GM Ragged's Keep on the Unknown Borderlands

Game Master waynemarkstubbs

Dai Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Opalia Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Nogrogomed Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Lucian Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Finn Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Ichabod Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Garrun Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Nogrogomed spots something - several multi-legged somethings - creeping through the trees to the east.

"Creepy crawlies coming in from the east! Perhaps those of delicate dispositions should stand back"
I hate creepy crawlies. Must appear brave however...

If permitted, Nogrogomed will take the following actions:
Standard: Cast Lead Blades
Swift: Use one point of Mental Focus to activate Sudden Speed (+30 Move for one minute)
Move Action: To place himself between the crawlies and the rest of the party (not a full move, just enough to put him in front)

Everyone can take a single action before we go into initiative because of the warning. So Nog above can cast and speed himself, but not move.

Coming through the low branches of the trees, their bodies hideously bloated and their multiple eyes glinting in the evening light, are a number of man-sized spider cretures. Their chitinous legs click obscenely as they come, and venom drips from their clacking mandibles.

If you choose to move as part of your single action, then note that any square with that is completely full of greenery is difficult terrain, so you can't run, charge or 5' step into it, and it costs 2 squares of movement. You *can* move through the trees - you don't have to stick to the path.

Lucian readies his blade against the approaching spiders.

Readied Shortsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 - Potential Crit
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Confirm Readied Shortsword?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Extra Damage?: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

You're not in combat yet - but people were asking if they had time to prepare, cast spells etc. However, if you like you can keep that roll for the first round of actual combat.

Will do. May need to be adjusted for what actually happens in Round 1. (i.e if I don't have to move, both swords would be swung, if I have a flank etc.)

Temporary AC 17

Ichabod hurls a hurried acid dart at the closest spider.

1d20 ⇒ 19 Ranged Touch

1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Acid dart

Quick as thought Dai fires his readied arrow at one of the approaching spiders.

Attack-ranged: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Guys, I may be mistaken but I believe the idea is that we get 1 action before the spiders are spotted. Meaning it can't be an attack as we haven't spotted the threat yet.

At Lucian's warning, Garrun moves toward the man, preparing to bestow the Lord in Iron's blessing.

So we know they are coming but cannot see them yet - except for Nogrogomed?

Opalia looks around to the masked half-orc and then casts a spell in the direction he is looking. A pale glowing humanoid appears inside the trees, unmoving and silent.

Cast dancing lights to create a single light source in the trees.

Oh, well if that is the case, then Dai will still have his weapon readied

Finnick nudges Mr Scruffles forward to a spot that gives the brave duo a clearer path towards the eight legged predators. "There's a lot of webbing on the ground buddy so we might need to change some tactics here." Finnick whispers as he draws his Slingstaff instead. "Beware their poison." He mouths to his companions.

Danger Ward to companions within 30ft (Fortitude). At any point within the next minute if anyone fails a Fortitude roll, as an immediate action they can reroll with a +4 competence bonus.

The spiders come clicking through the trees, their hungry eyes glinting.

Because the spiders are climbing through the tree branches, they have partial concealment (20%) miss chance, so please roll d% if you are making an attack roll, and you miss on a roll of 1-20. I'll make those rolls now for Ichabod's and Dai's attacks.

Ichabod's Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 23
Dai's Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 32

Ichabod's acid dart ricochet's off a tree branch and only just hits the lead spider, while Dai's arrow is a cleaner shot, thudding into its abdomen. It gives a high-pitched shriek, and charges forward.

Dai Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Opalia Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Nogrogomed Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Lucian Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Finn Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Ichabod Initiative: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19
Garrun Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Spider1 Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Spider2 Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Spider3 Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Spider4 Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

One of the bloated spiders drags its body through the branches, and now looms in the tree above Finn and Scruffles.

Rotation:

Spider3
Opalia - Can Post
Ichabod - Can Post
Lucian - Can Post
Finn - Can Post
Spider1
Spider4
Garrun
Spider2
Dai
Nogrogomed

Lucian steps forward and stabs at the spider looming above Finn.

Assuming I am interpreting things correctly, the square I am 5 ft stepping into is only half-green, it is not difficult terrain. Please use the rolls above (with a -2 adjustment) for the Right sword (reposted below).

Right Shortsword: 1d20 + 6 -2 (above) ⇒ (19) + 6 -2 (above) = 23 - Potential Crit
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Confirm Right Shortsword?: 1d20 + 6 -2 (above)⇒ (9) + 6 -2 (above) = 13
Extra Damage?: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Left Shortsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Again, please roll miss chances when attacking spiders in trees. I'll do that now for Lucian

Lucian Left Sword Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 88
Lucian Right Sword Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 100

Lucian steps forward and plunges both swords into the bulging thorax of the spider in the tree above Finn. There is a spray of ichor and a warbling scream as both blades press home.

Ichabod steps forward, and lashes out with his spiked chain at the spider in front of him.

1d100 ⇒ 78 Miss Chance

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12Spiked Chain

2d4 - 2 ⇒ (2, 2) - 2 = 2 Spike hole

"Damn these things move fast! Evasive maneuvers Mr Scruffles!" Finnick yells as he takes a swing at the legs of the beast with his Slingstaff.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 70
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Mr Scruffles tries to take a bite at one of the legs to throw the creature off balance too.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 19
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Ichabod lashes out with his chain, but narrowly misses the many-legged creature, while Finn and Scruffles lack the height to get a good blow.

Opalia aims for the further spider (no.1) hidden among the branches. The shot slips between the branches and impacts on the furry body with a thud.

arrow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20, 1d8 ⇒ 5, 1d100 ⇒ 100

The spider with Opalia's arrow in it leaps furiously down into the clearing before regaining the treetops. It scuttles forward, and lunges towrds Garrun with its dripping fangs.

Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

But the young man easily dodges away. Meanwhile, another of the creatures moves through the trees to the south, looking to flank the group.

Rotation:

Spider3
Opalia
Ichabod
Lucian
Finn
Spider1
Spider4
Garrun - Can Post
Spider2
Dai - Can Post
Nogrogomed - Can Post

Brushing aside the spider's attack with his shield, Garrun beseeches Gorum to guide his hand before ramming his blade into the overgrown vermin's vulnerable abdomen.

Swift Action : Activate Strength Surge Blessing
Standard Action : Attack Spider 1

Longsword - PA, SS: 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 6 - 1 + 1 = 19
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 64
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8

"Edges spread out, don't let them flank us!"

”Dėl randų ir šlovės”

*pokes Dai*

Grrr..sorry the thing ate my post again! I had posted on Saturday and had even got a crit!! figures!

Taking aim at the same creature he had struck previously, Dai lets loose with two arrows.

Attack-ranged: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Attack-ranged: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Dai Miss Chance 1: 1d100 ⇒ 40
Dai Miss Chance 2: 1d100 ⇒ 56

Garrun's longsword tears a hole in the abdomen of one of the spiders, moments before Dai's arrows thud into its body. It screeches, and shudders, curling its legs up around its body, and then lays still.

Nogrogomed takes a mighty swing with his falchion, but his overhead chop gets tangled in the branches, and loses its force.

One of the spiders (2) scuttles forward through the trees, finally dropping onto the path, its eyes glinting hungrily at the fleshy form of Ichabod.

Another of the spiders (3) twists its abdomen forward and sends a spray of sticky white webbing at Finn and his faithful hound. It then drops out of the tree slightly further back, facing Lucian.

Web attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Finn and Scroffles are webbed to the ground and entangled (cannot move, -2 to attacks, -4 to DEX. It's a DC12 escape artist check to get out, or a DC12 STR check to tear out of the web, with a -4 penalty if you're the one in it.

Rotation:

Spider3
Opalia - can post
Ichabod - can post
Lucian - can post
Finn
Spider1
Spider4
Garrun
Spider2
Dai
Nogrogomed

"Gah, dammit all Mr Scruffles, I said swing left, not right!"

"Aroof, grrr..."

"No OUR other left!"

Finn and Mr Scruffles grumble to each other as they struggle against the sticky webbing.

Finn Escape Artist: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 2 - 4 = 7

Mr Scruffles Escape Artist: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 3 - 4 = 10

Yup they just keep struggling.

Lucian steps forward toward one the spiders, stabbing at the vermin with both blades.

Right Shortsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 - Potential Crit
Miss Chance?: 1d100 ⇒ 81
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Left Shortsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Miss Chance?: 1d100 ⇒ 78
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Right Shortsword Confirm?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Extra Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Lucian plunges both blades home, evincing a lound and angry shriek from the spider.

Opalia steps back and away to give herself room and then shoots at Finn's spider in the foliage. She aims her bow horizontally and then twanngg goes straight towards the trees over Finn.

arrow: 1d20 + 4 - 8 ⇒ (3) + 4 - 8 = -1

Towards and over the forest out of sight it sails. She murmurs an elven curse under her breath and vows never to try that shot again.

That's weird. My post got gobbled up as well. At least my moving on the map stuck.

Ichabod steps slightly away from the beast (5'step), and lashes out with his spiked chain again.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14 Spiked Chain
2d4 - 1 ⇒ (1, 4) - 1 = 4 small perforations.

I really need to keep Ichabod out of combat and in support. he's not very good :-)

It's been a while since I saw a negative attack roll...

Ichabod's whipping silver chain keeps his opponent briefly at bey, scrathing small wounds along its abdomen.

Meanwhile, Finn and Scruffles struggle ineffectively in the webbing.

One of the spiders(4) stalks slowly around the edge of the path through the branches, before unleashing a mess of webbing at Nogrogomed.

Touch Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

The scarred half-orc is enveloped in the webbing.

Rotation:

Spider3
Opalia
Ichabod
Lucian
Finn (webbed)
Spider4
Garrun - can post
Spider2
Dai - can post
Nogrogomed (webbed) - can post

Webbed= cannot move, -2 to attacks, -4 to DEX. It's a DC12 escape artist check to get out, or a DC12 STR check to tear out of the web, with a -4 penalty if you're the one in it.

Nogrogomed is not at all happy about this webbing...

"...hate creepy crawlies..."

Strength Check: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 3 - 4 = 19

"RAAAAAAAAAARGH"

Nogrogomed bursts through the webbing and once again closes on the spider.

Finn and Mr Scruffles look at Nogrogomed and then at each other and together yell "RAAAAAAAAAARGH!" and "RAAAAAAAOOOWWWRROOO!!"
Finn Strength Check: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 1 - 4 = 6
Mr Scruffles Strength Check: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 1 - 4 = 6

And nothing happens. Nothing at all.

*Facepalm*

Dai takes aim and lets loose two more arrows, this time at the spider harrying Finn and Mr. Scruffles. (Spider #2)

Attack-ranged: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 48

Attack-ranged: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 31

Hearing the mournful cries of Finn and his trusty steed, the young Gorumite pushes back through the group to come to the diminutive knight's aid.

Roaring at the attacking vermin, Garrun slashes at it's many legs in an attempt to draw it's attention away from the struggling halfling.

Longsword - PA: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 - 1 = 9
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 29
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9

One of Dai's arrows hit home, causing an angry scream from his scuttling foe.

Garrun fends off the spider attacking Finn, and certainly gets its attention, but is unable to land a telling blow. It lunges forward and attempts to bite the young man with its poisoned fangs:

Spider Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

but cannot connect.

The one fighting Lucian does likewise

Spider Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21 and is much more successful. Lucian feels a burning, numbing sensation in the wound.

Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Lucian Fort Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Reroll with Finn's ability: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Lucian jerks back his wounded arm before the spider can inject too much poison. Lucian takes 3 damage.

Rotation:

Spider3
Opalia - can post
Ichabod - can post
Lucian - can post
Finn (webbed)
Spider4
Garrun
Spider2
Dai
Nogrogomed

"Alright, that's about enough of that." Lucian grumbles at the spider before stabbing at the beast again.

Right Shortsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Miss Chance?: 1d100 ⇒ 73
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Left Shortsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Miss Chance?: 1d100 ⇒ 65
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

She drops the bow and pulls out her dagger moving up to Garrun. Then stabs at the rear leg joint of the giant arachnid.

Free action drop bow. Move action to move ten feet and then stab!

Dagger: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11, damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

And continuing his largely ineffective assault on the same spider.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15 Attack
2d4 - 2 ⇒ (4, 1) - 2 = 3 Damage

Lucian manages to strike his opponent with one of his blades. The spider is not bleeding ichor from several large wounds on its swollen abdomen.

Opalia lunges forward with her slender dagger, but it cannot penetrate the thick chitin on the beast's legs.

Ichabod swings his chain with more energy than effect, but it does allow him to confuse the spider enough to land a few minor blows.

Despite emulating Nogrogomed's bestial yowl, neither Finn nor Scruffles can break free of the sticky mass.

Nogrogomed's opponent lunges forward, fangs dripping with poison.

Spider Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 but the enraged halforc deflects the blow easily.

Rotation:

Spider3
Opalia
Ichabod
Lucian
Finn (webbed)
Spider4
Garrun - can post
Spider2
Dai - can post
Nogrogomed - can post

Nogrogomed will begin raging 3/5, AC down to 13

Raging Falchion Swing: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 242d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 2) + 6 = 101d100 ⇒ 22

Rather than avoid the tree branches, Nogrogomed takes a more direct approach, cleaving through them and sending a spray of twigs in all directions. His falchion slices into the side of the spider, sending a spray of blach ichor to splatter all over the fallen branches.

Still targeting the spider on Finn, Dai sends two more arrows towards the beast.

Attack-ranged: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 10

Attack-ranged: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 74

Dai's focus seems to slip as both arrows go well wide of their target.

"Come on! Come on!" Finn growls under his breath struggling to break free while the battle rages around no him and Mr Scruffles

Finn Estacape Artist: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 2 - 4 = 11
Mr Scruffles Escape Artist: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Finn gets a little more wiggle room but is still held fast by the webbing along with his steed.

Finn, if I'm to understand the Web rules correctly, you only take the -4 penalty on attempts to burst the web with a strength check. Not on escape artist checks.

Suitably impressed by Opalia stepping into the frey with naught but small knife, Garrun presses his attack on the spider, hoping to neutralize the threat before it can turn on the lesser defenses of his companions.

Longsword - PA: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 - 1 = 7

Unfortunately the forest has other ideas as a particularly sturdy branch fouls the warrior's swing.

"Sh*t. Here you bastard! To me!, he roars, hoping to keep the spider focused on himself.

Garrun gets his wish as the angry arachnid lunges for him.

Spider Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 and he dodges its anticipated attack.

Fed up of the stinging blades, the spider engaging Lucian scuttles back a few feet, then twists forward and launches a web at the young man.

Spider Web: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

The rogue ducks and rolls, and the sticky mess collapses harmlessly onto the ground.

Rotation:

Spider3
Opalia - can post
Ichabod - can post
Lucian - can post
Finn (webbed)
Spider4
Garrun
Spider2
Dai
Nogrogomed

"Oh no you don't..." Lucian growls at the retreating spider as he follows the vermin and stabs with both blades yet again.

Right Shortsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 90
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Left Shortsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 80
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Opalia seeks to cut Finn free of the webs, sawing at strand after strand as fast as she can in between dodging the thrusts from the savage spider.

aid another: 1d20 ⇒ 7

Lucian's lunge skewers the arachnid through its thorax. It convulses on his blade for a few moments before curling up and dropping to the ground.