Mended Wall's PBP for beginners (Inactive)

Game Master Hoary and Wizened

Even though Kairon gripped his oar with white knuckles and grumbled constantly, the worst thing that occurred on the treacherous journey across the Darkmoon River was a massive turtle shell breaking the surface near them. The sheer size of the shell gave everyone a slight moment of shock, and Goruck dropped his oar on the raft to grab his weapon, but it was all for naught. The turtle soon dropped back below the surface. Strangely, Illiam thought, just for a moment, he saw a red scale stuck to one of the nooks of the turtle's shell... Now, once again on the north side of the river, the group remembers all the dangers and darkness of this older, taller, more hostile portion of The Woods. While the current took the group slightly downstream, it doesn't take them long, spreading out, to find the kobold's tracks. Sadly the tracks lead up the bank and across the road, back into the forest. Of course kobolds dragging human children wouldn't really be dumb enough to stay on the road. There is also a noticeably increasing amount of blood that trails along with the tracks. It seems whomever it is that was injured and being dragged, was getting worse instead of better...

It is now 1:00 PM Wealday the 17th of Erastus, 4712 A.R.

Illiam continues to push his luck, attempting to follow the tracks when he should, by all rights, have no ability to do so.

Survival: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20

That's got to be some kind of record!!!!??

Still doesn't make up for how bad my dice luck was at the beginning of this game, but it's getting there.

To all onlookers it appears as though Illiam has acquired some new ability to track like a jungle cat. He quickly and easily finds and follows the trail of the kobolds and their prisoners across the road and into the forest. The general direction of the trail is northeast, roughly the same direction of Droskar's Monastery, a now familiar bit of tumbled down stone, for these hearty adventurers.

Slapping Illiam on the back, careful to not bowl over the small trickster, Goruck's grin is evident in his words. "Shall we press onwards with our new tracker's finding? We can hardly tarry and let the kobolds wait." Tapping his hilt, he adds with a tone that suggests impending pain, 'Twould be rude."

At least one of 'em is losing more blood than before. We can't find 'em fast enough. We need to pick up the pace, and still not lose the trail . . . .

Kairon tightens down his pack's straps, scratches the firefoot's head, and gestures for the others to lead the way.

"While all this blood is a bad sign, it should at least make it easier to follow them."

Dolok is after all a practical personality type. :)

It is just possible it is a Kobold bleeding. In any event we must catch them soon. Fine work Illiam.

Nope

As the group moves through The Woods following Illiam and the kobold's trail, Athena, who has been flying from bough to bough overhead acting as an aerial scout suddenly lets out a loud warning hoot, and flies back to Athena's shoulder clearly agitated. Goruck, who has been following right behind Illiam, pulls the little man up short, just as an assassin vine reaches out to strike!

Initiative = Dolok, Illiam, Chillel, Goruck, Kairon, AV. Anyone trained in K: Nature can make a reactive check. Overcoming DC 13 reveals all the plant's abilities.

Seeing the vine trying to grab at Illiam, Dolok takes a 5ft step over to have a better line of sight and then stretches forth his hand and shouts:
"Įrašyti ir išvalyti!" as a ray of fire shoots forth from his hand.

Ranged Touch attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

But due to the suddenness of it all his aim is off by a wide margin.

KN:Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

"Dolok, these plants are hardy killers. They are quite capable of enduring the elements like your fire." Glancing around, Goruck rests his free hand on a axe head. "They're slow, but can manipulate nearby plants to ensnare foes."

What would be an action to throw Dolok an axe?

It's a move action and a dexterity check to throw something to someone. Roll a d20, add your Dex bonus, target DC is 10. If you miss by 5 or more, we roll to see which square the axe landed in. If you miss by less than 5, the recipient can make a reflex save to grab the item out of the air. Not sure if that's how the actual game runs it, but that's how I've been running it ever since that exact thing came up at a table years ago. :)

Not expecting his illusions to be of much use against a plant, Illiam considers casting Grease on it. Question about how the spell works, which is something Illiam would know, before I decide. If I grease the viper vine, will that interfere with it's ability to grapple, or would that only work if I grease the person it's trying to grapple? I'll grease it if that works, otherwise ready an action to grease anyone that gets grappled to help them escape.

As usual, at the first sign of trouble, Illiam tries to silently disappear from sight, but the unfamiliar nature of the creature and his complete lack of ideas for how to fight it hurries his step (-5 for moving more than half speed).

Stealth: 1d20 + 13 - 5 ⇒ (20) + 13 - 5 = 28

Dude, how many natural 20's is the algorithm going to give you?! That's uncanny!!! You want to grease the entire assassin vine so it can't grapple... I love it, that is ingenious Illiam stuff right there. Yeah, go for it, and then I'll give it a -10 to any attempt to grapple a foe. Won't change whether or not it can hit with it's slam attack, but it will make it REALLY hard for it to actually grapple someone! Ha ha ha ha ha. Brilliant! Love it.

Edit: Also Illiam just so you're aware, not that Illiam the halfling would know this, but the vine has blindsense 30' so hiding among the foliage ain't doin' ya any good. :P

Yeah, I did throw in that bit about moving silently, but I do see that there is some disagreement as to whether you can even make a stealth check against something with blindsight (which is what he has, not blindsense, and some people are saying that that's the difference between the two, but it's a GM discretion thing).

As Illiam moves away, he conjures a slippery grease to cover the plant, hindering its ability to ensnare any of his companions.

Chillel unleashes the wrath of winter on the aggressive plant.

Ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Damage, Ray of Frost: 1d3 ⇒ 3

You can't get much better than that! I told you I was getting "the goods" on that malignant dice rolling program.

Illiam's magical grease coats the entire living plant, making it entirely slippery, which should help everyone avoid being grappled by it's thorny appendages. Chillel's magical frost hits the vine straight on, but doesn't do any damage at all... curious. The carnivorous flora slides, undeterred, creepily, like some sort of snake, closer to the group, and twitches ever so slightly. Suddenly all the plant life surrounding it springs to life grasping and grabbing at the feet of all those near it.

DC 13 Reflex saves everyone. For ease of use we'll just say that Kairon's fennec fox is stuck, I'm not rolling for a flavor beast, and that Athena is not, since she's on Chillel's shoulder. Failed save means you've gained the entangled condition. Make the save and you are free to move, but the entire area of the spell is considered difficult terrain which means 1=2 as far as squares of movement are concerned. Also, if you end your movement within the radius of the spell, you must make another save at the end of your turn. Help me remember that.

After calling forth the forest to trap you all, the vine lashes out, like a striking whip, slamming into the fiery-haired caster that attempted to hit it with fire magic. Dolok, if that wasn't clear.

Slam Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Bludgeoning and Slashing Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

The thorny vines crack into Dolok with the force of a spiked hammer, crushing and cutting him severely.

Grab's free Grapple attempt, hampered by Illiam's Grease: 1d20 + 13 - 10 ⇒ (19) + 13 - 10 = 22

Damn! In addition, even hampered by Illiam's grease, the vine is able to wrap it's thorny snake-like appendage around Dolok and begins to crush him like a twig.

Constricts Additional Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

The others watch helplessly as Dolok is shaken and crushed like a rag doll, knocked unconscious, grappled in the killer plant's grip, and unable to defend himself. This must be why they call these living plants assassin vines, for it has shown itself to be truly deadly.

Dolok you are at -6 and you have gained the following conditions: dying, unconscious, grappled.

Back to the top of the initiative: Dolok, Illiam, Chillel, Goruck, Kairon, AV. Dolok make a stabilization check: DC 10 Con check, to become stable and remove the dying condition. Everyone else, don't forget to start your turn with that DC 13 reflex save or gain the entangled condition, and remember even if you make the save, the range of the spell is difficult terrain, 2 for 1 movement.

Ummm . . . . Goruck and Kairon have not acted for the first turn . . . . And we were supposed to act before the assassin vine, if I read it correctly . . . .

Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Illiam is too quick for the grasping vines.

Ummm . . . . Goruck and Kairon have not acted for the first turn . . . . And we were supposed to act before the assassin vine, if I read it correctly . . . .

Oh, I'm sorry, I took the fact that you posted in Discussion several times, but not Gameplay, to mean that you were choosing to use the Delay action for Kairon. Goruck did post, not a complete economy of actions, but if he wants to make an attack for last round (before the monster's actions) and then another for this round, I don't have a problem with that.

Illiam steps out of range of the grasping vines and, seeing Dolok fall, calls to the others. Grab him and run!

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Attack-Axe to the face: 1d20 + 7 - 2 - 6 ⇒ (4) + 7 - 2 - 6 = 3

Lunging into a sideswipe with his nodachi, Goruck's attack is throw off balance by the sudden plant matter ensnaring him. Snarling, the group's mountainous half orc stomps through vegetation to try and draw the plant's attention. Sheathing his Illiam sized blade, the half orc yanks out one of his axe's and attempts to strike the assassin vine while. "Dolok's trapped, I'll try and keep it focused on me."

Sliding the tower shield in between him and the plant, Goruck stares daggers at the beast. "You must go through the mountain to see the people guarded by it's peaks."

Illiam, have you been borrowing luck from me? Goruck is currently wielding the tower shield and gashing handaxe, lets hope it's enough.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Chillel nimbly evades the vines trying to entrap her.

I was just waiting for Goruck's actions. I know we've used the "lumped actions" initiative in the past; I just haven't adjusted well to it yet. Sorry for the confusion.

In the space of the breath before the assassin vine attacks Dolok, Kairon steps forward and unleashes his own blast of flame:
Καίγοντας τα χέρια! and braces himself to strike the beast with his spear at the first opportunity.

Move to put the vine's occupied space just inside Kairon's threatened reach; cast burning hands.

Let's make some kindling! (Burning Hands): 2d4 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6
Reflex save, DC 13

When the greenery bursts forth to grasp and bind at the group, Kairon tries his best to dodge the verdant snares . . .

Dodge, duck, dip, dive, and Dodge! (Reflex): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

. . . but isn't quite able to evade them successfully.

Con check to stabilize: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Dolok lays limply in the vines of the killer plant.

Illiam you still have a standard action. Chillel you still have your entire round's worth of actions. The reflex save was reactive. I'll wait on those two before moving forward. Also, Kairon/Syrus, I want to apologize for my attitude earlier. It was a complete overreaction on my part to what ended up being a completely false conclusion. After the fact I realized you were probably waiting to see what Goruck did before posting. My humblest apologies, to you, and everyone for that aggressive display of a$$hattery. It's possible that I was also a bit edgy because of outside of the game things. Seems to be a trend with everyone in this game lately... I have to remember to keep my RL out of my FL. Which is not to be confused with my FML... XD! I'm heading on a family vacation tomorrow morning, and won't likely be able to post until Sunday. Word on the street about the hotel we're staying in (in Chicago) is that it sucks, so not sure what the wifi situation is. I will have my computer, and if I need to go to Dunkin' Donuts (only a half block from the hotel) to drink some coffee and post, I will. :) Apologies again. Now let's cut up this green monster!!!

Illiam reaches into a small pocket in his shirt and retrieves the bead of force, rolling it between his fingers. I'm hoping we can escape and not have to use it, but I don't have a better idea at the moment.

Chillel moves back out of the area of ensnaring plantlife and casts web bolt on the assassin vine.

That is a reflex save, DC 15 or the vine will be entangled.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 2 - 6 ⇒ (8) + 7 - 2 - 6 = 7 Keeping himself behind his shield, Goruck attempts to lash out with his supernaturally keen axe.

Kairon's flame does absolutely nothing to the vine, except, perhaps anger it some more. Dolok's body hangs limp and blood trickles out of several gashes where the vine's thorns ravaged his flesh. Feeling the life flow out of him the vine drops him where he is and turns to fresh victims, realizing there are more meals to be had here. As soon as Dolok is dropped to the ground he all but disappears as the grasping plant life called to action by the assassin vine weaves a strange, and somehow peaceful, cocoon around his body, gently holding him secure against the earth.

Reflex Save against Web Bolt: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Narrowly avoiding getting gummed up by Chillel's webbing the assassin vine, against all logic, but then again accusing plants of intelligence is not a logical thing anyway, actually slides backward a pace. As it does, the window of opportunity to strike for both Goruck and Kairon opens.

Moved out of both of your threatened squares. I'm assuming Kairon has his new darkwood longspear to hand. AoO's for each of you. Regardless of how those resolve though...

After withstanding the attacks of both warriors the vine lashes out again, this time at Goruck.

Slam: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

The warrior easily turns aside the lashing vine with his tower shield, and sees his opportunity to press the advantage! Or, should they, as Illiam suggested, turn tail and run? Certainly the vine is too slow moving to catch up, but somewhere in the mind and heart of a warrior sings the red song of vengeance. If you bloody mine, I'll bloody yours but worse, echos the refrain in his head.

Back to the top of the initiative. Dolok, you're currently at -7, you have to -14 before you're dead. Make another Con check DC 10 to stabilize or lose another hit point. Almost forgot, Kairon and Goruck you can each make a new Reflex save to escape the entanglement. Everyone else, batter up!

Con check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Dolok's lifeless body continues lying there. Those near him may actually be able to hear him whimpering as he cries. Just flavor. I realize that technically he can't do that.

Illiam continues to urge the others to run, hesitating with the bead in his hand (delay action until before the vine's turn).

This would be an excellent time for the algorithm to throw me some spillover from Illiam's excess of mathematic congress . . . . .

AoO: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 20
Aim for the vine, not the leaves: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Get the grass offa me! (Ref): 1d20 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 1 - 2 = 5

And Kairon reaches for Dolok's injured form and begins pulling him away from the monster, moving toward a clear space to tend the younger man.

Ref-You shall not hold me: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Attack: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Busting free of the of the entangling plants, the swordsman decides to push the offense. Letting the massive shield drop, the half orc lunges with his blade. "Dolok, if you can hear me, fight it. Don't traverse that path, fight to stay for Master Figueroa, fight to stay for us!" Chuckling, Goruck rumbles, "The gods know we're fighting for you."

I have no idea the type of move Ignore the Pain is, so the speaking I felt was appropriate here. Please fix any errors I accidentally created :)

Had some connection issues while traveling this afternoon. Let me get the necessary rolls posted.

Pull Dolok Free! (Str): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Likely only able to move him 5 feet, considering I have to drag him, as the 175 pounds puts me past my 230-lb maximum load, even if the Strength check is successful. If I can move him at all, I want to head southwest -- I may need another token assist, depending upon how Mended rules it.

Oh, yeah! Digging this combat. I hope we don't have to run, but Kairon and Goruck are the only ones who appear to have repeatable means of dealing with the vine, and that by main force.

I'd pick up that shield, if I were you, Goruck. :D

Kairon, just so everyone's clear, your failed reflex save means you are still entangled, which means you move at half speed (15'), and the entire area of the spell is difficult terrain, which means 1 square actually counts as 10'. So you can literally only move two squares, with me allowing for that 5' diagonal out of the "spell" to move you entirely into a square. So you can drag Dolok, but only two squares. Moving southwest that puts you right where I've moved your token and Dolok's token. Hopefully that's what you were talking about. Chillel is still up, and I'll wait for her post before narrating the Kairon and Goruck successful hits, and the vine's subsequent turn.

Roger that. Thanks, chief.

Chillel, having nothing she can effectively do, moves over to the fenec Lucky and assists him from the entangled area.

Dolok slips further into the depths of his wounds his consciousness already tickling planes beyond the material. Illiam fidgets with his powerful magic item dancing a bit from foot to foot wondering whether to use the item or not. He watches as both Kairon and Goruck are able to score deep strikes on the living plant causing smaller vines and leaves to fall to the ground, and causing the assassin vine to shudder again, a revolting sight to see. Kairon then abandons the fight and drags Dolok as far away from the dastardly creatures as the entangling undergrowth will allow.

Two things: Goruck, you get your actual turn in addition to the AoO. So please take those actions. Also, Illiam, after Goruck takes his turn, you said you wanted to delay until just before the vine's turn. After Goruck goes, you would then be up. I'll wait to hear from both before posting for the vine.

Illiam calls to Goruck again to get out of there. The immediate danger is gone, and hopefully Goruck is about to withdraw, so I'm going to let the turn pass and not throw it.

Darting backwards, the massive half orc channeled his newfound connection into a chunk of earth with a gesture of his blade, which he proceeded to use as 'encouragement' for the vine to leave. Skidding to a stop near Illiam, Goruck gracefully assumes a ready stance with his nodachi.

Att-Kinetic Blast: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Mended, when can Dolok use the extra fort roll Ignore the Pain gave him?

I am totally sorry about that Goruck, I missed that ability use entirely. Dolok, you can roll another Con check at any time to make use of Goruck's Ignore the Pain ability.

Goruck's kinetic assault whizzes right by the living vine into the woods beyond rattling and ricocheting off of several tree trunks. The vine, feeling the only sure meal it had being dragged away, moves toward it to try and get back the sustenance it so dearly craves.

That's pretty much all this thing's got now that everyone is outside of its reach. So, back to the top of the order. Dolok, you can roll two Con check's back to back and take the higher roll, as per Goruck's Ignore the pain ability, unless Kairon is going to heal you, in which case, you'll automatically stabilize. Everyone else, have at it.

Ignore the pain: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

And Dolok's body finally starts to calm down.

:D Thanks Goruck!

If anyone's waiting for me, don't. Still holding action.

I'm guessing the Memorial Day holiday weekend had everyone pretty busy, but just in case you missed it, we're back to the top of the initiative, so you can all take your turns.

I'm not certain, now that Dolok made his save, I guess I'm just waiting for some healing to bring me back to positive HP and consciousness before I can do anything right? So, I'll just keep laying in Kairon's arms for now. :)

I'm not certain, now that Dolok made his save, I guess I'm just waiting for some healing to bring me back to positive HP and consciousness before I can do anything right? So, I'll just keep laying in Kairon's arms for now. :)

Correct! Dolok needs a little healing love to get up and "running." :)