The Hollow Man (Inactive)

Game Master trux

The villagers are about to fire into the woods possibly hitting other townsfolk when Morti's command convinces them to wait for a clear shot.

Caramir spots an advance group of 5 wolves coming out of the shadows.

"There!" - Caramir warns Morti and those around them - "Stand ready and HOLD!"

Trying to get the ones with ranged weapons to ready actions, and shoot once the wolves move close ;)

Karl casts shield, and stands ready. there's your target. Shoot the wolves

I know it's a long shot but...

Perception to hear the sounds of combat: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Rata and Mak are aware of where the ruckus is going down, it's just a football field away with lots of shouting and burning torches.

Looking around the barn, Okrin tries to decide if he should stay put or if he is needed elsewhere.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Since I saw how well the tavern brawl went in Mouth of Doom, I would recommend we all get over and back Caramir as soon as we can.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 "Please, take the children to Anna's Barn. We are making everyone safe there as fast as we can." the vagabond says, "We'll need your help to spread the word. Gather the innocents there. It's the safest way."

"Stick with me, Miller. We'll need that sword tonight."
He moves at a run towards Olaf's house, and peeks inside quickly on the way to the wolf-group.
perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
It's a really, very quick peek.
He sets up on the left flank of the line.

He's familiar with the folk who live here, he must be a local.

Rata is visibly less tense as he realizes this man is not one of the crewmembers of the Wailing Gypsy. He offers no complaint as they make their way over to the mob and the threatening wolves.

Whilst en route: "Have you had any visitors to your town in the last... Survival to determine the age of the tracks: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 day or two?  More specifically, a redheaded swordsman or a large man with a crossbow?"

Rata takes up position with Mak, further bolstering the left flank.  Depending on the distance from themselves to any threat, he will keep his sword out or draw his bow.

"I've got you covered--but do you think we might ought fall back to the barn?" Morti reponds, taking position a few steps ahead of Caramir, his javelin held ready for a wolf to come in range, and his shield up in front of him.

Readying action to throw at the first wolf to come within 30 feet; should also be able to AoO with spiked shield any that tries to get past to the archer.

Not sure Morti. I know Grimmy isn't around for the weekend, but I think we need a combat map :D

@Raka
"Dont mark me for a hicksam git so quickly. If you're looking for friends, We havent met any.There are only Bees, Orphans, and Bastards in these parts...

I'd recommend you avoid the bees, but the bastards seem to be keeping to themselves so far." he shrugs.

While Grimmy is gone, and cant argue, maybe we should sit the wolves down to bbq to discuss their grievances. If y'all are hip, I'll cook up an alias. ;)
It might pass the time, catch grimmy by surprise, and he can always invalidate the whole thing later. The realms of ridiculous await!

"We have to buy them time to gather everyone...
So far we only have a few households at the barn. They will gather the others."
He sees the wolves gathering to bark and snap just out of range.
"In the mean time, I found this one skulking around our rear. He claims he might be of some help!"

Are you proposing RPing as the wolves? Have you lost your marbles, son?

Lol

GRRR! I smell RIBS!

oO I approve.

Near the barn Okrin continues to second guess himself. Should he stay near those gathering in the barn or find out where the others have headed off too.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Ok. There are 24 villagers in all, twelve near Morti and Caramir where the five wolves burst through the tree line. 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 villagers are ready to fire arrows this round, 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 are running into the line of fire.

intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
"FORM RANKS YOU SCUM HICKSAMS"

Rata will sheathe his greatsword and pull out his shortbow once again.  If clear shot becomes available, he will take it, firing at the wolf closest to harming any villagers.

Shortbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 -4 if firing into melee
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Seeing that few of the villagers have gathered near the barn and hearing the sounds of wolves and villagers in the distance, Okrin heads toward the sound.

Double move toward Morti and Caramir. Perception (1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7) if needed to navigate his way.

are the ones in line of fire running from the archers' line towards the woods/wolves, or coming back out of the woods? Or just running around like headless chickens?

"Get back, you fools, lest you leave your children orphans! With me or behind!" Morti gestures to either side of himself with javelin and shield.

Bolstered by Mak, Morti and Caramir's instructions, the mob organizes and drives back the wolves with torch and bow.

Meanwhile Okrin, who has been reluctant to go where the crowd is without taking stock of his surroundings, notices a faint cry from across the little hamlet.

Near 8.Levoca

Round One
The wolves are now stalking at 50' again. Organized by the party, the villagers wait for visual confirmation to fire with their bows.

Wolf #1 Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Wolf #2 Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
Wolf #3 Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Wolf #4 Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Wolf #5 Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

Villager Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Villager Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Villager Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Villager Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Villager Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Four villagers spot wolves and loose arrows.

vs AC 18:
Shortbow: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Shortbow: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Shortbow: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Shortbow: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

The trees and undergrowth thwart three out of four of the shots.

Miss?: 1d100 ⇒ 23

The final shot is nearly lost in the shadows but connects with it's target. The wolf yelps in pain.

Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Villagers down 4 arrows.

Shouts are heard from the other half of the mob at 6.Levoca as someone accidentally sets fire to the roof of a small croft.

Round One Go

To attack wolves make perception checks against the stealth DC's above and indicate which wolf you target so I can record the damage. Wolf AC is 18 with cover from the woods.

Full round to get to the second mob, DC 15 diplomacy or intimidate to get them organized.

I think I need to start investing in Diplomacy some :D

Realizing that the first group seems as organized as possible, Caramir dashes towards the next one - "Come!" - he urges those companions next to him - "The more of them who get organized, the best it will turn out overall"

Full round action to get to next mob.

"He seems like he means well." Mak says to Rata.
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Come on Lucky Arrow! (Mak uses a point of his vagabond's/archaeologist's luck.
attack Wolf #3: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
It strays wide and hits a branch.
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6 to Tree.

"Your move, assassin. Just don't kill me until last, okay?"

@OKRIN Hey don't forget, Mak would have cast message on you if you were outside the barn when he was done with Anna.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Rata sees an opening as the wolves break the tree line, so he takes his shot, hoping to take it down before it has a chance to attack the villagers.

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

Ignoring Mak's comment, "Something's not right. What's provoking them?"

Knowledge (Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Karl stands ready to strike. (Readied action, on the first wolf in range staff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 )

"That's the way! Whenever they come close, push them back!"

perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
javelin to wolf #1, 1 range inc.: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 - 2 = 8

Morti loosed his own javelin for emphasis, somewhat wildly, and drew his hammer, gesturing before turning to follow Caramir. "Follow Mak's lead here; we'll get the others."

Rata determines that the wolves are doing an abnormal call and response routine with their howling, as though they are beying back and forth with something only they can hear.

"They're communicating with an unnatural intelligence.  These villagers won't stand a chance if these wolves launch a coordinated attack!"

Throwing caution to the wind, Rata drops his bow and charges into the frey, swinging his greatsword at the first wolf he encounters.

Perception if needed: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Charging greatsword attack on wolf 4?: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 2 = 16 Well, fudge. -2 AC until my next turn...

Round 1
Okrin moves as fast as he can toward where the others are. (double move)

Round 2 - in which we try not to hit the tree.
know local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

I'll probably try detect magic next round.

Mak and Rata fire their bows into the the thick of the woods but the arrows don't connect with the wolves. Morti's Javelin misses it's target as well. Caramir moves to settle the other mob before they burn down Levoca, as Okrin arrives on the scene.

Round One Wolves

Five wolves stalk in to the edge of the torchlight, and attack the party, avoiding the torchbearing villagers.

Move Action: 50'

vs Rata
Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
vs Morti
Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
vs Karl
Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
vs Mak
Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
vs Okrin
Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Round One Villagers
The villagers, following Morti's orders, have waited for the wolves with arrows knocked. As the beasts appear they loose a volley.

vs AC 16
Shortbow: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Shortbow: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Shortbow: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Shortbow: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Shortbow: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Shortbow: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Karl waits for the wolves too but swings too high as the beasts bare down.

Round 2 Go

Mak scores a hit with his bow and Rata runs up to meet the incoming wolves, landing a blow with his greatsword.

Ready for Morti, Karl and Okrin, Caramir is tending to the other mob.

Villagers down 10 arrows.

Wolf #1 - 4 dmg - Near Mak
Wolf #2 - 5 dmg - Near Morti
Wolf #3 - 4 dmg - Near Karl
Wolf #4 - 4 dmg - Near Rata
Wolf #5 - 3 dmg - Near Okrin

Need damage roll from Rata vs Wolf 4

Huh, I thought I'd missed. AC 18? Or was that only with cover?

Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 1) + 6 = 13

Right, that was with cover.

One wolf goes down under Rata's sword.

Round 2

Close to the second gathered group, Caramir's words are intent on reasoning with the townspeople - "Stand fast, conserve your ammunition for a clear shot - make every arrow count!" - he urges.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19

Hah! :D

Nice!

The villagers turn and listen to the elf, sensing his age and wisdom.

They start extinguishing the croft they had accidentally set fire to.

Next round
karl strikes rapidly with his quarter staff
staff attack 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
staff attack 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

round 2

sounds like we're into chaotic melee...do the villagers have any weapons other than their bows? if I have any opportunity to step into flanking position, without exposing myself too much, assume I've taken it. :)

Shaking off the wolf's snapping teeth, Morti winds up for a mighty swing at the beast with his hammer --

warhammer @ Wolf 2 w/ pwr attack!: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 191d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

This is either a test probe or a distraction... why else? Why all of this noise?
It was so much easier with the drow. Before you awoke you were already in arms.
Dumb creatures, even the orcs know when to be quiet.

Round 2
Okrin closes distance to the newcomer (Rata), convinced that anyone fighting these wolves up close could use his assistance. (move action).

"I'll protect you friend while you dispatch these wolves." (Standard action, ready bodyguard feat.)

Intent for this is to be funny, lighten the situation we find ourselves in. The following is not meant to offend in any way. Just tell me if it's a red-line for you guys.

@ Okrin Mak teasingly says, "Oh, so you know the bug? I must ask, how did you two meet? Was it a moonlit night in Bard's Gate?"
...
@ Rata "Were there candles and a flippin' lute? Okrin seems like the type for candles and a flipping lute. Apt to pamper the ladies," Mak pauses to consider what he just said for a moment.

"'erm, you know what I mean."

Posting actions for Rata Round 3 since I will be in and out of airports all day tomorrow and might not have a chance to post.

@Mak That isn't even close to being red-line for me. You'll find that unless people start throwing around racial slurs I am extremely hard to offend. :)

Rata scowls at Mak, but after a moment he replies haughtily, "A lute by candlelight? No, I believe it was a pan flute by the dying embers of our campfire if I'm not mistaken."

He shoots a glance at the newcomer. At least he doesn't match the descriptions of one of the pirates...

"Thanks, stranger. The tactics these wolves are using has me more than a little worried."

Using this momentary break in the melee, Rata takes a moment to look over the villagers, looking for anyone matching the descriptions Kino gave him. Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

After which he turns his attention back to the wolves, attempting to cleave the nearest threat in half...

Power Attack closest wolf: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

... but is a bit overzealous with his swing, causing him to miss his mark by a fair margin.

Round Two Woofs

Morti and Karl can flank with torch-wielding villagers.

Karl's staff whirs past the wolf but fails to connect. Morti's hammer comes down crushing the skull of the wolf before him. Okrin arrives at Rata's side as a wolf leaps to replace the one hewn by the ranger's greatsword.

vs Mak
Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

vs Karl
Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

vs Rata
Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Karl moves to flank the wolf with the villagers.

staff attack 1: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 2 = 22

staff attack 2: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 2 = 17

damage 1: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

damage 2: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Karl's duel staff strike takes down a third wolf.