GM Tarondor's Emerald Spire Campaign

Game Master Tarondor

"They sound like good principles, worth upholding." agrees Colcille, with one last pat to Triath. "No flower ever blossomed under chains. So, do you guys want to rest? Head back inside? Or maybe a trip to Thornkeep?"

"I have unfinished business inside the Spire. I would like to return."

Wymond strokes his chin.

"How we doin' in terms of supplies? We may want te make a trip back te Fort Inevitable to show some of them artifacts we found to Mister Royst. That way we can get enough money fer some potions or summat, or at least a proper meal. Given the way ye talk about the Hellknights, Cocille, I know ye may not be keen on goin' there, but we got some contacts there like Royst, so I'll be happy te vouch for ye."

Perfire tries not to relay the small panic he feels at the mention of slavery and rubs the plain iron ring on his finger.

'I agree heading back to the fort would be best for now. Rest and recuperate. Though it may give Grulk time to recruit some new goblins and become bolder. Maybe we can find something to combat that darkness while we're there.'

"Aye, but we'll be tougher and better rested to finally put Grulk in his place, no matter how many more flunkies he gets in that time," Wymond replies with a smile.

Lilika considers their words. She looks at the group, then back at the Spire, clearly unconvinced.

Eventually she remarks. "I suppose I could use some rations..."

"What's got ye down, Lili? Ye been real quiet since we surfaced," Wymond asks concernedly.

"I've been in that fort, it's not a big problem. It just feels... itchy. Like old, stiff clothes."

When Wymond addresses Lili, Colcille cocks her head, attentive. She had noticed that the half-elf didn't seem to be in great shape, but had assumed it to be a character trait.

Perfire nods in agreement. 'Sorry you had to come all the way out here only to turn around and head right back, Colcille. We'll come back here as soon as we're ready, I promise'

"I've been in that fort, it's not a big problem. It just feels... itchy. Like old, stiff clothes."

When Wymond addresses Lili, Colcille cocks her head, attentive. She had noticed that the half-elf didn't seem to be in great shape, but had assumed it to be a character trait.

"Yeah, the Hellknights are prigs," Wymond replies.

"It's nothing," Lilika replies. "Let's be off. I don't want to be gone long."

Wymond frowns as they begin making their way back to Fort Inevitable.

"When folk say 'it's nothing,' it usually IS somethin' and somethin' bad at that. If ye need someone te talk to, please don't be afraid te ask me. It's part of what we paladins do: we help people, whatever help that person needs, be it a strong sword-arm or a sympathetic ear."

Into the mysterious depths of the Echo Wood.

1d100 ⇒ 9 Oh....really?
1d100 ⇒ 16

Colcille Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Lilika Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Wymond Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Triath Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Perfire Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Bad Guys' Stealth+Cover: 1d20 + 5 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 3 = 13

Just at the last moment, Perfire and Lilika notice something amiss. The strange woods are just too quiet. A soft hush in the leaves causes their senses to prickle moments before several figures rise to aim bows at them.

Colcille Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Lilika Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Wymond Initiative: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8
Perfire Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Bad Guy Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

STATUS
Colcille (surprised)
Lilika (15/17 hp)
Bad Guys
Perfire
Wymond (surprised)

Lilika, one move or standard action please!

"Get down!" Lilika exclaims as she casts her arms out, causing a blast of acid to fly at the nearest figure with a bow pointed at her!

Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 1 = 23
Acid Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Use the map link above to show me who you're flingin' flames at.

Map wasn't up when I posted, but now that it is I can't use my ability. Everyone is too far away. Instead she'll draw her sling.

The highwaymen point their bows in a threatening manner, but no one fires. One man steps out onto the path. "Well met friends! It is fortunate we were passing through. We're here to collect the tolls. 5 gold shields from each of you ought to do it."

Wymond scowls.

"Walk any road, float any river. Third River Freedom, 'friend.' What gives you the right to block the road a band of heavily armed adventurers are walkin'? You ain't Hellknights or kings, near as I can see, an' they're the only types stupid enough to try and take 'tolls' from River Kingdom folk."

Perfire nervously pats his near empty coin purse and does his best to be unseen behind Wymond.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

"I'm glad you asked, my mustachioed comrade! I could say that it's the arrows aimed at your heart, but that seems so gauche! So I'll point out that you're supporting the local economy and keeping our poor wives and children from starving this winter. So be kind and fork it over."

Lilika -- who remembers nothing of local customs -- waits to follow her companions lead. Despite the dirt and blood staining her flesh and clothes from her time in the Emerald Spire, she looks calm and stern being held at arrow-point. Either she's used to being threatened with violence, or she doesn't realize she should afraid.

"I mean, you have what you hold, right? So, technically, if the threat of violence, or proper violence, is enough to make us give up our gold, we didn't do a good job of holding it, and therefore it's no longer ours. Basically, robbery is legitimate according to the River Freedoms. Fascinating things, laws and rules."
Colcille counts the money in her pouch. "I'm actually quite impressed with the skill they showed in ambushing us. Do we want to pay, or play? Silver or steel?"

Lilika narrows her eyes at the speaker. "We've met before." she announces, voice loud and clear. "Answer me four questions honestly, and I will pay more than you requested." She waits a moment, then asks:

"Where are the objects you stole from me?"

"Why kidnap me?"

"Why did you give me to the spiders?"

"How does your gang of thugs come and go from the Emerald Spire? You do not use the front door."

When Lilika reveals these men were the ones who robbed Lilika and left her for dead, Wymond's expression changes from annoyance to clear anger. He now wished nothing more than to put his axe in that smug bastard's face, but for now he held his tongue so they could answer Lilika.

Perfire watches Lilika take charge of the situation with awe. He reaches out and places a hand on Wymond's arm in an attempt to calm the angered man.

I think our story was that Lilika had fled and accidentally wound up with the spiders, but I like your version better, so...

"It's you!" says the leader, still smiling.

"Well, it's safe back where you left us. Because you were foolish enough to be in the Echo Wood alone. So they would leave us alone. And that's a secret. See? Quite honest."

" 'A secret' is not an honest answer. A secret is subterfuge. Your final answer is inadequate. Elaborate."

He frowns. "I'm getting bored. Pay up or get hurt!"

"Now, kidnapping is very not nice, skill or not. Robbing people of their freedom? Now I don't feel much like paying. But I'll follow your lead."

Perfire sighs softly to himself and reaches down to his belt. He looks down to carefully remove exactly enough for the bandit leader. As he looks up, his free hand waves back and forth and the halfling says a few soft words. He flings his hand forward and sand flies towards the bandit leader.

Perfire casts sleep on the apparent leader and any bandits close enough to catch as well

When Perfire grabs his arm, Wymond looks down at him and his expression softens a bit. He's still red-in-the-face mad, but he nods and waits for Perfire to make the first move.

As Perfire starts to cast his spell Lilika draws her short sword. "So be it."

Which one's the leader on the map?

The moment Colcille feels the flow of magic emanating from Perfire, she darts towards the underbrush, drawing her bow and nocking an arrow.

Rule question: TWF allows me to draw two weapons in the time I take to draw one, and I have two spring-loaded wrist sheaths, which take a swift action to release my weapons. Would it me reasonable to trigger both with a single swift action?

Wymond readies his bardiche and looks at Lilika.

"You want me te pull me punches or reap 'em like wheat?"

Perfire uncharacteristically interjects. 'Wheat.' His face is as solid as stone.

The moment Colcille feels the flow of magic emanating from Perfire, she darts towards the underbrush, drawing her bow and nocking an arrow.

Rule question: TWF allows me to draw two weapons in the time I take to draw one, and I have two spring-loaded wrist sheaths, which take a swift action to release my weapons. Would it me reasonable to trigger both with a single swift action?

So, if this was PFS, I'd probably say no, because that strikes me as RAW. However it's not PFS and your wrist sheathes definitely invoke the Rule of Cool, so: hell yes you can release them in a single swift action. HOWEVER, it requires your hands to be empty at the start of the swift action.

WIll DC 15 to not go sleepy-bye

Terrain Notes: The underbrush is difficult terrain and provides concealment. Tree trunks (the black dots) provide cover. The boulders are impassible.

Four of the archers had readied actions, so they go first when Perfire starts to cast. Before Colcille moves.

Outlaw shortbow v. Perfire: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 211d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 Hit.
Outlaw shortbow v. Lilika: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 41d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 Miss.
Outlaw shortbow v. Wymond: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 191d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 Hit.
Outlaw shortbow v. Colcille (2nd Range Increment): 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 - 2 = 111d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Miss.

Initiative Rolls
Outlaws First
Perfire Second

Colcille Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Lilika Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Wymond Initiative: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18
Outlaw Leader Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

STATUS
Outlaws
Perfire (5 damage)
Lilika
Colcille
Wymond (7 damage)
Outlaw Leader

Okay, Perfire. NOW your sleep spell goes off -if- you can make a DC 15 Concentration check.

Two arrows sink into Perfire's small frame as his arm flings towards their leader. He steels himself against their bite and his will wins out, exerting itself on the world around him once again.

Concentration: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Nice!

Leader Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Outlaw Will save: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

The leader and his bodyguard slump to the forest floor, snoring fitfully.

Colcille now runs into the underbrush.

Lilika and Wymond, go!

Lilika dashes into the underbrush and hurls a ball of acid at the bandit in the back.

Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7
Acid Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The acid strikes a tree branch and sizzles its way through the wood.

Wymond, go!

Surprising no one! Haha.

Maybe the bandit was wearing leg braces. This was his make a wish

Wymond grunts in anger as he's struck by an arrow, but it takes more than that to kill a man like him. Seeing the leader and one of his cronies go down thanks to Perfire's spell, he bolts straight ahead towards them, intent on putting them down before the spell wore off.

Wymond will double move towards the sleeping bandit leader.

Undaunted, the outlaws close in, firing bows. Two fire at Lilika and their arrows go astray in the brush. One fires at Wymond, but the dart breaks on his armored vambrace. One fires at Perfire and grazes his forehead.

Outlaw shortbow v. Lilika: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 141d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Miss.
Outlaw shortbow v. Lilika: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 131d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 Miss.
Outlaw shortbow v. Perfire: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 141d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Hit.
Outlaw shortbow v. Wymond: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 91d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 Miss.

STATUS
Outlaws (1 asleep)
Perfire (12/18 hp)
Lilika
Colcille
Wymond (11/18 hp)
Outlaw Leader (asleep)

Had either arrow "struck" Lilika, I would have rolled for Concealment.

Everyone, go!

Perfire winces in pain as the arrow grazes off his forehead. Undaunted, he steps forward, weaving his hands before his face and grimacing in exertion. As he stops moving forward, a burst of color fills the space in front of him, enveloping one of the bandits.

Color spray on the guard on the diagonal from my token. Will save DC 15, click the spell link for effect, since there's a bunch of options

If the stump in front of Perfire is large enough he'll crouch behind it for cover. He should still have a move action left, 5-foot, standard to cast