Mr Clint's Duchy of Ashlar

Game Master Mr Clint

Okay. I deleted my last post. I will wait for others to post accordingly. Let me know when everyone is ready to move forward. I wasn't trying to rush anyone in actions, but I was just wanting to keep with the once a day posting and in the morning is usually best for me.

If only I knew brining ray... Or perhaps a pickling cantrip.

Ahh, but you can!

Well I'll be!

As a side note and a bit of trivia, I read years ago that the Viking culture ate two meals, morning and evening, Breakfast and supper. I don't know if it's true or not, but when I play 'viking-like' characters (Like Ivar) in my mind I set that as the expectation.

So missing lunch would not have been a big deal. Maybe he snacks while he's driving to stay awake :)

They had too much viking to do, no time for silly lunch! Cool bit of trivia.

With a full day's travel, could Helgar have rested in the cart to regain her spells? That would probably be a higher priority than her keeping an eye out

No. Partly because the owlbear was around midday and that is when you used the spells. But I also take the more next day approach, unless its during downtime.

Just a quick note, I'll be off for a two-weeks vacation until the 20th of May. I'll be going on a hiking trip, so I won't have access to a computer, please bot me if needed.

Oh awesome! Where are you hiking at? Before my wife and I had kids we talked about doing the Appalachian trail, maybe once we are empty nesters many years down the road. Have fun, be safe!

Mr Clint wrote:

As the party continues their discussion about what to do next, Albin leads his horse, Pepper, away from the party towards the caravan that is just finishing the load up. He begins talking to the driver of the third caravan, when an old gnome man exits through his sliding door behind the driver. The three of them strike up a conversation.

Strangely, I assumed that since Findal exited his wagon's interior through a 'sliding' door that he owned a wooden framed wagon, not a wagon with a canvas cover. Or did he come on a horse and he's talking about our covered wagon?

Sorry about the confusion. I went and looked and I wasn’t clear. HERE on April 8th I mentioned that Findal was on his saddled horse. I did not say that his wagon was with him but I also didn't say it wasn't with him... that was a mental assumption that I made. Sorry about that. He is talking about the party's wagon.

How wide is the entrance into the larger building in the northwest corner?

The two story structure to the north west has a set of double doors to enter. Your characters would not know this yet, but they have roughly 12 foot ceilings in there.

No confusion, just curious, It's not like it would change anything. It's funny, when I first read about Findal's wagon I was like "cool a wooden wagon." picturing a Romani-type wagon. So I copied the post to ask. Then I thought that you had posted somewhere that he had joined us on a horse, so I figured he was talking about our wagon, That's when I edited the question/post :)

Cool, the path leading up was wide enough for double doors, but I didn't see the door. I like the maps, I can see why you were excited to run this sandbox.

The maps for this world have been done very well. I've been excited for you guys to get here since you purchased the dagger/story. I would have been slightly bummed had you decided to not take it. Oh well, that is part of the fun of sandbox. It's a dance, learning to lead and follow at the same time.

ok, the door we were standing at is apparently locked. Does anyone have 'disable device'? Or maybe a crowbar?

Not I. But a hammer can solve any problem if applied forcefully enough.

Helgar would know that her weapon is already the masterworked quality, she is skilled enough to know that. Feel free to save the spell.

@Ivar the door is just an iron banned door that, OOC, has a door bar on the back. There isn't a disable device DC but there is a break DC, when Nempura didn't hit.

To move from the ground level door to the second level floor it is a double move. Difficult terrain at the stairs + diagonals would force that for everyone. If this changes what Nempura/Helgar or anyone else would do this "round" please feel free to do so.

@Ivar the door is just an iron banned door that, OOC, has a door bar on the back. There isn't a disable device DC but there is a break DC, when Nempura didn't hit.

did Merion trying to jimmy the door do anything?

Is anyone following Nempura upstairs?

Since disable device is not an options, if Merion's trick does not work, Ivar will either try to break the door down or follow Nempura.

But, just for the record, Does anyone have disable device?

I'll get a post up before I go to bed.

Merion is +7 to Disable Device. I think that's all.

Since there isn't a disable device check I am going to rule that the knife trick, which is trying to disable a lock, does not work. Its a door bar, with the Str/Break DC I don't think it will be something someone can jimmy with a knife.

Hey guys. I want to apologize if I am not doing the greatest at the description of this place. Let me try to clear a few things up.

Mr Clint wrote:

Nempura approaches the single door that leads into the tower and gives the door a firm kick to quickly open the doors for Ivar and party to rush in....

I was under the impression the other door was the only one, but in all the discussion Mr Clint didn't say there wasn't another door, so if there is a door up here he will try open it. I'm assuming with rough terrain the ascension and attempting to open the door may be a couple of rounds.

On Monday I mentioned that on the rampart that there was a second door that leads into the tower. From where it is, your characters would assume that it leads into the second story of the tower.

Not to far from the ground floor door, you can see a set of stairs that will take you to the top of the rampart that will grant you access to that second door. Map showing stairs up & doors.

The group from the description was all around the ground floor door, so to get up to the second door it would be a double move. Stairs are difficult terrain and its on an angle.

Again, I apologize if I was not clear with this information. If you ever need me to be clearer, do not hesitate to ask.

I know things weren't the most descriptive on my end. Check the discussion tab, I tried to help clear things up. If any of the above is not correct, feel free to retcon and move your character accordingly.

You also notice a few more things. From the front rampart wall, you see another shut door that goes into what you can assume is the tower’s second floor.

I just missed this while I was skimming posts.

I was trying to decide what to do when, so I was trying to figure out what was happening at the same time and how to respond and I started to overthink it.

When I see something is in reference to someone elses perception, I tend to skim it. So when

"Try this upper door," she requests of her party. (I'm assuming there is one. Ignore if not)

I didn't do a lot to go back and check to see if there was or not.

Your doing good on the descriptions and such, don't worry about me, I just get anal retentive sometimes. Probably more than I like to admit :)

ok, the door we were standing at is apparently locked. Does anyone have 'disable device'? Or maybe a crowbar?

I have Disable Device, but with a bar it may be more brute strength than skill to get it open. Unless it was very easy to, Merion wouldn't have actually lifted the bar without checking if anyone but he and Arren were there to deal with whatever's in that room.

GM. We need to confirm these are the wanted brigands on the wanted posters before engaging in actual combat on our part. Nempura wouldn't know it, but Ivar might. Are they?

GM I'm Ok if you want to verify it is or it isn't anyone on the poster.

Either way, Ivar will attack. He can justify it later saying when they bought the dagger they bought the rights to the tower, since Albin and his group claimed it years ago. So, these fellows are trespassing and odds are they're bad guys or they wouldn't be here. but really, he doesn't care. it's no different from being a sea raider, their here to take it and these people are in the way.

Besides, since he opened the door, if they talk, he might wait and see if Nempura can convince them to leave the property she purchased peacefully. But if they attack ie, pick up a weapon, look at him mean or run out of the room to obviously get a bigger weapon than the one they had beside their bed he'll just be 'defending himself' when he chops them up into little bits.

Hence my readied action while calling for the brigands to surrender. Now if they attack her it is all in self defense! Plus it gives them knowledge of who we think they are.

I will say that you do not recognize anyone in this room. BUT you do know that the elven woman on the poster was leading a band of bandits in these woods.

Playing devils advocate… you guys did just storm up on this tower guns a blazing. Who knows who these people are. Lol.

Two questions on the battle, did Ivar get an AOO against either attackers, did the crossbow attack account for cover either from the door or the attackers? It won't keep him from being hit, but it might remove that extra damage.

Ranged penalties always have bothered me. If the corner comes into play, he'd get -4, then soft cover -4, and then if he doesn't have precise shot another -4. That's ridiculous...

I forgot that Ivar's weapon is reach. The one that is directly in front of you took a 5-foot step so no AoO. The second guy moved straight down the path and currently has partial cover. He would have provoked 5-feet to the right when he didn't have cover. Ivar gets an AoO against him.

Different types of cover don't stack. IE something cannot have soft cover (-4) and partial cover (-2) for a total of -6. It would just have the highest bonus.

The orange token guy has the proper feats and is figured into his attack modifier. The other guy that missed also has the proper modifiers/penalties figured into his attack modifier.

The only thing that I did not see was if Ivar has any bonus to his AC for any reason, but I did not see anything that would have changed that. (spells, class abilities, defensive stances, etc)

If in the second round, despite attempts at diplomacy, they attacked, I'm still taking my action.

I think with the attempt to kick down the door + Arren's threat + Ivar opening the door with weapon in hand makes diplomatic approaches near impossible.

You guys did "storm the castle"

Hey guys, you really need to look at the interactive map, plan your turn accordingly and move your miniatures.

Helgar, I moved yours last round but if you take a look at where you are, you are unable to get to Ivar unless you move in front of him. I won't make that move for you, unless you want to be in front of combat. So as it stands, Ivar has not been healed.

Both Ivar and Nempura have acted this round, Ivar has 5-foot stepped, and where Nempura is would be at the top of the stairs and per the book is difficult terrain, so no 5-foot step.

Everyone please move your token because I base the NPCs actions on where you are.

If somehow I'm at the top of the stairs, even though I'm 5ft to the side of it, then I'll just use a move action. It won't mess up my turn at all and she'll remain where she is.

*nods in shame*

Nempura is not at the top of the stairs, that is where Helgar got to last round.

I just want to make sure everyone is consulting the map when taking their turns since part of the group has limited space.

Both Ivar and Nempura have acted this round, Ivar has 5-foot stepped, and where Nempura is would be at the top of the stairs and per the book is difficult terrain, so no 5-foot step.

Just wanting to double check, was Ivar able to 5 f step back or did he need to use a move action? Only difference would be giving up the AOO to the mace-wielder in the door.

Ivar is good. He got the AoO, then on his turn he 5-ft back then attacked.

The only thing that didn't line up was Helgar's move/healing of Ivar. I also know Merion said he moved up towards the door but he was already there.

Just wanted to make sure all of us were referencing the interactive map before we take our turns. I don't want to do something that wouldn't have actually happened because the character was not there.

I am having computer issues. Should have a post up this evening once I can borrow one.

Ok, a little confused, here in discussion you said.

I forgot that Ivar's weapon is reach. The one that is directly in front of you took a 5-foot step so no AoO. The second guy moved straight down the path and currently has partial cover. He would have provoked 5-feet to the right when he didn't have cover. Ivar gets an AoO against him.

Ivar’s first attack doesn’t cause the man to fall, but it was a grievous wound. His second attack on the same guy causes him to fall and you can notice that he is no longer breathing.

It sounds like your giving Ivar's AOO to the man who took the 5 ft step and then attacked through the doorway.

According to the post in discussion Ivar's aoo had to attack the man to the south who moved straight down the path, and then attacked Ivar but missed due to cover. Ivar's rage attack would have been on the man standing to the north in the doorway. He would have attacked two separate people. The one moving that provided the aoo, and then the one in the doorway.

Or am I incorrect?

Edit:If the man in the doorway is dead, how did they shut the door without moving the body?

You are correct in the AoO & Killing blow. It doesn't change how things happened in the round for the tower guys. I did make a note that the one guy is -8 HP. Thanks for mentioning that. Always feel free to bring that kind of stuff up.

How did they shut the door w/o moving the body?
Great question, it all happened internally so you guys wouldn't have seen it. though I suppose you would see the body sliding away... that is my bad.

Here is the break down:
Guy by door: to archer "grab the body." (free action)
Archer: 5-foot step (Move) Pulled body (Standard). (He is around the corner so he has cover and does not provoke.)
Guy by door: shut door (Move), bar down (standard)

Seems like when Ivar saw the body being pulled away, that there could be some sort of AOO to jamb the head of the polearm in the door. But I don't know of any rule that would demand it.

Edit: I guess in the next doorway he should get the AOO, then drop the bardiche, draw the sword, attack, then 5 ft step over the corpse.

But if anyone has any form of cover, you receive no AoO. Anyone outside of that very first opening square would get cover from you. So yes you saw it, but you don't get a clear stab because of the around the corner from the distance.

[dice=CLW Ivar]1d8+2 +9 HP

Rushing to Ivar’s side, Helgar chanted the words of reforging, to close the gaping wound left by the crossbow bolt. While she couldn’t heal it completely, she at least fixed the worst of it.

In round 3 Last round did Helgar move in front of Ivar to heal him these 9 HP, or are you holding onto this casting for round 4 current round?

I don't want you to lose out on a good healing roll.

If possible I’d like her to hold onto the casting for this round, so she doesn’t get in the way of him swinging his weapon. That sounds like a potentially painful learning experience!

Did that hit me even though I had +4 AC from Shield?

It would have missed! I will add your HP back. Thank you for reminding me.

Moving forward, when you have active spells/effects could everyone do like Ivar is doing with his rage? Just at the top of your post in an OOC write out what it is you have?

Thanks.

That wouldn't have changed Merion's action, which was driven by seeing how incapable we are of breaking through the door.

Back again, will take me some time reading up and posting a coherent post.

Also Clint, I've been hiking in my home country of the Netherlands. Easy terrain, but walked about 240 km on a trail that leads from north to south. September I'll begone for part two.

Hey, I wanted to give everyone a heads up that we are leaving for vacation today for a week. I will have my computer and internet and expect that I will be able to post, but just incase I miss a day or two that is why.

@Ewan very cool! I had to do a little conversion being stateside and all. 150 miles! Solid trek. The trail that I was talking about here in America, the Appalachian Trail, is 2,194 miles (3,531 km). Which the average completion time is 5-7 months.

Did your folks in the fort go?

It’s still round 2 Arren/Ewan//Merion still need to go, I’ll have your action for next round.

*sigh* I was so excited I forgot to read the line that said

Arren/Ewan/Helgar/Merion you’re up. What do you do?

@Clint Yeah it's been a great journey, can't wait for part two.
I've seen the Appalachian Trail and thought it to be a great walk as well when I've trained more for it. But for now treks of 2-3 weeks are enough for me.

I'm actually going to be visiting the Netherlands for the first time in a few months! I really look forward to seeing some of of the landscapes!

I'm guessing he didn't have internet lol, or was too busy enjoying his vacation! :P

Hey all! Sorry, about the time away... I had internet, but with 15 of us in a house there wasn't much alone time to post... on the other hand, we did go salmon fishing and were able to bring back a ton of salmon!

Back to the game!