Kin Lur's page

Kin Lur: It's been frustrating for me, but I think we can slog it through. I'll have plenty of free time in about two weeks!

It's cool -- I just recall this being an adventure you liked and figured you didn't want it to die a slow death from inactivity. If you needed to take a break, I can't imagine anyone complaining. But glad to hear you've got free time coming -- hopefully everyone else's schedule will allow a flurry of activity! (Saying that, my schedule is pretty consistently tight, so I may become the laggard at a time like that...)

Hey, I know you've got things that are keeping you off-line. Perhaps it would be better to shelve this for the time being instead of doing it by fits and starts. Just sayin'.

Kin Lur ended last turn in T22.

The halfling takes a move action to stow his bow and draws his greatsword as he moves up next to Alexei. I think I can make R21.

I believe the map I'm looking at is out-dated? Is there an updated link?

Everything else gets healed (including Ur).

Sweet! Good time for that channel, sir dwarf!

Kin Lur: Having attacked in the previous round, I believe you take a -20 penalty on your Stealth check. That leaves you with a 12.

Alexei: Your dagger catches the creature on the forearm. The beast is indeed badly wounded. Knowledge (warfare) = 25 The creature, which you identify as a Minotaur, shows signs of battle fatigue and is severely weakened, it is beginning to act like a wounded animal.

Jorr seems intent on killing the hobgoblins, and with a shout he fires another two shots at the closest warrior to Alexei. 9 damage from one arrow.

Augrok is next.

Rule 0 is in effect. I would rather change my action than take the penalty.

Kin Lur hesitates, but hates to watch the warrior fighting alone. He moves to T22 and fires a single arrow at the man-beast.

Shortbow attack 1d20+8=21, damage 1d4=2

Kin Lur would like to take a round to move and hide so as to surprise a foe next round. Would this be feasible?

Stealth 1d20+14=32

Trying to climb up a wall for a better vantage point would not be out of the question, either, if it looks like he could make it.

Much obliged.

Kin Lur steps forward to T23 before loosing two more arrows at Jorr's latest target.

Attack #1 1d20+6=18, Damage #1 1d4=1, Attack #2 1d20+6=13, Damage #2 1d4=2

Not particularly impressive...

Round 2 begins:

Kin Lur - 23
Alexei - 22
Jorr - 19
Augrok and Ur - 18
Hobgoblins - 14
Mijanor - 13
Ergrin - 12
Vykos - 11
Large Enemy - 9
Weylan - 8

Good sir, can you provide the link to the map again?

Excellent! Alexei's up, then!

I think I'm first, so...

Rapid shot with shortbow: Attack #1 1d20+6=12, Damage #1 1d4=1, Sneak Attack Damage #1 1d6=1, Attack #2 1d20+6=23, Damage #2 1d4=3, Sneak Attack Damage #2 1d6=3

Not sure if I can actually see well enough to fire from my current position. Hoping Jorr's success indicates I can. I will target his victim, if it's still standing. If I cannot see from here, I will move 20 to U21, and let fly with a single shaft. (First roll would be a 14 without the Rapid Shot penalty, of course).

Let's see, drew the weapon to follow Alexei. Seeing Alexei pull up short and knowing my relative strength as a melee combatant - as in not - Kin Lur chooses not to charge alone.

Kin Lur groans inwardly at Alexei's misfortune. I had a good feeling about that attack, too. He takes a moment to sheathe his weapon and prepares to "draw" his bow and open fire. Sounds like Jorr got a pretty good shot.

Initiative 1d20+3=23

Scimitar attack 1d20+5=24, damage 1d4=4

Since that's a crit threat if it hits, 1d20+5=8, 1d4=3 No such luck, I'm guessing. Oh, and sneak attack damage, if applicable, would be 1d6=4. Plus favored enemy bonus of +2 if the target's a giant. I also did not include any bonus or penalty for the figure being prone.

Kin Lur sprints right along behind Alexei, moving to the opposite side of the large figure and strikes with his scimitar, digging deep into the figure's side.

I believe that if the figure is a giant, the total damage would be 10. In the unlikely event that the critical was confirmed, it would be 13. Not bad for a wee fella!

OK. Alexei motions at himself and Kin Lur, then mimics the horns on his head again. Motioning to the others, he motions for "follow us."

Soundlessly, he flexes his wrists, ensuring the scimitar and short sword grips aren't slippery with sweat.

Kin Lur looks at Alexei quizzically, then nods. He draws his scimitar and readies to move at Alexei's sign. Debated the greatsword for damage potential, but it seems unlikely as a choice for a scouting mission...

If the "big, hulking figure" happens to be of the Giant type, my favored enemy bonus will apply. Somebody please remind me, I always forget bonuses like that.

Drax:

Weylan does not have the message spell.

Party Formation:

Kin Lur and Jorr are currently in FF19-20 (Not the game series).
Alexei, Ergrin, Augrok+Ur are just in treeline (what would be S-T90).
Vykos, Mijanor, Weylan are deeper in the treeline (around W100).

Kin Lur: Whereabouts is Fourthea?

There is still no sign of activity.

Drax:

Kin Lur wrote:

The remainder of the party is back farther by the mounts, I believe, and includes Mijanor, Vykos, and the halfling sorcerer

That's correct. Vykos isn't with the scouting party and he would be back, either with the horses or at the tree line, wherever everone not in the scouting party is.

Being here though doesn't preclude him discussing possibilities with those that are left. If we think of something we can discuss it with the scouts when they get back.

If you have Message prepared, you could be the conduit for communications between the groups, too. Perhaps the halfling? I've forgotten his cantrip selection.

Alexei: Jorr looks at you like you are crazy, then points to his feet - he is barefoot. He then puts his finger to his lips and points at you while grinning.

Could you give me a marching order for the party after this arrangement?

Kin Lur: Are you investigating the shack?

Sorry, yes, Kin Lur is taking point to investigate the shack. That's what I intended the Stealth roll for - I forgot you were rolling those, I expect you to ignore it - and I believe that Alexei and Ergrin are following fairly closely behind Kin Lur in case something befalls him. I suspect Jorr would be a good choice to stay with this group, too.

I'm not sure who else is with the scouting party, but I think they remain on the trail. That seems to be Augrok and his animal companion.

The remainder of the party is back farther by the mounts, I believe, and includes Mijanor, Vykos, and the halfling sorcerer

That said, I'm not sure of any of it and am mostly posting for a starting point so someone can make corrections. Kin Lur, for one, is fine with some retcon and letting Alexei, the professional soldier, lay out a plan of attack.

Kin Lur nods to the soldier, zips his lip, and moves toward the shed.

Stealth 1d20+14=25

Whispering, "Walking right up to the home of a large, organized force, even if they are goblins... Something doesn't feel right." Kin Lur will start scanning the ground for sign other than the obvious - something that might indicate someone leaving the trail.

Tracking 1d20+8=20

Scouting Party:

Scouting party:

"I don't like being separated, either, but I'm not sure I see a way to approach with everyone quietly. I think the stealthy might be able to go ahead and signal back to the others when it's clear."

"That said, I have to defer to Alexei and Mijanor -- I have little experience planning for a group like this."

Long into the afternoon the party travels up the Dawn Way. At this point in the road, the Witch Wood forest crowds upon both shoulders of the Way. Before sunset approaches, Jorr finally points out your destination.

Looming out of the shadowy woods ahead is a forlorn sight - a ruined keep. The old castle sits on a small rocky hillock, and you can catch glimpses of a broken tower between the trees. A moss-covered stone at the side of the road you are following marks a footpath that looks like it leads up to the keep.

"This be the only way up to the keep aside from striding through the woods," Jorr whispers. "From here on out, best be as quiet as possible 'til we cross swords."

Make any necessary preparations. The keep is about 5 minutes up the path.

Am I correct in assuming we want to leave our mounts here? A horse's hoof is a distinct sound (without magical aid) and Fourthea is not significantly quiet, either.

"I'm not against striding through the woods, if it gives us an advantage on any lookouts, but I'd be hard-pressed to take anyone out with a single shot, even if I get close enough. It would undoubtedly be slower, though."

On second though, perhaps he could remain on Fourthea to traipse through the woods...

Mijanor Firehammer wrote:

Ergrin Stonefist wrote:

"What was that?" says Ergrin, his usually calm exterior clearly shaken.

Impressed, Mijanor chuckles, "That! Was ya clearly teachin this forsaken by the gods thing the meanin o' bein on a wrong side o' a dwarf. Ack, they don't smell to be good eatin neither." Mijanor steps around and examines everyones wounds. Seeing that they are no more than scratches at this point he grunts satisfied that they are ready to continue. With obvious dislike and a touch of nervousness he keeps a fair distance between himself and the water and double-checking his footing.

Ergrin glows at the compliment from his cousin.

He looks at the humans working their way through the swamp to the wagon, "You know Mijanor. One advantage of being a foot shorter is that they don't ask us to do that kind of thing."

To be sure, he adds more loudly, "Looks deep. Over my head."

LOL For the record, Kin Lur's shorter than either of the dwarves. That's why he rides a dog instead of horse...

"I'll climb down and pass stuff up to you. Easier for you to pull me out than otherwise."

Kin Lur:

Searching the wagon will require some help, as you would not be able to touch the bottom of the swamp without swimming.

I assumed as much - that's why I thought I would toss the idea out and see if anyone cared to run with it. Kin Lur's fine with leaving the wagon alone, but one of the others might see value in checking it out.

Kin Lur looks at the corpse being consumed by fire. "Do you suppose there's anything of value or use to us in the overturned wagon? I find it unlikely that we'd find plans for the hobgoblins' intentions, but we might find some gear that would help us disguise ourselves... or those of us tall enough to pass for a hob, anyway."

Does Weylan's magical damage appear to have healed itself?

Kin Lur: The snake has already moved, it is threatening most of the party. Better make those rolls. ;)

Single attack with shortbow using Point Blank Shot attack 1d20+9=27, damage 1d4+1=4

Kin Lur's action is after the "snake." He will remain on Fourthea and fire from dogback, retreating 15' if in a threatened square.

I'll wait to roll until I know the situation with the snake.

Sorry for my delay of game.

Surely you jest. I hadn't even noticed. Things are good, yes?

Considering his lead on the group and his lack of awareness of the threat, I'm going to say that Kin Lur will spend the round realizing there's a threat, readying his bow, and locating his best position to fire it from. What does he see, good DM?

Kin Lur is looking back at the rest of the column...

Initiative 1d20+3=6

Any other business before the group departs?

Nothing I can think of.

"Well Kin Lur, I hope yer skills exceed what you've displayed here." The old trapper says with a grin and a wink.

At that, Kin Lur gives him a sheepish grin, "They were enough to get the drop on the hobs that jumped us yesterday. I've got to admit, it's not every day I hit my head on a tree branch..."

The halfling is amicable and talkative, unleashing the lonliness of years of sequestered study. He is most drawn to Kin Lur (as a fellow halfling) and Vykos (a practitioner of the "talents" as he calls them).

Then Kin Lur will encourage him to share some idea of his "talents" so we can better plan how to utilize them in the upcoming battle. He's not terribly concerned about the young one's family history - this is about who Weylan is, not who his father was.

And I'd like to toss in my congrats to those who made it to the Round of 32, also. Congratulations and best of luck as you go forward!

Mijanor takes Vykos' and Alexei's hesitation as an unstated agreement, "Right! I'll be payin the man fer now but I am expectin that I'll be repaid outta the coin an such we get off'n those gobbo corpses we're plannin ta make. Let get us some gobbo 'ead 'onchos and scatter the rest like sparks from a forge." The dwarf pulls out 10 platinum and hands it over to Jorr, "Made quite the impression ya have. When do we leave and by what path are we travelin?"

Sounds good re: assuming we have assent from the quiet characters.

Kin Lur smiles, "Mijanor, the man might like to know who he's working for before we set out, don't you think?" The halfling walks over to the man, puts his hand out in a more formal greeting, and says, "I'm Kin Lur, and I'm often in a scouting role with this group. Your dogs have very keen ears -- normally, you wouldn't have known I was here unless I wanted you to." From his expression, there's no frustration at being caught. He's just stating a fact.

We did bring the little mage with us, right? Have we gotten any more of his story while we traveled? Well, Kin Lur wouldn't have, so far out in front of the others, but maybe Alexei or Vykos quizzed him...

Not nearly as in tune with the bear, Kin Lur watches Ur's "examination" of the man with interest. "You are obviously skilled with animals, Jorr Natherson. I can see why you are comfortable out here on the game trails of the forest."

Kin Lur turns and calls Fourthea to his side and waits for the rest of the party to weigh in with their thoughts.

Jorr Natherson wrote:

"Hundred gold gets you me not leaving when the gettin's good. But I be 'spectin' that the bastard in charge of these scum is somebody right strong or clever. Hobbos respect prowess. And from what I gathered they don't like talkin' 'bout their leader much. Means they're afraid of him."

Just to be clear, according to Jorr, Vraath Keep and the "Goblin Camp" are one and the same.

For some reason was reading it as two different places but clear now, thanks.

"Then ye be in it fer the long 'aul then? Good. Knowin whatcha know aboot this 'ere woods an the like I say we be with a touch o the sunsickness if we donna hire ye. What say the rest o ya?"

"Aye, it's always better to have knowledge of the foe. The more, the better."

"If'n yer thinkin' a good word from the speaker'll be puttin' ya in my good books yer wrong. I don't read." He pauses for a second before continuing, "But I s'pose it'd be rude of me not to say I do be Jorr Natherson, and these are my fine dogs - seem to like you."

He whistles at the dogs and they return to the porch to kind words and petting.

"I see ya have friends with ya. Big group...look capable. Now what you be on about? Useful fer what? I ain't no hunting guide!"

You can't be sure if he has spotted Ergrin yet.

When Natherson calls the dogs to the porch, Kin Lur will follow them halfway or so, to a more conversational distance.

"They are beautiful animals. That one, in particular, seems to have taken a shine to me, hasn't he? I have one I'm particularly fond of, as well, out with my friends. Not sure how these three would respond, so I didn't bring her in.

"As for why we are here, we'd not turn down a guide, but we really were just hoping to get some information. I see your sign by the trail - have you had problems with goblins? We have, and the town has. We're out and about to see if we can't do something about that."

If someone more inclined to be a "face" wants to step in, feel free. Kin Lur's not likely to hide much.

Kin Lur attempts to calm the dogs using words, gestures, and perhaps some of Fourthea's treats. The attempt appears to work. The first dog sniffs the air and then wanders back to the porch to fall asleep. The second dog stays in place but begins wagging its tail and panting. The final dog backs off but remains agitated, though it ceases barking.

Whew!

Shortly after this the cabin's door opens and a lean woodsman of indeterminate age steps onto the porch. He has a seamed, leathery look to his face and arms, and a big curved knife sits in a sheath strapped to one thigh.

"Don't get many visitors out here," he rasps. "Who're you, and what d'ya want with me?"

"These are fine animals you have. I was hoping to find a man named Jorr Natherson, would you be him? Speaker Wiston sent us."Kin Lur won't point out his companions as of yet.

If the man replies in the affirmative, "Great! The speaker thought your knowledge of the Witchwood would likely be very useful."

As Ergrin reaches the halfway point to the cabin, Kin Lur misses a drooping tree branch. Although it only brushes his arm the movement is enough to alert something on the porch - the owner of this cabin has left three large dogs on guard. They leap from the front stoop, racing out 30 feet from the porch and begin barking at Kin Lur.

Yeah, that sounds about right for a 15. Must have been hanging really low. And since I've never used this skill, now seems like a good time.

Kin Lur will stop and face the dogs and will attempt to calm them "diplomatically" using his training and experiences with Fourthea. He does not have a weapon readied at this point -- but they are all on his person.

Three dogs = three checks?

Handle Animal: 1d20+8=17, 1d20+8=28, 1d20+8=11

Leaving his quarterstaff on the ground and keeping his hands clearly visible, Ergrin, wordlessly glides towards the cabin. Once he is 5' distance he pauses and listens.

Stealth then perception: 1d20+8=27, 1d20+10=26

Wow, nice rolls.

Seeing the dwarf move toward the cabin, Kin Lur follows suit, but circling at the edge of the glade, watching for tracks as he goes. Unfortunately, he has trouble concentrating on his stealth as he watches the ground.

Stealth 1d20+14=15, Survival (tracking) 1d20+8=21

Given the information provided by the Speaker and others, and the map purchased in town, this could very well be the cabin you seek.

{Perception rolled for Kin Lur}

Your eye is drawn to a crudely crafted sign nailed to a post on the side of the trail. Painted in yellow dwarven letters are two words in Goblin. Politely translated it reads "Gobins Go Away".

Kin Lur indicates the sign to Alexei and, translating if necessary, says, "This may be the place. How should we approach?"

And we're back. Thought I would try some "time frame emulation" ;)

After an uneventful morning, you find the trail leading past a small cabin in a deep forest glade. A ramshackle front porch is littered with fishing baskets and skinning frames, though all appear empty. The cabin overlooks a dark bayou, with withered gray cedar-trees rising out of the water. An old skiff is tied up on the shore nearby, and a little smoke curls from the fieldstone chimney of the cabin.

What are your intentions at this point?

Sorry, Drax, I don't have a clear picture of the distance we expect to go to guy we seek. Are we close? Could this be his cabin?

Kin Lur will stop Fourthea and ride back to Alexei to confer. Maybe one should check out the cabin, even if it's not the right one?

Kin Lur wrote:

Sounds good. If there's no other dissent, do you need anything from us to proceed, Drax?

Just 'cause I hate to see us fall so low on the page, here's a *bump*.

Just 'cause I hate to see us fall so low on the page, here's a *bump*. I mean, no one's posted since LAST YEAR! ;-)

Seriously, Happy New Year, everyone! Looking forward to getting this story moving again!

Sounds good. If there's no other dissent, do you need anything from us to proceed, Drax?

Just 'cause I hate to see us fall so low on the page, here's a *bump*.

Kin Lur wrote:

That thought had crossed my mind. How about Kin Lur leading, 30' in front of Alexei and his shiny, er, glossy new ride, leading the rest of the group by say 20'? If he has to go super-stealth, he will dismount and tell Fourthea to stay (as a signal to Alexei) while he sneaks up the trail.

Let's make it 100 ft. from Kin Lur to Alexei, and maybe 50 ft. from Alexei to the next in line. That way, Alexei can still get to Kin Lur in a single charge (double move = 120 ft.), but Kin Lur can realistically act as an advance scout, not part of the noisy column.

Sounds good. If there's no other dissent, do you need anything from us to proceed, Drax?

Kin Lur will carefully study the map and what can be seen from their vantage point here to fix landmarks in his mind and their relationships on the map.

I have been assuming Mijanor is bringing up the rear as he is on foot. His huffing and puffing behind you a constant companion. Not only is he loud but also shiny and wearing white so for stealth reasons the back is the best place for him.

That thought had crossed my mind. How about Kin Lur leading, 30' in front of Alexei and his shiny, er, glossy new ride, leading the rest of the group by say 20'? If he has to go super-stealth, he will dismount and tell Fourthea to stay (as a signal to Alexei) while he sneaks up the trail.

Does anyone have strong feelings about marching order? Kin Lur's expecting to be riding point or rearguard. I suspect that Alexei would be in the opposite position. Or maybe both should share point. Sound reasonable? How much distance should we be allowing between point and the rest of the group? I assume the group will be single-file if we are on game trails.

Drax, please roll Perception and Stealth checks for Kin Lur. He will be trying to be like a shadow this whole time. I realize his Fast Stealth doesn't apply when he'd dogback, so he'll take the penalty for that, but he will work to tie down and muffle harness and such to quiet Fourthea as much as possible.

Remember to pay the ferry toll for yourself and your mounts.

Noted, 1 sp per head removed from inventory here.

Mijanor shrugs, "Shorter be good but so be cavin in more gobbo skulls."

"Better to learn of the beast's heart and strike it there decisively than to waste time striking at its claws. I'm in favor of moving through the woods, hopefully undetected by the hobgoblins." Looking around, he adds, "But I'm not an expert with goblinkin. I'll defer to the group's decision, but it seems we should think of this as a large beast rather than a large group of smaller creatures and plan accordingly."