The troll still standing looks at Svetlana, and terror crosses its face as she yells something in the rough tongue of giants. The beast looks at its fallen litter mate, then runs off back into the fog.
Health 35/42 AC 19 (24) FF 17 T 17 Fort 8 Ref 7 Will 9 CMD 20 Perception +9 Snatch Arrow 2/2 Advice rounds 7/9 Key points 5/6
init:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
On my first initiative, I will begin giving useful advice on tactics to the party. as a standard action begin inspiring courage to the party +2 on attack roll and damage rolls. I take a defensive stance to increase my speed for dodging attacks. secondly I will expend a swift action at spend a key point increasing my AC by 4 for a round. Lastly I will move to engage with the troll in melee combat a move action. I will keep this beast engaged so the rest of you can feather it with arrows from afar.
Should the Troll attempt to leave my reach, I will use my step up feat if he 5 foot steps, or I will use my attack of opportunity for a combat maneuver check the force it not to move using the stand still feat.
Health 35/42 AC 19 (24) FF 17 T 17 Fort 8 Ref 7 Will 9 CMD 20 Perception +9 Snatch Arrow 2/2 Advice rounds 7/9 Key points 5/6
If the action is past my first one. Opportunity attack with stunning fist
Rangnar Places a well timed kick at a vital point on the rising troll.
Stunning fist:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12 damage:1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
HP 52/52; AC 20, T: 14, FF: 16; Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +2 (+3 vs fear, mind affecting) CMB+7, CMD 21, Perception +4
The attack from the fog had been swift and sudden. That they were trolls further surprised Brigid, and it was only her new armor that prevented a nasty wound.
She tracks the fleeing one briefly but then sees the other one rise. With Kent's magic coursing through her, the troll seems to be moving even slower. She smoothly releases an arrow, then another, then another.
Bluff +10 (+11), Diplomacy +11 (+12), Disguise +20, Intimidate+10, Perception+11, Prof: Courtesean+8, Sense Motive +11 Stealth +9 AC 13, Hp: 32/32, Init+1, Fort+4, Ref+2, Will+8 Copy Cats Left 7/7, Dazing Touches Left 7/7, Channels Left 8/8
Oops...sorry...forgot it's Svetlana's turn...
Svetlana watch for a moment in satisfaction as the massive, disgusting creature fled the priestess in terror. But she quickly turned her mind back to the battle at hand. Fortunately, the rest of the group appeared to be handling the beast quite well. Seeing Damen roar in pain as the troll struck him, Svetlana decided to channel that feeling to heal the man. Reaching out to Calistria, a wave of raw emanated out from Svetlana, sending little more than a chill through the non-injured, but briefly exacerbating the emotions felt by the injured to close their wounds.
Roaring in pain at Brigid's attack, the Troll whirls around to be met by a flurry of blows from Damen, one of which connects. While defending from the ranger's blades, the troll is hamstrung by Zasha, once again falling to the ground. As it thrashes in pain and struggles to rise, Kent puts it out of its misery with a well places application of acid.
In the distance you can still hear the other troll fleeing, the sounds weirdly amplified and distorted in the thick fog.
All please make a perception roll with a -2 due to fog
"We camp right now. Svetlana's enchantment should last 4 hours so he will spend 4 hours running away from us. After that it should take it at least 4 hours to return. Plenty of time of a nights sleep."
HP 52/52; AC 20, T: 14, FF: 16; Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +2 (+3 vs fear, mind affecting) CMB+7, CMD 21, Perception +4
You have a strange sense of humor, Kent. It is morning still. Do you suggest that ve only spend fifteen minutes avake and rest again?
You are taking the fifteen-minute adventuring day pretty seriously! Daniel said we just broke camp and were getting ready to ride when he called for perception checks. :)
Bluff +10 (+11), Diplomacy +11 (+12), Disguise +20, Intimidate+10, Perception+11, Prof: Courtesean+8, Sense Motive +11 Stealth +9 AC 13, Hp: 32/32, Init+1, Fort+4, Ref+2, Will+8 Copy Cats Left 7/7, Dazing Touches Left 7/7, Channels Left 8/8
Svetlana surveyed the group following the battle with the trolls, to ensure no more healing was needed let me know if anyone else would like healing. I'm tracking Damen down 3hp, but that's it. As she did, her eyes narrowed looking at the edge of the dissipating fog. My eyes may be playing tricks, but I believe I saw some humanoid figure just at the edge of our camp. It seems to be gone now however. The priestess then shrugged, with nothing much else to say on the matter. She then readied herself to continue on with her companions.
Damen swung at the troll as the healing energies of Calistria suffused the ranger's body, bringing with it the familiar chaotic sense of roiling emotions. A memory tugged at him as the morningstar described its arc into his foe.
A Memory:
Damen cowers in some foliage amidst an outcropping of rocks. Nearby a powerful, pungent stench marks the air. He has been afraid before, but rarely as thorough as he is now. Ancient, primal instincts tell him that he is going to die. They command him to flee. They are barely contained by wiser thoughts of hiding.
His horse has fled, somewhere now far away and getting farther. It has proven itself more alert than he, dozing in the fine spring sun. He will find the horse three days later, having lamed itself on the rough terrain. He will give mercy and death. The irony is not lost on him during the long walk home.
From where he hides, it is only an armspan or two to where a troll devours a great elk. Had it fled a few steps more, the ranger would have shared its fate.
Murmuring under his breath, he intones a prayer. "Erastil save me. Save me and I will... build a temple." He cannot convince himself the words are true. The god no doubt is equally skeptical. "I will... serve you. Just... just save me." His focus on prayer is punished. A rock shifts. The foliage rustles. The troll raises its head, sniffing the air. It steps away from its meal. It steps toward Damen. His breath catches.
And then a massive stag, suicidal or insane or furious at its fallen mate, rams the troll with its horns. Damen does not hesitate. He flees.
Erastil, he knows, has accepted the bargain.
He didn't descend into the memory, not in battle, but the images and feelings would remain with him, even taunting him.
Later, the troll slain and burned by Kent's magic, Damen nodded his thanks to Svetlana. He was about to speak when his eyes spotted a stranger. At Svetlana's words, he nodded again. "As did I," he said quietly. Rubbing his shoulder, now nearly mended, he joined Brigid in looking for signs of the figure.
Both of you search the area, but if there was someone or something there, they left no trace.
By this time the fog has completely cleared, and a weak autumn sun is just cresting the hills in the east. The chill air prickles your skin after the exertions of combat.
HP 52/52; AC 20, T: 14, FF: 16; Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +2 (+3 vs fear, mind affecting) CMB+7, CMD 21, Perception +4
Brigid stands up from examining the ground. She shakes her head, and sees that Damen has had no luck as well. The fog sometimes tricks the eyes. But perhaps it vas something that does not leave tracks. Many things do not, she says, her tone of voice making sure she is not dismissing what Damen and Svetlana believed they saw.
Let us continue to explore these lands. And stay vary. Ve hunt volves and trolls now. She mounts Zelter and looks back to the rest of the party.
Daniel, can we pick up the trail of the wolf we were following, or is that gone, too? Should we just explore the hex?
Bluff +10 (+11), Diplomacy +11 (+12), Disguise +20, Intimidate+10, Perception+11, Prof: Courtesean+8, Sense Motive +11 Stealth +9 AC 13, Hp: 32/32, Init+1, Fort+4, Ref+2, Will+8 Copy Cats Left 7/7, Dazing Touches Left 7/7, Channels Left 8/8
@Daniel: Let us know if you are waiting on a declared action from us. I'm pretty sure we will continue following the wolf tracks if Brigid's roll was sufficient to find them
Yes, I will..sorry..was not waiting on you guys..had a very bad week and am now just getting back to it..sorry!
The tracks continue towards the distant forest, but before they plunge you into that varied coloured canopy, they veer back into the broken hill country.
19th Rova (Late afternoon)
The clouds begin to gather shortly after your midday meal, and now threaten rain. The landscape takes on a weird light as the clouds filter the low lying sunlight.
Damen and Rangnar both hear, or maybe it is feel, a vibration in the air. Soon Svetlana and Kent can also feel this vibration.
Within a minute or so of sensing the disturbance, a cloud of dust can be seen in the dim light heading your way, and the vibration becomes a rumble, like distant thunder.
Know. Nature rolls and actions please.
Know. Nature DC15:
The sound is that of a stampede, and it is coming right at you!
"Something big is coming and I need you big enough to handle it"
Kents casts extended enlarge person on Rangnar. Then hides behind him. Kent is not a coward. Nope defiantly not a coward he just like to make people feel useful.
Sacred Geometry:
roll:4d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 2, 3) = 15
(4*2)+6-3=11
So works for spell metamagic to 2nd level
enlarge person:
So your are huge for the next 8 minutes. You have a 10 foot reach. Your unarmed damage goes up to 2d6 +1. You gains a +2 size bonus to Strength, a -2 size penalty to Dexterity and a -1 penalty on attack rolls and AC due to its increased size. So overall your attack bonus does not change, but you damage goes up. Your AC is 2 less then before but with mage armor all and your AC is still a respectable 21.
The ranger couldn't help but smile at Brigid's uncommonly diplomatic statement. "That's true. It could have been something trackless. Or my eyes seeing something that wasn't there." His look became a bit more pointed. "Isn't it, ah, funny how easy it is for us to see things that aren't real?" He rested a hand on Zasha's head, lightly ruffling her fur.
As they rode he kept his eyes and ears open, the occasional small twinge from his shoulder a reminder not to let his guard down again. Zasha kept closer to the party now than the day before, but now and then would disappear for a few minutes to chase small prey or sniff around a rock or small copse of trees.
When the tracks veered away from the forest, he slipped from the saddle to give them a closer look. "I'd almost say we're being toyed with. Or..." he looked up at the sky, lips pursed in thought. After a moment he shrugged, glancing toward Zasha, then the party. "Well, I just hope we aren't tracking our way into an ambush."
The day wore on, little by little, until the first inkling of dusk brought the pleasant scent of coming rain. Damen stopped again, hand to his chin, and listened. Kent reacted before he could.
Knowledge (Nature):1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Now the ranger's voice betrayed a bit of panic. "I don't think that'll do much against a stampede, Kent! We need to-to move, or hide!" He quickly looked around for an outcropping or something that might offer shelter.
HP 52/52; AC 20, T: 14, FF: 16; Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +2 (+3 vs fear, mind affecting) CMB+7, CMD 21, Perception +4
Brigid looks hard at Damen as he uses a word she is unfamiliar with. But the alarm in his voice is enough to set her on edge. Her bow is out and nocked while she scans the horizon.
Vhat about our horses? she asks, while moving to Zelter to control him before he bolts.
It take precious time to locate a spot that will serve to protect the entire party, but you manage to locate a over-hanging shelf that will fit you and your mounts....unfortunately by the time you locate this haven, the stampede is almost upon you.
Roll for initiative...if you win you make it to safety before the stampede gets to you, if not...well we will have to see...lol
Stampede Init: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
@Kent: Unfortunately most of the trees here are somewhat stunted. There are none close at hand that will save you from the stampede.
Bluff +10 (+11), Diplomacy +11 (+12), Disguise +20, Intimidate+10, Perception+11, Prof: Courtesean+8, Sense Motive +11 Stealth +9 AC 13, Hp: 32/32, Init+1, Fort+4, Ref+2, Will+8 Copy Cats Left 7/7, Dazing Touches Left 7/7, Channels Left 8/8
Arrgh....I had posted for Svetlana just after Daniel's last post, but it looks like the website ate it. The post was to the effect that Svetlana was galloping her horse out of the way of the stampede and encouraging others to do the same. Any chance she could have done that? I'll roll initiative regardless.
Frantically, Damen gestured toward the meager shelter, spurring his horse around to make sure his companions saw it. "There! There! Room for all!" he called, adding "Rangnar, get to shelter, damn you!"
A herd of about 100 elk crest the rise and flow down the other side and into your group. Two huge specimens, a male and a female, stop on the crest and seem to survey the area as their small cousins stream around them.
Everyone but Brigid needs to make a Dex save (DC-15) or take 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (9, 6) + 5 = 20 points of damage. Those who save take 1/2. Also you need to make a riding check (also DC-15) or loose your mount (at least for the time being)
@Svetlana: Sorry about the post not going in, but I will give you a second chance to beat the elk's init...so go ahead and roll. If you succeed you make it to the cliff.
@Kent: You might want to rethink the grease...it will make the ground slick, and a several hundred pound elk rocketing across the greasy ground is a deadly missile!!
Bluff +10 (+11), Diplomacy +11 (+12), Disguise +20, Intimidate+10, Perception+11, Prof: Courtesean+8, Sense Motive +11 Stealth +9 AC 13, Hp: 32/32, Init+1, Fort+4, Ref+2, Will+8 Copy Cats Left 7/7, Dazing Touches Left 7/7, Channels Left 8/8
Initiative re-roll1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Reflex1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
EDIT: Looks like the initiative re-roll helped! This fits: Svetlana was bolting out of the way of the "dust cloud" as soon as she saw it
Spurring her horse to a full gallop, Svetlana took off on a line perpendicular to the oncoming herd. As she cleared the length of the animals she shouted back. Everyone, try to make it me if you can!
The message boreds gave me the idea. But I guess we could ask if they find it unfair. I wouldn't mind that much it would just mean that I won't be able to use the feat for 2 more levels there arn't many 1st level spells with costs.
I read false focus as being used for 'regular' spells...this is different and you actually need to have the material with you. That is how I am going to play it.
On a another topic in the future I think you should roll everyones initiative there is no reason for rolling initiative to take as long as a round of combat.
I want the players to be involved in the combat, and that includes initiatives. The program I use can easily do that, but I do not wish to take it out of the players hands unless they really do not care. So a call for a vote.
Do I (the DM) roll your initiatives, or do you (the Players) wish to do it? Weigh in everyone.
As to the acid...I am willing to let that one slide, as I did not make the ruling earlier and it is not your fault. Just from now on O.K.
Bluff +10 (+11), Diplomacy +11 (+12), Disguise +20, Intimidate+10, Perception+11, Prof: Courtesean+8, Sense Motive +11 Stealth +9 AC 13, Hp: 32/32, Init+1, Fort+4, Ref+2, Will+8 Copy Cats Left 7/7, Dazing Touches Left 7/7, Channels Left 8/8
I personally like rolling my own initiative; for me it's kind of like rolling my own attack roll or damage. The DM technically could do it but it seems part of PC interactivity. I will say though that if we're waiting an extended period of time for someone to roll initiative it's probably a good idea for the DM to just roll it and move on.
What is the Brevoy legal opinion of slavery? Is it an accepted practice? Is it outlawed? I know that the Six River Freedoms have one "Law" that views slavery as an abomination. I am just curious as to what the Brevoy view is.
Male Human (Brevoyic) Fighter (Polearm Master) / 4
Sorry everyone. Ulryk won't just leave a body to rot untended. It's not in his character and he believes that there is enough time to reach the tradepost before the bandits return.
The letter seems to indicate that these two dead men were friends or messengers from Oleg. If they weren't already rotting, he'd put them on the cart, but given that they are a few days dead, he doesn't want them near his food stuffs. Burying them seemed the better idea. With the markers, if Oleg truly wants he can go back and recollect the bodies later.
Let me know if I took a bit too much liberty saying that Damen knows Oleg a bit. It seemed reasonable given his history, but it's easily retconned away.
I want to apologize for my recent lack of posting. I am having trouble getting behind my character lately and it has been hindering my motivation to post. I have plenty of time, it's just I find myself not in the mood for this character.
I would ask if maybe I could introduce a new character I have prepared. I would hate to leave the game as I like the party, I like the GM, and I love the kingmaker campaign. However, if making a new character would prove to be an inconvenience then I will kindly bow out.
well I have liked Areanna, but this game is about having fun...and I have a great exit for her...you have actually solved a problem for me. So, yeah, if you want, go ahead a pitch me a new character.....
Too bad! I like bards. They don't get played enough, I think, but if it isn't fun, then it isn't fun.
I like Areanna, too. I appreciate people who are prepared to introduce themselves as arrogant. Reminds me of myself, and quite frankly more things should.
Don't suppose you want make a Paladin? This seems like a good group for it which does not seem to happen often would be a shame to miss the opportunity.
Sorry. It's not so much Bard as it is playing a Female character. Tough to do sometimes and I REALLY have to feel it. I like bards though and have run more than a few. I have one in another game at the moment and I am loving it. With that in mind, I am still going with a bard. Meet Leorn.
- Leorn VonKahn is an archaeologist exploring the history of the stolen lands and looking for ancient relics and places within these lands. However, the land if rife with bandits and other dangers that he cannot hope to explore it all by himself. He would need to accompany a strong team with a genuine interest in exploring and discovering all the secrets within these majestic lands. -This is just a brief backstory. I picturing him stopping at Oleg's place for supplies on his way to Brevoy to search for a capable team willing to help him explore the stolen lands. He would believe in safety in numbers. He will quickly join the party when he hears where they are heading. In is enamored by knowledge and ancient relics. He also has a fascination with precious artifacts and treasure too.
Leorn - He is an elven Bard of the archaeologist archetype. He's designed for high intelligence and skill usage. I really like this build concept and I could see it fitting in really well. I like this guy MUCH better as he is the rugged hard working Indiana Jones kind of character and he fills a lot of needs.
Your backstory is very similar to mine we should get along well. Also now this party will have two braininess we should be able to identify just about everything.
edit: you know I am really starting to hate my profile picture it's so ill tempered. Can't seem to find any young wizard pictures.
Lol. I would say I less of a mage and more than a bit greedier than you. My treasures are knowledge and relics. My build is more of a rogue type though and skills will be my strong suit. Some battle support though. Actually I changed my mind on being an elf and decided on a human instead.
Bluff +10 (+11), Diplomacy +11 (+12), Disguise +20, Intimidate+10, Perception+11, Prof: Courtesean+8, Sense Motive +11 Stealth +9 AC 13, Hp: 32/32, Init+1, Fort+4, Ref+2, Will+8 Copy Cats Left 7/7, Dazing Touches Left 7/7, Channels Left 8/8
The switch makes sense to me; seems like Leorn would very much fit in with this campaign. Plus (based on the RP so far) I could totally see Areanna saying "ugg...I hate this roughing it thing" and bailing. Leorn's skills also seem diversified enough that he'll complement a lot of folks without a hard overlap with anyone.
I shall miss Areanna, as I did like the element she brought to the game, but I agree that if you are not enjoying the character you should try something else. I am glad that you will be sticking with us.
Another whip user. Now we have two, I hope NPC's don't get the wrong impression.
Male Human (Brevoyic) Fighter (Polearm Master) / 4
No objections to the order presented in the gameplay thread for entrance to the keep. Ulryk will also dismount and lead his horse and mule forward. With my animal handling it shouldn't be too difficult.
During downtime, Ulryk is continuing to try and train his sorrel stallion Rynel for combat. Let me know when you need me to make a animal handling check.
Bluff +10 (+11), Diplomacy +11 (+12), Disguise +20, Intimidate+10, Perception+11, Prof: Courtesean+8, Sense Motive +11 Stealth +9 AC 13, Hp: 32/32, Init+1, Fort+4, Ref+2, Will+8 Copy Cats Left 7/7, Dazing Touches Left 7/7, Channels Left 8/8
Damen Medvyed wrote:
I forgot Oleg's wife is also called Svetlana. I can't foresee any possible confusion here!
Yeah...that's what you get when trying to pick a name that "fits the feel" of Brevoy, definitely modeled on Tsarist Russia and imperial Poland. No biggie, I can call my Svetlana the "priestess" or "leggy hot blonde" or whatnot for the time being!
This game has a calendar (which I don't really understand). That means we all need birthdays can the DM explain anything about the calendar that would help me pick one?
Male Human (Brevoyic) Fighter (Polearm Master) / 4
Will we have Areanna for this upcoming encounter or Leorn?
Kent I am thinking that your grease spells and color spray might be the best for an ambush.
Open/close could be useful as well from a bard or wizard.
As far as priestess spells - Bless, bane, and murderous command seem like they might be good fits.
Charm person could be useful, but its extremely difficult to use in a combat situation. Perhaps casting it after the combat to get them to give us information? Or maybe it can be used before to get them to surrender... though that will break the element of surprise for the rest of them.
Bluff +10 (+11), Diplomacy +11 (+12), Disguise +20, Intimidate+10, Perception+11, Prof: Courtesean+8, Sense Motive +11 Stealth +9 AC 13, Hp: 32/32, Init+1, Fort+4, Ref+2, Will+8 Copy Cats Left 7/7, Dazing Touches Left 7/7, Channels Left 8/8
@DM: What's your take on the second order effects of Murderous Command? The spell only lasts one round, but it makes sense to me that one's "ally" swinging at you could easily be the start of an ongoing brawl. Seems this maight particularly be the case if the person attacked by the former ally (in this case the bandit leader) has no Know: Arcana or Spellcraft. Maybe a Sense Motive Check to understand that the ally was compelled somehow?
In the heat of battle, I am not sure the Bandit Leader will even try to figure it out. In his mind, someone is always trying to get his position, and maybe this guy thought it was his chance to take over. But I might give a sense motive check for him to try and figure it out...but at the moment he just wants to get out of the slippery goo and somewhere safe!
Bluff +10 (+11), Diplomacy +11 (+12), Disguise +20, Intimidate+10, Perception+11, Prof: Courtesean+8, Sense Motive +11 Stealth +9 AC 13, Hp: 32/32, Init+1, Fort+4, Ref+2, Will+8 Copy Cats Left 7/7, Dazing Touches Left 7/7, Channels Left 8/8
That makes sense, mostly I was just curious whether in general you'd rule that there was a possibility that the attack by an ally might provoke some kind of response-in-kind from the guy attacked.
That makes sense, mostly I was just curious whether in general you'd rule that there was a possibility that the attack by an ally might provoke some kind of response-in-kind from the guy attacked.
There isn't and can never be a general rule for how npc's react. All npc's are individuals and might react in different ways.
In this case however an underling just attack the his leader. This has been seen by the others. The leader can't just let this go and stay leader.
@Daniel sorry for putting words in your mouth, but it didn't seem like a fair question.
Bluff +10 (+11), Diplomacy +11 (+12), Disguise +20, Intimidate+10, Perception+11, Prof: Courtesean+8, Sense Motive +11 Stealth +9 AC 13, Hp: 32/32, Init+1, Fort+4, Ref+2, Will+8 Copy Cats Left 7/7, Dazing Touches Left 7/7, Channels Left 8/8
@Kent: I disagree, the question is more than fair. While I very much believe that the response would be different based on the context, I've seen DM's adjudicate the aftermatch of the spell very differently. At the extremes, some have said that nothing different goes on after the spell is over; they are allies again, all is forgotten/forgiven and that's that. Others have let the spell lead to intra-squad free-for-all's with different divisions of the enemies collapsing in on each other in a giant battle royale like a old west bar fight. Personally I've adjudicated it in the middle, using sense motive checks, knowledge of magic and context as the guide. But because each DM has the right to feel differently about it in their game I thought it best to get clarification before assuming anything. Don't think there is anything unfair about that.
@O.k. it was a fair question, but the DM shouldn't really be looking himself down on how he roleplays npc's unless you want all the enemies we fight to have spell-craft.
Oleg is not part of the fight...he runs back to 'Lana.
It is a fair question! I see it, in this case, as the leader being challenged for rule. The poor guy walks into what he thinks is an easy haul, and suddenly is fighting for his life, and one of the people attacking him is one of his own. Like Svetlana sad, he does not have any reason to believe the fellow is under a compulsion, so see it as an attack on him and his leadership. This is the way of bandits, the strong rule. So, as far as he know, maybe this is all a setup to get rid of him and the other bandit will take his place.
Really it is all a mute point, as none of them will probably live through this encounter, but it could become important if the spell is used in another circumstance.
Male Human (Brevoyic) Fighter (Polearm Master) / 4
Thanks. Again, I apologize if I slowed things up. Daniel did the right thing and took my attaks for me. If it ever happens again, do the same.
Out of Character I really think someone needs to take out that escaping bandit before it is too late (Remember he's 20' south of the tradepost, not on the Map but still a viable target), but In Character Ulryk isn't even aware that one of the bandits didn't come inside and as such I can't say anything IC. He expected Brigid and Damen to close the doors with them all within.
