DM Kaavek’s Scales of War (Inactive)

Game Master Kaavek

Din accepted the potion from Kra’el. He unstopped the vial, sniffed it a couple of times, and downed it while watching the dragonborn carefully.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

”S’okay, Day, there's a lot going on,” Din stepped around the goblin that had begged for mercy, [/b]”Like big, menacing dragon people swinging swords by my face to get at that last goblin.”[/b]

He followed the others out and held his chin high as Ingra confirmed his suspicions. Or close enough anyway. ”One of these days people will start listening when I speak,” his Din’s tail swivelled bto look at him, ”You don't count. You already know half of what I'm going to say before I say it.”

Din was regretting the selection of spells he had made for the day. He hadn't really planned on doing any fighting

Zalindra kept working the bucket line diligently, pointedly not paying attention to Kra'el trying to bully people into doing things his way, as usual. He was good when you needed help, no question, but he was something of a drama queen as well.

However, when Aelion asked about her grandfather, suddenly she realized that he could be one of those people out there, beset by the goblins that Kra'el was trying to bully them into going after.

The museum. Rooms above the museum. The bucket she was holding almost slipped out of her hands as she answered Aelion. She handed it to someone else, not really noticing who, and left the building at a dead run, headed for the museum and her grandfather.

Zalindra rushes out of the tavern in a panic, and she begins to run northward along the street, towards the gatehouse. However, Jathal stops her as the elf picks up a subtle change in the background noise. The screams that echo through the town are all of a sudden more focused. Coming from the south. The screams grow louder and soon draw everyone else's attention southward too.
The group watch as four frantic townsfolk round the corner in front of the burning Alchemist's. The pounding of their footsteps is complemented, or perhaps mocked, by the sound of drumming, and a wicked melody soon fills the hot, smokey air.

“Гоблиндер адам қаласына кіріп,
жарықтандырып, оны жағыңыз!
Гоблиндер жаяу жүреді және гоблиндер жүгіреді,
Адамдарды жағу, өте қызықты!”

“Гоблиндер, огристер, Синруттың қолы,
жерімізді отқа бөлеміз!
Огренің бомбасы бомаған кезде,
Адамдар Қара қолды дуонмен қарсы алады!”

"Don't go alone, Zalindra! Deal with this, then we'll go with you," Aelion promised, lining up a shot at the corner the townsfolk had run around. He quickly moved to the side, meaning to keep his field of fire open, and maybe get a better vantage point.

"You there! Over here! Get behind us!" he called to the townsfolk. "How many are there?" Again, he felt a pang of loss for Bryn. The owl would have carried him high above, letting him get an overview of what was going on, and letting him rain death from above on the hobgoblins.

Ready action to shoot any gobbies or other foes!

Din cocked his head to one side as the drumming and the singing grew louder. Of all the days to be right–be proven right, why did it have to be today?

He cast a glance at the others, ”Good news is they seem to only care about killing humans, Din forced a devilish grin. ”Bad news is I don't think goblins are too keen on differentiating humans from other, uh, non-goblinoids.”

The Tiefling unslung the crossbow again and checked the bolt. He had never been a great shot but, luck was a thing right? No, luck is something people made up to cope with the fact that the gods are constantly pulling our strings.

Also readying an action to loose a crossbow bolt. Gotta save them spells, son! Gods, being a level 1 caster sucks lol

Zalindra looks up at Jathal as she is stopped from helping her grandfather, pushing her away, but them when Aelion speaks, she looks south and realizes the danger that the town is in, and feels sorry for doing it. Sorry she murmurs to Jathal.

She looks North, worried, but that part of town doesn't seem to be in danger... yet. She nods to Aelion, and, too impatient to just wait, looks around for a better, hopefully higher, position from which to shoot the enemy.

Knowledge local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

If Zalindra thinks of or sees a better place to shoot from for the coming battle, she points it out to Aelion and any other archers in the party.

Sounds like a lot of them if they are singing a marching song. We might want to set up an ambush instead of everyone facing them head-on. If a couple of people hide to the sides, we could maybe hit them from several directions?

She just offers that suggestion, knowing that Kra'el would be much better at organizing the battle, and then runs off to whatever place she found to shoot from.

"I will draw their attention." The dragonborn looks resolved, angry, as he steps out in front of the group. Kra'el brandishes his longsword, still splattered with fresh goblin blood, and waits. "Hiding is smart. I want them to shoot at me." He doesn't look at any member of the group, focused only on the path ahead. On the sound of goblins.

Kra'el wants to be at the very front in the open. It looks like there are some bushes to hide behind on the map, but not much else. Running across into what looks like a smithy could be a reasonable plan. I don't think there's enough time to chat about a plan though.

"My magic requires me to be relatively close to my target, but I will do my best to remain out of the way." With that said, Dayana moves to take up position a few yards behind Ingra, standing at the ready and awaiting the approaching enemies with a steely glint in her eyes.

Zalindra takes notice of the narrow balcony running around the upper story of the tavern, figuring it should serve as a good vantage point for the archers. As she recalls, the stairs are located around the back, away from the street.

The map has been updated, you probably have about one round’s worth of actions to ready yourself before the marching goblins arrive. If you don’t want to meet them head on, you can start making your way toward the stairs at the back of the tavern, or otherwise hide across the way in the smithy.

Aelion nodded his thanks to Zalindra, running flat out to get into position as quickly as possible. "Come on, Jathal! You others, maybe you should hide in the forge while Kra'el draws the foes forward - we can hit them from both sides!" As he sped around the back of the tavern, he kept an eye out for any surprise attackers.

Can he run at 4x speed since we're not in combat?

The many distractions are making Jathal's head spin, she nods when Aelion calls out his plan and sprints to the smithy, find cover that affords her a clear line of shot to the oncoming threat.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

With everyone leaving and the sounds in the distance, his first thought was to look down the lonely street past the fires in the direction of Sularys' humble shop. She wasn't supposed to be in town, but there was no telling if she'd come back early. And even if she'd made it into the city. He wanted to run and check, to be sure, but it was several streets away and there was no telling what was between here and there.

Instead he turned after the others and let the last several minutes catch up to him. In his haste he hurried to the Dragonborn and reached out with his sword to tap the large man's armored shoulder to gain his attention, "Next time you feel like doling out punishment, remember it would be advantageous to keep one alive to speak to. If we could have asked that one questions we might have learned something."

Shaking his head slightly he muttered under his breath, "Bloody bad tactics for a soldier, I tell you..." Reaching back he unfastened his shield and slipped it on his arm before calling over his shoulder to Dayana, "If you need to get close to help out you can stay behind me. I'll guard you while you work."

Move to Kra'el, move to put on shield, lots of free talking and complaining.

With only a moment to spare, the dragonborn responds in a quiet rumble without looking at Javos, pointing subtly ahead with his bloody sword.

"There was no time. We will keep one of these for that purpose."

Ingra walked up to the other side of Kra'el, greatsword still drawn.

"Not one for stealth. Nor patience. Yer still plenty distracting, so don't worry. I'm sure they'll notice ya." she joked. She had to crane her neck way more than was comfortable to look at him when talking, so she just spoke facing the direction of the chanting.

"Fer anyone interested, roughly translated their song's something like:

So, bonus is that we now know there are also Ogres somewhere. Ogres with bombs! And that they are acting under the Red Hand. So, kill'em all... Well, we'll try and keep one alive. I'm not too good at the non in non-lethal."

There's something to be said about keeping those who lack the...artist’s touch when it comes to combat. Seeing Kra'el, Ingra, and Javos form up was quite impressive.

”I've never been a huge fan of getting hit, so I think I'll follow that elf over there.”

Din hustled across the street and peered down his sights of the crossbow.

Double move. Not actually readying an action as I'm out of actions. Just flavor.

Cecilia moved into position, standing behind Ingra, Kra'el and Javos. Flanking the enemy seemed like a daring strategy, but she would be able to do her best work while out in the open, surrounded by her allies.

"That truly is a dreadful song." The bard said. Even without the dwarf's explanation, the words were harsh and discordant. "Stick close to me, and I'll provide us with a better one."

Move Action: Move 15 Feet , Ready a Standard Action: Begin Bardic Performance (Inspire Courage) if any enemies move within 15 feet of Cecilia or any of her allies.

Zalindra also runs flat out behind the tavern to get into place to shoot the oncoming horde.

Moved 2 rounds worth, since I stated I was running last post, before it was stated that we had one round until they got here, but if that is wrong, let me know and I will move back.

As the group readies themselves the sounds of drumming and horrible singing mixes in with the slow, purposeful thuds of the footsteps of something very large.

Stealing themselves for battle, the would-be adventurers stand firm as the men of the watch huddle around the fleeing townsfolk.

Finally, those in front catch a glimpse of what it is the people are fleeing. A full-grown ogre is pulling a wagon down the street towards you by a yoke tied around its waist. The ogre holds a cask in one hand and a massive club in the other. Riding atop the wagon are two hobgoblins with bows. Marching in front a goblin drummer, and a well armoured goblin skirmisher dance around in terrible delight along with the two goblins who fled the tavern earlier.

COMBAT ROUND 0
Battle Map

As the goblins are not paying particular attention to where they are headed, and certainly not expecting an ambush, the party possess the element of surprise.

Active Effects:
The light from the numerous fires burning around the intersection bathe the combat area in normal light.

Zalindra double moves, still not in place for a shot.

Aelion runs with Zalindra, taking the stairs two and three at a time and squinting against the smoke in the air.

Double move.

Dayana takes a cautious step closer to the encroaching enemies, but is careful to remain behind her meatshields newfound allies. With nothing yet in her range, she simply readies herself to spring into action and weave a hex as soon as something comes into her range.

Five-foot step to directly behind Javos, and Readying an action to cast Evil Eye (-2 AC) should any of the hostiles get within 30ft. of Dayana.

At the sight of the ogre, the dragonborn closes his eyes briefly. So it does begin... I hope I am ready.

With a deep breath, Kra'el steps away from Javos and Ingra and points his sword at the ogre with steeled resolve. His voice booms down the street in goblin.

"Этот день будет вашим последним."

Free Action: 5-ft Step, Swift Action: Smite Evil on the Ogre (Now Kra'el has 23 AC vs him), Standard Action: Antagonize the Ogre.

Sense Motive for Antagonize (DC 20): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Antagonize with Intimidate@Ogre (-4 for size difference included): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

The Ogre has to attack Kra'el with his next turn if I passed the DC. If he throws the cask and it misses long, can Kra'el try to get in the way somehow? Hopefully it just misses short.

Jathal will move out of the smithy, as the angle is wrong for her to attack. She will target the Hobgoblin archers when they come into view.

Longbow vs nearest Hobgoblin: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 Even with surprise that's a miss. :(

'Two people who think it's all about their glory. What luck!' She thinks to herself as she waits.

Double clapping the flat of his blade against the side of the shield he advanced with Kra'el, making sure not to outpace the female magic user behind him as he did, "Don't worry. Our scaley friend is big enough to draw all the fire. Just do what you have to."

Move action: Move to Kra'el, Standard Action: Total Defense +4 AC (total now 24)

Sin sighed as Kra'el and Javos made a bit of a show, "Oh, for the love of–" he jumped slightly as Jathal's arrow flew by him. That's the idea! Din squeezed the trigger of his crossbow.

L. Crossbow vs Green Gobby: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

And cursed in infernal as his bolt missed horribly.

Well...uh...ok then.

As the enemy's wagon came into sight, Cecilia readied herself. She straightened her wide-brimmed hat, smoothed out her long cape, adjusted her gloves, and brandished her whip. And as the goblins continued to beat their drums and dance their little dance, she countered their music with some music of her own. It was a simple song, but one that Cecilia thought appropriate given the location of this battle.

"When the enemy's surrounding,
and we think our nerves will fail,
when we hear the trumpets sounding,
and they make us quake and quail,
grab your mug and we'll be pounding
down another round of ale!

And we'll drink,
to the glory of adventure!"

Free Action: Cecilia takes a 5-Foot-Step towards the goblins , Standard Action: Cecilia begins a Bardic Performance (Inspire Courage).

COMBAT ROUND 1
Battle Map

The goblins arrive at the intersection without paying too much attention to their surroundings and so are caught noticeably off guard as instead of fleeing townsfolk they are suddenly met by flying arrows and warriors in armour.

The ogre lets out a bellowing roar as it brandishes its club and the goblins stop their dancing, steeling themselves for a fight.

Active Effects:
The light from the numerous fires burning around the intersection bathe the combat area in normal light.
Cecilia's song grants a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls to all allies in range (blue circle).
The Ogre has been antagonized by Kra'el and will focus its next attack on the dragonborn.

Jathal will repeat her attack on the Hobgoblins with bows.

Longbow + IC: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 1 = 19
Damage + IC: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Zalindra shoots at the goblin in the green hood.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 1 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

That'll stop him farting in the street! :)

Jathal could you clarify who you are attacking? You don’t have line of sight to either hobgoblin from where you are standing.

There are a lot of ranged weapons. I don't think we can just wait for them to move into our ambush.

Kra'el takes a few calm steps forward and takes a deep breath. Too deep. When he lets it out, a torrent of acid spews out over the nearest goblins. Kra'el's no dragon, but he's something like one, anyway.

The dragonborn shakes his head back and forth, and wipes off a bit of acid dripping down his maw with his sword hand before readying himself for the upcoming retaliation.

Move action: Move up. Standard Action: Breath weapon for 6 damage, reflex half. I don't see specific rules for the save DC so I assume it is Con based, making it DC 12. They both take 3 damage.

Acid Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Green Goblin Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Brown Goblin Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Jathal could you clarify who you are attacking? You don’t have line of sight to either hobgoblin from where you are standing.

Ok, if they haven't moved out into view, then Jathal shoots at the closest visible Goblin.

Trotting up to the Dragonborn spewing his acid breath, Javos comes to a stop and sets his shield in front of him to help brace for attack as he starts to smack the flat of his blade on his shield rim, "Over here, you pint-sized gnome droppings!"

Move Action to Kra'el again, Standard Total Defense again (AC now 24) and free action to run my mouth

Unable to get a clear shot at the invaders, Aelion slipped past Zalindra, moving closer to the intersection where the goblins and their ogre were approaching.

Double move again. Man, this was not my best idea. :(

That was disgusting, Din thought as he watched the acid spew from Kra'el's maw. Though the sight did make him curious as to what would happen if the dragonborn were to drink acid. Perhaps Kra'el was behind the small crime spree the year before wherein the perpetrators robbed several alchemist shops. He made a mental note of this as he reloaded the crossbow and fired again, this time at the goblin in blue.

So I type in a doc and paste over. Looks like I didn't get everything when I copied. Quick edit to finish my dice roll.
Light Crossbow: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 1 = 13
Vs 14FF AC
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

I hate my life.

Dayana is quick to follow the frontline, but still careful to remain behind its protection. Her ominous glare settles onto the goblin in the blue bandana...

Will Save vs. Evil Eye: 1d20 ⇒ 2 • Goblin Warrior (Blue) now has -2 AC, down to AC 15 (12 flatfooted) for 7rounds

Move 30ft. Standard to use Evil Eye.

Continuing her song, Cecilia advances forward alongside her companions. She readied her crimson whip, eager to strike down their foes.

Free Action: Cecilia will maintain her Bardic Performance , Move Action: Cecilia will move 20 feet towards the enemy , Ready a Standard Action: Cecilia will attempt a Disarm Combat Maneuver on the ogre's club if the enemy comes into range of her whip

Not willing to be left behind again, Ingra hoists her greatsword and makes a mighty dwarven sprint over to the front lines.

She cursed her short legs for a second, but perhaps it was for the best. She was strong, but not strong enough to take a beating from 2 goblins, some hobgoblins and an ogre.

She may be brash sometimes but she wasn't suicidal.

Full round action to Run 40 ft to one square over from Javos. She loses her Dex to AC until next round I believe , but she has no dex AC bonus so it stays the same I guess?

COMBAT ROUND 2
Battle Map

The two goblins in the front of the pack immediately fall to Jathal and Zalindra’s arrows before Kra’el steps forwards and sprays the dying green goblin and the brown skirmisher behind it. The Skirmisher screams as some of the acid drips through his chain shirt and burns his skin. The rest of the group move into position as the goblins begin to react.

The goblin drummer begins to beat his drum louder, singing a song to inspire his allies.
”Біз Қызыл қолбыз!
Адамдарды пышаққа салыңыз!
Оларды аяғынан басына дейін күйдіріп,
Оларды зақымдап, өлтіріңдер!”

The ogre yells out ”পোড়া” and hurls the cask in its left hand towards Kra’el.

The hobgoblins in the back of the wagon cheer on the ogre, and the one in the green reaches back to pick up another pitch cask. The Hobgoblin in brown draws back the string of his longbow and sends an arrow whistling past Kra’el’s head, while the skirmisher takes its spear and throws it forcefully toward Ingra, thankfully missing the dwarf in its exuberance.

Active Effects:
The light from the numerous fires burning around the intersection bathe the combat area in normal light.
Cecilia's song grants a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls to all allies in range (blue circle).
The Goblin in brown is marked by Dayana’s Evil Eye (changed target as blue was killed by Jathal). Their AC is has been reduced by 2 for 7 rounds.

Dayana flinches at the thundering boom of the exploding pitch cask and reflexively brings an arm up to try and shield herself, though she is thankfully far enough from the burning pitch that flies out to avoid any injury as a result of it. She considers Javos' injuries with a wince and steps closer to him. A bad day to not have prepared any healing...

She shakes her head softly and turns her gaze from Javos to the ogre, a spark of malignance brewing in the depths of them as she does so.

Will Save vs. Evil eye: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 • The ogre passes for partial effect! He takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls for 1 round.

"We need to close the distance."

Kra'el rushes forward at the changeling's words without so much as a nod of consent. She was right, though. His voice comes out loud and a bit more frantic than before.

"Stay clear of the Ogre. Bahamut will protect me. I cannot protect you."

Kra'el takes a swing at the goblin on the way, but his attention is clearly focused on the giant creature ahead.

Move Action: Move. Standard Action: Attack the brown goblin and miss. AC 23 vs the Ogre.

Longsword Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Slashing Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Zalindra moves forward and shoots at the goblin with the white background.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 1 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Aelion reached out a hand to steady Zalindra even before the barrel hit. The explosion shook the balcony they stood on, but it held.

The ogre. That was the real threat here.

Releasing Zalindra the moment he was sure she wouldn't fall, Aelion fired two arrows in quick succession at the ogre, now an open target from his angle.

shortbow flurry 1: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6
shortbow dmg 1: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

shortbow flurry 2: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8
shortbow dmg 2: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

This battle reminded him all too much of the running battle he'd been forced into when Bryn fell. His heart pounded; he saw red. He fired without the calm he usually held, and the results were self-explanatory.

Stay clear of the Ogre. Bahamut will protect me. I cannot protect you.

Cecilia rolls her eyes at the Dragonborn as he charges forward to meet the enemy. The idea that any of them needed protecting was more than a little insulting.

Moving forward, the bard strikes out with her whip, attempting to trip the ogre. Its size and mass didn't matter, she would bring it down.

Trip Attempt Vs Ogre CMD: 18: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

But it turns out that determination alone is not enough to fell a creature that was easily the size of an ox. Even with all her strength, she could not move the monster. But despite her failure, Cecilia kept on singing, her voice rising as she reached the next verse.

"When we're angry and upset
Cause we ain't been gettin' paid
When we're tired, cold and wet
And a little bit afraid
We'll keep drinking and forget
That we ever were dismayed!

And we'll drink,
to the glory of adventure!"

Free Action: Cecilia will continue her Bardic Performance , Move Action: she will then move forward 20 feet , Standard Action: Make Trip Combat Maneuver against Ogre.

Jathal moves to get a better view of the targets, and decides that removing the Goblin drummer is a good idea.

Longbow + PBS + IC: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 25
Damage + PBS + IC: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8

One off a crit sadly. Jathal thinks he might be a Bard or a Skald and removing him removes whatever buffs he's giving.

I can't see the edge of the Bardic Performance so I assume that I am affected?

"Argh!" Ingra cries out as the barrel bursts open covering her in black, molten tar. It burned through her armor, getting in her hair and clothing.

"I don't need your protection! I've been training to fight giants since I could hold an axe!"

Ingra moves to the other goblin though, wanting to take out the ground numbers, but also because that she didn't want them to start singing again.

The drummer looked like they were on their last legs anyway.

"Can someone stop those bastards from handing the ogre more barrels!"

She cried out, swinging at the goblin drummer, killing it instantly.

Greatsword: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 1 = 21
Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3, 6) + 3 + 1 = 13

Reeling from the blows he staggered a bit, taking a moment to suck in a breath before shaking his head and glancing at Dayana, "Helluva day to be without a Cleric, ey?" With a smile he turns back and slaps his sword on his shield to be heard over the buzzing of his own ears, "Flank the beast and wear at his legs! We need less explosives going off!"

Stepping to the side he tried to use the corner of the building as a natural block and shouldered himself against it to take the moment to get over the pain.

Standard Action: Tactician. Everyone within 30 feet gets Precise Strike for 3 rounds. Move Action: Move to building for partial cover because I got 3 HP left and daddy doesn't wanna die for Christmas.

Din blinked and everyone had rushed forward. He racked his brain for the best course of action and settled on the least worse.

The Tiefling raced forward, ”Draw them in. If you leave a gap, we may be able to end this fight quickly!”

Double Move

COMBAT ROUND 3
Battle Map

As the heroes close the distance between themselves and the the goblinoids the goblin drummer's song is cut short by some well placed arrows before Ingra delivers a killing blow with her greatsword.

The goblin skirmisher draws its shortsword and takes a stab at Kra'el before the ogre swings its greatclub over its head and also brings it to bear against the paladin. True to his word though, Kra'el seems protected by Bahamut, as neither attacker lands a hit.

One of the hobgoblins then passes a pitch cask up to the ogre while the other begins to target the archers on the balcony with its longbow, sending an arrow thudding into the wall behind Aelion.

Active Effects:
The light from the numerous fires burning around the intersection bathe the combat area in normal light.
Cecilia's song grants a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls to all allies in range (blue circle).
The Goblin in brown is marked by Dayana’s Evil Eye (changed target as blue was killed by Jathal). Their AC is has been reduced by 2 for 6 rounds.
The Ogre is marked by Dayana’s Evil Eye. It takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls this turn.