Throne of Night: Dark Frontiers (Inactive)

Game Master Olmek

Nurin moves up holding his frosted hand up. As he nears the elementals, he waits for one to come within striking distance.

Move 20 feet and ready action if an elemental comes within 5 feet.

While much of Lothar's training was time spent with his kin rather than in actual battle, he was increasingly finding his ability to dodge blows and strike true consistent. Perhaps the years working in the mines had lent him some physical dexterity beyond merely the strength it had granted after all. Easily evading the fire elementals attacks on him, he continued to stab his spear into his foe, albeit wary of the wooden haft of his weapon catching aflame.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

This streak of 20's is getting ridiculous.

I wasn't able see the map before. Now that I have, I attack number one, but cover and melee penalties make me miss.

know: Planes: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Grimdahl scowls as the others run into melee, killing any line of sight he had on the elementals. In the event that someone falls back, he readies an acid dart to strike if a gap opens up that he can see through.

Readied action: acid dart

Emboldened by the failed attacks of the elementals, Pravic roars a gleeful battle song as he swings his hammer in time with the poem.

"My hammer was made to shape the iron by the flame, ye're no worse than a bellows out of control! Back to the planes with ye!"

Pravic will use his 1 round/day of Stonestrike to attack elemental #2

Power Attack, Stonestrike: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 = 14 for Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11

Edit: I will also 5' step into the corner to allow Ingrid and Nurin to get in Melee range if they want.

Ivy takes a deep breath and leaps into the fray, quickly dodging under the elementals swinging attacks, diving behind their line to get into flanking with her group. After she lands, she spins knife in hand ready to divide their attention.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Oh, bluh. I can't get anything right these days.

Moving into the fray, Ingrid calls upon Torag to bless her armour, that she may stand against the flame and remain strong. That done, she sweeps her axe at the elemental beside her.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Move action to move, swift action to activate protection blessing (increasing AC by 1), standard to attack.

When making attacks, could people please include the number of the baddie that they're targeting? It would make my damage tracking much easier. Thanks!

One of the elementals is snuffed out under by combined blows from Lothar and Bali. Ingrid's axe slices through another, sending the outsider back to the plane it came from. Despite the loss of the other elementals, the last one pushes forward fearlessly, swiping at any dwarf with flaming hands.

Fire Elemental Slam vs. Pravic: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

The rest of the party can now act!

Reginald crosses his arms and smiles. This was mop-up now. He waits patiently for the younger folk to finish up.

I can't hit the broadside of a paladin. D:

Nurin crosses behind Bali and Ingrid and reach out to grab the fire spirit.

Touch Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Non-lethal Cold Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 + fatigued

Nurin's frost-coated fist plunges into the fire creature. It releases a shriek, shudders, and then fades away. The light in the room fades back to normal with the elementals gone.

Combat ovah!

Reginald relaxes and allows himself his first smile all day. Well done. Let's get back to the king, or whoever actually runs this place. I have yet to see a competent gnome in his government.

We may have been distracted from another threat. This all seems like a diversion to get us away from the king. Could not a few of the Svirfneblin taken care of this?

Nurin grins as he feels the fire spirit's essence quenched at his touch. "Haha! Easy as turnip pie! Now the gnomes can arm themselves properly." He nods and waits to follow the others out.

That was a thought I had, Bali, aye. This city feels woefully incompetent right now. I hope, for their sake, they are just testing us. Come! He starts off back the way they came at a good clip.

With the threat decimated, Pravic hoists his gear, and follow quickly behind Bali and Reginald, back to the main hall. Now that the gnomes can properly arm themselves, this coming battle might not be so difficult.

If only there was a way we could counteract the gnome's bane... Maybe that is what we will be for.

The blessing fades, and the faint glow leaves Ingrid's armour as the last elemental flashes out of sight. The last of her resolve might be leaving, but the spells granted her by the Forgefather remain, so she follows Reginald, her pace brisk.

What is everyone's take on this situation? I for one think someone else may make a better leader in general, and more immediately we need someone to lead the Svirfneblin against the Drow. Now, the old military leader is dead, right?

Perhaps we can convince the Lord were to name a general to lead the army. Maybe even a dwarf.

-Posted with Wayfinder

You find Lord Geirni seated in his hall flanked by a pair of gnomish guards. Most of the gnomes that had crowded into in main hall had left, perhaps to return to work or to prepare for the coming drow army. Malathorn is also missing, presumably locked in the dungeon. Geirni hops down from his throne and approaches the dwarves.

"Well, what did you find?"

Pravic looks around, slightly worried at the quick departure of the gnomes.

"Exactly what the traitorous elf said we would find, four fire elementals that we dispatched with ease. Your armory is clear to enter. I suggest you sound the alarm and man the defenses of your city. Who will be leading your men in battle?"

Where is Malathorn? I hope he is safely secured.

Just so you guys know, you have about two weeks of game time until the drow army shows up.

Nurin approaches the Lord. "Sir, if I may, we can take the time to ready defenses and train the troops. Perhaps we can build traps to spring on the drow army."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Pravic nods at Nurin's suggestion.

"He speaks wisdom lord. Also, we should speak with the general ye choose to lead yer army. There is much we should discuss, particularly how my family here," He says, sweeping his arms wide to indicate the rest of the dwarves, "can best be used to bolster yer defenses."

"Malathorn is safely locked away in the dungeon, along with that dreadful spider you brought in."

Geirni looks doubtful. "The only gnome good at fighting was Sheriff Gunther. He's dead though. I've never trained soldiers. Have any of you?"

"Our city is full of miners and farmers. We also have no trap-makers. Perhaps Tammar Even-the-Stones-Listen could help with that. He's the head foreman at the mine."

"We have been caught by surprise from the drow and without your help, I'm afraid that Fasturvalt is doomed. My friends, if we survive the coming fight, know that Fasturvalt will aid the dwarves of Dammerhall in any way."

I would suggest calling a war council immediately, mi' Lord. Bali says, trying her best to sound Dwarven.

Reginald takes Gerini's comment as permission to do whatever is needed, and that was very much indeed. Bali, WE are the council.

The old dwarf's mind easily slips into what he has centuries of experience doing, being a logistical mastermind.
Pravic, I need an inventory of every arm capable of swinging a blade or holding a shield and which can do both. Be sure to separate out the hunters and any skilled with a ranged weapon.
Nurin, I need a stock of the entire Alchemical and Magical supply in the city with particular focus on combat supplies.
Grimdhal, Ivy, I need a complete scouting pass of the city itself and the surrounding environs. Pay attention to possible gurilla ambush points. The more we can harry them the better. If possible, devise a way for us to keep them on alert and prevent the full rest needed for spells to refresh and their bodies to recover. If we can attract effective species of native predators to them, even better.
Ingrid, I need an inventory of armor and weapons available so we know how many units we can field.
Bali, Lothar, I need a simple training program for our new army. Nothing fancy. Please do your best to quash any tendencies toward heroic self sacrifice.
Any questions?

Nurin bows his head at Reginald. "At once." He looks up and spots a gnome guard standing by the door.

"You there! Take me to any spellcasters you have and I also want to see what stock of magical potions or alchemical items you have. We might need all of them to stop these stinkin' drow. I want to talk to any wizards, magicians, mages, chymists, or whatever you call them here. Let's go!" He shuffles the gnome out of the hall, following closely after him.

"Aye!" Pravic shouts with a big smile on his face. "I'll start with Tammer stone listener. We'll rally an army!" He says exuberantly.

Pravic obtains directions to the gnome's whereabouts, and moves quickly to find him. On the way, he tells everyone he sees, "The Drow are coming, ye must arm yerselves, but do not be afraid, the Dwarves of Dammerhall stand with Ye! Gather yer arms, and register at the main hall as quickly as ye can. Spread the word!" He takes care to put a special emphasis on the part about his kin standing with the gnomes, so as to inspire hope and courage, not spread fear and worry.

GM - I plan to bring Tammer back to the hall so the whole group can ask questions. I also plan to spend a significant amount of time spreading the word as mentioned above all across the city, hours or days if necessary, to have defenders come to register at the hall. We should be able to arrange to have some gnomes taking a register of volunteers, and we could then direct them to the training regimen that Bali and Lothar generate immediately. Pravic the recruiter! Fasturvalt needs YOU! This is fun :)

"Understood." With a stiff nod, Ingrid motions for a couple of gnomes to follow her, before heading back to the armoury. "Now, tell me of any weapon- or armour-smiths you may have..."

Grimdahl nods, drawing slowly from the cigar he's puffing on. "OK."

With that, he leaves (possibly waiting for Ivy to accompany him - or not), to scout the surroundings.

Knowledge- dungeoneering: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
(Looking for useful terrain for ambushing/delaying tactics. If Survival is the proper skill for this, add +6 to the result.)

Bali is a bit off set about teaching others combat and tactics, but realizes she must, the Svirfneblin are completely unprepared.

I'll give everybody the evening to respond and then move the individual scenes forward tomorrow.

A bit of scouting sounds fun. Or at least better then staying around Lord Idiot.... Ivy muttered quietly. She jogged to catch up to Grimdahl, spinning a knife between her fingers and grinning.

Grimdahl nods. "I don't have much use for him either, but replacing him right now would cause too much fuss. Trust Master T'jener, he's used to working around people to get things done. And that had better not be my knife you're twirling."

This last might be a feeble attempt at a joke; Ivy can get the clear impression that Grimdahl isn't used to being around other people. (druid, low charisma)

Pravic

Below lies Fasturvalt’s blessing and curse (2). The quarry here has provided an almost limitless supply of the finest marble to be found in the entire Azathyr. Perfect for sculpture, Fasturvalt marble has a slight translucence that mimics flesh and can be polished to a brilliant sheen. This dense stone is comparatively soft and malleable when first mined and with time hardens to be amazing durable, making it a perfect building material.

In short, everyone wants this stone. And Fasturvalt has lots of it. The quarry has been already been stepped down more than a hundred feet and there is no end to the deposit in sight. In one hundred and fifty years of constant labor, the quarrymen of Fasturvalt estimate that they have extracted less than a fifth of the marble that is to be found here.

The marble from the quarry is brought to Stonecutter's Row, a line of workshops and warehouses that runs along the border of the pit (3), and skilled artisan’s shape into a million forms. The gnomes live in houses made of marble. Lord Geirni’s hall is adorned with marble statues. The gnomes dine on marble plates, drink from marble cups and play chess on marble boards with marble pieces. The stone is ubiquitous about this town.

At the end of Stonecutter's Row is an unusual structure (4), unlabeled save for a large placard adorned with broken stonecutter’s tools. This is the Broken Chisel, a bar in Fasturvalt known for its almost universally stonecutter clientele. Inside, off-duty sculptors and quarry workers of both genders commingle and relax. When you enter, every eye turns on you suspiciously.

Nurin

The gnome guard escorts you out of the hall and down into the market square (5). Squeezing between a pair of stalls hawking pale, eyeless cavefish on one side and toadstools the size of your fist on the other. Before you is a large two-story building (11). It is one of the few buildings in town that appears lit from within. A mushroom bark sign in front of the building is decorated with the shape of a bat in blue marble tile.

"This is the Blue Bat, the only traveller's inn in Fasturvalt," the guard explains in Gnomish. "Miss Miatha Always-A-Song-Follows is the owner here. She is also the only mage that Fasturvalt has. Would you like me to accompany you?"

Ingrid & Reginald

I'm assuming that Reginald accompanies you, since you'll need him to translate. :)

A pair of gnomish guards follow you back to the armory. They explain that the town only has one smith, an eccentric gnome named Otto. He's responsible for fixing anything metal in the gnome holdfast, which is mostly the arms and equipment found in the armory. Everything else is covered by the marble provided by the quarry and 'wood' from the mushroom fields.

The armory lies before you, it's deadly trap deactivated.

Bali & Lothar

Lord Geirni shifts awkwardly once the other dwarves depart on their various tasks. "Should I gather Fasturvalt's finest? I believe that Sheriff Gunther trained about sixty gnomes in the militia. Although our drills were only about once a month."

Grimdahl & Ivy

How far out do you guys want to scout? Are you just looking for some ambush spots? Or do you actually want to try and spy on the army itself?

"Great! I have all of yer attention. Is Tammer... Uh... Is Tammer here? I need to see him about defending yer halls from the drow army. And then I need to see all of you at the hall, signing up to defend yer homes! I can tell just by looking at ye, the stinkin drow aren't going to know what hit 'em when this crew crashes into their flank!"

Diplomacy (just in case): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 Ugh... at least it wasn't a 1

Reginald translates as needed then leaves to administer the myriad tiny details fielding an impromptu army required.

Taking 10 on prof:anything gives me a 12. Taking 20 as needed.

Yes, Lord. Please advise them to gather at Insert name of AREA 5 on the map? Can we get a break down of the map?

Once assembled:

Brave friends, we must prepare for battle, as you may have heard. If any here knows of any others who may be able to assist in the defense of your fine home, it would behoove us all to gather them here.

Grimdahl will follow Ivy's lead on this - she's the local. He thinks it's unlikely that the drow army will have put out scouts: they know where Fasturvalt is, and they think they have the advantage of surprise.

Nevertheless, he keeps a careful eye out as they proceed.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Nurin looks at the guard. "Of course, you're accompanying me. There might be magical talk, but there's liable to be gnome talk too. She tells me something and I might need you to explain it. Consider yourself attached to me until I say otherwise. What's your name anyway?"

Nurin walks into the Blue Bat. He grabs the attention of a worker. "I need to see Miss Miatha immediately. Crown business. And how about some ale while you're at it."

At the armoury, Ingrid takes a deep breath. She hadn't been around this much metal in a long time - the forge was no longer a friendly place for her, with its reminders of the fire that had consumed her husband - and her hair. She runs a hand over her scarred scalp, looking over the room, over the gnome-sized weapons and armour.

Closing her eyes briefly to calm herself, she enters the armoury and begins taking stock of the contents. It was important to know how many they could outfit. After this, a trip to visit Otto - assuming someone was willing to accompany her to translate. I must get someone to teach me this accursed tongue, she tells herself as she rummages through weapon racks.

Lothar thought for several moments before speaking, looking to Bali Drow-Slayer for confirmation on his train of thought.

Respectfully, my Lord, i would suggest we arm as many able-bodied volunteers as possible and prepare as much cover as possible for them. Your people are agile and make hard targets for the Drow crossbows; we stand a better chance if we can force them into melee, preferably against a formation of spears and longspears. Almost anyone can stab effectively with a spear- my own humble accomplishments are testament to that fact. Unless you have a large abundance of crossbows, simple spears will be our most effective weapons.

Pravic

An elderly gnome, the oldest you've seen since you came to Fasturvalt, moves towards you. Despite his age, he still seems spry, with a strength that belies his grizzled appearance. All the other svirfneblin fall silent when he speaks.

"I am Tammar. What's all this nonsense about the drow?"

Bali and Lothar

Geirni nods at Lothar's words. "A wise choice. I know Gunther trained what militia we have in the use of the sword and crossbow. Any other gnomes that wish to help however, you can guide in the spear. I think we might have a few in the armory, in fact." He turns to Bali. "Any other suggestions before I call the milita?"

Grimdahl and Ivy

Unfortunately, in your scouting, you don't find a particularly intriguing spot for an ambush. The tunnels that comprise the main entrance to Fasturvalt are too numerous to guess which direction they might come. A defense would be best mounted in the vault itself.

Nurin

The gnome guard bows his head. "I am Garrik, my lord. I will do my best to help you."

Once inside however, Garrik's introduction is not needed, as a middle-age female svirfneblin calls out as soon as you enter. "Hello, hello, and welcome to the Blue Bat. One ale coming right up." She gestures for you to sit at the gnome-sized bar, an act that likely appears comical to any onlookers. "Crown business, eh? And what does Geirni need of me that he can't walk down and ask?" Her eyes twinkle as she thuds a mug of frothy black ale in front of you. It's aroma is slightly off-putting, but otherwise it looks like normal.

Ingrid

Inside the armory, there are a dozen niches, each containing five short swords and scabbards, five small spears, five small light crossbows, 100 quarrels, 5 heavy steel shields bearing the insignia of Fasturvalt,
and five gnome-sized chain shirts. All told, it's enough gear to fully equip sixty gnomes completely. In a larger corner niche, there is a banner bearing the heraldry of House Geidne and a set of musical instruments - drums, horn, and fife.

Nurin sizes up Miss Miatha. "Defense of the city against invading drow. And I doubt Lord Geirni could get that sentence out before they get here. That's why he's asked me and the other dwarves to help lead the defense." He pauses to let that sink in.

"I'm told you're the only mage the city has. Is this true? No apprentices? We will have need of anyone capable of casting a spell. I'd like to know what specialties you have and if you know of any magical potions or alchemical stocks the city...or you...have."

I do not know if we should sound an alarm, if one exists. Or better to give an eloquent speech to your people, mi'lord.

Ingrid's lips purse as she takes stock of the weaponry. Only enough for sixty gnomes? That simply wouldn't do - not against an army. She looks over the musical instruments, though - having heard tales of magical instruments, it was possible such things could turn the tide of battle.

Grimdahl looks sour as he reports back. "Nothing doing on any ambush - we've know way to know which of the tunnels they'll come through unless we go find them. No chance if we face them in the field - they outnumber us." And they outclass the gnomes, he doesn't add; although it's pretty clear what he's thinking.

"Best to fortify and wait for them. They don't know they're expected, so there's that." Which isn't much, he doesn't add. He doesn't need to.