Into the Dolmenwoods (Inactive)

Game Master Daniel Stewart

Robin looks confused at Sigfried.

"I don't know where to go. I have no idea which way they went...I just remember them grabbing Ziyad...then everything got all fuzzy. I'm sorry.

He wanders over and takes a look at the map found on the dead wolf.

"Huh...that looks like a windmill...maybe the old grist mill is what they are trying to show...it is kinda that way."

He points off to the north and slightly east where you can see a number of low hills in the distance.

Dzhim says, "No point in wantonly burning daylight. Let's rescue this person." as he follows the ranger towards the gristmill.

Pickles has spent the last few minutes holding and feeding his new pup. He then tucks him into his side bag, and prepares to join the others.

"Then show us the way to this windmill, Robin."

Dzhim says, "I concur with Siegen, he definitely seems to have the right way of things."

Robin swallows and nods his head.

"It is an old ruin up in the hills about half a day's march from here. There used to be a village up there, but the people all disappeared. Now only the old windmill is left."

The young boy readies his bow and, looking back to make sure you are all ready, heads off into the woods.

Brother Jacob seems excited about their march through the woods. "An abandoned village! Sounds spooky! Good thing we got our camping gear before we left the unabandoned village."

As he is walking he turns to their most recent addition. "You sure you want to come with us, Mr. Nose? There could be some danger, and there is no sign of a dolmen anyhwere."

Dzhim says, "No risk and I won't learn anything. I need to learn new things."

The rest of the day races by as Robin takes you through the edge of the forest. Most of the trees here seem younger and the area brighter than further in the forest. Even at the edge of the woods, you can feel an almost palatable dread emanating from the trees...almost like they know you are there and do not approve. As the sun begins to slide down behind the forest and the shadows lengthen, a break in the canopy shows the party a small bluff with the remains of a windmill perched on its edge. A path, which once might have bees stairs cut into the bluff's face, winds it's way up to a clearing before the decrepit building. A thin stream of smoke can also be observed rising from the cleaning...or maybe it's from the building...hard to tell from here.

"Well there it is. Looks like someone might still be there!'

Brother Jacob carefully looks at the bluff, the mill, and the stream of smoke to see if he can gain any more useful information.

Wisdom check vs Wis 16: 1d20 ⇒ 7

He ducks back behind a tree after taking a look around.

"Might be good to set up a camp some distance away and scout the place to see if anyone is really home."

"We need stealthy feet and keen eyes upon that place.", replues Siegen.

As the group stands and watches a figure walks to the edge of the bluff and seems to throw something over the edge. It stands there for a few moments before turning back and walking in the direction of the ruined windmill. From its size you are sure it was not human...probably a goblin.

"There is now little question about it. That was surely a goblin. If any volunteer to scout ahead, so much the better, but we should advance upon the windmill soon."

What time is it? I'd rather not attempt to attack the place in the dark, since that would give the goblins the advantage.

It is still light, but night is quickly approaching. You should have about another hour of light, then about an hour of twilight before it gets truly dark.

I'm guessing that the old windmill isn't that big, so an hour should be more than enough time to explore it, judging from the outside, yes?

"Well I can try to scout ahead if someone will hold Otto. I've not been too good at sneaking so far today, but Otto certainly doesn't help".

1d100 ⇒ 20 Sneak (90% Chance)

Brother Jacob happily offers to hold the pup while Pickles goes a-scouting. The puppy seems to enjoy the priest's company, and bites his fingers. Jacob lets him do so, but grimaces at the small dog's teeth and claws dig into his flesh.

Stepping lightly over the forest detritus, Pickles stealthily climbs the path to the top of the bluff. Once there he can see the area before the old windmill has been cleared of weeds and brush and a camp has been setup. From where you hide you count about 6 goblins, mostly those in the lesser armor and armed with spears and bows, but as you watch, another heavily armored goblin walks out of the windmill towards the fire set in the middle of the camp. Irregular tents partly surround the firepit, but you can still see the goblins going about their evening chores.

Brother Jacob carefully tries to keep the pup silent whilst Pickles go scouting about.

He whispers to the others, "So what should our plan be? See if we can sneak up on the gobbers before they know we're around?"

"If we wait, more may arrive. Or they attack us. We should assault the windmill now."

Dzhim says, "Well, if we can get some info before we charge in there we may be better able to find the best place to attack first."

"Certainly. Which is why Pickles scouted. I am uncertain what more information there is to gain though."

Sigfried had been quiet up till now, letting the others speak as he listened. The strong warrior knew where his strengths were; intelligence was not one of them. While he was no fool, he was smart enough to know he wasn't the smartest one in the room.

"I agree with Siegen. Night is coming and, if we are fortunate, all that would be out are now at the camp. If we can approach it quietly, we can get the drop of them and put down the less armored ones first." Drawing his blade and hunkering down, the tall man waited for the others to begin the assault.

Dexterity If Needed (Under 13): 1d20 ⇒ 12

Unless there is another objection, Siegen will move into position for the assault.

Dexterity if needed (Dex 13: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Brother Jacob follows along in back, but is sure he can't be as stealthy as his companions.

Dexterity vs DC 10: 1d20 ⇒ 5

But then again, sometimes I am lucky.

Dzhim walks near the Brother and tries his stealth luck 1d20 ⇒ 3 also lucky.

Pickles waits until the more robust of his companions draw near, then pulls forth his trusty bow, awaiting both a target and the start of the combat.

As luck would have it, all of the party was able to make it up the slope to where they find a waiting Pickles. Even the slight scuffle Siegen made while climbing seems to have gone unheard.

The clearing is just a few yards from where you crouch, and you can hear the babbling of the goblins as they go about their evening tasks. The light is slowly fading, but as this area is clear of trees, it is still easy to see as the forest's gloom does not extend to the windmill's area.

The windmill itself is still a fairly sturdy structure of stone and wood. The cloth on the vanes is tattered and rotted, and one of the vanes seems to have been damaged, as it sits at an awkward angle. The opening to the building has no door, and the few narrow slit windows also seem open to the elements. Finally part of the roof looks to have caved in, leaving a gaping hole at the top of the building.

GM, in this campaign setting, are goblins just plain evil and can't be argued with, or are they more like mischievous fey that can be talked to?

These ones are evil and deadly. Some say they are the troops of the 'Lords and Ladies", the elder elves who once called this forest their home.

I guess we should just charge in then, yes?

I do believe that is a "yes"!

Using no battlecry, Siegen charges straight for the goblin knight, aiming to hack it down!

THAC0 19 - Longsword vs goblin knight: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Everyone can go ahead and take an action before we roll initiative.

Pickles stays back from the melee if possible, and uses arrows to try and pelt the goblin knight. Pup is tucked into his armor next to his body, and squirming a bit due to the activity.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 Shortbow

1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 Pointy stick with feathers on one end.

Initiative
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Dzhim unleashes the power of his sling at the closest enemy to him. 20 - 1d20 ⇒ 20 - (15) = 5 if hits 1d4 ⇒ 1

Initiative 1d6 ⇒ 3

If we are playing with THAC0, players should use my formula to make it easier on the GM. THAC0 -d20-bonuses. I use it in my Al-Qadim game.

Rising from the embankment and seeing Siegen aiming for the heavily armored goblins closest to the entrance of the windmill. Last thing they need is the enemy sneaking in and taking potshots at them with the cover of the building.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Initiative: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Not wishing to expose himself quite yet in battle, Brother Jacob will fling a sling stone at the nearest goblin.

Sling (THAC0 19): 1d20 ⇒ 8,Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Posted action above. Rolling for initiative.

Siegen Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Leaping upon the unsuspecting goblins, the party gets the jump on their enemy.

Siegen started it off by moving towards the goblin squire and slashing at him with his longsword. The weapon fought the goblin squire on the arm and cuts deep.

Next Pickles fires an arrow at one of the goblin minions and the projectile skews the creature's chest and it drops to the dirt, dead.

Dzhim also fires a missile at the enemy, this a sling stone. The rock cracked one of the goblins on its head, injuring but not killing the warrior.

Sigfried scrambled up and moved to the entry of the Windmill in an attempt to keep the goblins from retreating into the building. On the way he also slashed at one of the goblin warriors, seriously injuring the beast.

Finally, Brother Jacob pulls out his sling and attempts to strike one of the enemies, but unfortunately missed.

Initiatives:
Goblins/Pickles
Sigfried
Dzhim

Need Brother Jacob and Siegen to roll initiative (1d6+ Dex bonus, if any)

Dzhim smiles that he got his sling to work properly this time as opposed to when he done got captured, "Pepper and Lorenz would have mocked me, had I missed." thinking to himself... as he puts another stone but one a little more jagged into his sling to see if he might could finish the job 20 - 1d20 ⇒ 20 - (18) = 2 if hits 1d4 ⇒ 2

PIckles gives a nod of satisfaction, and picks out his next target... one of the injured gobs.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 Ready, Aim, fire

1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 Result

With the surprise attack on the goblins over, the enemy troops look in rough condition, however they do not scatter and run. Instead, they seem to take position to repel your advance. Two archers step away from the group and bring their bows to bear.

Attack Siegen: 1d20 ⇒ 19 HIT
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Attack Sigfrid: 1d20 ⇒ 17 MISS
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

The remaining spearmen split up and attempt to harass Pickles and Dzhim.

Attack Pickles: 1d20 ⇒ 20 HIT
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Attack Dzhim: 1d20 ⇒ 3 MISS
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

The goblin squire squares off with Siegen, sparing with the dwarf.

Attack Siegen: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18 MISS
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Finally with a snarl, a large wolf bounds out of the entrance of the Windmill and strikes at Sigfrid.

Attack Sigfrid: 1d20 ⇒ 8 MISS
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

An arrow flies through the air, whistling before it strikes against Sigfried's shield. With a laugh, he breaks the arrow off and jeers at the goblins.

"You'll need to do better than that!" He shouts just in time to hear movement coming from the windmill. A massive wolf comes out, snarling and biting. "That's a bit better..." Sigfried mumbles, dodging out of the way of the beasts massive jaws. He turns his blade around, looking to strike it deep into the wolf's flank and let its momentum rip it apart.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Oops. I forgot that it's 1d6+dex modifier for initiative

Siegen Initiative: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Siegen HP 10/17

Siegen braces himself and swings back, keen to see this bout of sparring end in his favour.

THAC0 19 - Longsword vs goblin squire: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

With the surprise attack on the goblins over, the enemy troops look in rough condition, however they do not scatter and run. Instead, they seem to take position to repel your advance. Two archers step away from the group and bring their bows to bear.

Attack Siegen: 1d20 HIT
Damage: 1d6

Attack Sigfrid: 1d20 MISS
Damage: 1d6

The remaining spearmen split up and attempt to harass Pickles and Dzhim.

Attack Pickles: 1d20 HIT
Damage: 1d6

Attack Dzhim: 1d20 MISS
Damage: 1d6

The goblin squire squares off with Siegen, sparing with the dwarf.

Attack Siegen: 1d20+1 MISS
Damage: 1d8+1

Finally with a snarl, a large wolf bounds out of the entrance of the Windmill and strikes at Sigfrid.

Attack Sigfrid: 1d20 MISS
Damage: 1d6

Do't forget Pickles goes on the same count as the goblins, and hit one of them... if that keeps one of the inured goblins from attacking.

Initiative: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Brother Jacob looks around and fires off another sling bullet at a nearby goblin.

Sling THAC0 19: 1d20 ⇒ 19, Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Between Brother Jacob, Pickles and Dzhim, their collective missile volley takes down the two goblin archers. Siegen slashes the goblin warrior and cuts it deeply, but it battles on. The great wolf swings about and is stabbed deeply by Sigfrid's sword.

Fighting back, the wolf, squire and single remaining spearman strike at the heroes.

Goblin squire vs Siegen: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 MISS
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Wolf vs Sigfrid: 1d20 ⇒ 8 MISS
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Spearman vs 1d3 ⇒ 3 (1=Dzhim, 2=Pickles, 3=Jacob) 1d20 ⇒ 2 MISS
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

"Where did you learn to fight, goblin!? That was almost deft!", barks Siegen at the squire as he batters with sword, shield, and ironshod boot.

THAC0 19 - Longsword vs goblin squire: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Sigrfried sees the wolf coming around again, the wound upon its side not yet bringing it down. He has a grin on his face though as he gives it a nod, bringing his sword back up.

"I'm going to drag you back to town if needed. Make you into a pelt. Come on, my rug, come and die." Sigfried growls as the wolf charges at him again, aiming to sink its massive fangs into the man's chest. As it leaps into the air, his shield catches it in the face and with his sheer strength, he knocks it asunder. Switching the grip of his blade, he lifted it up to try and puncture it through the chest and into the beast's heart.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5