DM Stormwind's Legacy of Fire - The Heavens aligned against us.

Game Master LastNameOnEarth

Surprise

Firing at closest hyena, looks like there's one within 20'.

Pistol PBS Deadly Aim Touch: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 181d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Amended surprise round action.

Muqaq curls his hand into a cup, and his palm fills with fire. He crouches behind Seif, ready to blast the first thing that comes into his range.

Readied fire ray for first thing within 30' (touch attack): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Question about the plants: They look to be large saguaro cacti. The limbs on such plants are usually up high. Are we able to stand in squares with limbs in them (ie just not where the base is drawn) or can we not stand anywhere the cactus is drawn?

If possible, could Ahkom step back to N2, so Gruthic can step Forward to N3 and deploy shield. If not, Gruthic will simply move in front of him anyways, as a move action, and wait for first round to set up shield.

Good question Gruthic. The pictures are of saguaro (which only exist in North America, so shouldn't really be in an old-world desert, but hey...), so yes, I'd be fine with standing under limbs.

Surprise

** spoiler omitted **

Firing at closest hyena, looks like there's one within 20'.

[dice=Pistol PBS Deadly Aim Touch]1d20+7;1d8+3

The closest one to you is at R18, which looks like about 65 ft. The boulder you are hiding behind is 20 ft across.

Ah. No touch, no PBS, -7 net to hit and -1 damage for 11 and 7.

Sati leans out from the rock, taking aim with her crossbow and loosing at the foremost of the archers.

1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 3 - 2 = 12

"Moghwier, stay put until they get closer, or we've dealt with the archers."

Btw Muqaq, Bless is fine.

Surprise Round:

Sati, Xanyon, and Akhom lean out from their cover to deliver their first hail of projectiles. All three shots connect. However, in the case of Sati's shot, the quarrel strikes at an oblique angle and skitters off the Gnolls armour. Akhom's arrow strikes deep, and Xanyon's bullet also draws blood from the hyena. Gruthic moves out to cover Akhom from any return fire.

Initiative Order: Muqaq, Xanyon, Gruthic, Seif, Mohgwier, Gnolls, Akhom, Sati, and Hyena's.

Round 1

The stunned Gnolls are slow to react, allowing the quicker ones another chance to inflict some damage before their enemies can fire back.
Actions please.

Map

"May the dawnflower guide our hands!" Muqaq says, holding aloft his mother's ornate holy symbol and calling down a blessing on the group.

Casting bless. Everyone +1 to hit and +1 on saves vs fear.

Round 1

Xanyon reloads and waits for the hyena to close.

Will fire when it moves up. Have included 20' range.

Pistol PBS Deadly Aim Touch Bless: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 1 = 191d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

"Good shot, lad! Now step up beside me and give them another!"

Gruthic checks the straps on his shield and readies to step in front again as soon as Ahkom shoots.

Ready action: As soon as Akhom moves to O4 and shoots, 5' step to O5 and deploy Tower Shield to the East.

AC 22, Total cover to attacks from the east once shield set.

Sati takes aim, and repeats her shot at the gnoll.

1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 - 2 = 21d8 ⇒ 1

Round 1

Initiative Order: Muqaq, Seif, Gnolls, Akhom, Gruthic, Sati, Hyena's, Xanyon, Mohgwier.

The leader of the Gnolls barks once, harshly, shouting "Loose the beasts!" in his own tongue. The handler with the hyena's still in tow responds by unleashing the creatures and shouting at them to seek blood.

The two gnolls in front, those that were the animal handlers, dash forward to the large rock in front, taking cover behind it, and disappearing from view. The archers all draw feathers to fangs and walk slowly forwards, waiting for targets to present themselves. The leader moves in behind them.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 191d8 ⇒ 1
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 201d8 ⇒ 4
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 161d8 ⇒ 4

Akhom steps out from his cover and looses two arrows, in rapid succession. 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 - 2 = 111d20 + 7 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 1 - 2 = 191d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 The second arrow takes one of the gnolls through the chest, wounding him. As his arrows connect, the arrows fired by the gnolls reach him, hitting him thrice. Two pierce armour, though the third defects off. (Take -5 Hp)

Gruthic steps out just after Akhom, covering him from any further fire.

At the sound of the command, the two hyenas in the hollow dash forward to where Gruthic and Akhom stand, and prepare to try and take the two men down. The second two hyenas dash forward, taking long loping strides towards their foes.

Xanyon, who was holding his shot, takes aim at a hyena as it draws near, and discharges, striking it and sending up a small splatter of blood from the wound.

Sati pops out from her cover, but jostling her crossbow and setting it off well before she is in position. The bolt sails into the sky and near absolutely no one.

Mohgwier sneaks along the side of the boulder, keeping out of view of the archers. He uses his long forelimbs to lash out at one of the beasts. 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 111d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 = 241d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3. The second blow catches one of the hyenas, spraying blood.

Round 2

MAP

Seif-al-Din charges out from behind the boulder, launching himself at the closest Hyena!

Moving to H10.

The Blade: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 2 = 11, for 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 Magical Slashing / Piercing damage.

*sigh* Well, that was worth delaying for... :-/

"Grah! Damn dogmen!" Gruthic curses as the gnoll's arrows snap just ahead of his movement. He whistles his axe around, trying to kill the wounded hyena with a mighty swing.

Waraxe, PS, TS; Damage: 1d20 + 7 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 - 1 - 2 = 81d10 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 2 = 16

AC 22, CMD 18 (24 vs bull rush / trip)

Darn! If only that had connected!

Muqaq sees Seif readying to charge and steps around the big man, raising the fiery hand he directs it towards the lead hyena. He runs a few steps forward and his signature beam of red fire shoots out towards the mangy creature.

Move to H5
Attack (touch), Hyena I11: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Seif-al-Din charges out from behind the boulder, launching himself at the closest Hyena!

Moving to H10.

The Blade: 1d20+7+2, for 1d10+8 Magical Slashing / Piercing damage.

*sigh* Well, that was worth delaying for... :-/

Oops, I gave Mohgwier a delayed action, but not one for Seif. If you want to make that your round 1 action, you can take another action in round 2.

Sati leans over the edge of the rock, using it for cover. She reloads, takes aim, and looses another shot at one of the gnoll archers, shooting for an injured one, if possible.

1d20 + 3 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 - 2 = 31d8 ⇒ 2

What! Two in a row! No fair.

Mohgwier takes another step in, bringing the hyena within the reach of her teeth. She rakes at the beast snapping with teeth and tearing with claws.

Bite: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 1 = 151d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Claw: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 1 = 251d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Claw: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 91d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Confirm Critical: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 1 = 191d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Does Gruthic provide cover from me to the archer gnolls? he is rather short and right next to me :)

I recently discovered that creatures in between you and your target for ranged attacks do in fact provide cover, even allies. It's soft cover though, so it's only a bonus to AC and not reflex saves.

Waiting to see what the hyenas do before taking an action.

That is really interesting. I've noted that a lot of campaigns seem to use that rule, but I've never been able to find it in the official rules. If you could point it out to me, I would appreciate it.

Round 2: Part I

Initiative Order: Muqaq, Seif, Gnolls, Akhom, Gruthic, Sati, Hyena's, Xanyon, Mohgwier.

Muqaq emerges from cover and blasts a hyena with fire. Fur flares as the bolt connects, and the creature howls in fury.

Seif dashes out to meet the hyenas and swings his mystic blade at the first. Mold, similar to that encountered in the laboratory beneath the monastery, begins to grow up his arms. Memories of a hundred battles flicker at the edge of his mind, not distracting him, but rather making combat feel familiar and a natural place to be. The blade whistles towards the hyena, but it jukes at the last moment, causing the blade to swing by without making contact.

The gnolls continue moving forward while their leader advances at a slower pace, apparently slowed by heavier armour. The archers take note of their targets, and loose arrows, two at Seif, while a third shoots at Muqaq.
Seif 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 61d8 ⇒ 1
Seif 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 181d8 ⇒ 1 - Hit
Muqaq: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 201d8 ⇒ 8 - Hit
The two gnoll hyena handlers each stand from behind the boulder where they have taken cover, and each loose stones at Seif.
Seif 1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 201d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 - Hit
Seif 2: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 81d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Waiting on an action from Akhom. Akhom, for the sake of argument, lets say you can stand and shoot from behind Gruthic, using him as partial cover.

Map

That is really interesting. I've noted that a lot of campaigns seem to use that rule, but I've never been able to find it in the official rules. If you could point it out to me, I would appreciate it.

There are actually 4 types of cover: partial cover, cover, improved cover, and total cover. Soft cover is a subset of cover, provided by another creature in the way, instead of something like a wall. I was hoping, as a dwarf, to count as a Low Obstacle for Akhom. Since he is standing right behind me, he would get cover from me, but he could ignore that cover when shooting. Of course, the gnolls could pull the same trick with the rocks they're hiding behind.

Relevant excerpts from the Cover Rules:
Cover: To determine whether your target has cover from your ranged attack, choose a corner of your square. If any line from this corner to any corner of the target's square passes through a square or border that blocks line of effect or provides cover, or through a square occupied by a creature, the target has cover (+4 to AC)
Soft Cover: Creatures, even your enemies, can provide you with cover against ranged attacks, giving you a +4 bonus to AC. However, such soft cover provides no bonus on Reflex saves, nor does soft cover allow you to make a Stealth check
Partial Cover: If a creature has cover, but more than half the creature is visible, its cover bonus is reduced to a +2 to AC and a +1 bonus on Reflex saving throws. This partial cover is subject to the GM's discretion.
Low Obstacles and Cover: A low obstacle (such as a wall no higher than half your height) provides cover, but only to creatures within 30 feet (6 squares) of it. The attacker can ignore the cover if he's closer to the obstacle than his target.

EDIT: Ninja'd by Muqaq

Ok, after another look there's a big rock in the way now, so I'll shoot the hyena at P7 :)

As the gnolls maneuver out of sight, Akhom lines up the hyena snapping at Gruthic, loosing two arrows in swift succession.

Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 101d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 81d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Round 2: continued...

Akhom unleashes two arrows in rapid succession, but the wily creature evades both, and both shots just sink into the sand.

Gruthic swings down a heavy blow with his axe, but misses the agile beast beside him.

Sati takes aim again, but this time mis-sets the bolt to the string, causing it to spin into the air harmlessly when fired.

The hyenas, now in range of prey, press the attack. Both of those next to Seif bite at the man, trying to pull him down like meat on the hoof. 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 91d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6. Neither is able to gain purchase on the man.

The hyenas next to Gruthic attempt to swarm him, using pack attacks and moving to each side of him to confuse their prey. Both snap at him with sharp jaws. 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 2 = 151d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6. The dwarf's stalwart defense is easily enough to keep the two at bay, however.
It's my opinion that animals that normally fight in a pack, can and should use flanking tactics, as they are quite natural to the way the animals think.

Once Xanyon posts his action, I'll resolve Mohgwier's.

I'm all for flanking attacks by pack hunters - ever seen wolves take down a bison? They *have* to flank it or they get killed.

Also - at least the dice roller bad roll streak continues to the GM's side.

Round 2

Stepping down for a better angle, the half-orc gunslinger fires at one of the hyenas pressing Gruthic.

Pistol PBS Deadly Aim Touch Bless @N5: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 1 - 4 = 171d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Round 2: Conclusion.

Xanyon reloads his gun, and moving in he shoots at the closest hyena, killing it.

Mohgwier steps in, and reaching across Gruthic, slashes his claws at the other hyena. One hits along the neck, scoring a deep gash, and spraying blood.

End of Round 2.
Round 3:

Map

Initiative Order: Muqaq, Seif, Gnolls, Akhom, Gruthic, Sati, Hyena's, Xanyon, Mohgwier. Action for Muqaq and Seif, please.

"The gnolls are flaking left. Let's go help kill them. Stay behind me and keep low, or go back around behind the rock and head north under its cover. I'll be going forward."

If the hyena is still alive on Gruthic's turn, he will swing at it, then move 20' to N9. Otherwise, he will double move 40' to J10.

Waraxe, PA, TS, Bless; Damage: 1d20 + 7 - 1 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 1 - 2 + 1 = 141d10 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8

Edit: Changed conditional action to move further.

Seif-al-Din once again slashes at a Hyena, this time targeting the one that is *not* providing him cover from the Gnolls.

The Blade: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20, for 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17 Magical Slashing / Piercing damage.

Already retreating from the hyena, Akhom nods wordlessly at Gruthic's words. He speeds around the western side of the rock, seeking a clear line of sight to the oncoming gnolls.

Th map extends further north, yeah? I'll head to F6 with a Withdraw action, assuming that gives me good LoS to the gnolls. If there's a handy bit of cover up there off the map, I'll go behind it

Muqaq starts rapidly muttering then touches his own chest. A fiery colored translucent shell briefly appears around his body before fading from view.

Casting mage armor.

Sorry. Yesterday was a busy day. I was presenting at a health care symposium, and prepping was taking up a lot of my time. Now the presentation is done, and it sounds like it was very well received. I enjoy public speaking, but it is nice to have it over with.

Map
I expanded the map north. There is a small hill directly north of the hollow, as well as a few more rocks here and there.

Round 3

Muqaq cloaks himself in his protective magic as the battle draws ever nearer to his position.

Seif takes a swipe at one of the hyenas, cutting it in half with the power of his stroke.

The two gnoll slingers move out from around their cover, charging forward, while switching to spear and shields to attack. Can't actually charge due to obstacles; both use a double move to close into range with Seif.

Of the three Achers, two move more behind the cover taken by the slingers before, while the third moves up to the north seeking new cover of his own. All three loose shots at the dark skinned warrior fighting their hyenas. Sief will have partial cover (-2) as the hyena only covers to his waist.
1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 - 2 = 2
1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 - 2 = 6
1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 - 2 = 151d8 ⇒ 3
Only one of the arrows finds its mark.

The final warrior, the leader by appearances, continues moving forward. (Run Action 3x move)

Akhom leave the fight he was engaged in, leaving the others to mop up the last of the hyenas. He runs towards the rock to the north, and has almost reached it. I moved you to D6 as a double move is allowed on a withdrawal action. You were exposed in either position, so I felt you would likely wish to be at least closer to cover.

Gruthic brings down his axe on the last of the hyenas in the southern group. He hops over the bleeding corpse and dashes forward, or at least as close to dashing as a dwarf can come.

I'll do the last Hyena's action, as Sati is likely to be attacking the archers again, and will not be affected by them.

The last hyena snaps at Seif, trying to gain purchase on the armoured man. 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 161d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4; Trip: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5. Its teeth latch in and score blood from his leg, but the attack is unable to bring the large man down.

Initiative Order: Muqaq, Seif, Gnolls, Akhom, Gruthic, Sati, Hyena's, Xanyon, Mohgwier. Sati, Xanyon, and Mohgwier please. Muqaq and Sief can even start their next round actions if you like.

Reluctantly, Seif-al-Din 5' steps away from his attackers (H8), and calls upon the healing radiance of the Everlight to mend his wounds.

CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8.

Sati takes aim with her crossbow, and targeting the hyena, launches a quarrel with the intent of finishing it off.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 141d8 ⇒ 6

Mohgwier races around the rock, coming upon the gnolls from the south. Halting outside the reach of their spears, she lashes out with a claw at the nearest creature.

PA: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 - 2 = 181d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 = 10

Muqaq runs over to the other side of the rock that Akhom is neext to and unleashes another ray of fire at one of the oncoming gnolls.

Move to D10, shoot at Gnoll H15.

Fire ray: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Round 3

Seeing the fight move away from him Xanyon closes while reloading.

Trying to move to P7 but the map is read only to me.

New map, default permissions. I've changed so you should be able to move yourself now.

Round 3: Conclusion

Sati aims her crossbow, and finally her weapon cooperates and hold's its shot until she has it lined up. The bolt flies true and strikes the animal, and with a solid *thunk* kills it.

Xanyon hurredly reload's his weapon, and moves himself around the boulder, trying to keep the dynamic conflict within his line of sight.

Mohgwier lays into one of the Gnolls with a claw, scoring a serious wound.

Round 4:

Muqaq, Seif, Gnolls, Akhom, Gruthic, Sati, Xanyon, Mohgwier.

Muqaq dashes forward, repositioning himself relative to the battle, and releases a blast of fire, striking the Gnolls leader. He growls in response, but continues forward, altering his path slightly to bring him towards the caster.

Seif steps back and casts healing upon himself to help strengthen his battered form.

The Gnolls continue their attack, undaunted however that their Hyena's are all dead. The two archers behind the far rock take aim at Muqaq, who has just presented as a target.
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 51d8 ⇒ 4 - Miss
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 201d8 ⇒ 7 - Hit. 7 damage.
The third archer sees the approaching Eidelon on his packmate's flank, and fires upon her to cover their side.
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 181d8 ⇒ 3 - Hit, just. 3 damage.
The two gnolls facing Seif step forward, pressing him from right and left, preparing to flank. They each thrust at him with deadly spears.
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 71d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 - Miss
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 211d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 - Hit. 10 damage.
Lastly, the Leader, armed with his Flind-bar and wanting blood, eyes Muqaq; his rival, the one shouting commands, now standing alone before him. He charges, swinging his flail above him and bringing it down to crush the fire throwing man.
Charging Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 2 - 1 = 141d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 11 - Hit, 11 Damage The blow connects and connects hard, sending the red-skinned man down into the dust with force. The cracking of bones can be heard as he crumples downward.

Actions please; everyone can go, now that there is only one enemy initiative. Stabilization check from Muqaq please.

Glancing worriedly at Muqaq, Seif attacks with renewed vigor, doing his best to finish off the Gnolls in front of him (targeting the injured one).

The Blade: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 15, for 1d10 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 1 = 11 Magical Slashing / Piercing damage.

"Muqaq! Watch out --" Gruthic's warning is too late as the brutal gnoll bashes him to the ground. Gruthic squints, trying to see if the red-skinned sorcerer is dead or just down.

Heal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Unable to determine which, and hoping for the best, Gruthic bellows at the eidolon, grinding his teeth and waiting for a clear lane.

Move, Mohgwier! I'm after the one on Muqaq!

Gruthic delays until Mog moves out of the way. Then, he charges 40' from M10 to F10 and attacks the leader. He provokes AoOs from the gnolls on Seif, if they are still alive when he charges (AC 20).

Waraxe, Charge, Bless, PA, TS; Damage: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 + 1 - 1 - 2 = 241d10 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 11

I cast mage armor, so my AC is 17. Missed me!

Muqaq looks down somewhat in shock as the arrow pierces his left shoulder through the pectoral muscle. His cry of pain is interrupted as the huge gnoll leader rushes forward and brings his nasty looking metal bar down at Muqaq. The sorceror raises his arms, which absorb the blow with an audible crunch thanks to the magical armor he had summoned moments before. Muqaq drops to one knee before standing back up. "I'm okay!" he lies, eying the painful arrow through his shoulder.

Stepping back from the gnoll's leader he launches another ray of fire at the creature from point blank range. It blasts into the big furry creature, searing away fur and flesh on its chest. Muqaq smiles and gives it a cheeky a wink.

HP:11/18
AC:17
5' step away from the gnoll, not sure which way as I can't find the link to an updated map if there is one.
Attack (bless, touch): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Hmm. You did. I looked for that to make sure, as I couldn't remember if you had, and I thought it was weird that you hadn't... Of course now I did a forum search and it brought me to the exact post, which is what I should have done this afternoon. So, you were not hit, thanks to the Mage Armour, or rather it hit, but the crack was the sound of the Flind-bar connecting with the mage armour and not actually breaking of bones. The previous arrow did hit however, leaving you still in rough shape at -15 HP, or 3 HP above zero.

Map

Ah, I must be forgetting some previously taken damage. My bad.

Round 4

Seeing Muqaq barely standing and the swirl of melee around the group, Xanyon sprints forward to deal with the two archers.

@Muqaq: Round 2 Part 1, an archer hit you for 8 damage. This round, you were hit by a second arrow for 7.