Keep on the Borderlands Group 2 (Prettier in Pink) (Inactive)

Game Master Chainmail

"We should get these folks to town, so they can get a meal and checked for any other medical needs."

I was hoping you would heal up a little more, probably get the party all healthy.

The party moves slowly to the intersection. The scout is incapacitated on the fighter's shoulders. The orc limps with a broken leg. He has seems to have straightened the bone and is using a splint and improvised crutch to move.

At the intersection there is a blast as a two thunderstones hit spaced in the narrow passage.

Initiative
Lorcan: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Turk: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Zoros: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Ingrid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Meztli: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Calendir: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Enemy 1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

ORDER OF ACTION
ENTIRE PARTY--map updated
hobgoblins

Con save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Meztli dashes forward, attacking the nearest hobgoblin (charge).

Meztli vs. Hobgoblin: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 2 = 24 (+2 for charge)
Damage (halberd): 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Turk executes the monstrous creature and slings the unconscious Calendir over his back.

"We better start moving."

The orc limps along, still injured as you retrace your way to the main passage.

If we can retcon a little, Lorcan has two Heavenly Fires left and planned to use them on Calendir to try to get him walking. That may be all the healing we have. I was away from my computer yesterday. Sorry for the delay.

Heavenly Fire: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5 Not sure if that makes a difference. Hmm, also I do not see myself on the map.

I was hoping you would heal up a little more, probably get the party all healthy.

That was my intention, but had a lot of RL get in the way. Was going to apply more heals from the wand to bring Calendir up to full....

I forgot about the wand. I am in a dozen or more games. And they all seem move slowly. Keeping track of who has what seems to be beyond me. Sorry.

Who is up?

Been sick past couple days

Con: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Ivy holds her ears from the deafening effect of the thunder stone

Still was debating allowing healing after the fact. Now that combat is occurring, it seems contrived. Anyway, roll the healing you wish to administer before we continue.

OK, still not sure how much to heal Calendir ;D
Heal 1 : 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Heal 2 : 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Head 3 : 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Zoros' shield comes up to shield him from the thunderstones...
[ooc]Con Save DC 15 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Shaking his head, he escapes and lasting harm.
He steps forward and places a hand on Turk's shoulder..."St Cuthbert guide your arm, warrior!"

Guidance

Meztli rushes the closest hobgoblin. The passage to the right is also filled with hobgoblins as she leaves one hurt with a nasty jab. The warning of the hobgoblin proves true as it appears there are female hobgoblins with crossbows joining the fight.
hp: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

party up (except Zoros and Meztli)

I already had rolled. total of 5 points. I honestly do not know if that gets our rogue up or not. But no way Lorcan would retain healing while someone is down. Just common sense to have him walking if nothing else. And tactically he would be better off to save them, but that is not what he would do. Also, I had not had the chance to post anything from the point o the gnol was killed til combat began. Totally different if I had posted a lot in there. Also Lorcan is still not on the map. Should I just add him?

Fort Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Ingrid still holds her ears, from the thunderstones, can't hear herself or anything around her.

Zoros, that amount of healing gets Calendir up and in tip top shape - thanks :D

Con check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

The loud sound echoes in his ears, but Calendir is able to shake most of its effects off, focusing in the battle ahead of them.

"Don't rush out of this tunnel - we'll be caught in a vice" - he urges his companions, holding his action.

Is Meztli positioning accurate?

To attack with a halberd, that is the position for Mezli--I assume you are tracking the charges used of the wand. If you can, post them somewhere as it is used.

I will have the hobgoblins act soon.

In that case, Calendir moves to DN:122 and readies an action to stab the first one that comes close :D

A halberd is not a reach weapon that I can tell. I am not sure who Mezli is attacking from there.

Remembering stepping out in front of goblin bows in the past Lorcan delays to see what will happen.

Moved Meztli adjacent to the hobgoblin. I thought she had a reach weapon.

I thought it was a reach weapon as well. Hmm.

My apologies, but I am having a bit of a stressful week. A friend is being forced out of his house and I am helping him move and we have family visiting. Please GMPC as needed. If you are in one of my games, know that you are not forgotten and I will resume regular postings ASAP. Thank you.

Whose actions are we missing?

I am getting confused a bit. Do we want to retcon some of the actions prior to combat? Meztli didn't trust the gnoll, so Turk didn't want him to suffer in captivity and saved him from starvation or torture. I also used the execution to move the story along as we were dragging at that point. Calendir is now up and could speak too. It is probably obvious that killing the gnoll isn't exactly making the orc more friendly. I know the sporadic posting isn't helping keep continuity.

Lorcan, being of good alignment, did not want to kill the knoll and was appalled when it had happened. Once back to town he will slam his little fist on the table, call Turk and Meztli murderers and refuse to go out with them again unless some compromise can be reached about handling of the helpless. And we have the reach weapon issue. So yes, I would be interested in a retcon. We are already retconning the hit points. Not sure how to reconcile alignment differences here. Lorcan may just have to leave this group. Ideas?

Ingrid is also NG, and would Not of wanted the Gnoll dead.

Even with a retcon, I believe Calendir was only healed back up after the gnoll was killed (nice way to get myself rid of the cunundrum? :D) - in any case, and to be honest, he would be fine with the execution. Along the same lines, he would accept if he was kept alive, as long as we made sure he is no longer a threat - tying him up or something like that. So... I guess the gnoll gets a second wind? ;)

It was already chained to the wall, so it started as not a threat. The DM makes a good point though, that Turk considered as swift death a mercy. Lorcan does not see it that way, as he saw no reason not to let it go and try to make a friend, but its a good point.

Flashback......

Before the party healed Calendir, there was talk of returning to town with civilians and injured captives. Turk had already resigned himself to carrying the elf and did not want to worry about a unknown monster at his back that was barely able to walk. The orc seemed somewhat cooperative, but refused to divulge the caves he knew the most about. The more monstrous creatures was silent, not being able to speak a common language. Rather than leave him chained to the wall, before anyone could react, Turk sliced the gnoll with a quick, lethal strike after being encouraged by Meztli: "Kill it!!" she said.

"If we are not freeing him from chains, I am freeing him from torture!!"

Calendir awoke just after the lethal stroke.

A discussion ensued as the execution was not a decision the entire party was behind.......

Locan glares at Turk and Meztli for a moment. Unhappy with Turk's quick action, but trying to understand his point Lorcan reluctantly concedes I agree we could not predict the creature's actions. And a quick death is preferable to continued torture with the same outcome. Still, I think we have missed a chance to create a friend, and we may yet miss its ability to fight as we try to exit these caverns. After this the gnome grows unusually quite and sullen.

"You know, he was helpless and unarmed.
And was likely wanting help."

"Savage," Meztli says unapologetically. "Beastmen know only kill. Slay many Meztli's people; females and young."

"The deed has been done" - Calendir states flatly - "If it offends the sense of morality of anyone in our group, then we must make sure it does not happen again - this kind of things gnaw at our cohesion, and if we lose it down here, we are dead"

Turning to both Lorcan and Ingrid, he adds - "I assure you even though my past experiences and instinct will draw me to execute a downed enemy, making sure it is definitely not a threat, I will not do so henceforth" - he finishes with pragmatism.

Zoros crosses his arms across his chest and frowns mightily, "Indeed the deed was done, but most dishonorablly, sir Turk! The Cudgeler despises the savage races, especially ones such as this that speak no civilized language, but their death should come from armed struggle! You stand diminished in mine eyes! I as well will not tolerate such actions to happen again!" he says in a steady sonorous voice more suited to a sermon.

His piece said, Zoros subdues into a glowering silence.

Turk shrugs: "I will not leave him to suffer in captivity. No one offered him freedom but me. When time is of the essence, I do not spend hours on philosophy, but seconds on expediency. And those that do not act easily find fault with those that do. He was not healed, so he must have been evil in the Cudgeler's eyes as I saw his wounds did not mend while those of human stock were healed. Sending him and this orc that can barely walk to fight is more pathetic than killing them and you remain diminished in my eyes."

The orc nodded.
"I would rather be killed than tortured and maimed. I will fight even in my weakened state, with my teeth if I have to."

Back to the present....
As the ambush unfolded, the hobgoblin captors were encountered. The orc prepared to hobble forward with his splint slowing him somewhat. The men at arms spoke. "We may have to hold the mass to the right off while you get our charges back to the Keep."

The orc seemed prepared to follow them.

So back to initiative? I am not confident of the proposed plan. Hobgoblinns should be abel to easily catch us. Locan moves 20. Might be better to stand and fight. But if this is DM advise and not men at arms advise maybe we should take it. :)

Up against about 14 Hobs, and we are injured

Lorcan has most of his spells and is at full. Of course one crossbow bolt can take him down. And he is out of Holy Fire.

Meztli readies her halberd for the oncoming assault. "Meztli will meet the enemy. Die with honor!"

Yes, she means it. As much as I enjoy this character and this campaign, that is Meztli's attitude and approach to life.

Calendir's actions for the combat and the retcon are done - where do we stand?

Back from Gen Con and ready to go here. Lets do this.

Not seeing an alternative plan, the men at arms have their shining moment.

Seeing the hobgoblins in the hall, the men at arms rush to hold them off as Turk rushes to Meztli's aid. The men at arms shout "For Ulek and the Keep!!!"

Turk/maas: 3d20 ⇒ (3, 5, 4) = 12

Turk and the men at arms flail ineffectively at the hobgoblins. The deluge of crossbows targets the new men at arms. One finds a crease in the man at arms armor and sinks deep.
7d20 ⇒ (17, 14, 12, 9, 7, 3, 5) = 67

The forward goblin on the right flank is dressed in heavy armor, and hacks at the two men.
cleave: 2d20 ⇒ (18, 2) = 20
conf: 1d20 ⇒ 7

One of the men at arms falls, brutally hit by crossbow bolt and vicious falchion blow. The other shouts "Do not waste our sacrifice!!

orc: 1d20 ⇒ 13
The orc yells: "You will feel my wrath chief!! My death will not be easy and a warrior death." But in his weakened state his bite fails to connect.
Round 2
Party up (everyone)

Hobgoblins

Without a single hobgoblin injured except the one Meztli hit, it looks dire.

"Let's give them a hand since they are giving one to us."

Ingrid starts singing
Bardic Music: inspire Courage +1

Lorcan moves up to the corner and color sprays, hitting three of the 4 hobs. Will Save DC 16.

Zoros lays a hand on Calendir's shoulder, "Strike fast and strike true! In Cuthbert's name!"

Strength Surge, +1 to melee attack or strength check

Meztli swings her halberd in a vicious arc.

Meztli vs. Hobgoblin: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7

Damage (halberd): 1d10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 1 = 13

Back from GenCon. Fun, but tiring and troublesome. On the way up (from Mississippi, a 12-hour trip), a tractor-trailer ran into and destroyed the back of our rental vehicle. No serious injuries (fortunately), but put us behind schedule by 3 hours while we found another rental. Ran a total of seven tables for Paizo.

Don't forget the +1 to Atk and damage from Inspire Courage.

Save top left to bottom right 3d20 ⇒ (14, 7, 8) = 29

Meztli misses despite guidance and inspiration, but three goblins go down in a comatic sleep as colors wash over them. The one in the rear tries to rouse his comrade, but the still seems groggy and unresponsive though no longer sleeping.

cdg: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 3) + 6 = 151d20 ⇒ 5
Turk plunges his stabbing sword into a sleeping goblin.

The man at arms and orc continue to fight while the fallen man at arms bleeds out on the floors.

orc,man: 2d20 ⇒ (16, 13) = 29
The orc, despite his wounded state, manages to bite the goblin chief before he swings.
cleave: 2d20 ⇒ (6, 3) = 9
The chief manages to hit the orc with his falchion, but his follow through deflects off the last human defender. Much weakened, the orc falls, but before he does, he prepares to attack one last time. "My clan will get you!!"

The crossbows fire at Lorcan behind the cover of the orc and the men at arms, but the bolts clatter harmlessly off the walls.
6d20 ⇒ (8, 3, 13, 1, 8, 7) = 40

Round 3 Party to go
Turk Cdg
hobgoblins

GM Tribute, am I entitled an action for round 2 also? But I guess I had no spot to fit in and attack, right? Also, I ended up not understanding if the orc went down or not - if he did, Calendir would take his position. If not, he will wait behind them, until a spot opens, then moves in and attacks, probably from DP:120 or DP:121

Dagger Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 25
Damage if it hits: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Dagger Attack crit confirm: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 13
Additional damage if it crits: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

I am still unclear about the plan. Are we going to try to kill of the enemy, or are we letting the men at arms hold them off while we get the merchants, etc, back to the Keep? I am actually good with either plan.

For the time being, Calendir feels like stabbin' some hobgoblins ;)

Isn't also kinda funky leaving them to die while we bail out?