[Non-PFS] [3PP Class Only] Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands (Inactive)

Game Master djpika

I as well am happy to take a watch. Or well.. Part a watch if our sturdy friend here seems to not sleep. Doubling up is still apt. Something could come down from above the hill or squeeze in a weird way. So, 2 hour shifts? I'd prefer beginning or end"
Zupon cares not which set up he goes ultimately. But early or short is good.

Kurian makes a makeshift bed out of his roll and some of his equipment for a pillow. He nods as the others assure Xeph that four eyes are more...seeing than two, and agrees to take the dawn shift.

”I usually wake then anyhow. Probably try to feed a non-existent chicken or milk a goat.” he chuckles.

Wrapped in his armor, and clutching his blade the rough lad tries to get comfortable. In vain.

Braggi agrees with whatever shift he's assigned, and tries to catch some sleep meanwhile. Used to pass the nights with the caravan or into the boat, he's a bit uncomfortable lying by the open sky.

"I also brought enough mead to share", the astral deva smiled. "Can't go off on my first heroic adventure without the blessed drink!"

Apologies in advance to Xeph for bringing up the night-watch question a bit too prematurely before determining if he got to share his blessed mead stash with the rest of the party; nonetheless, Chigao will graciously partake if it gets offered to everybody present. Also on the subject of food, -1 Trail Rations for Chigao [and -1 less lbs to carry!] and where she's already positioned on the camp map will suit her just fine. :)

Chigao settled down for her first night out on adventure without the assuring presence of her master and in the company of complete strangers, Kurian and Zephkiel aside, no less! Still, relative strangers though most of them may be, they were fairly friendly ones at that. Even Kurian seemed to have cleaned up a little for the occasion, that much the Kunoichi Ninja noted as well. Perhaps what I had relayed to Andru had helped to mollify any of his disgruntledness at yesterday's events?

Opting to sleep with her leather armor on in the event of any overnight emergency- something that her master had stressed to her about being prepared for out in the open wilderness- Chigao's thoughts turned to the subject of her other companions. The Scholar Zupon seemed to have cemented his role as the party's leader though the Young lass concluded that it'd be a natural course for him to take, given his varied demonstrated expertise, which included finding a good camping spot to sleep in. Andru, the third town local- if her master was indeed correct in his suppositions - seemed to be a bit more aloof but he did seem to get along well with the normal surly outcast Kurian. Braggi, the next tallest member of the group compared to Zephkiel, seemed much more friendlier in comparison to both Andru and Kurian. Was it just me or are his both of his eyes seemingly similar but slightly different to each other?

Curling up a bit nearer towards the warmth of the campfire while still ensconced in her bedroll, Chigao spared a final brief glance towards the still awake Astral Deva Waiter turned adventurer. The Kunoichi Ninja had heard of all the salacious rumors in town about how many of the local lady-folk, both Young and old, had wished to have borne some "lucky" aasimar offspring with the Astral Deva. It was only their healthy respect for Zephkiel's special lady friend that otherwise stayed their desires; it was something that her master had chanced to remark upon when Chigao had repeated that very salacious gossip to him. What was it that my master said? "The very fact that they all had enough respect for the boundaries of her close relationship with the Deva is proof that there is still enough good within this town. If it ever came to pass that such boundaries are not respected by those in the town, it can only bode ill for the rest of us."

Looks like we've got our night-watch officially set with Zupon taking point, both Andru and Braggi taking their respective watches in the two middles, and finishing up with Kurian on last watch with Xeph being the all-nighter. Do they have to make any perception rolls? ;)

Now that i can log back in (had to clear cookies for paizo to do so though) I'll roll a perc check incase it is wanted

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
The astral deva looked out into the darkness, not really focusing on any one thing. Xephkiel smiled and nodded when catching the eyes of his companions, pleased to be forging new relationships and acquiring different outlooks.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Sunlight begins to fade and a cold wind begins to rattle through the leafless forest. There is now no sign of civilization in sight. The campfire crackles and spits an occasional pop as the group settles in for the night.

During Zupon and Xeph's shift, Zupon sees movement at the edge of the campfire(yellow circle).

The wolf on top of the ledge emits a howl, and several eyes flicker in the darkness.

Surprise Round
Zupon
GM

DM - why did you roll initiative for those of us sleeping?

To speed things up and to know when folks will enter the list.

Each square is 10ft. So the far left ones are like 150ft out. the hill top side ones are like 70ish feet away right? That is what the +10' means? I will act assuming such as they're out of my range for most things

"Xeph! Incoming" Zupon shouts, while stridiing to the group drawing his special torch. Crackling and hissing as it comes out of the water , aliting itself in a purple light. Moving towars the sleeping members, hoping his calls awaken but moving to help provide cover. Reading for the incoming.

Moved closer to the group who presumably are laying down. Drew Founder Flame Torch. Ready Action to smack one if it comes close.

"EVERYONE AWAKEN!" The astral deva cries out to his camp mates. Xephkiel draws his rapier, ready to attack.

Given Zupon's confusion over the squares, do you want to redo your turn? Recall that this is a surprise round, so it's one standard action... drawing an item would be it, you wouldn't be able to ready the additional action anyway.

TAKE TWO. ah right. move or standard. But no swifth actions unfortunately or I'd Scout em

Calling out to the others, Zupon readies a Needler when a wolf shows itself.

Needle thrower is still equipped as he was on watch. Ready action when they come within 40ft to shoot.

As the wolf presses Zupon, it's pack mate follows and starts to circle while two more move towards Xeph.

Bold may act, although those not on watch are waking up and prone on their turn.

Round 1
*******
Chigao 20
Braggi 18
Kurian 17
Zupon 16
Kurian 17
GM
Xeph 7
Andru 7

”Schznarzhle...wupt?!?” mumbles Kurian.

”Aaaack!” he yells manfully, swinging out with his blade at the wolf bearing down on him...from his bedroll. As he misses terribly a wave of oppression surrounds the young man, who then rises to his feet.

[Swift Action: expend one point from Dire pool to enact Inimica: Stricken]

[Standard Action: Attack!]
Fwaarng; Ktttp!!!: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 2 - 4 = 41d10 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 [+2 Str, -4 prone ; +3 THF] [-1 to Wolf’s AC due to Stricken]

[Move Action: Stand up, provoking AoO]

Calling out to the others,

"EVERYONE AWAKEN!" The astral deva cries out to his camp mates.

As the wolf presses Zupon, it's pack mate follows and starts to circle while two more move towards Xeph.

Bold may act, although those not on watch are waking up and prone on their turn.

With thoughts lingering upon narrowly avoiding being mistaken for a "lucky aasimar child" herself, Young Ninja Waiyo drifted off to sleep. In her dreams, she was watching a traveling circus performance with her master by her side, who was himself commenting on how Chigao should closely observe all of the movements of the circus acrobats as they performed for the crowd.

As the dim shouting of tantalizingly familiar voices could be heard getting more and more louder while all of the performers were still engaged with their act, the much younger Tian lass, her silvery hair being much more shorter in a top-knotted bob-cut, idly thought to herself, Shouting? Who is making all that noise- I don't remember this ever happening...

Awakening with a startled gasp, the novice Kunoichi is greeted to the horrifying sight of Zephkiel, his broad-back backlit by the campfire, raising his rapier as a pair of fierce wolves start to stalk up towards the tall Astral Deva. Another nearby lupine-like snarl or two could be heard echoing across the space to where Chigao recalls Zupon had been staying over at the last time she saw of the Scholar.

Groggily standing towards her feet, as she was trained to do in such a dire situation, the now alert Kunoichi Ninja crouches over just enough to draw forth her sharpened masterwork sickle. None of the others by the campfire appear to be awake yet; thankfully, the wolves that are now engaged with Zephkiel seem to have non-bloodstained maws.

Adding her own upraised voice to the raucous din, Young lass Waiyo could be heard stridently calling out, "Wolves! Wolves are upon us- prepare yourselves!"

Since her BAB is zero, Ms. Waiyo has to take two move actions to stand up and draw her nearby weapon or could it be all just one movement? If she still has any actions left, I could have her moving towards Zupon's direction. Edit: just checked, it's definitely two move actions for her.

Braggi's dreams about a blond, big breasted chubby barmaid start going wrong when she begins to grow wolf ears... Then suddenly a snout takes the place of her freckled noise, and a pair of fangs can be seen in her mouth when she asks whether Braggi wants more mead.

"No!" he shouts, immediately jumping out of his improvised bed - and probably talking a nasty bite from the wolf nearby. He reacts quickly, grabbing his shield and entering his signature combat stance.

He smashes the wolf on the face, trying to find some room to use his throwing shield more effectively.

Spiked Shield: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Technically, Startoss Style doesn't specify you have to throw the weapon to gain the bonus damage, just it has to be a weapon under the Thrown Weapon fighter group, but I personally think that would be a bit too smart ass, si I'm using it as I think it's intended - only when throwing it.

Well once again I'm cut off and surounded by bad things. You'd think I'd learn... Ponders Zupon in his moment of stress. Opting to draw his favored Torch. Zupon tries to keep an eye on the one in front of him as he shifts to try and get closer to the group. Taking a swipe at the one behind him to fend it away. Unlikely to hit, but hopefully disincline it from attacking.

5ft step from avove purple to below red. Move action to draw Torch. Standard action to try and swipe with it.

Torch 'em: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Damage?: 1d3 ⇒ 11d6 ⇒ 6 B/F respectively.

Chigao stands up and fights away the slumber as adrenaline drives grogginess away. Braggi and Kurian awaken, just as startled.

Braggi makes a quick attempt to stand up, but not before the gaunt predator darts in and sinks it's teeth into the man's thigh (-7). Fighting his way up, he manages to fling his shield into the side of the wolf, making a sound that sounds oddly like a hammer smashing a large watermelon.

Kurian also falls victim to the lupine predator as it nimbly avoids his frantic attack and sinks piercing teeth piercing thick clothes, tearing flesh as the wolf shakes it's head violently (-6).

Zupon pulls his torch out of the water, the flame hissing as the remnants of water boils off. The two wolves circle him, waiting for a misstep as Zupon attempts wild swings to keep them at bay. They make small bite attempts at his heels, tugging and pulling before releasing, waiting for their prey to fall.

<Bold may go>

Round 1b & 2a
***********
Chigao 20
Braggi 18
Kurian 17
Zupon 16
Kurian 17
GM 9
Xeph 7
Andru 7

Round 1
Xephkiel was unready for the speed of the advancing wolves, but once they were within range of his rapier, the astral deva struck one of the lead lupines with the speed and power of a bolt from the blue!
Rapier: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Confirming: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Dmg.: 1d6 + 2 + 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + (3) + 2 = 12
"Ha-HA!!!" Xephkiel shouted! "My first strike for the Force of Good!!"

Under different circumstances, Braggi would step back and throw his shield. He doesn't want to leave Andru unprotected, though, so he tries a more tactical maneuver and smashes his shield against the wolf once more.

If the green foliage at the wolfe's 6 is a tree, Braggi will adjust there and thus flank with Xeph.

Spiked Shield: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 maybe +2 for flanking
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

If Braggi is attacked, he'll use an AoO to get a +2 to AC thanks to the Shield Sphere. He has 2 AoOs.

Andru had been sound asleep when the wolf howled and and advanced. He sat up straight and looked around muttering not again as he stood up grabbing his crossbow and bolts ,stepping back 5'

@Xeph - which color was that against?

Orange. The one immediately in front of Xeph.

DM - did Kurian get tripped? The wolf rolled a 22 for the trip part of the AoO...

Technically yes, but the AoO goes before you get up...

For the center trunk of a tree: A creature standing in the same square as a tree (AC 4, hardness 5, hp 150, DC 15 Climb check) gains partial cover(+2 to AC, +1 on Reflex saves), so I'll move Braggi accordingly.

Xeph lunges with his rapier and the tip easily slides between two ribs and the wolf loses most of it's momentum, arterial spray erupting across the foliage. It whimpers as it moves back. Braggi continues to hold the western front, bashing the wolf with the spiky end of his shield. Andru starts backing up as he feels the heel of his foot start to give, kicking several loose rocks over the edge of the sandstone wall.

<Bold may go>

Round 1b & 2a
***********
Chigao 20
Braggi 18
Kurian 17
Zupon 16
GM 9
Xeph 7
Andru 7

Round 2

Kurian cries out in pain, and reflexively swings hard at the wolf. Hard, but woefully inaccurate.

[Standard Action: Attack!]
Skshaa; Ftwk!!!: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 91d10 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 [+2 Str ; +3 THF] [-1 to Wolf’s AC due to Stricken]

DM - did Kurian get tripped? The wolf rolled a 22 for the trip part of the AoO...

Technically yes, but the AoO goes before you get up...

Good to hear/know; it'll definitely inform Chigao's next actions of where to go now in the second round of combat. If Kurian had been knocked prone, she would've gone to help against the Orange wolf; as it stands, Chigao gets the sense that between Xephkiel, Kurian, and Braggi, the leftmost wolves can be easily dealt with, despite all the injuries taken. She'll opt to assist Zupon with the right-most wolves; specifically to flank at the Purple wolf since there's flanking opportunity there.

For the center trunk of a tree: A creature standing in the same square as a tree (AC 4, hardness 5, hp 150, DC 15 Climb check) gains partial cover(+2 to AC, +1 on Reflex saves), so I'll move Braggi accordingly.

Andru starts backing up as he feels the heel of his foot start to give, kicking several loose rocks over the edge of the sandstone wall.

Unsure of where the tree trunk would be relative to the Purple wolf but I'd imagine that the footing of all the adjacent south squares might be skirting the edges of the sandstone wall; if needed, Chigao can make an acrobatics checks to get to flanking range?

Acrobatics check, if needed?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10.

Watching the harrowing fight between the two western-most wolves and the impromptu front-line of Kurian, Xephkiel, and Braggi has nearly set the Young Kunoichi's teeth on edge in anxious observance- especially having to witness both the harried Direlock and Conscript getting bitten by the vicious wolves. Still, Chigao gets the pervading sense that between the three of them, both of those left-most wolves would eventually be dealt with.

Glancing over to the eastern-most direction of Andru and Zupon, the novice Ninja Waiyo notes that the Gearhead is now fully awake and ready to fire off with his upraised crossbow. Unfortunately for the beleaguered Scholar though, Chigao notes with no small amount of trepidation that two more eastern-most wolves are close by, nipping at Zupon's heels as he attempts to fend them off with his odd-purple flamed torch. He'll certainly need some back-up!

Steeling herself with a Calming intake of breath, Chigao grips her held sickle firmly in hand as she resolves to go and aid Zupon. Calling out to Andru, the Young Kunoichi says "Andru, I must go and assist Zupon with his two pursuers! Fire away when you've got the chance!"

Taking a quick diagonal direction towards the south-east, followed by another quick eastern-most dash towards the edge of a great tree, then quickly following up with another diagonal in the north-easterly direction, circling around the tree trunk until Chigao is able to flank with the Purple wolf ; Or if there's not enough room to maneuver that way, then another east step followed by a northward step....

With another calming breath taken, Chigao attempts to strike the Purple wolf's flank...

Flanking strike: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8

Potential damage & sneak attack: 1d6 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (1) = 5

Heh, forgot to take into account the whetstone sharpened damage which is another +1 to damage with her MW sickle; not that her initial strike was likely to hit though. ;p

Although Chigao felt a bit crestfallen at her seemingly poor showing, the Young Kunoichi lass was able to console herself with the fact that Zupon wouldn't have to face those two wolves alone. Master Naru always said that the tides of battle will remain unknown until our fates determine otherwise...

Round 2 Zupon I believe. 1b 2a is kind of throwing me. I'm assuming 1b is left over from folks who hadn't gone yet or something anywya

Chirping out workds of gratitude to Chigao's reinforcment, Zupon feels woefully under prepared for a melee."That's what I get for taking a vantage point to the side..."Zupon laments his life choices as he attempts to swing upon the wolves again, this time attempting a pincer with Chigao.

Torch a Wolf?: 1d20 ⇒ 8+2 if flanking counts.
Yelping dog pain?: 1d3 ⇒ 21d6 ⇒ 2 Bashing;fire

Inherently regretting that he didn't simply blow up the wolves whilst they were further out.

Chirping out workds of gratitude to Chigao's reinforcment, Zupon feels woefully under prepared for a melee."That's what I get for taking a vantage point to the side..."Zupon laments his life choices as he attempts to swing upon the wolves again, this time attempting a pincer with Chigao.

Yeah, I'm guessing DM rel20's splitting the rounds based upon when his wolves could go; luckily, Xeph and Andru already made their 1b moves so they still get their 2b actions. :)

Acknowledging Zupon's words of gratitude with a brief nod and a nervous smile in response to his uttered lament, a majority of Chigao's attention remains focused upon the actions of the flanked Purple wolf. As soon as the torch-wielding Scholar is done with his own flanking strike, Chigao will add in with, "Kurian, Xephkiel, and Braggi are dealing with two more wolves over by the Campfire- they managed to wound them both already; Andru's up and awaiting a good shot; we just have to keep these ones busy- it's only a matter of time until they can help us out..."

I placed markers for tree trunks. As for rounds, I figured calling it round 1/2 would cause more confusion, so essentially the latter half of the round and the start of the next can go. It just makes things easier for pbp, although if timing becomes an issue, it will be resolved in initiative order.

Kurian, Chigao and Zupon try to defend themselves against the attack, but the wolves prove to be too agile.

The impaled wolf withdraws, leaving a blood trail across leaves and detritus on the forest floor.

The two on Zupon continue to circle, biting while Zupon's attention is on the other, but the battle continues to be more a test of wills.

The remaining wolf on the west starts to move towards the foliage, menacing Braggi as he does.

<Bold may go>

Round 2b/3a
***********
Chigao 20
Braggi 18
Kurian 17
Zupon 16
GM 9
Xeph 7
Andru 7

Round 2
Xephkiel takes a quick look around the camp, and sees Zupon surrounded. The astral deva pivots around Kurian to harrass one of the scholar's attackers.
Rapier (flanking): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10
Dmg.: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Now that his companions seem to be out of reach, dealing with the other wolves, Braggi feels more confident taking the fight to his own territory. He steps back, grabbing his shield like a disc and throqing it in a manner that the rebound allows him to catch it back. This technique has costed him years to learn, but he uses it to much efectiveness.

Shield Barrage #1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Damage, Startoss Style, Point Blank: 1d6 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 11

Shield Barrage #2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Damage, Startoss Style, Point Blank: 1d6 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 13

I’m assuming Braggi Cap’n Scandinavia’d the green wolf, so Kurian will head toward the northern battle...

Round 3

The wolf nearest him appears to have beaten a retreat, so Kurian follows Xeph and brings his blade down in a furious assault on the flanked wolf...

Move Action: Move to square directly/adjacent south of Xeph.
[Standard Action: Attack (Red wolf)

Zouwr; Shtkfp!!!: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 131d10 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 [+2 Str ; +3 THF] [-1 to Wolf’s AC due to Stricken]

Actually, it's not stated anywhere that objectives of Barrage have to be within 30' of each other (as with many AoE features), so if Green is down with the first hit the second one could be directed at a different one...

[-1 to Wolf’s AC due to Stricken]

Also that Red wolf was already poisoned by Zupon so that'll give it 2 less AC to deal with too for you, Kurian, and both Xeph and Zupon too. :)

Round 3, fight...

As the Purple wolf veers away to try another flanking bite of its' own against Zupon, Chigao notes that both wolves seem quite determined to land a bite upon the beleaguered Scholar once more. They must find him to be tasty enough to try again with their attacks... enticing might be a better word for it since Zupon's not been bitten yet.

Deciding to take advantage of the opportunity, during the all-too brief lull in battle, to make another flanking strike upon the otherwise preoccupied purple Wolf, Chigao pushes off against the nearby tree trunk to quietly make her way between both boulders and bushes as she goes north-easterly to make yet another diagonal crossing, only this time in a north-Westerly direction as the Kunoichi Ninja flanks with the Purple wolf in a horizontal "V" movement.

Taking in another deep calming but anticipatory breath, Chigao attempts to make another sneak attack upon her intended target...

Sneak Attack via flank #2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Sneak plus Whetstoney damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (6) = 9 . And the Whetstoney damage goes away with the hit. :)

Actually, it's not stated anywhere that objectives of Barrage have to be within 30' of each other (as with many AoE features), so if Green is down with the first hit the second one could be directed at a different one...

Orange might be a bit too far off (should be perfectly in range for Andru's crossbow) but Red and Purple should be within range for you, Braggi- even with any ranged/cover penalties. :)

The scholar once again flails maddly towards a wolf, internally screaming a tad at memories of the past, but this situation is clearly better. Albiet still alarming.

Torch it good?: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8 To Hit vs the flanked with Xeph Red Wolf.
burn pure?: 1d3 ⇒ 21d6 ⇒ 4 Bash / Fire damage if hit

Xeph moves to even the sides for Zupon, coming up behind one of the wolves.

I believe Barrage is like the Zen Archer ability, so as written there's no proximity constraint...

Braggi under arm tosses his shield at the remaining western wolf, crushing it with a thud before spiraling back. Spinning in a continuous spiral, Braggi catches and redirects the returning shield towards the circling wolves, striking between Zupon and a wolf, kicking up dirt like a rooster tail.

Freed up, Kurian joins Zeph to reinforce the remaining battle, which is enough of a distraction for Chigao to land a flesh tearing hit with her own metal fang.

Zupon continues to hold the line with his swinging torch around him, keeping a wolf at bay as fur singes off into the night, emitting a distinct smell into the air.

Actually, the duration for hindering shot isn't listed... that would be worth getting clarification on. It seems to imply that it's permanent until removed, which seems a *tad* on the strong side. Otherwise Zupon gets what he needs with the flank + -2

<Bold may go>

Round 2b/3a
***********
Chigao 20
Braggi 18
Kurian 17
Zupon 16
GM 9
Xeph 7
Andru 7

Andru takes stock of the situation and looks at the wolves flanked and loads his crossbow, taking aim and firing into melee, shooting at the one between Zupon and Chigao hoping for some luck..

crossbow attack: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 2 - 4 = 141d8 ⇒ 3

How can hit with an 18 and miss with a 23? LoL

Whoops. Scrolling error bouncing back and forth. I looked at the 13.

Maybe a range increment penalty AND a firing into melee penalty?

DM - *did* Kurian miss?

Maybe a range increment penalty AND a firing into melee penalty?

That could be, but only if I wasn't 20ft away from the red wolf and I didn't have the Sniper Sphere.

Liberated from the wolf that woke him up, Braggi gets ready to throw his shield again...