Before the Dawn, Part II: Rescue at Azlant Ridge (Inactive)

Game Master TriShadow

You may dot in here. This game starts immediately(ish) after your battle with the witch. Make whatever purchases you need to, and we will say you bought them before you departed Bloodcove.

After your encounter with the witch, you caught up to the caravan leader, Raimondo, and his team of drivers. He points over to a gnome {Lini}, "I found this one just as I was leaving town. Thought it was best to bring her along. She is one of you, a Pathfinder, right? Well, Sorry if she ain't. Not like I had a lot of choice. The jungle here is starting to fill up with troops outta Bloodcove. Consortium boys if I don't miss my guess. I'm thinking they figured out who you are and are tryin' to catch up to us. We have to get a move on." Keen ears confirm the caravan leader's words. Hooves pound toward you in pursuit.

You are several days northwest of Bloodcove—days of dusty, dirty running and riding as your caravan guide, the scoundrel Raimondo Scevola, whipped his horses and wagon-drivers to go faster, faster! Closing in behind you, no more than an hour by horse now, ride dozens of Aspis mercenaries. Your activities
in Bloodcove, it seems, were not as secret as you hoped.

A sudden cry goes up among the wagons, and all eyes look back the way you came. The days-old familiar sight of pursuing horseman has vanished. “They’ve given up the chase!” Raimondo declares and a tired cheer erupts from his caravan.

"These horses are about spent. Now that them Aspis snakes have given up, I need to rest my girls."

Please place yourselves anywhere in the pink box on the Azlant Ridge map.

Eyeing the gnome, Kaya gives her a once over. "You ain't an Aspis spy, are you?"

Catching sight of her beautiful snow leopard she immediately forgets her line of inquiry and runs over to reach out to touch the fluffy beast. "Oh my gosh he er... she? has such beautiful fur! So pretty, just a gorgeous mottling of white and black and it looks so soft! May I pet her er... him?"

_____________________________________________________________

After traveling foreeeeeever, Kaya yawns pretty big and climbs down out of the cart. "You wouldn't have a clue how hard it is to prepare spells in a bouncing cart like that! I mean, I have to make notes with an ink pen and that takes all sorts of careful manipulation!"

(Have we had an opportunity to refresh spells and abilities during our several days of riding?)

The pack mule dwarf with the shaggy beard lumbers up to the gnome and offers a dirty hand to her. "Oye! Nice a ter meet yas 'quaintances. Mes Durvak o da Stouthearts. Be ya friend er foe be fer, yas kin be friends na-ow."

"Whatchas be called Lassie?"

====================================================

Climbing down behind the shorter woman, he twists and stretches. *crrrrrCK* Smiling, he announces "Oh, dats a betta." and begins to scratch his backside. "Not used ter such hard riden."

Glancing around, he inquires "So, how fer wes gots ter go yet?"

Eyeing the dwarf's dirty hand with more curiosity than disgust, she slowly offers her own. "I am Lini and this is Droogami." She rubs her other hand on the fur between her snow leopard's ears. Glancing at the halfling, she says, "I am not a spy. You may try to pet her if you would like. Droo, it is okay. She is a friend." Under her breath, she mutters something that sounds a lot like "I hope".

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At the stopping of the cart, Lini awakens. She was sleeping curled into Droogami on their trip. She yawns loudly, stretches, and stands. They both follow Kaya out of the cart. "It has been a long journey. I am glad to stretch my legs out a bit. I know Droo is as well." The leopard walks in a circle around the group. It is obvious she is attempting to loosen her stiff muscles.

You are all rested, full hp, full abilities, full spells.

Ren smiles at the newcomers, sticking out his hand in greeting.

"Welcome to our group, the both of you." he says indicating Droogami as much as Lini.

"We have followed a most difficult path thus far on our journey and there is no reason to think it will be any less challenging on the road ahead." he pauses to be sure he is heard before continuing.

"We are glad the society sent someone as brave as you as this is not for the faint of heart."

Seeing the newcomers are undaunted, the priest smiles widely before clapping his hands loudly.

"Wonderful! Then it's time we pressed on. We have an appointment to keep."

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When the cart stops, and the others wake up and stretch, they find the priest already awake and alert.

He offers a reply to the asked question of how much more to go.

"It must be close now..."

Then turning to Raimondo, he confirms, "We are close, aren't we?"

Ren will be carrying his wand of bless in his buckler hand, just as a standard operating procedure. Would it be reasonable to tie a string to the wand and his wrist so he can drop it without it hitting the ground? I know it's core, but that seems reasonable to enough to me. Thought I would ask the group. Since I couldn't find string, or even twine, I will buy one yard of canvas and cut it to fit the use.

"Always welcome to have additional help. Especially with the Aspis on our tail... though, why did they stop their pursuit? Seems strange, and makes me nervous." Still, Ahmande goes about trying to help Raimondo feed and water the horses on their break.

Ahmande didn't end up purchasing anything before they left town. I did retcon an action at the Sanguine Pit, Doom 'n Gloom, for a faction goal. I posted that in the (now inactive) old thread; feel free to review and let me know if you have any concerns. Thanks!

Kaya thinks for a moment about Ahmande's concern and then her thoughts bubble to the surface. "A few options come to mind. They could have run into some trouble and had to stop to deal with it. They could have been called back, I mean the Aspis run things based on a return of value. Maybe they just ran up against whatever budget they had allotted for this mission. Or they could have changed tactics and are trying to sneak up on us. Considering it's unlikely the second option is true, I expect there is trouble out there that can cause them concern or they are setting up an ambush. Either way, we need extra watches as we rest."

"Don't worry Croaki I still like you" Sarathor reassures the small dinosaur

"I think you are right Ahmande. I can only see the Aspis stopping because something dangerous is ahead. Unless they are missing their city and its comforts and do not know how to forage for food in the wilds"

Sarathor looks around for signs of trouble

"All be possibulary I 'spose." muses the dwarven man, thumbing his beard. "'Course mayhaps deys seein errwa in deys ways an gunna go straight na-ow."

With a smile, he shrugs "Eh, all be possibulary when Eye-Ro-Ree be involved."

My apologies. Busy week. I will update this tomorrow after work.

Just as you figure you can take a hard earned rest, Durvak, Ahmandé and Sarathor once again hear thundering hooves. This time, however, it comes from several directions. A shrill whistle cuts through the jungle. It seems that the Aspis did indeed split up in an attempt to surround you!

The Captain carries a well-used lance. The men riding with him wield short-spears and shortbows.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY DIDN'T GIVE UP?!?!***Surprise round***
Sarathor May take a single action
Ahmandé May take a single action
Durvak May take a single action
Kaya Forewarned

***Round 1*** (bold may act)
Sarathor
Ahmandé
Green & Yellow
Durvak
Lini
Kaya
Blue & Red
Captain and Tennille
Ren

EDITED to add Kaya to the surprise round due to Forewarned

Kaya uses her forewarned ability as usual to get shield up. Still FF but it’s 4 higher.

"Spoke too soon! The Aspis are on us!" Ahmande takes a step towards the trees, where he quickly casts a spell. Withdrawing a small pat of butter from his pouch, he rubs it between his fingers as he calls out "slip and fall, you Aspis snake!"

He keeps moving into the trees as they approach, beginning to inspire his allies by reminding them of their prior successes.

"The Aspis will not take us today! They didn't take us in Bloodcove! They didn't take us in the grippli village! They didn't take us in Senghor! We're Pathfinders; we survive!"

"Oye! So dey did!" cries out the dwarf as he lurches to the side. Cautiously reaching down, the man touches the dirt in front of him.

"Cum atcha me hersey!" cries out the man.

Sarathor mutters some words and his staff grows bigger (casts shillaylee on his staff) Still dont know how to spell that

Quick edit: the horsemen carry Longbows at this tier. Sorry for any confusion.

The two riders to the south are baited to come closer, but they look to rely on their bows rather than ride into combat. They fire at the dwarf, but the shafts sail wide.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY DIDN'T GIVE UP?!?!
BUFFS Inspire Courage {+1 to hit and damage}

***Round 1*** (bold may act)
Sarathor (cast shillelagh)
Ahmandé (move and Inspire Courage}
Green & Yellow
Durvak
Lini
Kaya
Blue & Red
Captain and Tennille
Ren

Kaya steps up closer to the riders and hollers out, "looks like their aim is to kill, those arrows are sharp." She smiles mischievously, "let's show them the error of their ways and what it means to be PATHFINDERS!!!"

Eyeing the kitty standing right next to her, she thinks a quiet prayer. Oh Shelyn please don't let the new girl be a double agent! Her cat is too pretty to be evil! Loading her crossbow, she fires a bolt.

Seeing the arrows fired at her new dwarven friend, Lini looks towards the two riders to the south and says, "Nature, my companion, please slow down our foes!"

She glances quickly at Droogami, points to the leading rider to the west, and says, "Droo, attack! Attempt to do no harm to the horse."

Droogami runs, growling, towards the rider with her sharp teeth bared.

Whoops, I've been forgetting these checks a lot lately!

K: Nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Kaya knows that they are in nature. Definitely in nature or near it at least.

I'm out of practice in online games and totally forgot too...

K: Nature: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Lini also knows they are in nature.

nature 18: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

"Those horses look like they can easily be spooked"

Kaya's shot barely misses the Aspis mercenary, forcing the man to duck low. Droo dodges through the underbrush before easily springing up to the rider's chest and tearing out his throat. Droo pounces away as the man's lifeless body falls from the saddle. The horse rears up and bolts straight into the jungle.

To the south, vines, branches and roots wrap themselves around the horsemen as well as one of the mounts.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY DIDN'T GIVE UP?!?!
BUFFS Inspire Courage {+1 to hit and damage}

***Round 1*** (bold may act)
Durvak
Lini (cast a spell, pet attacked)
Kaya (fires)
Blue & Red
Captain and Tennille
Ren
***Round 2*** (bold may act)
Sarathor
Ahmandé
Green & Yellow {entangled x2 + a horse}

Waffling a bit as the horsemen don't charge forward, Durvak seems undecided as to how to proceed. Just as it seems he'll charge over his own explosive rune, the newcomer convinces the plants to come to their aide. "Blimey! Na-ow aint dat a nifty trick!" exclaims the dwarf.

Tugging his heavy crossbow free, he fires off a bolt at the one directly ahead. His bolt seems to be dead on as it flies straight for the opponent...but the arch isn't enough and it plants itself hard into the weeds.

We were waiting on Durvak to post his round 1 then Red + Captain and Tennille still needed to act before you all got to go in round 2 (and Ren in round 1).

What Kaya said. You can keep you rolls though.

Arrows fly through the air as the captain unslings his lance and moves around the field of battle. The nimble cat dodges a shaft with a hiss toward the archer. Sarathor is not so lucky as he feels an arrowhead pierce his armor.

***Round 1*** (bold may act)
Ren

***Round 2*** (bold may act)
Sarathor (17/25 hp)
Ahmandé
GREEN & YELLOW {entangled x2 + a horse}
Durvak
Lini
Kaya
RED
Captain and PINK
Ren

"See them flee! Pathfinders will always defeat the Aspis; we must win the day!" Continuing to inspire his allies, he knocks an arrow and brings the bow up, lining it up on the mount of the other Aspis approaching from the north.

Actions and rolls from above
Bardic Performance: 16/18 rounds remaining

Round 1 actions

Ren activates his wand of bless and the party feels a confidence fill them.

+1 morale bonus to hit and saves vs fear

Sarathor commands Croaki to attack the warhorse and then charges forward trying to deliver a knockout blow to the horse (charging power attack non lethal Assuming i survive the aoo and that woodland stride allows the charge) AC16 touch 10 flatfooted?14

shillelagh to the horse: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 9 - 4 = 21
non lethal: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (2, 2) + 9 = 13

Croaki (now Sarathor has +9 in his handle checks with croaki) attacks the horse the only way she knows

claw: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
claw damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Years of riding people down in combat has spoiled Calgredine. The captain seems surprised anyone would charge him directly. To that end, his strike at the reptile is off the mark. His horse buckles and collapses beneath him. He tosses aside his lance as he lands on his feet. Yards away, an arrow shatters off the dwarf's armor, but the other slides through his defenses.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY DIDN'T GIVE UP?!?!
BUFFS Bless stacked with Inspire Courage {+2 to hit and damage}

***Round 2*** (bold may act)
Sarathor (17/25 hp)
Ahmandé
GREEN & YELLOW {entangled x2 + a horse}
Durvak (30/35 hp)
Lini
Kaya
RED (-3/???)
Captain and PINK
Ren

Lini, seeing the rider to the east fall and the horse run away, commands Droogami, "Droo, attack the other rider! Again, try not to harm the horse."

She looks to the lone rider remaining in the west and says, "Nature, you are wondrous! Please help our allies again and slow down our enemy!"

Kaya is quite surprised by Droo's ferocity and the druids management of nature. She gives a small nod to the gnome, "well done dear."

Stepping up and around the bush in front of her, she reloads her crossbow and fires at the red rider. *PATWANG* yells her crossbow, P.S.D.

"Meh goodness dear!" squeals the dwarf in response to the newcomers spells. "Reminds ma not ter upsetcha....least when we be outside." he adds with a wink.

Meticulously, Durvak sets to reloading his crossbow. Once the holt is in place, he takes his hand off again and looks towards the remaining horsemen. "Ya really shudda jess surrenda"
Standard action to reload

The mercenary in the red cape slumps to the ground with an arrow in his back and claw marks on his face, his horse disappearing into the bush. Vines and roots once again respond to the druid's call as they twist and twirl around yet another guard. The tangle of vines throws off his shot, but his horse plows its way north and clear of the grasping plants. The Captain draws his short blade and narrowly misses Sarathor.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY DIDN'T GIVE UP?!?!
BUFFS Bless stacked with Inspire Courage {+2 to hit and damage}

Ren
***Round 3*** (bold may act)
Sarathor (17/25 hp)
Ahmandé
GREEN & YELLOW {entangled x2 + a horse}
Durvak (30/35 hp)
Lini
Kaya
RED (-3/???)
Captain and PINK
Ren

”Croaki this one!” Calls Sarathor has he swings his staff at the captain

attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (4, 2) + 9 = 15

actually Sarathor down to 10hp as his ac was lower due to charging

Croaki attacks the captain

bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Claw: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Claw: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Ahmande keeps urging his companions on. "We've really got them on the run now! Tom Hiddleston Their leader is unhorsed, and their horses flee!"

He moves back into the path and lines up one of the entangled guards in his sights.

Croaki flails with tooth and claw, but the Captain's defenses hold up. Steel whirling to match the beast's ferocity. But, the raptor is not alone. As their opponent focuses on keeping the animal at bay, Sarathor takes advantage. The elf swings his enchanted staff, the powerful magic easily bypassing the protection offered by the elegant armor. While continuing his encouraging words, the bard plants an arrow deep into the chest of one of the bowmen to the south.

Speaking of those men, vines continue to hamper their efforts. One of the horses breaks free as the rider fires an arrow at Ahmandé, striking the elf in the shoulder. The other does not fair as well, missing Durvak.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY DIDN'T GIVE UP?!?!
BUFFS Bless stacked with Inspire Courage {+2 to hit and damage}

Ren (delay)
***Round 3*** (bold may act)
Sarathor (10/25 hp) (hit Captain)
Ahmandé (17/21 hp) (hit YELLOW)
GREEN & YELLOW {entangled x2 + a horse} {GREEN unhurt | YELLOW -5/?? hp}
Durvak (30/35 hp)
Lini
Kaya
Captain and PINK {Captain -15/?? | PINK unhurt}
Ren

Seeing the rider break free of the druids magical vines, Durvak turns his attention towards it. Raising his crossbow up, he sights in the rider and pops a shot off.

With a sigh as his bolt goes high, the dwarf drops his crossbow and begins to pursue the fleeing Aspis agent.

Have a free hand again. If an arrow would hit, I can deflect 1 per round

Lini, irritated her vines didn't capture the rider to the west, decides to try a different approach. "Splendid Sun, please assist our mission. That rider wishes to do us harm, but the animal doesn't! I will you to do the horse no harm." A giant ball of spinning flame appears above the rider and begins to grow.

Looking the opposite direction, she points to the lone rider to the east and commands Droogami, "Droo! Well done on the previous two riders. Attack that one now, but remember to avoid harming the magnificent animal he rides!"

As Loki is mauled by a raptor (I'd pay to see that movie), Kaya continues to work on keeping the Aspis from surrounding them. "Good work kitty cat! You make an excellent fighting partner."

She darts over next to the dwarf, shifts her hips to line up her arm pointing at the rider Droo is attacking and says, "Pew!"

A small beam of cold zips towards the Aspis agent.

Ren shifts to his left as he takes out his crossbow and shoots at the entangled green rider.

light crossbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
piercing damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 If that even hit, at least I didn't do much damage... :p

Durvak, Kaya and Ren all come close, but miss their intended targets. Droo chases down the rider, dragging him from the saddle and tearing the life from him.

The rider with the faded red, nearly pink, tabard pulls tight on the reins of the horse as he sees the ball of flame burst into existence. The horse rears up, catching the ball on its flank. The beast begins to panic, but the rider maintains control of his mount and moves away from the fire. He manages to fire an arrow, catching Lini in the thigh.

Meanwhile, The Captain sneers as he stabs the elf again. "If you give up now, I will spare your pet. Otherwise, I will sell him back to the Aspis to experiment on. They will keep it alive to endure pain unlike any other. It will be in constant agony, wondering when you will come back!"

WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY DIDN'T GIVE UP?!?!
BUFFS Bless stacked with Inspire Courage {+2 to hit and damage}

***Round 4*** (bold may act)
Sarathor (2/25 hp)
Ahmandé (17/21 hp)
GREEN {entangled x2}
Durvak (30/35 hp)
Lini (31/35 hp)
Kaya
Ren
Captain and PINK {Captain -15/?? | PINK unhurt | PINK horse -12/?? hp}

"Sarathor knows there's no chance of that. Not with this group of Pathfinders having his back!"

Sighting the captain, Ahmande slips his hand back into his pouch for another bit of butter. Rubbing it between his fingers, he whispers words of magic as he flicks his buttered fingers towards the Aspis-in-charge. Almost immediately, a thin but powerful film of grease grows over the captain's weapon, starting at the tip and slipping forth from there to encase the entirety of the blade and handle.

Reflex vs DC 15: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

The Captain shoots the bard a look full of daggers. With obvious disgust he spits out, "It will take more than your fey-tainted flower magic to best me, elf!"

WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY DIDN'T GIVE UP?!?!
BUFFS Bless stacked with Inspire Courage {+2 to hit and damage}

***Round 4*** (bold may act)
Sarathor (2/25 hp)
Ahmandé (17/21 hp)
GREEN {entangled x2}
Durvak (30/35 hp)
Lini (31/35 hp)
Kaya
Ren
Captain and PINK {Captain -15/?? | PINK unhurt | PINK horse -12/?? hp}

Croaki continues to attack the captain

bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Claw: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
claw: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

bite damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Claa damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
claw damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

"And if you strike me down whos going to call off the Croaki? retorts Sarathor as he edges around and tries to flank the captain but his blow has some thought to defense

staff: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 7 - 4 = 7
staff damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (2, 6) + 9 = 17

fighting defensively ac 20 (but still power sttacking)