"They've been going off for the last, oh, I don't know, week and a half? Could have been longer, but it's all started to blur a bit."
Recently or so? What were we doing a week and a half or so ago? Is that when we raided the Observatory and killed that old man?
"We're not equipped for siege, not really, so we're plain run out of decent drink and food."
"I figured -- I wasn't expecting anti-siege equipment here. I'm just wondering what is here that might be useful in keeping them at bay."
"They got in once. We lost Davy, Elliot, Marzena, and Rufus. They took 'em. Dragged 'em kicking and screaming straight south."
...
???!!!
"Wait -- my head might be a little swiss-cheesed from all the --" he makes a jerking motion with his thumb over his shoulder toward the battlefield, " ... commotion... But did you just now say 'Marzena' was taken by the LizardThings with the others?" He shakes his head. "No! You did say that! How long ago was that?!"
"I figured -- I wasn't expecting anti-siege equipment here. I'm just wondering what is here that might be useful in keeping them at bay."
Sampson almost looks guilty. "Well, you're lookin' at the manpower. We're almost out of arrows, so we figured on doing some damage when your group cleared the distance. We're down to our swords, mostly. Have to depend on reducing their numbers slowly, through the doorways. Now, gathering up javelins, sure." He waves to two of his men, and they nod, bolting from the room through the gap where a door once stood.
"Wait -- my head might be a little swiss-cheesed from all the... commotion... But did you just now say 'Marzena' was taken by the LizardThings with the others?" He shakes his head. "No! You did say that! How long ago was that?!"
If he looked guilty before, his apparent frustration causes his face to redden further, and the muscles in his neck tighten.
"Yesterday. I can still hear the sound of the hissing and shield bashing when the rest of the lizards realized they had prisoners." He looks Mortimer up and down for a moment. "Heh. Don't suppose you'd be up for fetching them back, would ya?" He laughs mirthlessly.
Ascaria is caught by surprise, Marzena missing? Dammit
He smiles a wry smile at the commander, "Well, as it's Marzena we were really sent to protect, yes, I think we'll be fetching them back. If they still live."
"Nothing personal you understand, but we were given pretty specific instructions. Do you think they might be at their camp - or further away? I don't suppose you have any idea..."
Ascaria looks to the south, like he could see anything. Well granted there's also a wall in the way, but still...
Ascaria creates water for the parched warriors, to clean themselves, and drink their fill. "Now what I create will only last a day, so drink up for after that you'll be back to your stores, which I understand are very thin."
He turns to the others, "Should we wait for another wave in the hopes of thinning them out further? Should we try to sneak?" he laughs at the thought, "Or do we charge south and try and meet them head on?"
"I think the former is the best plan. There are yet a lot of them, and though we do well against them, luck could turn the tide quickly if we're not careful. We need to cut their numbers, and then engage them head on I think."
Solrisa pauses briefly over MemoRae's corpse, a frown upon her face. She looks to the other horses, then back to MemoRae.
"I'm sorry, MemoRae. If the others had let me kill all the lizardfolk first, you wouldn't have died. Sometimes you have to do what is wrong to make others happy...and you paid for it. I'm sorry," Solrisa says before muttering a prayer to the Dragon. A prayer to ask the Dragon to allow MemoRae into his celestial realm and allow MemoRae to be ridden by the angels of heaven against the forces of evil.
When she is finished with moving the bodies, she will enter the fortress and introduce herself to all there. If others need food or meat, she will offer her stores and help get horsemeat from the stable.
"MemoRae might be a bit bitter and tough, but she still has a good heart. She'll keep you strong if you want her."
Tynan joins the two men out on the battlefield, helping to gather up anything useful from the fallen lizardfolk, keeping an eye out for any food or water they might have on them.
"Let's do this quickly, then get safely back to the keep."
He keeps a careful watch toward the south, should they make a move to attack again.
"Should we wait for another wave in the hopes of thinning them out further? Should we try to sneak?" he laughs at the thought, "Or do we charge south and try and meet them head on?"
Mortimer mulls this over for a few minutes.
"Perhaps we should consider a completely novel approach."
He turns to the soldiers. "You have enough dead horse here to hold you for at least a week, and too much to do anything useful with before it rots and attracts other -- disease carrying Things." He turns to the Party. "Why don't we drag two of the dead horses out to the center point between the Keep and the outer LizardFolk encampment with -- oh, I don't know -- a truce flag of some kind -- and see if the leader or any other one of them comes out to negotiate? We need to try to find out -- aside from the possible hunger issue -- what's prompted all of this siege business. Maybe we can come up with a solution to end this nonsense."
Looking on quietly, Hourpen greets Sol with a bit of skeptisim, but mostly relief. "I'm glad you scared them off. I don't want to find out if there are more miricles in store for me today, or anytime soon for that matter. "
As the thought of a plan is formed Hourpen quietly listens. Stealth isn't going to get me far with this lot. Best I look for some other way to be of use. Orders are orders after all.
"MemoRae might be a bit bitter and tough, but she still has a good heart. She'll keep you strong if you want her."
Ascaria looks sorrowfully to Sol, "I tried to heal MemoRae, but they were particularly eager for horseflesh as well. I think the lizardfolk are as hungry as the guards." He trails off.
"Why don't we drag two of the dead horses out to the center point between the Keep and the outer LizardFolk encampment with -- oh, I don't know -- a truce flag of some kind -- and see if the leader or any other one of them comes out to negotiate? We need to try to find out -- aside from the possible hunger issue -- what's prompted all of this siege business. Maybe we can come up with a solution to end this nonsense."
Ascaria grins, "Well, I don't know about an offering, but I'm game to try and talk to them - I speak their language. It can't hurt, and maybe we can end the bloodshed and retrieve the prisoners at the same time."
He gets up from filing another bucket with water.
"I think we should just send a couple folks out there, including me, with a white flag - that's universal right? We get close enough for me to shout and no closer. See what we can do."
He looks to the others, "So who should come with me? If they do anything hostile, we're just going to run back to the keep. I just need another set of eyes so I don't get too close by mistake. So who's coming?"
"So who should come with me?"
"Uh... I uh," Mortimer stutters, trying to think. "They seem real reactionary. There should be a show of force out there with you, but maybe Cinder and I are too intimidating. We want them thinking as straight as they are able. Some show of force might be respectful -- and that might be helpful in motivating them to actually want to negotiate for food -- but I don't know what might be too much of a show of force."
"No offense, but if it's just you and -- uh -- Pourhen for example," he says, gesturing toward Hourpen, "they might just laugh and attack outright."
"I will stay here and help the soldiers bolster up the Keep again."
Tynan joins the two men out on the battlefield, helping to gather up anything useful from the fallen lizardfolk, keeping an eye out for any food or water they might have on them.
"Let's do this quickly, then get safely back to the keep."
So then I sez:
Eri goes with the others to find arrows and supplies, especially the ones he shot and missed. I need to get another quiver of Ehlonna
"Uh... I uh," Mortimer stutters, trying to think. "They seem real reactionary. There should be a show of force out there with you, but maybe Cinder and I are too intimidating. We want them thinking as straight as they are able. Some show of force might be respectful -- and that might be helpful in motivating them to actually want to negotiate for food -- but I don't know what might be too much of a show of force."
So then Eri sez, he sez:
I like the idea of offering them food and talk. I'm afraid I might be a bit of a joke to them as well, but I'd be happy to cover your retreat from the wall here.
Looking toward Mort.
"I'd go anywhere with Acaria, but I agree. Traveling in numbers openly makes sense."
"So who should come with me?"
Solrisa raises her hand excitedly.
"Oh! I should go! I'm very good at protecting! And if they attack us, I'll kill them and make them regret their treachery," Sol says with a smile. She is not afraid in the least.
"But I also don't think we should give them the horses. If they are going to keep the siege, then we'll need the meat," Sol says, hedging the truth. More truthfully, if they choose to siege, Sol was going to go out and kill them. Every one of them.
"OK, then it's decided, Sol comes with me. Now Sol, if they attack, we just retreat to the keep and fight them there, so we can work as a team. Don't wander off where we can't protect each other."
"Let's see what we can do this without killing any more. We don't want them to kill the hostages."
He fashions a flag from a torch and some white cloth - surely there must be some somewhere in the tiny keep.
He heads out into the field hanging on to Sol with one hand and waving the flag in the other, while calling out in draconic.
I'd go anywhere with Acaria, but I agree. Traveling in numbers openly makes sense."
Mortimer acknowledges Hourpen's sentiment with an understanding nod.
"OK, then it's decided, Sol comes with me."
"She does have the very best eyes," grins Mortimer. "Just don't let the LizardFolk get too close, remember -- they have nets too."
As Ascaria and Solrisa head out, Mortimer breaks from helping build punji sticks and what not out of javelins to resume his vigil at the gate.
"Do you think they might be at their camp - or further away? I don't suppose you have any idea..."
Sampson nods grimly. "Oh, we found out the hard way last night. Sounded like they were hurting Marzena, making her scream. Got two of my men to try and save her." His jaw muscles flex tightly. "Got two of my men killed."
"The screaming stopped, and we were barely able to make out a smaller contingent of the animals making their way back into the Mistmarsh. We figure they're there."
The men wordlessly gather the water created by the gnome, drinking and collecting. A couple of them cough up the water, but it doesn't slow their consumption.
...
Jurdan and Meeks, accompanied by Tynan, manage to gather javelins before returning to the 'safety' of the Keep.
Sampson tells Eri how to access the second floor ledge, by taking the stairs up, and the only door encountered leads out.
...
The mass of injured lizardfolk scatter around a central figure, where more subdued hissing and snapping permeates the air. As Solrisa and Ascaria leave the main rise of the hill on which the Keep sits, the gnome's draconic call to the opponents causes several of the frontline to stir.
"More men, more meat! More tribute!" "Hold! That one speaks our tongue!" "Don't advance, don't scare it back into its hole yet!"
Three of the lizardfolk move forward, slowly.
"Careful. They have spellweavers."
One of the three steps forward, waving its morningstar.
"Where did you learn our language? You think words are enough to save you? Speak your last. You don't have much time."
Ascaria looks pleased, and continues to shout.
"Look, we killed many of yours in the last raid, and will kill many more before the fight is done. No matter who wins, you'll loose more men."
"I want to avoid that, and I don't want to die. I want to know what you want. Why did you attack the keep? Is there something we can provide for you that won't require killing?"
He worries that they're getting too close, but he trusts Sol's eyes more than his own, and he never was very good at judging distance from hearing alone.
Solrisa keeps an eye out, but does not yet draw her sword.
"They are threatening, Ascaria, but nothing I can't protect you from."
After watching Ascaria and the tin elf head away, Hourpen begins speaking to anyone who is listening.
"So how is it that Ascaria does.. whatever it is he did? I mean. I shouldn't be alive."
"So how is it that Ascaria does.. whatever it is he did? I mean. I shouldn't be alive."
Without taking his eyes off of the progress of Ascaria and Solrisa on the southern front Mortimer responds, "I haven't a clue, nor could I tell you how many times he's saved all of our skins by doing it. I don't know anyone else who can do it. ' took it to be some kind of special gnome thing only certain gnomes can do."
After a pause he adds, "... he does other things that are even more refreshing if you're ever in need."
One of the three steps forward, waving its morningstar.
What's that? What's he doing? What is Ascaria saying to them?!
The hair on the back of his neck stands up, and he begins to sweat just a little.
"So how is it that Ascaria does.. whatever it is he did? I mean. I shouldn't be alive."
The soldier named Joppa speaks up. "He's a god man, halfling. The power to heal is given to the gnome, and the gnome gives it to us. And we're thankful." The man kisses a knuckle, and raises his eyes to the ceiling.
...
The morningstar lizard paces briefly, waiting for the gnome finish.
"The lizardfolk are used to dying at the hands of Egorian bastards like you. At least you're honest, and say what you mean. You promise us death? We promise you death! The Keep is now ours. We take all your weapons, we take back our land!"
The horde of lizardfolk grows louder, and several of the creatures beat their weapons against their shields.
"Abandon the Keep. Head north, and never return!"
"Well that seems to be that." he says quietly.
He looks up at Sol, "We'd best retreat now. There will be another assault soon and we should visit it from the protection of the keep."
- - -
He returns, with Sol hopefully, to the keep where he fills the others in on the conversations.
"So yeah, they're very hostile. I said hello, they said hello back. I asked them why they were here and if there was anything we could do to stop the killing." he stretches.
"They said, basically, no. All we can do is abandon the keep to them, go north, and never return. So this is a fight over land. They want it, and I suppose we do too?" he looks at the soldiers and wonders if they might be amenable to abandoning the keep. Doesn't seem like much of a keep anyhow.
He shakes his head answering his own question. "No, there are hostages out there who must be retrieved."
He sighs and draws a little in the dirt with a stick as he talks. "I suggest we let them wash over us one more time and take out as many as we can. Maybe open the gates to funnel them into Mort and Sol here. Then when they retreat, we ride out after and press our advantage."
"That is, if we're healthy enough to do so at that point. We need to crush their will to fight, then pursue the hostages."
Solrisa lets Ascaria flee first, and moves to prevent line of sight to the gnome.
As she backwalks away from the lizardfolk, she smiles and inwardly wishes them luck on their attack on the morrow, but she fully intends to kill them all.
She follows Ascaria back.
Looking toward the sky. "I've studied magic, but know little of faith. Though it is a wonder to think that the sky above was created by some god or gods that let us small one suffer. Looking toward Mortimer. Though if what you say is true it seems at least we have the luck to have our suffering eased."
The day progresses, and the lizardfolk maintain their distance. They fan out, largely to the south. From their initial positioning, their new positioning seems to allow for a northern retreat without units breathing down your necks.
"All we can do is abandon the keep to them, go north, and never return. So this is a fight over land. They want it, and I suppose we do too?"
Sampson steps forward, quickly. The other soldiers maintain their quiet, though one or two of them look to each other while Sampson begins to speak.
"We're not abandoning. This is about protecting our people in the north against the Mistmarsh denizens. If we flee, who knows where they decide to strike next."
"No, there are hostages out there who must be retrieved."
The soldiers look visibly relieved that a member of your group speaks about helping them get their brothers and protector back.
As the morning becomes early afternoon, you find yourselves with ample time to prepare with your threatened deaths.
Ascaria draws everyone in to plan.
”OK, they should raid one more time before dusk. When they do, everyone crowd around me first. I can bless you all to make your aim just a tiny bit better. It’ll easily last the combat, so when they start to make their move, stand by me, then take your positions in the keep.”
”How do we want to handle the actual attack?” he looks to the others for suggestions.
"Do we want to draw them into the gate, leaving it open, and have Mort, Sol, and Cinder pound any comers? Do we want the gate closed and fight them on the walls? Do we want to ride out to meet them with the keep firing arrows at those on our flanks? What do you folks think?"
"What do you folks think?"
Solrisa thinks.
"If you want, I can hold the gate. One of you can borrow my bow and can shoot at them as you wish," Solrisa offers helpfully.
"So how is it that Ascaria does.. whatever it is he did? I mean. I shouldn't be alive."
"He's a god man, halfling. The power to heal is given to the gnome, and the gnome gives it to us. And we're thankful." The man kisses a knuckle, and raises his eyes to the ceiling.
Mortimer relaxes a little when he sees the gnome and then Solrisa begin to retreat.
Geez. Joppa sounds like he could use a beer...Looking toward Mortimer. "Though if what you say is true it seems at least we have the luck to have our suffering eased."
Mortimer nods, then takes in his surroundings and frowns slightly. ... Yah, 'luck'. ... I should feel so 'lucky'.
"How do we want to handle the actual attack?” he looks to the others for suggestions.
"Do we want to draw them into the gate, leaving it open, and have Mort, Sol, and Cinder pound any comers? Do we want the gate closed and fight them on the walls? Do we want to ride out to meet them with the keep firing arrows at those on our flanks? What do you folks think?"
Mortimer looks out to see the LizardFolk all fanning out along the Southern most border again.
"They'll attack from above and below at the same time again, I think. We should booby-trap the outside of the Keep with punji sticks and whatever else we can think of -- shallow trenches filled with oil soaked things we can ignite with a ranged projectile at the last second... whatever. Those who get past that will be met by anyone capable of ranged combat from the parapet above while we leave a few below to watch the integrity of the gate. Once the gate begins to give, those of us who are best at toe to toe combat will retreat below to take on any that breach the threshold. It would be welcome and much appreciated if any who have combat or other appropriate spells that work in close quarters joined us at that point."
He pauses a second to breathe. "If we make it that far, we'll figure out what to do from there, but pursuing them if there are any left to retreat is high on the list."
Mortimer looks around for any items useful toward making a giant sling. If not, he'll improvise with his arm.
He'll gather up useless flammable items to conceal for the LizardApproach.
Is there a way to ignite arrows then fire them say, at something flamable lying in a shallow ditch (given the appropriate range)? Is it possible to fire a torch similarly?
"I'm all for putting arrows into these lizards. I'm not ok with them wandering around ruining, um, well, everything."
I hope I'll actually hit something this time. <worrying, perseverating rumination>
"We should booby-trap the outside of the Keep with punji sticks and whatever else we can think of -- shallow trenches filled with oil soaked things we can ignite with a ranged projectile at the last second... whatever."
"As far as "whatever," I have a spell that can make a 10 foot square slippery for about 40 minutes."
"They'll attack from above and below at the same time again, I think."
"I can put some on the walls, too. Also, should we keep the horses in the keep if they aren't in use. Are there any left?"
Hourpen perks up at the mention of horses.
"Hey. About those horses. Couldn't we spring a trap in the stable? I can make it sound like their are horses in the stable. Some fire once a few enter. Might at least thin them out."
Tynan gives an enthusiastic nod. "Excellent thought, Hourpen! I was wondering if we might be able to make use of the stable as a distraction myself."
"As for me, would you rather I stay here at the entrance with my swords, or head topside with a bow? I'm willing and able to do either."
"If you want, I can hold the gate. One of you can borrow my bow and can shoot at them as you wish,"Solrisa offers helpfully.
"As far as "whatever," I have a spell that can make a 10 foot square slippery for about 40 minutes."
"Hey. About those horses. Couldn't we spring a trap in the stable? I can make it sound like their are horses in the stable. Some fire once a few enter. Might at least thin them out."
"Good thinking, everyone. Thanks Sol -- that bow is a good one for whomever can make good use of it -- that wouldn't be me. Do we have any real grease? -- that might save on spells. If not, cast away Eri -- put it up higher to give them a sense that they're actually getting somewhere. The punji sticks will do more damage if they fall from a greater height. Uh, Henpour, take the stables."
"As for me, would you rather I stay here at the entrance with my swords, or head topside with a bow? I'm willing and able to do either."
"If Henpour doesn't need your assistance, I thought we'd all -- save 'Risa -- start topside. Sol will let us know when and if the gate begins to give, some us will join her and Cinder at that point. Someone should stay topside though, so we can continue to attack from both top and bottom side."
"Were we going to board up this doorway as well? In that case, Henpour, you might need to climb to get back in -- Tynan as well if he's going with you to booby trap the stable. Maybe on the northern wall of the keep? We've some rope to assist."
Solrisa is no trap maker, nor trap smith, nor even very tricky. But she is helpful and tries to help whomever needs help with traps or defenses. She intends to hold the gate when the lizardfolk come. She's quite eager to that, and seems very happy to help others.
"Some of my healing works even if I can't see you, so having someone in the stables isn't a horrible idea. Sure makes me nervous though... If they scale the walls like last time, we'll have plenty of targets to fight here on the walls. If we do split up, Tynan, you and Hourpen should go together. You can both be sneaky."
"As for setting the place on fire, we might need it once we vanquish the lizard folk. I'd rather not destroy it if we don't need to."
Ascaria takes out some flasks, "I bought more alchemy fire when we were in town. Anybody want one?" he has three flasks, but wants to keep one so offers two if others want them.
- - -
When the raid begins, Ascaria casts Bless - using the Rod of lesser Extend to double the duration .
"Thanks, Sol!" Mort will take the darts and Alchemy Fires -- and anything else that is "throwable" if no one else wants them or is looking to unload stuff.
"I can join Hourpen with the stable distraction, and I have just the rope to get us out of and back into the keep." Tynan pats the magical coil of rope they recently obtained, and continues. "We might not have the luxury of keeping the stable intact, Ascaria. The doors are already battered down and off their hinges, so we won't be able to trap any inside. Fire might be our only option."
"Hourpen, we should use the rope to sneak out the north side of the keep. Does anyone have a spare oil flask or two? I have some alchemist fire, but used up all of my regular oil. How close do you need to be to create the horse sounds, Hourpen? If you can do it from the top of the keep, that might be safer for you."
Tynan heads to the upper walkway, ties the rope to one of the battlements, then orders the rope to knot itself, knowing this should ease their climbing. Just before he decides to head to the stable, he'll drop it over the side, but not before.
Mortimer hands Tynan two flasks of regular oil.
fire FIRE!
"I can start a fire from a distance If you leave some oil visible to me on the wall I can spark it. I'll be up there plinking and greasing."
Smiling at Tynan and then looking toward the stable. "So should we begin preparations? Is there a horse? Or can someone make it seem as if a horse is being moved to the stable?"
The sun sets, and dusk arrives. Soldiers on the second floor ledge keeping watch start to bark about forward movement made by the lizardfolk. Sampson has ordered his men, all of them, including himself, to guard the second floor from breach. They have run out of arrows, so will meet the lizards with their swords drawn, harrying the lizards trying to climb directly up the sides. They also understand that many the lizards will likely climb the stables again to make the ledge more easily.
Presumably, the only living horse, Cinder, is kept within the walls of the Keep, leaving Hourpen without live bait.
In the same time you've enjoyed for preparations, it becomes clear that the lizardfolk have benefited as well. They have several makeshift canopies providing them decent cover from arrow attacks. They begin to advance slowly.
There are bedsheets for an improvised sling, and there are empty food barrels, not currently finding any use for the lack of food. As for fire arrows, alas, you have only the arrows the party has, which will likely flame out in their firing. Throwing torches into pits of flammable items should take some time to get the objects burning, but it can be done. The two flasks you've given Tynan might be accelerants of a kind.
You can faintly hear through the din of the impending battle a casting of Blessing from the south, in the Draconic tongue, of course.
Round 1, Initiative 21
Hourpen looks for a place where he can see the approach of the lizards while remaining in the shadows inside stable.
I hope Tynan can see their approach better than I can.
Round 1, Init 22
"Hey, so I want to plink away and cast spells from the front at the beginning, but I'm not great close up. Can you guys step in at some point when I get scared?"
Eri tries to hide his dry heaving while affecting a steely gaze on the looming green guys galloshing through the mud.
Round 1, Init 18
Solrisa sets herself behind the door (the gate is ajar, right? there is gap?) in the gateway, eagerly and happily waiting for the lizardfolk to come closer so she can slay them all.
She draws her new sword, already christened with lizard blood, and blows the breath of the dragon up on it. The sword bursts in flames.
With shield in hand, she waits.
"Mort, look! They are coming!" Sol cheers happily.
AC=24 (10 armor +2 shield +1 dex +1 NA)
HP=44/44
Right hand = long sword
Left hand = heavy shield
LoH 0/5 used
Quick Shirt 0/1 used
The Dragon Invoked 0/2 used
Breath of the Dragon 0/1 used
[ dice]1d20+10-2+1[/dice] to hit; (bless)
[ dice]1d10+4+4+1d6[/dice] magic & fire damage
The door of the Keep has been rightly shattered in the last skirmish, and in the time preparing for the assault, no significant work was done to repair it by the soldiers. The way is open.
The lizardfolk move in tandem, their canopies almost giving the impression of potato bugs or armadillos moving towards the Keep. Two of their units seem to be drifting towards the stables.
The soldiers on the wall call out to each other, reassuring themselves that what's being witnessed is shared by all, almost giving the impression of squirrels in a tree, barking at each other in warning of a predatory animal on the ground below.
Round: 1, Initiative: 4
Weapon Equipped = Dagger
Cold Iron Bullets (5/5), Silver Bullets (5/5)
Conditions = Bless (10/100r)
Life Link (5)(100’) = Hourpen, Eri, Mort, Sol, Tynan
Channel Energy (4/9) (DC: 18)(Avoid 6) (3d6+1)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, reroll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend (lesser) (2/3)
Melee Attack: BAB +3, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +3, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 5, Concentration +11)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Message, Read Magic
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (4/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Detect Undead, Diagnose Disease, Enhance Water, Liberating Command
Second (18): (3/6) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Pilfering Hand
If your ruling stands, that there is no door, OK. But please consider the likely alternative that there is a bastion there of some sort, nailed bits of wood at least. Something to stop the lizardfolk from just wandering in. :)
Ascaria, on hearing the lizardfolk approach, draws his dagger carefully and pats Cinder on the flanks. ”Easy there girl…”
He’s not sure if he’s trying to calm her down or himself.
He waits.
The promise of boarding up the entrance never came to pass. The sounding of the retreat by a horn interceded. The first skirmish, noted by Tynan and Hourpen on their reconnaissance, was barely hanging by a thread. Your first approach to the Keep assured its total destruction, as the lizardfolk broke through, killing several soldiers in the process.
Round 1, Init 13
AC 19, 23 on AoO; 39/39 HP
BAB = +5 (level 5)
ToHit = 1d20+9
RHit = 1d20+9-2 (-2 to hit, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
LHit = 1d20+9-2 (-2 to hit, +4 dam on Power Attack, +1d6 if cold)
Throw = 1d20 + BAB + Dex
Fort+5 (+4 vs inhaled and contact poisons, +2 vs. disease)
Reflex+6
Will+4 (+2 base/wis, +2 headband)
Initiative+2
CMD = 23, 21 if flat footed
"Hey, so I want to plink away and cast spells from the front at the beginning, but I'm not great close up. Can you guys step in at some point when I get scared?"
"Yah, of course. Just feel free to take cover behind me."
Mortimer watches as Solrisa's sword bursts into flame.
Whoa, that's cool!
"Mort, look! They are coming!"
He looks over her shoulder. "Yes, I see them! I'm heading up to watch over things from above for awhile. It doesn't seem likely, what with you and your sword, but call up to us as soon as you need backup."
He looks at Ascaria. "That goes for you too."
He pats Cinder on the neck, trying to soothe her with his voice. "Don't worry, I'll be back."
He retreats topside above Solrisa, moves to take Throw Anything and waits for the lizards to scale the wall, prepared for any opening in which to hurl oil and fire upon them. He'll keep an eye on the Rope of Climbing once they get closer, and will pull it up in case any lizards try to use it.
Round 2, Init 18
Solrisa swishes her flaming sword in front her, merrily watching the flames and waiting for her foes to arrive.
"Mort, it's nice of them to come closer so I don't have to chase them all over," Sol says with an expectant smile.
Sol readies an attack for if and when they get close enough.
to hit; (bless)
magic & fire damage
AC=24 (10 armor +2 shield +1 dex +1 NA)
HP=44/44
Right hand = long sword
Left hand = heavy shield
LoH 0/5 used
Quick Shirt 0/1 used
The Dragon Invoked 0/2 used
Breath of the Dragon 0/1 used
[ dice]1d20+10-2+1[/dice] to hit; (bless)
[ dice]1d10+4+4+1d6[/dice] magic & fire damage
Round 1, Init 11
Tynan spends much of his set-up time piling hay bales and other combustibles across half of the stable opening, then carefully pouring a flask of oil onto the makeshift obstacle.
Concealing himself next to Hourpen, Tynan wields his enchanted sword in one hand, and an alchemist fire in the other, ready to throw the flask when any foes move across the flammables.
He whispers to Hourpen "Let's hope this goes well...", then listens intently for the oncoming swarm.
HP:34/34
Saves:Fort 4, Ref 8, Will 2
