The Last King of Ireland

Game Master Amergin the Wise

There were few horse to begin with, and those that survived the battle were taken by the warriors of Boho.

After his earlier outburst, Kass becomes quiet, introspective. He is in fact praying. Praying for the souls of those that died, his kin , his friends, and those he did not know all too well.

Finally he stands as it seems there will be those who seek retribution and seek it now. Kassidy McKiernan is a man of average height, 1.68 centimeters with long brownish reddish hair. His eyes have a vacant haunted look of a man who has lost a great deal in life. He steps over to the big Dane, "Aye, glad ye'r no dead Thorun. I was one o tha lucky ones.

Are we headed after them bastards now then? As I said I am with ye for whatever tha's worth".

”We won’t win this fight if we’re exhausted. We’ll discuss battle plans on the way,” Fintan decides after having listened to his companions. He is clearly shaken. While others look forward to assuaging their thirst for vengeance with the blood of the warriors of Boho, he wants only to end these meaningless wars, and to live in peace. Only four days ago, they received news that the High King had passed. Today, his brother is forever gone, his father has joined with the army of Breifne, and his mother has been taken hostage by the Ó’Fialáin. It all seems… futile.

Padraic returns with supplies. ”They didn’t leave much behind. We’ll have to forage if we travel for more than a day.” he warns.

”Leave the pelts with me,” Amergin asks, pointing to the preternaturally beautiful wolf furs that were skinned at the foot of the Marble Arch Caves. ”If we don’t dry and tan them properly, they will become useless,” he explains. Fintan nods, and a few young boys fetch the furs and carry them into the church.

”God be with you all,” Father O’Maille prays. He knows that the battle ahead will be bloody, that the odds are against his son and his companions. He is worried, but he understands that they have no choice, that they must at least attempt to rescue the queen.

Padraic leads the way North East out of the village of Tuaim, and across the stream. Within minutes, they arrive in Belcoo. For obvious reasons, the settlement is abandoned. This is where it all started… They continue North West to Holywell, and soon enough they reach the church and the well. Only the leper Bressal and his wife Mary are there. They know that they have nothing to fear. They watch the warriors pass without a word. It is here that God spoke to Brother O’Maille, and called upon the wolves of Largay to save the spirit of Aoife… Then begins the hike North East up Belmore mountain. Boho is only a few hours away, but undoubtedly attempting to catch up to the warriors of Boho would have proved an exhausting and potentially pointless exercise.

They arrive in the mid afternoon under a grey sky and a light rain. Padraic finds an outcrop not far away, from which they can safely spy upon Boho and prepare for what is to come.

Boho is a small town, which stands atop a hill, with a church and a dozen households. You can count approximately thirty warriors, and a few hundred townsfolk.

Note that Aoife and Brother O'Maille (and the NPCs Padraic and Fintan) already know much of what is included in the spoilers below.

Single roll for both spoilers below:

If DC 20 roll above is successful, then roll for spoiler below:

Battle plans can be discussed in character in the Gameplay Thread, or out of character in the Discussion Thread. The NPCs Padraic and Fintan can be called upon to create a diversion, to infiltrate Boho, to fight at your side, etc.

Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Thorun sniffs the air, looking into the distance. "Rain will last until it gets dark, then it will cool off. Probably fog too. We might be able to take advantage of that."

What is the surrounding landscape like?

Boho stands on a small hill, on the slope of Belmore mountain. In the near distance, you can see Glenkeel and Knockmore mountains. A few kilometres downhill from where you are, the Sillees river runs South from the Lough Navar Forest, into Ross Lough, and then East and South towards the distant River Erne.

The abundant rain and limestone grasslands make for difficult livestock farming, and the Tuatha Ratha must go far and wide to graze their cattle. Presently, there are no more than a hundred heads in Boho, which suggests that some farmers have taken their herds down towards the lake and the river.

The area is known for its many sinkholes and caves. Potholes and deep dry cracks could allow for some cover and concealment.

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"I'll be honest, I don't know much about war tactics, but I can tell you what little I know of Boho." The young priest looks about the group as he continues.

"The Sacred Heart Church in Boho is dedicated to Saint Faber and dates back to the 6th century. The century old High Cross stands in the churchyard, and the nearby ancient Reyfad Stones tell the story of an ancient pagan people. Legends say that Saint Faber cursed the nearby Sillees River, causing it to run backwards and making it bad for fishing and good for drowning."

As the heroes of Largay discuss their plans, they witness an event that seems nothing short of a miracle: a wedge of swans flies North above Boho. Swans are not rare in these parts, especially in the winter, but this is a particularly big bevy, and the swans themselves are unusually large and plump.

The people of Boho see in this, a gift from God. Hastily, a dozen warriors ride off in pursuit, eager to hunt the magnificent birds.

Thorun almost laughs aloud at their good fortune. "Well, if that's not a sign from the gods that we should attack now, I don't know what is."

"Only question is, should we chase off after those warriors and get them while they're separated, or go strait for Boho now?"

Kass nods at the statements made by Thorun and Brother Ó Máille and adds, "The King of Boho pays tribute to King Mulroney of Fermanagh, who is a subject of King Ua Cerbaill of Airghialla. The Kingdom of Airghialla fought alongside Connaught and Breifne at Leitr-Luin, where the High King was killed".

He sighs, "Unfortunately I've nothing else to add but I'd think tha Thorun has right of it, guile is err ally against greater numbers. The Lord does smile upon us, he taketh away and then he giveth".

Kass says a brief prayer to the good fortune of the fog, "May tha blessing of God's soft rain be upon us, falling gently on err heads, refreshing err soul. With tha sweetness of little flowers newly blooming, may tha strength of the winds of Heaven bless us, carrying the rain to wash err spirit clean sparkling after in tha sunlight. May tha blessings of God's earth be upon us, as we walk the dark roads..."

He cuts the prayer a bit short as his brainings and not blessings for the men below.

Now you help

Aoife watched the warriors leave before she looked to Thorun. "Our target is Sean Quinn and the Queen... if we find her. With the warriors away we could try to slip in with the fog, get a look to try and find Sean and the Queen." Aoife suggeted.

"But, if we go after the warriors than they will be a few men down and possibly send out more to look for them."

"To be clear, my mission is to find my mother," Fintan intercedes. "I don't care about Sean Quinn, or his sister, or anything else."

He stares at the swans flying in the distance, and he cannot but think of his brother.

What time of day is it? How long do we suspect those 12 will be gone?

It's mid to late afternoon.

"For what it's worth, I suggest ambushing the warriors so we have no fear of being caught in the village when they return."

Padraic looks at the riders headed North.

"Ross Lough is only an hour or so away, so if the swans land there, the hunting party will likely return at some point during the night, or in the early morning. If the swans fly further, or if the hunting party scares them away, then they will surely not return until tomorrow, at the earliest," he explains.

"So risk it all by attacking Boho, or pick off the stragglers and play the long game?" Thorun looks off in the distance. "Revenge will happen sooner or later. I say we go for the hunters."

"Thin their ranks..." Aoife said with a nod. "It would make getting into their camp easier." She muttered, thinking out loud. "But they where on horse back, it may take us longer to catch up with them."

"Still want to cut Sean's throat..." Aoife hissed.

Knowledge Nature 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Kass nods in agreement with Padraic's assessment, "Thin the herd it is then. We should get errselves goin' time is wastin' an we've a long wlak ahead o' us".

Padraic guides the heroes of Largay North, down the hill towards Ross Lough. When a safe distance from Boho, he veers East in order to find the tracks of the hunting party.

Survival, tracking: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

They follow the tracks, and within a couple of hours, they reach the West bank of the Lough. The rain has subsided and despite the rising fog, they can see the swans near the North bank.

The tracks lead them further North, and then East across the Sillees river, around the lake. They slow their approach and spy the hunters stalking their prey, waiting in the low bushes on the bank, using white wool on floating logs as makeshift decoys to draw the swans closer.

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Padraic finds a fair spot to ambush the hunters, assuming they return the same way they arrived.

Three option: 1) wait and ambush, 2) move closer and attempt to find a better spot for an ambush, while risking to be seen, or 3) attack.

What's our surrounding terrain like? What's our current grounds for ambush?

Padraic has found a fair spot for an ambush despite there being little cover on these rolling hills. Perhaps you could find a better position nearer the bank, but perhaps not.

In game terms, Padraic's stealth roll of 19 (minimum, + modifiers if applicable) can be used by any character to determine actions during the surprise round, as well as distance of encounter.

Thorun will actually add 10 to stealth in hills. He's surprisingly quiet despite his bulk.

I vote stay here. Don't want to risk losing the element of surprise.

I second Thorun's vote.

Agreed

You find cover in a small copse of trees atop a gradual hill, and wait. If the hunters return the way they came, they will pass well within striking distance. As night falls, a thick fog settles in the valley. In the obscurity, the silence becomes heavy, and waiting becomes unnerving. Time passes, and despite your miraculous good luck, you begin to doubt your position, your plan, your strength…

And then, suddenly, you hear them coming. The dozen warriors must be no more than fifty feet away. They are cheerfully marching home, entirely oblivious of the impending danger.

Hunting party Perception rolls: 1d20 ⇒ 121d20 ⇒ 141d20 ⇒ 121d20 ⇒ 141d20 ⇒ 181d20 ⇒ 111d20 ⇒ 101d20 ⇒ 101d20 ⇒ 81d20 ⇒ 71d20 ⇒ 141d20 ⇒ 20

They draw nearer, and nearer. The last of the hunters stops. "I heard something," he warns. But it's too late!

Surprise round. You may all roll Initiative, and act. You cannot see your enemies, but you know that some of them are within charging distance.

The Gradual Slope grants a +1 bonus on melee attacks against foes downhill.
In addition, the fog obscures all sight beyond 5 feet. Creatures 5 feet away have concealment (attacks by or against them have a 20% miss chance).

Init: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 4 - 2 = 10

Thorun curses the fog, but uses it to creep closer. Hopefully he can see them before they see him.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 - 3 ⇒ (9) + 10 - 3 = 16

To be clear, under the circumstances, I will allow for "blind" charges. Consider the fog clearly a blessing, as it will conceal your numbers and disorient your enemies. This does not mean that I will treat fog this way systematically in the future, but in this particular case, it is meant to have settled in your favour.

To be clear, under the circumstances, I will allow for "blind" charges. Consider the fog clearly a blessing, as it will conceal your numbers and disorient your enemies. This does not mean that I will treat fog this way systematically in the future, but in this particular case, it is meant to have settled in your favour.

...and when I write charging distance, I do mean within 30', which means a single move/attack action. Given that only the last of the hunters succeeded his Perception Check (with a natural 20), I am adjucating that all the others continued to move closer to your position before the surprise round began.

Initiative: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

As Thorun creeps closer to hunters, Ó Máille places a hand on his shoulder, sending an immediate feeling of calm over him. "Be careful, friend."

Touch of Law | For your next round, treat all d20 rolls as 11's

Ah, awesome! In that case could I simply charge? If I can't disregard this post.

Thorun feels the calm come over him from brother O Maille, an odd feeling since he is normally one who lets himself fully into the fling of battle. He moves forward quickly and quietly, bringing down his monstrous greataxe on the first enemy that he crashes into.

Attack roll is 11 due to touch of law

Attack: 11 + 9 + 2 = 22
Damage: 1d12 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

AC is currently 14 from charging.

Aoife scanned the group, picking out which one they where following and charged him.

CMB to pull him off his horse: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
*sighs

Round 1

Knowing he is not the warrior the measure of some of the others, Kass spreads his Irish Luck to his ally, placing his hand on Aoife's shoulder, "Let God speed yer blade Lass".

Bit of Luck (Sp): You can touch a willing creature as a standard action, giving it a bit of luck. For the next round, any time the target rolls a d20, he may roll twice and take the more favorable result. - Aoife, go ahead and take that re-roll!

Initiative - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Aoife's re-roll: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Encouraged by Kassidy's good luck, Aoife rushes forth and pulls a warrior off his horse. Hard. His neck breaks when he hits the ground.

Brother O’Maille blesses Thorun who charges and literally cuts a foe in two. Suddenly drenched in the blood of his enemies, he turns to face another warrior. The warrior pales.

Fintan and Padraic also charge.

Padraic's charge: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 241d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Fintan's charge: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 121d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Padraic engages a foe, and strikes true. Fintan's massive blow causes the rider to fall, and the fall is deadly.

Within seconds, three warriors of Boho have fallen. Nine remain. One is wounded. The two leaders among them attempt to rally their men to battle, to no avail. They are disorganized and disoriented, and the heroes of Largay press their advantage.

Aoife's initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Padraic's initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Fintan's initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Hunters' initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 6

End of the Surprise round. PCs act before the hunters.

The young priest hears battle ahead of him, but through the fog he can barely make out the figures of those engaged in combat. He shuffles forward, spotting Aoife through the fog, and utters a prayer.

Casting Shield Other | +1 to AC | +1 to Saves | Half of all damage done to Aoife is instead transferred to Brother Ó Máille | lasts for 3 hours

Now that the ambush is seen, Thorun lets loose. He gives a deep, bone chilling war cry of the kind that you only hear from a Viking berserker with no self-preservation. His axe flashes again through the dark night sky.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
Damage: 1d12 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Confirm: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Crit Damage: 2d12 + 22 ⇒ (12, 11) + 22 = 45

Intimidating Glare: The barbarian can make an Intimidate check against one adjacent foe as a move action. If the barbarian successfully demoralizes her opponent, the foe is shaken for 1d4 rounds + 1 round for every 5 points by which the barbarian’s check exceeds the DC. The DC is 10 + the foes HD + the foes wisdom modifier.

"Should have run when you had the chance!" Aoife stated with a smirk as she quickly moved to the next warrior. "And you shouldn't have messed with my home!"

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Round 1

Kass rushes down to the site of the ambush point and swings at one of the horseman with his Quarterstaff aiming to brain the man. Unlike the others, he fights in silence, a prayer to the Lord in his mind.

Melee Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Melee Damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Padraic's attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 171d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Fintan's attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 251d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Padraic continues his attack, while Fintan and Aoife engage new foes and Kassidy joins the melee.

Thorun finds one of the leader - a powerful warrior wielding a sharp spear and a shield - and decapitates him. He turns to yet another warrior of Boho. Terrified, the warrior attempts to escape.

Thorun can make an opportunity attack against the fleeing foe.

The remaining warriors attempt to coordinate some semblance of a counterattack.

warrior 1 (wounded, facing Padraic): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 141d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Miss!
warrior 2 (wounded, facing Fintan): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 Miss!
warrior 3 (wounded, facing Aoife): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 221d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Hit!
warrior 4 (facing Kassidy): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 191d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 Hit!
warrior 5 (facing Padraic): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 Miss!
elite warrior (facing Thorun): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 91d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 Miss!

The last of the hunters recognizes Fintan, and charges.

Nial Ó’Fialáin: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 271d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 Critical hit!
confirm critical: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27 Triple damage!

The experienced warrior charges with his long spear and strikes true, dealing a severe blow to Fintan. He shouts: "Ó’Fialáin!"

End of round 1

Still reeling, Fintan responds: "It's Nial! We need him alive!"

Fintan drops his sword, and attempts to grab Nial, exposing himself to an attack of opportunity in order to hopefully pull the King's son down from his horse.

Nial's attack of opportunity: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 81d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 Miss!
Fintan's combat maneuver: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 Success!

Fintan grabs Nial, and attempts to dismount him...

Padraic's attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 141d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Padraic continues to fight. His opponent is heavily wounded, but still stands, inspired by Nial's furious charge.

Seeing Nial take on Fintan and hurting him greatly made Aoife see red. She'd lost one brother, she'd be damned if she'd lost another.

She disengaged from the one she'd attacked and headed right for Nial.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 Avoid the Attack of Opportunity from the one she left.
Aid Fintains CMB: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Thorun hooks his axe around at the fleeing opponent!

AoO: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Damage: 1d12 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

Meanwhile Thorun continues swinging viciously, hacking at anything close that isn't one of his newfound allies!

Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Damage: 1d12 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Intimidate: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

The young priest focuses his attention in the direction of Fintan's shouts. He speaks another prayer, this time, for guidance and protection for the King's heir.

Inspiring Word | Target receives +2 on attack, skill checks, ability checks and saving throws for 1 rd

Round 2

Kass is wounded but not mortally so though it hurts like the dickens, he once again strikes at his foe bolstered by the relative success of the ambush so far.

Melee Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Melee Damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Still the wound effects his ability to strike once more, he is after all a man of books not war...

warrior 1 (Padraic): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 71d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 Miss!
warrior 2 (Fintan): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 121d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Miss!
warrior 3 (Fintan): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 91d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Miss!
warrior 4 (Kassidy): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 121d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Miss!
warrior 5 (Padraic): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 201d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 Hit!
elite warrior (Thorun): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 81d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 Miss!
Nial (escape grapple CMD 19): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 Success!

While Aoife and O’Maille come to Fintan’s aid, Thorun strikes down the escaping hunter, and faces the elite warrior who lunges and misses.

Kassidy strikes true, if with difficulty, then steps back to avoid his foe's spear.

End of round 2

Nial's attack of opportunity: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 81d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 Miss!
Fintan's combat maneuver: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Niall struggles to escape Fintan's strong arms, but Fintan is stronger and keeps holding on.

Padraic's attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 241d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Hit!

Padraic is struck hard, and then finally cuts down his foe, and turns to help his allies.

Ó Máille continues his prayers over Fintan as he wrestles with Nial.

Inspiring Word | Target receives +2 on attack, skill checks, ability checks and saving throws for 1 rd

Round 3

Gaining a bit of confidence when he struck true, Kass spins his staff for another strike at his foe.

Melee Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Melee Damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

"RAAAAAHHHHHH!"

Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Damage: 1d12 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Confirm: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Crit Damage: 2d12 + 24 ⇒ (4, 1) + 24 = 29

Wow the dice gods love this character.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

The warriors of Largay press the attack. While Fintan pulls Nial off his horse and pins him down, Aoife and Padraic each strike down one of the wounded warriors.

Seeing their leader captured and their kinsmen slain, the two that remain surrender. A bloody battle well won by the heroes, with a bit of help from God, no doubt.

Suddenly, all is eerily quiet.

Fintan turns to his friends, and simply nods. At their feet lay the bodies of nine supposed enemies who, truth be told, never had a chance. The heavens were on the side of Largay.

Thorun is covered in blood. Today, he felt the touch of God and was decidedly blessed. Perhaps there is truth to the words of these priests, after all?

"We should get going," Padraic recommends as he starts binding the prisoners. He winces, having suffered a fair cut that will leave a scar to remind him of the the day.

Fintan nods. Ignoring his own very serious wound, he picks up the body of a slain warrior and places it on a horse's back. "They deserve a proper burial," he explains.

Thorun gives a hearty laugh, flinging an arc of blood from his monstrous axe. "Ah brother, I think your god-touch has brought me much fortune today!" He gives an approving nod.

Heal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

He turns to Padraic and examines the cut. "A good scar that will make, one to be proud of."

"Aye, give the dead the respects when you can. One thing that sucks about not dying, always work to be done by the living after a fight."

Heal 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Now I get the 20 :-)

Kass looks at Fintan's wound, "Brother O Maille, can you come look at this? It may be serious..."