SR's - Great Southern Isles (PbP) (Inactive)

Game Master stormraven

Sweet! Learn something new everyday. It always bugged the crap out me that you had to stand perfectly still to deliver a full attack.

Jayse leaps down from his perch, eldritch blade created by his will fully extended. His feet drive into the goblin's head at the precise angle necessary to snap the neck cleanly. He lands softly on the corpse (checking its failing pulse to be thorough) and yanks his blade free of the second goblin his blade took as he landed. No mind.

Rashgari joins her troops going blade to blade against the other goblins. They slay one and wound the other two.

Thrane yells, "Wounded fall back, everyone else FORWARD! Spears behind swords - ATTACK!" Thrane pushes into the gap created by Jayse. His men respond instantly, shoring up the flank, pulling the injured off the line and surging forward. Two goblins meet their deaths, one spitted on a spear, the other falls under Thrane's axe.

The southern defenders push forward beside the flaming barricade, having only a few goblins left to repel. The sword-wielding guardsmen distract the goblins while the spearmen accomplish their bloody work leaving but a single goblin alive.

It is an odd, almost silent battle... for the only talking, shouting, and crying is done by the Forestal defenders and their goblin allies. The goblins they face say nothing and seem heedless of their own deaths. Even now, when it is clear that the goblins don't have enough troops remaining to achieve any sort of victory... they continue to stand, fight, and die.

Along the northern barricade, the few remaining goblins slash at the defenders causing serious wounds to several.

At the southern barricade, the only remaining goblin fights on... briefly assisted by his comrade who is so grievously wounded that once he attacks, he falls unconscious. He does little more than scratch a weakened guard.

Three goblins attempt to hamstring the tall Elf woman. She deftly dodges the first attacks but receives a deep cut below her ribs from the wily last goblin.

Vargr turns the final goblin's sword with a negligent wave of his greatsword.

The seriously wounded goblins fight on relentlessly, attempting to kill their former friends. Their blows fall short.

Vargr sidesteps to pin the goblin between himself and the Elf woman. He drives the point of his blade at the small opponent... but the irritating little creatures barely avoids the blow. Vargr looses a feral growl, growing angry.

Fin's HP: 16/28

ROUND: 3

ORDER: Jayse, Ushari, Straehan, Fin, Rashgari & Good Goblins, Thrane & Company, Baddies, Vargr

Battle Map: Barricade Battle

Ushari sees her goblin allies have the situation well in hand so she moves to assist Fin and her unknown benefactor. She sprints towards them, exhilarating in the flow of divine energy coursing through her body. Once she has closed in, she fires an arrow at one of the goblins attacking Fin. F-4

Move to E-1
Attack Shortbow 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 - 4 = 5 bless, melee
Damage 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Ushari sprints into the open, firing her bow. The arrow impacts but fails to penetrates the layers of armor worn by the goblin.

The box charges at one of the goblins it blasted with music, leaping on his small green back and sinking a claw into his neck.

Irked in the extreme that the pissant goblins are still able to make it thru her defenses, Fin adopts a more defensive stance before leveling a crushing blow at the goblin between her and Vargr...

Whoosh 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 - 4 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 2 + 1 - 4 - 1 = 18 flank, bless, defensive, power attack
dmg 1d10 + 5 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 3 = 18 2H power attack
AC 16 + 4 + 2 = 22 shield, defensive

While the wily goblin was able to dodge Vargr's blow, he can't evade the Elf's greatsword which takes him across the spine and unceremoniously sends his soul screaming to Hell. Fin, feeling slightly less irate turns on the remaining three goblins with a feral smile, wagging her sword at them.

Seeing the defenses holding steady and Fin being pressed, Jayse tumbles away from the engagement and streaks across the field, vaulting the defensive barricade as he finishes his acrobatic charge with a vicious vertical slash.

Charge to I-4, tumbling to avoid AoO, then jumping over the obstruction.
Acrobatics 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22.
Jump 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15. (4 ft. vert.)
Charging power attack 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 2 - 1 = 29
Crit confirm 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 2 - 1 = 22
-- Damage 1d8 + 8 + 10 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 10 + 10 = 34. (16 if unconfirmed)

The good goblins swarm their rivals, killing one and cornering the other. A couple of the allies sprint over to help Fin.

Ben: Who is Jayse attacking? Fin just finished off the goblin that was flanking her. H-4 be dead! :)

The guy in I-3. He's against us, right? If not, then can we just put that attack on another goblin?

He just was granting me a flanking bonus and the round before that he squashed a goblin that was poking me with its sword. Seems like a friendly to me.

Jayse starts his tumbling run only to see Fin turn on his target with her blade ready. Correctly assuming she is about to ruin that goblin's day, and seeing another of the vile creatures about to jump her from behind, Jayse flows into the opening moves of the Seven Paths to Pain kata. His course shifts seamlessly to the new target in series of somersaults and cartwheels. He catches the goblin with the flat of his blade in a devastating hammer blow that crushes the life from the goblin and sends it flying some 20' feet before it hits the ground, bereft of life.

I-3 is a good guy... and your last shot would piss him off. And you don't want Vargr angry at you. :) FWIW, 'good guys' have a green circle around them. Bad guys have a red circle. The 'good goblins' have a neon green square around their red circle.

Straehan rushes around the edge of the central barricade to provide aid... and finds that the situation is well in hand. He hrumphs and turns his attention (and a double set of raking claw attacks) on the last living goblin to breach the south entrance.

ORDER: Jayse, Ushari, Straehan, Fin, Rashgari & Good Goblins, Thrane & Company, Baddies, Vargr

Well, I promise I'm not trying to not pay attention...

Thrane tries to motivate his people again. "Come on, boys! Their WOMEN are out in the middle of that field killing goblins left and right! If you wanna have a shot at those gals, you better FIGHT."

Apparently, his odd morale builder works... for the Forestal defenders kill every goblin left alive at the barricades!

Thrane laughs, "Gods, lads! I would have promised those pretty gals' favors earlier if I knew that's what would motivate you!" He emerges from the barricade with Buli, looking to help you clean up the last few goblins...

The three remaining goblins attack, though it seems their ferocity is muted, as if whatever controlled them is fading slowly. Fin and Rashgari easily avoid the blows aimed at them. Only one of Rashgari's guards takes a light blow across his ribs.

Vargr rushes forward and drives his blade straight through one of the remaining goblins.

ROUND: 4

ORDER: Jayse, Ushari, Straehan, Fin, Rashgari & Good Goblins, Thrane & Company, Baddies, Vargr

Battle Map: Barricade Battle

Uncertain as to whether everyone has suddenly become bold now that the number of goblins around her has dropped significantly, Fin keeps doing what has worked thus far and sends her blade whistling towards the next goblin in line...

Whoosh 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 4 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 1 - 4 - 1 = 19 bless, defensive, power attack
dmg 1d10 + 5 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 3 = 16 2H power attack
AC 16 + 4 + 2 = 22 shield, defensive

Edit: Damnable keyboards!

NICE AC!

Fin dispatches the goblin with a minimum of fuss, leaving only one unfriendly goblin - and he is surrounded by his former Shaman and her guards... but he suddenly drops to the ground unconscious, like a marionette with its strings cut.

An odd silence comes over the field as all sounds of combat die... and that is when you feel the thumping of your hearts.

Or rather you initially assume it is the thumping of your hearts. In a moment, you realise the thumping is coming from the forest. It sounds like something large and heavy is coming your way, knocking down trees as it goes.

You almost hear malevolent laughter on the wind...

OK, you have 3 full rounds to do whatever you want before something comes out of the forest in the southeast.

If you have a Know: Nature or Know: Religion skill - roll it.

Ushari rushes over to the goblin, trying to determine what caused it to fall. When she becomes aware of the impending creature, its laughter fills her heart with a sense of dread.

Fighting down a sense of panic, she concentrated on determining what servant now threatens them.

Knowledge Religion 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Findelgwing glares at Ushari and shouts a single word, pointing at the group gathered about: "HEAL!"

She notes the direction from which danger is approaching and upon guessing what it could be she shouts a single word description i.e. bear, rhino, dragon, etc.. Once healed and before the beast can appear, she vanishes from sight, bow in one hand, sword in its sheath...

K: Nature 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Stealth 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Round 1

Ushari waves Buli and Jayse over, and also takes out the last half filled potion flask from Isolde. She hands it to Fin, who chugs it quickly, before moving off quickly.

As Fin moves off, the wash of healing soothes her aching wounds. That, along with the potion, nearly finishes the healing process.

Channel Energy 1d6 ⇒ 4 for anyone who needs it.
Used 5/5
Potion swig 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Fin HP 26/28

Not having any preparation to do, Jayse moves to where he thinks both Fin and Ushari can hear him and nods to the furry thing, though his eyes scan the treelike for the source of the noise, "So did he come with you all?"

I don't have much to do but find out who this furry warrior is.

Ushari, since you waved 'Buli and Jayse over', I'm taking that to mean you didn't move much closer to the barricade. As a consequence, you were not able to heal all the townsfolk. Some did not have enough move to get in range of you. However, you did manage to heal 10 people including all of the wounded guardsmen who are more combat effective than the townies.

Vargr looks down at the monk, and pokes a meaty thumb at himself, "Vargr. I live near here." He points at the crumpled goblin, Jayse's crit "You beat hell out of him. Make me laugh." He pats the monk in approval.

Thrane's attention is divided between the clearly coming threat, the goblins standing to one side that he is not looking to kill, and introducing folks who've never met. He chooses to deal with the threat. "I'm going to send the wounded back to town. I don't know what's coming but I'm hard-pressed to think 5 injured spearmen will make a difference. Unless you folks have a plan, I'm going to send my folks back behind the barricade until we know what we are dealing with..."

The sun rises for the first time since Ushari's universe expanded to include the touch her deity. She embraces the wellspring of power.

You can reassign spells if you want and your channels are up to full.

Fin stalks warily through the forest until she can just make out what the creature is - more by size and shape than anything else... How do you say 'Giant' in Common? she wonders.

What next, Fin? Go closer for a more definitive ID or high-tail it back?

ORDER: Jayse, Ushari, Straehan, Fin, Rashgari & Good Goblins, Thrane & Company, Vargr, Hurtlocker

Ushari sighs heavily as the last of her divine energy leaves her body. she intuitively understands the power will return at dawn, but there was one more threat to deal with. She glances at the wounded townsfolk and regrets not waiting for them to be healed as well, but she did not want to waste any more time. She nods in approval at Thrane's suggestion.

"Wise move, Thrane. I do not want to risk their lives any further. They fought well, you may tell them that I greatly appreciate this." she says gratefully, as she moves to pick up Box.

Once the first light of dawn strikes her body, she feels the wellspring of power in her and moves to embrace it, feeling complete for the first time in her life.

Updated spells known.

Fin remains hidden and calls upon the wind to relay a message, pointing back in the direction from which she came...

Straehan receives the message and swears quietly, replying "Come back, Big Sister. I'll tell the others. Don't get seen!"

Straehan turns to the group. "We're in trouble. Fin says it's a giant."

While she doesn't particularly like the idea of leaving her hidey-hole, Fin slips from it and returns to the others as quietly as she can. First however, she tries to get a better look at it to see if she can glean anymore details.

Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Stealth 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Ushari face drains of color, and resists the urge to swear. She looks over to the two locals, Thrane and Vargr and asks quickly, "What do you know of any giants that live here, are they usually friendly or hostile?" She had a feeling the answer would not be a pleasant one though.

Her heart racing now, she looks at Thrane "I...I think you should have all the townsfolk retreat while the rest of us try to hold it off."

Fin sneaks just a bit closer and watches it for a long moment or two. It is clearly a Hill Giant... but there is something not quite right about it. Given the density of the forest, she can't get close enough to be obtain a satisfactory answer without possibly drawing its attention.

Fin, you could message Straehan that you intend to sneak up on it from behind if that is your preferred plan.

"I've never seen nor heard of giants around these parts... though the mountains are close by so I suppose a few could be up there."

To Ushari's suggestion, he says, "That's kind of you, Miss. But we take care of our own problems. I'll stay with the guards and we'll keep the townsfolk in reserve, behind the barricades... just in case."

Buli hrumphs. "I'm stayin'. No telling what kind of trouble you kids will get yourself into... but I'll take suggestions on where I should stand. Fought some big fish before but never a giant."

ORDER: Jayse, Ushari, Straehan, Fin, Rashgari & Good Goblins, Thrane & Company, Vargr, Hurtlocker

Battle Map: Barricade Battle

Check the map and give me coordinates for each of you... if you want to sit where a local is positioned, I'll move him.

I'm fine where I am.

Straehan fields questions from Rashgari and then says, "She and her people are staying as well. They are... insistent. Also, they've never seen giants in the woods or near their mountain warren."

Straehan seems to listen intently for a second then speaks in Aquan for a moment before saying, "Better and better. Apparently, there is something odd about this giant. Fin's going to tail this fellow and strike him from behind. If we're lucky, we can kill him with confusion."

Ushari nods at the others, and gives Buli a smile, "Thank you for your help with this, Buli. I want to stay close to all of you as my healing powers will be needed, I am sure. Maybe you can keep close to me?"

A thought occurs to her, "Perhaps, I am their target, due to the fact I saw their Master. Maybe we can use that against them."

Put me in I-3 for now.

Rashgari hops around and speaks enthusiastically. Straehan nods, "She has three 'Faith Shield' spells that she wishes to cast on whomever intends to combat the giant directly."

He looks at the other men, "Shall we decide?"

A thought occurs to her, "Perhaps, I am their target, due to the fact I saw their Master. Maybe we can use that against them."

Strae smooths his goatee. "I suppose that is possible... but I'm not sure we should build a strategy around it. If you aren't the target then we could be at a disadvantage."

Strae smooths his goatee. "I suppose that is possible... but I'm not sure we should build a strategy around it. If you aren't the target then we could be at a disadvantage."

Ushari sighs, "Trust me, I do not feel like being a target for such a beast, but if he shows any preference for attacking me, then we need to exploit it. We need all of the edges we can get."

"I think what Straehan was trying to say politely is that we have no reason to believe that is the case."

He looks at the other men, "Shall we decide?"

Thrane considers it. "Well, I know Vargr will head straight in. And, having seen Jayse skipping through a crowd of goblins like they were a field of daisies, I expect he'll close with this giant as well. That's two." He appraises Straehan, "What about you, friend gnome?"

"I think what Straehan was trying to say politely is that we have no reason to believe that is the case."

Straehan smiles, "It is a possibility... just not what I would consider the likeliest one. Having a 'Herald' who announced his name far and wide... I doubt the Dweller is worried that you've seen him. And he watched all of us, not anyone in particular. Of course we are working with a lot of unknowns."

He appraises Straehan, "What about you, friend gnome?"

Straehan grimaces, "I've only got a few offensive spells left. I can use one from a distance but with the others, I've got to be close. After that it is hand to hand. Like you, I'm skilled at avoiding big and clumsy opponents. I wouldn't mind the extra protection but If you plan on wading in first thing, you should take it."