[PFS] GM ShieldBug's The Year of the Sky Key

Game Master ShieldBug

Haha, those forum goblins do like to make a mess. Let's see if I can remember what I posted...

It all happened so fast that most of you are still a little confused as to what just happened. While Rook remembers it slightly differently, the rest of you are sure it happened like this...

Flashback...

After a steady stream of curses, Brock finally takes a breath and strikes at the Altar once more, but this time with a little less focus on power, and a little more on accuracy. Halfway through the swing, Brock can feel a divine hand guiding his weapon slightly lower and to the left, and his morningstar finally connects. The adamantine weapon meets with very little resistance as it passes through the side panelling of the animated construct, decimating what was left of it and rendering the guardian useless. Yaiho makes sure that the Altar stays inanimate and crushes what is left of it with his mighty hammer. By the time Danicka and Forrest have prepared themselves for another whip from the Altar's chains, it has already been reduced to little more than kindling.

AC 14, so the Arin's guidance and the decision not to power attack made all the difference! COMBAT OVER!!! :)

Back to the future...

Whether it was heat stroke or just the adrenaline, the strange moment has passed, and you now find yourselves in possession of twelve eleven vials of glowing liquid. It's not until Rook has downed one of the vials of glamoured honey that he realises that you were actually sent in to steal fake elixir, this is only a dummy run to test the security of the convoy after all. Still, it is reasonably safe to assume the vials on the Altar were decoys, and that those in the secret compartment were what you were sent to steal... Well, hopefully.

That's mostly how I remember it. So, what do you want to do? Are you leaving the transport? :)

Brock breathes easier as the altar collapses under his borrowed morning star.

Sweet! I had assumed the ac was 16

"Whew, I guess you were right Yaiho. Glad that's over. Lets grab these fake vials and skedadle, only so long till tge guards come back."

Mace ready for surprises, he ducks back out of the transport.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

As the furniture comes crashing to the ground, Forrest looks around. "Well, that could have been worse! " He watches Rook grab a vial and laughs. He then takes them and passes them out to anyone who will take them. Along the way, he whispers to Danicka, " Don't worry, it's non-alcoholic. " With that he raises a glass of honey in the air. " To stealing, ambushes, and all that makes the society great! "

Danicka exhales in relief and puts her scroll away. She examines the vials with her magical sight...

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Danicka accepts the vials Forrest gives her with wide eyes. At the mention of alcohol she blushes brightly, then gives him an embarrassed nod. She drinks it, then scrunches up her nose. "It's so sweet!" she exclaims, mouth sticky with honey.

With her broom in one hand she draws a scroll with the other. She takes a deep breath and follows Brock outside the transport.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Drawing a scroll of web before heading outside. Just in case!

Yaiho takes the vials offered to him and looks at them for a few seconds, wondering if he should drink them like Rook but decides against it. He puts them away and then follows Brock outside, ready for any surprises if the guards might have returned.

When you step through the floor and out the side of the transport, still an extraordinarily weird sensation, you see a priest bearing the Golden Key of Abadar kneeling over the mage Brock knocked out, "Just knocked out milady. Nothing serious..." He says, looking up at the regal looking woman standing beside him, "Should I wake him now?" Lady Ziralia nods, "Whatever's happening inside the transport, this test is over the second they step out. Wake the poor man and let him know what happened."

The two guards you tied up are both awake and have been freed from their bindings. A relieved-looking Jofe is being debriefed by a squirrely looking man with a clipboard, "I was just talking to Yaiho." She says, "He's the one who taught me how to scout in the desert so I thought I could trust him, but then he said I was done with the transport and I heard this noise from behind. I looked around, and Hestor is being attacked by Brock, another man I thought I could trust. I mean he had Jaravo's blessing for the Wind's sake! Then, well... I don't know. I tried to call out but the next thing I remember, I was waking up with my hands and legs bound tight." The man with the clipboard scribbles down every word Jofe says while another man with a clipboard is trying to comfort the second guard. He's still looking rather pale and is currently sitting on the floor, holding his knees, and rocking back and forth, whispering, "Those eyes... those terrible eyes... I... I couldn't move... Then my dog just... He just walked away!"

The two dogs have been moved further away into the shade and are being looked after by another guard. She seems to be trying to feed them something, but neither dog looks up to it, one is laying down on the floor looking sorry for itself, and the other is eagerly looking towards the transport. Prickles barks happily when he sees Danicka walk around from behind the steel cube. Lady Ziralia turns around and smiles pleasantly when she sees the gathered Pathfinders, "And there you are! It seems you did quite a number on these guards, yet there are no injuries more severe than a bump on the head. I'm not sure if I should be impressed with your abilities or appalled at how easily you subverted our security." She approaches you, moving gracefully across the desert sand, "Please tell me that our security inside the transport faired better than it did outside. Did you retrieve the vials? I'd like to see them."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3

Brock's eyes narrow for a moment as he takes in the scene of people standing and not being knocked out or tied up, but he relaxes once he recognizes Lady Ziralia.

Hearing her speech he smiles and says, "Nothing a bit more trusty overwatch can't fix, definately double up on mages at the transport and change your signals. Inside... well, you're gonna need a new altar, but we got the vials."

He makes a grand gesture towards Forrest and Rook when they come out.

Looking around, he adds.

"Your guards, well they didn't stand a chance. We got the drop on them and we are, well, us. I wouldn't hold it against them. Their courage and professionalism were top notch. They were simply outclassed, that's all."

Looking at the mage he clubbed and the poor guy he stared down, he adds. "It appears I owe some of them apologies, and drinks." the last with an eyebrow bobble, wink and leer towards Danicka, "you in Danicka?"

"These...or...these? We helped ourselves to a bit of the honey, rather tasty." Rook says while pulling out the various vials from the secret compartment and the empty ones from the altar.

He starts to laugh thinking about how easy the break in was.

Oh man...they are going to have to make this more difficult. If they didn't know our faces we could have made a real heist of the Elixir.

"The only thing that provided any trouble, and by trouble I mean it annoyed us, was that altar...which is more of a pile of wood and chains now. Hah!"

Yaiho puts his hand behind his head and looks a little bit sheepish, "Yaiho crush altar. Sorry."

Forrest nods, and bows slightly to the lady. "Aye, you may want to add another trap, perhaps in the second room. And have more than one construct. We were able to gang up on the poor thing." He hands the remaining vials of honey to the closest guard.

Back in the transport...

AC 14, so the Arin's guidance and the decision not to power attack made all the difference! COMBAT OVER!!! :)

Hooray for useful support :P

Whether it was heat stroke or just the adrenaline, the strange moment has passed, and you now find yourselves in possession of twelve eleven vials of glowing liquid. It's not until Rook has downed one of the vials of glamoured honey that he realises that you were actually sent in to steal fake elixir, this is only a dummy run to test the security of the convoy after all. Still, it is reasonably safe to assume the vials on the Altar were decoys, and that those in the secret compartment were what you were sent to steal... Well, hopefully.

** spoiler omitted **...

Arin casts detect magic and focuses on the vial from the secret compartment in particular.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

"Rook, that one from the lower compartment may not be the real elixir, but it is an interesting replacement. It grants resistant to fire for a time, and additionally any fire attack that cannot overcome the defenses actually speeds up the imbiber for a shorter time. It seems quite useful."

See the original spoiler for mechanical details.

Presently, outside...

"Please tell me that our security inside the transport faired better than it did outside. Did you retrieve the vials? I'd like to see them."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Arin listens to his companions' feedback to this point and adds a bit of his own.

"More guards would definitely help. The simple act of drawing the scouts away from the caravan shouldn't leave it so short-handed and vulnerable."

Danicka beams brightly when she realizes that they've accomplished their mission. "I can prepare you a full evaluation, ma'am." Danicka assures Lady Ziralia.

Upon seeing Prickles, Danicka waves at him happily.

Looking at the mage he clubbed and the poor guy he stared down, he adds. "It appears I owe some of them apologies, and drinks." the last with an eyebrow bobble, wink and leer towards Danicka, "you in Danicka?"

At Brock's invitation, Danicka's eyes widen. Her cheeks suddenly turn bright red. "Oh, dear! No, I... I told you I was n-n-never drinking with you again! I... Oh, my!" she stutters quietly.

Lady Ziralia listens to all of your reports, her expression a mixture of satisfaction with your work, and concern that it revealed soo many vulnerabilities, "It seems we may have to go back to the drawing board with the security. Thank you for taking the job so seriously, I am glad Lady Morilla talked me into hiring you for this task." She says, warmly before she starts reflecting on your comments, "More guards and more training, does indeed seem necessary. With just two guards and a single mage, it is no wonder you subverted them so easily." She frowns, "Although I was told that two mages would be with the transport at all times. Still, no matter how many guards are around the transport, we need to make sure they are more prepared for an attack. Hopefully, this trial run went someway to helping with their inexperience, at the very least." Shes says, taking note of Brock and Arin's concerns, "As for the signals, I'll inform Enyro that he must change the codes, and ensure that only a trusted few mages know what they are."

Turning to Forrest, she asks, "Another trap? But I was told that any intruder would pass out from heat exhaustion before they came anywhere near to disarming the complicated mechanisms required to disable the main trap. How did you manage that?"

Then she addresses the reports on the effectivness of the Altar, "Temeera will be glad that her Altar did at least put up a fight, but I will let her know that a more sturdy guardian is needed for the actual run. She has mentioned that she is making great strides in stonework. In your professional opinion, if the Altar was twice the size, and made of marble, would it have repelled your advances, or perhaps slowed you down enough for reinforcements to arrive?"

Lady Ziralia sighs at the sight of all the vials, "I had hoped that you might miss that at least, how did you know that the vials on the Altar were decoys? The compartment was lined with lead to prevent scrying, and I was told it was very well hidden." She waves her hand dismissively, "Forgive me. I ask you all these questions, but any detailed answers may have to wait until you place them in your evaluation report." She turns to Danicka, and gives an appreciative smile, "Which I very much look forward to reading by the way. However, for now, we have much more pressing matters to attend to. Tell me, did any of you notice anything suspicious during your reconnaissance?"

"Suspicious? Other than us? Sure, we caught that halfling spying on us and turned hin in to Enyro."

Brock adds, suddenly remembering the likable, if vain, man.

Hopefully he doesn't take his failure and our betrayal too badly, I doubt he will count me in his favorite people from now on.

"Finding weakpoints is kind of my thing. We gathered all the information we needed while performing our tasks. Getting to practice with the locks and seeing the trap mechanisms before hand made it simple...simple enough. The Steel Eaters only share their secrets with kin...or the people they are about to blow up. Your overseers could use a similar mindset." Rook replies confidently when she asks Forrest about the trap. When she asks about suspicious activity he remembers a bit too.

"Yeah...I wasn't the only one practicing on those locks. Someone else was planning on getting in here. Obviously they weren't good enough." he laughs.

Probably an amateur. As long as we get paid that is their new problem...unless they let me blow him up.

Yaiho nods at the mention of stone, "Stone slow down Yaiho. Yaiho still break altar but stone would take longer."

A bright idea pops into Yaiho's head. "Make altar attack more than one person too. Make it harder to combat. When altar only focus on person stealing, others can focus on breaking altar."

Forrest raises his hand. "There was a murder we uncovered during our investigations. The guard outside the commander's tent was killed. I think the murderer was stealing information. He wears a size ten shoe and is much heavier than me. " He laughs and winks at Sheila. "You'd be surprised how helpful that information has been already! " He shrugs. " You will probably want to alter the route and keep it a secret. These other criminals weren't as successful as us, because we beat them to it. However, they are still out there. "

"Suspicious..?" she asks. Danicka wracks her brain, but cannot recall anything else to add. "I... I... Hmmm... N-nothing they haven't already m-mentioned..." she stutters, suddenly unsure.

Lady Ziralia's expression darkens at the reports of picked locks, spies, and murder, "Then it is as I feared. The agents I hired to monitor your heist spotted another team lurking around the convoy's route. I had hoped that they were merely travellers lost in the desert, but given the timing and your reports, I am now convinced that a plot to steal the real sun orchid elixir is already underway."

Looking increasingly concerned, Ziralia glances around to make sure no one is listening, and steps closer before continuing, "Please, in light of this new threat, I must ask you to wait on making a full report of the weaknesses you discovered until the potential thieves have been dealt with. Instead, could you discretely track the conspirators back to their camp and catch them off guard? My main concern is that any official action would cause the thieves to scatter, ruining any chance of discovering who they are and what they are planning."

She steps back again, waiting for an answer, "I must remain here for the time being, debriefing the transport guards, but it is better if you strike quickly."

Brock nods and starts summoning his horse.

"We can look for these other thieves for you, no problem."

our bill will be larger though

Once they are ready and on their way out Brock nods to the knocked out and wounded guards and says, "Sorry fellas, nothing personal."

"So...we don't have to hold back on these goons, right? My bomb hand has been itching. Point us in the right direction." Rook says.

This is outside our scope of work which means a larger fee. Pathfinders still do business not charity.

Yaiho smiles at finally being able to bash a few heads without heavy to worry about killing them. He readies himself to go with the others as he pets his mighty hammer. "Soon."

"Yes, we do not hold back, unless there is any information to obtain. I expect this confrontation could be somewhat more... intense than some practice furniture."

"I'm in. You don't happen to have anymore helpful items, do you? You have no idea how nice the adamantine mace was. " He pulls out his rapier, checking to ensure the sheath is properly oiled.

Brock mounts his ghost mount as the group gathers, adjusting his shield and lance.

"Lets get this show on the road, Hss is getting impatient."

Danicka nods, "Yes, ma'am!"

Then she quickly hurries after the others.

Suddenly she stops. "Wait!"

Danicka hurries over to the dogs and gives Prickles a pat on the head goodbye. "In case I don't see you again..." she mutters sadly, "You were a good dog."

She falls to her knees and gives him a big hug.

Eventually she stands and walks away, hurrying after her companions.

"Bombs? Not holding back?!" Danicka's eyes widen as she rejoins their conversation. "Let's be c-careful! We don't want to k-kill anyone!"

Lady Ziralia smiles at Forrest, "I thought you might find that useful, but I'm afraid I have nothing else to offer you..." She frowns, looking at the vials you have all just liberated from the transport, "Except, perhaps the decoy elixir? I'm not sure how useful it will be to you, but since we don't need it anymore, please except it with my thanks." She hands back the vials of solar vigour, but warns that the contents were split from a single dose, so all six need to be consumed at once to have any effect. Made a mistake, there is only one potion of solar vigour. ;) She then asks a guard for a map and points out the last point the potential thieves were spotted, Brock recognises the spot as being one of the observation points marked on the map he found under Varnic's mattress, "Go there and pick up their trail. Happy hunting!"

As Brock rides by with his apology, Jofe just gives him a sour look, and the other guard is still unable to meet his eye, but the mage is surprisingly cheerful, perhaps glad to be alive, and gives the man a wave, "Ha, no worries mate! Buy us an ale and all's forgiven..." Just as the Pathfinders pass, Danicka remembers her newest friend and rushes back to give Prickles a hug, "Wait, NO- Huh?" Much to the handler's surprise, Prickles nuzzles Danicka playfully, and even gives her a great big slobbery lick on the face with a huge sandpapery tongue, "Well, ain't that something. I was sure he'd 'ave your head off!"

During the day, you have no troubles seeing and following the tracks further into the desert. About an hour into your journey, you are surprised to find the temperature actually cooling a little, and a gentle breeze carries the scent of flowers and a breath of most air. As you crest a large dune spot four dun-coloured tents surrounding a small campfire about sixty feet away, they're all clustered beneath gaunt palm trees along the eastern bank of a shallow oasis. Four agitated looking people are are wandering the area, taking large swigs from their waterskins and looking nervously around. Two larger pavilions loom over the rest of the camp: one dyed bright orange, the other emblazoned with the Aspis Consortium’s serpent insignia. A woman wearing fine desert clothing and lighter armour than the rest, emerges from the orange pavilion and looks to be ordering the others around.

Due to the open nature of the desert terrain here, the moment you step over the dune, you're pretty sure that you'll be easily spotted.

Map updated, and y'all are 60' off the map to the south. What do you want to do?

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Brocks squints over the dune and listens intently, "Looks like we found our spies. Varnic worked for them, and there we go, admitted to killing oue guard. These are our bad guys."

Looking down at Yaiho with a psychopathic gleam in his eye, "I say we charge in, cut them down and let Ziralia question the corpses. Hss wants to play."

Glancing at Rook, "Maybe blow them up as well, just to be sure"

if we can sneak within 100' I'll open it up with a charge to the leader who is Green Im guessing

Yaiho smiles at Brock, "Charging good."

He looks at the tents and then at Danicka, "You have magic that pull tent down around them?"

"Corpses?" Danicka whispers. "We don't have to k-kill them!"

"I can use our web scroll from here. I won't be able to hit all of them, though. Only three."

---

When everyone's ready, Danicka pulls out her scroll of web, stands up and casts the spell, causing a mass of thick, sticky webs to appear around three of the bandits, hanging to the tents and trees.

Placed a shape on the map showing the area of web. The saving throw is... Reflex DC 13.

Purple won't be in the area of effect of web and is within a hundred feet now. You can charge him from here, Brock.

Forrest whispers to Yaiho and Brock. "One of you should take the elixir. You're most likely to need it. "

I love the image of them chugging 6 bottles, just to get that one dose.

He turns to the two spellcasters. "It will take me and Yaiho a minute to get in there. Do you have any spells that will work from here? " While Danicka is distracted, he winks at Rook. "Can you get within bomb throwing range quickly? That might make a good opener to cover the rest of our advance. "

"Pull it down?" Danicka asks. She shakes her head. "No, s-s-sorry, Yaiho."

As soon as Danicka casts her spell, Brock spurs Hss towards Blue Purple? Sorry, I'm colorblind couching his lance.

Danicka and her blasted bleeding heart and stopping me from killing anything. Doesn't she know thats how we gain honor! There will be no ballads written about Brock the Mighty who stood by while the pacifistic wizardess did all the fun stuff

"Come on Hss, faster, lets get this guy before he knows what's coming"

Hss has a 50' movement so the charge should be OK assuming non difficult terrain. Pointing at right blue

Yaiho runs after Brock on his horse, going at full speed with his great hammer leading the way. He can hear the beating drums of his clan playing in the wind as he builds up his fighting spirit.

Full-Round Action: Run (Will run 100')

Okay then, we'll be moving into initiative shortly. However web is a second level spell, meaning that a Danicka would have to pass a DC 14 caster level check (1d20 plus your caster level) first in order to cast it. If you still want to cast it, Danicka, then can I have your roll, otherwise let me know what plan B is. ;)

Can I have everybody's first round action please (apart from Brock and Yaiho), and I'll sort the initial exchange in a single post. :)

Arin
Danicka (Caster level check or replacement action)
Mhazruk
Yaiho (Running as fast as he can)
Forrest
Brock (Finally getting to charge in on horseback)

Brock (Finally getting to charge in on horseback)

I know, right? And Danicka tried to ruin it!

As impressive as that charge was (and fun!) I'm thinking not having my horse most of the time till 5 will get me back to Daring Champ. Thinking if going STR based and using a 4x crit heavy pick that should still work with precision damage. Lose a few AC to a dex build but more versatility with weapons

Forrest will run alongside of Yaiho, legs pumping furiously to keep up. Between breaths he manages to gasp out a few words. " Danicka... spoil... sport... hit... badguys... behind... tent. " He draws his rapier as he goes. What she doesn't know won't hurt her. Some people only understand the point of a blade.

I can move 30, so I will also Run towards the enemy.

Danicka has faith!

Concentration Check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Unfortunately, it gets her nowhere.

Wisdom Check to avoid a mishap: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 Passing.

Danicka blushes bright red as the scroll fails to activate. "Oh, dear..." she mutters nervously.

How embarrassing!

"Sorry!" she apologizes to her companions--but it's too late, they're off on their way down the dune.

Same day right? If so I chug an Extract of Reduce Person if not I chug both that and the Dexterity Mutagen before running alongside the others.

"Oh, there will be corpses or at least some ashes left. Nothing personal but they are thieves. Thieves are on the list of things that get bombed." Rook says palming a bomb ready to throw.

If he gets within range he will toss it at the one not in the web AoE

Just to be clear, we came here directly from the ambush, so no reset of abilities/spells per day, correct? (same question as Rook, basically)

Thankfully Arin goes first...

Arin again calls upon his divine patrons to grant his companions a blessing just before they begin charging down the dune.

Cast bless, allies gain +1 on attack rolls and saves against fear, duration 10 rounds.

He then follows them down the dune as fast as he can, having lost time to cast the blessing.

Normal move action, 20ft.

Yep, same day only an hour or so from the transport. That also means that false life has expired, I'm afraid.

Before the assault, Arin and Rook prepare themselves by calling on the blessings of the unknown and the wonders of science, respectivly. Then Danicka stands up to cast her spell, signalling the start of the attack. As she starts reading the arcane words, the rest of the Pathfinders charge over the dune at full speed towards the Aspis camp.

Trusting that Danicka's web will entangle the rest of the enemy, Brock swiftly rides towards the guard on the right. The guards have no time to react to the sudden charge, and Brock's target turns at hearing the battle cry, with only enough time to scream, "What the Fff-" Before his chest explodes from the sheer force of the impact. The lance pierces clean through, and the guard's body hangs limply halfway up the shaft.

As Brock tries to pry the man free from his weapon, a crossbow bolt flies over his head, "He was loathsome as a toad, but by the gods, you'll pay for that!" The woman in blue hisses as she reaches for another bolt. The other guard rushes in front of their leader, drawing his sword as he goes and yelling curses. However, once in position, he gets a full view of what happened to his comrade, the curses suddenly stop as the gagging begins. "Hold him back! No one leaves until only ashes remain!" The leader yells as she plucks a flask from her belt and throws it at the orange pavilion. The flask breaks on canvas, and the whole tent instantly bursts into flames, and if the quickness of the flame wasn't evidence enough of the accelerant suffused in the canvas, the smell of burning oil certainly is.

Atk. Alchemist's Fire; Range: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 - 2 = 7
Dmg. Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Atk. Crossbow (Brock): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

By this time it is clear that Danicka's spell has failed, and while the Aspis agents are suitably distracted by the rampaging knight, the rest of the Pathfinders descend upon the camp. Yaiho takes the lead, crashing into the guard wearing red, followed closely by Forrest who pulls up, panting, in front of the guard in blue. Rook's unnaturally shortened legs bring him up just shy of the battle, while Arin and Danicka bring up the rear.
___

COMBAT TRACKER - Round 2 - Bold may act - Map
------------------------------------------------------------

Brock ( )
----------------------
Green (unarmed)
Blue ( )
Red ( )
Purple (-55hp, all kinds of dead)
tent (-2hp, in flames)
----------------------
Rook ( )
Danicka ( )
Forrest (running -2AC)
Arin ( )
Yaiho (running -2AC)

ONGOING EFFECTS / ENVIRONMENT
Bless 9/10: Allies gain a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saves vs fear effects.

PENDING
None

"Arin, Rook, Danicka! Can you do anything about that tent!" Brock roars as he rips his lance free of the corpse and lines Hss up and charges again RED.

Charge, PA: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 2 + 1 - 1 = 22
Damage: 2d8 + 12 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3) + 12 + 6 = 23
Mounted Combat: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Hss AC 13

Jeepers, I now know why lances are so good for a mounted build! I may have to consider buying one for my cavalier. :)

Brock shakes the first guard free of his lance and charges the next, Hss trampling all over the what's left of the purple guard's corpse. The guard lifts his sword to deflect the lance away, but he only manages to deflect the blow into his shoulder, "Aaaagh!" His armour holds up better than the previous guard, but it is severely dented and blood rushes out of the gaps and he falls to the floor with a clatter.

The leader steps back from her fallen guard, cursing at Brock, she draws a hand crossbow and aims very carefully at the most obviously dangerous target, "Who are you people!?" She asks, clearly shocked by the carnage, but when she pulls the trigger, her bolt flies true and lodges between a gap in Brock's armour. The pain is significantly worse than Brock would have expected from such a small wound.

Atk. Hand Crossbow; Inspiration: 1d20 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 3 + (3) = 23
Dmg. Piercing+Poison: 1d4 ⇒ 2

The blue guard drops her crossbow and draws her sword, striking at Forrest in a desperate attempt to survive this terrible situation.

Meanwhile, the tent continues to burn... Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 5
___

COMBAT TRACKER - Round 2 - Bold may act - Map
------------------------------------------------------------

Brock (charged -2AC)
Hss (charged -2AC)
----------------------
Green ( )
Blue ( )
Red (-23hp, unconscious, dying)
Purple (-55hp, all kinds of dead)
tent (-7hp, in flames)
----------------------
Rook ( )
Danicka ( )
Forrest (?)
Arin ( )
Yaiho ( )

ONGOING EFFECTS / ENVIRONMENT
Bless 9/10: Allies gain a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saves vs fear effects.

PENDING

Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Brock curses as the bolt pierces his armor, he feels a strange burning around the wound briefly, before it returns to the normal feeling of a small hunk of wood and steel imbedded in his flesh.

"Tiny crossbows, really? You're gonna have to do better than that!"

I know I'm impressive on this horse, but ignoring Yaiho within striking distance is all kinds of foolish

Yeah, lance on horseback is pretty crazy, worse at level 5 when I get both narroe frame on Hss and Spirited Charge (3x damage on charge). It is also odd, but defined in the FAQ that you still get 2handing damage boost with lances even when you hold it in one hand. Not to mention challenge/chain challenge. Basically if you hit, target dies

Danicka hurries forward down the dunes and towards the battle. Seeing the flames overtake the tent in an instant, she moves towards it, but then see the horrible carnage all around her, wrought by her companions.

"Eeeek!" she screams, seeing the man on the ground whose chest has exploded. "Sir are you...? You are not alright! Oh, bits are everywhere... Oh, my... Oh, dear."

Suddenly feeling light headed, Danicka fans herself.

Don't faint, don't faint!

Oh, I'm stepping on his lungs!!

Danicka throws herself on the ground beside the dead man and vomits all over the ground.

Double move. Throwing up on the ground.

lol

Spittle starts to appear on Yaiho's mouth and starts dripping down as Yaiho's eyes reveal pure rage. He steps over the body in front of him and bears down on the robed woman. Without saying a word but smiling with madness, he lifts his maul and brings it down with such speed, one could swear they could hear the air scream.

Earthbreaker +Bless: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 1 = 20
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (4, 6) + 9 = 19

Free Action: Rage
Move Action: 10'
Standard Action: Attack

"S+##! You don't waste bombs on tents unless you have something to hide. Hopefully this gel is still gonna work..." Rook yells while moving for the tent.

Fire Ward Gel has an hour duration from applying it before entering the transport.

Once in inside he looks for anything he can grab that looks important. Documents, lockboxes, etc.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 5 = 27

I'm too far out to usefully act this round, but unless I'm mistaken it looks like Forrest might be taking some damage. Heading that way.

Arin finally catches up with the group just in time to see a guard bring down her sword directly at Forrest. Anticipating a wounded teammate he picks up the pace and heads in that direction.

double move, towards Forrest.

If Forrest doesn't parry, next round will be stabilize/CLW, otherwise I'll keep a lookout for others in need (if any)

You people don't mess about do you? :)

While Danicka comes to terms with the mess formally known as 'the purple guard,' Yaiho is overcome with rage. His hammer moves with such power and speed that there is little the Apsis leader could do to defend herself. Her eyes go wide and blood spurts from her mouth as the massive weapon crashes into her chest, her armour doing little to absorb the impact, and she brought down to one knee, "Is... *cough* Is that all you've got?" She wheezes defiantly, spitting blood onto the floor in front of the terrifying half-orc. Still alive and a threat, but looks worse for wear.

Sorry Rook, as I said before, it's been an hour since you left the transport to follow the tracks here.

Then Rook goes running into the burning tent, looking for whatever it is the leader is so willing to burn, "Nooo!" She tries to scream, voice weak. The heat inside the pavilion is blistering and Rook immediately realises his protective gel has already run out as his skin starts to burn. However, he does see tables full of papers and important documents, several of which stand out as being particularly interesting to Rook's keen eye, given their royal seals. Grabbing the most important information will be a move action, long enough to suffer more fire damage. Anyone can attempt to put out the tent as a full-round action survival check. Other methods may help, but the smell of oil within the tent, it is unlikely water alone will put it out.

Rook, Fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2 Reflex save DC 15 or catch on fire.

Meanwhile Arin runs up to Forrest's side, ready to offer assistance if necessary.
___

COMBAT TRACKER - Round 2 - Bold may act - Map
------------------------------------------------------------

Green (-19hp)
Blue ( )
Red (-23hp, unconscious, dying)
Purple (-55hp, all kinds of dead)
tent (-7hp, in flames)
----------------------
Rook (-2hp)
Danicka ( )
Forrest (?)
Arin ( )
Yaiho ( )
----------------------
Round 3 - Bold may act
----------------------
Brock ( )
Hss ( )

ONGOING EFFECTS / ENVIRONMENT
Bless 9/10: Allies gain a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saves vs fear effects.

PENDING
Reflex save from Rook DC 15 or catch on fire.