The Crimson Kings - Pentor Lionsmane's Mercenary PbP - #1 Squad (Inactive)

Game Master sunshadow21

Bear looks sad at the fact that he was not the first to roll :)

Bear looks around him concerned at the crazy singing he hears about them shaving bears. He readies an action to cast enlarge on himself if he thinks either of the "children" decide to come at him with the blades...

Declan packed up easily, rolling up his bedroll and reattaching it to his pack. Breakfast was whatever was left over from last night, and he made a note of getting something other than rations, of which he was out. One of the first spells he ever learned cleaned him from head to toe-- and was surreptitiously applied to the others, as well. In his idle time, he applied it to everything he could while the spell's duration was up.

Given the amount of magic he could prepare, it was looking like he was not going to be doing much spellcasting initially. He was going to have to get in closer to the other spellcaster, and prevent his casting spells. That meant he was going to have to get in close enough to manage, which was a daunting task. They were going to have to work out some form of coordination, since he needed to be in close for now.

In the morning Talbot will gather his gear and strap on his studded leather. With his armor donned he begins doing push-ups, sit-ups, and squat-thrusts, one hundred of each. After his workout he approaches the squad mage. "Hey there Wizard, I know I don't know ya very well, but could I trouble you for one of those cleaning magics I've seen ya use in the morning. I'm afraid if we approach the bandits with me smelling like this they will probably detect us a mile away! Your name is Declan right? Well Declan if you could help me out I promise I'll do my best to keep you safe with my trusty crossbow when it comes time to do battle." Talbot slowly draws back his crossbow, gently laying a razor sharp bolt into it's groove. "Don't get me wrong Declan, I'm sure you can take care of yourself. It's just that out here we have to watch each others backs, and I know when things get rough it's always a good idea to have a mage on your side." Talbot peers down the sight of his weapon scanning the treeline. "I just hope I'll get some triggertime today. I'm itchin' ta shoot something!"

Location: Isger, 10 miles east of Logas, on the edge of the Chitterwood,
Date: Toilday, 4th Sarenith 4708
NPCs:
The Crimson Kings Squad - Corporal Red River Running,

Looking at the scary little clown, Red River Running answers Hakon unhurriedly.

"We're coming back, so leave all the heavy stuff here. Take what you need in case we have to fight. If we find them and think we can take them by ourselves we will, otherwise we come back and get the others."

Once everybody is ready the whole squad moves out, with the rangers out front and the others in scattered bunches behind them. Corporal Red River Running saunters along like he's out for a stroll rather than preparing to hunt down bandits, and the whole group reaches the treeline within minutes. It takes only a few minutes before Krathok and Hangman find some decent tracks within the edge of the Chitterwood.

A group of people in boots passed through the woods recently, within the last 6 hours, heading further south and into the depths of the Chitterwood.

There is also a dirt trail of some kind but it leads south west and away from the other tracks. There is some sign that animals make use of the trail, wtih deer droppings and hoof tracks being the most predominant.

Krathok comes back to the group with Malnivar and confers with Red River "Track boots south, not long ago. Other track that way but only animal." his eye line doesn't drop below human head level, and it seems like he's only including the Rangers, Bear and Red River in the conversation. He is talking loudly though, so everyone can hear him.

"Go south after boots?"

Abitan stoicly adds: "South is where the meat is. South is where our knives should be."

Location: Isger, 10 miles east of Logas, on the edge of the Chitterwood,
Date: Toilday, 4th Sarenith 4708
NPCs:
The Crimson Kings Squad - Corporal Red River Running,

Grinning a little crookedly at Abitans comment, Red River Running turns to Krathok and says "We go south after the boots. You and Hangman take the lead again. Krathok if you spot anything ahead, one of you comes back the other stays keep eyes on the enemy."

Turning to the rest of you he says "From here on anything that isn't us gets made dead. Let's go."

Following the two rangers through the woods, which are mostly recent growth after all the fires set during and after the Goblinblood Wars, the squad travel further into the Chitterwood.

After an hour of hard travel following the tracks the squad arrives at the edge of a clearing. The clearing is about a hundred and fifty feet in diameter and has the look of having been one of the areas that had been set fire to but had burnt itself out before it could really get going.

Near the western edge of the clearing and about one hundred feet from the squad is what looks like some kind of rocky opening into the earth. Nothing is moving in the clearing.

'Well done, Mr. Krathok! Hahahaha!' Hakon punctuating his congratulation with his high pitched giggling. He adds, 'You get us close and then we can scout out their numbers and positions and relay them back to you others.'

Abitan marches along mulling Red's order: "From here on anything that isn't us gets made dead"

His beady eyes stay fixed and alert, but saliva pools and drips from his mouth;

"Made dead. Chop head. Get bled. Made dead..."

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Darlock narrows his eyes and surveys the clearing, paying close attention to the possible cave.

Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Perception 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Declan smoothed a hand over his forehead, adjusting the bandanna that held his hair down. If he had to make an immediate guess, the bandits were using that cave as a hideout, but of that, he was not certain. Not to mention that he did not know the slightest thing about nature, so he certainly did not wander. The last thing he wanted was to have to scratch for a week because the plant he thought was a leaf was some sort of irritant.

Really, he trusted the eyes of the scouts more than he did his, since if he saw whatever it was, chances were that it saw him as well. He was wearing breeches, boots, and a simple commoner's shirt, and knew that he probably stood out in this forest. Not to mention the crossbow on his hip and the staff in his hands. No, he was no forester, not at all.

Krathok nods to Red River before returning to point and moving on, half-crouching, half on all fours and nose to the ground.

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 I'm trying to move forward under cover, and should be able to manage at roughly the same speed as the halflings.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 to keep on the tracks. Due to scent I should notice when there is anyone else inside 30ft as well even if I don't see them.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Moving close to the corporal and whispering, Hakon asks, 'Mr. Running, sir? Is it time for Mr. Flynn, Abi and myself to move in and find some playmates?'

Listening intently to his bestest friends wise words, Abitan first drops into a slight crouch and draws Carver on a reverse grip, then as he edges forward he looks back expectantly at Mr Running - like a hound waiting to be let off the lease...

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30 Death when it comes is quiet and still...

Survival: 19 to keep on the tracks. Due to scent I should notice when there is anyone else inside 30ft as well even if I don't see them.

Specifically, I'm trying to find the most recent scent trail to get a guess on where our quarry is now - ie. in the cave or not.

Darlock moves behind Krathock, assisting in finding tracks and providing the one-eyed half orc cover with his bow.

Survival(Track): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 +2 if human. (+2 To Krathock's Check)

Stealth :1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Hangman moves with Krathock, assisting him with tracking thier prey and providing him cover with his bow.

Stealth :1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Survival(track):1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16+2 if prey is human. (Assisting Krathock's Tracking) +2 TO Krathock's 19 = 21

EDIT: Please add +2 to my perception roll from above if prey is human.
Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 +2 if Human = 22

As the squad approaches the clearing Talbot focuses his senses on his immediate surroundings.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

With his head on a swivel, Talbot glances at Corporal Running, awaiting any further instructions he might have. Bending slightly at the knees, crossbow pointed at the cave, Talbot then slowly moves to within fifty feet of the cave entrance.

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

(glances at the Stealth rolls); Damn we be sneaky basterds!

Small Retcon...

When Bear hears the others getting ready to sneak up to the edge of the cave he grabs each one of them...

You take this, make you hide better. Think on hiding better, then do it! he rubs a small dirty substance on each cheek mumbling some words you don't understand.

Casts "Guidance" on each of you to give you +1 to your stealth roll...he then does the same for himself when they start to move but doesn't use it yet.

Little do they know that the substance is crushed rabbit droppings....

(glances at the Stealth rolls); Damn we be sneaky basterds!

Heh, all bar me with me clunky 11 :P Just jump in when they try an turn me into a pincushion.

Ábítan “Little Bitter” Hæftince wrote:

(glances at the Stealth rolls); Damn we be sneaky basterds!

Heh, all bar me with me clunky 11 :P Just jump in when they try an turn me into a pincushion.

Its a 12 now you have dung power...lol's

You think dung is bad... wait til Abitan multiclasses as a Cleric... his virtue will involve something more like Rocky Mountain Oysters heheheh.

You think dung is bad... wait til Abitan multiclasses as a Cleric... his virtue will involve something more like Rocky Mountain Oysters heheheh.

I don't mind them, last time I had them was in Colorado...in real life that is.

Ironically I'm a vegetarian in real life lol.

Heh, I spent 3 years in college as a butcher, those were some of the best meat eatin years of my life...lol's. So if you need any tips on butcher talk I can defintely point you in the right direction :)

Might do... when I was younger I was a major carnivore and a hunter so have a decent jist of butcher chat, but every little helps :)

Location: Isger, miles inside the Chitterwood, on the edge of a fire ravaged clearing
Date: Toilday, 4th Sarenith 4708
NPCs:
The Crimson Kings Squad - Corporal Red River Running,

It's Abitan that first notices the movement near the large scattered rocks surrounding the opening leading further into the earth.

Soon after Hangman, Krathok and Talbot also notice the movement, but it is Hangman and Talbot that can make out what they are looking at.

It's obvious to them that the movement is coming from a pair of small humanoids that are standing slightly below the edge of the cave entrance. The movement comes from them fidgeting, and they can see the occasional flash of light from the tip of a spear point.

Both Krathok and Hangman can tell that the tracks they had been following lead into the clearing but move almost straight through and skirt the cave entrance completely. However Krathok can smell the scent of goblins, many goblins, that are currently in the area or have passed through recently. The strongest scent of goblin comes from the direction of the cave entrance.

Corporal Red River Running spares a glance at Hakon before turning his attention back to the clearing.

A grim smile comes to his face as he whispers his reply.

"Get to it lads. Try not to get too messy."

And with that he gestures for the rangers and halflings to move in on the cave while he, Bear and Declan hold their positions.

Krathok will attempt to sneak in to charge range (60ft) of the right-most goblin. He'll then hold a charge action until the others are in position, unleashing himself in a silent charge at the gobbo as soon as it notices everyone or all are in position.

Krathok nods and moves off stealthily with his boar spear in his right hand. He maneuvers close enough to charge at one of the sentries, attempting to skewer it through the chest with a savage upward two-handed spear-thrust.

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Charge Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 for 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

I think a decent trigger action would be Flynn letting off a crossbow bolt at his target of choice. If we all have readied actions we should be able to act in the surprise round as well.

And in case you need it: Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Bear will delay until the action starts. He will then cast Shillelagh and make a single move towards the cave entrance.

"Yes sir, execute with extreme prejudice." Talbot whispers.

If everyone is going to wait for my signal I'll creep to within 30' of the gobbos before I let a crossbow bolt fly.

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Sneak Attack: 1d6 ⇒ 1

11 sharpened bolts remaining.

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Abitan patiently waits for Flynn to kick off the slaughter, moving silently and quietly to as close as possible to the goblins...

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

Abi will try and get as near as dammit to the lip of the cave

As Flynn's razored bolt cuts past, the little butcher grins and leaps into the frey; his shortsword Carver drawn and slashing at anything not a Crimson King:

Carver Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Carver Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

As he does so he hisses:"Shuuc shuuc kekhaan haakec!"

Initiative:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Ouch! Abitan's got Squad 2 reaction speed ;)

Hangman frowns and shakes his head. "More goblins. Well, let's get to killin em."

He creeps in towards the goblins attempting to stay out of sight and readies his bow to shoot whichever goblin Flynn does not take.

Stealth : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Initiative:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Since my Init is so low this round, if both goblins go down before I attack I will move to the entrance to cover the tunnel/cave.

'Ohhh, very good Mr. Running.' Hakon trembles with excitement as he joins his fellows in sneaking up on the unsuspecting goblin playmates.

Sneaking to 30' of the goblins and upon Talbot's attack, am attacking the same goblin with my slingstaff

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Location: Isger, miles inside the Chitterwood, in a fire ravaged clearing
Date: Toilday, 4th Sarenith 4708
NPCs:
The Crimson Kings Squad - Corporal Red River Running,

Enemies:
2 Goblins

Initiative order
Talbot – 21
Hakon – 15
Krathok – 8
Hangman - 6
Abitan – 5
Bear - Held
Declan – Held

The rangers and halflings move into position like ghosts. The attack when it comes strikes like lightning out of a cloudless sky, unexpected and deadly. Talbots bolt strikes the goblin guard on the right in the chest piercing its leather armour and embedding itself in the surprised goblins upper body. With a wet sodden crack Hakons sling stone crushes the same goblins forehead in, leaving it to tumble to the ground bonelessly.

Without a sound Krathok charges the entrance where the surviving goblin guard stands stunned, the only noise the half-orc makes is the soft thuds of his feet into the earth. In a silent charge the half-orc thrusts his spear at the goblin but mistimes it and just misses from sinking his spear tip into goblin flesh.

But with a wet thock Malnivar lets fly his arrow sinking it into the goblins throat sprawling the grey fleshed humanoid on it’s back it’s hands clasping at the arrow that took its life.

Abitan rushes into the cave entrance but finds nothing else to kill, only a dug and reinforced tunnel into the earth. The tunnel is about 5 feet high and goes down about 10 feet before it ends in a right turn which the halfling can’t see down without moving down the tunnel.

From across the other side of the clearing, Krathok and Abitan can hear the sounds of goblin voices talking loudly and they seem to be getting closer.

Krathok puts his boar spear in his left hand and pulls out a javelin in his right. "More come from there." pointing across the clearing.

He then moves forward ready to loose the javelin at the first goblin that comes into the clearing.

Heeding the warning given by Krathok, Talbot loads another sharpened bolt into his crossbow and moves closer to the direction of the approaching gobbos. "Way to hit em' hard and fast guys, but it sounds like the fun is not over yet!"

Move Action: Reload crossbow with sharpened bolt

2nd Move Action: move 20' closer to Krathok

Hangman smiles as he watches his arrow sink into the goblins throat.
"One."
He then readies another arrow as he moves to the entrance with Krathok.

Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Corporal, we should take the fight to them before they know we are here...Bear waits to move forward on the Corporal's orders.

Declan, having crouched next to a tree with his staff across his lap, looked up at Bear. "Perhaps not..", he cautioned in a quiet voice. "The more that get cut down unaware, are less that would endanger us when they are aware."

Speaking of aware, Declan looked around behind them {1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3}, not above expecting a rear attack, though Goblins were not especially known for tactics. Still, he had to wonder whether or not it was a question of dealing with the goblins while they had time, since they were a persistent nuisance rather than continuing to the bandits. If the bandits were using goblins as guards, then that did not speak very highly of their capabilities or their judgement. He had prepared for bandits-- not that he had much variety to prepare for-- but he did not want to expend his magical resources in dealing with goblins.

He was perfectly content with the advance members taking care of the goblins without having to engage either Bear or himself.

With a flick of a wrist another bullet falls into Hakon's staffsling. Moving to where Krathok pointed out the approaching goblins, he drops behind some low scrub concealing himself in this latest round of hide 'n seek.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Ranged staffsling attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Like a small leather clad spider, Abitan scuttles up the outside of the cave entrance and positions himself above the tunnel lip. There the little butcher perches and awaits his prey:

Climb:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

Bear moves within charging range of the entrance and waits to attack any other foes he sees.

Location: Isger, miles inside the Chitterwood, in a fire ravaged clearing
Date: Toilday, 4th Sarenith 4708
NPCs:
The Crimson Kings Squad - Corporal Red River Running,

Enemies:
2 Goblins (dead)
8 Goblins
1 Goblin Boss mounted on 1 Giant Spider

"Aye Bear, I hear your words but Declan speaks wisdom. We shall move forward in support but allow the others to strike first and commit ourselves where necessary," replies Red River Running to Bear and Declan before following the big man further into the clearing.

The voices of the goblins get louder and louder as the unseen gobbos move towards the clearing. So it is no surprise when the first two goblins walk through the treeline and into the clearing, followed by three other pairs and bringing up the rear a larger goblin mounted on a giant spider with painted markings on it's chitin.

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Hangman draws his bow string to his cheek sighting on the spider"Why did it have to be on a spider?'

Primary Action: Attack Spider mount with bow.
Alternate action if Spider dead/no shot: Attack Boss.

Bow Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Hakons giggles at his unaware friends. 'Catch!' He exclaims as he sends a bullet speeding towards the goblin astride the giant spider.

Alternately, he will attack the spider if the boss is already down. If both are down, any ole gobo will do!

Ranged staffsling attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Initiative:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Krathok hurls his javelin at the closest target then brings his boar spear to bear, growling as he does it.

Attack1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

With the arrival of several new goblin enemies, Talbot peers through the sights of his crossbow, quickly deciding to engage the nearest target. "They're coming in waves fellas! Go after their leader and that eight legged steed he's using for a mount, I'll provide suppresion fire and pick off a couple of his mooks!"

Talbot targets the nearest goblin with a sharpened bolt, hoping to get off a sneak attack.

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 (+1 within 30' feet)

Damage Roll: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Sneak Attack: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Move Action: Reload Crossbow.

Free Action: Take a 5' step back.

10 sharpened bolts remaining.

Initiative1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
There was a moment of thought as Red River Running ordered the advance into the clearing. With a shrug, Declan abandoned his position near the burned tree to advance into the blackened grass and ash of the clearing. When the first goblins came into view, Declan looked over the group to see which seemed to be a spellcaster, preparing to do his job. If none of them were magically capable, then he had just the spell to help out the rest of them-- not that he expected any goblins to be standing before the end of this minute.

To see if any looked like a spellcaster: Perception1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10. If any are spotted, then he readies an action to counter, delaying if necessary.

Bear casts enlarge on himself...and prepares to move in or charge if possible.
Initiative 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Mumbles some diveine words then finishes with, Make Bear big!

He 12 foot tall hairy man stands there with a glowing club, hoping to get at the goblins soon...