Bollum Flax's page

Hey guys, I won't be able to post from Thursday until probably Saturday, I will be in surgery. Please feel free to bot me during that time as just agreeing with and following Ryar's commands/suggestions.

Do the walls/fence around B4 prevent movement? I assume not but feel free to correct me or make Romulon do a roll on my behalf. His acrobatics skill is +2.

Bollum moves up next to Ryar while shouting a command to Romulon to hurry up. He then fires at the Hobgoblin he hit before.

Arrow on green hobgoblin: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Arrow damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2
Romulon double moves to get around and behind the Hobgoblin over Arrack, jumping over the fence if required.

Bollum cautiously stands by Ryar, ready to translate if necessary since he speaks Goblin.

Hey just a quick request, can I use some of the cure light wound wand charge to heal my wolf? He took 8 points of damage. Just wanted to check first.

"I don't see anything by the sack." Bollum noted, but winced at the eye strain. Maybe he was getting too old.

"Ryar, did you check the sack?" He asked, since he was in the room with the sack.

Tried to put an X next to the compound bow, I don't know if it showed up. Happy to trade my longbow to someone else in exchange so they can have a ranged weapon if they want.

Bollum noticed the compound bow was of sturdier construction that his long used bandit longbow, and offered to switch it for Orimmath.

Afterwards he looked inside and his eyes narrowed. Not at the bodies, he expected this kind of brutality from what seemed to be an invading army, although it disgusted him.

"This feels like a trap." He said, almost ignoring the bodies. "If there were Hobgoblins inside, they would have come outside to help their dying comrades-they weren't exactly quiet when they died. But why would they go through the effort of destroying the statues, but not take that sack in the middle. Something is not right here."

Can I use Perception to see if I can spot a trap near the sack inside the shrine?

trap perception if allowed: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Little upset I didn't get a response on the discussion thread

"Thank you Ryar." Bollum wished he could remember the proper term of address, but his blood was boiling from seeing his wolf companion get slashed by the Hobgoblin.

The Wolf moved cautiously to the side, trying to flank but not getting in the right position, before attacking the Hobgoblin bothering Siegfried.

Just after that, filled with the natural Guidance of the spell, Bollum let an arrow fly at the same target.

Romulon moves 5 feet then attacks, the Bollum fires at Red Hobgoblin (unless he dies from wolf attack, then he fires at Blue Hobgoblin)

Wolf Attack on Red Hobgoblin: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Wolf damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Trip attack if hit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Bollum guidance arrow and point blank shot: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 7
Arrow Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

I haven't added the penalties for firing into melee because I don't know them, so I hope the DM wouldn't mind adding/subtracting the modifiers for my arrow roll

DM can Bollum move anywhere with a move action to get line of sight on the blue hobgoblin archer to hit with an arrow without a penalty?

"Support the brawler." Bollum whispered in Orcish, as he reached out and touched his wolf as it ran past, the natural energy guiding the animal to attack.

Cast guidance on Wolf as it runs past to hit Hobgoblin Red
Wolf Attack on Red Hobgoblin with guidance: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 1 = 18
Wolf damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Trip attack if hit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Ok fine, I didn't know, I thought you could stealth if you only moved 5 feet, my bad.

I wasn't that bothered about stealth, I mostly just wanted to move out of line of sight so the hobgoblins couldn't return fire without moving closer or at least they need to move to a different angle. I assume I get some cover from firing from being among the trees, hence why I didn't get closer.

So just to stop the arguments, let's just ignore my stealth roll. They know I fired at them and probably where I am, but they still need to move if they want to get a clear shot to snipe back.

EDIT: I thought I did break line of sight. I must have misread the map.

I thought we were waiting for them to come to us? Bollum thought to himself, but realising the element of surprise was gone, he needed to start firing his arrows.

Bow and Normal Arrow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

After firing, he darted back into cover, while keeping Romulon nearby to attack any of them that approached.

Stealth to get back in hiding if needed or allowed for Bollum: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

So just an attack on Red Hobgoblin, then a 5 foot move to get back into cover of the trees

I moved you Arrac, let me know if that's the correct place you wanted to go.

Bollum motions for Romulon to get low.

"Any Gobos come to hit weird bloke," He says in Orcish to Romulon, nodding at Arrack. "You flank and hit them ok? Or if they come for any of us, you ambush them alright?"

He then moves quietly through the trees until he's in a position to snipe at Hobgoblin Search Party if they come towards them.

Bollum Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Romulon Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

I don't know if it matters but Romulon has the sneak trick, so I hopefully don't need a check to make prepare for an attack.

Bollum glares at Arrack for his suggestion of murdering the wolf, before handing Ryar some of his animal feed to use to lure the wolf.

Are we rolling handle animal for this DM? If so, do you want Bollum to do it Ryar, since he's got +8 to Handle Animal?

Do you want stealth rolls from all of us DM?

"We're going to have to hurry then." Bollum noted. "The shrine is to the south west and the Goblins are coming in from the south and west. If we had time, it would be good to grab supplies from Phaendar Trading Company, assuming it's not already been looted or swarming with goblins."

He picks up the food and milk, quickly his symbol glows green as does his eyes, as he scans it for poison.

I'll cast detect poison to see if any of the supplies or items are poisonous or been poisoned, then carry any of the food supplies/milk no one else wants to carry. I also keep Crytex within a mile above me so he can keep giving us a heads up of danger.

Clearly Romulon still thinks this is playtime, rather than fight time. ;p

"Romulon flank and attack!" Bollum called out as to his wolf. He then reaches through his mind to his familiar.

Have we got a lot incoming Crytex? Where's the most danger

He then goes to help carry Aubrin out.

Use free action to command my animal companion to move 5 feet South East and go right behind the remaining Hobgoblin, and then attack with the flanking bonus from Bug.

Wolf bite with Bless and Flanking: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 7
Wolf Bite damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Wolf Trip if attack is successful: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Then I try and get a reading from my familiar (who should be outside and above the battle) where is the safest route to go, either down the main street, or escaping through the door in D2.

I know it's just an empathic link, so it's not precise, but if I could get the general idea of what way to go, or where the most danger is, that would be great. If it matters, he's a sage familiar which means his Int is 6.

In case you want a perception check from Crytex: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17

After that I want to use what's left of my actions to help get Aubrin out of here, whichever way my familiar suggests. I don't think I'll be much help with my arrows, given how crowded people are.

Ah fair enough. I wonder if you successfully grapple, that means my 9 might actually be higher, since we might also be flanking the gobbo?

Ryar calls Bug into the room (possible aoo but he had a bow out) to grab the hobgoblin.

Bug flys in and attempts to grab the creature while 5 feet off the ground.

[dice=Grapple with lunge on Red]1d20+8-2

Are you having Bug attack the blue one inside with the longsword, or the red one outside with the longbow?

Also, did you add the icon for your companion? And if so, how do I add one for my wolf companion?

Fear gripped Bollum's heart as he saw the ballista sticking through Aubrin's chest. His mind flashed back to when his bandit group, his family, was cut down be Goblins breaking a deal. To when his mentor was slain not so long ago by Goblins.

I need to run, I need to survive. As Bollum was about to flee, his holy symbol began to glow a powerful green, and a wave of calm filled his chest. Suddenly the fear, while still there, was muted and Bollum could think.

Release He thought aloud, and suddenly this wave of calm expanded to the entire tavern and beyond.

"Romulon, flank and attack the Goblin Archer!" He shouted in Orcish. He then moved to cover behind the bar, as he got his bow and arrow ready to fire.

Standard Action cast Bless: all allies in 50 feet gain +1 to attack roles and saving throws against fear. I count not only the PCs and animals companions as allies (I assume they are just outside, so within range of the bless), but also the 9 friendly NPCs in the tavern. Hopefully the bit of bravery will mean they will want to help-or at least run away from the danger.

Free action, command my wolf animal companion to get the [red] Hobgoblin outside. If he can reach in 50 feet of movement from wherever he is [Should be outside I think], I would like him to be right behind the goblin to set up potential flanking.

Wolf Bite Attack with bless: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Wolf Bite Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Trip attempt if attack is successful: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Move Action go behind the bar counter and draw my bow and arrow at the same time because I have a BAB of +1, ready for next turn.

EDIT: I got my trip dice wrong, should be a d20 not a d6, but I doubt a 9 hits anyway, so I won't bother changing it. The grapple flank might have increased my roll, not sure.

Also my wolf has an AC of 15 (thanks to the Dodge Feat)

I'm not sure Figment works for my concept of my familiar.

I'm also a bit worried about our animal companions outside the bar not giving us a heads up hobgoblins were around. Hope they aren't in danger or anything. But if they're fine, we should be able to do a pincer attack on these two Hobgoblins.

Also I am starting to feel bad I didn't get stabalize at level 1 for poor Aubrin, although I don't know if that would have stopped the bleed effect.

DM are there any windows around? So we can see if our companions are ok?

EDIT: Sorry extra question, my wolf animal companion can have a maximum of 7 (6+1 bonus trick). Is it fair to say that, since I've had him for awhile and he's already pre-trained by my former master, that he has already learnt those 7 tricks? Or do you want me to start with just the single bonus trick, and have to spend weeks in the game teaching him those tricks?

Bollum are you using any familiar archetype? If not, based on you back story saga could work really well. Just a thought.

Do you mean the sage archetype? I was tempted for my Hawk Familiar but I don't know how useful it will be since my Hawk can't speak languages, unlike say a thrush. Are Sage familiars able to speak?

I don't think I saw any archetypes for my wolf I wanted to take for him.

Hi DM, I was wondering if we were doing the age penalty rules? I was thinking of having Bollum being sort of older, like in his late 30s, maybe 40s, having only recently found faith after a long life of being part of the bandit encounter for low level adventurers.

I was just checking are we doing age penalties in this game? Because I noticed Half-Orcs get middle age penalties at 30, and old at 45. I was hoping to ignore that for Bollum. If you want to stick with it, I'm happy to say Bollum is younger, 28 or 29 instead.

"Not so much let me into town as, Crytex couldn't scratch my eyes out hard enough to keep me away." Bollum responded to Ryar while chugging back his drunk. "Also I was getting a bit tired of him insisting eating bugs and worms..." He stops when he realises he's said that out loud.

"Anyway," quickly changing the subject. "I haven't seen anything too odd in the woods, although Crytex insists he's getting a bad feeling. But that feather brain always gets a bad feeling." He shrugs.

Ryar waves at Bollum (I'm assuming, as they both worship the green faith, that they are at least casually aquainted).

Yeah that makes sense. Bollum is desperate for anyone to help him understand the Green Faith, so would be glad to talk to someone who knew what they were talking about. Maybe you knew his (still unnamed) mentor while he was still alive?

Bollum took a long sip from his drink, and his body relaxed.

"Ah that's the good stuff. Honey and berries just doesn't compare-" He then stops when he sees Ryar waving at him. Ah s*$$, hope she didn't hear that.

Bollum moves over to sit with Ryar and Orimmath, nodding at them both.

"Druid Ryar good to see you again. May the...Faith be strong with you. And green!" Nailed it. He smiles at Kilewn. "You're at my level of drunk, so give me a minute to catch up."

Orimmath, given Bollum was a former bandit and scoundral and you've been a guard, what kind of relationship do you want us to have now that Bollum has mended his ways? A friendly 'I always knew you had good in you, you little punk' or a more suspicious 'I've got my eyes on you, you little punk'?

Bollum wandered into the tavern, rubbing his forehead in pain. Even now he could feel the empphatic pressure from his Familiar Crytex, telling him to stick to the woods.

I don't care how green the grass is, sometimes an Orc needs a damn beer! He thought back, but how much the hawk got he wasn't sure. How the old druid was able to manage this bundle of feathers was beyond him.

Thankfully his companion Romulon was much more willing to enjoy urban life, and was happy to go around sniffing various butts, wagging his tail like a domesticated puppy rather than the feral wolf he was supposed to be.

As Bollum entered the tavern (which seemed to forbid animals), he noticed Romulon going off to play with what looked like a giant mantis made of stone.

"...he'll be fine." He said, deciding to leave future problems to future Bollum (who will hopefully no longer be sober Bollum).

As the tall Half-Orc entered the Tavern and looked around, he locked eyes with a human wearing wolf skin, which made Bollum instinctively grit his teeth in anger at seeing an animal treated like that, showing off his tusks.

Take a breath Bollum, you just came here for a drink. So drink. He then took a deep breath, before finding a seat far away from the Barbarian. He tries to signal a server to bring him some ale or beer. Afterwards he pulls out a wooden amulet and stares at it, as if hoping it will give him some answers.

Bollum looks like a Hunter whose spent far too long out in the wilds, rather than a servant of a higher power or a druid. If anyone knows what the Green Faith is, his wooden amulet is a holy symbol for that religious group.

Bollum: 160 arrows carried? Dude!

I didn't know when we would be able to buy more and my character doesn't know fletching! So you think I should buy less?

I splash weapons bugs live in forests. I will pick up some too.

Splash weapons, good count. I'll try and get some alchemist fire or the like then.

First off thank you all! So glad to be going on this and I can see already that the interaction will be great. Couple of things:

I've DM'd plenty, but PbP wise I'm still in my first year. If you see anything at all that I can improve or that would make play easier, please shout it our or hit me with a PM. I love the creative energy I see here on the boards and I'm always happy to emulate the best of us.

Second, don't be afraid to reach out with character goals, hopes and ideas for subplots. I have found AP's to be broad and we've got energy to explore the combined world. I'll try to minimize PvP intrigue, but happy to indulge creative additions for your character in the story.

Our sixth player will be a Brawler. He's finishing up his character and will have it up to join you tomorrow.

Arrack - Well you can always ask! I'm cool with the modification on the chained/unchained HP as I feel it's better. However, not with the feat tax. I understand the argument, but generally I go RAW so as to not further confuse my actions down the road.

How are we on starting? Do we want to try for Friday to get the gameplay going?

Thanks for having me! Friday works fine, I should have everything ready by then.

As for character goals, Bollum doesn't actually know much about the Green Faith, as he's an Inquisitor more because he doesn't know the practices he should be following. It would be nice if the druid who taught him (who is now dead) had a connection to the town we start in, so I would have a reason to come to town. Maybe inform their loved ones of their death.

Is there any NPC who could work in that regard in this town? My mentor doesn't need to be an Orc, if another race works better.

For our archers cold iron arrows are cheap even at level 1 and can save lives.

Fair enough, bought 60 of those. Never know if we run into the Fae in the woods I guess, or whatever else is weak to cold iron.

Any other suggestions guys? Got 18 GP left.

Dotting here.

Oh wow, I can't believe I got in! This is great, I won't let you guys down!

So yeah I've got pretty specced to be an Archer with my eagle/Hawk for scouting and my animal companion (currently Wolf unless someone has a better suggestion) for back up melee fighter to help the front liners while also potentially tracking enemies. I haven't quite got them statted out yet, so if anyone has suggestions I would be very glad to hear it.

I also have 2924 Gold I haven't spent, given that we might not see a shop for awhile, if anyone has any suggestions on what to buy, I'd love to hear it.

EDIT: I just realised I hadn't purchased arrows (silly me) so I bought 100 of those, and I'm now down to 24 GP.

It's me CoreBrute with my character Bollum Flax:

So he's a Half-Orc Inquisitor Green Faith Sacred Huntsmaster. He was a bandit in the nearby area, getting in with bad crowds, working for bad people, it was a living. One time he was actually doing some robbery work for a group of Hobgoblins, just a clan he thought, but it turned out to be part of the IronFang Legion. They killed the rest of his bandit group and nearly killed him.

He was found by an old Orc Druid who saw potential in Bollum, and nursed his wounds. He taught him about the Green Faith which he followed, and tried to get him to leave his Bandit ways behind to become a Druid of peace.

However the old Orc died, killed by an Iron Fang scouting patrol who were destroying trees for their war effort. Bollum now swears revenge on these Goblins, and only has his old bandit bow, a poor understanding of the Green Faith that now empowers him, and the Druid's two animal companions a Falcon named Crytex and a Wolf named Romulon.

This build is very much an archer build, high perception, built to try and understand the enemy goblins so they can kill them better. He's slowly learning what is actually possible with his magic, but it's not his go to.