Ruins of Empire (Inactive)

Game Master EltonJ

You killed it. But you are still on initiative count. There are other spiders here, and Aglondier watches one retreat a bit.

Okay, xp, is it better to award the xp to you both and let your forces level up as you go? Or should I award xp to everyone?

I would say... Gm's choice! Mind you, if you split the XP equally for all, it'll be a very long way to level 2!

Can our archers and crossbowmen attack the retreating spider?

I would say... Gm's choice! Mind you, if you split the XP equally for all, it'll be a very long way to level 2!

Can our archers and crossbowmen attack the retreating spider?

Yes, you can try.

I would also agree with Rogr that splitting so off like that will slow our leveling.

How many spiders are there?

longbow attack;damage: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 101d8 ⇒ 5
longbow attack;damage: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 211d8 ⇒ 4 critical!
longbow attack;damage: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 141d8 ⇒ 5
longbow attack;damage: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 191d8 ⇒ 2
longbow attack;damage: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 41d8 ⇒ 3
longbow attack;damage: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 201d8 ⇒ 8
confirm critical: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

The Golden Plumes continue to fire their arrows from behind the cover provided by their shieldmen...

I would also agree with Rogr that splitting so off like that will slow our leveling.

How many spiders are there?

** spoiler omitted **

There are six spiders.

both of you did critical hits, that's just wow. You managed to kill a second spider. There are five spiders left.
Spider's turn.

One of the spider's attacks one of the Golden Plumes with a web.
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

The Golden Plumes are all safe behind their shield wall. They continue their assault without breaking formation, with the shieldmen ever ready to strike if the spiders make the mistake of charging into the melee...

longbow attack;damage: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 181d8 ⇒ 8
longbow attack;damage: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 31d8 ⇒ 8
longbow attack;damage: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 111d8 ⇒ 4
longbow attack;damage: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 61d8 ⇒ 3
longbow attack;damage: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 111d8 ⇒ 4
longbow attack;damage: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 141d8 ⇒ 7

In the meantime, Aglondier retrieves a scroll and casts another spell.
Cast Mage Armour

A magical suit of armor made of force appears around Aglondier. The spiders are unperturbed and begin to advance.

Do the archers have time to fire another volley before the spiders engage in melee?

No, they don't. It's Adriana's turn now before the spiders engage in melee.

Got it. Should I roll the swordsmen's readied actions after Adriana's action?

Front 6 soldiers will switch to their swords and prepare to take a charge. The back 6 will reload and split fire into the next two spiders.

6d20 ⇒ (17, 20, 14, 9, 15, 14) = 89 spider one 18, 21, 15. spider two 10, 16, 15
1d20 ⇒ 20 21 to confirm

1d10 ⇒ 6
1d10 ⇒ 7
2d10 ⇒ (5, 2) = 7 First spider possible 20 damage

1d10 ⇒ 3
1d10 ⇒ 1 second spider possible 4 damage

adepts holding their action to have the hounds counter charge. front six soldiers holding their swords at ready.

First spider dead, second spider still in the action.

Got it. Should I roll the swordsmen's readied actions after Adriana's action?

You can.

Shieldman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 231d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 Critical! Confirmed!
Shieldman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 141d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Shieldman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 211d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Shieldman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 91d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Shieldman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 241d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 Critical!
critical: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
critical: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

In tight formation, the Golden Plume shieldmen attack the charging beasts...

Second spider dead by Aglondier.

The spiders press forward, thinking their size and numbers give them the advantage. There are three spiders left. And they are attacking Adriana's shieldmen and the Golden Plumes.

Spider attack; Adriana's troops: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 web attack.
Spider attack, Golden Plume: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 web attack.
Spider attack, Adriana's troops: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 bite attack.

Damages: 2 webs one bite attack. 1d6 ⇒ 3 + poison.

Adriana does not have shieldmen,The soldiers are trained with Brecht two-handed swords and crossbows. They are selected from the normal army for height and health.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

12d20 ⇒ (20, 15, 7, 4, 5, 5, 3, 9, 13, 18, 5, 3) = 107 soldiers saves vs web 21, 16, 8, 5, 6, 6, 4, 10, 14, 19, 6, 4
2d20 ⇒ (5, 16) = 21 adepts 6, 17
2d20 ⇒ (11, 15) = 26 dogs 16, 20
1d20 ⇒ 14 Adriana 17

Adriana does not have shieldmen,The soldiers are trained with Brecht two-handed swords and crossbows. They are selected from the normal army for height and health.

Well, the soldiers that got a result of 4 did not save versus web and they are both caught in the web. The ones that got 5, 6, 6, 7, and 10 were only partially caught and can cut themselves out with little difficulty. Two of your men are caught in the web and have to be cut out with help. Good work on the save vs. poison though.

To be clear: is the spider's web attack a web spell or is it a web attack, which seems to target AC?

In other words: are the White Plumes hit by the web attack?

To be clear: is the spider's web attack a web spell or is it a web attack, which seems to target AC?

In other words: are the White Plumes hit by the web attack?

It's a web attack, and since the spider got a 9 on his attack result, he missed the Golden Plumes.

The shieldmen continue their attack...

Shieldman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 91d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Shieldman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 61d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Shieldman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 71d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Shieldman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 141d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Shieldman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 51d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

And the Spearmen drop their bows and draw their long spears to attack from behind the shield wall.

Spearman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 151d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Spearman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 91d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Spearman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 221d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Spearman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 121d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Spearman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 161d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

well, that changes things a bit. So, we are we retconning to go by rules and saying one soldier is stuck, or waving it away and having some kind of prepared net that caught the groups as that seems interesting?

The shieldmen continue their attack...

Shieldman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Shieldman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Shieldman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
> Shieldman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 < This one is the only one that connected to a spider.
Shieldman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
And the Spearmen drop their bows and draw their long spears to attack from behind the shield wall.
Spearman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Spearman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 <missed>
Spearman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Spearman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 <Missed>
Spearman attack;damage: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

It looks like the spiders are withdrawing deaper into the forest, as they got hurt.

well, that changes things a bit. So, we are we retconning to go by rules and saying one soldier is stuck, or waving it away and having some kind of prepared net that caught the groups as that seems interesting?

A group net works since two of your forces got caught.

The spearmen drop their spears and pick up their bows from the ground, hoping to fire another volley before the spiders make their escape...

Are the spiders still in range and in sight?

They skittered off behind some trees, deeper in their lair.

Adriana's soldiers pull there long knives and begin to cut the troop free.

Adriana's soldiers pull there long knives and begin to cut the troop free.

Okay, it takes them three rounds to cut the troop free.

Not like I'm going to run off after a bunch of spiders without them.

Aglondier's men, in formation, wait for their allies to be ready to pursue the fleeing spiders...

Aglondier's Perception: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 2 = 6
Golden Plume guide's Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Aglondier's men, in formation, wait for their allies to be ready to pursue the fleeing spiders...

[dice=Aglondier's Perception]1d20+2+2
[dice=Golden Plume guide's Perception]1d20+5

So far, it's quiet. The rays of the sun filter through the forest like anything else.

Careful not to get caught in the spiders' web, the Golden Plumes lead the way forward, deeper into the lair of the beast.

"Keep formation," the count commands his shieldmen. He further orders his spearmen to hold their bows strung and readied.

While her men cut themselves free, Adriana walks to the man who was injured and speaks some kind words thanking him for his service to the crown.

cure light: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Once the troop is back on the march she orders her men to take up support roles, 3 men with swords out and 3 with crossbow ready to load on each flank, ready to come round against any threat to the golden plumes. Their flamboyant clothes and bright white shirts a counterpoint to the more regal look of the plumes. Each man wore a long coat in the barroness' colors, though their individual garb was more varied by far.

Random Encounter: 1d20 ⇒ 13

You meet a pack of wolves that have been attacked by the spiders.

Sorry for the delay!

As always, the Golden Plumes are quick to take position. The shieldmen hold the line and ready their attack as the spearmen stand behind and draw their bows.

"Hold," Aglondier commands, hoping that the wolves will instinctively know to avoid a useless battle. He makes sure that the beasts have a path to escape...

Don't know why, Eltonj's post didn't show up as a new post on my current campaigns screen.

The flanks slow to a readied position, ready to protect their liege to the death if that is what is needed.

The wolves move on, not ready for a scrap with humans.

Happy to see the wolves move on, Aglondier orders his men to march forward, deeper into the lair of the spiders.

"Look alert," he warns, wary of an ambush and of getting caught in the foul creatures' webs.

Aglondier's Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Lady Ariana smiles as her troops march alongside the Golden Plumes.

"Spiders and wolves, now all we need is a bear and I would call this nature watching excursion complete. I do hope we find the lair soon and be done with this affair... not that I mind the company."

You go deeper into the spiders' lair. The trees are bathed in the light of Avani. But then, so are the spider webs. There are many webs here, it's hard to not avoid them. They catch on swords, and on the men. Although your men are common soldiers, they tend not to have the same fortitude as a typical fighter or cavalier. They are scared, and rightfully so.

"Courage," he urges his men. "This is where you prove yourself as Golden Plumes. This is where you serve our proud nation. This is where you stand between our people and the evils that threaten our very existence! So hold your shields high and your spears sharply pointed, and know that our cause is just and that the Gods are with us!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

They seemed to perk up and seemed to strengthen their resolve when you said that. The Golden Plumes continue into the lair, still cautious.

1d6 ⇒ 3

One of the Lady Barad's men is caught by a spider.

Ready to continue?

Yup! I think that the ball is in Lady Barad's court?

Roll initiative to see who gets the spider next.
Surprise Round is over.

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

[ooc]Now that the site is no longer down every time I try to post...[/dice]

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

The Lady Barad yells encouragement at her men as they assume their battle line once more.

Spiders:
Spider 1 (the one that took Lady Barad's man)
-- initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Spider 2
-- initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 20

Spider 3
-- initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Rogr is up first.

For clarity: what is, vaguely, the layout as we enter the lair? And are the spiders in melee or a distance away?

For clarity: what is, vaguely, the layout as we enter the lair? And are the spiders in melee or a distance away?

Here you go. One map of the spiders' lair.

I bought the map from drivethru today, and the spider counter also comes from drivethru. Although I had a friend make the counter today.

Amazing! For simplicity, should we simply assume that our unit occupies the same space as our character? Or should we instead consider that the units are otherwise occupied and this battle is to be fought solely by the PCs?