the same time, a horde of orcs is gathering at the gates. They have a large battering ram and are beating at the portcullis. Once everyone is ready, or someone makes a threatening gesture or attack upon the orcs, the portcullis breaks and the orcs are free to rush into the barricades.
I have placed you on the battle map using the same colors as previously, with Brampton (B) taking Groin's blue and Omast (O) in red. Please use their positions as references for placing yourselves and let me know what you have done, are doing, or wish to do as you get ready for the assault. Each square is 5' in size.
Excerpt from the AP: The barricades encounter can be particularly lethal if the PCs aren’t ready for it, or if they make consistently bad rolls or poor decisions. The purpose of the orc waves isn’t to outright ruin the PCs—rather, it’s meant to illustrate the sheer chaos and tenacity of an orc raid while giving the PCs a fighting chance of defeating large numbers of orcs. DM's should play up the chaos of orc warfare in the orcs’ tactics... The AP further provides a list of optional weapons, feats, even teamwork tactics for the orcs to employ to reflect their warrior culture.
Get ready everyone, you are about to face possibly the toughest 18-20 rounds of combat you have ever experienced. Over a score of orcs are just dying to meet you.
BTW, anyone that dumps a Grease spell on the portcullis area might well be struck by a fierce lightning bolt from the orcish god Nulgreth, right up the bum.
But seriously, please coordinate your strategy and understand that every few rounds more and more orcs will be pouring into the combat zone. Trunau has faced this many times before. Their answer has become everyone has a dagger ready to take their own life because the orc numbers often overwhelm all defenses. You can be heroes, you can save the day, but only as a team, not as a band that does what they want and everyone else must work around the mess you make.
With that said Brampton is young and impulse. My plan was to use the Alchemist Fire and then run back to the barricade where we can try to hold them off and use the logs and stones to push them back.
There is a cache of reach weapons that can be used to keep them off the barricade. The first wave we could use ranged weapons on until they get closer and a couple of people could stay back and pick them off when they get on top of barricade.
What do you guys thing?
We anchor the middle with Omast and our frontliners. My shield slam feat may allow me to push orcs back and make them draw additional AoAs to close again.
Missile weapons are great for those that can use them. I plan on sticking to axe and shield as equipping two pieces of equipment when switching from a missile weapon is too time consuming. Anyone who bought caltrops, now is the time to use them.
Neither Adir nor Tuzak have anything in the way of ranged.
We should have a torch ready to light the boulder.
I think the rolling logs should probably be a last resort as they will funnel the orcs into specific spaces. We can pile up bodies to keep them from charging while using the stakes to do decent damage.
The logs might be more useful at the beginning when all the orcs are coming together.
If you have no ranged, I suggest you enlarge yourself and setting you behind the cover, you can use one of the longspears to kill the orcs far away at a reach of 20 feet. They will have to chose between shooting you with cover penalties or concede an AoO to close combat.
And being next to the lodges and the boulder you can slash those to bring down in case a heavy mass approaches.
Here's my two coppers. Delia should remain behind the second barricade and provide ranged cover for you guys. I will try to plug the gate pass as quickly as I can... I'll have Jace hold the line with the melee folks as well.
I think our best option is to have two melee folks hold the line between the logs. That way the orcs cannot simply charge straight up to us. Perhaps that's where Jace might be most useful. Then we can position another melee there to easy "activate" the log traps.
My personal opinion would be to light the boulder and send it down immediately after the orcs break through the portcullis. That way it can smash down into the first wave of orcs and plug the hole a bit. Now we have a flaming obstacle that can smash through a good number of orcs, then creating a fiery hazard they would have to climb over to even get through the gate.
One question... are either of those towers accessible from our position? I know one of them was destroyed, but what about the other? If we can get into the tower... I think that would be the best place for Delia to take position. She would have higher ground bonus and have enough protection to plink away at the orcs without worry about being overrun.
*EDIT*
We could also use the alchemist fire to set the log ablaze once they have been released! This would create yet another impassible obstacle which would funnel the orcs into a narrower tunnel which we can use to really plug up that funnel of the gate. If anyone has any oil, we can use it to soak the logs to make it easier to catch fire.
I would like to save the tricks until absolutely needed.
Dundin enlarged again is a good idea. I'll lead blades again too.
Hitting them at ten feet should help us make a pile of bodies to help.
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I like the idea of the flaming logs but I don't know if it is enough got really get them burning without some more oil.
Dundin research pole arms. With enlarge they are great. Grab a long spear. Brace=Double damage when readied against a charge. Reach=lots of AoA as they move thru the threaten squares to reach us. When they get close drop it and grab your axe.
Okay the plan as I see it is that Brampton, Dundin, and Omast hold the line with reach weapons. Brampton has one more enlarge potion he will drink just before the orcs break through.
Jace, Sogan, Adir, and Tuzak support and make ready the logs and boulder.
Delia and Leria stay back and use ranged and alchemical weapons to cover us.
Brampton will give the Alchemist Fire, Bottled Lightning,and Liquid Ice to Delia and Leria. I have two of each so you guys each get one set.
He will give his two tanglefoot bags to Adir.
My guess is that the waves will get progressively harder so let's not waste all our cool stuff on the early attacks.
Does this sound good?
Leira nods satisfied at the clear ideas of Brampton "I will set myself behind the first barricade to avoid cover penalties. I will move along that position to avoid combatants closing by, and retreat to the second barricade line if we are too pressed. Call me if you need help with the logs or the boulder."
She gladly accepts the alchemical products.
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Another thing to keep in mind is that once that boulder is rolled at the gate, it most likely destroys the barricade that is between the logs.
We should also have a signal for retreating behind the second barricade if things go sideways.
Also, topping off HP seems like a good idea.
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That's a very good point about the boulder, Adir.
Brampton, where exactly are you thinking you want the frontliners to be? We will definitely want to have one PC in between the logs in case we need a quick release. I think that might be the best spot for Jace, Tuzak, Adir, and Songan. I need to know this so I know where best to put Delia to avoid soft cover penalties. She can ignore soft cover if provided by only one target.
I never did hear back about the towers... I'd like to know for sure what we have to work with there before we kick this off.
We definitely need a solid plan before this beast kicks off. If anyone has anymore suggestions, now is the time to do it! This upcoming combat is going to be quiet difficult through PbP I feel... So let's make sure we iron everything out while we can. Also, does anyone have lamp oil?
Sgt Omast in front of the boulder behind the barricade with Brampton 10' to the right and Dundin 10' to the left
Jace and Sogan next to Dundin. They are in charge of the logs on the left and can release them as they see fit.
Adir and Tuzak next to Brampton. They are in charge of the logs on the right and can release them as they see fit.
Delia and Leira pick a spots by the boulder to support from there. One of you should have that wand if you can use it to heal the front line.
I don't have oil.
I can pick up Songan's wand while Delia holds his one.
As for positioning, remember the first barricade will give us cover against the orcs, but if we are farther from it than them, it will provide also cover to them from our ranged attacks.
That is the reason I plan to set Leira just behind the first barricade. Also because that way I can reach the first wave with my 30 feet range spells.
There is no difficult terrain from the first barricade and the boulder, so me, and Delia, can easily move back if needed with a single move action.
I agree about the rest :)
No oil here.
As for enlarge person, I will ready it and cast it over Dundin at the first signal the orcs are charging (I can imagine they use a horn, or start hitting the portcullis or something).
They are using a ram on the gate now so when it crashes down cast the spell and I will drink my potion.
It is good to see you all coordinating together. I think you are going to make the hordes pay for this attack.
I am sorry for not posting sooner but I have been in the ICU for MSSA staph pneumonia since Sunday. I am starting to respond to antibiotics and iv fluids, such that I am up for brief periods while under observation.
I will try to get the lineup ready, but I cannot get all of my game gear here. I may be able to manage something tomorrow or Friday.
Darkblade
PS the gate towers and top wall are not accessible from your position. If anyone makes a DC20 Perception they will see there are guards inside working to drop the other portcullis and then oil anyone below. Fire inside that area will likely put their efforts in danger.
Glad to hear it's getting better.
Another question: Can an Enlarged person brace 10' of barricade? Because it's not just the gap between the logs, but also the northern gap to worry about.
It sounds like we also want to wait for the oil to come down before sending the boulder, assuming we make the check.
Sad to hear that Darkblade. Rest and do not press yourself about the game, it is just that a game!
I hope you keep improving and we can enjoy this great combat scene :)
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Allow me to add my on hopes and prayers for your continued recovery, Darkblade; while we're on the subject of necessary medical leave, as it were, I'm going to go ahead and post my own here, along with a brief history.
In April of 2013, I was diagnosed with brain cancer and had a successful brain surgery to remove the tumor. It had remained silent since then, but apparently no more; my most recent MRI found the tumor regrowing along the front of the cavity left behind by the old one and the recommended treatment was a second surgical removal.
As such, I will be traveling from my beloved Georgia back to MD Anderson for surgery to take place on Wednesday, October 28th. If my memory serves me, which it may well not since things are kinda spotty from back then, I'll probably spend about a week in Houston recovering before returning home. I wouldn't count on any posts from me for at least that week, possibly longer, and would greatly appreciate if you would DMPC Songan until I'm able to get back in the driver's seat, Darkblade.
My prayers and best wishes to you both.
My prayers also. Things went well last time it seems so it should be fine this time. Keep your thoughts positive. Maybe the tumor is the cause of all your bad rolls so when it is gone you will be assume!!
Hello again all.
First off, Songan I wish you all the best and hope everything goes well for your procedure. May you be well blessed to make it through this quickly and safely. I will respectfully DMNPC Songan if needed. Just let me know if you have a particular attack method you prefer: melee, ranged, mixed, etc...
Secondly, I am sorry to say I am still in the hospital and look to be here two, maybe three days longer. After that I should be out for a few days bed rest before getting back into the swing of things. They tell me I am going to have to rely upon portable oxygen for awhile, here's hoping not.
I notice a lot of focus on brace and reach tactics, which is well and good, but remember, once the charge lane is blocked the brace feature becomes moot, and you will need to pay attention to the reach dynamics. Enlarged reach weapons expand the striking distance but likewise become unwieldy for an equivalent increase. Measure your strikes and targets to avoid unnecessary mistakes.
Also, can everyone check your expendable assets and make sure your current status is updated either here or on your character profiles? Spells/slots/charges used, remaining, ammunition stores, etc. I can review previous posts to confirm my current counts, but it is always handy to have player confirmation. You have been on the go since the attack began, and have expended more than a few spells, charges, etc.
Lastly, before we start can everyone tell me on the map where they wish to be located at the start. Use Omast(O) as a reference, then something like starting at O move 2 right and 3 down, readied longspear etc...
Thanks everyone for your support during this situation. Missing 2 weeks work and looking like a few more will hurt, but then that which does not kill us right.
Brampton is playing the Polearm Master so I have studied the reach and brace rules.
What we have will be good for the initial rush but once they close it will need to be melee weapons since you can not use them against adjacent targets (unless you are a polearm master)
We should do okay with the plan we have. If we can get thru the first couple of waves unharmed then we should have plenty of resources to finish it.
I have a light crossbow and 20 bolts that I can give to someone if they want. I don't plan on using them in this battle.
Darkblade&Songan I wish you the best and swift recovery! Both of you focus on rest and recovery, this game will be here upon your returns. I will keep you two in my thoughts and prayers.
I will double check my character sheet to ensure Delia's expendables are up to date. Plus I plan to cast Abundant Ammunition again just prior to combat starting.
My best wishes Darkblade and Songan, I hope everything resolves positively soon.
As for Leira, I will set her initial position 7 top and 1 left of Omast.
One left of Omast, readied longspear.
Brampton will position himself three squares up and one forward to be be up against the barricade.
Potion of Enlarge out and ready to drink.
When the gate breaks I will drink the potion and brace for charge.
If no one wants my crossbow I am going to load it and lean it up against the barricade ready to grab if I need it. It will not be enlarged when I drink the potion.
Adir has Faerie Fire and Bull's Strength left for spells. I'll sacrifice FF for Enlarge on myself.
Adir will take up 6&7 north of Omast with Tuzak at 8.
Adir HP: 15/24
Tuzak HP: 12/21
Uo! Remember to heal yourself as we wait. Delia's wand is the one with more charges I believe.
And Dundin healed Omast to full too, but was never told how many charges that took.
I am finally out of the hospital. I will update the map tonight and get everything ready, then begin posting the battle.
I tried to place everyone as best I could from the notes posted here, with first responders taking precedence. Good luck everyone, the battle has begun.
I am confused. Brampton is enlarged. Potions take the same time as the spell. I thought we were both able to prep before the gate fell.
I thought he drank potion, Delia enlarged, Dundin lead blades. Any way, Dundin is fighting now, so he will not be stepping out of the line.
Potions are use activated items which take effect immediately upon consumption as a standard action.
Brampton was able to drink his potion as a standard action, but foreswore any movement, standing ready at his position. The charging orc triggered an AoO as it approached which allowed him to attack.
Leira stated she was holding her casting of Enlarge Person until the orcs charged, so it was not cast prior to that moment. The casting began on her initiative order this round, unless I misunderstood her intent.
GM, you are completely right.
Sorry for MY confusion. And potions do take effect as a std, unlike activation items, which can take longer. I have learned something, and mainly that potions of enlarge are AWESOME.
For Enlarge Person at least, yes, I would recommend the potions. It was a lesson I learned in PFS just a few years back. A GM and fellow player pointed out to me that for longer casting time spells, either a potion or wand, as applicable, is a quicker alternative for use in the heat of combat. The cost is higher, but that round or two of actions saved can make all the difference.
I had never thought about it nor made the connection myself before that near disastrous encounter.
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Just to be sure I know what I can hit and what squares I threaten I map this chart. Let me know if it needs to be changed.
You need to share it publicly, the link asks me if I want to request access right now ;)
Forgot about that.
I think it should work now.
I believe the four corner positions on the large chart should be green. The -4 penalty squares are for positions at 10' range or shorter. Those corner positions are 15' range.
There are lots of post about this on the boards but it seems to go back and forth.
Added two more squares trying to figure it out but I am not sure which squares you are referring to so I gave you edit ability. Go ahead and fix it.