DM Tel's Rise of the Runelords

Game Master XCountry DM

Korum keeps moving in, hoping he can catch the goblins by surprise. When he rounds the last of the tents, however, he sees there's no real way to accomplish a surprise attack any longer; they are standing around the fire, just a few feet away from him!

"All right, you bastards," he roars. "Come and get me!"

Move to 46I.
Ready to strike when a goblin gets within 10' of him, chain still held for distance.
Power Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Several goblin heads jerk up at Korum's challenge. Weejon and Tuck, who were waiting for just that kind of signal, are quicker to react.

Tuck is up with Weejon, Tulip and the goblins to follow.

Peeking around the corner of the tent, greataxe held in his large, sweaty hands, Tuck decides to stay in place until the goblin he sees moves toward Korum. He holds his breath, determined to remain out of their sight.

In other words, he'll delay through the remainder of the round and act again on the next round. Actually, I'll just do a stealth check to remain hidden.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Weejon squeezes between tents so that he can catch one of the goblins, hopefully by surprise.

Move to 44J and then to 45K. Ready to strike at a goblin with his club if it comes in reach.

Tulip moves into one of the tents and, using her knife, slices an opening into the back of the tent so she can have a line of attack from inside.

Move to 45J and cut through back tent wall.

As the party moves into position, the goblins all turn away from the fire and turn toward Korum and the tents. Cackling wildly, all of those gathered around the fire turn and rush toward Korum.

The nearest of the goblins charges to Korum and easily sidesteps the dwarf's attack. He thrusts his burning brand forward in an effort to burn Korum.

Move to 47J. Attack: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Damage: 1d2 ⇒ 1 +1 fire damage.
Korum, you do get an attack of opportunity.

A second goblin from far side of the fire also rushes forward, waving a torch. He also gets an AoO.

Move to 47I. Attack: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10
Damage: 1d2 ⇒ 1 +1 fire damage.

A third goblin begins rushing toward Korum but sees Weejon waiting for him and springs forward to attack the cleric with its torch.

Move to 46K. Attack: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17
Damage: 1d2 ⇒ 1 +1 fire damage.

A final goblin almost runs into the one just prior to it, sees Weejon and laughs, thrusting the torch into the tent right next to the cleric, lighting it on fire.

There's still a goblin seeing somewhere beyond the fire but no one can see it.

It looks like only one successful hit, against Weejon for a total of 2 hp. Reflex save, DC 12, Weejon to avoid getting caught on fire.

Round 9

Korum takes the attack of opportunity.

AoO: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

He then adjusts his grip on the DD (Dorn-Derger for now on) and attacks.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Korum's dorn dergar smashes through the goblin's chest and emerges again, dripping with the creature's heartsblood. It gave one short cry of agony and then dropped to the ground, dead.

The dwarf's attack on the second goblin, however, sails over the goblin's head without harming it.

Sorry, forgot to include initiative information. As Korum mentioned, it's now Round 9. Korum's gone, leaving us with Tuck, Weejon, and Tulip next.

Hearing the sounds of battle, Tuck steps away from the tent, and moves up behind the goblin that just set the tent on fire.

"Why did you come here?" he cries out as he sweeps the greataxe at the goblin.

Move to 46M and Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Fumble Check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Enough time has passed for Tuck's fear to take over again and he swings the axe with such timidity that he almost loses hold of it and only barely maintains his grip.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Weejon ignores the burns he suffered and attacks with his club, more concerned with getting away from the burning tent at this point than whatever harm the goblin might cause him.

Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

You didn't say whether or not Tulip succeeded in cutting a slit in the tent without being noticed, so I don't know if this'll be a sneak attack or not.

Tulip peeks through the curtain, aims with her dagger and throws it at the one attacking Weejon.

Ranged attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2 Sneak Attack (in case): 1d6 ⇒ 6

Tuck's attack goes wild as he almost loses his weapon. The goblin he'd attacked, seeing its ally drop dead to the ground, stops laughing and tosses its torch aside, pulling out a wicked looking knife and stabbing with it.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

The dagger is shunted aside by the effects of Tuck's armor, however, and doesn't cause the half-orc any harm.

Weejon manages to avoid the fire well enough to keep it from setting alight his clothing. His attack with his club, however, whistles past the goblin as it dances slightly to the left, laughing.

Tulip's hand reaches out from the slashed fabric of the tent and throws the dagger she carries. It sails right past the goblin fighting Weejon, so high over its head that it shows no sign of awareness.

The goblin exchanges the torch for a dogslicer, lunging for Weejon.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

This attack gets through the cleric's defenses and the knife opens a long gash along Weejon's side.

The third goblin throws down his torch, draws his blade and strikes at Korum with it.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Confirm critical: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

The dogslicer almost strikes Korum's chest but at the last minute the dwarf throws himself to the side and the blade only grazes his arm.

On the far side of the blazing fire there's some movement and the goblin's song seems to come nearer.

Round 10

Back to Korum followed by Tuck, Weejon, and Tulip.

Korum shows his teeth and swings the DD again.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Confirm Critical: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Critical Damage if confirmed: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Satisfied at the successful strike, Korum steps to the side, over the body of the first goblin he'd killed.

Korum takes a five foot step to 47J.

Concerned about the approach of the singing goblin, Tuck tries to focus his thoughts on the matter at hand, swinging the greataxe in a great arc at the goblin before him.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

He shudders at the crunch of the axe striking the goblin but does not hold back on his swing this time.

One of the goblins explode in a shower of blood and bone as Korum's Dorn Dergar smashes into it's ribs. Without a sound it drops to the ground as the dwarf moves closer to the other goblins.

Tuck's attack is also successfully, slicing deep into the goblin's belly, dropping it to the ground.

Weejon is up. Tuck, you still have a move action if you want to use it.

Tuck steps gingerly forward to stand over the goblin he's just struck, raising his dripping blade to threaten the goblin attacking Weejon.

Move to 46L.

Feeling the heat of the fire in the tent beside him, and wincing at the deep cut he'd just received, Weejon renews his attack with the club, determined to get out of the corner he's trapped himself in.

Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 19
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Weejon's hammer strikes the goblin and he grins with vidication. "Desna bless me, I got one at last!"

The goblin fighting Weejon takes a strong blow to the shoulder and almost falls over but somehow manages to stay standing, though he appears to be quite unsteady on his feet.

Tulip is up.

Can Tulip see the singing goblin?

Everyone can now see an old, withered looking female goblin standing by the burning wagon, holding a whip in one hand and one of those strange daggers the goblins carry in the other. She is still singing.

Tulip draws her sling, places a bullet in its cup and whirls it quickly around, firing the bit of metal through the tent opening she'd created at the old goblin crone singing by the fire.

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3
Sneak attack damage (if it applies): 1d6 ⇒ 2

Tulip's bullet narrowly misses the singing goblin, who looks at the halfling and glowers.

The goblin facing Weejon swallows uncomfortably and moves back a step. He looks toward the old woman and shouts something in his language.

The singer snarls out a string of words in response.

She steps forward, mutters a few words and reaches out to touch the goblin.

1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

The goblin instantly looks better and, licking its lips, stabs at Korum with its dagger.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

The dagger jabs Korum in the hip and lightly injures him.

Round 10
Korum followed by Tuck, Weejon, and Tulip.

Korum lashes out with his DD at the goblin that just struck him. "You will join your fellows!"

Power Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Confirm Critical: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Critical Damage if confirmed: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Sometimes I really don't know what to think about the dice roller...

Korum's Dorn Dergar does exactly what the dwarf predicted. It smashed down on the goblin's head, killing him instantly and dropping the lifeless body to the ground beside its fellow.

The singer hisses in fury and perhaps fear.

Tuck steps closer to the singing goblin and swings at her with his axe.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

The singing goblin drops to Tuck's attack and at last there's a moment of peace. Off in the distance there are still signs of combat but most of the innocents in the square have found safe places of refuge and there are no goblins about at the moment.

Out of combat.

Weejon hurries forward. "If any of you need healing, please gather close."

Once everyone is within range of him (and after checking to ensure the goblins won't be healed), Weejon closes his eyes and touches the tip of two fingers to the medallion around his neck. "Sweet lady, wash away our wounds with the sweet touch of your wings."

Channel Energy: 1d6 ⇒ 6
6 hp to everyone who gathers close and 6 uses remaining.

After killing the goblin woman and realizing that there is no longer any danger present, the axe falls from Tuck's suddenly nerveless fingers. His knees give out on him and he falls to the ground beside the cruelly slashed figure of the goblin and he finds himself retching, tears coming to his eyes.

"What have I done?" He moans.

Tulip walks up to Tuck and puts her hand on his shoulder. "You did what you had to do. They would have hurt us all and burned Sandpoint to the ground. There's no shame in your actions, Tuck. You are a hero."

Korum leaves the others to worry over the timid half-orc and goes to the body of the singer, examining her to be sure she's dead and check for any thing of significance among her belongings.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Korum finds a whip, a dogslicer, and a shortbow along with a quiver of 20 arrows. A more careful search also reveals that she's wearing studded leather armor and has a vial filled with a murky fluid.

Tuck looks up at Tulip with distant eyes, still trying to process her words. "I don -- I don't know what..."

He looks back down again to see the dwarf rifling through the woman's clothes, such as they were.

"What are you doing?"

Korum coils the whip and hangs it to his belt and then holds up the vial of fluid. "Father, you may want to take a look at this." Then he turns to Tuck.

"I'm looking for anything to suggest why these bastards are attacking. Goblins are evil, filthy bastards but they usually don't attack strong towns such as this."

He looks around, listening intently for sounds or signs of combat.

Perception Check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Korum reaches for the great axe Tuck had dropped and picks it up before standing, holding it out to the half-orc. "What you've done here is good work, lad. There's no sense in tears or recriminations. These bastards will kill -- and eat -- children. They don't deserve to live."

He turns to look at the others. "I'm not sure our work is yet done. Will you come with me to continue the fight?"

Weejon moves forward to take the vial out of Korum's hand and examines it closely.

Detect Magic.

If not Magical...

Korum shrugs and hands it back. "Swamp water, most like. They probably thought it had mystical properties but they were wrong."

If magical...

Korum looks it over carefully, shifting the fluid back and forth and studying it in the changing light of the fires.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

He shrugs. "It's magical but I can't ascertain what it does exactly. It could heal or do harm."

He hands it back.

After the vial has been dealt with, Weejon looks around. "There are probably people who need my help." He gets ready to go in search of them...

The fluid in the vial is magical, but as you deduced based on your roll, Weejon is unable to determine its nature.

Though the scene has been chaotic, it seems to be quieting down. There are areas lit by fire and the bodies of goblins, animals such as dogs and horses, and the occasional humanoid but for the moment Korum doesn't hear anything especially urgent.

Tuck nods and swallows back his tears. He takes the axe and clears his throat, wiping at his eyes with his other hand.

"I -- I'll help." He stands straight and looks around. "What do we do next?"

Tulip smiles, patting Tuck on the back. "That's the spirit! We all do what we can, right?"

She hurries to pick up her daggers and grab one of the strange blades the goblins carry, just in case. "I'm ready to go now."

The group moves out together to look for help and make their way back across the square where the sounds of crying can be heard. Weejon finds Zantus kneeling beside a woman with a long gash in her leg and moves forward to help.

Korum finds a goblin crouched in the shadows of a building, noisily eating what appears to have once been a family pet. He dispatches it quickly while Tulip and Tuck work to extinguish some flames in a shop.

Just for the sake of expediency, we'll assume that you were all successful in your efforts and did not expend any resources in so doing.

Perception Checks:
Tulip: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Korum: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Weejon: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Tuck: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11

The group is in the middle of their various efforts when suddenly Tulip and Korum hear the sounds of vicious barking followed by a scream of desperate panic. The sounds are from the north but not so far away.

Combat Initiatives:
Tulip Initative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Korum Initative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Weejon Initative: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4
Tuck Initative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Tuck's Mage Armor is still working. Initiative order is: Tuck, Korum, Tulip and Weejon. Map has been emailed out.

Updates based on email and phone conversations.

The party only glanced at each other for a moment before rushing off as one group, running as fast as they each could go to reach the corner street where they'd heard the cries of alarm.

Tuck and Weejon reach the scene first, each seeing the goblin astride a monstrously ugly dog-like creature, growling and cackling. The goblin dog lunged at a large hunting mastiff, teech tearing at its throat. The goblin shrieked a cheer and four more goblins suddenly stepped away from shadows cast by the nearby buildings.

Same initiative as before: Tuck, Korum, Tulip and Weejon. You have one surprise round before the goblins are aware of you. Map has been updated.

On seeing the dog killed by the goblin's monstrous mount, Tuck rushes forward, bringing his greataxe up for a great swing.

Charge Attack on Goblin Dog: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
AC is now 15.

Korum moves as quickly as his short legs will carry him.

Double Move to 9P.

Tulip keeps running forward, especially inspired by Tuck's attack.

Move to 10Q.

Weejon moves forward to be ready to help Tuck, drawing his longspear and holding it at the ready.

Move to 7Q, draw longspear.

Just for the record, you guys were in a surprise round which would normally allow for only one action. Given that everyone has already gone, however, and I don't want to slow this down by a redo, we'll let it pass for now. In the future though, this is something to keep in mind.

The party rushes forward, Tuck in the lead. The half-orc charges forward, raising his axe overhead and brings it down on the goblin dog's neck, cleaving straight through the skin, muscle and bone and tearing the head away in a gout of blood.

Goblin's Ride Check: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

The goblin rider lets out a yell as Tuck appears out of nowhere and throws himself from the saddle as the dog collapses. He nimbly lands on the ground and spins around to look at his attacker.

Round 1.

The goblin tosses aside the bow he carries and draws a long blade, leaping at Tuck with a snarl.

Attack with Horsechopper: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

The blade seems to be aiming directly at the half-orc's heart but suddenly veers away, missing him entirely.

Several other goblins appear and rush the group, screaming threats in goblinese.

The first goblin charges Tuck, striking with one of those strange daggers.

Charge Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

The goblin misses Tuck completely, the blade whistling well away from the half-orc.

A second goblins charges Korum, stabbing out with another of those wicked daggers.

Charge Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Its dagger glances off Korum's armored arm, striking a few sparks in the darkness.

Another goblin appears from the darkness down the lane, yelling with fury and stabbing at Korum.

Charge Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

This goblin is able to strike Korum, leaving a long red scratch on the dwarf's shoulder. 2 hp damage.

The final goblin also moves up to fight, swinging a dirty dagger at Tuck's hip.

Charge Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

The dagger stabs into Tuck's hip, drawing a small gout of blood as the goblin pulls it back. 3 hp damage.

Tuck is up followed by: Korum, Tulip and Weejon.

Tuck gasps as the goblin's dagger stabs into his hip and reflexively turns to bring the greataxe around and attack the same goblin.

Attack on Goblin 3: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
AC is now 17.

The goblin Tuck attacked is struck hard by the greataxe just under the ribs and almost explodes as the sharp blade continues as though unobstructed, spraying the commander with blood. The torn remains of the goblin drops at Tuck's feet.

Korum shifts his hold on the dorn-derger and strikes the goblin standing in front of him.

Attack goblin 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

I made a mistake and forgot to give Weejon an AoO for his long spear. Go ahead and take it when you're ready, Weejon.

The goblin facing Korum dies as the dorn-dergar smashes its head in, stumbling back and landing on the ground, heels drumming against the cobblestones.

Weejon takes the opportunity to stab at the goblin with his spear as it rushes forward.

Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 ⇒ 8
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Weejon's spear thrust misses as the goblin leans out of the way.

Tulip is up.