The Horn of Aroden PbP (Inactive)

Game Master James Martin

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

"You ever hear of Gorum, kid? He's a god who respects fighting and being brave enough to not be scared of what might happen to you. It might do you some good to have some study of him, while you develop some battle skills. I could help you, or I'm sure there are a ton of others, better than me. But, trust me, you don't want to go running after that werewolf lady! She put all of us down, and we are lucky she didn't finish us. Let us more grizzled sort worry about her, and we'll get you trained up all proper."

I guess that would be a Diplomacy roll, which isn't my strong suit, lol.

Diplomacy 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

"Aye we had a bad time with her but if you wish to fight other foes, we can accompany you. To fight well, fight what you can and not beyond what you can manage. The mark of a true warrior is to fight for a purpose and not for the blind slaughter."

Diplomacy What? 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 2 = 13

"That werewolf needs to be put down hard. But it isn't happening today. Half of being a warrior is knowing when to change tactics, and ours nearly got us killed. We need to have a word with Marek and then find out what sort of weapons hurt werewolves."

"That word, by the way, needs to be 'Ow.' That SOB betrayed us and you."

Lander looks at you, but sets his jaw. "Perhaps you just needed my sword to defeat her!"

Feel free to try Diplomacy again.

Gaius stands, feeling his previously-broken jaw. "I thought I was dead..." He quietly re-arms himself, pulling on his gear and getting his bow ready. "We did what we needed to do and got the boy. Let's get out of here."

"Let me tell you a story, lad. Gnolls are truly fearsome foes. Why, one time I was down in Katapesh and there was this mob of them that was trying its darnedest to invade this city..."

The old knight rambles on for a time, trying to convince the boy that there's little hope at the moment of defeating Aldona.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Lander seems to be growing increasingly disturbed the longer Quinton speaks. Finally he throws up his hands. "Alright! I'll go back home with you. But for the love of the gods, make him stop telling stories!"

Lander is pretty beaten up and is lacking his gear. Have you healed him or given him back his gear yet? He's down 11 hit points.

Completely random roll, nothing to see here, no sir: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Someone else can heal up the kid. I burned through 20 charges already.

Karos takes up his weapon and leads the way back to town, wary for any opposition.

Sir Quinton," he says casually, {b]"You know that was no gnoll we fought, right? It was a werewolf! Gnolls are...well, I never saw one, but that was a werewolf, not a gnoll. For one thing, there are no gnolls around here. So she can't be!"[/b]

"I don't know, goodman Karos, it looked like a gnoll to me. But I shall look again should we encounter her once more. Someone get the lad healed up and back in his armor in case we should run into those brigands again."

CLW charges: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
CLW charges: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

If anyone wants to mark off two charges, that will heal him up completely.

As your healing takes, Lander's left eye unswells and opens. He blinks a few times, seemingly impressed. You gather your things and any items you wish to take with you and head back toward the village. Lander begins the walk silently, but as time passes he sidles over to Hagrym and clears his throat. "Um, if you know, you wanted to, I'd like to hear more about Gorum. Mom always worshipped Abadar and you know, I never heard about Gorum before. If you want." The kid looks awkward and shy for a moment and despite the trouble he's caused, you're reminded that he's a young man, fatherless and desperate for approval from any surrogate father figure he can find.

I'll mark them off my wand.

As Hagrym talks to the boy about Gorum, Sir Quinton muses.

"So, Marek. Have we thought about how we want to handle that treacherous smith? It certainly sounds like he was involved with these bandits."

Hagrym was only too happy to tell the lad what he knew about Gorum. He demonstrated some minor magicks for the boy that he had received due to his faith. He also availed him of some of the battles he had fought and won, leaving out exactly how bad the group had been massacred by the werewolf earlier in the day. It was more than the dwarf was used to talking, but if the kid was interested, another convert could certainly help the cause.

Lander eats it up. He's quiet through out the whole sermon and in awe of the tales of bravery. However, about an hour into the walk, there is a sudden snarl and roar as the werewolf Aldona bursts onto the road in front of you. She's sweating and clearly has run back from wherever she was and looks at you with murder in her eyes. She doesn't look like she's fully healed, and she becomes even more bestial as she sees you, free and healed. "You think I wouldn't hear gunshots in a quiet forest, fools?!? I'm gonna rip your throats out this time and MAKE SURE YOU'RE DEAD!"

Initiatives:

Rekgar: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Hagrym: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Karos: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Quinton: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Gaius: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Aldona: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Lander: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Round 1:
21 Rekgar
19 Quinton
17 Aldona
10 Karos
8 Lander
7 Gaius
4 Hagrym

Aldona is 40 feet away in front of you and looks murderous. Rekgar and Quinton are up!

Bring me my brown pants!

Has it been a day since the last fight? I assume not, but maybe?

No, technically only about three hours have passed.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

"By my mustache, you may be right," Sir Quinton says to Karos. "I think she is in fact a werewolf! Now, make sure you avoid her teeth -- they could be diseased!"

Naturalist, 1/4 rounds: An archivist who has identified a creature with a Knowledge check appropriate to its type can use performance to share strategies for defeating it with allies in combat. The archivist and any allies within 30 feet gain a +1 insight bonus to AC and on attack rolls and saving throws against exceptional, supernatural, and spell-like abilities.

Pulling his sword from his sheath, he readies himself for her approach.

Ready action to await her approach to melee
Greatsword (power attack/furious focus): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 = 13
damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 5) + 9 = 20

Boy, too bad that's probably not going to hit, since it would actually hurt her.

Quinton readies his attack for Aldona's proximity! Rekgar is up, then Aldona!

This is gonna hurt!!
A Fighting defence? Attempted Grapple and will provoke Aoo. Charge if possible, bonus not included. 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Rekgar seeing the mad wolf woman, springs into action and attempts to tackle her to the ground!!

Don't forget +1 from Sir Quinton, assuming you held to after his action.

Rekgar rushes at the wolf-woman, and manages to grab hold of her fur! She snarls and tries to break free! CMB: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 9 - 2 = 22 She does so, but Rekgar comes away with a handful of fur!

Lander screams a battlecry that sounds more like a wordless shriek and charges! 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 2 = 15 He misses, but Aldona snarls at him, clearly no longer interested in keeping the noble alive...

Karos, Gaius and Hagrym are up!

Hbgrym casts Divine Favor yet again, and moves forward toward the fighter, hoping when he gets there he can actually damage her!

"Get back, boy! She's too strong for you!"

Round 1, Initiative 7
hp 18/18; AC 18/14T/14FF; +3F/+7R/+2W

MA: move 30'
SA: Longbow vs. Aldona (cover) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
> Damage 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Gaius draws an arrow to fire, but the others are already upon the werewolf woman before he can loose it. He follows them, getting a single shot of his bow off - however, being forced to shoot around the overzealous Lander Lebeda makes him fire poorly.

Karos moves around the edge of the fight, looking for a clear line of fire.

Hagrym casts while Karos moves and Gaius tries to find an angle, but to no avail!

Round 2:
21 Rekgar
19 Quinton
17 Aldona
10 Karos
8 Lander
7 Gaius
4 Hagrym

Rekgar and Quinton are up!

Blinking as his companions speed past him, Sir Quinton charges foward, sword swinging in a massive arc.

"Aim for the legs, lads. Take her down a peg and she'll be as easy to skin as a cat!"

I'm guessing I might have to charge, in which case the roll should get +2, with a -2 to Sir Quinton's AC; not sure if I can get flanking too...

Greatsword (power attack/furious focus): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 1 = 26
damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (4, 1) + 9 = 14

Don't forget +1 AC and to hit, everyone. 2/4 rounds of bardic performance used.

Rekgar bracing himself for the inevitable, wraps his large hands around the wolf woman's body, in an attempt to restrain her.
Grapple, provoking AOO 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

"Do not let up!!!" He pants out with a wince From a likely hit from the wearwolf.

Rekgar grabs the werewolf's fur once more, causing her to bite at him reflexively. Bite: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 11 - 2 = 20, dealing 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 damage!

Quinton's strike hits hard, spraying blood around the clearing!

Aldona howls and tries to buck off the troublesome monk! CMB: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 9 - 2 = 21 She succeeds and Rekgar's hold is loosed!

Lander screams again and swings at Aldona! Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14, but his aim is spoiled and his sword goes wide!

Karos, Gaius and Hagrym are up!

Attack 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 23

Damage 2d6 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5, 5) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 18

Hagrym takes a second, and declares his Destruction judgement, giving him extra power as to damage. He moves to the warrior and attacks. "Move to flank her! Pin her in tight!"

Swift action: declare judgment. Move action: move. Standard: attack. Also, DM, please read the Destruction judgment. I might have added one extra point of damage too many. It says 1 point of damage per three levels gained. I took that to mean at first level then three after that adds a point, but as I think of it, it might mean one extra point at 6th, 9th, etc.

Round 2, Initiative 7
hp 18/18; AC 19/15T/15FF; +3F/+7R/+2W

MA: move 20'
SA: Longbow vs. Aldona 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
> Damage 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Gaius sprints to the side of Sir Quinton, darting out of the werewolf's reach. He spins, plants his feet in the grass, and pulls an arrow back. With a clear line of sight from him to Alonda, he buries an arrow squarely in her back. She may be preternaturally tough thanks to her lycanthropy, but the arrow must still hurt badly.

Hagrym, I think you did it correctly.

Gaius' arrow buries itself in the werewolf's back, while Hagrym moves up and swings! His sword cuts deeply into the wolf's neck and nearly severs her head from her body. She gurgles out something that might have been a growl and sinks to the grass, bleeding out.

End of combat!

Well, that wasn't that tough after all, once the dice decide to take our side.

"That's it? I've met gnolls who put up a greater fight! Now, I believe we just need to put a wooden stake in her heart and she shouldn't rise again. And let's see if she has anything else to incriminate that smith."

Search the body before looking around for a good stake to sharpen.

Karos gently sets aside his musket, draws his sword and finishes the beheading.

"Now let's go sort out this treacherous smith!" he says.

She has 3 +1 magical beast bane arrows on her, 1 cure light wound potion, her +1 longsword (with Marek's mark), masterwork chainmail and longbow and some assorted lootish jewelry items.

Lander looks flushed from the battle, but somewhat in awe of your combat prowess. When you start pulling items from her, he frowns when he sees the maker's mark on the sword. He touches it, lightly, while frowning.

Gaius takes the arrows and places them in his quiver. "Good riddance. Let's get back to the Lebeda estate. I say that they can deal with the betrayal of the smith."

Lander suddenly stands up tall. "Indeed. I will deal with Marek. I will see to it that he stands trial and pays for his crimes against my family and my people." For a moment you get a glimpse of the lord Lander will become, and it's a confident, man who upholds his duty. Then he smiles, breaking the moment. "Let's get back now and see what we come across!"

A few hours later, as darkness begins to near you start to look for a good place to camp for the night. No sooner have you stopped than a series of rotten berries begin to rain down upon you from above! High pitched peals of laughter follow, then a diminutive faerie creature with green skin and dragonfly wings lands about twenty feet away. He sweeps the sky grandly with a tiny rapier and bows.

"Giants! I am Ser Boddickan of the Roses! You are trespassing on my protected lands! I demand ritual combat with your champion! One-on-one! Honorable combat to the surrender! Who shall be my opponent?"

Lander looks quite eager to volunteer...

"Hold it kid. One day this will be something you can do. Today, let me take the job.". Hagrym steps forward. "What's the quarrel here? I'd prefer we agree to allow each other to pass, but I'll not back down from a fight, if you insist."

The little fae creature sticks his nose in the air. "You have GRAVELY insulted me! You have trespassed on my land without permission! Now you must pay with your blade, giant! EN GARDE!" The little fey takes up a classic fencing pose!

Hagrym Init: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Fey Init: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Round 1:
26 Fey
19 Hagrym

The little fey suddenly flies directly at you, his sword ready! Attack!: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 2 = 17 He strikes quickly, his tiny sword flashing, dealing 1d2 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + (1) = 3 damage to his flatfooted opponent!

Hagrym, you're up!

Sir Quinton's heart races for a moment as he gets excited about the prospect of a good, honorable contest, but his excitement soon ebbs as he sees the boy's reaction.

"Well, I suppose we could let the lad do it. Though be careful, pixies are dangerous foes."

"Okay, then, you little bastard. Have at it!"

Attack 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Damage 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (4, 5) + 5 = 14

Whoops. I apparently got ninja'd in my last post. (Hence it making no sense.)

"You can do this, Hagrym. You know the old saying, the smaller they are, the easier they fell," Sir Quinton encourages his companion.

Hagrym's first swing is clumsy and the fae easily avoids it. The fae laughs loudly. "Giant! You move like a tulip in spring!"

He stabs at you again! Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12, but this time you turn the small blade aside on your greatsword!

Hagrym is up!

"Try this on for size, Tiny!"

Attack 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Damage 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (6, 1) + 5 = 12

Hagrym's swing catches the small fey across the chest and knocks the fey to the ground. The little fey shakes it head, then holds up a single hand. "No more, ser knight! I yield. You may pass through my lands without hinder."

What kind of challenge was that?! Maybe I should, have let the boy battle the tricky fey after all.

The little fey executes a courtly bow, then abruptly flies off, leaving you to your rest. The night passes without incident, though Lander does grumble quite a bit about the accommodations. You sense he's missing his nice warm bed.

The next day you awake and begin the trek back. Only a few hours outside of town you come to a bridge you crossed two days earlier. The road narrows here, leading over a well-worn stone bridge that crosses a stream. Trees dot the landscape to both sides of the bridge, and the rushing of water and the croaking of frogs give the scene an air of tranquility. That air is broken when something lets off a cry that sounds like a cross between a goose and a jaguar. Two large flightless birds stand across the bridge, their hackles raised and their feather puffed out menacingly. They look agitated.

Actions?

Yeah, totally should have let the boy handle that last challenge.

Knowledge (nature)?: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

"Looks like you might get that fight after all, lad!"

Rekgar scratches at the wound on him, that bite itches.

Wathcing Hagrym deal with the challenge didn't take long and the lad was becoming a lord. A good one by all signs.

Now two birds.

"Hagrym and our young lord can handle one. The rest of us will handle the other and join you once we're done." He offers as a suggestion.