GM Euan's Jade Regent

Game Master Euan

”Do you know your way around the marshes?”

Mukluk takes a moment to parse the question, and then tailor his response to explain.

"Yes, yes, yes...I would say my key skill is going *around* marshes," Mukluk explains. "As a trader and traveler, it's much easier to get from Point A to Point Sand if one doesn't spend too much time mucking around in the marsh. Both Moose and I have a 'less time in the marsh is better' policy, you can ask him yourself."

"So, I think I'm very qualified if the task was to get the goblins on the other side of a marsh, then I could lead the team around the marsh and to the goblins. But if the goblins are *in* the marsh, which is what I think you're saying, then I'm not very good, nor bad about being *in* the marsh. I'm more of an around type of fellow." Mukluk nods his head as if he had explained that very well.

"But don't you worry about me, I'm sure I'll do just fine in the marsh. And there won't be Moose around to complain the whole way either. I'll just leave him here as this is just a day trip and all."

Turning and looking at the roudy group a few tables over, Rory reaches down and pats Storm on the head as he looks back at the group. 'We could take 'em, couldn't we Storm' Confident enough to believe it, but smart enough not to say it out loud, Rory turns his attention to Ameiko.

Shaking his head, Rory had spent most of his time in 'Sandpoint's Hinterlands' to the north, hunting the Tickwoods and wandering the Ravenroost; he'd not really wandered south yet, ther than the roads he'd traveled. He chuckles at Mukluk's confession about most of his experience was 'going around' marshes. Looking from Ameiko to Mukluk he adds, "For what it's worth, I've been in a Marsh, just not that particular one."

Kisaiya nods at Ameiko’s question. She remains a bit worried, but she tries to present as confident as she can so she can impress her. ”I can find my way through an area I have not been before, even without a map. I’ve done it before by myself, so I especially can with help.”

Ameiko waits for Mukluk to end his little thesis and reminds herself to be very specific when chatting with him. A reminder she will assuredly forget in time.

”There’s an old hermit, well now that I think on it I dunno that he’s old exactly. But that’s what you say, isn’t it, ‘old’ hermit? Anyway, he’s a halfling. Walthus something. Proud something? Proudstump I think it is."

"He’s been living out there for years. If anyone knows anything he’ll know it. The sheriff mentioned talking with him a few weeks ago about something unrelated - before all this ruckus.”

Hearing there was a fellow halfling living in the marsh, Rory smiles, "Well that makes it easy, Halflings are the friendliest, helpfullest, people I know." He looks around at the others, "We should go there first thing in the morning." He pauses for a moment thinking about what he'd said, adding. "After we meet in the square and maybe after second breakfast."

"He’s been living out there for years. If anyone knows anything he’ll know it.”

"You want us to find this Walrus Proudhump, you say? You think they might be able to help us with the goblins?" Mukluk makes a note to try to find Mr. Walrus (coo coo ca choo).

Have eaten and drunk, Mukluk doesn't have much more to say excepting enjoying the atmosphere and down time before tomorrow's hunt. If there is nothing else, he'd go find Moose and bed down for the night after the mule has been taken care of.

"Thank you for the tip, Ameiko. A halfling hermit named Walthus Proudstump. That should make our task easier."

Kisaiya grins, a little red color coming to her pale cheeks. ”Thank you, Ame. That will be a big help. I’ll get back to the kitchen now and try to get everything ready so I can head out tomorrow and you’ll still be good without me.”

You walk out of the Rusty Dragon and into Sandpoint.

Founded in 4666 AR along the Lost Coast (it's currently 4711), just a few days’ ride north of Magnimar, Sandpoint has grown into a rustic and prosperous town of just over 1,200 citizens. The town has dealt with a number of disasters in the past 5 decades, including several powerful storms, goblin uprisings, trouble with dragons, devastating fires, and deranged serial killers.

Yet Sandpoint weathered these trials and emerged stronger after each one. Today, the town hosts several thriving industries (including lumber, fishing, farming, and glassblowing) which feed into Magnimar, as well as a number of unique businesses and entertainment venues. The town seems comfortable in its transitory position between rural charm and urban convenience, and is a healthy and vibrant settlement despite its slow growth.

You take a deep breath of that lovely late night spring air and you know one thing. Anything is possible.

You each eventually head out to your respective beds, eager to meet in the morning and go to the Brinestump Marsh. Or find a halfling (you do not, as yet, know where he lives other than 'in the marsh').

You meet at the Dragon for breakfast (Kisaiya’s day off) and gather any last minute supplies. It’s Gozran 2, a Sunday.

Mukluk is ready to go at sunrise, then again an hour after sunrise whene Durgan has finished his morning ablutions (probably washing his money).

He has put up Moose for the day (or two) and removed his backpack and necessary camping supplies (never can be too careful when trodding into the marsh with the intent of getting lost). He carries with him a wooden shield, and if one looks carefully one might see both food stains (as a result of it being used as a dinner plate) and small knife etchings (as a result of being used as a cutting board).

The Trepanator, his cold iron pick is within easy reach, as is a full waterskin. He thinks he's packed enough rations for a few days, but can't imagine they'll get all eaten up.

He might be grousing about not being able to bring his hammock, but this might not have been the best place for it and also, Moose wasn't going to be around to carry it.

"Alright then. Everyone know which way we go?" Mukluk asks, thinking he might know the answer.

Take 10: 10 + 4 = 14 Know (Geography)

Realizing Ameiko was probably not going to play the lute, Rory stands to get ready to depart. As Ameiko turns from the table, he asks, "Pardon me Ms Ameiko, do you know which end of the marsh this Proudstump lives it?" Not sure how well she knows the fellow he adds, "Or do you know someone who might?"

I should have posted the above earlier, but Sundays are busier for me.
--------------------
Nodding sagely at the tavern owners answer, he looks down at the wolf, "Come on Storm, we've got a bit to ride." As the wolf stands, Rory slides from the chair to the wolves back. Clicking his tounge he guides the wolf towards the door, following the dwarves out he calls back as Storm breaks into a run. "I'll see in the morning!"

Headed north out of town, He soon turns off the road into the Ravenroost to a slight overhang he knows about. Unsaddling his wolf he quickly makes a cold camp, while Storm, took a few minutes to run around. Putting his bedroll under the overhang he lays down using the saddle as a pillow. Soon, finishing sniffing around, Storm lays down beside his halfling and both soon fall asleep.

Waking with dawn Rory takes the last of the dried snake meat out of his pack and splits it with Storm. As they eat, he pours some water into the ceramic bowl of his mess kit. First drinking some himself he puts the heavy bowl on the ground for Storm. Quickly saddling Storm, he shoulders his own pack and rides back to town.

Riding to the town square, he nods at the others as they head towards the 'Dragon.' Smiling to himself, the quick ride had burned plenty of energy and he was ready for second breakfast. Following the dwarves into the Inn, Rory guided Storm over to the same table from the previous evening. Climbing off the wolf, onto his chair, he took a quick mental count of his equipment and gear. Noting that Mukluk had brought a pack as well, he interjects. "I've got enough food for me and Storm for about five days. Not that I think we'll be out there that long."

Mukluk knows that if you were a fisherman, you’d take the New Fish Trail, as the Old Fish Trail hasn’t been used in decades. Not since the goblins moved in. But he's not completely sure which is which. One is the northernmost trail, the other is the next trail in. Further south there are other trails, unused by the locals as far as he knows.

Realizing Ameiko was probably not going to play the lute, Rory stands to get ready to depart. As Ameiko turns from the table, he asks, "Pardon me Ms Ameiko, do you know which end of the marsh this Proudstump lives it?" Not sure how well she knows the fellow he adds, "Or do you know someone who might?"

”Well the Sheriff talked to him a few weeks ago. I’d start with him. And it’s just Ameiko, no Ms.” she smiles.

Kisaiya wakes up early the next morning so she can make her father Shigeru his usual breakfast, Poor Knights with bacon and eggs over-easy with coffee, before he heads off to work at the glassworks. He always leaves well before her, so she waits until after he leaves to make her own. She likes to experiment occasionally, but she usually makes herself some miso, natto, and rice with an egg over-hard. When she has some, like today, she adds some baked salmon or mackerel. After, she meditates in front of her grandmother’s armor, as written:

The Way of the Samurai is found in death.
Meditation on inevitable death should be performed daily.
Every day, when one's body and mind are at peace,
One should meditate upon being ripped apart by arrows, rifles, spears, and swords, being carried away by surging waves,
Being thrown into the midst of a great fire, being struck by lightning, being shaken to death by a great earthquake,
Falling from thousand-foot cliffs, dying of disease or committing seppuku at the death of one's master.
And every day, without fail, one should consider herself as dead.
This is the substance of the Way of the Samurai. From Hagakure Kikigaki by Yamamoto Tsunetomo

She then gathers her supplies and heads out to meet the others. She wears battered scale mail that is a little too tight in the bust and carries a well-stuffed backpack of fine make, but she has no weapons save for a few javelins that appear to have never been used and a cold iron dagger. Her finely-crafted scabbard is as empty as ever. The gauntlet on her three-fingered hand only has the index and thumb fully articulated. ”I have supplies for cooking and a bit of food as well.”

Survival to Navigate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

"Talk to the Sheriff, you say? Yeah, okay, but let's be careful with our words. I don't want y'all to say something weird and then we all end up murdert," Mukluk says agreeably and, when others are ready, goes to find the Sheriff for some help on where to find the Walrus and anything else that might be helpful.

Durgan is staying at the Rusty Dragon in a tidy but unremarkable room. In the morning he prays to Abadar, reading from The Order of Numbers. He petitions for the following spells:

0 (4): Guidance, Stabilize, Create Water
1 (2+1): Liberating Command, Bless, Shield (D)

He is also rather fond of the Manual of City-Building and as part of his prayers he takes time to outline potential improvements to Sandpoint's infrastructure. The defenses in particular, since Sandpoint seems to draw an outsized share of hostile attention, but one should never neglect the more utilitarian systems such as water supply and sanitation, and of course roads and bridges. He makes a note of any of the Rusty Dragon's features that could be improved, such as doors where hinges are wearing out.

Durgan was originally a Kingmaker PC, and I think this focus on infrastructure may stay with him.

He dons his armor (scale, like Kisaiya's although perhaps more polished) and hangs his battleaxe and warhammer at his sides.

"I too have rations for a few days, and I can conjure clean water to drink. Let us go talk to the Sheriff."

Making a note the Ameiko prefers not to be called 'Ms' Rory nods, "Yes Ma'am." Turning to the others he smiles. "Maybe we should go talk to the Sheriff." Rolling his eyes at Mukluk, "I don't think he'd murder us, maybe just lock us up," He shrugs and snarks, "I guess he could have us executed. Executions aren't officially murder since their sanctioned by the government." Smiling at Mukluk, he winks at the nervous dwarf.
-----------------------------------
As he finishes up his second breakfast of porridge, Rory slips the piece of ham to Storm under the table. Nodding his head towards the door he asks, "So are we ready to go visit the sheriff? His office is just up Main Street on the other side of the square."

Once the breakfast conversation is over, Rory clicks his tongue at Storm, and mounts the wolf straight from the back of the chair again. Following the talk folk out the door and up Market Street towards the town square.

You first go see the Sheriff. You head down to the constabulary, only to learn he just left and is headed to the cathedral - it being a day off and all (more or less).

You are however, able to catch up with him as he walks. The good Sheriff Hemlock (image) is pleased to speak to you - even more so when he hears what you are going to do.

”Yeah, it’d be nice to put those goblins back in their box. Goblins are a never ending trouble on the roads - but I suppose they keep the bandits at bay. So it’s something of a balanced system. An old ranger friend called it an echo-system, not sure how noise fits in but there you are.”

Sure, I know Walthus. I check in on him every season or two. Just because he lives alone, doesn’t mean he’s not entitled to some neighborly courtesy.”

He goes on to explain there are maybe a half dozen trails into the marsh from the Old Coast Road. The two most northern are the New Fish Trail and the Old Fish Trail. The new one has a sign, and is the most northern, if you don’t miss it.

”Follow the trail, such as it is, to the end, and there you’ll find Walthus’s place. Can’t miss it once you're on the right trail, though there are some questionable bridges along the path,” he adds gauging the density of the dwarves.

Kisaiya, as broad as a dwarf but almost twice as tall, knows a thing or two about watching her step. ”I question every bridge I come to, as I’m going to get an answer either way and I’d rather get it on solid ground.” She adjusts her eyepatch. ”So if this Walthus lives by himself, I imagine he must be wary of visitors. Anything you suggest to show our good intent?”

Wow. Seems like you’re calling Mukluk dense here. I mean, you’re not wrong. Mukluk is all the ways of dense, but there was no need to be so overt about it.

”Okay, thanks then, Mr. Sheriff sir,” Mukluk slowly backs away from the sheriff, being careful. ”We’ll go see how Mr. Proudstump is doing. Yessir.”

Mukluk has no questions and would follow the trail to the Walrus’s place.

Letting Storm have his head, Rory rode up tower street to High then past the templ almost to the northern gate. Turning around he meets the others at the chapel, dismounting so as not to be disrespectful. Making a note to follow the 'marked' new fish trail, he raises an eyebrow at the questionablity of the bridges. Chuckling about the tallest of them questioning every bridge she comes to, Rory throws in, "Storm and I can test the bridges, at least see if the'll support some weight."

After the conversation is over, Rory rushes to the door. Realizing Mukluk is backing away, he watches, ready to warn the friendly dwarf in case he was going to back into something. Once they were all out of the chapel, Rory mounts Storm, pointing towards the south. "Looks like were headed to the Lost Coast Road, anyone want to race?"

”So if this Walthus lives by himself, I imagine he must be wary of visitors. Anything you suggest to show our good intent?”

"Oh, he's not keen on visitors really, but I expect someone helping tamp down the goblins will be appreciated. I'd lead with that." the Sheriff suggests.

The party gathers themselves, and their gear, and head on out onto the road, some might be racing! You pass out of Sandpoint to the south, past the mirror, cracked with age. (There’s a movement to replace it with something grand, and a counter movement to keep it as is, with maybe a new piece of mirror. The debates are fierce.)

You head out into the hinterlands! The Old Coast Road is heavily travelled, and even now you walk along a caravan headed to Magnimar, off to a late start. They’re hurrying though, so before too long they pull ahead, and then are out of sight.

After a few pleasant hours, you come upon an old trail, leading southwest, and descending. There’s a crooked stick with a bit of a board nailed to it. Burned onto the board is the symbol of a fish. It doesn’t look that new, but it could be the New Fish Trail. It’s rickety though, so it might also be an older sign too. Hard to know as poorly made as it is - but it does match the Sheriff’s description.

Do you follow the trail?

And we're off! 'Starting the Adventure' :)

Kisaiya takes a deep breath of the outdoors and lets out her tension with the exhale. ”Nice to be outside again, even for grave business. Been spending too much time in the city lately. A balance is important. All Under Heaven’s Gaze is Beauty. Even old fishing trails.” She begins hiking up the trail.

Durgan takes a look for any tracks heading down the apparent New Fish Trail.

Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Has anyone passed this way recently? What sort of tracks and how long ago were they made?

As they move through town and up The Old Coast Road, Rory let's the wolf 'have his head.' Occasionally, if the wolf gets too close to someone personal space or property, Rory will guide him a way with his knees. Once out of town Storm enjoys running around the caravan's wagons. Rory wonders to himself if it may have been the reason the caravan sped up.

Having let Storm run past the 'fish sign,' realizing the others had stopped at it Rory turns Storm to double back. Noticing Durgan looking for tracks, Rory was wise enough to settle the wolf down so as not to mess up any possible spoors. Leaning down and patting the wolfs neck he whispers, "Ok boy, settle down, we've had our fun, it's time to hunt." Hearing the word 'hunt' Storms disposition changes ever so slightly and he begins to sniff the ground around the sign.

As Storm sniffs about, Rory, leaning over the saddle also look for signs. Raising an eyebrow at Kisaiya's comment about 'being outside' he chuckles at the comment about 'old fishing trails' being beautiful, guiding Storm behind her as she moves up the trail.

Taking 10 on perception Rory @ 20, Storm @ 17 w/scent

Mukluk follows Storm and his rider at a pace. It’s not a quick pace, but it certainly is a steady pace. It’s a pace that dwarves have paced at for eons, and it was a gift from his lineage that he inherited and that he did not mind.

With pack or without, Mukluk was likely to walk at that same pace. And that’s how we followed the party to the old trail.

He finds himself missing Moose, and Moose’s conversational skills as the mule was an excellent travel companion. He ass was rarely too opinionated, but on the stuff he cared about, he could be really stubborn. Mukluk liked that quality.

Mukluk might be humming to himself as he walks, a tuneless tune. And his very good Three Sisters stewpot might clank against something else in his pack, keeping tune with Mukluk’s strides.

His hands are free, and should be ready to grab his pick should it be necessary.

Durgan finds a steady stream of foot traffic - mostly the sorts of shoes and boots you'd expect of the casual and even 'professional' fisherman. It certainly seems as though this trail is well travelled.

He also finds, fresher, goblin tracks! Storm turns up her nose at the scent as well. Ugh! The goblins likely passed this very day given the drizzle of last night.

Durgan shares his findings.

"Goblins. Came by here recently. Let's go."

He has his axe in hand.

"Oh yeah, that's what we came for," Mukluk follows behind Durgan, pots a-clankin'.

Leaning over the saddle Rory glances at the goblin tracks. Nodding his head in agreement with Durgan, he chuckles at Mukluks comment, adding "That's for sure." Giving Storm his head, the wolf moves toward the front of the pack, tail high energetically moving left and right sniffing everything as he goes. Keeping a keen eye out as well, Rory draws his staff sling from its scabbard at the front of Storms saddle. Loading the weapon, he adds. "Can't be too careful."

Storms speed is 50 ft, so half speed would be 25' and he should be able to take 10 (17) on perception the whole time, right? Not that we are moving at 25 ft instead of 20, I just want to make sure that at the speed the two-legged folk are moving that Storm can be taking perception checks.

You head down the trail which wends a bit on a steep decline. When you eventually reach the bottom, the first thing that hits you is the stench. It smelled a bit up by the road, but down here it’s a bit strong. You’ll get used to it, it’s not that bad, but it is noticeable. The bugs too are unpleasant, particularly to the thin skinned. Biters and stingers aplenty!

But, for Ameiko and the town of Sandpoint, you overcome these obstacles, and seek out further difficulty.

Once you descend into the marsh proper the thick foliage blocks sightlines, darkens the sky, and dampens the sound. Near and far, birds, insects, and other… things, make the place quite lively. You expect there are hidden messages in all that clatter, if you know what to listen for. Perhaps in time.

You follow the path elevated, for the most part, above the waterline. It winds and wends around a bit, but seems a pretty straight shot overall. From dry bit to dry bit. Then you come to the first bridge. Well log really - thrown over the standing water. And there are two groups of goblins, currently screaming gibberish at each other. One goblin is down and not moving, and they seem to be all very pissed about it.

Then they notice you late, but having thrashed through the underbrush, they do notice you. One of them screams at you and lunges for the dead goblin!

New map up! The log is difficult terrain unless you make an Acrobatics DC 10. There is no penalty for failing (other than the difficult terrain of course). The brown bits are the brown, skummy waters of the swamp. In most cases it's only a foot or two deep, but mucky at the bottom. You can move through it as difficult terrain.

- Round 1 -
Kisaiya - 20
Mukluk - 14
Durgan - 11
Good Folk - 9
Rory - 2

• First up everyone but Rory. Storm gives him a look.

EDIT: LOL. OK then. I didn't add any of your bonuses to initiative. I'll let it go for now as it's already in play. Please post your init bonus with your post however so I don't look so lame in future combats...

Kisaiya’s init is +2

Kisaiya takes her scabbard in a reverse grip in her left hand and raises her gauntleted right hand, palm open, to guard her eye. Swift action to enter stance, and “drawing” her scabbard as she moves

”Alright, Kisaiya, there they are. Let’s see what you’re made of.”

She advances on the goblins, stepping up onto the log. Double Move

I forgot to write her stat summary on her character page. I will fix that!

Durgan's Initiative is +1. And, in case it matters, his speed is 30' even in heavy armor. Travel Domain + Dwarf.

Durgan moves up next to Kisaiya, wary of the goblins and ready to dodge.
Move action, then Total Defense for AC 20.

Round 1

”Goblins, huh? Well, they ain’t so tough,” Mukluk says, drawing his trusty cold iron pick, the Trepanator. ”They should scram or we’ll make them murdert!”

Mukluk takes total defense, ready to do things if and when the goblins come closer.

Kisaiya centers herself and clambers up onto the log. Mukluk takes total defense followed by Durgan who does the same.

The goblins react, haphazardly!

Orange dives on the body, and tries to grab at something in their hand. Red drops his rickety spear and jumps on Orange to do the same. The two wrestle each other as much as grab for some stick or other!
Orange: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Red: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Blue and Pink trade blows!
Blue shorts word on Pink: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Pink spear on Blue: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Blue connects, but pink can't quite make it happen against his dextrous foe.

Purple screams, ”Longshanks!” and moves up on the log (double move) to stop you while his companions sort out the scrum behind him. He shakes his shortsword at you menacingly!

- Round 1 -
Rory - 2
- Round 2 -
Kisaiya - 20
Mukluk - 14
Durgan - 11
Good Folk - 9
Pink - 9 (-2hp)

• Next up everyone!

Hearing the goblins screaming gibberish at each other, Rory figures out what Storm had been so worked up about. Feeling the wolf flex to run towards the fallen log, he squeezes his knees together watching so he could get a better understanding of what to do.

As some of the goblins roll on the ground in an apparent squabble, he watches Kisaiya and Durgan move forwards to defend the log. He nods in agreement with Mukluk who's drawing his weapon. Clicking his tongue at Storm he maneuvers the wolf past the dwarf, telling him, "You can say that again."

Guiding Storm up near Kisaiya he fires the halfling staff at the nearing purple goblin. as Storm goes to jump on the log Rory blurts out, "No Storm, guard Kisaiya!" Stopping the wolf near his companions, he fishes into the pouch attached to the saddle, reloading his staff as the wolf neck hair bristles and he growls at the nearing goblins.

Rory: standard attack sling staff, move action reload sling staff, Storm: move action, 30 t? readied attack bite/trip
sling staff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 for damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6
readied attack: bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16 for damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Kisaiya moves up the log slowly, not wanting to risk her footing. She prepares herself to receive the attacks of the oncoming goblins. Move to move at half speed and standard to ready

”Come on then! Have at me!”

Round 2

Mukluk shakes his head as he watches the display from the goblins wondering if the group could truly terrorize anything other than their own buttcracks.

He draws (move action) his shield as he moves forward, wondering if it’s even going to be needed.

"Excuse me, Kisaiya. I shall leave some for you."

Durgan moves up over the log at half speed (15') and strikes at a goblin with his axe.

Attack, Hatred: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 2 + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Rory tries a maneuver with his sling staff, but it doesn’t connect as he moves up a bit. Kisaiya moves and readies but is overtaken. Mukluk prepares further and moves up as well. Durgan finally closes with a goblin, and connects! He wounds the little blighter who jumps up and down with the pain of the blow.

”Longshanks! Longshanks! Longshanks!” he cries as he stabs back.
Purple shorts word on Durgan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Orange and red continue to fight over the ‘stick’.
Orange: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Red: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Orange has the stick! ...but Red is still clinging to his leg and biting his knee trying to get him to drop it.

Blue and Pink seem to come to an agreement and turn to face the part. As blue closes however, pink takes an AoO - the little backstabber!
Pink spear on Blue: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

But he misses.

Blue moves up into the fray (double move).

- Round 2 -
Rory - 2
- Round 3 -
Kisaiya - 20
Mukluk - 14
Durgan - 11
Good Folk - 9
Pink - 9 (-2hp)
Purple - 9 (-4hp)

• Next up everyone!

Durgan falls back so that the party can better bring their numbers to bear.

Withdraw.

Round 3

Mukluk continues to shake his head as he watches the display from the goblins.

”This is just pathetic,” he says, wishing they were facing something less annoying and more competent, like orcs or something.

He dons his shield and takes total defense, ready to move over once the log is clear…or just to wait on this side for the goblins to get their s&@& together and put up a fight.

The brown bits are the brown, skummy waters of the swamp. In most cases it's only a foot or two deep, but mucky at the bottom. You can move through it as difficult terrain.

Watching as long shakes and goblins alike charge onto the log bridge, Rory decides to take a different direction. Using his inate animal fucus he applies the aspect of a tiger to his mount. "Come on Storm let's go that way." Using his knees he directs Storm across the muddy creek.

The wolf gives a happy woof and splashes through the mud, splattering himself, his rider, and anyone close enough on the fallen tree. As they clear the bank Rory fires his halfling staff sling at the far pink? goblin as Storms continues moving forwards, biting at the same goblin, dragging him to the ground and shaking him like a rag doll.

Swift: animal focus, 50 ft move (15 ft difficult terrain) looks like were giving up an AOO to blue. Rory sling attack pink, Storm bite pink
sling staff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 for damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
attack: bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 for damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Kisaiya steps forward and slashes with her scabbard at the wounded goblin. Purple

Attack with Saya: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

She scowls at herself and her poor aim.

Rory slings pink, knocking the goblin senseless leaving nothing for poor Storm to attack (unless he wants to finish him). Kisaiya swings her empty scabbard, hitting empty air. Mukluk takes total defense, hunkering down like a wall. Durgan withdraws prepping himself for a different approach.

Purple and blue both gang up on Kisaiya
Purple shortsword on Kisaiya: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Blue shortsword on Kisaiya: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Purple gets a hit in!

Orange kicks red off and steps away. He tries to light the stick with flint and steel. The tip lights up and the head explodes - launching a small ball of fire at red!
Orange candle at Rory: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 - 4 = 4

Red screams as the ball of fire spins past him. He moves up to Rory as well avoiding orange.

- Round 3 -
Rory - 2
- Round 4 -
Kisaiya - 20 (-3hp)
Mukluk - 14
Durgan - 11
Good Folk - 9
Pink - 9 (-7hp, bleeding)
Purple - 9 (-4hp)

• Next up everyone!

Rory slings pink, knocking the goblin senseless leaving nothing for poor Storm to attack (unless he wants to finish him).

Yeah, storm still would have snatched him up and gave him a good shake.

As Storm drops the bloody and unconscious goblin in the mud, Rory's eyes widen as the small ball of flame shoots past first the nearing goblin and himself. Seeing, the red goblin near, Rory furrows his brow, shifting the sling staff to his right hand, drawing the halfling rope shot with his left/ "Why are you attacking me? I'm not the one who shot fire at you!" As the red goblin nears, Rory swings the rope-shot at it's head. Meanwhile, Storm, ready for more goblin games snaps at the red fellow, hopping to drag it down, but in the excitement misses the lucky goblin.

Rory: Move action, draws the rope-shot, attack: Rope-shot, Storm attack: bite/trip
rope-shot: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 for damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2
attack: bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 for damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Round 4

"HAW! HAW! HAW!" Mukluk bellows as he lust for battle slowly returns. "That's how you do it, Rorsy! That's how you do it!"

"HAW! HAW! HAW!"

Mukluk hopes the log clears as he doesn't want go through the muck. He will take total defense.

Kisaiya feels her own blood spilling and the adrenaline hits. She slashes back at the goblin who struck her.

Attack with Saya: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Durgan moves into the muck and readies to strike at the first goblin within reach.

Rory smacks red in the head, while Storm struggles a bit. Kisaiya gets angry and very nearly lops the goblins arm off. It hangs loosely, bleeding badly, as the goblin falls off the log into the muck dying. Mukluk continues to wait for trouble. Durgan moves up and readies.

The goblins begin to form something of a battle as the pair on the log, troubled by balance, continue to try and take the big woman down.

Purple and blue both gang up on Kisaiya
Blue shortsword on Kisaiya: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Orange points the stick at Storm and nothing happens. He shakes the stick, still glowing with firelight, but nothing continues to happen.

Red shakes his head, trying to clear the cobwebs from the hit, and is having trouble. He lashes out wildly.
Red spear on Rory: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

The goblins have a rough round of it as they continue to jibber foolishly!

- Round 4 -
Rory - 2
- Round 5 -
Kisaiya - 20 (-3hp)
Mukluk - 14
Durgan - 11
Good Folk - 9
Pink - 9 (-7hp, bleeding)
Purple - 9 (-9hp, bleeding)
Red - 9 (-2hp)

• Next up everyone!

Shaking his head at the stunned goblin, Rory leans forwards, "You folks should run, and keep runnin'." Seeing Storm turn his head towards, the red goblin, he spins his rope-shot. "It may be to late." As he swings the weighted sling at the red goblin Storm snaps at the same, trying to drag it down. Realizing both he and Storm missed, he thinks maybe the goblins will have a chance to get far away from the inevitable.

rope-shot: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 for damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2
attack: bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12 for damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18