LegitGM's The Swiftblades Cavern (Inactive)

Game Master LegitName

Drazh stands by Daphene without saying anything, but still watches and listens.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

On the trainer you find a leather pouch with 17 gp and a small wooden whistle.

Sodok picks up the longsword he was using. This is not my longsword. He says This is my mother's sword.

You would recognize him if you'd spent time hanging with the thieve's guild

My weapons have always been fine. The door was locked. Why would it be open? He points to the open door. They're thieves! They stole the key! I should have been more prepared for this.

I'll take care of Saren. You guys need to get to the vault. I'm sorry, through that tunnel is the only way we know will get you there. Maybe while you're at it you can find out what's up with the thieve's guild.

Drahz you can tell he is telling the truth.

"Thank you for taking care of Saren. We will most likely see you on our way out. Join us in the tavern when we tell the tale."

"Do any of you want the longsword?" asks Umberto, speaking with his fellow adventurers. "If not, then I will carry it. We can divvy up the loot later. Right now, time is of the essence. Shall we go?" He pockets the thief's gold and holds his lantern up to light the way.

"Ye heard the bruiser. Nay point findin' yon weapons o' yore iffin it means bringin' 'em back to orc burnt ruins. Let's go."

So what's it going to be? Should we follow the cadets or ignore them and find our own way forward?

Multiple people stated that they were searching the thief's pockets. Apparently Umberto got in there while I was still stabilizing him and is taking all of the loot. Do we need to talk about how loot will be managed?

Ebonfeather will put the whistle into his very empty belt pouch.

When we are ready to go, Ebonfeather will move forward just beyond the edge of the lantern light and start scouting the way. Mushroom will be beside me.

We will initially start following the cadet's tracks, in case the tracked head into a secret door somewhere along the corridor.

Mushroom will assist me in tracking. Hopefully Drazh is not obscuring the tracks.

Mushroom Assist: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Umberto notices the bird man's suspicious gaze and tosses him the sword and the gold. "Here, take them." He waits patiently for the rest of the party to begin their march down the tunnels and, given his poor human eyesight and lack of experience underground, will follow at the back of the party.

Sorry, I missed that Ebonfeather was also searching the thief. Since Ebonfeather posted before Umberto, he is welcome to carry all of the loot on behalf of the party. Umberto was not trying to rob anyone. He happens to have a lot of excess carrying capacity.

Loot isn't that big a deal. We throw it all 'in the pot' and divide it later. Any items that someone can use they take right away.

Example: we find 19 gold. Rather than divide it now and find that the split is 5/5/5/4, we hold onto it. So we find 11 gold later, and the pot is 30 gold. It goes on until we decide to split it up.

We also find a longsword. Umberto can use it, so he takes it. No problem there. Later on we find crossbow bolts. Daphene takes them, no problem. Other loot distribution stays the same.

At the end of the day I won't begrudge anyone the use of something which keeps us all alive. And dividing coin after each encounter will slow us down/lead to someone being short changed.

For carrying said loot, Drazh could do it. He'll swear an oath to keep the gold separate from his and to divide it fair. As a dwarf he'll take such an oath seriously.

I would trust no one as much as a dwarf with the gold or whatever. If we do not return with the stolen items I give some of my share to the poor smith who was robbed if Drazh tells me he was telling the truth.

Daphne will gladly take 2nd or third in line as we head down the hall. Just so I can get a pot shot off early in combat, I will take a 5ft step to get out of the way of others if needed.

to Ebonfeather Lead the way, I am betting you have sharper eyes then me.

As they walk down into the darkness, Drazh says over his shoulder:

"Alrights lads n' lass. Dark as all fook down here. This means that anythin' livin' down here either has a light source, or can see in the dark like me. Given that only our Tengu friend here can sneak for a flyin' fook, anythin' out there is gonna know we be comin'. Especially now that the two wee lads got away. They'll be tellin' their friends that we're comin' an' given that Umberto killed their boss...well, they won't be happy tae see us. So if ye have a light source feel free to use it. If ye see anythin' dangerous, kill it. We can apologize to the corpses later. Let's nay waste time playin' nursemaids to thieves n' scoundrels who get in our way. Would rather they be dead than to see your town aflame."

Umberto listens thoughtfully to Drazh's speech. "I would rather not kill any children, but of course I will defend myself." He holds his lantern a few inches higher now that he has the dwarf's permission to use it.

"A boyo with a sword will kill ye right 'nuff if ye think him only a child. Nay sayin' murder 'em. Jus' as ye said. They threaten' ye, put 'em down."

Drazh, perhaps you missed when I was tending to the man's wounds? He will live, though I doubt he will enjoy his time in jail.

While the cadets have no knowledge of this outcome, I am sure we can use that mercy during any conversation we have with them.

"Ah. I see." The Tengu has a heart. Let's hope he can be a killer too. "As ye say, me feathered friend."

"Yes," says the farmer. "It just so happens that the thieves guild's trainer is only mostly dead. There's a big difference between mostly dead and all dead."

You follow the boys tracks down the narrow tunnel for several hundred feet. Eventually, you come to a large room. On the far wall hangs a large map depicting Pinehollow, although there are numerous colored circles with numbers on them. In front of the map is a desk. The desk is covered in scattered papers. On either side of the map is a large torch, casting ample light on the room. Three cloaked figures stand next to the desk, each one armed. Two of the boys are huddled in the corner. As you enter, one of the boys shouts Them! Yes, they are the ones who did it! The three cloaked figures draw their weapons. Can I get you all to roll initiative?

Also, you each get 100 xp for knocking the trainer unconscious and saving Sodok's goods.

Finally, how long do you guys want this campaign to go? I mean, I have planned the story for getting you to and from the vault to face the orc army, but I have a few ideas for side quests that you could go on - if you guys are determined and active (although so far I think you have that second thing covered)

Inititive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

"Gentelmen, you are free to put the weapons down and talk. My fellows and I will shurly make you bleed, fair warrning."

Initimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Form my point of veiw on game legnth. Tell the story you want, I will stick with it.

Umberto sets his lantern in a nice, out-of-the-way spot. He follows the dwarf's advice and this time he waits for threats to do the work of swords.

Initiative: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19

I am fine with the campaign going as long as you want it to go, but twentieth level seems like a reasonable upper limit.

Saren is alive and in custody, though Sodok is not happy that you were trying to steal his goods.

Perhaps you'd like to tell us what this is about?

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Longer is better as far as I am concerned

I just realized that we're all calling him Sodok but that's actually his last name :D

So I don't hold things up if combat starts, I have a feeling I am going to bed early tonight.

Daphne readys an action. If the hooded people remain agressive I will move into the room, out of the way, with my back to a wall and fire at the furthest robed man.

MW L Crossbow Hit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Khaz readies his hammer.

Umberto stands at the back of the party and continues waiting for "diplomacy" to run its course. He is tense, ready to charge at the nearest thief whenever someone - anyone - initiates violence.

Lucerne hammer: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 2 = 241d12 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 (readied action: charge. Umberto just stands there until anyone initiates violence.)

Using a reach weapon.

Guys, wait. Wait wait wait. Roll initiative first. Find out the order. See who is attacking first (including the bad guys). Then ready an attack. A readied action is an action you take on your turn. For all we know the bad guys will go first.

The thieves rolled a 9, 12, and 17. They have their weapons drawn. Two have short swords and one has a shortbow. The shortbow rolled the 9.

So the order is Drazh, Daphne, Umberto, Thief 1, Ebonfeather, Thief 2, Thief 3. You guys all wanna go through with your actions? (Drazh hasn't said, Daphne is ready to shoot from a wall if people are aggressive, Umberto charges after conflict starts, thief 1 goes, Ebon hasn't said, Thief 2 goes, Thief 3 goes)

Daphne rolled a 14 for Initiative. She is after me.

Is Mushroom supposed to have her own Initiative or does she use mine?

Drazh readies his hammer and says to the thieves "Drop yer weapons. Yer out numbered an' out matched."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Readied action to attack any enemy who comes into a threatened square

Drazh readied an action, Umberto readied an action, Thief 1 is up now, I believe.

Okay so Thief #1 runs towards you. Drazh and Umberto complete their readied actions. Drazh, what is your attack/damage roll?

I believe mushroom attacks with you

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 5) + 4 = 10

Drazh sighs as the thief runs towards him. He warned him...this was on the fool human, not him.

Ebonfeather will attempt one last Diplomatic entreaty.

We have no quarrel with you, other than prohibiting you from stealing weapons needed for the town's defense.

Saren attacked us and was dealt with. Please put up your weapons and tell us why you are trying to help the orcs.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9

Move out of cover and aim an arrow at the short sword wielder.

Ready an action to fire if he moves toward us without dropping/sheathing his sword.
Bow Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 Dam: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Mushroom will stand next to me and Defend (ready an attack if anyone comes within Melee range)
Gore Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 Dam: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

The first thief drops to the floor unconscious. Daphne, you're up.

You people are very fustrating. There is no point in attacking a superior force, we did not want to have to kill you.

Fires at the least injured attacker with point blank shot.

MW L Crossbow: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 1 = 22

Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Daphne your arrow lodges in the shoulder of the second thief, but he charges forward. Ebon, your feather glances off his breastplate. He runs to Drazh and swings his sword. It hits your armor but it doesn't go through.

The thief with the shortbow will fire at Umberto. The arrow flies true, dealing 2 damage.

Drazh you're up.

Drazh squares off against the thief against him. He briefly considers praying to his God for aid, but thought against it. Not for these rabble.

Hit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

As he swung and missed he instantly regretted his overconfidence.

Daphne reloads, steps 5ft yo the side to get a little extra room and fires, point blank, again at the same target.

MW L Crossbow: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 1 = 17

damage: 1d5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Fine, if that is the way it has to be

On his turn, Ebonfeather will step up to within 30 ft of the Archer, loose an arrow, and then send Mushroom to Attack the Archer.

Bow Shot: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 Dam: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
* Forgot the +1 to hit, but it is a Threat regardless

Gore Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 Dam: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Bow Confirmation: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8
* I doubt that confirms

Little ret-con this got dropped off when I cut and pasted my previous post.

Have we not put enough holes in you and your friends yet? End this while you can.

Umberto takes an arrow in his shoulder like a champ, but the fresh wound causes him to think more defensively. The farmer begins swinging his Lucerne hammer in a wild flurry so as to parry incoming attacks. He attacks the nearest conscious thief who has not surrendered.

Lucerne hammer: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 111d12 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
halve this damage due to Shield of Swings. AC is 20 for the moment.

The two thieves look at each other, and then they bolt the room, leaving their unconscious friend, unconscious. They head out a door to the left, but there is also a door to the right. The two boys have already run, forgot to say that.

I'm not ready to start killing thieves yet. They still may be instrumental in defense of the town.

Let me try to stabilize this one.

Again, using strips of the thief's own clothing for bandaging, Ebonfeather will seek to prevent him from dying.

Heal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
* I think that is enough.

Check his pockets and throw his belt pouch to Umberto.

Umberto stands guard on the portal through which the thieves exited. He waits while the rest of the party searches for documents, maps, and treasure.

I agree Ebonfeather. If we start killing them we could get mobbed. Plus I may see faces I know form town!

Tend to him, I will look around the room some.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 Clearly there is dust in my eye.

"I am happy just to knock them bloody. I would rather not kill our neighbors, even if they are thieves. Their punishment is for the mayor to decide. We should learn what the thieves know. Plus some of them may choose to join us in defense of the town."

Leaning on his hammer, Drazh stays silent. It was within his power to save the humans, but he wasn't going to waste his breath or his god's time on honorless wretches. If the others wanted to play nursemaid, more power to them.

"Do what ye will, but hurry up. We've got ground to cover if we want to save yer town."

You go through the door?

We might, after we loot the thief. Do we find anything on his person or in this room? Thanks.

oh sorry. pouch of coins totaling 37 gp, shortsword, scale mail.

Daphne was also examining the desk, papers, and map. Anything of interest? Do we recognize the locations where the circles and numbers are?

Umberto asks, "What should we do with the prisoner? Should we tie him up? Should we take him with us, or leave him here?"

Umberto takes the gold and the short sword on behalf of the party to start.

By the time he wakes up, we should be long gone. Regardless, we have his sword and he is in no shape for any further combat.