Braving the Borderlands (Inactive)

Game Master Edeldhur

"Yeah Regnar, you came from caves what is all this about?" Drusilla says playfully as she looks about and then thinks.

"I could try a spell. Its a simple protection form Evil but we can try"

Do I understand anything of what they are saying?

They are goblins guys

Do I understand anything of what they are saying?

They seem to be going on about intruders... Something, something waiting... Something, something Mungo kill all... Something, something...

Understanding that any element of surprise has now been lost, Ralina simply waits for the warriors to find their courage and decide what they will do. Standing at the side of the entrance, she watches the other cave openings within the ravine to see if anything emerges as the light of day continues to fade into darkness.

" Hey, Regnar, do you wanna try a maybe blinding flash. You know we light, you know douse the lights we have get a few quick light scources ready and then light them when they get close. Providing light and some smoke?" She says as she waits.

Turn/Round 4 is elapsing - tik tok tik tok...

So far I have actions from:

- Amhal stays put and waits.
- Ralina waits.
- Regnar and Drusilla are having a chat?
- Dobin?

Dobin still keeps an eye on the other opening into the vale...as he feels that those goblins must have something up and perhaps they are trying to sneak up on the group from another cave...

Amhal looks at the elf.

”Drusilla - fall back with Ralina - keep our exit out of the ravine safe. I don’t know much about your magic protection, but best we save it for when we really need it.”

The warrior nods at Dobin. ”Dobin - up with me, we will push forward to Regnar’s position and make a plan. If we decide to move in then we will call you - but let’s wait to see if any Goblins emerge into the ravine to try to trap us…”

[Round 5]

Amhal moves to Regnar’s side, torch in one hand, sword in other.

Reposting as I missed that Amhal turns back to speak to Drusilla again after Dobin…

Amhal looks at the elf.

”Drusilla - fall back with Ralina - keep our exit out of the ravine safe. I don’t know much about your magic protection, but best we save it for when we really need it.”

The warrior nods at Dobin. ”Dobin - up with me, we will push forward to Regnar’s position and make a plan.”

He turns back to Drusilla.

”If we decide to move in then we will call you - but let’s wait to see if any Goblins emerge into the ravine to try to trap us…”

[Round 5]

Amhal moves to Regnar’s side, torch in one hand, sword in other.

They're talking about intruders and a Mungo, I say their boss or champ, that will kill all.

Amhal, my concern is that they come from left and right and I don't know what can come from tunnel in front of us. Drusilla are y' talking of sending oil flasks and light them?

Round 5:

Amhal moves to Regnar’s side, torch in one hand, sword in other.
Regnar talks.
Ralina ?
Drusilla ?
Dobin ?

Dobin moves up as the others take over his job of watching the other caves.

"OK, so do we want to enter the cave, in which case I will switch from my crossbow to club, or fortify this location?"

Ralina dims the light of her lantern. As she gazes out into the shadow filled ravine, she contemplates what it would take to add a pair of swiveling arms that could hold the mirror in place so she could redirect the light on her own. If the mirror mount could also be angled...hmmm...locked into place. If she survived to return to the Keep, she'd have a chat with the blacksmith. The thoughts whirl in her mind after she tucks the mirror back into her pack freeing her hand to once again take up her hammer. Seeing the others still stuck within the first few feet of the cave, she turns back to watch the ravine. Odds are, I'll be meeting Petra's face to face in the afterlife instead.

Drusilla will tap Ralina and gesture her to follow to the entrance.

GM, I'm close to Drusilla and Amhal. Not alone in the middle of the intersection.

Guys I don't want to be caught from left and right but I say we either do something now or retreat entirely

Regnar takes a deep breath in exasperation with himself - Don't know what to do but I say we retreat and plan better.

Amhal takes a deep breath.

”I’m inclined to agree with you. This is madness, the six of us traipsing around their front doorstep with them alerted, and especially during their preferred time. If they like the dark, we should come in during the day, and possibly look for another entrance…”

The warrior tips his head back toward the entrance.

”Dobin! We’re heading back to make a new plan. Let’s go back to the cave opening.”

Round 6

Amhal heads back to the cave entrance.

GM, I'm close to Drusilla and Amhal. Not alone in the middle of the intersection.

You will be at least next to Amhal, when Round 5 is finished.

Round 6

Amhal heads back to the cave entrance.

One round at a time please ;)

Round 5:

Amhal moves to Regnar’s side, torch in one hand, sword in other.
Regnar talks.
Ralina stands outside watching the ravine.
Drusilla - I still do not understand your action. You are not next to Ralina. Amhal suggested so, but you are supposed to control your own character. Also, how can you ask Ralina to follow to the entrance when Ralina is already at the entrance?
Dobin - 'moves with the others' is unclear, but I guess that means he moves with Amhal, and next to Regnar, is that it?

Tactical map updated, waiting on Drusilla's action for Round 5.

I thought she was in more. And yes thats true I am supposed to control my own. But it seemed a good decision so I went with it. Besides I'm less ambushed Ill not have to take the brunt of an attack

Yup..that looks good to me.

I thought she was in more. And yes thats true I am supposed to control my own. But it seemed a good decision so I went with it. Besides I'm less ambushed Ill not have to take the brunt of an attack

For clarity sake, I was not saying there is anything wrong with following advice from another player, but you need to state it clearly for the DM ;)

Exploration Round 5 is thus concluded.

As the group repositions themselves, a massive humanoid creature comes lumbering out from the next cavern entrance - its hide is dull blackish-brown and covered with warty bumps. Its hair is black and greasy, matted to its head. It moves with an apelike gait while scratching its belly, wearing nothing more than what seems to be a crude, thick bear fur. When it spots the three gathered at the entrance to the cave, the creature bares its fangs, lets out a snort and pats its large club.

Tactical map updated.

-- Combat Round 1 --

We will be using the Combat Sequence from BX/OSE, so:

1. Before anything else, Drusilla let me know if you are planning on casting any spells.

No spells from me

-- Combat Round 1 (continued) --

1. Declare spells and melee movement: None
2. Initiative

2d6 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7

Players win Initiative - GO!

I don't think I know what's happening outside the cavern so I'll go as if I don't know. Tell me if I know

Let's go out of this dam cave then. - says Regnar to his companions, then he moves outside always watching for approaching goblins.

Combat Round 1

Amhal likewise was heading to the cave entrance anyway, so that way he will go!

GMO: Do we (Dobin, Regnar and Amhal) hear the ogre snort?

I don't think I know what's happening outside the cavern so I'll go as if I don't know. Tell me if I know

Let's go out of this dam cave then. - says Regnar to his companions, then he moves outside always watching for approaching goblins.

You know - check my post in Discussion here.

Crap y must be Mungo - says Regnar to know one in particular while he starts running to the cave entrance

Regnar wants to position himself between this new beast and his comnions

He arrives to his companions outside saying - We should not fight close to the entrance we'll be attacked from the goblins if they're not afraid of it

Ralina's lips compress together in a frown as the big lumbering beast comes snuffling from his cave. Keeping calm she hooks her warhammer back on her belt and grabs the lantern. The acolyte of Petra takes a few steps back from the cave entrance, sure to keep the wall of the ravine on her left. While moving back she turns the wick up on the lantern so it burns bright in the growing night and slips her mirror into her other hand.

"Here we are you big ugly spawn of a hag." She mutters. "Come and get us."

"Drusilla, Finnin, fall back with me a bit. If we're lucky he'll charge and the others will be able to flank him shortly. I'll see what I can do about making a few spots dance before his beady eyes."

Moving back from the entrance 15' along the ravine wall to the SE (assuming the top of the map is north). Turning the lantern back up and grabbing the mirror.

Clarification, Round 1

Amhal moves back to the cave mouth or just outside of it.

Essentially the difference between wheter Amhal can move diagonally on his first 10’ of movement or not…

Backing out of the cave, Dobin hooks his shield and club while swapping them for the borrowed crossbow. He keeps most of his focus on the cave he is in...fearing the goblins will try to catch them between their two forces.

-- Combat Round 1 (continued) --

- Regnar you can only move 20' - I moved you as close as possible.
- Ralina retreats a tad.
- Amhal moves just outside the cave mouth
- Dobin you can only move 20' - I moved you as close as possible.

Finnin backs away as much as he can - "We should run" - he shivered - "Look at the size of that thing"

Tactical map updated.
Missing movement from Drusilla, if any.

Drusilla follows suit with Ralina and tries to stay outta sight using the cavern walls to keep herself hidden.

"Run if you want but I agree with are priestess that numbers would best suit us in this situation." Dru says as she looks to Ralina from her side and talks.

Moving back away from the entrance and back into the hallway on the opposite side of Ralina.

Regnar you can only move 20'

True, I know, it was in case you played more rounds until I answered you would know what I intended to do :)

I am sorry Drusilla I do not uderstand your actions...

Drusilla follows suit with Ralina and tries to stay outta sight using the cavern walls to keep herself hidden.

This seems to be indicating you will join up with Ralina outside, near the ravine wall.

Moving back away from the entrance and back into the hallway on the opposite side of Ralina.

But this confuses me - what hallway on the opposite side of Ralina?

I read it as she went into the mouth if the cave more. But yes If outside yeah I will keep to the natural stone wall next to Ralina

-- Combat Round 1 (finished) --

- Regnar you can only move 20' - I moved you as close as possible;
- Ralina retreats a tad;
- Amhal moves just outside the cave mouth;
- Dobin you can only move 20' - I moved you as close as possible;
- Finnin backs away as much as he can;
- Drusilla follows suit with Ralina and tries to stay outta sight using the cavern walls.

The large, brutish humanoid wades in on the group without hesitation. With long strides he quickly reaches you, licking his lips.

-- Combat Round 2 --

1. Declare spells and melee movement: Players must inform the referee if they intend to cast a spell or move when in melee. Other actions need not be declared.

Tactical map updated - Amhal, Dobin and Regnar are considered 'in melee'.

GO!

Ralina offers a quick preyer to Petra, then angles her mirror to reflect its bright light into the ogre's eyes. The acolyte does her best to keep the glaring light focused on the monster, adjusting the mirror to match its moves in order to keep it blinded and distracted.

Is it possible for Dobin to move back from the ogre while it is engaged with the other two characters without being attacked? I want to move at least 10' away to fire the crossbow. If not, how long does it take to drop the crossbow and rearm my club and shield??

[Combat Round 2 - Declaration]

Amhal is going to try to move around to the Ogre’s back. Essentially 10’ North, then 10’ West, then 10’ South to end up behind the Ogre.

[GMO: my understanding is that after all Declarations, Initiative is rolled again. And thus a new Initiative is rolled each round. Is this correct?]

I hope Regnar can move to where Amhal is without taking attacks of opportunity or something like that :) wishful thinking not to die in one round

Regnar moves to where Amhal is and attacks the beast

hand axe (thaco 18): 1d20 ⇒ 101d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Regnar has +1 to str

Regnar - you have to wait for Initiative to be rolled…also, I’m clarifying that Amhal isn’t actually moving…see next post.

The Intent phase is to show what each side intends to do, then they have to act accordingly as directed by the new Initiative, which is rolled each turn, after the Intent phase.

[Combat Round 2 - Declaration - Clarification]

Given that 5’ movement isn’t really a granular possibility, Amhal will stay put. No movement Intent.

Thanks for the input Amhal. Regnar wants to move to Amhal's square or to the right where is Dobin. I think that either Amhal or Dobin have to move first, Am I correct DM?

Waiting on Drusilla.

Drusilla will look to Relina." hand me your Sling and stones. I'll pepper him from behind"

Dropping his crossbow, Dobin hefts his club and swings at the advancing ogre. Assuming he survives the creature's retaliation, he will pull his shield up and attack the brute again.

Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Wow...I am not sure how Dobin every became a warrior...I do not think he has ever hit anything in this game so far..lol

-- Combat Round 2 -- (continued)

1. Declare spells and melee movement: Players must inform the referee if they intend to cast a spell or move when in melee. Other actions need not be declared.

So let's see, for the three in melee:
- Amhal does not move.
- Dobin does not move.
- As Amhal and Dobin are not moving, Regnar doe snot move either.

2. Initiative: Each side rolls 1d6:

Good Guys: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Bad Guys: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Both sides go simultaneously!

3. Now several things can happen:
- Movement (those NOT in melee - Ralina, Drusilla and Finnin) can move
- Missile attacks;
- Spell casting (none was declared so no casting);
- Melee attacks (both Dobin and Regnar have missed their attacks, which leaves Amhal)

Notes: If Ralina wants to handover her sling, she can either:
- pass sling to Drusilla and move;
- pass sling to Drusilla and act (mirror, etc);
- not pass sling to Drusilla and take it from there :D
If receiving the sling, Drusilla can shoot but not move.
Otherwise she can act normally per the above.

GO!

Tactical Map updated.

Dobin we must be from the same failed army :( but we're standing... so far at least :)

Dobin, Amhal, I want to get out from this cave entrance

With the mirror and lantern ineffective, Ralina says a brief prayer to Petra as she grabs her warhammer. She shakes her head at Drusilla.

"More likely to hit one of us." She says to the elf, her eyes taking in the scrum surrounding the ogre. "Better to grab your club and try to take the beast down quickly." She adds punctuating her words with a charge and swinging her warhammer.

Move up 15' to engage on the ogre's flank. Attack.

Warhammer Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

GMO - was it possible for Amhal to have moved to allow Regnar egress from the cave? The only reason I did not was because you mentioned a 5’ of movement, and I chose not to as we are using 10’ squares and it didn’t seem like that would achieve anything - thus my point about the lack of granularity on the map. If so, apologies to Regnar.

Having stubbornly refused to allow the dwarf access to the foe, Amhal tries to set fire to the ogre with his torch…sadly, the untried warrior can’t even hit the living barn.

Am treating torch as a club worth 1d6, please amend if in error…

Fwash!!!: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Schwipsh!!!: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 [plus fire?