Stones of the Ancients

Game Master Seamus Greenbottle

Terwin's lightning flash connects with the first goblin, who squeals in anguish. The one behind dodges and only barely feels the shock. Jai Li's blow finishes the goblin off; it falls to the ground.

Jarryn reaches down and pulls out his crossbow, aiming at one of the goblins that has recently come into sight. The bolt sinks into the goblin, who turns its attention immediately to the wizard.

Move Action: Draw light crossbow
Standard Action: Attack goblin in G4
Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

The goblin who yelled out before sees his companion go down from Jai Li's blow and aims his bow at her. The arrow connects, piercing the monk's arm.

Goblin in G1 is unconscious. The goblin in G4 takes half damage from Therwin and a crossbow bolt from Jarryn. Cyrus and Lukas can take round one actions (Lukas has already said his action), and then all others can take round 2 actions.

Cyrus laughs and charges at the nearest goblin G5, pulling out his falchion for a powerful swing.

Full-round action: Charge G5 goblin, drawing fachion.
+2 to attack roll, -2 to AC until next turn.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 2 = 13
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2) + 3 = 9

Can one charge through difficult terrain?

Chance catches a glimpse of the goblin at G6, drawing and firing another arrow at the critter.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
1d6 ⇒ 4

Terwin moves up to the nearest goblin still standing and unleashes another burst of electricity.

Electricity Damage DC 14 Reflex for half: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Jia Li will go total defense AC 20 as she makes her way closer to G4 (I believe that would be I6.)

Round 2__________

Move Navarro draws his sword.
Ha! Too late for you my friend..."
Standard He moves two spaces east to make contact with G2.

Can one charge through difficult terrain?

In general you can't. We'll leave it for now (for smoothness's sake) since Cyrus missed anyway, but you're right.

As Chance's arrow flies true and connects with the goblin to the southeast, both Terwin and Navarro move toward the goblin that shot the arrow. Avoiding Navarro, Terwin's flash of lightning connects with the goblin, who squeals in pain once more.

Orren places his staff on the bridge before looking around and loosing a crossbow bolt at one of the goblins to the northeast. The bolt flies well over the goblin's head into the swamp.

Orren Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Jarryn aims another bolt at the goblin to the northwest, but this one flies wide of the mark.

Jarryn Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

The goblin to the northwest, recovering from fear of the disembodied voices, aims its shortbow at the approaching monk, but the arrow flies wide.

The goblin in combat with Therwin and Navarro drops his shortbow and draws his shortsword, quickly evaluating his situation before attacking Navarro. Still rattled from the escalation of battle, however, he swings wildly and misses.

All three of the goblins on the eastern side take aim at Chance, who is able to dodge one of the three arrows. The other two sink in to his torso, wounding him.

Chance takes 7 points of damage from two arrows, one from G3 and one from G6.

Finally, the southwest goblin pulls out his shortsword and attacks, doing anything his can to keep the terrifying man away from him. Cyrus is too quick for the goblin, however, and dodges the slash easily.

Map is updated. All can now act!

Determined to end the threat behind them before moving across the bridge, he looses one more arrow at G6 and then moves towards the end of the bridge, getting ready for trouble, he drops his bow and pulls out the large blade on his back.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
1d6 ⇒ 4

Round 3__________

Navarro lunges at G2
Dueling sword: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 for a possible 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 slashing damage.

Jai Li wrote:

Can one charge through difficult terrain?

In general you can't. We'll leave it for now (for smoothness's sake) since Cyrus missed anyway, but you're right.

Ah, didn't realize. I'll keep that in mind in the future.

Cyrus chuckles when he avoids the goblin's blow with ease and counters with another powerful swing.

Falchion (2h): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 4) + 3 = 10

Is it round 3 now?

Round 3

Jia Li continues to progress towards G4, when she closes on the goblin she goes to punch him, but slips in the mud slightly which throws off her balance.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Since we're doing block initiative, the end of rounds and the beginning of the next round is a bit fluid. But yes, for you, it is round 3.

Moving quickly, Chance is just off with his aim, and the arrow flies high. The goblins on the south bank cackle with glee as the ranger misses once more.

Tripping on the weeds around him, Navarro's thrust misses the goblin well over it's head.

Jumping out of the way just in time, the goblin fighting Cyrus squeals as his blow misses, seemingly with both glee and terror at the same time.

Once Therwin acts, I'll post Jarryn, Orren, and the goblins.

Seeing no better alternative Terwin simply looses his lightening again.

Elec Damage Ref 14 Half: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Round 2 for myself then?
As Chance begins to advance, Lukas jogs up and catches him by the arm. A warm light spreads across him, pressing out the goblin's arrows and knitting the wounds left behind.
Shooting the guardsman a tight grin, he mutters "I've got your back. Let's go!"

Actions (9 rounds of bless remaining)
Move to O11
Casting Cure Light Wounds on Chance: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Jarryn and Orren each loose another set of bolts at the goblins in the northeast, but both fail to hit the mark once more.

Orren Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6
Jarryn Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Therwin's lightning spark connects solidly with the goblin near him, and the goblin falls to the ground.

Enjoying the back and forth with Cyrus (since neither has connected), the goblin cackles with glee as he swings at Cyrus, and once more misses his mark.

The goblin fighting Jai Li drops his bow and pulls out his shortsword, but doesn't really seem to know how to use it well, flailing wildly and missing.

All three goblins on the east side take aim at Chance once more, marking him as the greatest threat. Chance dodges the arrow from the goblin on the south shore of the creek, but the two on the north connect.

Map is updated. Chance takes 5 damage from two arrows. All can now act (Cyrus and Lukas in round 3, others in round 4).

Attack: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8
Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Mired in the mud, Jia's next kick also fails to strike its target.

Sorry but its Terwin, not Therwin :)

The wizard moves over to the nearest goblin on the bank and seeing no reason to change his strategy sends forth more electricity. Wilberforce squarks and charges the goblin engaged with his master or the one behind it if its dead, again trying to blind the creature, but he seems confused by the things bulbous head and just ends up flapping ineffectually.

Elec Damage Ref DC 14 for Half: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Wilberforce Dirty Trick: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

It's also Jia not Jai, but I wasn't going to mention it first. :-p

Round 4_____
Recovering from his stumble, Navarro shifts left to (Q,2), then flank attacks G2.
Duelling sword attack: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 = 10 for a possible 1d8 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 2 + (2) = 12 slashing damage.

Cyrus cackles as well, clearly having found a kindred spirit. Or something.

Falchion (2h): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 3) + 3 = 9

"I like you," Cyrus announces.

Orren's round 4, I believe

Orren quickly glances over his shoulder, seemingly surprised by the quiet man's [ooc[(Cyrus')[/ooc] revelry. He reloads his crossbow and looses another bolt at the nearby goblin in the northwest (G3).

attack, damage: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 161d8 ⇒ 4

Grinning as he charges the goblin before him, he attempts to cut down the beastie.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Crit?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (1, 2) + 6 = 9
Crit Damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (2, 4) + 6 = 12

Unless this is some kind of beastly strong goblin...I assume it is dead at that

Gah, formatting errors. That's what I get for posting at night.

(Also, there's difficult terrain, Chance. Looks like you could use some patching up too!)

Looks like we lost another couple people. We'll do some modifying after the combat. Also, I apologize on the names—it won't happen again.

Also, because there are so many, I'm going to have some people redo some posts.

Terwin: Everything you're moving through is difficult terrain, so you can only move three squares if you want to attack.

Navarro: That goblin was killed (signified by the red lettering)

Chance: Because of difficult terrain, you cannot charge either.

Cyrus misses once more, and the goblin laughs harder and harder.

Orren's crossbow bolt hits its mark, and the goblin screeches in pain, turning its attention toward the cleric.

Edit: Here's a link to the map—sorry!

I'm having a devil of a time finding the map any chance you can link it in your posts Seamus? I often post from my phone so tracking back looking for it is difficult.

Terwin approaches the goblin, and readies his lightening flash as he makes a rather feeble fisticuffs gesture.

Double move, leaving the difficult terrain to get as close as possible.

Round 4 (Revised)_____

Navarro moves to (U,6), threatening goblin G3.
He whips his cape off and holds it in his left hand, waving it back and forth.

Terwin and Navarro both move toward the goblin closest, pushing their way through the overgrown brush, preparing to attack. As soon as the goblin steps toward them, dropping it's short bow and pulling out a short sword, Terwin releases another bolt of energy toward the goblin. As it connects, the goblin screeches momentarily before collapsing to the ground. The other goblin in the northeast draws another arrow and looses it at Terwin. It connects with the wizard, wounding his arm as the arrow flies by.

Terwin takes 2 points of damage from the arrow.

Chance moves toward the goblin to the southeast, which draws another arrow and looses it at him before dropping its bow and pulling out a short sword. In its hurry, the arrow sails high and flies off.

The goblin in hysterical combat with Cyrus continues its pursuit of contact, but misses wildly again.

Fighting Jia Li, the final goblin jumps up and swings its sword, catching the monk's face with the blow. She feels pain well up across her cheek as the sword slashes across it.

Wow. I literally rolled three straight 20s. Jia Li takes 8 points of damage from a double crit.

Jarryn continues his assault on the goblin in the northeast, loosing a crossbow bolt in that direction. It flies off the mark by inches, and the goblin turns and takes notice of the wizard.

Lukas also draws his crossbow and looses an arrow at the goblin in the southeast. It hits its mark, and the goblin drops instantly. Lukas looks over to Chance and winks, hoping the ranger isn't too put off by the stolen kill.

The map has been updated. Only goblins 4, 5, and 7 are still standing. All can now act. Remember to include Lukas's Bless into your attack rolls.

What on earth is a double Crit? I'm uncomfortable with important house rules being sprung upon a group mid game, though its perfectly possible I simply missed it. The recruitment seemed to indicate normal rules were in play as far as I can see?

Wow. I'm very sorry. I have ALWAYS played that a 20 on a critical hit confirmation means a double crit chance, and one would roll again. But now that I read the rules, that's not there at all. My mistake—must have been a house rule that I didn't know about in my first group, and one that I've used when I was teaching the game to my new groups. Jia Li takes 5 damage from the critical.

The surprisingly powerful blow from the goblin throws off Jia's next punch.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 = 10

Ah, thought it might be something like that, I've had similar things happen. My first group had a god calls system that I thought was official for years.

Terwin casts featherfall on himself edging toward the goblin even as he bites his lip in pain.

Get featherfall at will and benefits when a spell is in effect, not expecting it to be directly useful.

Hysterical combat is right. That goblin and I are just unlucky with rolls, huh. I think I'll keep 'em.

Cyrus' laughter increases when the goblin misses again. In a sudden fit of amusement, he drops his falchion and rushes at the goblin with bare hands.

Grapple: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 = 14
Provokes AoO!

Nodding to this companion, he turns and takes off, finding better footing and moving as quick as possible to get to another goblin. Move to J13 with a double move.

Effects: Bless, Defensive Stance (AC now 19)

Round 3_____

Assumes a Defensive Stance and Double moves to (Y,6) to make contact with enemy G7.

With the ambush seemingly turned in their favor, Orren scans the areas, holding his crossbow ready in case another threat appears. "It may be prudent to leave one of them alive, gentlemen!"

Readying an action to shoot any new hostiles.
perception if needed: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Orren scans the area, but doesn't notice any new goblins or other threats.

Cyrus reaches down and picks up the goblin, which slashes its sword at him before Cyrus gets a good grasp. Finally sensing real danger, the goblin slashes across Cyrus's face with his blade, opening a large wound. Cyrus is then able to pull the goblin into his grasp.

Another crit...I guess I was due, eh? Cyrus takes 6 damage, but now has the goblin grappled. He and the goblin both take the grappled condition.

Lukas takes another shot at the goblin to the northeast, but the bolt flies off in the wrong direction.
Attack: 1d20 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 - 4 = 0
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Jarryn moves his crossbow to one hand, whispers a few words and thrusts his hand toward the goblin fighting with Jia Li. An almost imperceptible wave of force moves toward the goblin, striking it in the chest. The goblin collapses to the ground in front of Jia Li.

Magic Missile Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The goblin grappled by Cyrus continues his assault, bolstered by his recent success. He is able to gash another wound on Cyrus's arm as he struggles in the gruff man's grasp.

Cyrus takes 2 more damage from the goblin.

The goblin to the northeast slashes at Terwin with its shortsword, catching the wizard off guard and unprepared for the blow. The sword cuts deep into Terwin's leg.

Another crit! Luckily Terwin only takes 3 damage.

The map has been updated, and everyone can now act. Bless is still in effect. Goblin G5 is still grappled.

I'm due a crit too!

Cyrus revels in the bite of the sword, licking away what blood reaches his lips with a swipe of his tongue.

"Good swing," he compliments the goblin even as pain burns through the wound at his attempt to speak. "That was a free hit."

Terwin yelps and sends electricity surging forth yet again.

Elec Ref 14 for half: 1d6 ⇒ 6

"That's enough from you, I think," Cyrus says when another wound is opened up on his arm. He attempts to pin the goblin down.

Grapple (Pin): 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 + 5 = 16

Jia Li kneels down in the mud and removes the goblin's ears. We all have to eat.

Round 4_____

Navarro tumbles around to flank the goblin, then attacks.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Duelling sword attack: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 2 = 22 for a possible 1d8 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 2 + (6) = 11 slashing damage.

Navarro and Terwin's attacks combine to bring down their goblin, and Cyrus is able to overpower his goblin and pin it to the ground.

Combat is over! Well done all. One goblin remains conscious, and the others are unconscious if you want to interrogate any of them. Otherwise, we can assume that you go around and finish them off.