DM Carbide's Rise of the Runelords

Game Master John Woodford

A wizard's mind is not quite the same as that of most people, it has to be different to be able to hold on to the arcane forces that wizards temporarily burn into it.
As such, why fear and confusion, entirely human reactions, might flood them, they tend to be washed away fairly rapidly and replaced by the logic necessary to hold such arcane information.

Vidar was a wizard, and after a burst of panic from the surprise of what was happening, he quickly reviewed his current capabilities.
He wasn't prepared for combat as such, though he had at least one combat spell memorized, his main focus was on enhancements.

What he needed to do was to find someone capable and make them formidable, or someone adequate and make them capable.

The majority of people would most likely flee, leaving only those brave or foolish enough to fight.
As such, all he had to do was observe and he would soon find someone to enhance.

I cannot see the map either.

Zoinks ... let me check share settings on the map, sorry about that!

This one should work, you will probably have to zoom in on the action.

Town Square Battlemap

I'll also add the battlemap to the campaign overview tab for easier reference.

Only Ronah gets to go before the goblins though... But that means that the rest can delay their turn until after I go, if they so wish...

Earlier...

Irisa's mouth goes wide in surprise before she breaks into a gigantic smile from the swallowtail landing on her wrist. "Thank you Desna for this sign." She whispers, so as to not scare the little butterfly.

Irisa studies the creature as she moves her arm around carefully. Such a beautiful creature. I wonder what this means. That [i]she is watching me? I hope it means she's pleased with my path and want me to continue following it.

Now
Irisa pales and her smile fade as she listen to the screeching song of the goblins. How can they sing something like that? Even in jest, that's awful to say. Then she sees the dog and her belly churns. Clearly they are not jesting...

"Wait for me to bestow Desna's bessing." She shouts out quickly to the surrounding people so they get a chance to take into account the magic she's about to invoke.

She reaches for the butterfly symbol handing around her throat and holds it out in front of her as she start chanting. "May Lady Luck bless us all with great fortune in this battle. We need all the help we can get to fight of these vile creatures. Desna is on our side on this day and we won't let them spoil it any further!"

Cast bless, giving everyone a +1 morale bonus on attacks and on saves vs fear.

While chanting, she pulls forth the crossbow from her side and brings it level so she can fire at the goblins.

Are there only the three goblins? Are they carrying the same gear?

After agreeing to meet Aldren for dinner later on, Zella grabs a drink and then heads back to the floor with a new dance partner, followed after that by rotating trips to the food tables with new partners.

When Father Zantus takes the stage to begin speaking again, Zella takes the opportunity to catch her breath while waiting to see what he had to say now. Hoping for another telling of a tale of Desna, Zella is taken by surprise and responds in alarm to the sound of the goblin song.

Who would dare sing a song like that at a feast for Desna?! Surely there would be no actual goblins brave enough to enter a town like this?

Zella looks about in disbelief, searching for the source of the singing.

Once she sees a goblin, Zella will throw a blob of acid at it, moving up to 30 feet away from it if she needs too.

ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
1d3 ⇒ 2

Are there only the three goblins? Are they carrying the same gear?

As of now you see three goblins but you hear voices from all around the town square singing the song. The goblins you see are all carrying similar makeshift blades.

Garrick growls, the distrust and hatred he'd been raised with coming to the surface, "Trust a bloody goblin to try to ruin a party they weren't invited to.". He instinctively reaches to his back for his axe, smiling as his hand finds the familiar handle, The pointy things I warned the humans about are about to come in right handy...

He rushes forward, axe in hand, rushing the nearest goblin, shouting, "Oi! Come here and try it! Your song's as ugly and stupid as you are..."

Waraxe: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10

Oof, uncool dicebot. Dwarves are supposed to hew through Goblins..

When the goblins show up Ronah she quickly turns to Koya, "Get to safety Auntie. I'll deal with this."

With that she moves forward, claws ready to strike. She does not c lose with the creatures though. She felt no need to get swarmed.

Move Move to square directly North East of Zella.
Standard Ready an attack for first goblin within reach.
Readied attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

So yeah, until I get Dex to damage at 3 my damage will suck

Round 1

Ronah moves into position, looking over her shoulder as a young man puts his shoulder around the older woman quickly escorting her away from the table.
Note, you should be able to move your pawns around on the map so feel free to do so.

The goblins continue with their chant gnashing their teeth at the fleeing townsfolk, running toward them and occasionally taking swipes with their dogslicer blades. The commoners are fleeing in all directions and the goblins are delighted by the chaos. You hear the chanting song, and frightened shouts from other directions around the town square and beyond.

Goblin 1 scurries up on top of the food vendor's cart it was hiding beneath and stuffs a large fish into it's mouth, the head and tail hanging off to either side.

Goblin 2 rushes toward Ronah and Zella waving his dogslicer about in an attempt to appear menacing. As he approaches, Ronah swipes out with her claws and tears the flesh of his oversized head.
attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
He reaches out with his dog slicer in a feeble attack and misses.

Goblin 3 rushes the stage as Father Zantus sprints away toward the chapel.

Irisa Calls out for a blessing from Desna.

Garrick moves up and swipes at the goblin with his axe but the creature is too quick and dodges out of the way.

Zella slings an acid bolt that causes the goblins cheek and neck to bubble, smoke and hiss as it yelps in pain.

Vidar you're pleased to see that indeed there are heroes in the crowd.

I'll check back in a bit for Vidar and Denialan actions before we move on to round 2

Hmm, that dwarf seems fairly formidable, I believe he shall make the best subject for a magical boost.

Hurrying over to where the others are beginning to gather, Vidar pauses slightly behind the bulk of the dwarven warrior.

"Your axe looks like fine craftsmanship, but there is room for a little bit of an improvement I think."

Muttering a few arcane phrases, Vidar brushes a finger against the axe, causing it to briefly glow with a blue light.

Magic weapon, +1 to hit and dmg.

Ronah is also up to act before the goblins go again. It makes sense to have everyone who will have their turn before them post rather than artificially break at the turn end.

Ronah is also up to act before the goblins go again. It makes sense to have everyone who will have their turn before them post rather than artificially break at the turn end.

To clarify, anyone can post their intended actions at any time. I just mean I'm going to resolve any remaining round 1 actions once they're submitted and move into resolution of round 2 actions.

Garrick nods to the stranger, "It's a fair blade, but not so fair to be beyond helping," he says, trying to feel how the man's enchantment changes the heft of the weapon before stepping forward and swinging at the goblin.

Waraxe: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 20 (To-hit bonuses: Hatred, Bless & Magic Weapon) for 1d10 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 1 = 16

As the axe cuts through the goblin, Garrick whistles, "Looks like your magic and my steel work well together, Ulfen."

Zella glares at the goblin she just struck and attempts to twist its fortune...

Will save dc 14, I think. Not sure what else to add to this since it isn't a spell.

I have to do something to help fight them. With a divine command from Desna, I can make one of the goblins unable to fight for a time and make it easier for my allies to strike them down... She clears her mind of impure thoughts and open herself to her goddess in preparation for her spell.

Before she can begin casting though, another thought strikes her. But what if there are others wounded or dying? These are undoubtedly not the only goblins here and we do outnumber them for now. Perhaps it's better to conserve my magic in case it's needed elsewhere?

Having made up her mind, she brings her crossbow level, puts in a bolt and prepare to fire. Gotta be careful to not miss. If I can take down one that is not engaged already that might be easier. She thinks to herself before letting lose her bolt right at her choosen target.

1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 1 = 18 damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8

What I meant is that it makes more sense to summarize the action whenever everyone who remains before the goblins post, instead of when turn 1 is over. So in this case wait until Ronah and Denialan post.

My action may not make sense since the goblins go before us, if so, just change to whichever goblin you see fit.

"Bah! Disgusting goblins come to ruin the celebration! We cannot let this be. Desna guide my arrows", he adds in the Elven tongue, and a faint purple glimmer wraps his arm as he draws an arrow and lets it loose at the goblin standing on the stage (3).

Shortbow + Bless + Archaeologist's Luck: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 12, Damage + Luck: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Faced with a goblin Ronah lashes ot with her claws once more, though it's close proximity allows her to use both. She knew she wasn't strong enough to inflict serious damage but shredding the things with both hands should do the trick.

Full round Full Attack on goblin 2
Attack Claw 1: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 1 = 20 Damage Claw 1: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Attack Claw 2: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 1 = 16 Damage Claw 2: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Denialan's arrow misses the goblin and embeds into the podium.

Ronah claws at goblin2 tearing his throat out.

Goblin1 sees goblin2 drop to his knees and rushes forward with his dogslicer raised, a fish tail still sticking out of his mouth.
Attack Garrick: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Goblin3 hears the thwack of Denialan's arrow hitting the podium just over his head. He turns and bears his sharp teeth at Denialan before running and jumping off the stage, swiping his dog slicer at the elf.
Attack Denialan: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Unfortunately for him, he misjudges his landing, stumbles and swings wide of Denialan.

Irisia fires her crossbow and it sinks to the fletchings into the eye of goblin3 as it shudders and drops to the ground.

Garrick Cleaves through the goblin in front of him sending it off to wherever goblin souls go to meet their gods.

The visible goblins have been downed and the villagers have mostly left the town square. You still hear shouts and occasionally hear the goblin chant from nearby blocks. Occasionally you see a goblin quickly dart across an alley or roadway some distance away.

Looking around you smell smoke and you realize there are multiple plumes of smoke rising from every direction around Sandpoint.

Irisa winces slightly as her bolt strikes true. I did it! It hit... I killed it... She's not allowed any time to deal with her mixed emotions over what she has done however as she sees what is happening to the village.

"More goblins! We have to deal with them as well. Can't let them do to others what they did to that poor dog."

She looks over to Garrick with concern. "Master Dwarf, the goblin hit you, right? Will you be ok? I can provide healing."

While waiting for his answer she notches another bolt to her crossbow. She ready to go looking for goblins or to heal him if he asks for it.

How far away are the goblins? A crossbow got pretty long range. Unless the streets are somehow wide and straight, odds are I can shoot at anything I can see?

You take a few seconds to survey the area and confirm no one is severely wounded. As you're taking stock of the situation chanting from the southern side of the town square grows louder from several voices and you see five goblins carrying torches trying to set tents, buildings, grass, tables and wagons on fire while a sixth goblin carrying a whip sings loud the creepy goblin song in a gravely voice.

Irisia - Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Ronah - Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Zella - Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Denialan - Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Vidar - Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Garrick - Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Gobs 1-5 - Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Gob 6 - Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Ronah is up again, then goblins

"Disgusting pests, we should see them off, if nothing else it would reduce the audial pollution!"

After the first three...

Garrick shakes his head, "Barely a scratch, I'll be fine in a few minutes, most likely. Save your magic for those that need it... Name's Garrick, by the way."

Round 0
Garrick growls, "They're vermin, and this infestation needs to be exterminated.."

Will need to see what the goblins do before declaring my action.

"Well then, we should proceed with all haste. There is a hot meal waiting for me, and I will be damn if I allow it to grow cold before I am served!"

"Come master Dwarf, we shall put our combined talents to good use.!"

Thoroughly disgusted and angry that goblins, gross little creatures, would dare to disturb a sacred festival to Desna, Zelladania moves towards the south side of the town square.

Tossing acid at number 3.
ranged touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

To keep it moving Ronah will hold her action and I'll bot if necessary.

Goblins - The goblins continue their song and hold their torches to nearby tents, wagons, barrels and anything else that looks flammable. You see some of the flames start to catch and grow.

Zella - Running forward she tosses a glob of acid at one of the goblins and sees it jump and grab at it's arm where the acid hits it.

Vidar reaches out and touches two fingers to Garrick's back.
Augment, +2 Str 1 round

"It is only temporary I am afraid, but we shall repeat as necessary."

Garrick readies himself to rush what he assumes is the goblin's leader, then winces as the sorceress steps into his path. Oi! That's not helping! I don't want to be mowing you down!, he shouts inside his head, quickly adapting his plan when he notices one of the little beasts with a torch open to his right.

He smiles, closing his eyes for a moment to feel for the power within him, and as he finds it, he says, "Thanks again, Ulfen... Though I've got a trick or two for these kinds of situations..". He opens his eyes, their green now blazing as if lit from within, as his skin and hair take on a more wooden sheen, and races at the new target with the strength of his rage.

Free action to begin Bloodrage, charge with double move v. #2
Attack modifiers: +1 bless, +1 magic weapon, +1 hatred, +2 charge -- +1 damage for magic weapon -- rage and augment bring str to 22

Waraxe, raging, 2-handed: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 31 for 1d10 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 1 = 16

Fast healing: 1 in Bloodrage, should deal with the earlier cut -- and +3 hp due to con increase

Gah, I want to use my magic to make the goblins foolish enough to run by my armed allies. But I can't figure out how to do it with these positions. Hopefully this bolt will strike as true as the other one. She takes a step backwards and fire at one of the goblins. She then loads her crossbow up again.

crossbow: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4 damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Here is the short version of what I tried to post while the Paizo forums were failing:

Irisia misses with her crossbow- take away a move or standard action from your next turn.

Garrick holds his action until Vidar augments him

Goblin warchanter sings louder and goblins appear more confident

Vidar augments Garrick who charges forward and cut down a goblin. (nice roll!)

Ronah fires her crossbow, critical miss. Take away a move or standard action from your next turn.

Denialan fires his bow, critical hit and drops goblin 5.

Goblins move up, attack Garrick, Zella and Denialan with torches but they all miss.

The heroes are up again.

Hmmm, one goblin against three, that should be easy for them. The dwarf needs no further assistance, that leaves my fellow spellcaster.

Muttering a quick incantation, Vidar sends a missile of pure force streaking against the goblin fighting Zelladania.

Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Garrick turns his attention to the goblin that rushed him, his voice slightly distorted by the magic surging through him, "Suicidal, be you? I'll oblige," he says, cocking his head at the corpse he'd spilt in twain a moment before.

[D]

Ugh. Pocket post - slid phone into pocket due to baby attack..

Garrick turns his attention to the goblin that rushed him, his voice slightly distorted by the magic surging through him, "Suicidal, be you? I'll oblige," he says, cocking his head at the corpse he'd spilt in twain a moment before.

Waraxe: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 21 for 1d10 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 1 = 15

Irisa is surprised when the crossbow jumps in her hand. She nearly drops it, but recovers shakenly. "Step away from the goblin and I can get a clear shot." Irisa urges Zelladania before she fires at the same goblin that Vidar just hit.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 1d8 ⇒ 2

Zelladania steps away from the goblin, lest she be struck by accident. She tosses some acid at the goblin after she steps away from it.

ranged touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

I'm still around, I was just waiting to see if GM is indeed updating the gameplay as they said they would.

Denialan frowns at the goblin swinging a torch at him and points his bow at the creature, letting loose an arrow that flies accurately despite the goblin's constant movement.

Shortbow + Bless - Into Melee: 1d20 ⇒ 15, Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Dotting in.

I'll try to get you through this quickly and set up my own map (rather than take up space on Degwyn's drive).

Garrick sends the goblin's overly-large head flying through the air. The remaining foes shriek in mocking laughter at the sight. The apparent leader emerges from behind a cart and intersperses the words of its song with hissing syllables. Denialan narrowly misses his target, while spells and crossbow suffice to stop the one on Zelladania.

Garrick, DC 12 Will save or fall to the ground laughing.

Round 4 (ongoing):

Initiative order
Ronah-holding
Goblins-acted
Zelladania-
Denialan-
Garrick-
Irisa-acted
Goblin leader-
Vidar

Besides the leader, two of the little pests remain. One is too far away to be able to attack, so it closes with the party. The other runs up and cuts at Irisa with its crude weapon, but the Kellid easily dodges the blow.

Everyone but Vidar can act!

Line goblins: AC 16 T 13 FF 14
Leader: AC ??

Will: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8

Garrick feels the magic wash over him, reaching through his rage, impossibly turning his snarl into a smile. The first chuckle bursts from his mouth loudly, taking him by surprise, and he tries to shake it off..
But instead, begins laughing uncontrollably, his body shaking as he falls to the ground. "Bloody...hahahaha...well...hohoho....get you....hahahahaha... for that."

Vidar raises an eyebrow at the unexpected display.

Round 4 (ongoing):

Initiative order
Ronah-holding
Goblins-acted
Zelladania-
Denialan-
Garrick-laughing
Irisa-
Goblin leader-
Vidar

"Time for laughing it is not right now", Denialan says to the dwarf in broken Common. He then takes one careful step away from the goblin followed by a few more, getting a clear line of sight on the goblin leader.

Using the withdraw action.

"Oh no! The dwarf fell down laughing! Keep it together people! We got to fight on against these foul creatures." Irisa takes a step away from the goblins to get out of reach of their weapons then loads up another bolt and let it fly towards the injured goblin.

crossbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2

spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

On Garrick's Action..

Garrick reaches deep inside himself, to the wellspring of his power, focusing his will, and his dwarven nature to pushing the offensive magic away. I'll not be fallen by some goblin with a parlour trick..., he thinks. With what would have been a snarl, if not for the uncontrollable laughter, he pushes hard against the unwelcome magic, taking a deep breath when he realizes that he's succeeded... but still lying prone with goblins all about. Well, that's better..., but still not good.

Will: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 2 = 19

Round 4 (ongoing):

Initiative order
Ronah-acted
Goblins-acted
Zelladania-acted
Denialan-acted
Garrick-laughing/recovering
Irisa-acted
Goblin leader-
Vidar

Irisa, the one you wounded last round is down.

Before Irisa can retreat, Ronah steps up behind the goblin closest to her. A lethal claw flashes out, slitting the creature's throat from ear to ear. It crumples in a heap.

Irisa and Zelladania both attack the same fresh goblin, wounding it severely but not quite putting it out of action. The goblin leader tries to take advantage of Zella's distraction while spellcasting. Its whip strike fails to hit the sorceress, though. Garrick marshals his inner resources and throws off the ongoing effects of the goblin spell, leaving him on the ground but in control of himself. Fortunately for him, the goblin leader is currently armed with a whip, which cannot penetrate his armor.

The goblin leader, seeing what's happening elsewhere in the fight, skips over to back up its companion. It makes a futile attempt to trip up Ronah; the rogue is too quick for it and manages to force the goblin to drop its whip to avoid being pulled over itself.

Vidar is up!

Zella acid splash, incl. bless: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 1 = 16
Acid damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Ronah flanking claw, incl. bless: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 15
Ronah flanking claw, incl. bless: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 21

Flanking claw damage: 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + (5) = 7

Line goblins: AC 16 T 13 FF 14
Leader: AC ??

Rubbing his face in irritation, Vidar scans the scene.
I cannot do much at this point, I cannot use my last spell yet, and I cannot enhance anyone in any useful way at this point.

Holding

Feh...missed the edit window by four minutes.

Ronah doesn't do enough damage to drop the goblin.

Round 5 (ongoing):

Initiative order
Goblins-acted
Ronah-
Zelladania-
Denialan-
Garrick-
Irisa-
Goblin leader-
Vidar-holding from last round

The two remaining goblin warriors double-team Ronah, moving to surround her. Only one manages to hit, though.

Everyone can act!

"You can grab a weapon from one of the goblins if you don't have one yourself Vidar. We got to keep fighting." Irisa says when she sees that the Ulfen man is unsure what to do. She then turns towards the goblins again. Oh no, they've surrounded Ronah! I got to do something. "By the power of the song and stars I command you to lie down, foul goblin!" She says in a strong voice, power reverberating through her words. She then steps forward to threaten the other goblin with her spiked gauntlet so Ronah can step around and attack it.

Command to fall prone. DC 16 Vs Will. Ronah can 5 foot step to flank with Irisa now.

Ronah bites on her lower lip as the goblin's dogslicer slashes her skin. Yet the grimace turns into a grin as Irisa commands one of the goblins and then moves in behind another.

She decides to take advantage of the opening and takes a single step so that now they have the upper hand on one of the goblins.

5 foot step into a flank with Irisa
Full-Round Full attack on flanked goblins
Claw 1 attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 Claw 1 damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Claw 2 attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 Claw 2 damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Since I still threaten the other goblin, I'll roll my attack of opportunity already, in case it uses a second move action to stand up again.
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Ronah, I think you can move your token on the map. As soon as Customer Service reassigns the campaign to me I'll put a link in the header; in the meantime, I'll put it in my header as well.