Rise of the Runelords by DM Doctor Evil (again)

Game Master DM DoctorEvil

Ware the edges of that hole. Cadas warns. These rains could have weakened the earth around it. She will let the dwarves choose the path forward but is inclined towards the right again.

"But what if it leads to something interesting? I'm pretty light - it should be able to hold me up." Robin will check out the hole.

Famous last words?

Robin approaches the hole in the ground carefully, mindful of Cadas' warning about instability. But light as he is, he doesn't notice anything unusual about the footing around the hole. Peering down, it's a sheer shaft as far as he can see. The sound and smell of the ocean comes up from the depths, and occasionally, he catches the reflected light off water below. Nothing can be clearly seen down the hole with current illumination however.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Tinuviel whispers urgently "There in the water, do you see it? It was grey and bigger than Robin and very swift..."

And then adds softly "I can not believe I actually saw something! Go me!"

Korvek approaches the others as the investigates, but dares not add his weight to the edge. He shrugs at the mention of something spotted in the water below, perhaps disinterested. "Ah can't see how ah fish is gunna effect this raid.. shouldn't we be bashin heads?"

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13. Robin resists the temptation to echo his voice down the shaft. "Whatever it is, I bet it's just watiting for a goblin-sized snack to slip through!" Having satisfied his curiosity, Robin returns to the group, ready to follow the tracks further on.

As you squeeze your way back into the narrow tunnels, following the path of the heavily dragged item, the tunnels branch further.

To your immediate left the tunnel opens into another good size chamber, the ceiling rising away from the low tunnel, giving you room to stand upright. A foul odor emanates from this direction.

Ahead the passage branches to the right or left also. The scuff marks from dragging (whatever it was) lead ahead and to the left (north).

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Rogar holds up a hand and turns back toward the rest.

"More of those Riding Rats from the town," He whispers and draws a javelin. "Be ready to strike."

Korvek grins at Rogars warning, gesturing to his axe in his hands with a nod before putting his eye to back to work around him. "Ah've been ready tah strike since we stepped foot in this bush."

What a strange map.

Cadas moves along slowly he head bend over in the tight passage trying to be ready for action.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18.

"Do you suppose this is their kennel? Maybe there's a way to lock them in. I could sneak in to take a look."

"I could sneak in to take a look."

Does that mean you are doing it, or are you waiting for the opinion of your mates before deciding? If you're going, need a stealth roll.

They might smell you Robin. If we need to take them out lets do so, otherwise, lets follow the drag marks.

Korvek ponders a moment. "Lockin' 'em in would be pointless, the riders'd simply free 'em fer the raid. If they're in a kennel it'd be easy tah put 'em down though. Ah think we should weaken them wherever we get the chance."

Was seeing what people thought. The drag marks go left toward the smell, I think, so let's just charge in.

"Aww, okay then, let's get em!"

Actually, the drag marks go right from where you stand then at the T-junction go left (north). I don't want to force you in there, especially if you misunderstood the directions. Someone needs to clearly call the play.

My mistake. Let's go left toward the smell. At least the tall ones can stand up in that chamber.

Since we likely are going to explore the entire place eventually I am not sure it matters. Lets not take days or even weeks to get to the first encounter. That is partly why Cadas keeps saying follow the drag marks. It will get us "somewhere".

Drag Marks. Sorry was at a Wedding this weekend

Sure, drag marks.

Ignoring the foul smell and instead concentrating on the drag marks, the group heads north at the t-junction as well. Eventually the path leads to an opening that gives the players a tremendous view of Thistletop and the coastline from atop the seacoast cliffs.

A rope bridge spans the gulf between the cliff and a roundish, flat-topped island some 60' to the north. Thick patches of nettles grow here and there on the island, but it's most impressive feature is a wooden one-story stockade. Two thirty-foot-tall watchtowers guard the stockade's southern facade. The rope bridge itself is made of hairy rope and thick wooden planks; the whole thing swaying the wind above the churning surf eighty feet below.

Tinuviel follows quietly.

Sometimes it's really nice to be the wizard...

That looks less than inviting. Cadas comments. I wonder if it will hope us up? Likely made for goblins.

knowledge Engineering anyone? The Map does not show the island or the stockade. Is there a gate? Would it be open?

Robin looks for signs of what happened to the drag marks. Did the thing get dumped off the cliff or carried across the bridge?

He also looks warily for guards on the tower or other objects of interest. Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

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Korvek frowns at the uninviting bridge. "Temptin' to just slash this thing and make 'em swim across.. but that would only delay 'em." The dwarf was already reaching into his pack to pull out his silk rope as he speaks. "Anybody else 'ave strong rope? Tie 'em together and anchor each side? Ah'd rather have a backup plan than go fer a swim." He chuckles, grinning. If anybody was going to destroy the flimsy bridge it'd be him... and he didn't feel like drowning today.

"Ve could send vone of us across vith the rope to tie it off, but the vould be inviting an ambush on our volunteer. Perhaps ve could tie me to the rope and have you all anchor me until I make it across."

"Ooh! Pick me! Pick me! I could disguise myself as a goblin and walk over. Even if they see me, those noodle-brains would be too dumb to realize anything was wrong."

Robin has been saving up goblin items from the very first battle for this moment... along with the Disguise self spell, of course.

Cadas looks encouraged but concerned. Might be worth a try…

If you are ever gonna do the disguise thing this seems like the time. I know I was pushing us to get somewhere. But now that we are somewhere, I am a little concerned about what we might have left behind. If we are attacked from the stockade as we cross it might be easy for the goblins to call out for support from behind us as well. Should we clear the bushes before crossing? The counter argument is that cleaning will cause enough noise that we will not possibly get across unseen and since we have not encountered any goblins yet now is the perfect time to get across. Not sure which is right.

I assume this IC discussion is taking place somewhere subtle.

"Hmm.. if we're assumin' their main force is over there, why not sabotage the bridge then clear out the area over here? Once we know all's clear we can focus on cleanin the place out without worry of our arse end?"

Thinking maybe damage the support rope so that goblins crossing would cause it to break. Main force is cut off and inconvenienced and we get plenty of time to clear out the area before dealing with it.

"A scout would be just the thing. If you think you can manage it safely Robin, then your information would be quite useful." Tinuviel says, after a moment's thought.

Bad idea to sabotage the bridge if later its our only way across. Cadas adds.

"All depends on vhat ve feel is more important," Rogar responded. "Time or tactical superiority? If ve feel ve have the time, then I say ve scout further and identify all forms of entry and exit for this little fort. But if ve do not feel as if ve could canvas the area in a timely enough fashion vithout our quarry escaping, then ve need to take a more direct approach."

I do not see a time crunch, now that we are here. I concur. I vote we fully explore these thorns before crossing.

"Okay, back to the smelly dog room then?"

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Korvek nods: "Clearing it is, then. Ah just hope they don't cross without our noticin'. Lets set to it then shall we?" He hefts his axe meaningfully, setting back into the thorny maze. He leads the way without hesitation, taking every right turn until he found a reason to stop, a fight, or was probed to pause by the crew.

There ya go, that oughta simplify things a bit. ;) A dwarf on a mission. God help the first snotling he gets his hands on. >_>;

Here is view of Thistletop from far end of rope bridge. I will get to your further explorations tomorrow.

Here is another viewof the island, bridge and cliff with stockade stuck on top.

Wow. That is much more massive than what I was thinking. And the gate is closed, yes?

Yes the gate is closed. The two squarish outcroppings on the southeast and southwest corners are the 30' tall guard towers as well.

Boo sends her bird on an over flight of the fort.

As the group turns back to clear the hedge tunnels, Kvothe launches on a long-range reconnisance mission over the oddly shaped island of Thistletop and the goblin stockade thereon.

She'll be back to report in a turn or two...maybe

Following the dwarven warriors, the group tramps back through the tunnels, following any available right hand turns. This process leads them back to the smelly area which opened into a bigger cave in the bushes.

Stepping in farther, and looking into the wider space, the heroes can see 5 of the rat-like goblin dog mounts lying along side the back of the cavern. They are about 5 ft long, and weight about 75 lbs with a rat-like head, and a dog like body. Their coats are mangy, matted, and filthy, and their manner is nearly feral (but then again so are goblins).

As you approach they begin to sniff the air, mouths parted slightly, then they rise, sensing you and being to shrill and growl in a mixture of rat and dog noises. Their mangy hackles raise and they look ready to give a fight and make a ruckus.

Goblin Dog Kennel - Round 1

22 Red Dog
18 Korvek
16 Purple Dog
15 White Dog
14 Cadas
11 Robin
11 Tinuviel
10 Rogar
5 Black Dog
5 Green Dog

Red Dog angry at intruders, especially dwarves, in its lair leaps at the nearest bearded warrior, Rogar, but it's jaws snap shut on only air, as the ranger pushes the beast back with his shield.

Red Dog Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Korvek up now, in a bit the rest of the group goes as a unit, which I'll break up for narrative. Have fun while you fight these rat-dogs.

Power Attack!: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22Damages!: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Korvek glares his disapproval as the ratty creatures rather noisily stir and move to engage. As the first leaps towards Rogar Korvek steps forward into a mighty lift and downward chop of his greataxe towards it, putting his weight behind it with a fierce growl.

Goblin Dog Kennel - Round 1 - continued

"Korvek" , relishing action at last, lays into Red Dog with his greataxe. With all his force behind it, the dwarven blade bites deep, causing a fatal blow to the rodent-like creature.

Seeing one of the dogs fall, the others also rush the dwarves. Purple fails to rip at Korvek even as his death blow falls on poor Red. Then White is up and running, saliva flying as he grimaces in his attack on poor Archie."

Purple Dog Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
White Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Rogar raises his shield high over his head and swings at the Goblin Dog.

Shield Bash: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

And then attempts to headbutt the hound in the face.

Boulder Helmet: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Vermin. Cadas says with disdane. Put them down. With that she moves diagonally twice to be in front of Rogar threatening both purple and while and striking at the one Rogar can not reach from where he is.

Trident: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 221d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Round 1

Robin steps forward, then attempts to taunt the green dog. "Hey, Fido. Bet you can't get this!" Robin waves around his whip like a toy for the dog.

5-foot step
Move action to pull out whip (dropping dogslicer)
Taunt dog.

Bluff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 vs 10+dog's hit dice+Wis modifier
Success means the target is shaken. A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

Boo readies her staff. I really do not want to waste a spell on these... things.

Hold action

Goblin Dog Kennels- round 1 - concluded

Crossing into the front lines, Cadas skewers Purple. The wound slays the feral rat-dog.

Robin taunts Green Dog with his whip, making it afraid and tentative in it's actions.

Tinuviel readies her staff in case a dog gets through her defense, but otherwise holds her action.

The dwarf ranger smashes his helmet and shield into the dog nearest him, causing it to whine in pain, but not give up the fight.

Black Dog rushes forward snarling, and leaps at Cadas oblivious to the hurting she just put on it's mate. The beasts sink deep into her leg, missing a vital artery, but still causing 5hp of damage.

Even though it is cowed by Robin's taunting, Green Dog is still aggressive, especially towards dwarves. It takes a bite at Korvek but misses.

Black Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Black Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Green Bite, Shaken: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 - 2 = 11

Cadas needs DC 12 Fort save or break out in itching rash from allergic reaction to Goblin Dog.

End of Round 1

Goblin Dog Kennels - Round 2

18 Korvek
15 White Dog (wounded)
14 Cadas (allergic reaction?)
11 Robin
11 Tinuviel
10 Rogar
5 Black Dog
5 Green Dog (shaken)

Korvek starts the action in Round 2 with a new dog to swing at.

Power Attack!: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13Damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Korvek glares his disapproval as black sinks his teeth into Cadas, whipping his greataxe sidelong at the creature in a fierce horizontal chop.