Rise of the Runelords

Game Master Upaynao

"Alright then, let's see about those dogs." Andrezi says. "Volkar, I agree with Daelric. Bombs away as needed."

I nod at Andrezi and then the others, once everyone has their weapon of choice in hand and nods back I raise my shield in front of me and push open the door with the dogs.

"Let's go!"

DM, one-use stuff is generally the kind of stuff I save for critical moments. :)

Got ya! I just didn't know if you remembered that those were there.. I almost didn't!

This large courtyard is open to the sky. Tenacious clumps of partially trampled grass grow fitfully here and there in the hard-packed earth, in places stained with blood or scratched with furrows. To the north, what looks to be two dead goblins lie slumped at the entrance to an outbuilding. There are four goblin dogs in the yard, two of which are worrying and scratching at the outbuilding, and two more are near the northeast corner. As the door flies open, they turn to regard you, then attack!

I will give yall a surprise round, so one standard or move action, and Andrezi and Daelric get a full turn in addition.

"Bold May Post"
Andrezi
Daelric
Dogs
~Red
~Blue
~Green
~Yellow
Kiera
Volkar

Andrezi rushes into the room, taking particular note the goblin dog furthest away from the others. Continuing to press his luck, the priest continues toward the dog streaked with red paint and takes a swing at the filthy cur with his staff.

Surprise round - move. Round one - move then swing

Staff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 vs flat footed AC
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Volkar followed behind Andrezi and rushed forward with his ax at the ready.

Surprise Round :

Seeing the dogs turn towards us I charge forwards and swing my axe at the first dog I come to.

War-Axe Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 2 = 8

But I am too eager and as my axe swings passed the creatures head it moves out of the way.

I can charge as a Standard action, plus would have had uninterrupted line of sight as Volkar wouldn't have moved just yet.

Round 1 :

I manage to regain my footing and bring my axe up, trying to connect with the creatures head.

War-Axe Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

But again my axe doesn't strike the creature as it pulls away again. A sound escapes the canine which almost sounds like laughter.

Seriously, 2 natural 1's in 1 round?! I am so glad we are not using the Fumble Deck here!

Surprise round:
Andrezi, Volkar, and Daelric rush into the room, positioning themselves for a fight against the goblin dogs! Daelric swings his ax as he moves, but is unable to connect.

Still waiting for Kiera to post a surprise round before I resolve the two attacks and bring the dogs in.

Daelric: ouch man.. I completely sympathize. The dice roller has hated me for months now, and it doesn't matter which avatar I use, I am lucky to roll above a 10! I did see a meme on facebook that would be hilarious right about now, though.. using "Naughty Dice" as a fumble deck anytime someone rolls a 1! :-)

Kiera advances to a position where she can hug the wall behind the dwarves.

Kiera moves into the room, acting as rear guard, but sticking close to her dwarven friends!

Andrezi smacks one pup on the nose, causing it to cry out in pain, while Daelric continues to fan air at his chosen advesary!

The dogs spring into action at the new diversion! All four dogs bite and snarl at the companions, but none come close to getting through the defenses of the group!
R vs A: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Y vs D: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
B vs V: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

1a2d: 1d2 ⇒ 1
G vs A: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

"Bold May Post"
Andrezi
Daelric
Dogs
~Red- 2 dmg
~Blue
~Green
~Yellow
Kiera
Volkar

Volkar swung his axe with the momentum of his movement propelling the dwarvish steel into the body of the dog.

Kiera launches an acid bolt at one of the dogs fighting Andrezi (green).

Ranged touch attack: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19
Confirm crit: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

Round 2 :

I manage to block the blow from the Goblin dog and return with a slash of my own.

War-Axe Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
War-Axe Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

So at least I hit this time, but for minimum damage. GM'DD, you're right, the Random Number Gods hate us at the moment!

I meant to highlight everyone on that one.. sorry!
lol @ Daelric.. yea pretty much!

Volkar strikes true, dealing a grievous blow to his foe. Meanwhile, Kiera helps out Andrezi, splashing one of the dogs attacking him with a shot of acid. Daelric also buries his ax in his dog. The party is holding strong and dealing far better than they are receiving!

"Bold May Post"
Andrezi
Daelric
Dogs
~Red- 2 dmg
~Blue- 7 Dmg
~Green- 3 Dmg
~Yellow- 3 Dmg
Kiera
Volkar

Andrezi clubs at the dog in front of him again, but fails to connect.

Staff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Andrezi tries to batter his hound, but the press of both dogs keeps him from landing a good blow.

The dogs continue their snarling and biting at the companions. Two of the dogs get lucky, savaging both Andrezi and Volkar.
G vs A: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
R vs A: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Y vs D: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
B vs V: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Andrezi: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Volkar: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Also both of you please make a DC 12 Fort save

"Bold May Post"
Andrezi- 6 Dmg / Fort save
Daelric
Dogs
~Red- 2 dmg
~Blue- 7 Dmg
~Green- 3 Dmg
~Yellow- 3 Dmg
Kiera
Volkar- 9 Dmg/ Fort Save

I am able to block the dogs savage bite yet again, and riposte with my own attack.

War-Axe Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
War-Axe Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Andrezi lops the head off of his foe!

"Bold May Post"
Andrezi- 6 Dmg / Fort save
Daelric
Dogs
~Red- 2 dmg
~Blue- 7 Dmg
~Green- 3 Dmg
Kiera
Volkar- 9 Dmg/ Fort Save

Kiera keeps lobbing her acidic bolts!

Acid splash ranged touch attack: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16
Acid splash damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

Kiera scores another hit on the dogs fighting Andrezi. The blob of acid strikes with a burning sizzle, making the dog cry out in pain.. but not enough to bring it down.

"Bold May Post"
Andrezi- 6 Dmg / Fort save
Daelric
Dogs
~Red- 2 dmg
~Blue- 7 Dmg
~Green- 6 Dmg
Kiera
Volkar- 9 Dmg/ Fort Save

Fort Save DC 12: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Andrezi steps as to only be next to one of the mangy beasts before calling upon Desna to grace the party with her healing light.

Channel Positive Engery, excluding the dogs

CPE: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8

Andrezi is able to easily resist the mites and dander put off by the horrid beast he is fighting, then repositions himself. With a quick prayer to Desna, he channels her healing grace, just barely able to catch Volkar within the powers range.

"Bold May Post"
Andrezi-
Daelric
Dogs
~Red- 2 dmg
~Blue- 7 Dmg
~Green- 6 Dmg
Kiera
Volkar- Fort Save

Volkar Fort save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Volkar just barely is able to shake off the irritating dander of the dog as it bites him, and makes another swipe with his ax. The dog manages to get out of the way at the last second though.. earning a close shave but no wounds.
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

The dogs keep up their howling and snarling offense,
R vs A: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
G vs A: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
B vs V: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Dmg A: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Dmg V: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Two more Fort saves, please!

"Bold May Post"
Andrezi- 7 Dmg/ Fort Save
Daelric
Dogs
~Red- 2 dmg
~Blue- 7 Dmg
~Green- 6 Dmg
Kiera
Volkar- 9 Dmg/ Fort Save

Fort Save DC 12: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

"Damnit! I don't remember these little beasties being so much trouble before." the priest says before calling for the healing energies of his goddess once again, stepping closer to his companions.

Excluding dogs

CPE: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4

Andrezi fights off the irritants again before channeling more positive energy over the group.

"Bold May Post"
Andrezi- 3 Dmg/ Fort Save
Daelric
Dogs
~Red- 2 dmg
~Blue- 7 Dmg
~Green- 6 Dmg
Kiera
Volkar- 5 Dmg/ Fort Save

Glad that the number of enemies is decreasing I swing my axe at the dog in front of us Dwarves.

War-Axe Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

But again my attack goes wide.

Kiera keeps firing!

Ranged touch: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16
Acid damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

Volkar shrugged off the bite and swung his ax, but missed the snarling dog.

Volkar: Your health is current in my tracker. You had taken 9 dmg, but Andrezi healed you for 4, and your current HP is 5 pts dmg or 16/21

Daelric and Volkar both miss the remaining dog on that side of the courtyard, but Kiera manages to finally bring down one of the beasts facing Andrezi!

The remaining dogs just don't know when to quit, and keep pressing the fight. The remaining dog facing Andrezi manages to get a nasty bite in against the cleric, but thankfully it is not as bad as it first seemed!

1d2v: 1d2 ⇒ 1
R vs A: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
B vs D: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Confirm A: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Yet another fort save please, sir.

"Bold May Post"
Andrezi- 8 Dmg/ Fort save
Daelric
Dogs
~Red- 2 dmg
~Blue- 7 Dmg
Kiera
Volkar- 5 Dmg

Kiera keeps firing!

Ranged touch: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

Seeing that the Dog in front of us is nearly slain and hearing Andrezi getting mauled, I look back and forth at both dogs.

Odds I help Andrezi, Evens I stay here.1d20 ⇒ 5

Deciding that Volkar should be able to defeat this foe soon and helping our the more lightly armoured of our companions takes precedence, I rush over to help slay Andrezi's foe.

War-Axe Attack (Charge): 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 2 = 15
War-Axe Damage (Charge): 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Sorry for leaving you on your own Volkar, but rule number 1 of RPG's, protect the healer. Plus I figure you should be able to take that out this round. Charging did provoke an attack, but I should be able to take that. Also don't worry about using any healing, I have 2 Lay on Hands I will use on you both, that way we keep our valuable resources.

Current AC : 17

Kiera fires another blob of acid but this one strikes the wall, sizzling against the stones.

Daelric decides to run for Andrezi, leaving Volkar to deal with the remaining dog on this side. As he turns, the dog snaps at Daelric, but this time the teeth just scrape across the armor. Reaching the other side of the courtyard, Daelric buries his ax in the dog, killing it.
AOO: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

"Bold May Post"
Andrezi- 8 Dmg
Daelric
Dogs
~Blue- 7 Dmg
Kiera
Volkar- 5 Dmg

Andrezi pulls the curative wand from his belt as he makes his way over to Volkar.

Wand of CLW on Volkar: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

That brings Volkar to full health, and leaves Andrezi at -8hp

With one last swing, Volkar manages to bring down the remaining goblin dog. With quiet now reigning within the courtyard and a few moments for inspection, you notice that two dead goblins, their heads crushed in by something heavy, lie in the dirt by the door, their ripening bodies covered with flies. The part of the building the dogs were worrying seems to have been hastily barred, nailed boards covering nailed boards and portions of the wall are splintered and cracked from within. Elsewhere around the courtyard, you can see three other doors besides the one you came in and the one the dogs were concerned with.

"Something... else... killed these goblins, and it looks like they tried to wall it in," says Kiera experimentally.

I flick any remaining blood off of my blade before looking around the room, when my eyes land on the dead Goblins I walk over and look more carefully.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

"I am not sure what killed them, but as long as it doesn't try to kill us, I will be happy." I look back to the others again, "So anyone need their cuts removed before we head on further and which door shall we head through next?"

Andrezi wanders over to take a look at the bodies while using the curative wand on himself.

Heal: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Wand of CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"Hmmm...looks like their skulls were caved in by horse hooves, or at least something similar. How in the Nine Hells did they manage to get a horse up here? It's not like that ratty bridge would have supported a horse's weight."

Not satisfied with the results of one charge, Andrezi uses the wand on himself a second time.

Wand of CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

The party mills about, examining the dead goblins and healing themselves. As the team gets closer to the northern wall, a sudden crash rattles the heavily boarded structure, accompanied by some shuffling from within.

Couple of options here, but full night has now set in. 1) examine the hut 2)find a spot to shelter 2a)somewhere here in the keep 2b) somewhere in the tunnels/ across the bridge 2c) back down to the boat. 3)Continue to explore the keep.

Andrezi, I was going to use my Lay on Hands to heal us up, I haven't used them yet and it would save the resources we use regularly. As for what to do now, I am up for continuing on, with a torch or "Light" for those who can't see in the dark.

No worries, Daelric, it's a wand that's what it's for. As for the Lay on Hands, hold onto them until we are done for the day, especially since you can use them on yourself as a swift action. I say we examine the hut and make a judgement from there. I know Kiera is out of spells, save for her 0 levels.

I agree Daelric and Andrezi, let's check out the hut, see if that helps us or not. Then head out.

ALSO - HAPPY NEW YEAR. Hope that 2017 is a great year for everyone in the campaign. Hope you have a great night celebrating.

Happy new year to all of you. May the dice be kind and the gaming great for you this year!

The group decides to investigate the hut before moving any farther..
After several minutes of trying, prying, and pounding, you manage to finally loosen enough of the boards to peer within.. you see a large four legged creature huffling in the farthest corner from you. Even through the darkness, you can see the proud outline of a horse that has been badly mistreated. It stomps its hoof, pawing at the ground.. unsure but very upset.

"Um... anyone good with animals?"

I shake my head, "Not really, but if it needs healing I can always give it a go. If no one else is comfortable around horses, I suggest that I go first. If it lashes out at us, my armour should protect me from most of it."

"Been told you have to talk really low and nice to horses, by all means, give it a try," Volkar nodded towards the horse.

So what do you propose to do?? If you attempt to engage with the horse, I will need a handle animal check, but am willing to provide bonuses based upon your actions/methods.

Kiera says, "Well... I guess I'll give this a try." She rummages through her pack and her trail rations and finally pulls out a small quantity of dried apple slices. "I hope horses like apples even when they aren't juicy..."

Holding the apple slices out in front of her, she advances very slowly into the room with the horse. "Hey there," she says softly. "Looks like you're in a bad spot. Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you," she says as soothingly as she can. Any time the horse flinches she stops where she is, especially if it starts to rear up. "It's okay. It's okay. It's okay," she repeats.

Handle animal (untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Well, f%*$.

Before moving into the room I listen quietly to see if there are any Goblins getting ready to ambush us once we are with the horse.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Following Kiera's example I walk into the room, with weapon sheathed and shield down by my side. I try to be as non threatening as possible, once a few feet in front of the animal I raise my hand so that my palm is facing the creatures face and leave my hand there, waiting and hoping for it to come forwards and allow me to check it for injuries.

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Last thing I want is for us to be paying so much attention to the horse that we get swarmed by Goblins whilst doing so.

As Keira starts into the enclosure, the horse throws its head with a wild sort of whinny, ready to fight. However, Daelric quickly steps in and takes the food from Keira and is able to carefully approach. The horse stands rigid and fearful, muscles bunched and twitching under the badly scraped and scabbed flank. Hesitantly, it reaches out and grabs a few of the nibbles from the dwarfs hand. While the horse is munching, Daelric can see that the horse has been severely beaten and starved recently.. captivity under the goblins care has not been kind. As the horse finishes its first mouthful, it nudges Daelric and wuffles into the dwarfs hair, wanting more.

Good job Keira.. the food gave yall a +10 on that, I just used Daelric with the assist! I didn't even have to add in anything to help yall out. Horse is calmed.. what now?