GM Polygoon |
Navika
Sorry I didn't tell you that there would be a process to being admitted into the lower level to see the awesome library in the House of Blue Stones, involving a check. We'll do that interaction next time.
Navika is led to a small but very impressive library that the general public is welcome to use. While searching for information Navika learns that the Swallowtail Festival is an event to renew the blessings on the site of the new cathedral in Sandpoint. The cathedral has been under construction for four years after the previous church was burnt down.
After some speeches from town dignitaries a thousand colorful swallowtail butterflies, also known as children of Desna, will be realeased, which signifies the start of a very large party.
Krakkagar
A tall muscled woman looks up from her anvil and wipes her brown with her wristband. Aye, Savah Bevaniky is the name. She points over to a rack on the far wall that holds a few bows. Have a look, let me know if there's anything you're interested in.
You look at the rack and find the bow you are looking for, a +1 Strength bonus composite shortbow for 150GP.
Krakkagar |
Krakkagar tries the bow and nods approvingly. "This one will do quite nicely, Miss Savah, thank you!" He digs the coins from his pouch, and hands them over.
He steps outside and realizes that he should head back to the Rusty Dragon and meet up with the rest of the group.
GM Polygoon |
New map location!
Eal leads the group out of Sandpoint into the forested area beyond the gates.
The densely packed trees of the Lurkwood forest begin to thin until a great clearing comes into view. Beyond the forest clearing and past the white stone walkway stand the remains of what must have been once been a striking structure. Only fragments of the northern and southern walls remain, with a walkway leading up from the west.
In the center of this now open edifice is a ten-foot-wide elevated stone platform decorated with various strange runes.
There is a large hill visible through the treeline, and you can see a large cave opening.
At this point you can do whatever you like, if you want to do any checks just roll for it and I'll use it if applicable.
Grognar the Bold |
Grognar stretches out and tries to see if he sees anything out of the ordinary.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Vortok |
Vortok slowly circles the structure in front of them to spot anything strange about the structure, meanwhile keeping an eye out for creatures, goblins and other possible enemies.
perception building: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 + an additional 2 if there is unusual stonework
perception surrounding area: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
if nothing happens, he walks back towards his companions.
Fyfe Holme |
Fyfe paces around the structure with Xilanfur flanking him.
Fyfe Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Xilanfur Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
GM, do you need a marching order or anything while we're exploring?
Navika |
Navika goes up to the platform mindful of any traps. She eyes the various strange runes to see if she knows what their for.
spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
GM Polygoon |
Marching order is up to you, we aren't in combat. I'll generally wait until more than half of the party has posted before posting myself so people have a chance to interact.
Slightly awkward because certain things/secrets/checks rely on positioning. But some posts, like circling the whole platform, make sense too. Let's try it this way. Each post you make is one thing that your character does, and place your character on the map where they would be when that post takes place. This would make sense for a post like Navika's which is more specific, but I don't know where her character would actually be without placement.
Several of you do notice that there are small shadowy figures in the cave mouth. They are pacing around, clearly not noticing you at this distance. They are too busy with whatever they are doing, and it sounds like they are bickering amongst themselves.
Assuming Nakiva steps onto the platform to examine the runes, which she recognizes to be of Thassilonian origin, thanks to her earlier research. She sees a symbol that means Pride, and remembers it to be one of the seven deadly sins. There are images of peacocks carved in relief around the place as well.
You remember that Thassilon is an ancient empire that once occupied these lands, ruled by powerful Runelords that practiced Sin Magic. Their ruins are scattered throughout Varisia.
She does not notice the slight glimmer of the platform as she approaches it.
At the moment Navika appears to be alone on the platform.
A flicker of light encompasses the platform for a moment, only to be replaced by the form of a beautiful middle-aged woman draped in the finest of rune-covered robes. The woman's eyes look out toward the walkway, taking no note of the decay or destruction - her gaze intent on something beyond sight. Without warning, a soothing voice comes from the form as her lips begin to move.
"Servant of the blessed Runelord Xanderghul, I speak on behalf of the mighty lord of this land. As you have come to this place, you no doubt seek the great gifts that mighty Xanderghul has to offer, and they shall be yours. All the great Xanderghul asks in return is your supplication and statement of devotion to the powerful lord of these lands. I await your reply so I may relay it to the great one."
This clearly a recording of some kind. The voice is in an ancient Thassilonian language, but it is a telepathic effect, so that you can understand it.
When you are ready, you may attempt to appease the envoy with praises to the great runelord Xanderghul. Each PC is allowed one attempt with the praises and a DC 16 Bluff or Diplomacy check.. Other PCs may assist in the checks, but they have to also speak praises to the Runelord. Failing the check brings the ire of Xanderghul, and the PC has the Shaken effect for the next minute.
Vortok |
Vortok follows Navika at a distance.
Not going to even try, Diplomacy and Bluff are at minus 3 for me
He shouts towards the rest of the group: "Krakkagar, we have here someone talking about Runelord Xanderghul, any possibility you can tell us who that is?"
Krakkagar |
Krakkagar jogs over to where Navika and Vortok are.
Knowledge(History): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
"Runelord Xanderghul? Can't say that sounds familiar. But if he wants to hear how great he is..."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
"O Great Runelord Xanderghul, we humble travelers have come to this land seeking your knowledge, wisdom and power, known as the greatest in all the world. Please bestow your mighty gifts upon us!
Fantastic. Making some mighty fine rolls there, Krakkagar. Real nice Barding.
Vortok |
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Can we please Xanderghul by sacrificing the worthless bard? ;)
Hearing how Krakkagor somehow managed to work in an insult in his compliments, Vortok decides to slowly walk away from the bard.
Eal Longwalker |
Eal moves up the North side of the ruins, bow at the ready, alert for anything odd or dangerous.
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Fyfe Holme |
Fyfe and Xilanfur stand next to Vortok.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2
"O Great Runelord Xanderghul.. er, never mind."
Perhaps Navika would fare better with diplomacy? Though the way we're all rolling, the cat might do better. ;)
GM Polygoon |
Krakkagar and Fyfe are not successful in their attempt to appease the Thassilonian envoy. The projection seems to sneer at them and emits a flash of white light.
Will save please, Karakkagar and Fyfe
DC15 - If fail then you have the Shaken condition applied to you, caused by the envoys withering contempt.
You may try again in one hour of game time
Eal looks around and finds it to be a lovely day, but a bit strange that it is so quiet.
Fyfe Holme |
Will Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Fyfe learns a valuable lesson about jokingly trying to appease angry envoys.
Krakkagar |
Will Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Krakkagar almost learns a valuable lesson about being a smart-ass to mystical projections. Instead he decides that he just didn't lay the praise on thick enough.
Navika |
Here goes nothing.
Powerful servant of the blessed Runelord Xanderghul, I gracefully ask you to relay my following. We seek your guidance and your mighty gifts. We devote ourselves to the great one.
diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 15
so. I don't have access to my sheet atm but I'm pretty sure I have 0 in diplo. But someone can aid me for a +2 to mine and we'd just be over the DC.
Fyfe Holme |
Here goes nothing.
Powerful servant of the blessed Runelord Xanderghul, I gracefully ask you to relay my following. We seek your guidance and your mighty gifts. We devote ourselves to the great one.
[Dice=diplomacy]1d20
so. I don't have access to my sheet atm but I'm pretty sure I have 0 in diplo. But someone can aid me for a +2 to mine and we'd just be over the DC.
Navika, due to your high Charisma score, you get a +4 on diplomacy checks, so that would be a 19.
Fyfe Holme |
Fyfe and Xilanfur walk toward the set of ruins in back.
Fyfe Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Xilanfur Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
GM Polygoon |
And Navika succeeds!
The projection of the Thassilonian envoy smiles upon Navika and almost looks releived. Another flash of light, and then the projection vanishes. At the center of the platform now sits a small table, and on it a Ring of Feather Falling.
The ring with automagically resize itself to fit whoever tried to wear it.
Eal is very much aware that the goblin arguments have stopped and that in the distance they are looking towards the projection platform, seeing the party. At the second flash of light they start shouting loudly and pointing at you, drawing bows, and nasty looking knives, and tripping over each other in a rush to get to the party.
Fyfe both you and the cat will roll initiative and you control both in the same turn, choosing which initiative score to use.
We are now in Combat. Movement restricted to your move stat per the combat rules and ranges count. The squares are 5 feet.
Krakkagar Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Fyfe Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Xilanfur Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Navika Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Vortok Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Eal Initiative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Grognar Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Goblins Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Initiative result turn order:
Xilanfur
Krakkagar
Eal
Goblins
Grognar
Vortok
Navika
Fyfe
Feel free to discuss tactical options on what to do if needed.
Grognar the Bold |
seeing as I couldn't do anything yesterday could I still move with Vortok and Eal?
Grognar walks with Vortok and Eal holding his axe ready watching the movement of those in the cave entrance.
if I can't anymore Ill move back to I1 and spend my turn running forward
So trying to regroup around Xilanfur or just go for it? To keep in character I would charge as soon as possible while still trying to get to its side and leaving space for ranged attacks.
GM Polygoon |
Grognar, yes that's fine.
For all, if you could please list the square you start from and end in when you move that would help greatly.
The goblins are screaming at your group. They are speaking the goblin language, but you don't need a Language check to know that they are unhappy with you.
Vortok |
I am going to try and regroup with Navika, as she is carrying my mage armor wand, and I can use a +4 armor save before going toe to toe with goblins. I would advice you Grognar to let the goblins get closer before attacking.
GM questions: Do the trees and/or ruins give us and the goblins cover? and can I run through/under the trees? (run as in 4 times movement in straight line)
Navika |
damn. I knew I shouldve put those two buffs on us. I'll move when I get home but I'll head towards Vortok to put his buff on. I'll pick up and put on the ring before leaving the platform.typing from my phone sucks and I even have a niceish one.
Krakkagar |
GM question: How raised up is the platform? Would it give the ranged fighters the ability to fire over the melee fighters?
Strategy question: I have 7 rounds of Bardic Performance per day, should I use some now or does everyone think I should save it for whatever the big thing is?
Vortok |
Save it for the bigger fight, or at least for when we are in close combat with more than three goblins.
Also, you are roughly 150 feet away from those goblins with trees and ruins in the way, I don't think a shot will be very likely to hit .
Strategy: I suggest for now we hide behind the bushes/bunch of trees next to Fyfe, and wait for the goblins to come closer with our weapons drawn.
GM Polygoon |
Fair warning, I come from a tabletop wargaming background so I love maps and squares.
Reading the book to find more info, but my first thoughts are:
Single trees: The trunks are brown circles placed on corners and the four squares around them grant cover if the trunk is between part of your square and part of the shooter's. Movement is free through the tree squares.
Tree Groups grant cover while on a square with trees. Movement is impeded through the trees per Difficult Terrain rules in the Hampered Movement document.
Krakkagar that platform is not very tall, not tall enough to grant a bonus to hit
Composite ShortBow Range is 70feet
Krakkagar |
Yeah, sorry, I didn't explain myself well. I meant that if we're letting them come to us, they'd be within bow range from the platform and was wondering if it was high enough to give us any benefit. If so, Vortok, Fyfe, Xilanfur and Grognar could engage and try to maneuver so that Eal, Navika and myself could attack from the platform and get a flanking and higher ground bonus to our attacks.
Vortok |
I assume it will be more difficult for goblins to hit the guys on the platform with melee attacks. You are still open for ranged attacks of course. It sounds good, the ranged characters on the platform, and the rest on the ground.
Fyfe Holme |
Just a reminder, Goblin is one of Fyfe's known languages, so whenever he's close enough he should be able to understand what they're saying (probably something involving killing and smashing at this point).
I can try an Entangle spell on the goblins when they're closer and out in the grasses, which will at least hinder any that fail a reflex save and make them easier to attack. Entangle hits at up to 400ft and has a 40ft radius. I'll leave it to the GM to decide if there are any thorny plants which can possibly inflict damage.
The downsides are that Fyfe flubbed his initiative and has to go last, and anyone who moves into the affected area for melee would need to make a reflex save as well.
Xilanfur will attack the nearest goblin or other hostile creature without direct command.
GM Polygoon |
Ah yes, thanks for reminding me
Fyfe understands the goblins as they scream at the party. They are shouting terrible things about your family members and how they want to kill your dog in nasty ways. They are too stupid to know that it is a leopard.
We kila yoo! You make the queen mad! Kila kilayoo! Wolfboy kilayoo! The big bugga boss kila yoo! All we killa yoo doggy! The queen go flashy, she say kila yoo face! We Black Fang tribe, we kilayooo! and they keep repeating different versions of that.
Wow so 40 foot RADIUS, that means a big circle with a diameter of 80ft? Wild. These guys have so few HP you might as well get some target practice, you won't need the thorns with as many people as you have.
Navika |
2 options for me. i can do a double move starting in I16 and end up in Q11. then on my next turn i can buff Vortok with his wand and then the next turn i can buff myself and then the next turn i can finally attack. OR- I can move regular, buff myself. next round, either move to Vortok and buff or if he's moved to me, buff and attack. 1st option takes 4 rounds before i can attack, second only does 3.(wish these didnt take my attack up, of course it would've helped if we'd buffed when we got here..)
Krakkagar |
Krakkagar draws his bow, nocks an arrow and waits for the Goblins to come in range. "Well, my friends, let's hope these Goblins aren't hiding an evil, unable-to-stop-talking-about-how-great-she-is cleric back there!"
Fyfe Holme |
Fyfe has one hand on the hilt of his scimitar, the other hand holding the Wand of Entanglement.
School transmutation; Level druid 1, ranger 1
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, DF
Range long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
Area plants in a 40-ft.-radius spread
Duration 1 min./level (D)
Saving Throw: Reflex partial; see text; Spell Resistance: no
This spell causes tall grass, weeds, and other plants to wrap around creatures in the area of effect or those that enter the area. Creatures that fail their save gain the entangled condition. Creatures that make their save can move as normal, but those that remain in the area must save again at the end of your turn. Creatures that move into the area must save immediately. Those that fail must end their movement and gain the entangled condition. Entangled creatures can attempt to break free as a move action, making a Strength or Escape Artist check. The DC for this check is equal to the DC of the spell. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the effect lasts.
If the plants in the area are covered in thorns, those in the area take 1 point of damage each time they fail a save against the entangle or fail a check made to break free. Other effects, depending on the local plants, might be possible at GM discretion.
Xilanfur squats low in the grass and snorts at the goblins.
Vortok |
Navika, I do not think we need to buff ourselves that much, as we are 6 against 3, we should be able to handle that. It is possible they are dead before round 4. Just make sure you stay behind us, then they will need to pass through us to hit you.
My initiative is behind that of the goblins, so I will wait until they have moved, and see where they are going and run that way.
Eal Longwalker |
Eal retreats 30 feet north, to the southwest corner of the platform. He keeps his bow at the ready.
from R14 to L14
"Remember tracks! Will be more goblins in cave!"
Grognar the Bold |
I'll wait on the goblins but will probably intercept them and smash them in front of the platform
Grognar smash, Grognar bash
GM Polygoon |
The goblins continue yelling as they advance towards you, and the commotion attracts the attention of some of their buddies. One of them moves quickly like a grey streak. You can see that it is a goblin with brushed back oily hair riding a wolf.
The goblins act in what you know is their usual level of coordination. They all go in their own directions.
For the new players, some of the goblins are running, which in light armor means up to 4 times their speed value, but only in a straight line, including diagonally. More info available Here
Goblin 1
run diagonal
w37-n28
Goblin 2
run diagonal
x37-r31
Goblin 3
run
y37-y22
Goblin 6
Double Move
y41-x35
Goblin 7
Double Move
z41-y35
Wolfboy(mounted on wolf)
Run
AA41-AA19
Vortok |
Vortok sees the goblins coming from all sides.
"We should stay close to the temple wall, the less chance they have to flank us" he shouts to his comrades while moving towards the temple ruins.
r12 to m16, 35ft for a double move action
Navika, may I suggest you move to L17? There the goblins can't get to you in close combat without at least one attack from us, and with shooting I think we give you some cover, but this is up to the GM.
Eal and Grognar, may I also suggest to regroup close to Fyfe and mine position ?
Fyfe Holme |
So it looks like if I cast Entanglement at V24, that should snag every goblin except the guy in N28, but he'll be in range of both Krakkagar and Xilanfur. Eal can shoot at the guys down below, and Grognar might even be able to do a melee attack on the wolf-rider without getting caught in the spell's range.
Thoughts?
Eal Longwalker |
Eal moves between Fyfe and Vortok, and shoots at the Goblin to the southeast. Then he nocks another arrow.
L14 to M17, targeting Goblin #3 in Y22
attack: 1d20 + 1 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 3 + 2 = 13
damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
range is 70 feet, I think, so no range penalty. Is there a penalty for the goblin's size, or just an increase to his AC?
GM Polygoon |
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I went ahead and put the goblin character sheet on the map so you folks help me resolve this stuff properly. Goblin AC is 16 which I am guessing would already include the +1 size bonus to AC listed here.
Eal's shot misses. The goblin screams and covers his head with his hands, checking to see if his ears are still there.
Grognar the Bold |
Grognar moves from S15 to M20.Double move 45ft Might want to move the cat so I can charge when they are close enough
Grognar looks at all the goblins coming at them and starts getting a giant grin on his face.
He races to the front of the group ready to smash little gobbies.
Eal Longwalker |
Eal takes another shot at the same goblin, and then nocks another arrow.
attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
"Can't see dogrider yet!"
GM Polygoon |
It is now Vortok's turn. I moved the goblins before Eal could go, so I just went with tht attack. Eal will need to wait until next round to attack again.
Initiative result turn order:
Xilanfur moved
Krakkagar moved
Eal attacked
Goblins moved
Grognar moved
Vortok
Navika
Fyfe
Vortok |
I will delay my action until Navika has finished her turn, but even then it probably will be moving 5 feet or so to protect Navika en Eal a bit better.
This means that for the rest of the fight, my initiative is now below that of Navika
Question, which goblins have bows drawn, and which melee weapons ?
GM Polygoon |
I'll mark it on the map.
Navika's turn next.