DM rel20's "Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands" Part 2

Game Master djpika

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[/ooc]@Party - are you guys moving downstairs then?[/ooc]

That sounds fine to me, as long as someone less squishy goes first.

I thinks you should go down the stairs!!!

A voice from below calls out for help

WOO, I got an avatar! I rock...or can read

A small, dank chamber divided by a wall of iron bars stands at the bottom of the stairs. Within the cell, a dwarf, a human and a small humanoid with a wide, ungainly head sit manacled to the wall. A well, surrounded by a low wall, pierces the chamber’s floor. Nearby, lie several buckets attached to damp lengths of rope. The dwarf, bruised, yells out in a gruff voice, "Hey there! Can you let us out?"

Watchtower Ground Floor W2

I might just switch into that armor. And maybe one of us should try the bandit's flail. They're obviously magical.

Alcalde straightens as Nibb's healing magic wipes away not only his wound but the pain and fatigue as well. He nods to Nibb in thanks, "Nicely done, frien..." but cuts off mid-sentence as shouts drift up the stairs from below.
Seeing the party begin to move toward the noise, he readies his whip and moves quickly to the head of the group.

Upon seeing the cell and its occupants, Alcalde takes a look at the bars, sparing quick glances back at the captives and their restraints.
Any obvious gate or is it a solid wall of bars? Any keys hanging nearby?
"Easy, we'll have you out in no time. By what misfortune did you wind up here?"

There's a padlock protecting a door. Looking around, there appears to be a key ring hanging on a hook.

The dwarf responds, "I was waylaid by these buggers on my way to town."

Would my character be aware if the keyring is trapped? Or was I unconcious like the dwarf upon arrival?

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Zordlon casts detect player character.

Zordlon moves carefully into the room and peers down the well.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

"Ah, a goblin. I have dealt with those before. Do not trust it."

I assume that none of the prisoners have gear? I'm also assuming that I don't need to make a Knowledge (local) check to recognize that the small humanoid is a goblin.

...Do not trust it."

Good Call, friend! Wish you would have mentioned this long ago.

semi-sarcasm: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1

Now how bout a helping hand?

"Ah, I have been saying that since before your great-grandparents were born, human. You short-lived folk are so impatient." Zordlon's eyes widen a bit as he glances towards Alcalde. "Ah, present company excluded, of course."

Zordlon takes the keyring from the hook and begins working on the padlock.

Assuming the keys work, Zordlon will open the cell and free the silly hoo-mahn and the dwarf. He'll give the goblin a wide berth.

The key unlocks the cage and manacles, freeing the dwarf and human. The goblin in the corner looks on sullenly; it too is beaten and bloodied, its left eye swollen over.

The wide and heavily muscled dwarf introduces himself, "I'm Reithic. Many thanks for freeing me".

We'll say Rowbin's gear is in the corner since I don't want to penalize him for starting captured. Reithic possesses only ragged clothing.

"Ah, yes, our pleasure, Reithic. I hope your wounds are less serious than they appear. If you don't mind my asking, how did you end up here, and what can you tell us of your captors?"

Zordlon returns the goblin's sullen glare with dismissive glance filled with equal parts derision and condescension as he exits the cell with the former prisoners.

If Reithic is looking for a little payback, we could equip him with the studded leather and light flail.

A sly grin appears on Reithic's face, "Payback? Of course I'd like payback. I'll bash their grubby faces in... and that sniveling goblin in the corner as well!"

Reithic's a psion!

Yeah, my bad. I wasn't thinking of color coding while I was looking up the response.

Reithic appears to be bloodied.

Reithic adds, "I was on my way to Falcon's Hollow to sell of me fine dwarven forged weapons when a net was dropped on my wagon. I was quickly clubbed into submission." Reithic slams his right fist into his palm, "Well, it's time to show them a clubbing...".

Does bloodied mean something in 4th/5th edition D&D? It's not a PF condition. I guess he's missing some hit points?

Greg, John, do something! No one wants this to become The Chuck Show. :-P

Rowbin scrambles to his feet and quickly gathers up his belongings that were sitting in a pile in the corner of the room. Nothing special, a couple of thin steel, sharp pointy things, a mesh of steel he quickly dons over his head and a backpack slyly slipped over his back.

Name is Rowbin Sigfellow. Thank you kindly for opening up the cage and setting us free. Haven't been here long, that I know of, got taken off guard as I was studying this lil green fellers. This could be one of my doing, but who is to tell.

The Chuck Show seems OK so far. The suits upstairs tell us that people can't follow plots when they keep adding characters to the mix, anyway.

Alcalde acknowledges the former captives with a nod. Rowbin, Reithic. Well met - or as well as possible under the circumstances! It seems like we all have a common goal, for now. Any help in clearing this keep of its loathsome occupants would be most welcome.

We dropped one of the scum before finding you, but he put up a mighty struggle. We've seen only one other, who just now fled to the upper levels. I hope that the worst is over, but we cannot say for certain. Do the two of you recall how many were in the parties that waylaid you?

Does anyone speak Goblin?

@Zordlon - yes, bloodied means hit points are equal to or less than 50%. It's from 4th edition, but I kind of like using it for keywording approximate health. In 4th, certain things triggered at bloodied or if you were bloodied, but we don't have to go that far. It just seemed more appropriate than saying "he's at 50% health".

No problem re: bloodied. If you hadn't made the word bold, I would've just taken it as descriptive text.

"Ah, yes, if it is a bit of retribution that you crave, we have recently acquired some equipment that might be helpful in the pursuit of that endeavor," says Zordlon as he pulled the deceased bandit's armor and clearly magical flail from his backpack. "I believe these straps are adjustable.... But are you certain that you are in a condition to engage in fisticuffs?"

Nibb descends the stairs into the room. Skorl walks softly by her side, his head easily swinging over hers as it scans side to side. The wolf's nostrils flare as they suck in the dank air, cautiously sifting the scents.

"Shhh...Your voices carry further than you might expect. I wasn't even halfway down the stairs before I knew we had another in need of aid."

Nibb looks at Skorl who is looking over the strangers. He turns to Nibb and offers what could easily mistaken as a nod. Nibb smiles and rubs the scruff of Skorl's neck before turning to face the strangers.

"Skori thinks you are an acceptable lot. Me? Well, I'm a bit more discerning but I trust his judgement." Nibb grins.

"Well then, if retribution is what you seek, you have found good company. You and we have a common foe, our ungracious hosts. Let's have a look at you."

Nibb approaches the Dwarf and looks over his wounds, poking an prodding without invitation and unperturbed by his winces.

"Hmmm...You have taken quite a beating, even for one as stout as yourself. You best be worth our time, I already feel exhausted after patching up us three." Nibb flicks a pointing finger at Alcade and Zordlon.

Nibb hovers her hands over the Dwarf's wounds as her palms emanate a soft, warm light. The scent of pine fills the room. CLW, now available in pine scent!

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Wow, Nibb is a healing machine! Let's go storm the castle!

Zordlon whispers, "Ah, if we've sufficiently recovered, then perhaps we should clear the remainder of this tower. No doubt our foes have been preparing as well." Despite his words, it's clear that Zordlon isn't willing to lead the way himself.

"Thanks. That's much better," Reithic says as he picks up the flail and armor.

I'll assume you guys start moving towards the 2nd floor once you settle on a marching order.

Suggested order, assuming single file: Reithic, Alcalde, Rowbin, Zordlon, Nibb&Skorl.

Also, what are your current light sources? Note that Reithic's AC isn't the highest of the groups, so putting him in front may not be the best of ideas.

Is it dark down here? The place is manned by humans, so there must be light sources somewhere. Maybe the flail glows? Some magic weapons shed light as a torch. Anyway, Alcalde would've certainly noticed if he couldn't see, and acted to remedy iit, or at least complain about it. Humans are whiners.

Lighting is dim (20% miss chance). Contrary to popular belief, the flail does not glow. Only the bits used to make it glow.

I have torches in my backpack (shout if you need one!), but I'd rather go all sneaky sneaky. I'm happy to do the "leading" at least stealthing and scouting wise.

I'll check to see if anyone is around before we start up the stairs.

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Uh oh, that may not cut the mustard

Assuming the following order for now: Rowbin, Reithic, Alcalde, Zordlon, Nibb&Skorl

Rowbin starts to move slowly upstairs when he starts to hear the clickity-clack of what sounds like small pebbles. The rate quickly increases as loud thuds chime in. Pouring out from around the corner of the spiral staircase is a barrage of large stones and bolders.

Tried to come up with a Rolling Stones pun, but I got nuttin'.

Reflex save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Zordlon deftly scrambles out of the way of the vast majority of stones.

Wasn't me! Papa was a rolling stone!?!

Relex Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Rowbin does his best Dirk impression, dancing across the tops of the rocks!?!

RE: Tried to come up with a Rolling Stones pun, but I got nuttin'. I guess you can't always get what you want.

Reithic Reflex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

No need to wait for everyone to roll their save. Just roll it before your turn. I'll give a pass to Nibb/Skorl since they're probably far away enough at the end of the line. We'll move to the W3 map for the folks in front. Note that I drew a line to show the wall as the stairs come up. The ledge is to the right.

initiative Skorl: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
initiative Nibb: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
initiative Zordlon: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
initiative Alcalde: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
initiative Rowbin: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
initiative Reithic: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

INITIATIVE

Nibb
Skorl
Zordlon
Alcalde => UP
Reithic
Rowbin => UP

ping...

One ping only!

Rob and I were fishing in Chetek, WI all of last week. He should post soon after he remembers how electronics work. I think that John is in Europe now, so we'll still have a bit of a wait.

was out of town on a fishing trip, though to be honest, chuck pestered me a fews times to make my move...:)

Rowbin yells out, throw rocks at me will you! He steps up the stairs to see the responsible parties and takes a stab at one with his rapier.

attack-dmg: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 161d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

No worries. I was on a boat in Alaska and I was just surprised when I checked in with cell service. Moto is in Europe, so things will be slow for a bit still. How was fishing in WI?

Slower than previous years, but still fun. And shooting flintlock rifles is always a hoot. We even got to make our own ammo.

Wheee. And, back.

Also, flintlocks sound cool. I'd like to try that.

I suppose if it's dim enough that Alcalde would have his lantern out and lit

Alcalde does his best to dodge the torrent of stones and push up the stairs to engage the new foes...

Reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

... but his best clearly isn't good for much.

Can I attack from the square I'm in or do I need to occupy a square in the room, on the other side of Rowbin?

And the forum dice roller welcomes John back home in classic forum dice roller style.

I think that Skorl goes during Nibb's turn, and doesn't get his own spot in the initiative order. He's just a class feature, after all.

Floor W3 has low light (20% miss chance) without a light source.

Recovering from the rocks down the staircase, Rowbin dashes up the stairs before the next volley but fails to connect with his rapier.

We'll give Alcalde a 50/50 shot at getting to swing from that spot. It's definitely a few feet lower than that level but I'm picturing something more like this: staircase. If it's possible, it will be partial cover for sure.

HighIsYes: 1d100 ⇒ 31

I think that Skorl goes during Nibb's turn, and doesn't get his own spot in the initiative order,

Now confronted by the party, the two bandits begin to assail Rowbin with morningstars:

Bandit A: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Bandit B: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

who proves to be too nimble this round.

INITIATIVE
Skorl/Nibb => UP
Zordlon => UP
Alcalde
Reithic
Rowbin

My bad, I mixed up the rules for animal companions/familiars (they get their on place in the initiative order) with mounted combat ("Your mount acts on your initiative count as you direct it.") It depends on whether Nibb is riding or not, and at last post she was on foot, so you had it right and I should've kept my trap shut. A little crow now and then is good for me.

No crow eating necessary. They're better off defending The Wall. I only linked the thread for a point of reference. Besides, it might speed up gameplay if they act at the same time. I'll leave that choice to Greg since there's pros and cons to doing that.

the stairs look cramped so it's probably best to hang back for now

Nibb moves to the base of the stairs, holding Skorl by the neck lightly as he whimpers at the scuffling heard from the top of the stairs. "Better if we guard these stairs for now ol' boy."

I like that plan.

Zordlon moves next to the gnome and peers up the stairs. "Ah, I believe this is a job best suited for more our more pugnacious companions."

Zordlon is delaying until there's room on the stairs.

Reithic delays, unable to get past the queue.

Bandit B steps to the side in an attempt to confuse Rowbin with attacks from different directions:

Bandit A: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Bandit B: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Which buys a window of opportunity for Bandit A to land a devastating blow with his morningstar:

Crit Check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

INITIATIVE
Skorl/Nibb => Delay?
Zordlon => Delay
Alcalde => Up
Reithic => Delay
Rowbin =>Up

Delay works for me

Not sure if that's a 5 foot step or not, or if i'm going "up" still and need to make a acrobatics check. For now, I'll roll it just in case, otherwise, 5 foot step, attack the guy north of me

Rowbin makes a yelp in pain as he takes the brunt of a morningstar. But quickly moves into position to counter.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Attack/Dmg PH: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 161d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Attack/Dmg OH: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 141d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

BEWARE the falling slayer if I miss again..:)

Brilliant! You baited the forum dice roller into burning a 1 on a (hopefully unnecessary) skill check! Great job!

Sure, I'll allow the 5' diagonal move here. It may be difficult terrain going from below the floor level from the stairs, but because the room is so cramped a full round of lost turns sounds like poor game play.

That means that Alcalde is up.