Ringtail's Rise of the Runelords

Game Master Ringtail

Round 5
hp 8/10; AC 16

Tardek runs up behind the curtain and seeing the little goblin hits him with his mace.

Move to P3, attack goblin in O3

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Grabbing his Crossbow from the sling on his shoulder, Flit stares up at the Goblin, swearing in halfing. "I'll get you you little bastard!" Flit begins to reload, grinning maliciously.

Alyoma backs toward the corner of the stage and calls upon the arcane energies in her blood to fire a bolt of magical force at the goblin in the rafters. It slams into the cretin, hard, and he staggers a for a moment, trying to keep his footing...
Acrobatics:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Falling damage:1d6 ⇒ 5
...but fails and falls from the crossbeams, splattering next to Flitter below, as Ansruath makes his way to the stage. The invigorating warmth of Sarenrae exuding from Gorgorgon fill Dehrisan and Alyoma with healing light, knitting their wounds. Tardek chases the goblin backstage and swings with his mace, but the cunning runt ducks the swipe. Flitter reloads his crossbow (Since the target I'm pretty sure you were going to aim at on the next round is dead/dying you may go ahead and change your action if you would like.) The goblin Tardek chased turns about and lashes out futily with his torch, seeing no clear escape from the half orc.
Attack:1d20 - 2 ⇒ (11) - 2 = 9
Damage if hit:1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Map

Round 6, Init 19

Gorgoron will double move to C14

After Gorforon's magic, Alyoma ducks through the curtain and darts backstage.

"If that goblin's hurt any of the folk back here, I'll..." She leaves the threat hanging unfinished.

Seeing the Goblin engaged in fighting Tardek, Alyoma again hurls a bolt of force at the vermin. But the spell fizzles out halfway to the goblin.

"Void-blast this armor!" she curses.

Round 5, Init 5
AC 16, HP 7/7
3/4 1st level spells, 5/6 Minute Meteors
Move to E3.
Cast Magic Missile at Goblin at O3.
Spell Failure Check, 20%: 1d100 ⇒ 16
Spell Fails

Staring down at his original target, who is now lying in a pool of blood, Flit grins. "Got you..." he whispers softly, as he steps over the body, moving up the ramp. Flit sights down his Crossbow at the beast across from him, and grins, before squeezing the release.

Moving to J6 and firing at O3

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 221d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Tardek swings again, hard and low, but the goblin dodges and Tardek hits the backl hall, jarring his arm hard he bites down a curse.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

The heavy chain shirt interferes with Alyoma's spell. Gorgoron moves toward and unconscious Dehrisan, while Ansruath crosses backstage to take a strong swing at the final goblin, but it dodges the slash. Tardek likewise misses and for a moment it looks like the goblin might continue to fight unscathed. But a bolt slices through the air and plants itself in the goblin's collar, dropping him in a single shot.

We can move off of initiative now.

Allishanda comes out for where she was hiding by some crates and boxes backstage and brushes herself off, expertly maintaining her composure in light of recent events.

"I suppose I'm due to offer my gratitude. [She looks to Tardek as she speaks. With a short nod she gives her thanks. From someone of her reputation it seems that it truly grateful to even offer up the gesture.]"

Ansruath shaking his head than moves from the backstage. Loudly he says " Well this tells us why they took the fireworks. Any idea how they would know about the play?"

"They were in the Village for the Festival Ansruath. It was not a well kept secret, friend!" Flit grins softly, stepping up on stage and reloading his Crossbow. He turns to face the front of the stage and bows. "Thank you. Thank you. I was magnificent!" Laughing wildly, the little Halfling turns to look at the Varisian. "How do you feel miss Alyoma?" He turns his gaze again, to find Dherisan. "Is friend Dherisan okay?"

Alyoma steps back in front of the curtain, facing the audience.
I am fine, good friend Flit, and you were magnificent," she replies to his question.
"But is everyone out there fit?", she asks the crowd, "Shall we continue the entertainment?"
She does a dancing twirl around Flit, and ends up next to Ansruath, her stance slightly imitating his.

Ansruath shakes his head as he smiles he than says "Well than I best move from the stage to allow the people to enjoy themselves. Good luck Miss Alyoma." He than moves from the stage to allow for Alyoma to take the full stage.

Tardek nods in turn to Allishanda and slips his mace through the loop in his belt. Good thing I've taken to be deputised seriously. Wearing armor and weapons saved me tonight. I need to develop formulas for fighting better indoors.

Tardek moves around behind the curtain, and back up to the balcony to see if he can offer medical aid.

Back from Beijing. Looks like I picked the right 3 days to go on vacation. I was unconscious through the whole trip!

The citizens that were fleeing but hadn't quite left yet, nervously return to there seats, though visibly relieved. Nobody appears to be hurt, save for those in the party and a few minor bumps as they scrambled through the exits simaltaneously; but for the citizens it isn't something a large pint and a good night's rest won't cure. A few nice townsfolk drag the goblin corpses away to be disposed of while others ask the wounded among you if you require any medical attention and if they should fetch the Father. Cyrdak and the orchestra whisper amongst themselves, and as soon as Allishanda steps back out on stage in full costume there is a tremendous applause, though much of it is equally, if not more so, directed at your party of heroes. Those of you leaving the stage are greeted with thanks and handshakes. And soon enough Cyrdak gets the musicians to play a soothing song for the crowd to quite down as he takes the stage.

"As our lovely heroine asked: shall the show go on!? [He waits for the cheer to die down.] Well then, the yea's have it! Everybody be sure to buy these heroes a drink at the after party at the White Deer! Continue! He flourished boldly as the orchestra strikes back off where they had left off in the performance."

I believe that Dehrisan is still unconcious, though stable from the last channel? If someone would like to either give first aid with a heal check or provide magical healing they of course may.

Gorgoron finishes hustling up the stairs, his scale mail armour jingling as he runs. When he reaches the box, he kneels down over Dehrisan, and takes a closer look at the man's injuries. After addressing the state of Dehrisan's health, he concentrates and says a brief prayer. A healing light eminates from him again.

Channel Positive Energy 1d6 ⇒ 2

Does that bring Dehrisan back to consciousness? By my count he was at -7, and Gorgoron's first channel should have brought him to -1, so this should bring him to +1.

Smiling softly, and bowing to Alyoma, thanking her for the compliment, Flit turns and walks off stage, heading back to his seat in the Balcony, keeping his Crossbow loaded.

Dherisan's hand darts towards the hilt of his dagger as his sits up suddenly, though his cry of surprise quickly becomes a moan of pain as he feels the burns of the fireworks. He pats Ember gently as the fox gingerly creeps towards its counterpart. "I'm not dead just yet, Ember," he whispers. [b]"Though that was a close one."

He rises with a grunt, grimacing as he observes his wounds. Leaning heavily on his staff, he hobbles towards the rest of the party, lowering his voice. "We'll need to speak when this performance is done. Something has to be done about these goblins before they're found waiting in every stagehouse, outhouse, and cupboard in Sandpoint."

The rest of the opera goes quite well. With the exception of the goblin attack, the night is a grand success. By the time the curtain drops at the end of the show to a roar of applause and a standing ovation it becomes appearent that you will all soon become household names. And Alyoma's raw talent is already being compared with Allishanda's expertise, of course, when the diva is out of earshot. Not long after the final bow all of the players and stagehands are ushered to the white deer, along with the financers of the performance, for a celebrations, with your party as the guests of honor. Claps on the shoulder and free mugs are commonplace, with all wanting to hear tales of goblin slaying.

Tardek spends the night amiably, though he is clearly uncomfortable with the praise, he frequently makes excuses not to share too many drinks, and draws strange looks despite the townsfolks gratitude. It is clear to any that watch him that Tardek is more comfortable ith potions and drafts than people and laughter.

Flitter, on the other hand, is the life and soul of the party. Where his Consultant is uncomfortable and shy, Flitter bounces from place to place, talking to everyone attending the little shindig, recounting tales of past Goblin hunts, and drinking, far far too much. By the end of the night, the little Halfling is tuckered out, and sits slumped across a table, drooling and snoring loudly.

The party rage on until the early hours of the morning, with people filtering in and out the entire time. Aldern is there, of course, and follows Alyoma around like a lost pup. Once Flitter passes out from drink one of the Shoanti barmaids looks like she might try to move him out of the way and up to his room, but then thinks better of it. Eventually everyone makes it to their beds, or wherever they choose to sleep. Those who decide to stay up late are in for an uncomfortably early surprise.

Just after dawn breaks everyone awakens to Mister Foxglove rapping noisily on their door.

"Come, fine gentlmen and lady. Gather your mounts! The Tickwood awaits. Let us catch a boar for the folk of Sandpoint! [He chortles.] No need to worry about grabbing breakfast or morning mead, I've supplies for the road so we don't waste daylight. Ha!"

He is dressed sharply in a well tailored riding uniform of crimson bearing his family's crest, with a dark cape. His soft soled leather riding boots are also finely made, and a hunter's bow with a quiver is strapped to his back. He seems to take his annual hunt seriously as he is geared more for what one would consider a safari, with a hefty pack, cap, and spyglass, than a few hours hunt only a half hours ride from town.

"WHAT IN THE NAME OF THE..." Flit collapses off of the stool he had slept on, and hits the floor with a loud piteous yelp. Cradling his head he stares around the room, tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Shut that wind bag the hells up. My brain is trying to escape out my temples and my dinner out my nostrils!"

Groaning he pushes to his feet. "Gods damned Nobles..." Aching, he climbs the stairs to his room and begins to slowly don his armor and collect his things.

Ansruath turns to look at the door as Mister Foxglove knocks. Standing up from bed Ansruath opens the door than says "We are off to boar hunt Mister Foxglove? Very well than I shall get ready." After putting on his gear Ansruath makes his way down stairs.

"A day in the forest would be a pleasant reprieve," Dherisan admits. "Though before we set out, I'd speak with my companions - one cannot be overprepared in times such as these." He finds a table that is relatively isolated and waves the others over as Ember prances about anxiously.

"Goblins in the town," he whispers. "Inside the theater, and they eluded the notice of the guards that were posted. Before that it was an roadside murder, and before that a diversion for graverobbing. Surely I'm not the only one who sees these attacks escalating? I think that after this hunt is concluded, we ought to make an active effort to locate whatever, or whoever, is driving these little cretins. I don't care to ponder what will happen if we up the guard, dig in, and sit on our haunches."

At the party, Alyoma treats Aldern with care, paying attention to him, and includes him in her conversations.

The next morning, Alyoma wakes as Aldern rousts tha party. She's not happy to awaken after a long party, but hides her irritation.

"Give me some time to prepare, and I'll join you at the hunt," she says, "Although I'm not really good at hunting boars."

At Dehrisan's gesture, she drifts over to listen to his words.

Gorgoron is not one for overindulging, and so while he enjoyed the party, he went to bed relatively early, and is up before dawn to great the rising of the sun. He goes outdoors to a quiet spot and says his morning ablutions as the sun crests the horizon. When he is finished, he heads back into the inn, and enjoys a quiet breakfast while waiting for his companions to wake.

***Time Passes***

Once the others begin to rise, he pays attention to the conversation.

Responding to Dehrisan:
Gorgoron leans close and responds in the same hushed tone, "I agree things are getting worse. In fact, I question the wisdom of engaging in this hunt. We have been told that there is a human influence guiding the hand of these goblin tribes. Each time, we," he gestures to indicate the gathered companions, "have been at hand to intervene and set things back to order. If we absent ourselves from the village, would not the timing be keen for the next escalation to occur while we are away? I wonder if we should not excuse ourselves and remain here."

"Ah, but that is the very behavior we must avoid. We have been helpful when the goblins have attacked, yes, but are we truly deterring them? If we resign ourselves to the role of sentinels, we are committing to a war of attrition. If we were only dealing with goblin minds, that would be enough - they'd loose interest before too long. But as you have just mentioned, it is not a goblin directing these attacks. Someone has a goal, and until they achieve it, I do not think we will see a stop to these attacks. I live life as an observer, Gorgoron, and I am usually content to allow events to unfold in their due course. In my watching, though, I have learned to recognize when action becomes necessary, and I believe we have reached that point. It's time for us to go on the offensive."

"How does this hunt help us to go on the offensive? Are we going to leave the hunt outside the town, or steer it towards the goblin haunts? Perhaps you intend for us to leave the town and then circle back, intending to catch someone in the act?"

"I agree that action is necessary, but unless it brings us closer to a goal, I would disagree with unnecessarily exposing people to danger while we are away. Sentinels we might be, but if we are doing nothing to confront our foe or have no means to identify our enemy, then a defensive action is the only avenue open to us."

"Don't misunderstand me, if you have a plan that will help us identify our foe, I would like to support it. I merely do not want to take risks that offer no chance to improve our situation."

"Do you have a plan?"

Somewhat groggy, Flit nods his agreement with Dherisan, as he continues to check over his gear.

"You make a good point." Dherisan confesses. "I suppose I don't have too much at this point. I just know that we're unlikely to glean much more about whoever is directing the goblins unless we get out and begin looking for them. Capturing a few goblins would be a good start, and we might want to see what we can discover in the wilderness - exploration has a way of yielding new information. For now, we ought to work more closely with the militia. I think it's more important that they tighten their watches than it is they up the guard. A few goblins pose little threat so long as they don't appear in the middle of the town. We need ensure that Sandpoint's borders are secure, so that we are free to seek answers elsewhere."

Ansruath listens as the others speaks than says "The goblins seem to be able to get anywhere. All we can do right now is try to find the goblin's new leader so we can stop them from attacking. If anything you have all told me this boss must be powerful to get respect from the goblin tribes. I think we should rest before we set out to find the leader. We will need to be at our best to try to stop the leader if any of what was said is true."

I think we should rest before we set out to find the leader. We will need to be at our best to try to stop the leader if any of what was said is true." [/b]

We just woke up for the morning... What do you mean about rest?

What I was saying is when we do go find look for the leader we should rest. Not saying today we were going to boar hunt with Foxglove aren't we?

Tardek listens to the discussion with little interest. We'll be fighting more goblins soo enough. But its best to stay with the group should we be attacked again.

Tardek perpares his equipment, and weaponry, arming up fully before standing with his new friends, happy to follow them along.

Great roleplaying guys! I'm going to push ahead, but if your characters want to continue the conversation, please do so, just note that it is earlier or put it in spoilers. healed if you were wounded unless you've specifically avoided magical healing. Between Gorgoron's left over channeling and the friendly priest in town, I'm going to go ahead and just say that you are fully healed. I would have had this post up more than an hour ago, but my fiance called, and well, you don't let the phone ring when your lover calls.

Once everyone who chooses to go on the hunt gathers their equipment and mounts, a jovial Aldern Foxgolve leads the party to the Tickwood, a half hour's ride from town, and a favorite spot for sport hunters due to the plethora of boar and general lack of danger, save for a handful of firepelt cougars and the occasional wayward goblin. The entire way he questions you incessantly, barely pausing to hear your answers before moving onto the next inquiry. Most of his questions have to do with your individual backgrounds and adventures, and at least half are toward the sorceress herself. Dismounting and tying off the horses at the edge of the woods Aldern string his bow.

"Do any among you have tracking experience? [He asks, looking about your group.] I've hunted here before, but I often bring those who've are knowledgeable in reading animal signs, and in my haste and excitement I forgot to ask that of you before we headed out."

"I have some tracking experience. Give me a moment to look around." Ansruath than moves to see if he can find any tracks or signs of animals.

Survival Check
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Within a few minutes Ansruath finds the recent signs of boars passing. Aldern looks rather pleased.

"Good show, sir. I'm envious of your skills! [The friendly noble announces after the half-elven warrior looks about for a moment.]"

The party is able to follow Ansruath as he picks his way through the, by all accounts mild, wilderness in search of boar. It isn't long before the tracks become more obvious and frequent.

What would be your general marching order as you track through the woods?

1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22

If you succeed on the perception check listed above, you may roll initiative for a standard action only surprise round.

Alyoma answers Aldern's questions as best she can, speaking of her travels with her family across Varisia. She spends her time in conversation, knowing that she will not be of much use spearing boars.

Perceprtion Roll: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8[/dice]
I guess I don't notice what is out there.

Gorgoron shambles along on his pony, more interested in finding out if there are any nearby signs of goblins, than signs of boars...

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Close.

Ansruath follows the trail of the boar carefully.
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
I see nothing.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Init: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Seeing the danger Tardek grabs a vial and imbues it with magical power before hurling it into the undergrowth, where it explodes with a bang and a flash, sure to alert the others to the danger.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 vs. touch AC
1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 damage, 4 splash damage.

Survival-1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Flit follows Ansurath, to aid in tracking the boar. His head, now a lot clearer, thanks to one of Tardeks brews, does not however seem full up to scratch. Scrubbing at his eyes with one hand, Flit sighs, before looking around.

Perception-1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

With a start, Flits eyes dart to the sight of the explosion, and he curses in disbelief. [b]"By the Gods its huge!"[/d]

Perception! 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Dherisan reaches for his dagger as Tardek's vial explodes. "Eh? What's huge? What is it?"

Before I resolve the surprise round I'll need general marching order while tracking through the woods. I'm going to assume since he is doing he tracking Ansruath and Flitter are in front, but everyone else I'll need to know. You can also post your first round actions with your marching preference. Initiative will be as follows.

Alyoma 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Ansruath 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Dehrisan 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Gorgoron 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Flitter 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Cougar 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Round 1, Init 11
Ansruath hearing the explosions turns to see what is happening. He than notices a large cat getting ready to attack the group. Drawing his sword as moves towards the cat. Once he is near to the beast he will swing his blade.

Attack and Damage Roll
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 71d10 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Round 1, Init 13

Alyoma hears the noise of Tardek's elixer, and hastily casts a protective spell upon herself.
She then turns to see what the excitment is about.

Alyoma casts Mage Armor on herself.
She would have been riding near whereever Aldern was riding (since he seems to be taken with me, I'll not make it too hard for him to converse with me).

Round 1, Init 11, Before Ansruath

Tardek would be right behind Flitter.

Tardek readies his crossbow and shoots it at the cougar.

'A firepelt! Be careful! Their a ferocious predator!

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Surprise Round - Initiative: Dead Last
Ahh, familiar territory.

Gorgoron was likely in the middle of the pack somewhere. Gorgoron does not believe the battle with a single animal will likely last long enough to make a casting worthwhile. When attention is called to the fuzzy-wuzzy kitty-cat, he'll admire its strength and wild beauty, and then try to kill it. He'll toss a firebolt at it, making a move to close into range first, if necessary.

Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 201d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 vs. touch.