Wrath of the Righteous for Paladins

Game Master trawets71

Small point, Dadna; it's Silver, not Gold, unless GM changed it, or Terendelev was holding out a really big secret from us. XD

Anton nods at Dadna's comments, a shift in his posture indiciating a slight ease in his previously tense demeanor. "Thank you very much. That's an interesting idea, that we are but one front of a war that spans the cosmos. Of course, now I worry that even more depends on us," he says with a smile, probably only half-joking.

Returning to the topic at hand, he asks, "Have these troops faced the undead before? The ghouls that were mentioned before won't faze them, right?"

Fley listens in to Dadna and Anton discuss. "Aye, we were there when the city fell. It was chaotic, those first few days." Fley looks down in recollection, unsure if he can go on. "But I agree with Dadna. This fight is not just here. I feel it in my bones. The gods are fighting too."

You are indeed correct! And I should have known that, playing a Gold Dragon campaign on the game atm. Let’s chalk it up to Dadna’s mistake :p

”Our main army is made up out of Paladins. I believe that the Queen chose them because they can be depended on to overcome frightful opponents such as those. But, as ye can see, we have rescued enough crusaders to make a second army. I cannot attest to their capabilities, and as such I have argued for keeping them as a strategic reserve. How they will be used, though, is up to the War Council. Of which ye now be a member.”

Anton still sends away for one of those home DNA kits, hoping it can shed some light on this.

"A good point, but we'll have to find a way to work them into the battle plans sooner than later. If they start feeling that they're being held back because we think they can't hack it, well, even if they could've, they run the risk of 'learning to fail', if I'm making sense."

Dadna nodded. ”Aye. A good point. A very good one…Ah…here. The fortifications. Ian!” She waved to the Paladin with Chelaxian features, prominent scar and green eyes. ”Ian, we were just talking about the new army that was liberated. I had been arguing to keep them as a reserve, but Sir Anton wisely points out that could be bad for their morale. If the fortifications are not in need of your eyes at the moment, then I’d like to hear your thoughts on the matter.”

Finished with checking the camps fortifications, seeing Dadna waive, Ian moves towards Dadna, Fley and Anton. As he approaches he looks from Dadna to Anton answering, "In my opinion what will help their moral the most is a victory." Pausing to think as he unstraps his shield from his right arm. "I see two option that involve using both forces." Hanging his shield over his shoulder. "We have the army we brought with us, a war tested battle hardened group that have fought together and know each others tactics both as soldiers and commanders." He begins to rub some of the stiffness out of his crippled right hand with his left. "And we have a new army of a diverse group of tortured prisoners, albeit soldiers, using borrowed equipment. A willing group, but individuals who have never fought together either as individuals in a unit, or commanders with other units."

He shakes his head, "I have seen lesser-noble generals use this tactic: put the weaker less trained units in the front. The enemy punches through the weaker units giving them a false confidence. Then when they are through the soft front, surround the trapped enemy with the stronger soldiers engulfing them on three sides." He looks from Dadna to Anton. "It's a tactic that works, but at the expense of the weaker less trained unit's they used as bait."

He gestures toward where their paladins had set up camp. "I'd rather put our trained veteran units up front. Let them hit hard and fast and trust Iomedae with the victory. If the enemy starts to flank then we can move the newer units to fight defensively at the flanks." He nods towards where the newly freed prisoners were setting up. "It's not that I doubt their willingness." He pauses for a moment then holds up his crippled right hand. "I trained with sword and shield to fight in a shield wall until this happened." He shrugs. "Now that I've learned to fight left handed, I cannot fight in a shield wall because I am unable to protect the flank of the man beside me." He gives a weary smile, "I am willing to admit my ineffectiveness in a shield wall, but I have learned other ways and places to fight." He nods again to the newly formed unit. "As they will. In time we will shape them into a sword for Iomedae but let us not use the newly formed blade until it is quenched and fitted."

Before he even realizes it, Anton finds himself nodding in agreement as Ian speaks. "Indeed, I see much wisdom in the second approach. I think the hardest thing commanders can give a new army is its first victory. Let us try to bring it to ours in a way that lets them see how to get the next, and the one after that."

When Ian first suggest putting the ill-equipped soldiers in the front, Fley looks in with shock, 'No, no, no. Not those innocent soliders...'. But then Ian suggests leading the veteran units up front, Fley eases his tension. "Aye, good idea. If you are looking for other ways to fight, I can teach you a thing or two.". The gnome slowly reaches for the kukri. "Sometimes it's not always about power and strength, but sometimes you need stealth and finesse as well.". He winks at the other paladin.

As the paladins prepare the next morning Irabeth approaches and says "The extra lighting was needed last night. Groups of ghouls attacked our pickets last night. There were quite a few skirmishes and some casualties. Our new soldiers were quite happy to get to defend themselves and eager to mete out some punishment. Both armies will be ready to move out shortly. The ghoul army is roaming the cemetery to the west. They don't seem to rely too much on tactics other then gang up and try and eat the live ones."

the night before
Smiling at his friend Fley, Ian chuckles, turning to Anton. "Fley can teach us all a thing or two about that." Rapping on his own suit of armor. "Your the only one I know who can sneak around in armor."

In the morning
Waking before the dawn, Ian takes the time to follow his morning routine. Meeting with the others after his prayers, he listens to the news from the night before. Asking Irabeth. "Does the ghoul army seem to have a command center? I think the six of us 'cutting off the head of the snake' while the army attacks 'the body' has worked so far. Will we be able to do the same here?"

Ardriel, rested in the morning, nods in agreement.

Yarnala Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

That should be enough to know about ghoul fever.

Yarnala looks up from preening, then flaps over to Ardriel's shoulder and says in Elven,

Ardriel says to Irabeth, "Yarnala just informed me that ghouls spread a disease that transforms people into ghouls. Have any of the wounded shown signs of being infected?"

Irabeth says "We will have those wounded looked at to see. You will just have to move around the army and come at their leader. They are currently outside the mausoleum that was mentioned as possibly being a problem."

Ready when you are.

Ready to go.

Fley looks worried when Ardriel mentions ghoul fever. "What a horrible way to die. Having one's soul twisted into a monstrosity.". He shakes his head. "I say, let's go destroy them before they have a chance to attack again."

”We can have our scouts start leading packs of ghouls into ambushes, so we can pick them off. After their numbers are culled we strike, with the full assault being launched as we attack what passes for their leadership. The first phase will likely draw out their alphas, aye?”

"The power of my god protects me from illness," notes Leothar.
"And I can call upon the power of Torag to harm many undead all at once."

Basically, I think Divine Health and Channel Energy can make a huge difference here. I don't think our army of paladins are necessarily high enough level to have those abilities, but maybe.

"We have such protection against the power of these undead that I am hesitant to expose the rank-and-file to any more risk than necessary. But if that is what we have to do, so be it."

Leothar is not a general, so he defers to the others.

Anton says, "If the scouts can reliably evade the ghouls, and draw them to us for destruction, then I think Dadna's plan is sound. But I feel we must be ready to move ahead on our own if their losses become too great."

While the ghouls mill about in the cemetery they do not chase after your scouts and remain together. That tactic not working you leave the armies in Irabeth's charge and head around to the south to approach the leadership of the ghoul army.

Seeing your approach the leader raises his holy symbol and casts a spell. The ghouls await your approach.

Init Anton: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Init Ardriel: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Init Fley: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Init Ian: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2
Init Leothar: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Init Dadna: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Init Enemy 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Init Enemy 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Round 1
Party Up

Anton advances with his glaive at the ready.

Single move action, ready to attack anyone that gets within reach. Unless anyone thinks I should just double-move up? Also, GM, I'll leave a readied attack/damage roll there.

Glaive PA: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Glaive PA damage: 1d10 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25

Move and protection from evil cast. Current AC with it is 23

Dadna moved up, quietly chanting a prayer to her pantheon as she did so. She prayed to Torag for a level head in the battle to come, Trudd for strength, Angradd to know when to unleash it, and most fervently to Bolka, for her continued patronage.

Dadna you want me to move you up?

Sword and shield in hand Ian moves forward, asking, "Do you think they will mindlessly charge or wait for us the way the cultists did." Stopping On Anton's right hip he says a quick prayer calling on the Power of his Faith. He smiles nodding at Anton's glaive."If they charge, we form a wedge with Anton the tip of the spear, or glaive as it were."

20 ft move, standard action casts Power of Faith
For you all
PoF 1st of 10rd. This causes a nimbus of light to emanate from the warrior of the holy light in a 30-foot radius. All allies in this area (including the warrior of the holy light) receive a +1 morale bonus to AC and on attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws against fear as long as they remain in the area of light. This power lasts for 1 minute.
Focus: Whenever a mythic ally that is within 30 feet uses the surge ability, it rolls its bonus die twice and takes the higher result.

Leothar moves up as Ian directs, Radiance at the ready. He wills the power of Torag to empower the hammer further.

Using Divine Bond to give the weapon another +1, making it +3.

"Do you think they will mindlessly charge or wait for us the way the cultists did."

Anton takes a moment to recall what he knows about ghouls.

Kn(religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Post to follow if I get any relevant info.

Anton considers what he knows about ghouls and remembers that they can paralyze you when they attack you, though elves are immune and that they are resistant to channeled positive energy. Ghouls typically are found on the edges of society graveyards and sewers where they can find corpses to feast on. How they act in battle is as individual as the ghoul themselves. They are not mindless undead.

Thanks GM!

Anton frowns and shrugs in uncertainty as he ponders Ian's question. "Too much variability; in that, as horrible as it is to say, they're almost human. Just don't let them paralyze you, is the one thing that always holds true."

Ardriel moves forward with the others. While in their midst, he casts a spell, asking for the blessing of Yuelral upon the group.

Cast bless, giving everyone +1 to hit and +1 morale bonus on saves against fear - if any of us give that immunity up due to archetype.

Fley slowly walks behind the group, casting a spell on himself, hoping to protect against the evilness of the ghoul.

Stride up with the group. Then cast Protection from Evil on self.

The ghouls remain steady and their commander casts another spell.

Round 2
Party Up

"Forward!"

Not wanting to let them have any more prep time than they could help, Anton rushes forward, trusting in his faith and his steel to keep him safe.

Gonna leave 4 AOOs out here in case they're needed. Bless and Power of Faith are in effect, but both are morale bonuses, so the plus to attack doesn't stack.

His armor a nimbus of light, Ian trots forward in unison with Anton and Leothar, keeping the wedge tight. Sword and shield at the ready, Humming a hymn of Iomedae as he goes.

Double move
For you all
PoF 1st of 10rd. This causes a nimbus of light to emanate from the warrior of the holy light in a 30-foot radius. All allies in this area (including the warrior of the holy light) receive a +1 morale bonus to AC and on attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws against fear as long as they remain in the area of light. This power lasts for 1 minute.
Focus: Whenever a mythic ally that is within 30 feet uses the surge ability, it rolls its bonus die twice and takes the higher result.

Dadna rushed to keep pace with her comrades…double move

Ardriel strode forward, his quicker gait allowing him to easily keep up with his armored comrades. As he advanced, he nocked an arrow to his bow and prepared to fire at the spellcaster if he cast another spell.

Readied Attack, PoF: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 10 + 1 = 12
Damage, PoF: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8

Double move.

"Wait for me guys! My short, stubby legs can only get me so far."

The ghouls remain in place while their commander studies Anton for a moment.

Round 3
Party Up

Advancing, Anton brings his weapon to bear on one of the ghouls.

Move, and Attack Orange

Glaive PA: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Glaive PA damage: 1d10 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23

I'll leave a few AOOs but I have my doubts any of them are gonna provoke.

Advancing, Anton brings his weapon to bear on one of the ghouls.

Move, and Attack Orange

[dice=Glaive PA]1d20+10
[dice=Glaive PA damage]1d10+17

I'll leave a few AOOs but I have my doubts any of them are gonna provoke.

** spoiler omitted **

Can you break down your to hit and damage for me please? I don't mind BAB str magic weapon and always on feats being lumped together but I like to see things like power attack and situational feats separately.

Sure, man!

Attack: BAB +6, Str +5, magic weapon +1, PA -2 = +10
Damage: Str +7, magic weapon +1, PA +9 = +17

What I tend to do is make up to separate premade rolls (to be found on my profile in the spoiler marked "FIGHT!"). And I'll have one with and one without PA (I haven't put up the without one yet, still TBD). It also occurs to me that I missed putting in the +1/+1 I'd get from PoF to my attack rolls/AOOs (perils of doing this late at night, sorry). When I have additional bonuses like that, yes, I add them in separately (also stuff like bless, Studied Target, etc.).

Anton, Ian is one of the few folks who will do several buffs, keep an eye on his OOC, presently he has power of faith up which will bump your AC, attack and damage

Moving forward with Anton, Ian stays on the 'spear tip's' flank, making sure no one works their way around behind the divine defender. Seeing Anton thrust his glaive at the undead, Ian nods, "Well struck brother." As he lifts his sword ready to attack anything that approaches.

AC 26, 20 ft move, readied attack: + 1 evil outsider bane longsword, WF, PowerAttack Mythic, PoF
attack: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 25 for damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 + 1 + 6 = 17
For you all
PoF 3rd of 10rd. This causes a nimbus of light to emanate from the warrior of the holy light in a 30-foot radius. All allies in this area (including the warrior of the holy light) receive a +1 morale bonus to AC and on attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws against fear as long as they remain in the area of light. This power lasts for 1 minute.
Focus: Whenever a mythic ally that is within 30 feet uses the surge ability, it rolls its bonus die twice and takes the higher result.

Heh, totally aware of it, hell I added it on the Conditions sections of my status line! I just pooched the part where I remember to add it into my rolls! #scatterbrain :P But thanks. This was just me being tired/distracted when I posted last night.

Leothar moves up 20' (move), then uses Fleet Charge to move another 20' and strike at Blue (swift), then he hammers at Blue again (standard).

Sorry, but given the positions I don't see any other way for Leothar to be useful.

Attack, PA, Negative Level, Divine Bond, PoF, Fleet Charge: 1d20 + 13 - 2 - 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 13 - 2 - 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 28
Damage, PA, Divine Bond, PoF: 1d8 + 8 + 9 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 9 + 1 + 1 = 20
Bypasses any DR.

Standard Attack, PA, Negative Level, Divine Bond, PoF: 1d20 + 13 - 2 - 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 13 - 2 - 1 + 1 + 1 = 30
Damage, PA, Divine Bond, PoF: 1d8 + 8 + 9 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 9 + 1 + 1 = 21
Does not automatically bypass DR, but is at the moment a +3 weapon.

Ardriel moves forward a ways, then focuses on the commander and calls out to him, "Your soul will find the rest it was denied to you, ghoul, once we have destroyed you!"

Smite evil on the commander.

Attack, Mythic PBS, PoF, Smite: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 2 + 1 + 3 = 31
Damage, Mythic PBS, PoF, Smite: 1d8 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 + 1 + 12 = 18

First successful attack ignores all DR.

Anton slash the ghoul but it stands. Leothar moves up and pounds the ghoul twice and it drops to the ground. Ardriel fires at the leader and hits it.

Round 3
Fley and Dadna Up

GY -0
GR -0
GO -23
GB -41
GC -18

Swift Charge Yellow: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 1 + 1 = 17
Ignore DR Damage: 1d10 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 1 = 13

Hit: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d10 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 11 + 1 = 15

Iterative: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 1 = 25
Damage: 1d10 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 1 = 22

Confirm: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 1 = 22
Crit: 1d10 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 1 = 19

Dadna moved forward, and used the natural reach of her weapon to lash out at the ghoul in front of her. Of the blows, her third attempt was a solid strike across the face.

Fley swiftly moves up to the ghouls, skirting around the south side to flank them. Seeing Leother's success with defeating the ghouls, Fley feels inspired. "Death to the undead abominations!" he screams out as he runs forward.

Double move. Then will expend 1 Mythic Power to use Fleet Charge.

+1 Kukri, PoF, Negative Level, Mythic tier: 1d20 + 11 + 1 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 1 - 1 + 1 = 16
damage, PoF (bypasses all DR): 1d3 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8

Dadna moves forward and misses the ghoul she is attacking twice. Having found the mark she then smashes it's head in. Fley moves up and charges in but misses the ghoul.

The ghouls step forward and attack Anton with tooth and claw. They each manage to get a claw through Anton's defenses. Anton, please make 2 fort saves

Their leader points to Leothar and says "You shall die this day and your quest will fail by the power of Baphomet!" He then charges Leothar and nearly takes his head of with his great axe! He then bites the dwarf who falls to the ground. As he falls, for the first time in a long time Leothar feels fear. Need a fort save for Leothar too please. I'm just glad I rolled the ghouls first.

Orange Claw 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Orange Claw 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Orange Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Blue Claw 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Blue Claw 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Blue Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Orange Claw 1 Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Blue Claw 2 Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Greataxe C PA S: 1d20 + 18 + 2 - 3 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 18 + 2 - 3 + 4 + 1 = 33 Damage: 1d12 + 14 + 9 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 14 + 9 + 14 + 1 = 44
Bite C PA S: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 3 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 10 + 2 - 3 + 4 + 1 = 27 Damage: 1d6 + 7 + 9 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 9 + 7 + 1 = 26

Round 4
Party Up

GY -41
GR -0
GO -23
GB -41
GC -18

Fortitude: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Fortitude: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Damn that 2. I shouldn't even bother rolling any actions for the turn, should I? >:(

Hit ghoul attacking leothar with smite!: 1d20 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 3 = 28
Damage: 1d10 + 11 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 11 + 12 = 26

Iterative: 1d20 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 3 = 15
Damage: 1d10 + 11 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 12 = 31

Seeing Leothar go down, Dadna stepped forward and called out to Bolka for aid. The weapon glowed with holy light as she swung it around at the ghoul that was savaging her comrade.

"No No No!" Seeing Leothar go down, Ian moves wide behind Anton towards the chief. Declaring his Bastion of good against the leader he steps between the dwarves, lifts his longsword and slashes at the cleric.

AC 26/30 BoG. 20 ft move, Attack + 1 evil outsider bane longsword, WF, Power Attack Mythic, PoF
attack: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 16 for damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 + 1 + 6 = 15
mythic surge: 1d6 ⇒ 2
mythic surge: 1d6 ⇒ 2Well that truly sucks.
For you all
PoF 3rd of 10rd. This causes a nimbus of light to emanate from the warrior of the holy light in a 30-foot radius. All allies in this area (including the warrior of the holy light) receive a +1 morale bonus to AC and on attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws against fear as long as they remain in the area of light. This power lasts for 1 minute.
Focus: Whenever a mythic ally that is within 30 feet uses the surge ability, it rolls its bonus die twice and takes the higher result.
Bastion of Good"any attacks the target makes against allies within 10 feet of the paladin deal half damage.

Fortitude add: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Fortitude add: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Ian, thanks a ton! Chalk one more up to Mythic Learning Curve. I'll mark off a use of Mythic Power and do that.

Antipaladin hitting me with a Smite Good, and also Aura of Cowardice I assume?

Fort: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
I have adjusted the saves in my stat line for that negative level.

Leothar is unconscious (at -7 and stable).

I definitely need much better defenses. Offense is just fine.

Anton feels himself stiffening up but just fights it off in time. Dadna moves up and hits the commander once. Ian tries to hit the commander as well but misses.

Round 4
Anton, Ardriel and Fley up

GY -41
GR -0
GO -23
GB -41
GC -44