The Scorched Lands (Inactive)

Game Master wicked_raygun

"You're awful quick to judge, seein' as I actually did give you the benefit of the doubt, and didn't perforate you even a little," Ben said to Doc wryly. "And the wrong folks woulda made sure I was dead to begin with. But thanks for the advice." He glanced sidelong at Mal, thinking that the gnome might be right about her, at least. She had the look of a 'slinger with a quick draw hand. Tough. Ain't nothin' more dangerous than a woman to begin with, he thought with an inward grin.

He tipped back his hat with his gun, whistling when Leland's contraption appeared. "Now there's a pretty piece o' machinery. What-all does it do?" His calculating gaze seemed to be tallying up what the automaton might sell for.

If we are moving forward, Ben will edge onto the platform and ease open the next door a crack to see what he can see. Do you want a new Perception roll?

The majority wants to go forward, so unless Mal or Loveless want to split the party, that's the direction you'll be taking. Ben, I'll be using your previous perception rolls.

Benjamin opened the door onto the connecting platform between Cars 8 and 7. He peeked through the window pane and spotted two decrepit, diseased ratlike things. They seem to be eating something -- or someone.

On the map please refer to the Sheet "Car 7 and 6". C22 is a ladder that leads to the top of the train.

Am I wrong in assuming the engine is open to the wind/coal car?

"Two of the ugliest rat-faced critters this side of Perdition in there," Ben said to the others as quietly as possible. "Don't see any goblins, though. Looks like the killin' is done... theirs, at least." He cocked his strange-looking gun and grinned, not looking too upset at the prospect of killing them.

"Maybe you can reach the coal car ahead of us, if you go over the rooftops," he suggested to Leland. "One or two of us could go with you, keep you safe while you're slowin' the train. Then the rest of us could sweep the cars for goblins and them rat-critters."

Glancing at Mal, he added, "We could clear this car first if you like. If you crouch down and shoot, I'll stand behind you and shoot over your head. Then I can head forward with you, mister gnome - if you're amenable, that is."

Since, this will probably come up, generally Way of the Gun doesn't apply to non-sentient creatures. So you could hunt a deer, for example, or kill a Goblin Dog.

Ben - The Engine Cockpit is enclosed, but can be opened from the outside.

Kn:Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Kn:Engineering: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

(Okay, retcon away my reference to a coal car...)

"That's 'Doctor gnome' to you, scruffy. It's up to our company man of course, but it seems unlikely there'd be goblins on top of the cars, and if we keep a ruckus going inside they'll be less likely to realize he's up there.'

"Not that I'm fond of being a diversion, mind you... but mopping up some of these goblins, now that's an enticing thought."

"If you're planning an assault nesting-doll style, then I'll take point. She can shoot over me, and you can shoot over her. That'll triple our firepower."

Doc turns to Leland. "Your call, brother; will that give you enough cover? Can your... device... climb the ladder and accompany you? Or would you rather be 'in' than 'on'?"

(Not that we have to wait... we can go ahead and start clearing this car if y'all want.)

I'm okay with not splitting the party. Mal doesn't trust any of you anyway.

Mallory narrowed her eyes at Benjamin, weighing her options. It seemed to her that if she was crouched down in front of him, it wouldn't be too hard for her to put two in the back of her head. And that wasn't at all the way she planned on going out.

"Reckon that'll work." she said, pulling her hat a down a bit lower over her eyes. She looked at Ben, and added "But you do the crouching, boy."

"I was referrin' to your friend there, with the contraption. It ain't all about you, Doc Shorty."

Benjamin, who had had similar thoughts about the placement of bullets before making the suggestion, offered Mal a grin, but his green eyes were suspicious, and it didn't reach them. "Tell you what, girl. Our friend Doctor Gnome here can take point in th' doorway just the way he wants, and we can shoot from either side of the door. If them big rats live, the Doctor can lure 'em out here, where maybe we can boot 'em onto the tracks. No muss, no fuss."

If this is an ambush, it sure is the most convolutin' one I ever heard tell of, he thought to himself. Though I guess they coulda done me in while I was sleepin'. Still, ain't no one ever had cause to regret NOT having a gun at their back.

If they agree on this plan of action, Ben will take Leland's spot, and let the Doc have his. Kicking in the door and sniping from behind cover! But since Ben doesn't know what the rat-things are, he'll warn them anyway unless someone tells him they're animals, or it's very apparent when he gets a good look at them. Can't be too safe...

Before.

Ira nods slowly at Mallory's answer. "Delivering medicine, huh? Well, regardless of whether that came outta business sense or simple good intentions, the stuff is always 'preciated. It's a shame to have lost him." Ira meets her gaze, eyes steady. There's no returning challenge, just the promise that his response was honest.

Ira stands when she does, whispering back, but even as he responds his attention is caught. "Not sure..." Thoughts of the new arrival leave him, as he's seen the small body of a boy in one of the cabins. He'd missed it before. Angry, smarting bile rises up Ira's throat. He steps away from Mal, approaching the body. He gently scoops up the corpse, swiping away debris from one of the cabin's long seats, and places it there. Ira crosses the small arms over his chest, and pulls a handkerchief from a pocket. Blood begins to soak into the white cloth as Ira spreads it over the remains of the boy's face.

This time, he doesn't bother praying over the body.

Now.

Stepping out of the cabin, Ira rejoins the others. He acknowledges Ben with a glance, but his expression is set at a firm neutral. He's heard the gnome and the elfish man going at it, but if he approves of one of the two bickering train-goers over the other, it doesn't show. When Ira speaks, it comes out mumbling at first, but gains strength at the last sentence. That one has a slight tinge of anger, as if he's fighting back more violent desires. "I c'n help steady your aim, if the Hangman is still in an obligin' mood. And I don't doubt he will be. There's a lot of judgement to be passing on."

"This beauty is a precision built killing machine. Those goblins don't know what they're in store for."

At the next car,

"No need to get fancy yet and the automaton isn't calibrated to climb a ladder. Besides the point, I have no intention of climbing outside of a moving train unless I absolutely have to. Let's just clear the car and push forward. Cut them down, my gun toting companions and my creation will clean up what's left."

"Much obliged, preacher." The Nameless only know what kind of luck it took to be on the right side of the Hangman tonight, Ben thought. Maybe He thinks I got some restitutions to make. That was an uncomfortable thought, and Ben shook it off like a horse shaking off a fly.

Once everyone was in a position they liked, he said, "You all ready? On the count o' three. One, two - three!"

I'll go ahead and roll for initiatives but will consider this a surprise round. This door is heavy, so opening it will require a move action.

You all beat the Goblin Dogs, and this is a surprise round. Remember a single move or action only, so coordinate a bit. I'm assuming weapons are drawn.

Order

Dr. Loveless Initiative: 23
Leland Hopkins Initiative: 23
Benjamin Dalton Initiative: 11
Ira Kerrigan Initiative: 10
Mallory Lewis Initiative: 5

Goblin Dogs Initiative: 4

Eidolon moves on Leland's Turn and can also act in the surprise round.

(Hehe, and of course the gnomes display their overwhelming racial superiority by having the fastest reaction times!)

I'm going to use "Doc" on the map so "ML" will be more definitively "Mallory Lewis" versus "Meguilito Loveless." Ben, you indicated a Doc->BD->LH shift, but that would move Leland out of position. So, I just swapped you and Doc on the map and you (well, everyone) can relocate per your preferences. If someone will leave an empty space next to Doc, as soon as he takes his first shot he'll shift there, giving someone else (Leland?) a chance to step up. Otherwise he'll stay where he is for another shot on the first round, and you tallfolk can shoot over him as was previously suggested. (I'm thinking the PCs have this all worked out already...)

Doc brings his crossbow up, settles it against his shoulder, pre-sights, and nods to signal his readiness, firing as soon as the door opens.

Crossbow->Dog #1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Damage (AS): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

I'm presuming Goblinoid Hatred wouldn't apply even though these are goblin dogs; if it would, please add one to the hit roll. GM, did we rest long enough for daily SLAs to refresh?

I'll say yes on SLA's. But I don't remember you using any. And, don't forget, someone has to spend their move action opening the door. You guys can talk it out in the Discussion Tab if you need to. And Goblin Hatred doesn't apply here.

Looks like it's up to Leland to open the door? Otherwise that door is in for a surprise!

"How's it goin', boys?" Benjamin yelled as the door was swung open, firing over the Doctor's head.

pistol attack on GD2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 -2 range
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Surprise Round, Initiative 23
Leland:
hp 10/10; AC 15/12T/13FF; CMD 11
+2F/+2R/+2W

Eidolon:
hp 12/12; AC 14/12T/14FF; CMD 15
+3F/+4R/+0W

Leland opens the door.

Leland MA:Open Door
Eidolon: Skips turn, I don't want to block the ranged shooters

As Leland opens the door, Mallory fires a shot over his head at the closer goblin dog, barely even waiting for the door to have been opened all the way.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

The first goblin dog doesn't even have a chance to look up before a crossbow bolt and bullet put it down for good. The second goblin dog manages to squeal once before taking a bullet from Mal. But it isn't down. Not yet.

Ira, you're up.

Since, there's not much Ira can do from his position, I'll just have him wait it out. Surprise Round is over. Everyone can now take a full turn. You guys destroyed the initiatives of the Goblin Dogs.

Doc quickly reloads his crossbow (MA) and fires again (SA).

Crossbow->Dog #2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Damage (AS): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Meh.

Expect that it'll by dead by the time my turn rolls around, but in case not...

Mallory reloads her gun in one fluid action before firing another shot at the remaining goblin dog.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

There's nothing wrong with a little overkill. Or a lot of overkill, for that matter...

Expect that it'll by dead by the time my turn rolls around, but in case not...

I tend to favor keeping the game moving, personally. So I'll go ahead and allow this. I know some like to keep the initiative rules sacrosanct, but that can get in the way of the story flow, IMO.

Mallory places a bullet right in the eyes of the Goblin Dog, blowing its brains out.

Congratulations on a successful ambush.

Combat Over

Once the thunder of guns dies down, you're all able to get a look at the utter destruction in this Passenger Car. The Goblins went utterly mad in here, and managed to kill the occupants in two cars. But the other 4 have people in them who managed to barricade their doors and windows with luggage.

"Thank you! Thank you!" you hear some of them say. And then a chorus of confusion and fear as they begin to bombard you with questions.

"Why are we going so fast?" "Where are the gnomes?" "Are you security?" "What were those things?!

EDIT

The Goblins went utterly mad in here, and managed to kill the occupants in two cars.

I meant to say two "cabins". Sorry.

"Nice shootin'," Ben allowed, revising his personal estimate of Mallory from dangerous to very dangerous. There was grudging respect in his tone and his eyes, and he let her enter the car in front of him, not wanting her at his back. He finally holstered his gun, drawing his long, gleaming steel blade from its curved sheath.

I forgot to ask earlier, DM - do we use Hero Points?

"Where are the gnomes - the ones without Doctor in front of their names?" Ben wondered aloud in the hubbub. He began to shove his way through the crowd, clearing a path for Leland as he yelled, "You all just keep calm now, we're headin' up to slow the train! Get in your compartments and stay there!"

Intimidate, if needed: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Mal grins at Ben, and says "Ain't so bad your own self." She notices his hesitance around her and is pleased by it. He ought to be worried, she reckons. To the excitable passengers she simply grunts, mostly ignoring them as she reloads her gun and surveys the destruction. "See where they came from?" she asks one of them at random, already looking to move on from the car.

[EDIT]Edited due to Ben's Ninja!

Doc reloads again, letting the tallfolk clear the way and falling in behind Leland, mostly keeping his gaze to the rear to keep the group covered. Moving towards the front of the train, he eyes the carnage as well as the surviving occupants.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Just in case there's anything unexpected to be seen.

Need to go out now. Will try to pick up game later tonight.

"Yes, please go back in your cabins and re-barricade the doors. There is an ongoing incident occurring onboard that we are currently in the process of dealing with. We need to reach the front of the train, so please clear the way. Everything will be fine."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Handled everything faster than I thought. And, Doc, sorry that isn't quite high enough to find your bolt amidst the chaos. But you do see something else.

The crowd colorfully tells Benjamin where he can stick his meddling nose, but they calm down considerably upon hearing Leland's commanding voice.

Meanwhile, Mal and the Doc manage to spot a single Goblin, standing on the other side of the door leading to the next connecting platform. E12

He makes a series of rude gestures at them.

Mal and the Doc coming this Thursday, on the New CW.

EDIT: Map Updated. And I'll just go ahead and roll initiative, you guys are pretty trigger happy. :-)

Initiative Order
Dr. Loveless Initiative: 22
Leland Hopkins Initiative: 22
Benjamin Dalton Initiative: 20
Mallory Lewis Initiative: 17
Goblin Initiative: 12
Ira Kerrigan Initiative: 6

Everyone but Ira beat the Goblin's initiative. And gnomes beat all, as usual.

With complete and utter disregard for the passengers standing around in the cabin, Mallory, eyes narrowed, raises her pistol and fires at the rude goblin.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Okay, I think a little initiative shuffling's in order here... this is too good to pass up.

Doc moves to slip past Mallory and get the door since Leland handled the task last time. But then he sees her body tense. Not wanting to be between her and the door, he holds his position. (Delaying.)

Cringing as the window -- as well as much of the door, this time -- shatters explosively, he barks, "Gods above, woman! What is it with you and doors! Some poor overworked gnome will have to fix that, you know!"

Unfortunately, despite the unholy racket of the bullet smashing into the glass of the door, it can't quite get through the reinforced glass. I'm treating it as 1 inch of wood. The impact of the bullet clearly shows that it would have hit the Goblin right between the eyes.

Although, no sound can be heard, the goblin can easily be seen blowing a raspberry at Mal and Loveless.

Doc, you may proceed. Leland and Ben may also go.

EDIT: Needless to say...

The other passengers begin to scream when they hear the loud pop of Mal's pistol.

"Quiet down, people! Let us do our jobs! Ready yourself, brother!" shouts Doc as he moves forward to the damaged door. With one last nod to Leland, he flings the door open, standing pressed against the passageway wall... safely out of the line of fire, he hopes.

That's at least a Move Action, so I'll call Doc done for this round and let somebody else have some fun!

Oh... just to be clear... Doc called out to Leland but anyone who's ready can by all means fire away as far as I'm concerned.

Tell you what, Doc, how about you give me an Acrobatics Check (DC 5) to successfully skedaddle out the way. Since you're small I made the DC very easy. If you make the check, everyone can fire through your square with no penalty. There's no hard rule for this I can think of. It just feels right. The reason I'm asking for the check is so that you don't have to take the pain of dropping prone.

Fairy Nuff.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

I laughed quite a bit, Doc.

Mallory frowns as the bullet jams into the window. 'Waste she thought. 'Shoulda known better.' she thought. Then Doc spoke and she felt her skin getting warm. The gnome was beginning to get on her nerves, which was not a good place for him to be. Eyes blazing she glared at him for a second, ready to erupt like a volcano and spew molten hatred all over him. He met her gaze, and after a tense pause, she burst out laughing at how silly his concern was. "Ain't sure what train you been ridin' on, Doc, but lookin' at the state of this'un, I reckon that there bullet's gonna be the least of the trouble."

Ben cursed under his breath. Flipping his sword to his off hand, he drew and fired past Mal,

pistol attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 1

but with his intent being more on not pissing off the other gunslinger by grazing her, he didn't come close to hitting the agile goblin.

Sorry for the short post, but I'm on my way out the door! I'll catch up asap when I get back, but Ben will follow the group and attack when necessary (with the curve blade rather than his pistol) until then, just in case. Don't want to hold us up!

Round 1, Initiative 22
Leland:
hp 10/10; AC 15/12T/13FF; CMD 11
+2F/+2R/+2W

Reading his crossbow to fire, Leland nods towards the goblin, "Take it down." The mechanical beast at his side moves forward with fluid grace to strike at the goblin.

Eidolon:
hp 12/12; AC 14/12T/14FF; CMD 15
+3F/+4R/+0W

Leland Crossbow Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Eidolon Attack PA: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

A bullet, a crossbow bolt, and then even a robotic Eidolon manage to miss the Goblin. It cackles and then attacks with its stubby little blade.

Short Sword: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

The blade nicks the eidolon, loosening an important looking bolt, but nothing else.

Short Bow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Short Bow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 Oops! Critical. Let's confirm that.
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Short Bow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 Nope!
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

But then two small arrows slam into the eidolon. One bounces off it's armor, while the other sinks in past a joint. It's an ambush!

The goblin takes a step to the side. Now at F12. The two new goblins are sitting on the roof of the train. Please check the map.

Eidolon takes a total of 2 damage this round. Ira is up for round 1. But everyone else can also post for round 2. BTW, Leland, does the eidolon have a name? Or can I just start calling him Gizmo? :-)

EDIT: Forgot 19 is a crit for a short sword. But still no confirm. Eidolon still only takes 2 damage. The power of gnome engineering. :-)

Short Sword: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Mallory's face turns to steel as the new goblins fire arrows into the train car. She moves forward, firing at one of the rooftop goblins (G3) as she does so.

Using one of my Grit Points for Up Close and Deadly. He'll take that 6 damage even if I technically miss the shot. Grit down to 2/3.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + (6) + 1 = 9

Ben sheathed his pistol and raised three and half feet of gleaming sharp steel in both hands. "If you-all want to chasten them goblins on the roof, I'll gut and skin the fool down here," he suggested.

Delaying until after Mal, then Ben will sheathe his pistol (MA) and charge the goblin on the platform (SA) - assuming there's still room for him at that point.

-2 AC until next round.

curve blade attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
dmg: 1d10 ⇒ 2

Edit: ninjaed! Man, I write slowly. :P

Mal's bullet misses the goblin, but still manages to nick some shrapnel off the train, hitting it in the shoulder.

"Oof!"

If I'm reading Up Close and Deadly correctly, you deal half of the "extra damage". You rolled a 6, so it takes 3 points. But maybe...

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

The goblin stumbles for a moment, but catches its feet.

***

The goblin on the ground nimbly dodges Ben's attack.

"Stupid, stupid, Longshanks can't hit Gobbos!"

Neglected to update the map before, Doc was at E13 from having opened the cabin door. Corrected. Taking delayed initiative now.

Doc mutters a profanity under his breath as he quickly reloads again. (MA) Then, stepping into the doorway, (Fluff) he raises his crossbow and aims at one of the rooftop targets as he snaps a reply to the Goblin taunt.

"But I can!"

Crossbow->Goblin G2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 (SA)
Damage (AS): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Now, could someone please kill the goblin I just stepped in front of before he slices me open? :oP

If I'm reading Up Close and Deadly correctly, you deal half of the "extra damage".

I totally misread that when I was writing it over. Corrected on my sheet, and in my brain.

It is the eidolon with no name, but you can refer to it as gizmo for convenience sake.

Round 2, Initiative 22
Leland:
hp 10/10; AC 15/12T/13FF; CMD 11
+2F/+2R/+2W
Eidolon:
hp 10/12; AC 14/12T/14FF; CMD 15
+3F/+4R/+0W

If possible, Leland will move and cast Mage Armour on his eidolon.
If not he will just stand out of the way and reload.

If possible, he eidolon steps to keep up with the goblin and attack(full attack, PA)
Claw: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Claw2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

I adjusted the map according to everyone's descriptions. But don't forget that you guys can edit it as well. But if you'd rather, you can also just tell me which square you'd like to go to and I'll fix the map.

Leland cast a dweomer on his creation, giving Gizmo a faint blue glow for a moment. The eidolon then moved forward and ripped the taunting Goblin's head off.

A crossbow bolt imbued with a token of Loveless' arcane power struck one of the goblins in the shoulder.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 LOL

It spins around from the force of the bolt several times and falls off the train screaming on it's way down.

Two goblins down. Ira is up for round 1 and 2. But I'll just have him hold his actions and move him up a bit for now.

The final goblin, being too stupid to realize it's been beat takes another shot with his short bow, trying to ping the metal monstrosity he had tried to hit earlier.

Short Bow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Even with the +4 to AC that will be a hit. Gizmo takes another 2 points of damage.

EDIT: Oh, yeah. Everyone is up again.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

"HEY! Stop denting the machine!

Crossbow->Goblin G3: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Damage (AS): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Oh well...

Benjamin looked up, but decided the shooters would take down the last goblin before he might manage to climb up there. Instead he kicked in the door to the next compartment, ready to attack any goblins or giant rats he could see.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
curve blade attack, just in case: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
dmg: 1d10 ⇒ 10

Take that, you... piece of luggage? *sigh* I must appease the dice gods!

Growing irritated at the goblin's dexterity, Mallory slammed another cartridge into her gun and fired at the goblin on the train car.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Well that's a wash

Round 3, Initiative 22
Leland:
hp 10/10; AC 15/12T/13FF; CMD 11
+2F/+2R/+2W
Eidolon:
hp 8/12; AC 22/16T/16FF; CMD 15
+3F/+4R/+0W

Leland loads and fires his crossbow:

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Confirm?: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6

The eidolon takes a defensive posture(total defense)