[AP] The Shackled City Adventure Path by GM Rutseg (Inactive)

Game Master Balacertar

Dammit, I didn't notice that hobgoblin on the map. Foolish mistake by myself then.

When his eyes open, Ruben realises that just about everything hurts. Not for the first time, he questions why he is down here and whether this is all worth the pain they are going through.

He tries to push aside the thought that the kids have been sold. If that's true, this was all for nothing anyway.

Hey, doc.... he grunts as he wakes. We.... gotta.. stop meeting like this.

Round 5

Kikinnin turns his frustration with the halfling woman onto the hobgoblin backing away from him. "You should have run when you had the chance, hob." The black-beard points JJ to take up the rear flank, then swings down on the beast-man with all his might.

MW Dwarven Greataxe, Bless, Hatred, Flank?: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 20 for 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12 damage

Kikinnin continues his plea to the halfling woman. "Now, I'm not saying you can't sneak behind walls, and wait. I'm just saying that it's dangerous to keep moving. When the Urgosh lies in my hands, you'll be safe to pass about the halls. Trust me." The dwarf can't think of anything more persuasive, and will not continue, should the halfling have a mind to run.

Round 4
Seeing JJ take the goblin dog out, Ryan turns just in time to see Ruben fall. "Abadar protect us" he cries grasping the key at his neck.
1d3 ⇒ 3hp for everyone slaves included, enemies excluded :) Then he takes off after the hob trying to escape.catching up to him as he stumbles a bit trying to shake off Maxim's spells.

Round 5
Ryan swings to hit the hob as a strange feeling of sleepiness comes over him as well.What's wrong with me

heavy mace: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Will(DC11): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

As JJ sees Ruben fall, the memory of his own all-too-recent brush with death comes back to him. Fear sinks its icy fingers into the pit of his stomach. And that fear is channelled into a righteous rage.

Stepping behind the goblin, he brings both blades to play for the first time in the battle.

attack, bless, flank, TWF: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 21
attack2, bless, flank, TWF: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 16
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
damage2: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Kikinnin and JJ flank the longsword hobgoblin, cutting him chest and back. The creature falls to the ground with numerous gashes bleeding.

Ryan raises his holy symbol calling for the power of Abadar and excluding from his blessings the less damaged goblinoids. A wave of positive energy takes you closing your wounds.

He then moves out of the workbench with a small jump and hustles towards the alerting hobgoblinoid. He arrives too pressed though to place a good hit on the creature that continues shouting.

Everybody: Bless 2 min (+1 to hit and fear), +1 AC r6
Green hobgoblin: 19 damage, unconscious, dying
Female halfling (light blue): 3 damage, badly injured
Kikinnin: 25/25 hp, guidance r10
Ruben: 5/19 hp, prone
Ryan: 18/18 hp
Maxim: 12/12 hp, mage armor 90 min
JJ: 20/20 hp, stable, disguise self 2h (glamer DC 11)
Round 5: Marigold, JJ, Ruben, Maxim, Kikinnin, Ryan, Goblinoids

Round 5

Marigold smiles a small, still-worried smile and shrugs helplessly as Ruben speaks, no clue as to what he's saying. But he's alive and that's what's important. She looks up as the others attempt to pursue the remaining hobgoblin who appears to both be trying to flee and making a lot of noise while doing so.

She taps Ruben with the wand one more time before scrambling to her feet and hurrying to back up JJ and the others.

Cure Light Wounds (Ruben): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Charges remaining (26).

Round 5

As the hob shrugs off the magicks, Maxim curses;

"Fire an' damnation!"

The gun-mage shouts to the remaining members of the group and the freed slaves;

"We may have more company soon! You hobniz come to me - I've crossbow's fit for small hands here... No arguing now!"

He points to the female dwarf and the warhammer he dropped nearby her;

"Lillesøster - afhente hammeren. Du skal muligvis kæmpe, hvis de kommer i tal!"

Maxim holds position, takes the wand in his teeth, before loading his pistol with a flare cartridge (Move Action), before holstering again (Move Action)

Marigold further heals Ruben before she moves around the corner.

Maxim tries to convince the slaves to help the party.
Diplomacy (friendly) vs halfling: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5
Diplomacy+camaraderie (friendly) vs dwarf: 1d20 + 0 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 0 + 2 = 17
The halfling seems to scared to move and keeps cowering next to the fire. But the dwarven woman picks up the hammer and moves towards Maxim, with difficulty due to the shackles.

The hobgoblin keeps shouting "Clokers!! Clokers!!" while fighting Ryan.
Longsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
S damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
The sword touches only air.

A door in the corridor opens and three more hobgoblins get out of it, two in the front with swords, one in the back with a bow.

Everybody: Bless 2 min (+1 to hit and fear), +1 AC r6
Green hobgoblin: 19 damage, unconscious, dying
Female halfling (light blue): 3 damage, badly injured
Kikinnin: 25/25 hp, guidance r10
Ruben: 5/19 hp, prone
Ryan: 18/18 hp
Maxim: 12/12 hp, mage armor 90 min
JJ: 20/20 hp, stable, disguise self 2h (glamer DC 11)
Round 6: Marigold, JJ, Ruben (x2), Maxim, Kikinnin, Ryan, Goblinoids

Round 6

Kikinnin hears the damn thing barking out, and grimaces as he turns the corner when he finds out the hob has been successful in calling up support. He ignores its spittle, moving into the doorway, and bringing up his shield, expecting to make it difficult for the gobs working their way towards them. AoO from barking hob expected... Double Move

"Are you ready, Ryan? This won't be pleasant, the pain. It's easier for me, knowing you and Marigold are around, and able to stitch the skin shut. But you never get used to the pain. It's a constant reminder that the fight means something."

AoO longsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
The hobgoblin totally fails to stop Kikinnin's advance and the dwarf blocks part of the door.

Aye it won't be easy and likely painful, but it pain bothered me that much I wouldn't stand in the courtyard every morning with Sir Aleck. He might pull is a bit but not enough to keep me from the infirmary if I wasn't devoting my full attention to him." Ryan replies with a grim smile, as he steps to his left to pick up a flank with Kikinnin, pushing the hobgoblins blade wide with his shield and countering with a swing of his own.

H Mace: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Kikinnin hisses in approval, while keeping his voice low. "That's it! If he lives through this, he'll feel that one in the morning! Ready yourself for an arrow, 'fore the swords arrive."

Round 6

As his beard-brother and Ryan move to engage the hobs in hand-to-hand, Maxim nods with a smile at the shackled maid then steps out into the corridor to mirror the advance of his companions (5ft Step);

Aiming his wand at the arc of the door Maxim releases another charge of its arcane energy;

"Sluimeren!"

As previous casting is a Full Round Action - won't effect until next round... Maxim is aiming for the door frame effectively hoping to "drop" the spell into that bottleneck as the hobs begin arriving (whilst trying to keep Kikinnin and Ryan out of the effect zone) - Not sure if I can manage it?

JJ advances and attacks the goblin in the red shirt..

"Surabaaaarrrr"

Well, I guess the quiet approach isn't working

If Kikinnin dropped him, then JJ has movement enough to get up to the next two.

attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

The sword stab is short and quick. Maybe too short and too quick if the goblin has more than just leather armor.

Ryan hits on the hobgoblin's head with his mace. The bones break below the metallic head and the creature shouts in pain.

While Maxim starts waving his wand, JJ reaches the hobgoblin forced and fails to stab his sword at him.

Ruben stands up and moves towards the door, but he is still too affected by the wounds and fails to land a blow on the hobgoblin. GMPC
Longsword+bless: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5
Slashing/Magical damage+AS: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6

The dwarven woman slowly moves with the shackles towards Maxim, hammer at hands.

The hobgoblin attempts to defend himself, but pressed to dodge blows, his blade totally miss JJ.
Longsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Slashing damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

The other two hobgoblins in the frontline, move down the hallway attacking Kikinnin.
Longsword (cover): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Slashing damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Longsword (cover): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Slashing damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

The ones with the longbow shot at the dwarf even with the difficulties of the short space. They starts shouting also "Clokers!" and "Kazhun! Alt Kazhun!"
Longbow-melee (cover): 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 3 - 4 = 10
Slashing damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Longbow-melee (cover): 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 3 - 4 = 0
Slashing damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Two more hobgoblins show themselves at the corridors crossing and look at the breaking battle.

At that moment Maxim finishes his spell.
Blue Will DC 11: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Black Will DC 11: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
White Will DC 11: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Green Will DC 11: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
The two hobgoblins with the bows suddenly stop shouting and fall to the floor into a deep slumber.

Everybody: Bless r20 (+1 to hit and fear)
Red hobgoblin: 7 damage
White hobgoblin: slept r17
Green hobgoblin: slept r17
Female halfling (light blue): 3 damage, badly injured
Kikinnin: 25/25 hp, guidance r10
Ruben: 5/19 hp
Ryan: 18/18 hp
Maxim: 12/12 hp, mage armor 90 min
JJ: 20/20 hp, stable, disguise self 2h (glamer DC 11)
Round 7: Marigold (x2), JJ, Ruben, Maxim, Kikinnin, Ryan, Goblinoids

Round 6

Marigold watches with ever-growing concern as more hobgoblins begin to show up to replace the ones that have already been slain. But with quarters tight, there's not enough room for her to be of use up in the middle of the fray.

Glancing around she notices the female dwarf struggling towards the melee, smithing hammer in hand. Reaching out, she tentatively places a hand on the dwarf's shoulder and imbues her with a small bit of guidance as she attempts to give a reassuring smile. But as she does, she suddenly realizes that there's another door to the south...

More might come through that other door...oh no! Maybe we can block it?

Hoping that the others can hold the line for the moment, she hustles towards the southern exit.

Casting Guidance on the female dwarf, then moving...

Round 7

As she approaches the other door, Marigold gets a sinking feeling in her stomach as it becomes apparent that there isn't anything handy to barricade the door.

Hey...maybe you can pull that weird trick with the colors again if more show up?

Maybe more won't show up...

But maybe they will. Be ready.

Reaching out yet again, she bestows guidance on the freshly-on-his-feet Ruben before moving to position herself partway between her friends and the door to the south - eyes peeled for more trouble.

Casting Guidance on Ruben and then moving to her current position.

Round 7

Kikinnin manages to see Marigold moving towards the southern part of the room. "Through that door, the dining hall, through the dining hall, the kitchen and larder to the left, and the throne room to the right."

He turns back to the backstabby hob still in the room with them, expecting it to fall to the might of his mates. He swings on it, trying to minimize the number of swords slashing at them all.

MW Dwarven Greataxe, Bless, Hatred, Flank: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 25 for 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 damage

He barks as his blade fails to fall more strongly.

"Maxim, brilliant! Two of them are out cold!" He shuffles impatiently, wanting desperately to be standing over the sleepers before they wake.

"Ruben if you're up to it, can you drop anymore grease in the hallway?" Ryan calls out before swinging once more at the hob seperating hin from Kikinnin.

H Mace: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

With both swords able to sing in harmony again, JJ goes to town.

The family heirloom slashes left. It's a weak blow, easily deflected by the goblins armor. The real blow this time is from his other hand. His old, trusty, notched but familiar sword licks out, drawing goblin blood as it does so.

If it is already dropped, JJ will step forward 5' to launch his attack.

attack1,bless: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 - 2 = 11
attack2,bless: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 1 - 2 = 23
damage2: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Round 7

Hearing the success of his wand Maxim flashes a hard grin before turning to address the female dwarf and panicked halfling;

"Any of the fallen jeblin-kin hold the keys to your shackles? If so retrieve them and unlock yourselves..."

As he speaks the dwarf shifts the wand into his off-hand and moves forward, other hand poised over the pistol grip at his hip.

Move 20ft forward. Gives him closer sight of the grande melee and also covers Marigold's position. Not drawing his pistol... yet.

The gun-mage nods to Marigold sensing her concern at the southern doors;

"Best we hold here little lady... Might be more of these scum playing house down here. Hate to run into a passel of them without proper iron to back us up... 'Sides I've got your back..."

Marigold advances to the melee, checking the southern door for further enemies while guiding her companions in the go.

Kikinnin bites the hobgoblin skin with a cut of his axe while Ryan misses under pressure. JJ comes later stabbing the creature in the chest, but the creature keeps on foot.

Maxim moves further storing his wand and issuing more commands to the dwarven woman.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 0 + 2 = 18
She seems to accept them grateful and moves to the hobgoblin corpses starting to look for the shackles keys.

Meanwhile Ruben moves once again his sword, the blade crackling with magic.
Longsword+bless+guidance: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 16
Slashing/Magical damage+AS: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 = 11
The hit is precise and strong, and the hobgoblin fells unconscious without even realizing of the new injury.

The other two hobgoblins keep their attack on Kikinnin.
Longsword (cover): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Slashing damage+AS: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Crit? (cover): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Slashing damage+AS: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Longsword (cover): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Slashing damage+AS: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
The first attack lands on the dwarf's neck, very close to a main artery. The blood splatters all over the floor while the hobgoblin grins satisfied.

One of the hobgoblins in the crossing moves to the door in the far side shouting "Kazhun! Kazhun!" and knocking at the door while the other one moves back to the south disappearing in the corridor.

Everybody: Bless r20 (+1 to hit and fear)
Red hobgoblin: 25 damage, unconscious, dying
White hobgoblin: slept r17
Green hobgoblin: slept r17
Female halfling (light blue): 3 damage, badly injured
Kikinnin: 15/25 hp, guidance r10
Ruben: 5/19 hp
Ryan: 18/18 hp
Maxim: 12/12 hp, mage armor 90 min
JJ: 20/20 hp, stable, disguise self 2h (glamer DC 11)
Round 8: Marigold, JJ, Ruben, Maxim, Kikinnin, Ryan, Goblinoids

Round 8

Kikinnin stares back at the self-satisfied gob, and his eyes dilate, as the black-beard intones words of commitment and sacrifice. "Hvis det er din vilje, vil jeg stå og bløder, indtil jeg kan bløder ikke mere ... forsegle mig, helbrede mig, og se mig stå lidt endnu ..."

The wound at his neck begins to close, much as if Marigold stood by with her wand... Swift Action, Lay on Hands, no AoO

Lay on Hands, 2/3: 1d6 ⇒ 6

The dwarf mirrors the self-satisfied grin, bringing his weapon up, then down again, to exchange blows with the hob.

MW Dwarven Greataxe: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 10 for 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 damage

Press 'em hard! They'll cut and run! Ruben shouts, all but forgetting the pain that wracks his body still

Beginning Inspire Courage, active for this round and the next two

Round 7: Mage Armour (+4AC); Bless (+1 to hit & vs fear saves)

As the grande melee presses and shifts as iron clashes and blood is shed, Maxim fishes into his belt and retrieves an item (Move Action).

The small stone in his palm has an alchemical quality that makes the gun-mage flash a grin.

He eyes past the clamour of the combat, to where as far down the corridor his eyes take him. Shifting to his right to get a better channel (5ft Step), Maxim readies to throw the stone as if he were at a lake skipping pebbles;

Readied Ranged (Throw Thunderstone 60ft. -4 penalty due to 2 x 20ft increment): 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 19

(Readied throw will trigger when he hears the door being opened down the hall - effectively targeting the square where the gold hob is)

Round 7

Marigold nods at Maxim; the gist of his message easily conveyed by his positioning and body language. Still nervously watching the southern doors, she falls back a step next to the still-injured Ruben and taps him again with the healing wand.

Cure Light Wounds (Ruben): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Charges remaining (25)... :(

Kikinnin's wounds suddenly close without any kind of apparent explanation. His attack fails landing on the door frame.

Ruben starts singing and you feel your hearts regaining the vitality needed to keep fighting against the increasing number of foes.

Maxim closes one eye and looks far beyond the line of hobgoblins, like preparing something special with the small stone he just draw from his pocket.

Marigold touches Ruben with the wand, but this time he only heals small scratches.

The hobgoblins keep their fight against Kikinnin going.
Longsword (cover): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Slashing damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Longsword (cover): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Slashing damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
One of them cuts at the dwarf is almost to open a deep gash, but it hits the frame of the door, saving him in the last moment.

At the other side of the corridor the door opens. From behind, a bestial dark-furred creature raises a spiked morningstar. All over his body, a dwarven crafted full armor dressed, with the coat-of-arms degraded by the worn of time and smeared with blood. Bellow, the armor must have been beautiful in the past. The creature's tiny, milk-white eyes glittering with the thrill of the coming kill.

Readied, Maxim throws the small stone. It flies all over the corridor and within the hobgoblins landing just at the feet of the bestial and gratefully armed creature. It explodes with a grinding noise.
Kazhun Fort DC 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Yellow Fort DC 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Both goblinoids resist the worst part of the detonation. The bigger one looks at Maxim despised and groars.

The other one shouts "Kazhun! Clokers!" and points towards you. He then runs around the corner disappearing into the southern corridor.

Everybody: Bless r20 (+1 to hit and fear), Inspire courage r11 (+1 hit/damage)
Red hobgoblin: 25 damage, unconscious, dying
White hobgoblin: slept r17
Green hobgoblin: slept r17
Female halfling (light blue): 3 damage, badly injured
Kikinnin: 21/25 hp, guidance r10
Ruben: 10 (I forgot previous +3)/19 hp
Ryan: 18/18 hp
Maxim: 12/12 hp, mage armor 90 min
JJ: 20/20 hp, stable, disguise self 2h (glamer DC 11)
Round 9: Marigold, JJ (x2), Ruben, Maxim, Kikinnin, Ryan (x2), Goblinoids

round 8
JJ steps up next to Klikkin and does what he can to relieve pressure on the paladin. His swords are aimed at the one in front of the Paladin, hoping to finish it off first.

"Surabar! Clocker!" he mimics the goblins.

attack1,bless,inspire,TWF: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 13
attack2,bless,inspire,TWF: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 24

Again it is the off hand sword that does the damage
damage,inspire: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7

Round 9
Pausing for a moment to catch his breath JJ then continues to hack away at the goblin in from of Kikinnin.
attack1,bless,inspire,TWF: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 18
attack2,bless,inspire,TWF: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 9
This time he feints with the off hand blade and drives home the sword of Surabar I hope!
damage, inspire: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6
"Surabar!"

Round 8
Ryan smiles as the hob is dropped by Ruben and JJ's combined assault, switching his attack to black to help his brother in arms to hold the door from the coming onslaught.

attack black
H Mace: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6

Round 9 continued
H Mace: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 4
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 = 11 waste of a beautiful damage roll

unfortunately tripping over the prone form of the hobgoblin completely ruining his second attack

Hmm perhaps better off passing guidance out

Round 9

As the thunderstone does little other than irritate the big goblinoid, Maxim spits in distain;

"Hell's teeth... Now we have a Buchveer to contend with..."

The gun-mage eyes the southern doors with grim eyes;

"Best you lot send them hoch-jeblin to the mud... Reckon hairy and his ugly brethren might be making their way to us by alternative route. Little Miss, LaChance, best we stay frosty!"

Maxim nods toward the unguarded doors as he draws his pistol Move Action

JJ scores one hit on the blue leathered hobgoblin, and a second one scratches the hobgoblin, half-hitting the door frame.

Ryan fails to find a place through the door for his mace, sending both of his attacks against the wall.

Meanwhile Maxim readies his pistol against anyone entering through the southern doors.

Everybody: Bless r20 (+1 to hit and fear), Inspire courage r11 (+1 hit/damage)
Blue hobgoblin: 13 damage
White hobgoblin: slept r17
Green hobgoblin: slept r17
Female halfling (light blue): 3 damage, badly injured
Kikinnin: 21/25 hp, guidance r10
Ruben: 10/19 hp
Ryan: 18/18 hp
Maxim: 12/12 hp, mage armor 90 min
JJ: 20/20 hp, disguise self 2h (glamer DC 11)
Round 9: Marigold, JJ, Ruben, Maxim, Kikinnin, Ryan, Goblinoids

Unable to get by JJ and Kikinnin, and somewhat conscious of his own state of health, Ruben opts instead to call on those inherent abilities that he has never really been able to explain, and tries to confound one of the goblins.

Casting Daze on the goblinoid before JJ, DC 12 Will save to resist

Round 9

Kikinnin spots the hulk at the end of the hallway, and something in the tone of his voice changes. "Bror. Den der. Han er iført min Far panser. Min familie. Min Far. At man kommer til ... Vi skal have en opgør i dag."

The black-beard flicks his head in the hulk's direction, before bringing his axe up again, then down on the hob standing between he and It.

MW Dwarven Greataxe, Bless, Hatred, Inspiration: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 28 for 1d10 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7 damage
Confirm Critical?: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 10 for 2d10 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7, 3) + 4 + 2 = 16 damage

Kikinnin's newest wound heals a little, as the dwarf anticipates greater blows from the morningstar. Swift Action- Lay on Hands

Lay on Hands, 3/3: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Will DC 12: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Ruben makes a series of gestures and pronounces arcane words, but the hobgoblin in front seems to shake off the effects of his cantrip.

With a determined movement of his axe, Kikinnin blows his head with the blade of the weapon, his eyes fixed on the approaching bugbear. He has never heard of this Kazhun before, but it looks very strong.

The dwarf wounds strangely keep healing themselves in an autonomous way.

The surviving hobgoblin gets enraged by the traitor hobgoblin that hit his colleague and attacks JJ.
Longsword (cover): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Slashing damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Not finding a favourable result, and with so much carnage around, the hobgoblin steps behind retreating on the look for his larger folk.

Under the heavy weight of his full armor, Kazhun slowly approaches the group. Raising his morningstar menaces the dwarf at the other side of the doorstep "You interrupted fun. You die"
Intimidate (demoralize) DC 13: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Because the bonus vs fear from bless and inspire courage do not stack, Kikinnin is shaken 1 round

Nothing happens in the southern flank. For now.

Everybody: Bless r20 (+1 to hit and fear), Inspire courage r11 (+1 hit/damage)
Blue hobgoblin: 20 damage, unconscious, dying
White hobgoblin: slept r17
Green hobgoblin: slept r17
Female halfling (light blue): 3 damage, badly injured
Kikinnin: 25/25 hp, guidance r10, shaken r11 (-2 attack and skills)
Ruben: 10/19 hp
Ryan: 18/18 hp
Maxim: 12/12 hp, mage armor 90 min
JJ: 20/20 hp, disguise self 2h (glamer DC 11)
Round 10: Marigold (x2), JJ, Ruben, Maxim, Kikinnin, Ryan, Goblinoids

GM this might have been a good time to use his guidance bonus, expires next round anyways. It is a competence bonus whereas Bless and Inspire are morale bonuses. So it would give him 14 :)

The song of battle roars loud in the ears of JJ. Yes, there is fear, but the memory of his recent near death experience is far away. Right now, there is just a horde of goblins in front of him, and they are a hoard that will spill up into Cauldron if he doesn't do something about it.

Pleased that the fearsome dwarven warrior has disposed of the goblin to his front, he presses his assault against the one who is retreating.

attack, bless, inspire, TWF: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 18
off hand attack, bless, inspire, TWF: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 7

Once again the blade of the Surabar family draws goblin blood.
damage,inspire: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5

But far too little of it. For every goblin that drops, another two seem to appear. Surely there must be an end to them somewhere.

Round 9

Frowning at the wand's sudden ineffectiveness, Marigold gives it a good shake for lack of any better ideas and then forcefully jabs it at Ruben's kneecap.

Cure Light Wounds (Ruben): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Charges remaining (24).

"શું-? તે શા માટે કામ નથી, જેમ કે તે પહેલાં કર્યું!?" she exclaims as the wand once again seems to do little to heal Ruben's injuries.

Round 10

Having been so preoccupied with watching the southern door and her troubles with the healing wand, Marigold's eyes suddenly widen as she realizes that even more trouble keeps piling in from the doors to the east.

Fed up with the wand for the moment, she instead grants Ruben a small burst of guidance and gestures wildly at the raging melee. "અહીં! તેમને મદદ જાઓ!"

Casting Guidance on Ruben!

Ryan steps towards Kikinnin as they prepare to meet the large creature coming their way. Yet JJ, has lept to the fore in his chase for the next hobgoblin, with that being the case Ryan continues forward with himbeing sleepy and trying to compose a post isn't working when I check the map Kikinnin has already moved forward:)

Ryan steps up behind JJ, bestowing a touch of the divine, should he need it going forward.

standard action : cast guidance on JJ

Round 10

Kikinnin feels a small tremor of fear. He looks at the hob retreating, and sees the lane it opens for the hulk. Instead of swinging on the smaller creature, he digs his back heel in, and brings his shield up.

"JJ, look sharp. The big thing is getting ready to close. Let's hope it's as stupid as it is big." He debates anything else he can do, but this is by far the biggest foe he's ever faced, and he's not sure he'll be able to remain standing for long. "There's no shame in retreating, JJ. I tell you that to reassure you, and remind myself."

Standard Action- Total Defense(+4 AC)

"Uncle Alex says the bigger they are, the harder they fall."

Says JJ as he ducks a quick blow.

"Of course, Uncle Alex wears full plate."

@Ryan, that's a good point. Re-reading the guidance spell though it seems as it only applies to a roll the affected target performs. So in this case only fear and Wis bonuses would apply as for the Intimidate skill rules

JJ stabs his Surabar sword at the retreating hobgoblin failing to connect a second attack.

Ryan casts guidance on JJ powering him in the combat.

Marigold uses the wand to keep healing Ruben, and then casts a guidance spell to further boost the arcane duellist.

Kikinnin advances the line, preparing himself to receive the attack of the big mole of flesh in the middle of the corridor.

And Kazhun charges. At first it moves slowly. His steps landing lazily as it moves his weight, but heavily, causing the floor to tremble as he takes more speed. When he is half the way of the group defensive line, he and the full armor have made of him a big mass of unstoppable metal. Raising his morningstar, he totally ignores the hobgoblins fighting in the corridor, and focuses in the dwarf in front.

The bugbear clashes over with the dwarf. Metal against metal. Kikinnin feel the mighty blow of the morningstar, the inertia of the big mass falling over him.
Morningstar-AP+charge (2-handed): 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 7 - 1 + 2 = 21
B/P damage+AP: 1d8 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 3 = 10
He feels it in his shield, as he holds it up against the creature. And yet, the stout dwarf sets his feet anchored in the floor and holds, and holds the charge. Then, the pressure on the shield suddenly dissipates, Kazhun cursing and readying himself for another attack.

The hobgoblin in black leathers returns the attack to JJ.
Longsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Slashing damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
The blade is almost to cut through the young man's neck, when suddenly Ryan's saving shield appears from behind blocking the sword an inch before his skin.

The dwarven woman seems to finally find a sort of keys on the hobgoblin corpses and starts to unshackle herself.

Everybody: Bless r20 (+1 to hit and fear), Inspire courage r11 (+1 hit/damage)
Black hobgoblin: 5 damage
White hobgoblin: slept r17
Green hobgoblin: slept r17
Female halfling (light blue): 3 damage, badly injured
Kikinnin: 25/25 hp
Ruben: 12/19 hp, guidance r20
Ryan: 18/18 hp
Maxim: 12/12 hp, mage armor 90 min
JJ: 20/20 hp, guidance r20, disguise self 2h (glamer DC 11)
Round 11: Marigold, JJ, Ruben (x2), Maxim (x2), Kikinnin, Ryan (swift used), Goblinoids

Round 10

Maxim continues to watch both the doors and the battle, mindful of foes from each front.

He shouts encouragement to his fellow dwarf:

"Kæmp godt søn af The Malakit. Gør din far strøm og slagte brute der skæmmer det hans rustning og din familie!"

The gun-mage continues to stand pistol in one hand and wand in the other.

Round 11

At the sounds outside of the southern door Maxim moves closer to companions (Move Action) and gesturing toward their position as he whispers a warning...

"Hold this line until I've fired.."

...then aims his pistol at the door, reading a shot:

Readied Ranged: Pistol: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage: Pistol (Flare Cartridge: 1d4 ⇒ 1+ Blinded (DC15 Fort Save to reduce to Dazzled) + All creatures within a 20-foot burst are dazzled for 1 round (Fort DC 15 negates the effect)

Readied action triggered when door is opened and target in sight. Flare effect should miss Maxim, Marigold and Rueben if they hold position :)

Round 10

We're about to have more company here!, Better finish these fast. Ruben shouts of the din of clashing metal.

Refresh Inspire Courage to give it another three rounds.

Round 11

I can't get through the melee to help K and JJ so heading South. Ruben also doesn't know about the flare cartridge :)

Ruben runs to the southern door and takes up a place beside it. He nods to Maxim, the silent communication being that following his shot Ruben is going to engage whatever comes through.

Readied strike: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 12
Crit confirm: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 1 = 15
Additional damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 6

Round 10

Kikinnin bites his tongue, forgetting to set his jaw as it goes slack from the charging monster. The taste of blood brings him back into the moment, as he realizes he's defended the swing. He doesn't spend time looking over the condition of his shield, but he can't imagine there isn't a permanent dent in his equipment. The blow is enough to kill his momentum, and he can't bring his axe around well enough to strike.

MW Dwarven Greataxe: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 12 for 1d10 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 1 = 12 damage

I can't get through the melee to help K and JJ so heading South. Ruben also doesn't know about the flare cartridge :)

True... but you do know how to hold the line... Impetuous youth! ;)

"Stand fast son of Malachite, Paladin of Abadar, and slayer of vermin. For though he is big and bears the armor of your forefathers, he is still nothing more than a rat, hiding down here chittering in the dark. And Sir Ratcather, you know how to put down this vermin!" inspiring word for Kikinnin +2

"Run whilst you still draw breath, for the blood of Malachite and Surabar stand before you! Heed me not at your own peril for they cleanse the Cauldron before and will do so again. Your brethren above failed to stand against them and so shall you"

Ryan directs the second part at the hob standing against JJ.

"Paladin?? What are you playing at, Ryan? I get Malachite part, and the vermin part, but I ain't no paladin of Abadar!! You think Abadar was looking over my kith and kin?! The dwarves of Malachite were the civilization down here, and they're all but gone, so so is your god, priest!!" Kikinnin argues with the words he speaks, but the words feel slippery, so he puts them down for now, and swears to himself that he'll cuff the priest later, when everyone is safe.

Hey! You ladies wanna save it until there ain't hobgoblins tryin' to carve us up? Ruben shouts, his grip slick on the hill of his raised blade. If there were more of the things behind this door, the whole thing could go south fast.

Maxim readies his pistol as Ruben gives another heroic note to the group as the hobgoblins keep throwing themselves against you.

Kikinnin swings his axe against Kazhun, but the heavy armor of the bugbear deflects the blow.

Ryan gives truly empowering words to the dwarf, further inspiring him in the fray.

Kazhun attacks with a mighty and mortal blow on Kikinnin.
Morningstar-AP (2-handed): 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 7 - 1 = 21
B/P damage+AP: 1d8 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 3 = 15
The blow goes over the dwarf's shield and is up to hit his head when Ryan's saving shield appears once more from behind parrying another certain blow.

The hobgoblin attacks JJ but only lands his blade on the wall.
Longsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Slashing damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

At that moment, the southern door opens. Immediately, Maxim opens fire against the creature standing at the other side. The shot is precise and lands in the hobgoblin's chest creating a blinding flash of light!
Brown Fort DC 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Light Green Fort DC 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Ruben Fort DC 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
The two hobgoblins and Ruben seem suddenly blinded!

Blind misschance 50%: 1d100 ⇒ 99
The arcane duelist nonetheless attempts his readied attack finding the head of the closest blinded hobgoblin!
The hobgoblin falls to the floor unconscious and bleeding.

Everybody: Bless r20 (+1 to hit and fear), Inspire courage r14 (+1 hit/damage)
Brown hobgoblin: 1 damage, blinded r13
Light green hobgoblin: 18 damage, unconscious, blinded r13, dying
Black hobgoblin: 5 damage
White hobgoblin: slept r17
Green hobgoblin: slept r17
Female halfling (light blue): 3 damage, badly injured
Kikinnin: 25/25 hp, inspiring word r13 (+2 hit/saves/skills, not stacking with bless)
Ruben: 12/19 hp, guidance r20, blind r13
Ryan: 18/18 hp
Maxim: 12/12 hp, mage armor 90 min
JJ: 20/20 hp, guidance r20, disguise self 2h (glamer DC 11)
Round 12: Marigold (x2), JJ (x2), Ruben, Maxim, Kikinnin, Ryan (swift used), Goblinoids

Round 12

Kikinnin watches as Ryan's shield shoots just past his ear. The swish of the motion creates a sound only he can hear. He strains, then swears a word was heard. Here.

He looks back over his shoulder. "Thanks, Ryan."

He continues to strike out at the bugbear, his emotions continuing to mix around uncomfortably. The thoughts straighten out quickly, as he finds his arc, and the bugbear receives his blade.

MW Dwarven Greataxe: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 25 for 1d10 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9 damage

Where he would laud his blow out loud, in an attempt to shame his opponent, Kikinnin remains deathly quiet in the face of Kazhun.

I should be good for gear.

Welcome Juraan - good to see you back in the fold hombre :)

Looking forward to having some arcane spell casting support as well lol

Gear wise - Maxim will claim the 20 tinder twigs and 2 smokesticks from our loot. Like Marigold he'll also invest in a MW Backpack @ 50GP if available.

Remember we have alchemical items in the loot - 8 sunrods that could be useful to our non-darkvision companions...

Also 4 vials of Anti-toxin... (cough) Assassins (cough)... Poison (wheeze)...

Thanks, Maxim.

It looks like you could've used my acid spell casting against that Kazmojen bozo earlier.
Oh well. Better late than never, eh?

Well, I do have the Light cantrip.
An el cheapo solution to not having darkvision.

I also have a bandoleer with 5 acid flasks which might come in handy.

Thanks for the light crossbow Ryan; it's much appreciated!

By the way, I'm working the next three nights (tonight included). I'll keep up and post as I can but if we should somehow wind up in combat then feel free to bot me to keep things moving!

I had more than my fair share of working nights over the years.

You have my condolences!

I think the others of you are interacting with other players, but let me know if you need some reaction from me!

In order to help you a bit, I finally got enough time to set a couple of maps of the Lucky Monkey. See in top of the Campaign tabs.

I set your tokens where I think you currently are right now.

I've been enjoying the RP we've had this past little bit; nice change of pace from dungeon-delving at breakneck speed ;)

Also I'll make some more updates to our Campaign journal/roster later on today!

It's a bit late, but if there are any dads here among us then I hope you had a great Father's Day :)

I'll be travelling most of the day tomorrow, will be able to post late night if not earlier

I'm here. Just posting dreams so you know I'm reading and staying on top of what is happening.

Pinging for interest- last GM post was Wednesday- happy to push, hoped I already had.

All the fun and games in Europe may be causing him problems. Lots of bad weather to mix in with Brexit.

Ouch.

And UEFA Euro 2016 is also happening!
(England v. Iceland Monday)

Just checking in and hoping the turmoil in Europe (or anything else bad) isn't what's keeping Rutseg away.

Hi! I am here! We have a very big holiday on Thursday night when we receive the Summer with everybody using fireworks and jumping bonefires, the San Juan (Saint John). It is the most important holiday after New Year and Christmas day.

We stand the whole night awake. The next day I waked up with the Brexit and today I am going on elections for the Spanish parliament whom selects the President.

I also had some time for the Eurocup which reminds me to say I will try to post after work, but will have the evening busy by the Spanish-Italy match.

This tavern scene is very open and it requires a bit more time than normal for me to up posts, but we will go through!

Altogether it has resulted a very interesting long-weekend! :)

Excellent, GM Rutseg! Very glad to hear you're keeping your head above the many waves in the water :)

Spain-Italy game should be much more entertaining that Croatia-Portugal.
:o

Apologies on the silence all - home interwebs are once again acting up and stymieing any chance to post.

I'll grab posts at work when i can (there is a small upside to the recession in oil and gas :) - but don't let me hold things up.

GM Rusteg: how many Hero Points should I have?

I got to read up on those.
Especially now that I've just started something. :o

Mmmm... I think 2 is a good number for any new player joining the game from now on :)

Okay, thanks!

Sorry, guys, I need a little clarification- are events taking place that are exclusive to certain characters (Juraan, JJ)? I don't want to insert myself in a scene that doesn't include me at present.

That's fine.

You can Kikinnin, the whole inn was alarmed by the event ;)

Thanks, GM Rutseg! Heading up to Chicago- will likely ghost until Monday evening. Independence Day weekend over here, barbecues and big bangs in the sky...

It was Canada day here yesterday.

Did a little more work; here's a small document that has a listing of everyone we've seen or met since we got to the Lucky Monkey and what we know about each of them. Hopefully it'll be helpful in keeping all the different suspects friendly faces straight :)

Just wanted to say Happy 4th (if you're in the US) and Happy Monday (if you're the rest of the world)! :)

My middle child was born on the 4th of July.

It was a busy day for us!

Hey all I'm traveling to Peru for the week , will not have access to Internet while I'm gone, will be in and out of US airports till around 11pm eastern will update best I can.

As far as getting into any of the guest rooms goes, the only two things I can think of would be just try the doors (provided there's no one around to see) or try windows if there are any. It's getting dark but Marigold could also use Obscuring Mist to give some cover at the windows, maybe have people mistake it for some low-lying fog. The downside is that you can't see anything beyond 5 feet, even with Darkvision.

It's probably a bit too convoluted to use here, but I thought I'd throw it out there just the same :)

JJ forgot nobody else can pick locks.
"It's a life skill, how can you not know... oh, right... clergy... I mean like, I just learned stuff by repairing old locks..honest."

Ryan told me to bot him if needed while in Peru. I think he would have gone with the dwarves.

Brutal day at work gang - have some days off Friday and Monday so will get some posts up on the morrow.

Move things along if needbe GM-R.

Cheers

That 'work' stuff always gets in the way of all the fun!

Do not worry Maxim, it is real life. We will manage things here the best possible.

Day off and still I am apparently at work... Grrrrr.

However calm has been restored (literal and metaphoric) so will get some posting done this evening :)

Rather than clutter Gameplay I'll post this over here. Regarding everyone's current positions:

*JJ went outside first and attempted to track the people that went outside earlier.
*Kikinnin, Maxim, and Ryan all headed outside as well very shortly after JJ did but I believe they are still standing around outside the inn trying to decide whether to follow JJ or not.
*Juraan and Marigold are still inside. I know I didn't say anything about Marigold going outside and I don't see where Juraan did either, though Juraan did ask if he and Marigold should follow outside as well or wait in the inn.

So based on positioning, I think Scarface would be talking to Kikinnin, Maxim, and Ryan.

Got it.

I thought Juraan and Marigold were outside, keeping their eyes open for the others returning.

Your version is better.

Rather than clutter Gameplay I'll post this over here. Regarding everyone's current positions:

*JJ went outside first and attempted to track the people that went outside earlier.
*Kikinnin, Maxim, and Ryan all headed outside as well very shortly after JJ did but I believe they are still standing around outside the inn trying to decide whether to follow JJ or not.
*Juraan and Marigold are still inside. I know I didn't say anything about Marigold going outside and I don't see where Juraan did either, though Juraan did ask if he and Marigold should follow outside as well or wait in the inn.

So based on positioning, I think Scarface would be talking to Kikinnin, Maxim, and Ryan.

This is my understanding also.

Back in town from Peru, great trip but officially bushes afer spending most of the past 29 hrs in airports and airplanes. Will catch up tomorrow and try to get a post in.

Welcome back - epic journey :)

va·ca·tion
vāˈkāSH(ə)n,vəˈkāSH(ə)n/
noun
1.(NORTH AMERICAN) an extended period of recreation, especially one spent away from home or in traveling.
"He took a vacation in the south of France."
synonyms: break, time off, recess, leave, leave of absence, furlough, sabbatical, spring break
2. the action of leaving something one previously occupied.
"His marriage was the reason for the vacation of his fellowship."

verb(NORTH AMERICAN)
1. take a vacation.
"I was vacationing in Europe with my family"
synonyms: travel, tour, stay, visit, stop over; formal sojourn

Had to look it up, for its strangeness on my tongue. The day has arrived, and I shall depart for a two-week road trip. Spotty phone posting may ensue, though it may be difficult to discern the difference.

Oh! Have fun on your trip and be safe! We will see you when you post (if you are able) and if not, we'll see you in two weeks :)

Enjoy! Where are you going to? Anywhere special?

We're hitting Memphis, New Orleans, Miramar Beach, Gaitlinburg, then finally Galena... Mucho Motel :)

Slammed at work - stepping up in the absence of my boss whose also on "vacation" :)

Will hopefully get something up tonight but don't wait for Maxim!