Al-Akim Naziri's page

Hi Dave.

Hajar, Grim, Kuralaak, and Raj, My sincere apologies for not being able to post. I am going to officially bow out of this campaign. I am glad that you have found some people to fill in.

Dave, you are a wonderful GM to play with, and I really enjoy your games. Hopefully, down the road my work situation will change and I'll be able to get back to a point where I can post and can join a future game. I am also looking at a possible new job which might allow more time as well.

I appreciate all the patience and time spent with me. You are all great roleplayers and I very much enjoyed the game. I will definitely be coming back to read of your exploits whenever time allows me to do so.

Good luck, and high rolls everyone.

Dang! knew I forgot to do something yesterday. Thanks Hajar.

EDIT: Updated!

Naziri drops his bow, and draws his ancestral blade. His loose fitting desert clothes whip as he charges the noll nearest to Raj. (Gnoll 13)

He swings his falchion in a powerful crossing slash, putting all of his practiced muscle into the swing.

powerattack: 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 2 + 2 + 7 = 25
damage: 2d4 + 13 ⇒ (1, 4) + 13 = 18

Falchion is going magic. Bow is just my opening salvo. It can be masterwork for now. I've gotta get my falchion magic, and keen. Also need to improve my armor. I'm trying to get my profile updated today. My .pdf character sheet is updated.

I did account for being level 5, I just haven't updated my profile yet. I did neglect the favored enemy bonus however! As far as a masterwork composite bow, I didn't deduct that from my gold yet, so I didn't act as though I have purchased it yet. If you are okay with me using it, I will deduct the gold today, and account for it on this next attack. If you don't want that, just subtract the composite bonus damage. Haven't decided what feat to take @ 5.

Naziri, noticing that everyone else is staying together, takes a 5' step backward, closer to the group and the protection they offer.

He levels his bow once again, and targets the nearest gnoll.

attack 1: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 = 26
attack 2: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 = 10

damage 1: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
damage 2: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

The first of the Ranger's arrows drives home, but his second shot arcs wildly into the distance. Clearly distracted by the scorpion swarms the Ranger yells in frustration. "Sarenrae burn you in flame, you twice damned pests!"

Naziri, bow at the ready, fits his fingers to his bow string, and takes a long, smooth draw. Letting the first arrow fly it passes the charging Aurochs, seeking a home in one of the dirty Gnolls. The first arrow is followed quickly by a second, and then a third, all three are accompanied by a soft muttering from the Ranger. "Swift justice for the unrepentant"

Al-Akim lowers his bow, from under his keffiyeh his eyes follow his shots to see what damage they have wrought.

Al-Akim will start shooting at Gnoll # 9, and if the first shot kills his target he will move then to 14

attack 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
attack 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

damage 1: 1d8 ⇒ 3
damage 2: 1d8 ⇒ 2

"Master Kuralaak, I would normally be swift to agree with you, and happy to dispatch the Gnolls, but I have come to know Brother Hajar's wisdom in these things, and I must agree with him. They will know that Sarenrae's swift vengeance is coming, and we shall wet our blades at the appointed time."

Naziri claps Hajar on the shoulder, "I have only so much mercy to extend brother. I am glad to hear you say that its time is nearing an end."

As Kuralaak readies his well-worn crossbow, Naziri climbs carefully atop the boulder a short distance away to gain a better vantage point.

As he watches the distant Gnolls gather weapons in response to Kur's howl, the Keleshite ranger thinks to himself:
"Good. Now, let them come right into the mouth of the Lion..."

Al-Akim delicately draws his bow, and sets one arrow down on the stone just in front of himself and knocks a second arrow, readying himself for swift action against these enemies.

He peers under his Keffiyeh to try and count the opposing forces number.
perception: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 23

I still need to level up to 5. This will be done during my lunch today, approx 11am CST.

edited because I missed favored terrain bonus

Can Naziri get on top of the rock at D:23?

hey guys, I'm super lost as to how much money I have. As far as I know the only loot I have taken at this point, was the +1 ring of protection.

I understand we were going to switch that out for the +2 ring. Can someone help me figure out how much money I actually have at this point?

I began with 109gp left over.

Kuralaak, I have to say, I am enjoying your posts immensely!

Hajar seems suspicious. This man seems reliable to me...What is it that you sense about this one Brother?

Al-Akim stands, as Zayifid moves to leave. Clapping the large man on the shoulder, he gestures back to the table.

"As our brother Hajar says, stay a few moments and converse with us. You should at least share a meal. the goat shank here is exceptional.

The Ranger crouched behind the scrubby bush and nearby boulder. Arranged around him at careful distances were the young rangers that Almah had assigned to his squad.

It took several months, but the experienced ranger had cultivated these young men and women's skills to a point nearing his own. They have learned to survive, hell even thrive in this desert. Kuralaak may be an accepted part of his organization (and a valuable one at that) but the Gnolls of the Three Jaws clan had continued to hound the Kelmarane Hinterlands, and it was the job of Naziri and squads like his to curtail these incursions.

"These aren't soldiers, but they listen..."thought Naziri.

Al-Akim, his keffiyeh waving lightly in the wind, peered into the distance, down into the valley where the caravan was supposed to be passing this morning. "Rangers! Listen up! You will hear screams, and cries for help, but we have to wait until the dogs have fully descended on the caravan. We have to avoid being ambushed ourselves. I want each of you to come home safe to Kelmarane tonight."

At this he turned and looked up the valley and he could just barely make out the upcoming caravan of traders. As the caravan curled its way through the valley, sharp howls began to echo off the ridges and boulders of the pass.

Dozens of gnolls, in two groups charged down the hill opposite of the rangers, yipping and howling, raising a disgusting noise.

Naziri, silently shook his head, looked at the rangers to his left, and motioned with one arm to stay in position.

The gnolls fully encircled the caravan, and started attacking the ill equipped guards. The creatures slayed the horses and mules pulling the front caravans, creating an impasse. Shouts from the traders, guards, and travelers carried up the side of the valley to Naziri and his squad.

"Now! Loose your arrows!"

Half of the rangers drew their bows, took careful aim, and let loose a small hail of arrows down into the valley towards the gnolls. Yelps of pain rose of above the din of combat. As the arrows took flight, the other half of the rangers charged down the hillside and began engaging the dog-like creatures. The archer rangers skirted the hillside, and moved down into the valley near the rear of the caravan, and started picking off gnolls one-by one.

"It will be a quick death for the Three Jaws today."thought Naziri. The Ranger, at one with the desert landscape drew his ancestral Falchion, with which he had slain many gnolls, and again charged into battle.

"SARREENNRAAAEEE!!"

headed home from work. will post once home.

Thanks for being understanding Dave.

Hajar, I will take the Ring. It stacks with armor yes?

What I will need, is to get a composite longbow +3 or get a +1 STR item so I can use the composite +4's. I also need to make my falchion +1/Keen. Those are my material priorities.

Naziri will Patrol Kelmarane Hinterlands. RP post will be upcoming.

I understand. I can post when I get home as well, but once my wife gets home, I try to spend that couple of hours with her.

I should be able to get 2-3/day. I just need to make sure that I get them in. I love this PbP, and I especially love the characters that we have.

Naziri grimaces through the lingering noise of the Xulthos's flapping wings. In a swift and graceful movement the ranger drops his bow, and draws his ancestral falchion. With grim determination, he lashes out at the vile creature!

power attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
damage: 2d4 + 10 ⇒ (4, 1) + 10 = 15

Al-Akims blow strikes true, and bites through the outer carapace and into the meaty flesh below.

I'm in somewhat the same situation as Grim. I've not been able to post as normal at work, because there are some poeple reporting negatively on me.

punks.

this is my favorite PbP also Hajar. So know that I'm trying. I'll make a point of posting during lunch. If I'm not able to up my posting rate, I'll bow out to allow you guys to proceed at a better pace.

Indeed, I had already considered that very thing Hajar/Raj. I am one STR point away from being able to fully utilize those bows. I have been waiting for a Composite longbow!

will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Al-Akim steels his mind against the dangerous thrumming of Xulthos' wings.

"You stand small in the face of the dawnflower Xulthos! Prepare to be redeemed!"

The Ranger draws his bow and knocks his first arrow letting it fly towards the insect-creature, followed almost immediately by a second.

attack1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
attack2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

damage1: 1d8 ⇒ 8
damage2: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Naziri has taken the spell Hunter's Call. Everything within a certain range (30ft burst?)turns into my favored enemy!

"My friends, I am forever in your debt. I need only a moment to regain my wind and I will be ready."

Al-Akim sits himself against a wall while the group looks for any items of use. After a few moments of labored, heavy breathing, the Ranger jumps up and looks at Hajar. "I am ready friend..."

There's gonna be a little (read: a lot) of tension between us Kuralaak.

Naziri is a Ranger with Gnoll as his favored enemy. It will take more than a few sentences to convince him that he should work with you.

looking forward to it!

I can't do anything because I'm incapacitated Hajar.

Naziri lays on the ground unconscious and moaning.

And with Hajar focusing on increasing his healing capabilities, I will focus on melee.

Bulls strength gives you a +2 yes, but you're forgetting the two handed bonus, which gives you another 50%.

I calculated for this, but I think you have calculated my strength incorrectly. It's only a 17, so just a +3.

+4 from str (2h), +2 bulls str, +6 Power attack.

Since my strength is odd, when I use both hands and get 1.5xstr do I round up or down? It would be 4.5....I can't remember the rule, so I think I defaulted down.

Raj,

Thanks for reminding me! I went and corrected that after reading over your damage calculations. I sometimes forget about my scaling abilities.

I too will miss you Gunk. Well played friend, and I hope to game with you again in the future!

too soon Hajar...too soon.

As far as the damage goes for power attack, with the extra plus 2 thanks to bull strength, I should be at +12 damage.

Character is fully updated. Again, my apologies everyone.

I took quick-draw. I will probably be taking cleave next time.

I won't be taking the pet. I will be taking the bond with my companions. I see him more as a guide and I think this fits flavor wise.

Seriously apologize for the delays guys. Not cool on my part. I will have my character updated today. BTW, I probably won't be taking cleave this level, but I'm not sure yet what I'm taking. For now, I will charge and attack. We can use the rolls Raj put forth, but ignore the cleave attack.

I'm still here. I've kind of been taking it in the shorts at work. I'll make it a point to post a little more frequently.

Al-Akim follows closely behind Hajar, his Falchion balanced in his hands, ready...

I'd be good with the Amulet. Ring of Prot doesn't stack.

Al-Akim listens on from a distance as Raj details his thoughts on Hajar's ancestry. Not wanting to disturb their conversation, or to draw away from Hajar's ability to absorb and reflect on the information, Naziri holds his questions.

"Hajar, our unique Paladin, do you see this thing as a curse or as a blessing?"

Al-Akim meanders around sullenly, looking for a quiet place to pray for a few hours. Once he finds an area away from the largest parts of the group, he begins meditating on the events of the day.

Seeing Kardswann staggered, and the appearance of Raj's eagles, Naziri takes his opportunity to step back and draw his bow. Steadyng his ragged breathing the Ranger levels his arms to the target, and looses an arrow. In an instant his arm reaches back and deftly finds a second arrow which immediately follows the first in search of the brute's chest.

Attack1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Attack2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

damage1: 1d8 ⇒ 5
damage2: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Hajar being incapacitated is definitely indicative of a decent challenge here with Kardswann.

In general I'm all for difficult combats. The one thing to be wary of is, I know we do damage, but we don't have an *in combat* healer, so it can end up being very dangerous if people get downed. For every incapacitated pc, the difficulty of the encounter takes a big jump.

I think Kardswann's axe is the equalizer in this encounter. Our primary front-liner was downed, and if Kardswann lives long enough to hit one or two others, it gets a little scary.

In my opinion, adding a few extra targets that distract PC's from the primary threat in an encounter can go a long ways to adjusting the balance. If they aren't dealt with swiftly, the PC's are getting peppered for damage which makes the Big Guy's attacks even more dangerous (more easily incapacitates PC's). If they PC's focus on the little dudes, then the most violent threat is able to get more hits in.

I think that this adds a little extra challenge, and makes the PC's use more strategy and a bit of forethought without easily overwhelming the party.

TL;DR yes, combat difficulty can be increased, but be wary of swinging too far in the other direction. (though I love dangerous campaigns)

my Gnoll favored enemy counts against the flind Gnolls right? If so, I forgot +2 damage to each of my attacks. That would be +4 damage on the crit, and +2 on the dagger attack.

Al-Akim, looks distraught briefly as his Falchion clatters to the floor. However, with a brief shift of his right wrist, a cruel looking dagger falls into his hand out of the wrist sheath hidden beneath his worn sleeves. He plunges forward with the dagger.

"May Sarenrae redeem you!"

Power Attack
attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

If we are saving my post as my second round attack, you can direct those rolls to the Flind Gnoll.

here guys. Haven't leveled yet, but I can hopefully get that done today.

Naziri, was caught slightly off guard by the brazen nature of the Ogre. Seeing his allies now caught in a pitched battle with the monster, the Ranger charges and swings his falchion mightily.

attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 2 = 27
damage: 2d4 + 8 ⇒ (1, 3) + 8 = 12

crit confirm?: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 2 = 23
crit damage: 2d4 + 8 ⇒ (2, 2) + 8 = 12

"Remember yourself Kardswann!"

aid another(diplomacy): 1d20 ⇒ 10

"Well done Master Grim. Yet again, your talents have held our party safe."

Al-Akim fires two more arrows at the monster!

attack1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
attack2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

damage1: 1d8 ⇒ 1
damage2: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Almost simultaneous to the Paladin's charge the Ranger, Naziri, lifts his lonbgbow. With lithe and powerful movements, he sends two arrows past Hajar, seeking out the foul priest.

With a curt, rage filled scream he shouts, "Sarenrae!"

attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
attack2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4
damage2: 1d8 ⇒ 2

His disgust with the creatures grim visage, and its foul presence cause Al-Akim's shots to fly harmlessly wide of the target.

"My friend Hajar, let us pray over these bodies and offer them the peace of the Dawnflower's redeeming glory. We shall seek restitution in time for these atrocities, for now, do not let their sacrifice be in vain. Hold strength, and your faith will be rewarded."

Naziri solemnly gathers the bodies with a gentle reverance. Praying over each one before it is laid respectfully together and prepared for a cleansing fire.

"If I had lady friends, I might take you up on that offer. However, My Lady is the Dawnflower, Sarenrae, and our bed is the desert. I cannot think of any things that you might show me, which I would share with my Lady. But if you would like, perhaps I can show You some things that you might use with My Lady friend." Says Al-Akim smiling unashamedly.