Shisumo's Jade Regent Prologue - Burnt Offerings

Game Master Shisumo

Though their eyes are sharp, Lamsfel's and Halgor's arms leave something to be desired; neither manages to threaten the goblin, though both terrify the surrounding foliage.

Suddenly, from out of a small gap in the thick nettles less than a dozen yards ahead, a large cat, perhaps two and a half feet high at the shoulder and colored the reds, yellows and blacks of a dying fire, appears and begins to move quickly but steadily toward Tristan along the cliff edge. It is low to the ground as though stalking him, and its bright yellow eyes burn with a ferocious intensity.

The firepelt cougar cannot attack this round, and so comes to a stop about 10 feet in front of Tristan.

Taking advantage of the distraction the cougar's appearance provokes, the goblin lashes out with its flame blade. Flame blade touch attack on Tristan: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8, damage 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 fire. The blow is awkward, however, and it seems as though the goblin is perhaps not a trained warrior.

Time for initiative, then.1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Sorry, yes. Initiatives from everyone who has not already rolled it, please!

Shalelu's Initiative, if you want us to roll it 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Initiative:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Initiatives thus far

20 Lamsfel
18 Halgor
13 Shalelu
12 Druid
10 Tristan
09 Tybus
06 Gan

Halgor, Lamsfel and Shalelu can take their actions.

Gah! Curse you and your vile kin!

Halgor misses yet again, quite displeased with himself, and angry at the elusive goblin.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Does Lamsfel have a reasonable shot at the cougar with his bow?

And, in case those behind cannot see what's going on, he shares, "There's a goblin in the nettles. They parted as though they were moving out of his way. There's also a cougar on the trail that may be trained to defend him."

To clarify - all Shalelu's in-combat actions are yours to determine, and her dice rolls are yours to make. I'll talk for her, but you guys get to do everything else.

The cougar has soft cover but is otherwise a relatively clear shot. I'd call that "reasonable."

Halgor swings ineffectively once more, and both Lamsfel and Shalelu send arrows flying toward the cougar and the goblin, neither finding their marks. (Though Shalelu's fails only because the thick nettles catch up the shaft before it reaches her target.)

In response, the goblin swings at Tristan again, while the cougar charges him, its teeth snapping. Flame blade touch attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7, damage 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 fire; cougar's charging bite attack 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13, damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 plus trip 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18. After striking, the goblin takes a step back and the branches close in front of it as though it were never there.

Everyone can now act.

Thanks for the clarification. That was a pretty good roll - he's lucky he had cover from those nettles...

The wild terrain is generally not what Tybus is used to. His best course he feels is to delay his action and send forth a blast of chill air once the goblin steps from the foliage again.

When that happens: Ranged touch attack (assuming there'll be soft cover or he'll be firing into melee)1d20 - 3 ⇒ (16) - 3 = 13

Damage 1d3 ⇒ 3

I will ready action to Evil Eye the druid's AC when he is visible.

Still need actions from Halgor, Lamsfel, Tristan and Shalelu.

Taken aback by the sudden assault, Tristan drops his crossbow, draws his sword and brings it down on the back of the cougar.

Greatsword attack:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17, damage 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 5) + 6 = 14

If possible he will take a 5 foot step to help flank the druid.

Shalelu's actions will likely depend on whether Tristan's mighty blow felled the cougar. He probably connected, since the animal's AC should be reduced because of its charge.

If it's still up, she'll try to finish it off: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 Factoring in Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot
Damage 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

If not, she'll delay until the goblin shows its face: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 Factoring in Point Blank Shot and Favored Enemy
Damage 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Is the cougar in front of Tristan or to the side? Cause if it is in front, I'll have to delay until I can see the gobbo. If it is to the side, I will bash (assuming I'm adjacent), or possibly fire an acid blast if I can set up a shot on it

Lamsfel will ready an action to fire at the goblin if it appears again.

Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 (Penalty for firing into melee will need to be added if appropriate)
Damage 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Tristan hammers the cougar, but even his massive sword is not enough to kill the beast in one swing - and Shalelu's arrow is painfully off-target, winging its way into the surf well past the cougar.

The cougar is in front of Tristan, at the "head" of your line; the goblin is attacking from the side where the nettles are, to your left.

Ok, I will ready action to clobber the gobbo when he gets into melee range

The cougar makes another attempt to complete its master's bidding, biting and clawing at Tristan in a pained frenzy. Bite attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14, damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 plus trip 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15; claw attack 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23, damage 1d2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2; claw attack 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19, damage 1d2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3. Though its swipes manage to find some purchase, the big cat's teeth cannot seem to penetrate the young hero's armor.

Meanwhile, the goblin reappears right next to Halgor, and the waiting party leaps into furious action before it can do much more than widen its eyes in surprise. Will save against Gan's evil eye: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20. Though Lamsfel's arrow can't quite find the mark, Tybus' freezing blast is more effective, and Halgor make another attempt to brain the elusive goblin as well. Still need the attack and damage roll on that.

I'll do a story writeup later when I have more time.

I believe evil eye still sticks for a round even on a made save, so this should be vs -2 AC:

attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Dmg: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Halgor's blow connects, but is glancing - it seems more to enrage the goblin than hurt it. In response, the angry goblin swings once more with its fiery blade, hoping to cut through the dwarf cleric's armor. Flame blade touch attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7, damage 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 fire.

Your actions again. The goblin druid has cover against everyone but Halgor, and is in melee with him as well. The cougar will have soft cover from attacks made by anyone except Tristan.

Tristan takes another swing at the furious animal, feeling a slight tinge of panic at its assault.

Greatsword attack:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10, damage 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 2) + 6 = 14

Glancing over his shoulder to see what the goblin is up to makes him careless, though and the beast easily dodges.

Lamsfel draws back once again and waits for the goblin to provide more of a target, but the opportunities are few as the druid swings at and dodges blows from the increasingly angry cleric.

Attack (including penalty for firing into melee) 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 - 4 = 6
Damage 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

The ranger likewise, continues firing, counting on her experience with the knee-biters as foes and her years of practice to see her arrows hit their mark.

Attack 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 - 2 = 24
Damage 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Attack 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 - 2 = 24
Damage 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"Tristan! We have your back, concentrate on the cat!"

"Gan, Tybus, do you have some magic to frighten the animal away, perhaps? Can you move back this way and let me get into the fight?"

Seeing the futility of continuing to fire into the thicket, Lamsfel steps back 5' from the others and prepares to stow his bow (or stows it, I don't remember what sort of action that will require).

It's a move action, he can stow it this round.

This time, Shalelu's arrows are more effective, and the goblin cries out in pain as the shafts skin deep into its leathery hide. Note that Shalelu's favored enemy increases her damage against goblins as well as her attacks.

It's a move action, he can stow it this round.

This time, Shalelu's arrows are more effective, and the goblin cries out in pain as the shafts skin deep into its leathery hide. Note that Shalelu's favored enemy increases her damage against goblins as well as her attacks.

Grr. Yeah, I knew that. Remembered it last time I rolled for her, too. Bah.

Lamsfel's 5' behind the second-to-last member of the party, then, with his bow stowed.

In Torag's name, DIE you rotten creature!!!

Halgor swings again with his mace.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Weakened by the elf ranger's arrows, the goblin cannot withstand Torag's fury as delivered through Halgor's hammer. The cougar gives a pained, terrified-sounding cry as the goblin falls, laying its ears back and lashing its tail ceaselessly.

Gan casts Guidance on Tristan, keeping his distance from the cougar..

Shalelu, do you recognize this one? We may want to strip his weapons and move quickly from here before his friends arrive.

Nothing, mate. Hate to use me best spells on the kitty!

He'll blast again, this time at the cougar, with his frost spell.

Ranged touch: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (16) - 3 = 13
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

"No, Tybus, I agree. Save your best. I was just hoping we could drive it off."

The couger easily avoids the chilling ray, still yowling. After a moment, it turns and runs back along the ledge, dogding through the thicket at the same place from which it emerged.

End of combat. 120 XP for everyone.

"It's their shaman, I think," Shalelu calls to Gan.

heh, I didn't think you were telling us the xp in this game, but I see that I have xp written down for the goblin battles the night of the feast. I'm not sure we've been awarded anything since - the only battle I can think of is with Tsuto.

EDIT: My mistake, I missed the xp awarded after the Tsuto fight. That must have included the goblins in the foundry, too, I didn't see anything for them. I'm showing 698 xp currently. Does that match what the rest of the characters have? (I don't know where Halgor falls since he joined us later.)

You should have gotten a total of 376 XP for the goblins in the Glassworks and Tsuto. I don't remember if I actually posted that or not...

EDIT: Yeah, 376 was right. Math is hard.

You should have gotten a total of 366 XP for the goblins in the Glassworks and Tsuto. I don't remember if I actually posted that or not...

Bonus! You posted 376! ;-)

"We need to keep moving. I will check the shaman for useful gear. What's not useful, I'll drop off the cliff so it's not easy. Tristan, are you injured?"

Perception to search the shaman 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

In addition to the leather armor he is wearing, the goblin is carrying four bottles that seem likely to contain potions, a polished leg bone from some animal, a spear and a sling. All of his gear is Small-sized, of course.

Heh. Looks like me spell drove it away anyway!

Tybus will detect magic and attempt to identify the potions. If ye don't mind, I'll take a looksie at those bottles. They might be useful.
He'll take ten on the Spellcraft, which should net him a 16.

"Be my guest. Can you see if any of these are magical while you check the potions?"

Once Tybus has taken a look, Lamsfel will stow the leg bone and sling in his pack (more to make them unavailable for scavenging goblins than anything). He will carry the spear with his bow.

Lamsfel doesn't want to take the time to remove the shaman's armor. (Assuming no one else wishes to claim any of the items.)

"Let's keep moving!"

Tristan wipes his brow, visibly pale. "I'm fine thanks, just a little winded. I think I'll keep my sword drawn for now if you don't mind." He shows no particular interest in the loot.

Unfortunately, all the potions have a higher caster level than that will get you, so Tybus cannot identify them. He does note, however, that the polished bone appears to be a wand, and the shaman's armor is magical as well.

The rain-slick cliff runs into a wall of thickets only perhaps fifty feet ahead of your position, but the gap in the vegetation through which the cougar disappeared looks like it leads into a larger network of paths, cramped and distinctly goblin-sized.

If I don't have Detect Magic memorized, but I know that something is magical, can I still use Spellcraft to ID it?

"The armor?" The elf sighs. Is there a place nearby where he could hide a bundle of Small leather armor? Or a body wearing same?

Looking at the cramped tunnels through the thicket, Lamsfel shakes his head. "I'm going to be of precious little use against the cougar - or anything else - in there. We may need to re-think our order of march. And I think spears and such are the order of the day in confines like that. Sadly, all I have is this." With a wry smile, he holds up the shaman's tiny spear.

I agree. We should move quickly to not be caught unawares in this confining terrain.

You can use Perception to identify the potions by taste.

Spellcraft on the wand, then: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

The cat probably won't be back, with its master dead. We'll waste time hunting it. Let's get on to that rock.

"Does everyone have a weapon - that wants one - that they can use in such tight quarters?" The elf is looking at the ranger as he asks.

Lamsfel would loan Tristan a short sword while we are crawling through the nettles. Or Lamsfel can go first, if that preferable.

Gan smiles at Lamsfel's question and puts his hands in front of him, shaking his head.

Tristan pats his sword. "I prefer this. I can always cut through the nettles with it. I would be feeling naked with one of those. But if you prefer, by all means go first."

He can't quite conceal the look of relief on his face.

The wand is a wand of produce flame that has 34 charges remaining. Spellcraft does need detect magic, but Tybus is correct that you can use Perceptin to recognize potions, if you have tasted the potion before. (And technically, two of the potions aren't potions, they're oils; forgive my poor word choice.) The only likely-looking place to stash a body or the armor of same is within the nettles.

Can I get the new marching order then?

Lamsfel holds out the druid's spear to Gan. "If I'm going to lead, I don't need to be carrying anything extra. Even if you don't wish to use it now, you may change your mind later."

"Tristan, let's just switch places until we get into a more open area. How does that sound to everyone?"