Mothman's Whispering Cairn

Game Master Mothman

Sorry for the longer than anticipated absence, everyone. Moth, let me echo the words of praise for your awesome map... thanks for that!

"I don't think we'll have to worry about Kullen and his thugs," mutters Andolphas. "At least, not right away..."

The somber priest is ready to play his assigned role in the plan.

Alright, everyone give me a Stealth check (I will apply modifiers, or penalties to opposed perception checks depending on your position) and a Perception check.

Stealth: 16 - 3 (armour check penalty) = 13.

perception check 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 stealth 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (18) - 3 = 15

Harrigan snorts, "You ask me Kullen gets no warning. Drop him and then we offer a chance to surrender." He and sighs staring into the distance down by the gate, "Take that for what it's worth. Maybe I've done this too many times, but I don't hold out too much hope for surrender from a guy like Kullen."

When Brashen gets busy on the fire pit Harrigan takes his cue and shrugs out of his pack kneeling down to grab a few tools. In the gap where the fence around the barn has been demolished the dwarf gets to work hammering an iron spike diagonally into the remains of a fence post, knots a length of silk rope to it and stretches it across to the other side and hammers another spike to tie it off taut about eight inches off the ground. He tests the line and satisfied heads back to help Brash finish off the firepit. While they work he lets the warrior know where he stands in a low voice, "Listen- Boles seems like a decent kid. Maybe too decent for this kind of business. I'm not. I'm telling you right now, Kullen isn't walking away from this fight whether he gives up or not. Are we on the same page?"

I like it, except the trap distribution. With only one bear trap for each sniper neither has a great chance of hitting an attacker. How about 2 bear traps fortifying Boland's position and two sets of caltrops for Harrigan's. If Harrigan can slow an attacker to half speed with caltrops he can potentially keep moving away from them and firing with his crossbow (slowly). The bear traps are tough enough that if one hits it the target will likely be seriously injured and unable to pursue which is great for Boland. Then we rig a silk rope trip line at the busted part of the gate near Brash and Andolphas. If anyone comes around the fence through there to get Brashen there is at least a chance they get dropped prone buying him a little time. We don't want the fire pit illuminating your positions too much so maybe we want it either inside the barn or out back.

Proposed Ambush: Map
I shrank our icons to the size of the path at the gate. Hopefully that is roughly 5 ft. My own position should probably be a little further back than I have it on the map there. I want to be at a point where the gate is 30 ft from me and I'm about the same distance from the path. +3 stealth for distance and sneak attack possibility.

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Stealth 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Looks good Ithers, thanks for that.

Sorry for the longer than anticipated absence, everyone. Moth, let me echo the words of praise for your awesome map... thanks for that!

"I don't think we'll have to worry about Kullen and his thugs," mutters Andolphas. "At least, not right away..."

The somber priest is ready to play his assigned role in the plan.

That post should have read:

"I don't think we'll have to worry about Kullen and his thugs surrendering," mutters Andolphas. "At least, not right away..."

So evidently, Andolphas is in agreement with Harrigan, where his assessment of Kullen's anticipated reaction is concerned.

"Let's hope they don't get smart or suspicious and decide to sneak up on us from behind," mutters Andolphas.

"Before anyone attacks, you should give me a chance to try to enthrall them if the conditions permit it -- my prayers to the Dark-Eyed lady have granted me the power to cloud their minds. Assuming the enchantment is successful, its effects might give us the edge we need against our foes."

Harrigan snorts, "You ask me Kullen gets no warning. Drop him and then we offer a chance to surrender." He and sighs staring into the distance down by the gate, "Take that for what it's worth. Maybe I've done this too many times, but I don't hold out too much hope for surrender from a guy like Kullen."

When Brashen gets busy on the fire pit Harrigan takes his cue and shrugs out of his pack kneeling down to grab a few tools. In the gap where the fence around the barn has been demolished the dwarf gets to work hammering an iron spike diagonally into the remains of a fence post, knots a length of silk rope to it and stretches it across to the other side and hammers another spike to tie it off taut about eight inches off the ground. He tests the line and satisfied heads back to help Brash finish off the firepit. While they work he lets the warrior know where he stands in a low voice, "Listen- Boles seems like a decent kid. Maybe too decent for this kind of business. I'm not. I'm telling you right now, Kullen isn't walking away from this fight whether he gives up or not. Are we on the same page?"

Proposed Ambush:...

Brash gives a slight nod to Harrigan. 'I know, Im not going to blow our surprise with wasted words. That bastards not leaving this farm alive.'

Andolphas, Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Boland, Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7, Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

And so plans in order and preparations made the group settled in to wait and see if Kullen would take the bait...

Oops... my apologies for forgetting to do a Perception check.

You all settle in to wait ...

Keep in mind that some of you can’t see each other; Brashen and Andolphas have line of sight and can easily communicate, and Harrigan can pretty well spot everyone.

... and wait ...

... and wait ... There are a few false starts, when animals or birds are spotted in the periphery or heard from a distance, but no sign of Kullen as the day stretches on, cramps and discomfort sets in and the tension slowly builds.

It must be sometime in the mid afternoon when sharp eyed Harrigan spots something.

Harrigan:

Sorry about the slow reply - internet is out at home and work's been extremely busy

Didn't intend to appropriate both your bear traps Harrigan, but thanks. Boland will do his best to draw someone in his direction so they come in use.

Moth, is boland able to take 20 on his hide check, given we've had some time. That would have been my preference if it is an option

Boland settles in to wait, finding it excruciating as his fear of the coming confrontation and his discomfort in trying to stay as still and quiet as possible keep him mentally and physically on edge.

Moth-

Sorry about the slow reply - internet is out at home and work's been extremely busy

Didn't intend to appropriate both your bear traps Harrigan, but thanks. Boland will do his best to draw someone in his direction so they come in use.

Moth, is boland able to take 20 on his hide check, given we've had some time. That would have been my preference if it is an option

Boland settles in to wait, finding it excruciating as his fear of the coming confrontation and his discomfort in trying to stay as still and quiet as possible keep him mentally and physically on edge.

I’m not going to allow you to take 20 here; you do have a lot of time, but the skill check I have asked for is to represent one particular random moment in time over several hours – at the time you need the skill check you might be stretching or shifting, the wind conditions might change to blow around your cover etc. For all you knew the skill check might have been required only a few rounds after you start using stealth, by which you wouldn’t have had enough time to take 20.

I’m not going to allow you to take 20 here; you do have a lot of time, but the skill check I have asked for is to represent one particular random moment in time over several hours – at the time you need the skill check you might be stretching or shifting, the wind conditions might change to blow around your cover etc. For all you knew the skill check might have been required only a few rounds after you start using stealth, by which you wouldn’t have had enough time to take 20.

Fair enough.

Harrigan:

After the hours of waiting, finally something happens – someone (or several someones) come walking fairly quietly but openly up the path from the farm’s main gate towards the farmhouse. You can all make out the tall, pale, shaven headed Kullen, greataxe in hand; the burly Todrick, looking like he has a score to settle, looking warily about with his polearm at the ready; the feathered, bedraggled figure of The Bird Man, looking distractedly up into the sky; and the sour mage, Merrovin Bask, glancing about himself with narrowed eyes.

Upon reaching the broken fence outside the farm house, the group turn right and begin walking warily along the path towards the barn. They are on their guard and spread out, but don’t appear to have noticed any of you ... yet. It won’t be long before they pass Boland and Harrigan’s positions ...

Harrigan:

Harrigan: ** spoiler omitted **

After the hours of waiting, finally something happens – someone (or several someones) come walking fairly quietly but openly up the path from the farm’s main gate towards the farmhouse. You can all make out the tall, pale, shaven headed Kullen, greataxe in hand; the burly Todrick, looking like he has a score to settle, looking warily about with his polearm at the ready; the feathered, bedraggled figure of The Bird Man, looking distractedly up into the sky; and the sour mage, Merrovin Bask, glancing about himself with narrowed eyes.

Upon reaching the broken fence outside the farm house, the group turn right and begin walking warily along the path towards the barn. They are on their guard and spread out, but don’t appear to have noticed any of you ... yet. It won’t be long before they pass Boland and Harrigan’s positions ...

Harrigan: ** spoiler omitted **

Brash shoots Andolphas a meaningful glance, mouthing 'after you' and clencing his crossbow tightly

Boland's stomach clenches still further at sight of the group making their way into the Land farm, and then on towards the barn. Upon seeing them, he nervously readies a spell, completing all but the final gesture as he awaits Brash to show himself.

Boland will ready Seeking Ray.

Waiting on Harrigan.

Sweat starts to bead on Andolphas's brow as Brashen gives him the nod. The cleric kneels behind cover with shield on one hand and morning star dangling loosely by a wrist strap.

Just realized that enthrall takes a full round to cast and therefore would not be effective during a surprise round. Readying Command, to be cast when Kullen comes close to Harrigan's position, or within 30', whichever occurs first.

Initiative, for when needed: Nat. 20 + 0 = 20.

Initiative for when needed: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

With the moment at hand the lingering discomfort of holding a position in the field fades away. Harrigan slowly, quietly, cocks his crossbow once the scout heads back to report and waits. We shoulda arranged some kinda signal. Bit late now though. Once Kullen's gang come down the path spread out looking for trouble, the dwarf takes aim at that shiny bald dome and tracks the half-orc up the trail.

That's when he hears the rustling in the corn field back behind him. Oh. Well now that's just about perfect. Come on then you sorry bastard. Let me just say hello to your boss first.

The instant that Kullen's first man gets within ten feet of the barn gate Harrigan takes his opportunity to fire an opening shot on Kullen.

Crossbow 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 vs FF AC I hope.
F$%+...
Unlikely damage 1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + (6) = 9

I'm really sorry about the long wait. I thought I'd already posted the action above last week, but I must have closed the window without actually pressing submit.
Might as well attempt to snipe even though it is massively unlikely:
1d20 + 9 - 20 ⇒ (14) + 9 - 20 = 3 + 2 or 3 for distance and perhaps any circumstance for the grass?
Init 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

I'm really sorry about the long wait.

Not a problem Harrigan; I haven't been on as much as I'd have liked over the last week or two either.

Boland's guts feel like a tightly coiled wire inside him as his nerves increase at Kullen's approach. When the clack of Harrigan's crossbow splits the air, the coil within him immediately releases, and he points his finger towards the half orc leader, ready to release his spell.

I'll wait to roll just in case Moth has any surprises and Boland does not get to act immediately

Init roll for Brash?

Ok, so I can work out what might happen in the surprise round ... Harrigan is going to fire his crossbow at Kullen when the bad guy in the lead gets within 10 feet of the fence around the barn;

Boland is going to cast Seeking Ray on Kullen either when Brashen shows himself OR when Harrigan fires. Ash, what is the range on the spell?

Andolphas is going to cast Command on Kullen either when he nears Harrigan OR when he gets within 30 feet of Andolphas’ position, whichever comes first.

Brashen’s intended action and what will trigger it?

Kullen and Todrik are in the lead, Todrik on the left, Kullen on the right, about five feet between them. Bask (left) and the Bird Man (right) are about fifteen feet behind them. The gang approaches slowly and warily, looking about them (except the Bird Man, who looks up at the sky and mutters to himself).

The leaders draw level with Boland and Harrigan’s hiding places ... look about ... fail to spot them, keep moving. The donkey brays. Bask and the Bird Man pass Boland and Harrigan, fail to spot them.

The leaders get to within about 30 feet of the wall around the barn – the one that Andolphas and Brashen crouch behind. Andolphas shifts, trying to judge when the thugs are close enough for him to cast his spell ... and Todrik and Kullen both hear something. Stop. Grip their weapons, look about. Andolphas and Brashen can’t see them through the wall, can’t quite tell what is happening.

Harrigan can see them though, and realises that the game is up. Even as the two thuggish warriors start to react, he stands rapidly to fire his crossbow at Kullen across the top of the long grass. Even though he’s sure that the half-orc didn’t see him before he fired, somehow the albino manages to twist aside at the last minute, the bolt flying by his side. Harrigan ducks back down, but not before Kullen turns to look at him, his red eyes gleaming.

Harrigan taking the shot triggers the surprise round. I’m going to be kind and say that actually happens in a kind of pre-surprise round round ... so we are in the surprise round now.

All the good guys (including Harrigan) can act in the surprise round. Todrik and Kullen also act in the surprise round (they made their perception checks) – the other bad guys don’t, and are flat footed.
Remember, you can only take a single action (move or standard, plus free actions) in the surprise round.
The wall around the barn is about 3 – 4 feet high. I am assuming that Andolphas and Brashen are crouching or something to hide behind it. Standing is a move action, but either of you can lean around to fire or cast spells through the opening without standing if you want.

Init:
Boland: 20 +
Todrik: 20
Andolphas: 20 –
Bask: 19 (surprised)
Brashen: 13
Harrigan: 9
Rastophan: 7 (surprised)
Kullen: 5
Bird Man: 4 (surprised)

Boland’s up. Todrik is approx 50 feet away from you, Kullen 60 feet.

Boland’s up. Todrik is approx 50 feet away from you, Kullen 60 feet.

As the crossbow bolt flies towards Kullen and the brute somehow dodges it, Boland triggers his prepared spell, hoping that Kullen's focus in the opposite direction will assist in it striking true.

The crackling blue-white ray leaps from his finger and thunders towards the half-orc...

Range is 130ft, so no probs there. Ranged Touch attack to hit:

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Assuming that hits, damage (reflex safe for half):

4d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 5, 5) = 18

Kullen is hit by the full blast of Boland’s spell, electricity crackles around his body and badly burns large patches of his skin. The half-orc is injured but not down.

Todrik looks about uncertainly, as an arrow whizzes past him from one direction and a bolt of electricity from another. He looks to Kullen. “It’s a trap!”

Todrik delays for the moment. Andolphas, Brashen and Harrigan can all act in the surprise round (remember, single actions only) in no particular order.

Harrigan clambers to his feet reaching for another bolt. "That's right you bald bastard. I got another one here with your name on it."

Reloading is a move action, so probably better to get up and not be caught prone since I failed my stealth check.

Brash leans around the gap in the fence, and takes Kullen into his crossbow's sight, smilling as he see's Bowls' bolt slam into the brute. He then curses as his own attack flies wide. 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 damage 1d8 ⇒ 5

'Well lets face it, I wanna take the bastard out a little more personal like anyway.'

Andolphas hesitates for a moment, then murmurs a different prayer at the last second. A wicked dagger with a skeletal crossguard and bright ruby set in the pommel materializes from thin air, whirling end over end towards Kullen but ultimately overshooting its target...

Casting spiritual weapon. Ranged touch attack: 2 + 2= 4... s*$!, what a waste!!!

Andolphas hesitates for a moment, then murmurs a different prayer at the last second. A wicked dagger with a skeletal crossguard and bright ruby set in the pommel materializes from thin air, whirling end over end towards Kullen but ultimately overshooting its target...

Casting spiritual weapon. Ranged touch attack: 2 + 2= 4... s#&*, what a waste!!!

Should last a couple more rounds though?

“There’s the bastard!” yells Todrik, spying Brashen peering around the partially toppled wall, and he charges forward, holding his guisarme before him doesn’t have enough movement to reach you in a surprise round, he gets to within about 10 feet.

“Rrrrrggggrgr!” roars Kullen, frothing at the mouth, then dashes up the hill towards Boland. Rage on. He’s fast, but the terrain slows him down; He gets to within 35 feet of Boland.

Round 1; Boland and Andolphas are up.

Andolphas struggles to remain calm as Kullen turns to charge Boland. The spiritual blade flies back at the half-orc as he rushes up the hill.

Ranged touch attack, range up to 130': 16 + 2 = 18; Damage: 7 + 1 = 8.

While the dagger continues to press the attack on its own, the cleric rises and points at Todrik. "DROP YOUR WEAPON!" he commands at the top of his lungs. He then grips his morning star and raises his shield, just in case the thug should resist his spell.

My understanding of spiritual weapon is that it takes a move action to change targets, but attacking the same target is a free action. That still leaves Andolphas with a standard and move action, and he casts command on Todrik as a standard action (DC 13).

That’s correct.

The ghostly dagger slices Kullen again, wounding him badly, though the half-orc barely seems to notice.

Todrik pays no heed to Andolphas’s magical command, the warrior perhaps having a stronger will than it might appear.

The ghostly dagger slices Kullen again, wounding him badly, though the half-orc barely seems to notice.

Boland's nervousness turns to elation as the ray strikes Kullen full in the side. However, his victory is short lived and his elation quickly turns to near-terror as the foaming half-orc charges up the hill towards him.

He freezes momentarily, as his instinct urges his body to flee. No! he shouts internally, resisting the urge. I've fled from bullies all my life, and it's time to make a stand!

He gulps, wondering at the wisdom of his choice while raising his hand once more, a little more shakily this time, at the charging Kullen. This had better work, he thinks as he speaks the words of power once again.

Casts Seeking Ray again. Because the last one hit, he gets +4 to hit Kullen on all rays for this round and the next two.

Touch attack to hit: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 4 = 17

Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 6, 6) = 18

Whoo! That'll be 44 damage so far. If he's still up the bear trap ought to drop him.

Brash curses as he sees Kullen running towards Bowland rather than himself. Snarling he drops his crossbow, and stands, taking out his axe and shield, standing ready for Todrik's charge. "Well I guess I'll have to kill you first then. Not going to take you prisoner this time, just going to slice you up." Brash taunts the man as he approaches intimidate 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

Boland’s second ray crackles unerringly towards Kullen, striking the half-orc dead centre, the force of the electrical discharge blasting a hole through the front of his armour and into the pale flesh of his chest. A normal man would not survive such a blast … but Kullen merely lurches, then keeps coming, his eyes wide and wild, blood and spittle praying from his open mouth.

Merovinn Bask’s eyes widen as he sees Boland’s second spell, and his lips move in an unheard curse. Then he begins muttering and wiggling his fingers in complex patterns.
The Bird Man shrieks, a weird piercing cry, like a hawks. Todrik continues to charge towards Brash and Andolphas.

Brash curses as he sees Kullen running towards Bowland rather than himself. Snarling he drops his crossbow, and stands, taking out his axe and shield, standing ready for Todrik's charge. "Well I guess I'll have to kill you first then. Not going to take you prisoner this time, just going to slice you up." Brash taunts the man as he approaches intimidate d20 +11

That is about two more actions than you can take in a round. Stand = 1 move action, draw axe = 1 move action, ready shield = 1 move action, use Intimidate skill = 1 standard action; let me know which of those you want to do this round.

Also, Harrigan’s turn.

Another shot flies wide of Kullen and Harrigan spews, "Godsdamned piece of junk!" He never considers the fact that he's getting older and it might just be his eyesight.

MA: Load
SA: Crossbow 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
5' step closer to Brashen without stepping into the caltrops.
This is the most unlucky character with attack rolls I've played in some time :P

Brashen Trell wrote:

Brash curses as he sees Kullen running towards Bowland rather than himself. Snarling he drops his crossbow, and stands, taking out his axe and shield, standing ready for Todrik's charge. "Well I guess I'll have to kill you first then. Not going to take you prisoner this time, just going to slice you up." Brash taunts the man as he approaches intimidate d20 +11

That is about two more actions than you can take in a round. Stand = 1 move action, draw axe = 1 move action, ready shield = 1 move action, use Intimidate skill = 1 standard action; let me know which of those you want to do this round.

Also, Harrigan’s turn.

Fair call, although isn't drawing a weapon a free action? If not he will just stand and draw his axe, if it is he will also ready his shield

Drawing can be combined with a move if you have at least +1 bab and also choose to move for your move action.

Another shot flies wide of Kullen and Harrigan spews, "Godsdamned piece of junk!" He never considers the fact that he's getting older and it might just be his eyesight.

MA: Load
SA: Crossbow 1d20 + 6
5' step closer to Brashen without stepping into the caltrops.
This is the most unlucky character with attack rolls I've played in some time :P

On the bright side, there is the side of a barn nearby if you need to hit something. ;-)

That is correct Brash, as Ith says you can draw as a free action as part of a move (and it needs to be actual movement, not another type of move action or a 5 foot step) if you have at least +1 BAB. Also the Quick Draw feat allows you to draw as a free action.