GM Euan's Jade Regent

Game Master Euan

Round 2

Mukluk huzzahs as he strikes the castle stone that was in his way. That’ll learn it to be in my way. He strikes again, this time at the corby.

1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 1 - 4 = 9 to hit;
1d6 ⇒ 1 piercing damage

Durgan decides to try the Mukluk approach of attacking around the hard corner.
To his surprise, he likely hits one of the crow-men.

Attack, with Cover: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 - 4 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Kisaiya slashes at the wounded corby as she takes a step back, trying to draw the foes into a more favorable position to surround them.

Attack with Saya: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Still saving guidance for the moment in case she needs it for a save or such

Mukluk continues to struggle with the castle wall. Rory dives back into the breach and slashes red, along with a bite by Storm, though it is un-tripped. Kisaiya attacks red, giving it a good gouge - but it does not quite drop. Durgan slashes blue through the door jam - and hits, drawing a considerable amount of blood.

Red shifts to Rory, as does blue.
Red claw on Rory: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Red claw on Rory: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Blue claw on Rory: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Blue claw on Rory: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
critthreat Blue claw on Rory: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

They seem to find Rory an easier target and they get quite excited at the prospect of bringing him down! Though not yet...

- Round 3 -
Mukluk - 18
Rory - 6+ (-8hp)
Kisaiya - 6- (-2hp)
Durgan - 4
- Round 4 -
Red - 19 (-14hp)
Blue - 19 (-9hp)

• Next up everyone.

Pleased that he wounded the dirty bird, Rory gloats too long and get's clawed, first by the corbie he wounded then by the other one. Bleeding, Rory slashes at the first red Corbie, nudging Storm to move back, Storm snaps at the Corbie, trying to drag it down, then steps back.

Rory Outflank Attack MW gladius, Storm outflank attack: bite, 5 f t step
MW Gladius: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 + 4 = 29 for damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4
attack: bite: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 = 10 for damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 trip: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 4 = 28 Oh well

Round 3

Mukluk strikes time at the red corby.

1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 1 - 4 = 15 to hit;
1d6 ⇒ 5 piercing damage

Durgan steps back and readies to strike any foe that comes within reach.

Kisaiya scowls at herself as the enemies just switch to attacking Rory. ”Great job, Kisaiya, you just got them to switch targets.” But seeing Rory and Durgan pull back, she stands her ground and readies to attack whichever foe steps closer.

Mukluk strikes around the door to score a hit - and a kill as the corby collapses in a heap of feathers. Rory stabs blue though Storm misses. Kisaiya steps back and also readies an attack. Durgan steps back and readies a swing.

The remaining bird however has cunning, and orders. Blue withdraws and heads to the ladder - clearly heading out to warn the keep of your arrival. He's currently 10' up the ladder and climbing faster than you'd have imagined possible.

- Round 3 -
Mukluk - 18
Rory - 6+ (-8hp)
Kisaiya - 6- (-2hp)
Durgan - 4
- Round 4 -
Red - 19 (-19hp, bleeding)
Blue - 19 (-13hp)

• Next up everyone.

Round 4

Mukluk moves up to shoot a spray of divine Moose piss at the retreating foe.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15 touch to hit;
1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 damage.

Watching the first Corbie fall to Mukluk's pick and the second one flee after being wounded, Rory calls out "well done!"

As Mukluk rushes in and sprays some sort of bad smelling stuff at the Corbie, Rory touches his heals to Storms side, telling the wolf, "Sick 'em."

As Storm burst into the room Rory guides the wolf to the far side of the Corbie. Nearing the creature, Storm snaps out trying to drag the Corbie to the ground, while Rory slashes at dirty bird.

Storm, 40 ft move, Outflank attack: bite, Rory Outflank Attack MW gladius,
attack: bite: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 4 = 20 for damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 trip: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 4 = 9
MW Gladius: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 + 4 = 17 for damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Mukluk moves up and spits urine at the bird. He hits, but the bird does not (quite) drop though it it staggered! Rory slashes the bird with his gladius, though Storm can’t quite reach the bird up on the ladder. Nevertheless, it’s enough!

The birdman falls from the ladder at Rory’s feet, bleeding and wet.

We are out of initiative.

Mukluk - 18
Rory - 6+ (-8hp)
Kisaiya - 6- (-2hp)
Durgan - 4
Red - 19 (-19hp, bleeding)
Blue - 19 (-16hp, bleeding)

• Next up everyone.

Mukluk stops the chase, moving to end the corby before it gets back up. He plants his pick into it’s head, then moves to get other one, just in case.

coup d’jerk: 4d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 5, 3) = 13 piercing cold iron damage
coup d’jerk: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 3, 1) = 11 piercing cold iron damage

”Alright, let’s get settled. There are probably more of them,” Mukluk says, looking around the area where the corbies were hanging out. Anything of interest?

The room is quite messy - clearly the birds don't care. Mukluk, at a glance, finds nothing of particular value however.

Feel free to make perception checks if you wish to search more in depth (remember I assume a take-10 search when there's a break in the action).

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14 Perception

Mukluk glances around while he waits for others to heal, then will keep watch at the ladder and what might come out of the castle.

Once the creatures are dead, Durgan will Channel to heal Rory and Kisaiya.

Channel 1 of 3: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 6) = 7

Then he moves over to the other ladder and listens for any sounds of movement above.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Pleased that they were able to get to the dirty bird before it had gotten to the top of the ladder, Rory watches as Mukluk plants his pick in the things head. Not sure what Mukluk meant by getting settled, Rory, remembering what the little not-a-fey said, added "yep, probably are more of the dirty birds somewhere."

Feeling his wounds almost totally heal he turned to Durgan, "Thanks Durgan."

As Mukluk began to search the room and Durgan began to climb the ladder, Rory turned Storm to the far door. "Come on Storm let's sniff out the small door."

Stopping the wolf near the door, Rory leaned over in the saddle taking a long look to see if the door was trapped then putting his up against it to see if he could hear anything.

Taking 10 for Rory and Storm, I just want to see if Storm barks and points more like Lassy or Rin Tin Tin.

Rory and Storm sense nothing unusual about the small door - though it looks as though it hasn’t been used in many years.

Oh, as you can see through the double doors to the north - like the southern doors to the gatehouse these are comprised of bars as well - you see a large courtyard. I’ve opened up the map a bit. Probably more than you can actually see from the entry, but you’ll get there soon enough I expect.

Unfortunately there are secret doors listed on this map, sigh. Please ignore. You'll likely find them, as old and poor as they are, but you haven't yet. :)

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Kisaiya tries to search the room as well, feeling disappointed in her performance during the recent melee.

”Probably better to stick to clearing the outside rooms before venturing into the courtyard. That’s a great place to get surrounded and ambushed.”

She walks to the west, seeing the closest enclosed rooms over there.

"I'd be interested in going up these ladders. The Corbie was trying to flee there, perhaps for reinforcements.
I'd also rather not leave enemies above us with higher ground to rain arrows on us in that courtyard.
However, climbing a ladder puts us at a short-term disadvantage against enemies above who may be waiting.
Any ideas on how to scout up there? I could cast some defensive spells and go up, but that means such spells won't be available later. It's still an option.
Or, we can stay at ground level."

Looks like we can go into the courtyard through the double doors, up the ladders, or around to the tower through the door near Rory. Durgan has Shield and Barkskin as domain spells, and a domain SLA for +2 Deflection, so he can get his AC very high for a short while.

Mukluk moves over to support Durgan and his plan to go up the ladders.

”He makes sense.”

Having looked out the murder holes near the door, Rory assumes the rarely used door goes to the courtyard as well. Turning back towards the others he realizes the dwarves are talking about 'climbing the ladder.' Not wanting the whole 'cliffside fiasco' he chimes in. "I think sneaking up the ladder and looking about is a great idea. Then we can decide on the best way to continue."

He gestures towards the Corbies "I think your right about warning the others, but I assumed he was headed that way to take to the air,"

Looking around at the others he asks, "Does anyone have a mirror so Durgan can just peak over the edge?"

At the mention of a mirror, Kisaiya sets her backpack on the ground and begins rooting through it. She pulls out a grooming kit and slides out a small mirror. ”I have this little one.”

"May I? Thank you, Kisaiya."
Durgan sheathes his axe, climbs up the ladder, tries to quietly open the trapdoors if there is one (I think 'C' typically means a trapdoor in the ceiling?), and sticks the mirror through to look around.

He doesn't cast his defensive spells just yet, though he will cast Virtue on himself for 1 temporary HP.

Durgan sees a small round vestibule at the top of the ladder - just a few feet on a side, with a small platform and a door leading elsewhere.

He doesn't immediately hear anything on the other side of the door.

If and when Durgan reports on what he sees, Mukluk is happy to follow the team up the ladder.

Durgan looks to Storm, then to the ladder.
Hmm. Could be a challenge.
Especially if the wolf is large enough to count as Medium and give Rory an extra 5' of vertical reach. Sounds like LOTR Warg-sized or close to it.

"As I think bringing Storm up the ladder will be difficult and noisy, perhaps I should try to lure enemies down to ground level? Let me take a look anyway and see what we are dealing with."

He gets up in the vestibule, draws his axe, straps on his buckler (for AC 18), and opens the door.

ninja'd by Durgan will edit:

Nodding Rory waits to see what will happen.

I'm happy to dismount storm and let him 'guard' the ladder while we look about.

Durgan enters the door and finds himself on the roof! He can see quite a bit with a little careful looking about. He hears the sounds of a scuffle to the east, in the small courtyard there, but cannot see what's going on from where he is. It comes and goes, so perhaps it is a contest and not an actual battle. It's hard to know without going closer.

There do not appear to be any guards up here at the moment...

New map up!

Mukluk will follow the goon squad up the ladder.

Moved on map, but following others.

Kisaiya does in fact let Durgan take the mirror, then follows the others up once they give the all-clear.

Moved on map

She warily searches the place, on the lookout for hidden figures or dangers.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Watching the others as they climb up the ladder, Rory considers calling up and asking them what they've found. Looking from the hole in the ceiling, to the other ladder then back again. He fidgets a little, knowing if they were in trouble he'd hear combat. Breathing a sigh, he sits on Storm, waiting for someone to tell him what they are doing.

Kisaiya moves first over to the eastern door and opens it and takes a look inside before moving to open the other one.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Mukluk moves to support Kisaiya, ready for the door to be opened.

Actually I think that's where you came up, but either way - both towers are checked and reveal nothing but ladders going down where Rory looks up at the party.

The group continues to crouch and avoid being seen through arrow slits in the main building. I presume... :)

Mukluk nods at the party, wondering they think they should hit the double doors or move back to the base and check out things that way.

Moose would tell us to go to them double doors. They are mule-wide doors, and Moose likes that. Not having to squeeze. He's a good mule, Moose is.

Kisaiya nods towards the double doors and begins to move that way.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

If you're moving to the double doors, I'll need stealth checks please.

Durgan hands Kisaiya the mirror back.
"Might be useful for looking around the corners. Should we get Rory up here? He would be the stealthiest of us."

I quite like the idea of using a mirror to look around corners. It's an old-school tactic that I haven't seen much of in a while. Thanks for suggesting it, Rory.

Earlier
Having not heard much from the others, Rory dismounts Storm and climbs up the ladder sticking his head out the hatch as the others move to the doorway on the Parapet. Hearing Durgan ask about getting him up there Rory sticks his head out. "Hang on a second, I have a plan."

Returning back down the ladder, Rory tells Storm, "Ok Boy we're going to climb the ladder, just like climbing fir trees when you were a pup." Reaching down he puts Storms paw on the first rung, then the other paw on the second rung. Climbing around the wolfs paws Rory shimmies up the ladder calling Storm up behind him.

Storm is taking 10 (11) on climb.

Now
Once they get up into the second-story tower, Rory breathes a sigh of relief. Pointing to the floor of the tower, he tells Storm, "Storm, sit, Storm guard." He nods looking to the others. "Storm will make sure no one follows us up the ladder." He Gestures towards the door on the other side of the castle. "Once we breach those doors I can come back and get him." He looks towards the others to make sure they were ok with the plan.

Turning to Kisaiya he asks, "Do you mind loaning me the mirror?" Looking back to make sure in fact that the wolf was staying like he'd been told, Rory sneaks down the parapet, using the mirror to look towards the door, then holding it higher to look into the courtyard below where the sound of fighting is coming from.

Taking 10(21) on stealth, then 10(20) on perception.

As the goon squad moves towards the double doors, Mukluk will follow, trying to keep his good stew pot from banging too much.

Take 10 Stealth = 11.

He will peek over the side to see what they might be avoiding the notice of.

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12 Perception

Rory moves ahead stealthily so you can see what you’re up against.

In the courtyard below, he sees two creatures. They look like ogres, only smaller - maybe ogrekin?

They appear to be engaged in a wrestling match, going back and forth in the courtyard, testing their skill against each other.

What attracts the eye, and is of greater concern perhaps, are the three dire corbies watching the fight from the rooftops on the other side. If the party moves up to the double doors, Rory is sure they’ll be spotted by the dirty birds.

Moving back to where he'd left the others, he gestures towards the sound, "Two ogre looking fellows are wrestling about. But on the other side of the courtyard perched on the roof are three Dirty Birds watching the fight. I'm pretty sure they'll see us as soon as we move to the door."

He shrugs, "I could sneak to the doors and open them up. Then the rest of you come running and we lock them out." He furrows his brow, "That's assuming there is nothing inside preventing me from going in."

He gestures towards the area by the towers, "What if I jump up and down and draw them here, then you long shanks could jump them."

Were any of the Corbies armed? Specifically with ranged weapons?

You saw no ranged weapons.

Durgan looks back and forth between Rory, Mukluk, and Kisaiya.
"Kisaiya is the only longshanks here..."
He sounds quite confused, entirely missing Rory's point.

"But yes, draw the Dire Corbies here. Let them see you with us out of sight around the corner.
Now, should I be here to fight them, or should I guard a ladder against the ogres, with Storm guarding the other?"

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 Know (Local) - Special attacks? Weaknesses?

Mukluk knows a surprisingly lot about ogrekin, and when it seems safe will explain what he thinks about them, and how they might be handled.

Mukluk doesn't want to attract all 5 foes at once, and hopes to find a way around the potential combatants.

He's happy with the plan to draw them to the party, and thinks about good things he might do if he's ready for them.

"If we can keep the ogrekin on the ladders, then we can probably pare down the corbies so we're not whelmed, or even overwhelmed."

Mukluk moves to take up a defensive position.

Please position yourselves on the map and we'll get started with your plan.

Mukluk switches his defensive positioning, hiding behind the tower, which may or may not be crenelated.

Handing the mirror back to Kisaiya as Durgan comments about the size of everyone's shanks Rory looks from his own leg towards the dwarfs raising an eyebrow. Focusing on the talk about the trap, he offers, "Once I flee past your hidden position I could lean down the hole and cast entangle or obscuring mist. My mom taught me those. I'll head back where I was and wait for thumbs up from you three."

when it's time
Once the conversation is over, Rory sneaks back up to where he'd spotted the Corbies and waits for a thumbs up from everyone. As soon as all his friends give him the signal, he jumps up waiving his both his hands. "Hey boys where's the bathroom, I have to pee really bad."

As soon as the dirty birds notice him, he turns and starts to run.

at 'run' speed (x4) he should be able to make it into the tower where Storm is in the surprise round. In the first round, he will cast one of his spells into the room below (unless everyone feels that's a bad idea) and then mount Storm.

at 'run' speed (x4) he should be able to make it into the tower where Storm is in the surprise round.

You can only Run as a full-round action, and you can only Run in a straight line, so you'll only be able to move 20' with a surprise round action. I'd offer to be a barrier for Rory to move past, but Rory's AC 21 is better than Durgan's unless Durgan goes all-out on defensive buffing, which it seems too soon to do.

Durgan casts Guidance on himself in preparation for battle.