Finnabar leans on his spade as the burial rites are performed by Xarafine. Silently, he prays for the man, away from his kin and killed by his own doings. In his watch, his thoughts drift towards his companions and their courage in battle as well as their willingness to contribute to their mission, each with it's own way.
Here, by this unmarked grave, his prayers rise to his god. "Belem, protector and herald, prince of battles, you sent me to this new land with these companions. You have tested their mettle both in battle and out. Help me guide and protect them for us to fulfil your mission."
While no answer comes, deep within himself, Finnabar sense a door starting to open. And through the cracks, a strange energy slowly flows.
When the body is lowered into the grave, Finnabar Grabs his spade again and quickly fills it, laying some heavy stones over it to prevent animals from digging.
As the fey depart, Finnabar thanks them for their help and asks them to leave a sign by Oleg's fort if they run onto trouble and wish for bigguns help.
Taking a last look at the grave, he notices the axe buried into the tree by the grave and limps to it. With an expert hand, he wrenches it free from the wood to examine it.
Looking back to his companions, he carries it back to the horses. "Let's finish exploring this part of the forest. Then I suggest to push towards the sunset."
So the little buggers had some bite after all. Still, they're one up on me. Yes, pepper will do nicely.
As Volpe mounts his horse, a small wry smile can be seen. He adjusts his hat, and spurs his horse along.
Aye, sir. Let's move along. There's still a lot of territory for us to cover.
Jack, in all-business mode, gets his horse ready and remounts.
"Though I'm sure the fey led us to all the ones they knew of, we should still keep our eyes sharp for more traps. As poor Sir Bein can attest, we would not want our horses or us to step into one."
Xarafine sighs and visibly relaxes as the two creatures flitter out of sight. She inexpertly mounts her horse, and settles herself in the saddle.
"I am ready when you are, Captain."
The axe is just a woodsman's axe:- somewhat less rusted than the knife but still not in the best condition.
After burying the body you mount your horses and continue through the forest, adding to your map as you go. The forest seems deserted but you travel fast given the terrain. By the time the sun begins to set in the west you have mapped 3/4 of the hex.
Bein quietly remounts after watching the fey go and as they ride along he spends the better part of the day sharpening and cleaning the rust off the knife tha was recovered. It would never be a perfect blade but with time it could prove a useful hunting knife once more.
Once they choose a suitable camp Bein goes through the motions of setting up the picket line, the tents and taking care of the draught beasts with a steady and efficent hand. Once everything is setup he quietly maintains his gear and checks over Arundel's as well, after so many days of riding he was expecting a belt or threading to fail by now. Through it all he hums a light soldiery tune to himself, helping him to maintain his steady pace.
The night passes uneventfully as watch gives way to watch and the fire dances in the circle of stones at the center of the clearing, sending long shadows moving against the trees of the dark forest. As dawn approaches Xerafine is sitting, watching the forest luled by the gentle breeze and the sounds of the horses shifting in their hobbles.
Out of the corner of your eye you can see something large moving stealthily between the trees towards the horses! It looks like the creature that you disturbed feeding on the trapper except somewhat larger.
Xarafine sits and enjoys the beauty around her, giving silent thanks to the Nine for the new day.
Arundel:
Xerafine's Horse:
Volpe's Horse:
Finnabar's Horse:
Jack's Horse:
Mule 1:
Mule 2:
Suddenly you hear a high-piched, paniked squeal from the direction of the horses and turning to look, you see a yellowish sriped shape streak forward towards them. The hosrses (with the exception of Arundel) are rearing up onto their hind legs in a panic. Suddenly the rope holding the horses snaps and they scatter wildly. One, which appears to be bleeding profusely, being pursued by a large striped creature - similar to the animal you found scavanging on the trapper but somewhat larger.
Arundel awakes to chaos, his senses were reeling, he could smell a predator among them along with scent of blood and fear. Acting on instinct he lashes out, with all his might, at the yellow blur rushing past it. As the taste of blood washes over his lips he gives a high pitched neigh, roaring his challenge at the smaller creature to join him in battle. Bite! Kick! Stomp! Fight! With his blood pumping Arundel pursues the creature intent on destroying it like any other enemy!
Bein awakes to the chaos and is slow to react until he hears Arundel's high pitched neigh. He grabs up his bow, a handful of arrows (2) and staggers out of his tent, looking a little disheveled. He knew from the sound that the horses were making that the picket line had fell apart. He gives a bellow
Jack shakes his head groggily, trying to piece together the information as fast as he can. He gets Bein's "find the pack mules" instruction through his head well enough, and, taking the time only to grab his sword, gets up and tries to figure out where they went.
Huh? This had better be import... Hey! Hey! Go on! Git! Oh, for pity's sake!
Volpe grabs his bow and arrows. No time to gather gear. If he gets close, the dagger in his boot will have to do.
[ooc]Initiative
Creature Init:
Horses' Init:
The campsite has 3 game-trails leading off it. One to the north, one to the South-East and one to the South. Volpe's horse (which remains unwounded) and the two mules have all been spooked and have moved their full movement (50' for the horse, 30' for the mules) down the South-East trail.
The remaining horses (Finnabar's, Xerafine's and Jack's) have fled down the south trail (50') pursued by the striped shape (40'). Finnabar's horse is in the lead and is bleeding from its flank.
Note that all of these trails are winding and will be treated as 5' across (no 4x moves because no straight lines) and the undergrowth between the trails counts as difficult ground (1/2 move). The trails also fork frequently which might split the horses further.
Init is:
Finnabar
Creature
Jack
Xerafine
Horses
Mules
Volpe
Bein
Finn is up...
As there is no way Finnabar will catch the creature, he simply stands up, drawing on of his javelins and hurls it towards the target.
, damage
Finnabar hurls his javelin towards the striped creature, however it catches against an overhanging branch and drops to the ground harmlessly. The creature jinks and dissapears into a thicket to the side of the trail, moving alongside the wounded horse, to the right.
Though torn between dealing with the creature and catching the mounts and pack animals, which have split up, he decides getting the pack animals that have split off in the other direction is still a priority before they get lost--and likely ambushed by more of the striped feral dogs.
Jack moves as fast as he reasonably can down the southeast trail, trying to catch up with the mules and Volpe's horse, trying to make calming clicks and other noises to call the animals to attention and reassure them he is not a threat.
Xarafine screams, as she charges the beast. She says a silent prayer for Belan's Might as she swings wildly with the Speaking Staff.
The creature is now 60' from the campsite so you won't be able to reach it. (Also a straight line'd take you through difficult terrain to get there.)
Since this is getting complicated i have included a MAP to make things easier.
Did she just...? Oh, by the nine...
Volpe takes one bowshot.
Then drops the bow and draws his rapier, ready to move in to flank with Xarafine.
Teacher, Leave me room!
Still waiting to see if Xerafine wants to change her action, given that she can't charge the creature (see post and map above).
Volpe: looking at the map Arundel is directly in the path of your shot, as is a tree (possibbly part of another tree as well) plus the creature is in the bushes (concealment). This translates to:...
20% miss chance (concealment) - could probably justify this as total concealment (50%) but i'll be nice.
+4 AC (cover from Arundel)
With a 20 this is a hit (just) but...
Volpe's shot streaks past Arundel almost parting his mane as it flies straight and true towards the striped creature. The arrow flies into the bushes concealing the creature but imbeds itself in the ground beneath its feet, causing it to stagger momentarily but not slowing it down.
The creature is now 60' from the campsite so you won't be able to reach it. (Also a straight line'd take you through difficult terrain to get there.)
Since this is getting complicated i have included a MAP to make things easier.
Xerafine runs forwards, trying to head off the creature. The horses, still paniked, continue their way down the animal trails.
(SEE MAP)
Bein gives a curse as he moves forward and intercepts his horse, he quickly mounts Arundel as the great warhorse starts to gallop by. Riding bareback him and Arundel ride after the predator, as they try and ride it down. So long as it breathed they would never stop the horses from panicking.
Bein and Arundel gallop past Teacher Xarafine both the rider and his powerful warhorse are intent to bring their enemy down as they suddenly veer into the underbrush and come crashing down behind the troublesome predator. Bein doesn't waste a moment as he nocks an arrow and fires his bow down on the creature.
He curses as the arrow hits a tree with a loud *thunk* into a tree nearby the predator. Arundel on the otherhand gives another high pitched neigh in his rage, as he tries bring his foe to ground.
Finnabar takes a move action to collect his shied and don it and hobbles 20' towards Xarafine, drawing his axe on the way.
I did have to check the ride rules for mounting and figured that you were going far the fast mount. However, Arundel is 20' of movement from you and i think it'd be a bit wrong if he could still get two move actions (couldn't find specific rules though). Therefore (unless someone can find an appropriate rule that means i'm wrong) I'll give him 1 move action (sorry)...
This means that you can't quite reach the creature (quite), I have therefore moved you the appropriate distance along the trail into a position i *think* would be optimal - feel free to correct your position...
The creature jags back onto the track in pursuit of the three horses, crossing back over the trail.
Jack moves just to catch up with the tail end of the mules, calling to them gently but firmly.
He hopes they are far enough from the striped canine that ordering them to return to him will work.
As Jack nears the panicked mules, calling softly and calmingly as he approaches, the mules seem to relax slightly, slowing to a trot and then stopping. Sensing the relaxation of the mules, Volpe's horse also slows and then stops. The three animals are all breathing heavily and are bathed in sweat, they snort loudly and stamp on the ground, ready to flee if the danger reappears.
Pg. 181 Pathfinder core rulebook.
An action’s type essentially tells you how long the action takes to perform (within the framework of the 6-second combat round) and how movement is treated. There are six types of actions: standard actions, move actions,full-round actions, swift actions, immediate actions,and free actions.
In a normal round, you can perform a standard action and a move action, or you can perform a full-round action.You can also perform one swift action and one or more free actions. You can always take a move action in place of a standard action.In some situations (such as in a surprise round), you may be limited to taking only a single move action or standard action.
Pg 192 - Core Ruleboook Continued.
Movement in Combat: Generally, you can move your speed in a round and still do something (take a move action and a standard action).If you do nothing but move (that is, if you use both of your actions in a round to move your speed), you can move double your speed.
Page - 289 Bestiary - Zombie Special qualities.
Staggered (Ex): Zombies have poor reflexes and can only perform a single move action or standard action each round. A zombie can move up to its speed and attack in the same round as a charge action.
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As you requested this is the best I can find. I'm not trying to cheat in anyway just using the mobility the Cavalier gains from having a mount that isn't driven off so easily. Now these rules do sound vague but as It says you always get a move action and a standard action (which can be converted to a move action). This is contradicted by the staggered condition of course and if you are choosing to use an 'action pool system' let me know so I can correct my actions from now on.
Now I only posted this because my actions were considered questionable. I understand it isn't as fair to other members for me to be so mobile and such, as we discussed several weeks back about abusing the cavaliers & mounts ability to attack the same target. Now the die is already cast and I'm not asking for round 1 to be changed, you made the decision and I will stick to that because i've DMed many times as well and recanting on what occurs gets real annoying... real quick. So we will carry on and I will let you make your decision about what I placed here, so lets continue on and have fun~. :)
But get ready because eventually i'm going to be training up our mounts to be combat trained and close to be being as capable as Arundel. Except a lot less hp sadly... ( ;-;) Bein will cry when our mounts start dying from AoE effects. :(
Agreed as to your interpretation, however, you made a move action (20' getting to Arundel) then a free action (mounting), which leaves time for Arundel to take 1 move action. (see map) That's what i was thinking anyway. If you had been next to Arundel to begin with (You haven't stated that you sleep that close to the horses which'd be unusual) then you could've got two move actions after you mounted.
Not trying to srew you over or anything, but i think this is a fair ruling. - Happy to discuss though!
Shouldn't make much difference anyway as you missed the attack on the creature but will be able to charge it this round... OK so you're less one AAO, nut a charge is nice to get when the opportunity arrises!
True... The six second per round does make the interpretation you proceeded with very fair. Sorry about that ^^; Also I have been trying to cut back on all the typing I do as I feel bad writing (several) paragraph's since i'm not very concise ^^;;;. But i'm always up for discussion, I was just trying to understand what was going on or if I had missed something earlier =). Let us carry on with the foul beastie xD, although I wish my Ini's would stop being crit fails lately! xD
Xarafine breaks into a full run down the trail, trying desperately to catch-up with the fleeing horses.
Xerafine: A full run towards the horses'll take you close to the rearmost horse, next to the creature (see map re-posted from above) is this what you want to do?
Xerafine: A full run towards the horses'll take you close to the rearmost horse, next to the creature (see map re-posted from above) is this what you want to do?
Nah, you're waiting for me to post the horses' actions... Busy at the minute but I'll post later on today.
As the striped animal passes just behind Jack's horse the frightened beast swings off to the right, away from the source of its fear, moving 100' further down the narrow trail. Xerafine and Finnabar's horses, meanwhile, carry on down the trail they are on, their hooves breaking great divots into the path as the charge down it.
That thing moves like wind!
Volpe dashes as best he can toward the creature, rapier in hand. His hat flies off during his dash. He grumbles but does not reach for it.
Bein grips Arundels sides as hard as he can as he rides the destrier bareback, they pair are hard on the heels of the creature and are trying to cut it off as they gallop past their comrades on the trail.
Arundel thunders towards the creature, tearing great divots in the road as Bein nocks an arrow and takes aim at the predator. He is soon cursing as he is unable to the shot with Arundel so close. He barely has time to give the command before Arundel comes face to face with the predator once more and, with a angry neigh, the destrier tries to smash the predator with one of his powerful hooves.
(You didn't get an attack last round)
As Arundel rears up and smashes the creature accross the back it jerks to the side, wounded, but angered. In reply to Arundel's strike the creature bites back at the big horse's leg, trying to trip it.
To Hit:
Damage:
Trip: (Target = CMB 16 + 4 (quadruped) = 20)
Whilst the creature's teeth bite deeply into Arundel fetlock, it fails to get the leverage to pull over the stallion
SEE UPDATED MAP
Due to the awkwardness of riding bareback Bein was unable to sway with Arundel quick movements and impeded his horses ability to dodge the predators savage counterattack. Neighing with pain as its enemies teeth find his fetlock Arundel staggers for a moment as the predator tries to pull him down. But a destrier isn't so easily beat and somehow he is able to stay on his hooves as he presses the attack, while bleeding profusely from where he had been bitten.