Tora no Senaka - The Back of the Tiger (Inactive)

Game Master Dreaming Warforged

Sandpoint Hinterlands - One warm morning, on the last edge of Gozran, 4711

The last days have been busy with final preparations, securing of cargo, interviewing of candidates (if convincing young fellows to go risk their skin in a cold forsaken area can be called that way), long debate on how best to tie a rot-knot to fix a canvas on a wagon and numerous other details that might seem tedious in hindsight, but were of the utmost importance when they took place, you finally are ready to leave.

The final roster on that fine morning:
Sandru - Driver of the covered wagon
Bevelek - Driver of the Fortune-teller wagon
Vankor - Driver of the supply wagon
Koya - Fortune-teller
Shalelu - Guide
Ameiko - Cook
Sorin - Guard
Pavel - Scout
Izumi - Guard
Raith - Wainwright

Bevelek and Vankor are two staff members of the Rusty Dragon. The young Varisian brothers and sisters have decided to join the caravan and go forth adventuring. Both blond with green eyes, they are keen and merry as the birds, chirping and jumping around, helping with the final preparations and taking good acre of the horses.

Father Zantus gives his blessing to all present and finally, heart a little light, you proceed through the town's gate and towards destiny.

As the caravan enters the woods, Garand appears, accompanied by bear-spirit, and jumps on Koya's wagon. Garand would be the healer, for now.

Sorin rides next to Vankor in the supply wagon, scrolls at the ready and his crossbow on his lap, loaded.

"So, Vankor...did you learn how to drive a wagon from Sandru?", Sorin asks, curious about the driver's apparent skill, as the wagon makes its way down the cobblestones behind the other wagons, approaching the town gate.

Raith rides in the wagon Ameiko rides in during travel. He makes an effort to keep her in sight. He's quiet and keeps to himself chatting occasionally with Pavel.

Izumi spends his time in the saddle of his horse, which he has named Tsuyoi, keeping watch while he polishes the katana. He occasionally will drop back to have a word with one of the other caravan members (usually Sorin, Pavel, Ameiko, or Shalelu if she's about).

Pavel keeps pace with the wagons astride his ornery horse until Sandru gives him the signal to start scouting ahead. He takes off with a wave, his colorful Varisian scarf flapping in the wind behind him.

It is easy and pleasant roads for you for five days. The sun is certainly getting warmer and its rays bring smiles to everyone. The caravan stops on the edge of Ember Lake, a few miles south of Wolf's Ear and Churlwood.

That night, Sandru takes out his fiddle and entrances you with a maddening Varisian air. Pretty soon, Ameiko and Koya get to the fire and start dancing in front of each other, clapping their hands and flapping their scarves as if to challenge all around to join the dance.

Raith's eyes are only for Ameiko. He watches her every movement and feels joy to see the joy on her face and in her movements.

Sorin smiles at the revelry, enjoying the music from where he is seated on a blanket near the edge of the firelight. The clasp of his cloak shines with the warm yellow glow of a Light cantrip, illuminating him as he writes in his journal.

The page is filled with tightly written symbols in a scratched runic script as well as various arcane diagrams in Sorin's hand. The loaded crossbow lies next to him on the blanket as he is still on duty until Izumi relieves him for the evening.

Pavel claps along, then rises at an appropriate time in the song and starts dancing as well- though he's a bit rusty on all the steps.

Izumi is out of his armor for the evening: his watch is second, the middle of the night. He knows he should get some sleep, but the wagon he is in is close enough to the fire that he can hear the music and the laughing, and the sound of clapping. Unable to sleep, he chooses not to resist the siren's call and instead goes out to join the company.

Lacking the traditional Varisian scarf himself, Izumi watches for some time, trying to get the rhythm of the dance and the steps, then take an appropriate moment to join in the dance, favouring Ameiko as a partner as much as possible. Dance isn't something that can really be analyzed though, and despite his preperations, he missteps several times. The laughter and joy of the group is infectious and even the usually sober Izumi is breaking loose and enjoying himself.

Perform (dance) (untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Raised among a grim and deadly serious people, Garand is too unsure of himself to risk this sort of 'fun,' but as bear-spirit has to be pulled back time and again, finally allows the playful perpetually-young bear to 'dance.' (Primarily chasing after fluttering scarves and acting like a shameless fool.)

He watches his companion with a typically stoic Shoanti expression, but his hand taps his shield in time with the music, and, if anything, he appears a bit jealous that bear-spirit is having so much fun, acting like a playful cub and rolling and jumping around in front of the others.

Perhaps not every lesson that nature teaches us is one of blood and survival, he ponders.

The skies darken as you take the road the next day. A short stop in Wolf's Ear allow you to gather supplies and trade a few goods.

The road north follows the Lampblack River. Churlwood looms dark and thick to your left.

On the second day, Pavel comes back in a hurry to let you know he's spotted a caravan heading your way. As it approaches, the first driver, a Varisian men in his sixties dressed in red and yellow, waves at you: "Desna guide your steps! How's the road ahead?"

Please make social rolls to support your actions.

Sorin watches the other caravan approach. Typically caravans were never any trouble, but being cautious while the others went forward to greet the newcomers never hurt. Sorin smiled, the guards on the other caravan would be doing exactly the same thing.

I wonder what they are carrying?

Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Izumi's hand grips his katana tightly, still working at polishing the blade properly. Once he sees that the oncoming caravan is also Varisian, he loosens up. Seeing Sorin hang back, Izumi also hangs back, bringing Tsuyoi to stand beside the wizard. "Do you suspect trouble?"

"Not at all. It just pays sometimes to keep your eyes open and be a bit suspicious. I was just thinking that the guards for the other caravan will be doing exactly the same thing. Letting others go forward and talk, while they keep their eyes open."

Pavel waves back once he sees that everyone else has gotten a bit shy.
"Fuh'fair travels to yuh'you as well. We've had nuh'no problems on the road thuh'thus far- shuh'should be a pluh'pleasant trail ahead for you. How fare the ruh'roads around Churlwood? Should we expect truh'trouble?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
Somehow I doubt they're going to take a shine to me...

"Is that Pavel talking to them? Oh, no. Izumi, you may want to get up there. The last time that Pavel attempted to be a conversationalist he and I got dragged out of a bar and tossed in a river." Sorin says with dread.

Giving some time for someone to recuperate if possible.

If no one else steps forward, Garand will attempt a traditional Varisian greeting, in their language.

Diplomacy, untrained, taking 10 if possible, but if not... 1d20 ⇒ 1

Doh. My dice-rolling luck is the doom of nations! Like, literally, in the case of Kingmaker!

Perhaps it was the words chosen, perhaps the tone... Or perhaps they just had a really bad days and it had nothing to do with you, but the caravan leader seemed to take offense at your words and just gruffed as he passed you. "Trouble's everywhere. Watch your back out there!"

The next day, the trail meandered with the river, until the latter turned resolutely east and you took a smaller trail going west, through Churlwood, and towards Roderic's Cove.

As you moved in the forest, it got immediately darker and the forest oppressively scratched with its branches at your caravan. Piloting got trickier as the trail climbed and dropped. The cover of the forest also made it much harder to see threats coming ahead. Sandru insisted that all stood at the ready, outside the caravans. From time to time, strange concussion sounds could be heard. Drumming it seemed...

Pavel, please roll Perception all others can roll to Aid.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
"Luh'lousy old geezer. Answered yer suh'sodding questions..."

Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Sorin feels keenly in tune with the woods that the caravan is passing through, almost as if his elven blood is enhanced by the sylvan environment.

Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Aid: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Izumi is distracted putting the final touches on the polish of his sword. The polishing process often took just as long, if not longer, than the actual smithing of these weapons, and he was glad he remembered much of the process.

Aid: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

Working as a group, you manage to spot cues that bandits are shadowing you. Pavel finds a log in the road that you manage to move out while simultaneously showing enough of a show of force that the bandits seemingly decide not to attack.

But perhaps it is the drums that give them pause...

The forest all of a sudden falls silent. Then from behind a thicket comes up a giant man, with malicious eyes and missing teeth. Its grey skin is covered by dry mud. A thick leathery skin covers his shoulders and a necklace of human skulls adorns its chest. In his hand is a viscious looking skull and a great javelin.

Then in front of you, near the road, erupts a second ogre. Noise from behind tell you that the rest of the caravan is dealing with a similar threat.

Haunting thoughts of what's in store for you should you be taken flash to the surface as you struggle to face the two monsters.

Map
You all act first, then it's the ogres!

Garand steps a pace to the east and lets fly an arrow at the ogre to the right of the road.

longbow shot at Ogre 1 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
damage 1d8 ⇒ 6

The unfamiliar pull of the new longbow causes him to shoot wide.

Dismount as free action: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Pavel attempts to quickly drop from his horse's back, but gets caught up in the stirrups and has to take an extra second to get untangled.
Move action-dismount
He draws his sword once he hits the ground, his shield still at the ready.
I'm assuming I had my light shield equipped, since I can still use the hand while I've got it braced on my arm. So, dismounting and drawing my sword is my whole turn.

Sorin immediately bends down and starts scratching out a complex circular diagram in the dirt where he is kneeling.

"Good idea Garand. You and I will slow down the ogre on the right and let Pavel and Izumi start working on the one down the road. This spell takes a moment to set up, and won't last long, but it should distract him for a few moments. Raith...I don't know which one you should go after. You may have to help us with the one on the right."

Casting 1 round spell Summon Monster I: Celestial Riding Dog (Mastiff, gains smite evil 1/day) Celestial Template and Summon Monster I and list

Raith looks to Ameiko's wagon first. He takes a defensive stance drawing his temple sword. The sword hovers over his head like a scorpion's tail and he extends his left arm holding a fist.

HP 18/18 Total Defense: AC 21/CMD 24

Izumi is in action as soon as the beasts are spotted. His katana is in fighting condition at least, and he unslings his shield. His voice carries the weight of command. "Careful! They have longer reach due to their size! I will try to hold the one in front, you all focus on the flanker! Just don't take too long! Hiyah!" With that, Izumi kicks Tsuyoi into motion.

Izumi's Move action to ready shield.
Ride check to steer with legs (DC 5): 1d20 + 5 - 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 - 5 = 5
Phew. Horse is performing a Charge action. Moving to B6, probably provokes an AoO (though if they are flatfooted, then no)

The horse leaps into action, itching for it's legs to be stretched after the past week walking. Izumi is aware of the vulnerability of his mount to such a large creature, so he sits high in the saddle, his sashimono flapping in the wind, and shouts curses at the Ogre in every tongue he knows. (Varisian, Taldan, Minkan) As he and Tsuyoi approach the beast, Izumi guides the horse to attempt to lash out with it's hooves.

Issuing a challenge to this Ogre: +2 damage, swift action.
Guiding horse to attack: Ride Check (DC10): 1d20 + 5 - 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 - 5 = 13
Katana attack, Combat Expertise (-1), Charging bonus (+2 +1 banner): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 (1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13)
Horse Attack (hoof), charging: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Izumi AC: 19 (+1 Combat Expertise, -2 Charging)
Horse AC: 15 (-2 Charging)

Though Tsuyoi's hooves connect with nothing but air, Izumi's blade sings as it slices the air and cuts a deep bloody gash in the Ogre's side. The Chosokate steel was indeed reborn.

Round 1 - The Companions
Garand steps a pace to the east and lets fly an arrow at the ogre to the right of the road. The unfamiliar pull of the new longbow causes him to shoot wide.

Pavel attempts to quickly drop from his horse's back, but gets caught up in the stirrups and has to take an extra second to get untangled. 
He draws his sword once he hits the ground, his shield still at the ready.

Sorin immediately bends down and starts scratching out a complex circular diagram in the dirt where he is kneeling.
"Good idea Garand. You and I will slow down the ogre on the right and let Pavel and Izumi start working on the one down the road. This spell takes a moment to set up, and won't last long, but it should distract him for a few moments. Raith...I don't know which one you should go after. You may have to help us with the one on the right."

Raith looks to Ameiko's wagon first. He takes a defensive stance drawing his temple sword. The sword hovers over his head like a scorpion's tail and he extends his left arm holding a fist.

Izumi is in action as soon as the beasts are spotted. His katana is in fighting condition at least, and he unslings his shield. His voice carries the weight of command. "Careful! They have longer reach due to their size! I will try to hold the one in front, you all focus on the flanker! Just don't take too long! Hiyah!" With that, Izumi kicks Tsuyoi into motion.
The horse leaps into action, itching for it's legs to be stretched after the past week walking. Izumi is aware of the vulnerability of his mount to such a large creature, so he sits high in the saddle, his sashimono flapping in the wind, and shouts curses at the Ogre in every tongue he knows. (Varisian, Taldan, Minkan) As he and Tsuyoi approach the beast, Izumi guides the horse to attempt to lash out with it's hooves.
Though Tsuyoi's hooves connect with nothing but air, Izumi's blade sings as it slices the air and cuts a deep bloody gash in the Ogre's side. The Chosokate steel was indeed reborn.

Status
Sorin casting a one round spell.

Round 2 - Da Ogres
The ogres yell in rage, theirs echoing the one from those attacking the caravan from the rear. The flanker approaches Pavel, his skull necklace bouncing on its chest as he crashes through the bushes. The one at the end of the road laughs at the gash in its side and tries to smash the horse’s legs.

The first ogre’s swing is hindered by a nearby tree, but the attack on the horse hits with full force, crashing its legs. (-19 hp to Izumi’s horse)

Updated Map
The Companions.

Then in front of you, near the road, erupts a second ogre. Noise from behind tell you that the rest of the caravan is dealing with a similar threat.

Need to know what's going on with Ameiko's wagon before I take an action. If her wagon is being attacked, that will decide Raith's action.

From the sound, it appears that the rest of the caravan crew is defending against other trolls, but you can't see them from where you are.

Pavel steps into the ogre's swing range, slashing with his sword while bashing his gut with his spiked shield.
5 foot step to G4.5, full attack.
Longsword/Spiked Shield: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 81d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 61d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 51d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Incredible, nothing above a 5.

Assuming difficult terrain, we can't take 5 foot steps without provoking an AoOs and we're half move off the road.

Raith whips a couple of shuriken out of his pouch and whips them at the ogre battling Pavel. He shouts, "We need to hurry and kill these. The wagons are being attacked."

Flurry: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6 (1d2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3)
Flurry: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 0 = 15 (1d2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3)

Garand growls for bear-spirit to attack, reminding himself that the cycle of life is rarely kind, and that he has not the luxury to shelter his companion (or himself) from the hard lessons to be learned.

At the same time, he unleashes another arrow, praying to the wind-spirits for favor, as the ogre is an even more difficult target now...

longbow show at Ogre 1, -4 for in close combat 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19
damage 1d6 ⇒ 6
confirming crit, if that hit 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

bear-spirit's bite, if he makes it past the AoO, his current AC is 17 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
damage 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

I thought only the star stamps are difficult terrain- I should be on the clear if that's the case.

I see only the bushes are difficult terrain. Didn't see that clarification.

The star stamps identify difficult terrain. Trees can be used for cover. Raith could slip in F.5/4.5 without drawing I think. Sorry about that, I'll try to be clearer next time. Feel free to revise action accordingly. Let me know if you don't revise.

"Tsuyoi!" Izumi cries as the club hits the horse hard... but the brave horse isn't ready to go down yet, but is definitely stunned. Hopefully it's leg isn't broken.

Ride check to stay in the saddle (DC5): 1d20 + 5 - 5 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 5 - 5 + 2 = 17
Tsuyoi is at 0 hp, and is staggered.

Izumi snarls at the ogre. He glances back to see his allies beginning to engage the flanker. Raith is right. We need to kill these quickly and help defend the wagons. Izumi abandons all pretext of defense and swings wildly at the Ogre's head, while spurring the stunned horse into action.

Ride check, mount attack (DC10): 1d20 + 5 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 - 5 = 15
Horse attack (bite): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 (1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7)
Katana attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 (1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9)
Katana critical confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 (1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8)

5 foot step after I throw the shuriken to F/4.5. All I can move is 5 feet without provoking an AoO from reach. It will take another round to get closer.

Sorin stops muttering the words of the incantation and stands up as a thread of light arcs like a jet of water from the center of the summoning circle to a point directly before the ogre. There is a clap of thunder as the air is suddenly displaced by the appearance of a shimmering white hound, which immediately leaps to attack the humanoid.

Celestial Hound round 1 of 2, smite evil +2 dmg (2hit dice) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
dmg 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Free Trip attempt if hit vs. CMD 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

"And now, its time for him to pick on someone his own size."

Sorin snaps out a few quick words in a slithering tounge, his hands making an intricate weave before him. Tendrils of silver snake across Sorin's hand before rolling into a small, seed-like ball. Taking careful aim, he makes a motion like flicking an apple pip, causing the glittering seed to flip through the air and land on Pavel. In an instant the seed sprouts, and as the tendrils expand, so does Pavel, until his head brushes the low hanging branches and his longsword is nearly as large as Sorin. As soon as the growth ends, the silver vines fall away as glittering motes and vanish.

Enlarge Person: Pavel

Something just occured to me. Horse was at 0hp and I made it attack.

The strain of attacking causes Tsuyoi to collapse, throwing Izumi from the saddle. Izumi tries to twist into a roll but instead ends up pratfalling right on his back, knocking the wind out of him.

Ride Check to Soft Fall (DC15): 1d20 + 5 - 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 - 5 = 6
Falling Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Prone; AC vs Melee: 16

Round 2 - The Companions
Pavel steps into the ogre's swing range, slashing with his sword while bashing his gut with his spiked shield. His tempo is completely off, and he can’t manage to even make the ogre tense...

Raith whips a couple of shuriken out of his pouch and whips them at the ogre battling Pavel. He shouts, "We need to hurry and kill these. The wagons are being attacked." Both shuriken end up somewhere in the woods... Raith then moves closer to the ogre.

Garand growls for bear-spirit to attack, reminding himself that the cycle of life is rarely kind, and that he has not the luxury to shelter his companion (or himself) from the hard lessons to be learned. The ogre takes a swing at it:

At the same time, Garand unleashes another arrow, praying to the wind-spirits for favor, as the ogre is an even more difficult target now... The arrow flies true though and thuds with a deep moan in the ogre’s shoulder.

The strain of attacking causes Tsuyoi to collapse, throwing Izumi from the saddle. Izumi tries to twist into a roll but instead ends up pratfalling right on his back, knocking the wind out of him.

Sorin stops muttering the words of the incantation and stands up as a thread of light arcs like a jet of water from the center of the summoning circle to a point directly before the ogre. There is a clap of thunder as the air is suddenly displaced by the appearance of a shimmering white hound, which immediately leaps to attack the humanoid, but snaps only air as the ogre removes its leg at the last moment.
"And now, its time for him to pick on someone his own size."
Sorin snaps out a few quick words in a slithering tounge, his hands making an intricate weave before him. Tendrils of silver snake across Sorin's hand before rolling into a small, seed-like ball. Taking careful aim, he makes a motion like flicking an apple pip, causing the glittering seed to flip through the air and land on Pavel. In an instant the seed sprouts, and as the tendrils expand, so does Pavel, until his head brushes the low hanging branches and his longsword is nearly as large as Sorin. As soon as the growth ends, the silver vines fall away as glittering motes and vanish.

Status
Pavel enlarged.
Izumi prone, horse staggered.
Riding Dog has been around 1 round.

Round 2 - Da Ogres
”AH! AH! AH! BAM! AH!-AH!-AH!-AH!” The ogre that downed Izumi’s horse raised his greatclub and smashes it on the horse’s head.

The other ogre hesitates but a second, seemingly confused by Pavel’s new size. Its grey tongue sticks out as it aims for Pavel’s head.

The horse’s head crunches in, splattering blood everwhere. Pavel feels the air displaced as the club passes near, but he manages to duck under it.

Updated Map
The Companions.

Enlarged- +2 Str, -2 Dex, -1 attacks and AC; totals- 15 AC, attack bonus unchanged, +1 damage, damage as large weapons.

Pavel swings his great weapons in retaliation.
Longsword/Spiked Shield: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 102d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 6) + 4 = 111d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 201d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

"Suh'somebody back up Izumi, thuh'this won't be too quick and he's all on his own!"

Well, that was an ignoble end to Tsuyoi xD, I assume my attacks still dealt damage though, correct? Should be 29 damage, don't remember if Ogres have DR or not though.

Izumi holds his shield high as he stands, preparing for the inevitable blow. Move action to stand, provokes AoO.

Back on his feet again, Izumi takes no time to mourn the death of the horse and whirls around, slashing the injured Ogre in front of him, but blow sails wide. Hearing Pavel call for someone to support him, Izumi shouts back: "I'm fine! Just a little winded from the fall!"

Katana Attack (-1 Combat Expertise): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
AC:21

Raith looks with exasperation at Pavel as he grows into the space Raith was about to enter to attack. He backs into the previous square cautiously and makes his way around the ogre. Raith says to Pavel, "It's not smart to spread out too much. That much I know."

5 foot step E.5/4.5 and move to F/3.5 taking a path that does not provoke AoOs

We're not working real well tactically at the moment. Pavel's enlargement would not have occurred until the start of Sorin's next turn. Enlarge Person is a 1 round casting time, same as Summon Monster. I have to spend a round to disengage because I can no longer attack the ogre due to the enlargment. Izumi is out of easy heal range as well. Hopefully he can withstand a hit or two.