GM Helio's Ballad of the Stolen Lands

Game Master Helio

To close to throw anything else. He couldn't let Hadin get flanked if he could avoid it ether. He tosses a bolt of magic at the formerly bleeding bandit.

Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"Now you just had a scrap with death, be a good boy and surrender or you'll have a second meeting."

Dmitri narrowly avoided a horrible blow from largest orc. After delivering a devastating strike, Dmitri readies himself and thrusts his sword once more!

Going once more after the orc!
Bastard Sword + Inspire + Bless - Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 1 + 1 - 1 = 151d10 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 8

Thomas moves up slightly, and tries another shot at the longbow guy.

attack: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

only to send his arrow off into the wild blue yonder.

I see the RNG still hates me. :(

If the bandit doesn't flee, Hadin will try to stop him.

If he runs away, the holy warrior will join forces with Dimitri

Flail: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Dmg: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

In both case, he's unsuccessful in dealing a blow.

Stepping back from Hadin only makes for a better target for Kareta.

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Meanwhile, Eshie rushes to attack the other bandit still covering the paladin.

Charging Bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
grab: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Tyanos strikes the bandit with a handful of arcane magic, sending the recovering bandit staggering backward. He shoots a glance at the big orc, grimaces, and turns back to face the fight.

Meanwhile, Thomas continues to have a spot of bad luck with his bow and the wind. Perhaps he'd somehow offended Gozreh, or maybe Desna was busy spreading luck elsewhere, but the results of either were evident... Hadin, too, has similar problems as he raises his flail for another strike and his target scoots out of the path of his attack.

The Big Orc takes a great step to the side, trapping Dmitri between himself and his compatriot as he raises his axe high and returns the nigh-deadly blow with vicious precision. Blood flies from Dmitri's shoulder as the staggering blow nearly decapitates him... The orc howls a brutish war cry of victory as he turns to face the next target of his bestial fury--Hadin.

Dmitri takes 22(!) damage
I believe this drops you unless you have some crazy trick up your sleeve ;.;

With the bandits rallying behind the sucess, Kareta wastes no time putting down the healing bandit with an arrow between the eyes. Eshie scurries back across the battlefield, coming up behind the other bandit engaging Hadin and leaping into a grapple with the man.

The grappled bandit frantically slaps at his arm with his blade, trying to remove the ferret by force. The blow grazes Eshie's snout, but does little to detach the ferocious little (giant) ferret.

Eshie takes 4 damage!

The sole other bandit standing (aside from Big Orc) leaps down from the temple stairs and starts running, but slips on the vast quantity of blood pouring over the steps. He lands facefirst, cracking his jaw hard against a rock.

Bandit takes 4 points of self-esteem damage and is now prone!

Round 3 Tyanos is up!
Ini Order: Brycen, Thomas, Hadin, Big Orc, Kareta, Dmitri, Eshie, Bandits, Tyanos

"Geez what is with these suicidal bandits. First Sneeg now you guys. Everyone kill the orc, he's too stupid to surrender and the others believe he can actually win."

Tyanos had not missed the look the bandits gave, fear overcame sense in the spineless he supposed. He hoped Thomas would get to Dmitri. He supposed now was not the time to be conservative. Still he could not be reckless ether.

Magic Missile vs Orc: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

He sends another bit of magic at the orc but backs away from the fighting all the same. Just in case any of them tried to get smart or foolish.

Cut down in his prime, Dmitri drops to his knees struggling to hold the weight from his bastard sword. In mere seconds, the great axe pulls back from the warrior's shoulder and leaves Dmitri in a large pool of blood upon the temple's stairs.

Dmitri is down!

Oh god this is running again and I forgotted and me sorry

Brycen couldn't believe the sight; his comrade nearly decapitated as the axe enters and exits his shoulder. The dwarf is used to seeing violent acts acted upon things that deserve them, but this was different. This was his friend, his comrade, now beaten and near death. For the moment his heart sank, until his rage quickly peaked as he clenched his hammer's handle with a vice grip. The dwarf daggers his eyes onto the orc with extreme bloodlust as he taunts him to come to toward himself.

"'EY YAH F++*IN' PIGLET!" he calls out to the orc, "YER AS PRITTY ASN' ELF EATIN PIGSHIT! GIT OVAH HERE AND SHUT ME UP UNLESS YA EGO IS AS TINY ASER TUSKS"

Brycen is challenging the orc and readies an action!

Hope everyone had a good holiday! (Be it the great day of turkey or the day of infinite sales that you choose to celebrate.)

A blast of Tyanos's magic strikes the orc, leaving a scorch mark across his chest. The brute howls in disapproval--then doubles in volume as Brycen shares a bit of dwarven wisdom.

The big orc grabs a flask off his belt--a container you're fairly sure is made from bone--and chugs the contents down before tossing it aside. He grunts, grabs the mostly-lifeless body of Dmitri off the floor, and starts plodding down the temple's stairs with a human shield in front of him...

Round 4 Thomas and Hadin still have actions, Kareta and Eshie are up!
Ini Order: Brycen, Thomas, Hadin, Big Orc, Kareta, Dmitri, Eshie, Bandits, Tyanos

Flail, Bless: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 1 = 21
Dmg: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Hadin manages to hit the bandit, but the blow isn't lethal..maybe the paladin was wary hitting Eschie.

I am going to call foul on the DM, you can't draw a potion and drink it then pick up a person and walk down the stairs in a single round. More like 2 rounds maybe.

Skip the walking part then, I guess. But what's the effect of holding Dmitri like that?

As Eshie continues chewing on his target, Kareta lowers her bow And begins chanting a spell, her eyes blazing in anger as they lock on the Orc holding Dmitri.

Bite: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 +1 Con damage from Blood Drain.
Grapple: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

I figured a standard to drink, move to pick up a helpless creature, and a 5-footer as he trucks forward. As for mechanically, he's now carrying a squishy tower shield to block pesty magic missiles. He is unaware that this is entirely pointless. He is not bright.

Travelling now, real post tonight.

At a little bit of a loss of what to do, Thomas drops his bow, and gripping his quarterstaff, he moves up behind Hadin.

The inheritor, has not forsaken you yet.

Casting Magic Weapon on Hadin. Sorry Dimitri, not going to kill myself to keep you up, which is what would happen if I tried to help you right now.

Unless he has a certain type of item, spring loaded wrist sheath for example, it cost a move action to retrieve a stored item. Even if it's on your belt, it's not a weapon after all. Silly orc ;)

Get rid of the prone guy, and I'll have Eshie let go of that other sucker next round. Kareta will do what she can to save Dimitri. I've got a surprise coming for that jerk next round.

Anything is a weapon if you try hard enough! (Seriously though, I always forget that it's not actually free to pull something of your belt that isn't a weapon. All my other games ignore that nonsense. I mean, sure, a backpack... I digress.) In any case, too late now. Just pretend he's Hulk levels of angry so he got a free move action in there and I don't have to revise anything.

The bandit squirms away from Eshie, but only manages to get half-clunked over the head with a freshly-enchanted flail and get bitten again. Worse, he seems unable to shake the stubborn ferret. He staggers on his feet, barely conscious.

The other one picks himself up off the ground, but remains at the base of the temple stairs to wait for the orc.

Round 4 Dmitri needs to make a stabilization check, and Tyanos is up!
Ini Order: Brycen, Thomas, Hadin, Big Orc, Kareta, Dmitri, Eshie, Bandits, Tyanos

Dmitri Stabilization: 1d20 ⇒ 16 I think I made it?

Tyanos keeps backing away while throwing out some more magic.

Magic Missile vs Orc: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"It's magic, meat head, nothing you can do but surrender or die. Your choice."

@Dmitri-Yep, stable. For now.

The orc continues to plod down to the base of stairs, growling his disapproval at Tyanos as another arcane bolt strikes him--ignoring his meaty shield entirely. As the orc takes up arm beside his sole standing ally (aside from the man being mauled by the ferret, of course), he stares Tyanos down to make a throat-cutting motion... across Dmitri's neck. As bold as he may be, even Tyanos must admit that something about it unnerves him...

Tyanos is demoralized and becomes shaken for 2 rounds!

Round 5 Brycen, Thomas, and Hadin all still have their actions! Kareta and Eshie are up!
Ini Order: Brycen, Thomas, Hadin, Big Orc, Kareta, Dmitri, Eshie, Bandits, Tyanos

flail, Bless: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 1 = 15
Dmg: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Hadin tries once again to put the bandit down, fearing for the life of Dimitri

Tyanos has been back peddling for multiple turns. Demoralizing has a 30 foot range. Dummy orc has wasted his action sense he is out of range. :)

This is what I get for being too lazy to make maps for things, I completely missed your backing up. Clearly what the orc meant was Hadin, who is totally within 30 feet of our not-so-friendly and not-so-smart orc. Hadin is shaken for 2 rounds (but not this past action since it came before the orc acted).

Thomas looks at the orc, and grins slightly looks down at his sword.

Sick him boy

He then waits for sword to come back to him where he grabs is in his right hand, and then backs up from beside Hadin.

attack: 1d20 + 0 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 0 + 2 = 10
BAB,INT Mod
damage: 1d8 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7

Standard=Hand of the Apprentice, Move=Back up

Kareta finishes her spell, causing a Six-foot-long centipede to appear nearby, which silently creeps towards the Orc. Raising her bow once more, she aims carefully and fires a shot at the Orc.

"Erastil, please let me protect him!"

longbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

If Hadin's attack finished off that bandit, Eshie moves with the Centipede towards the Orc. If it didn't, he bites again:

bite: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
grapple: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Centipede Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

With another resounding crack of his flail against his foe, the bandit before Hadin collapses into the dirt. The big orc grimaces at the sight of yet another of his men falling, but this doesn't prevent him from sidestepping a flying sword thrown in his direction...

Right into the path of Kareta's arrow. Threading the needle and missing the human shield hefted in front of him, the arrow plants itself firm in the orc's gut. Eshie, meanwhile, leaps off his meal and charges at the orc. A firm boot to the ferret's face knocks him away, doing little more than hurting the beast's pride. Fortunately, he doesn't seem to notice the big ol' bug crawling up the side of the stairs...

Not wanting to break formation with his boss, the sole standing [generic] bandit raises his blade against said ferret, slicing across Eshie's flank as he draws back for another stike.

Eshie take 5 points of damage!

Round 5 Tyanos is up again, followed by the top of the order! Can I go a round without mucking something up? Only time will tell!
Ini Order: Brycen, Thomas, Hadin, Big Orc, Kareta, Dmitri, Eshie, Bandits, Tyanos

Things were going as expected. The orc was still being the fool but he still had their comrade. He waits for the right moment, his magic was reaching the limit for his more powerful spells.

"Oh look I was right. Two left and one is already half dead. I almost have pity for you. But your not begging, so you can keep dying.

Delaying my action.

Amazing what watching the big scary guy take an arrow to the gut does for one's confidence. :)

Thomas looks at the orc again.

Ah, you really should have surrendered when you could have. Get him again boy

His sword launches itself across the distance between him and the orc, and then returns to him.

attack: 1d20 + 0 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 0 + 2 = 17
BAB,INT
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

he then backs up to maintain 30 feet between him and the orc.

Can Hadin move and strike the orc, or is he too far to get into melee? How far?

You can definitely close and attack in one move.

Hadin rushes to the attack, flail in hand

Flail: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Dmg: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

But in his haste, he misses completly, and nearly kills Dimitri!

Tyanos mocks the brute of an orc just enough to distract him away from the flying blade thrown his way. End-over-end Tyanos's longsword carves a path through the orc's arm before returning to his hand. Hadin rushes across the field, using the opportunity to end the fight with a final blow--but has to halt his charge as the orc swing Dmitri around as a shield.

With a furious howl, he drops the bloody Rostlander and heaves his axe up in one smooth motion. The motion back down, however, is far less smooth--perhaps his wounds were finally getting to him! The grim orc glares at Hadin through blackened eyes, his intent to end the paladin unmistakable.

Round 6 Kareta, etc., are up!
Ini Order: Brycen, Thomas, Hadin, Big Orc, Kareta, Dmitri, Eshie, Bandits, Tyanos

The Centipede rears up and lunges at the Orc from behind while Eshie attacks from the front.

Centipede Bite: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
damage: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5

Eshie Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

As the animals struck, Kareta fires at the bandit that attacked Eshie
Longbow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Thomas glares at the orc as he sends his now bloody longsword after the orc.

hand of the Apprentice: 1d20 + 0 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 0 + 2 = 11
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

If this hits (unlikely) and the orc drops, I will follow up with a move to Dimitri, if not, I will remain where I am.

Flail: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Dmg: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Hadin presses the attack on, calling the orc's attention so Dimitri can be saved

By Erastil, your foul actions end today, orc! Take my life if you can, I'll bring you down because it's my duty to the innocent and the weak!

The orc gets caught between a springing centipede and a furious ferret, swinging his blade in a desperate attempt to fend off one--and succeeding only halfway as the centipede's fangs sink it his leg. He growls even as a arrow flies past him to stick in the shoulder of his companion. The bandit shrugs off the attack to swing his blade at Eshie, scoring yet another hit!

Eshie takes 3 damage!

Not to be deterred by the bloody battle, Tyanos hefts his blade with telekinetic energy and throws it back across the battlefield, narrowly missing the orc... but putting him right in the path of Hadin's flail! The rough brute takes a good clunk on the head, but spits blood between his tusks as he returns the attack in full force!

The brutal blow strikes hard, rending through Hadin's mail to spill a river of blood from the paladin's side...

Hadin takes 14(!) damage.

Round 7 Kareta et. al. are up again and Tyanos has yet to declare his delayed or R6 actions.
Ini Order: Brycen, Thomas, Hadin, Big Orc, Kareta, Dmitri, Eshie, Bandits, Tyanos

Apparently this green blooded fool was half roach.

"Oh just die already or is it that even the boneyard does not want you."

He flings more magical bolts at him.

Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Ok I just remembered a few things cause I find it odd. Half orcs can't last more then 1 round after hitting 0 hp. If it is a full orc, regardless of anything he takes 1 hp damage every round sense hitting 0 hp. How can he keep taking all this damage?

The orc staggers as yet another bolt of arcane energy pierces through him. He spits blood, but will not fall. He stares at the sorcerer across the battlefield, hate in his eyes. "Death is glory! But you will die beneath the Stag's heel like the coward you are!"

Oh he is so very full-blooded orc. =)

Round 7 Kareta et. al. are up again.
Ini Order: Brycen, Thomas, Hadin, Big Orc, Kareta, Dmitri, Eshie, Bandits, Tyanos

Tyanos draws his crossbow and he fires at the annoying orc.

"It's nonsense like that which is why your dying and I'm perfectly fine. Get your glory, I'll get a drink tonight."

Crossbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 181d8 ⇒ 3

Orc needs to take a Fort save against Centipede venom, too

Flail: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Dmg: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Hadin stands his ground, but it's obvious the last blow was nearly fatal.

He glances at Dimitri, and finds renewed courage, or at least acceptance of his own possible death, striking back at the orc, hoping this will be the death blow..

Ooh, right, I forgot those little buggers were venomous. Doesn't matter though...

The orc takes a bolt through his shoulder, grimacing as more blood sputters from his lips. He tries to lift his blade, but a swift swing from Hadin's flail knocks all remaining strength from him. The orc staggers down to a knee, staring hate into the eyes of his killers. "To eternal, bloody glory..." He collapses into a heap, a river of blood spilling down to join that of Hadin and Dmitri.

The sole surviving bandit glances around the battlefield, then gulps as he takes a few steps backward. "Perhaps we can, uh, talk about this?"

I don't think this one fellow is going to pose much problem, so you're out of Initiative and may act as normal.

Thomas seeing the orc fall, rushes to Dmitri's aid, keeping both blade and quarterstaff in hand to ensure that the last bandit doesn't try anything.

bless: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Burning bless for CLW on Dimitri

I am out of healing spells for now.
Will channel when we are not going to get bandits at the same time.:(

Tyanos looks at the bandit.

"Run and I won't think twice about shooting you in the back. I got plenty of bolts and magic that doesn't miss. If you want to surrender then throw down your weapons and let one of my comrades tie you up. Otherwise it's going to be a very short conversation. I'm reasonable, not gullible if that point has been clearly made already."

He aims his crossbow at the bandit and readies to fire at the first dumb move. Keeping his eyes on the bandit he addresses the other bandit that helped them but did not fight, he would remember that.

"Miko you can come out now. Happs go tend to your lady, if she's hurt bring her up here. Their should be a priest with her too by the name of Jhod, he is one of ours so take it easy and bring him up too."

The battle was won but he was not going to let his guard down. Not until they had everything lined up and things were in order.

The bandit wastes no time in dropping his sword and though he looks a little uncomfortable submitting himself to being tied up, he makes no effort to resist.

Happs emerges from the treeline and bounds up the stairs two at a time, shouldering open the ramshackle door of the temple. He returns a few minutes later with Illana draped over his shoulder. A few tattered rags cover her form but do little to hide the signs of abuse. She hobbles forward, barely conscious. Jhod follows close behind, though he looks in even worse shape.

Miko, however, offers absolutely no response to Tyanos's call. In fact, a quick glance into the bushes reveals that he's gone.

Hadin will offer his help, healing Dimitri, Iliana (taking care to put his hand on a decent place and not daring to watch her exposed flesh too close) and Jhod

Lay on hand, Dimitri: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Lay on hand, Iliana: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Lay on hand, Jhod: 1d6 ⇒ 4

If Dimitri is still down, he will try to heal him again. If he's awake, Hadin will heal Eschie, disregarding his own wounds
Lay on hand, Dimitri or Eschie: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Dmitri coughs a glob of wet coagulated blood as his body stirs to motion. Though barely visible, a sizable wound marked much of his armor. Had it not been the curative powers of his teammates, Dmitri would have made a permanent stay in the boneyard. Slowly rolling to the side, Dmitri pushes himself up, and staggers to where his teammates stood.

"I'm back...meaning that we've won, huh?" he said through gritted teeth. As he struggled to regain his footing, Dmitri noticed the condition of the battleground and was glad. "Better us than them..."

If the halfling was smart he would keep running until the river kingdoms was half a world away. If he ever saw the little coward, well he could be very unreasonable as well. For good measure he would drop the halflings name to the right ears. If he stayed in the river kingdoms he would not be welcome by bandits or anyone else. You don't break the freedoms without paying for it.

"Well I think we deserve a short break before we head back. Granted we should make it back before nightfall."

He leaves it at that, still keeping alert with his crossbow as he walks over to the tied up bandit.

"So would you like to talk? Your friend Miko did and we spared him. Sadly he made the wrong choice of running after helping us. Now I can't protect him from the law or everyone else for that matter. Oathbreakers don't last in the river kingdoms, if the people don't get you the land itself seems to finish the job on mere principle. Funny how that works, like a curse of fate for offending her."