Jade Regent, presented by DM Hamied - Campaign Thread

Game Master Hamied

Shalelu meets Almar's gaze with a calm tilt of her head. "Petty wit, yes. We are the same petty creatures, you and I. My thoughts bent towards my foe, as are yours. The difference is, I have drawn blood. Inform me when you have done the same."

"Shalelu..." Sandru growls. "We have had enough. If you count yourself as our ally, be another set of eyes. For we move north."

The elf nods, without another word.

Sandru turns to Lisabett.

Lisabett whispers with Sandru for a time, then steps back and shakes her head. She then looks to Shalelu.

"Mistress, I've need of your eyes, afront with me," she commands easily.

"Almar, keep your men tight to the wagons, and your hand from that instrument in your belt, please," she adds the last and makes her facial expression slightly less stoney.

Finally, she addresses her former company in their milk tongue.

Lisabett Diplomacy (NPCs) 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Lisabett Survival (to avoid hazards while scouting) 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Lisabett Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

The three Ulfen men give grudging nods at Lisabett's words. Andres responds.

As Lisabett steps ahead of the caravan, Shalelu is at her side. The elf does not speak, but instead puts her keen eyes to work.

"We move!" Sandru calls, and a moment later, the wagons are in motion again.

The next few hours of travel are filled with sweet birdsong, and the gentle music of the breeze lifting the leaves all around you. The verdant forest seems to sing unceasingly.

Shalelu suddenly is still. She scans the trees above you, her fingers dancing on the smooth yew of her bow.

Perception Check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
What a poor roll! I hope my combat rolls are better.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Oooo...so close...lol. Setomi will be continuing to be seated beside the driver of the provision wagon (who is the driver???)

Lisabett Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 *sigh*

Lisabett, knowing it is not in Shalelu's nature to tense at nothing, begins reaching for her javelin.

Oooo...so close...lol. Setomi will be continuing to be seated beside the driver of the provision wagon (who is the driver???)

More than likely the halfling, Walter. Who else would drive the provision wagon?

Before we leave the petrified men.

Sorin looks frustrated as Sandru and Shalelu exchange barbs. "Sandru, Shalelu is right. When you asked, I choose this route because, and I said so at the time, we could help end whatever threat pervades these woods and the nearby areas. Had I known we were not going to do so I would have suggested the other route. What curse or creature are we going to outrun in these wagons?"

"I promised to follow you and I will but I feel misled in why we made this decision. How many will suffer because we stir up whatever malignance is here and yet do nothing? This is dangerously close to mocking fate and the gods; we will regret this decision."

"However, I can see everyone is eager to get moving so I'll say no more." Sorin returns to the wagon and will rebuff any further attempt at conversation.

During the ride.

Sorin is not happy (and makes no attempt to hide it) and is a bit jumpy as well. He keeps looking to the trees on the side of the road as if they were enemies about to attack and starts at unexpected noises.

Sorin cannot succeed at the Perception check but if he's in a position to notice Shalelu's sudden wariness he'll use Detect Evil in whatever direction she's looking at.

Perception: Shalelu's wariness (if possible) 1d20 ⇒ 5

If he doesn't or can't notice then his attitude is unchanged.

Almar seethes at Shalelu and Lisabett's words but considering the need for collaboration in such a dire situation he decides not to argue further, especially considering Sandru's position. So the gunslinger just gives Sandru a nod of understanding, turns around and gets to work without saying anything else.

Perception check:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

The driver beside Setomi is Walthus Proudstump, the halfling.

Sorin glances both left and right, seemingly confused. He gazes upward for a moment with a puzzled expression before his eyes go wide.

"Evil above!" he shouts as he grabs his glaive and leaps off the wagon.

A freakish, laughing cry comes from the trees, and is answered by another such cry from the trees on the other side of the caravan. The first cry turns into a babbling, strange yet beautiful language. The other answers in a rough, guttural chant.

Lisabett Kn. Nature 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 dang. if only sylvan!

"Who knows the language of the fey?" Lisabett demands. "And why they would be using troll sounds?"

Almar calls the caravan to halt:"Stop! Defensive positions! NOW!"

The gunslinger takes his gun out of the holster, prepared to shoot:"Sandru! Give the signal and we'll start taking these beasts down!"

Raziel moves to stand next to Sorin, readying his scimitar.
"The Blessings of Sarenrae upon us,"He cries out.

I am starting combat, but Raziel will get Bless off, and I'll allow you to dictate your positions on the map (since you've had a moment to prepare). You can get a general sense of where the barking, howling, and babbling are coming from (hence the marked monster positions). Once everybody has their positions selected, or at least 24 hours have passed, I'll see about starting combat, schedule permitting.

You can also roll initiative if you'd prefer to roll your own (since I'm letting you choose your placement anyway). I'll roll any remaining initiatives when the encounter begins.

Churlwood Road

I'm going to have the other members of the caravan involved in fighting, but I'm only going to run three NPCs and the monsters. As on the map, the green areas (foliage and trees) are difficult terrain. The wagons are solid, and so provide cover, but cannot be moved through. A DC 12 Acrobatics check will get you up onto a wagon, and moving off one requires no action (as long as it's done as part of a move).

The strange chanting turns into a wild whooping, which finds a strange unity, and is almost beautiful. A third voice joins in this chorus, and then the leaves begin to rustle. Whatever these creatures are, they are large, and they are descending from the trees.

Initiative Roll:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Alamr will position himself in H6. How's the visibility towards the troll in C6?

The creatures are still in the trees (using their original Stealth results), so none are currently visible to you.

I'll start in I18.

Initiative 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Setomi will start on the provision wagon beside Walthus. Which wagon is it??

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Sorry about the delay in starting. But hey, nice initiative rolls. Setomi, the provision wagon is in the middle.

Initiative:
Lisabett - 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Raziel - 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Ameiko - 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Sandru - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Shalelu - 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Fey Troll 1 - 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Fey Troll 2 - 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Fey Troll 3 - 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Initiative Order:
Fey Troll 1
Sorin
Fey Troll 3
Shalelu
Fey Troll 2
Almar
Setomi
Sandru
Ameiko
Raziel
Lisabett

A large, bright green, moss-covered creature bursts out from the tree to the northwest. Its long, lanky arms hang limp at its side as it flies down to the middle wagon and lands upon it with a loud CRASH. It turns its elongated, toothy snout in the direction of Shalelu, and in a split second, its body snaps to attention like a spring, and it takes a swipe at the elf with its claws.

Shalelu cries out as the monster's clawed hand rips into her side.

Churlwood Road

Sorin is up next.

Since I said I had moved close to Sorin, Raziel will start in I16.

Lisabett will be wherever the front of the caravan is. And it is good that she has some fire damage inherent...

Assuming that the other trolls are visible, Soring will move to G18 and attack the troll that's directly to the left of the wagon.

Attack 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 Actually 26 with Raziel's Bless.
Damage 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

If the troll was able to attack Shalelu from 15' away then this will provoke an AoO on Sorin if the troll is threatening H18.

I'm sorry, I know the set up is slightly confusing. Based on the sound of its noises, you know where that troll is, but it's still hiding up in the tree, and so is out of melee range. I will let you keep your attack roll if you'd like to change your action.

In that case I will charge the troll on the wagon. I'll stop in I13 if it's low enough to the ground to hit from there.

Attack roll becomes a 28. Damage is unchanged. My AC drops to a "Hit me, please!" 13.

The troll will take the Attack of Opportunity.

Attack (Claw) - 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
If it hits, it deals 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 points of damage

Sorin surges forward and jabs the troll with his glaive, just ducking under the monster's swinging claw. The blade sticks firmly in the creature's flesh, but it does not pierce deeply.

Another of the trolls appears from a nearby tree. This one lands right in front of Ameiko, but it is the paladin that it attacks.

Attack (Claw) - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
If it hits, it deals 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 points of damage

The monster's claws slide through a gap in Sorin's armor.

I forgot Shalelu's Favored Terrain bonus. No wonder she's so mad. She'll stay put in the initiative order, though.

Shalelu takes a step back and draws back her bow, loosing an arrow at the troll on the wagon. She has another in hand as first one reaches its target.

Rapid Shot (Longbow) - 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22, 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
If the first arrow hits, it deals 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 point of damage.
If the second arrow hits, it deals 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 point of damage.

Shalelu's aim is true. Her second arrow, however, seems to bounce off the troll's hide, leaving not but a tiny cut.

A third troll comes out from the tree line, green energy shining in its eyes. A moment later, the very wood seems to come alive to grab hold of the elven ranger.

The trolls casts Entangle on a 40-foot area. The only creature present there currently is Shalelu.

Shalelu's Reflex saving throw - 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Shalelu manages to step clear of the grasses that begin to snake around her legs.

Initiative Order:
Fey Troll 1
Sorin
Fey Troll 3
Shalelu
Fey Troll 2
Almar
Setomi
Sandru
Ameiko
Raziel
Lisabett

Churlwood Road

Almar is up next.

*sigh* It's not on the map but looking back I see that Raziel stated that he's in I16 which would make my charge impossible. It also would invalidate the position of one of the trolls. How do you want to handle it?

It was my mistake; I saw Raziel and Lisabett post but I neglected to place them. I will allow the charge as it stands. Raziel is in that spot now, though.

Almar aims at the troll towering over the second vagon and fires at it:

Attack roll:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Damage roll:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Almar's shot rings out, but does not find its target. All three trolls howl in unison at the sound of the pistol.

Initiative Order:
Fey Troll 1
Sorin
Fey Troll 3
Shalelu
Fey Troll 2
Almar
Setomi
Sandru
Ameiko
Raziel
Lisabett

Churlwood Road

Setomi is up next.

Mmmmh... unless we can find some source of fire we are going to be sorry people, they'll just regenerate. And DM... Fey, advanced Moss Trolls??? XD

Reacting to the creature that is attacking Shalelu, Setomi turns in her seat and moves forward to strike the trolls unprotected back.

Attack-Melee: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 27
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Damage-Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8

I take it my sneak attack damage come into play as the creatures back is to Setomi. If not, then just ignore the second damage roll!!

The first Jade Regent book isn't as specific about the journey as it is about the locations, so I am taking the opportunity to have a little fun with my Bestiary 3...

Setomi, you do get Sneak Attack because Sorin is threatening.

Setomi's blade cuts into the troll, but its hide seems unnaturally tough. What would have spilled the entrails of a lesser creature instead leaves a gash.

Sandru stands and runs across the top of the lead wagon, leaping to the one directly behind it.

Acrobatics - 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

In mid stride, he draws his scimitar, and moves in behind the troll. Sandru uses a double move, and ends in H9. He does not provoke an Attack of Opportunity because the troll already used it on Sorin.

Ameiko draws her rapier as she ducks under one of the troll's gossamer wings and side-steps to her right. She takes a 5-Foot Step to get to K18, and a move action to draw her weapon. She finishes her turn by beginning Inspire Courage. All of you receive a +1 competence bonus to attack and damage rolls (the morale bonus against fear won't stack with Raziel's Bless).

Ameiko's song seems to echo from everywhere around you; it is a strong and confidence battle hymn, one of the few sung by the devoted of Shelyn.

Initiative Order:
Fey Troll 1
Sorin
Fey Troll 3
Shalelu
Fey Troll 2
Almar
Setomi
Sandru
Ameiko
Raziel
Lisabett

Churlwood Road

Raziel is up next.

Raziel takes a step to the side and attacks the creature in front of him.
Move to J15.
Attack Troll in J,K16,17
Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Damage (if hits): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Raziel's slash comes under the troll's arm and sends a spray of black blood onto the road. The monster does not seem at all perturbed - it turns directly to the cleric, and speaks:

Initiative Order:
Fey Troll 1
Sorin
Fey Troll 3
Shalelu
Fey Troll 2
Almar
Setomi
Sandru
Ameiko
Raziel
Lisabett

Churlwood Road

Lisabett is up next.

"And I'm sure that Das Korvut thinks it's a nice day too," Raziel replies to the troll. "Does anyone know what it's saying?"

Lisabett moves to G6 and casts Ray of Frost at the troll in H10.

Lisabett Ranged Touch Attack 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 if she hits, she will deal 1d3 ⇒ 2 cold damage and the target is dazzled for one round by tiny sparkling starlights.

"These creatures are vulnerable to fire!" Lisabett shouts. "Incapacitate them and I can assure they will not stand again!"

The troll seems unaffected by the cold of Lisabett's ray, but it shelters its eyes from the burst of starlight. The troll gains the dazzled condition.

The three Ulfen men loose a way cry, and charge the southernmost foe. I'll resolve their combat separately, for now.

The troll atop the wagon blinks hard, unable to see clearly, but still filled with a primal rage. It lashes out at Shalelu with its claws, but stretches to its right to bring its toothy maw to bear against Sorin.

First attack vs. Shalelu (Claw) - 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
If it hits, it deals 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 points of damage.

Second attack vs. Shalelu (Claw) - 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
If it hits, it deals 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 points of damage.

Attack vs. Sorin (Bite) - 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
If it hits, it deals 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 points of damage.

The monster flails wildly, but for all its frantic movement, does not pierce flesh. In course of its rapid motion, however, you get a clear view of the wounds your group has already inflicted...and they are healing before your very eyes. The monster regains 5 HP.

Initiative Order:
Fey Troll 1
Sorin
Fey Troll 3
Shalelu
Fey Troll 2
Almar
Setomi
Sandru
Ameiko
Raziel
Lisabett

Churlwood Road

Sorin is next.

Sorin sees the wounds healing and hears Lisabett's advice but can think of no immediate way to implement it. All he can thin of is to take one down as fast as possible so the group isn't so divided.

Activate smite evil vs. troll on the wagon and attack.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 3 + 1 + 2 = 33
Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 3 = 9

Confirm 1d20 + 7 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 3 + 1 + 2 = 16
Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 3 = 17
Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 3 = 12

+13 and I'm not sure I confirmed the crit...good grief

15 doesn't hit so unless it has AC 16...

Sorry for the delay. Last assignment of the semester in progress...gonna be a long night.

The blade of Sorin's glaive rips into the troll's throat and up through its elongated jaw. Black blood gushes out, splattering all over the goods in the back of the wagon. The monster falls over with a surprising amount of grace; its gossamer wings twitch, even as its body lies still. And yet, you can see the edges of the fatal wound beginning to seal. By all rights, the creature should be dead, but you fear that life somehow still stirs within it.

Sorin's glaive still rings with a vivid hum. The sound of it calms your racing hearts.

The nearest troll turns its attention from Raziel, and stares at its fallen companion. It lets out a ferocious bark, and as the slash left by the cleric's scimitar disappears, the monster beats its wings and lifts into the air. We're pausing mid-turn to resolve the Attack of Opportunity that this provokes, as it may affect the rest of the creature's actions. I'll need to see a roll from Raziel - I'll handle Ameiko's.

Attack (Rapier) - 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
If it hits, it deals 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 points of damage.

Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Damage (if hits): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Confim Crit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Damage (if confirmed): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Raziel's blade darts across the troll's stomach as it takes to the air; though it is clear that his strike has wounded the monster, it does not register the blow. It flies over the road and sets down in foliage, not far from where Shalelu fights to keep from being entangled by the animate plants. The troll lands in D10/D11/E10/E11. It then lifts its clawed hand, and points a finger in the direction of Raziel and Sorin. Glimmering dust appears all around them, coating their armor and irritating their eyes. The troll is using a spell-like ability to cast Glitterdust, at the center point of I14/I15/J14/J15, meaning it affects both Raziel and Sorin.

Raziel and Sorin, please make a Will Save (DC 11), or be blinded.

Shalelu retreats from the ensnaring plants. This provokes an Attack of Opportunity from the troll that landed near her.

Attack (Claw) - 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
If it hits, it deals 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 points of damage.

The troll fails to land a hit on the ranger. The grasses at the edge of the road yet reach towards her in vain as she stands out of their grasp.

I'm still handling the combat with the Ulfen and the other troll separately.

Fey Troll 1
Sorin
Fey Troll 3
Shalelu
Fey Troll 2
Almar
Setomi
Sandru
Ameiko
Raziel
Lisabett

Churlwood Road

Almar is up next.

Raziel's Will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Almar shoots at the troll over the wagon again.

Attack roll:1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 9 - 4 = 20

Damage roll:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

I guess the Troll being large and on top of a wagon will not get cover. If he does consider Almar moves where he can get a good shot at the creature

Will Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

The troll on the wagon is currently prone and helpless. For all intents and purposes, it looks dead, but I didn't take it off the map because it still has a chance to regenerate. Do you still want to attack it, Almar?

Well I doubt I can see the one in the foliage. If I can I'll shoot it, othervise I'll just wait for it to come out of hiding. As long as Lisabett sets the one on the wagon on fire we should be good.

The trees on the map are confusing, as I want to give the impression that there is a forest canopy. You can see the troll. It has cover, but you factored a -4 into your attack roll already, so your shot hits it.

Almar's shot pierces the troll's chest. The monster has no reaction to the the blood spurting from its wound.

Fey Troll 1
Sorin
Fey Troll 3
Shalelu
Fey Troll 2
Almar
Setomi
Sandru
Ameiko
Raziel
Lisabett

Churlwood Road

Setomi is up next.