Niklos Bogdan's page

As would be self-evident by my absence and lack of posting, I'm going to thank you all profusely and then excuse myself from the thread. You guys have a good thing going on over here - but unfortunately I've just not personally been able to drive into the narrative and flow of things. MY failing and not yours though.

Many thanks for the initial invitation and the ability to engage in putting down the abominations at the pivotal fight I was involved in... it went better than my previous run through the module... where we needed to burn it all down and run away bleating and screaming.

Just a quick note that I'm still here, just need to get my head working right and get an appropriate angle into the narrative again. Thanks for patience.

"There are many hounds who would make for a worthy companion... if you have interest we can seek a kennel at the next city?"

On the road:

Niklos frowns darkly at Marsh's use of the word pet. He speaks with intent "Not pet... familie. Duroj is not beneath me, he walks beside... you understand the difference yes?"

On the Road to Galduria

Having kept mostly to himself and his ursine companion little has been shared by Niklos of his past nor what he saw in his future. Bacarov's question sees the halfling somewhat guarded and measured as he responds "Thanks are not needed... if one sees a blight spreading among the crops it is upon us all to see it excised. We were there, and there was a need to see it ended lest it taint our hearts and follow us upon leaving."

"I am Niklos... the ground beneath my feet is both hearth and home, following me wherever I travel. I leave little shadow and have nothing awaiting my return. My world is where I walk and Duroj my partner within it." he continues as a non-answer.

Having only experienced the tail end of the goings on at Ravenmoor, Niklos keeps a steady distance from the denouement as it unfolds. He is eager to be away on back upon the road... though perhaps it would be wiser to enjoy it with other blades beside him this time...

As a small FYI - I'm off on a short trip tonight and tomorrow to a rugby tournament for my son (well... depending on whether there is breathable air or not...). Thusly I'll be a less wordy / potentially silent for a couple of days.

As Bacarov delivers his speech, Niklos keeps behind at to his side... the overt implication that he and Duroj are there to observe, but carrying with it a sub-text that both he and the bear stand with the Inspector.

Niklos withdraws to the shadows at the fringe of what follows, his first intent and action to see to his companion. Neither tenderly nor brusquely he sees Duroj cleared of the blood and viscera that coat his claws and teeth, smoothing out the bear's fur as he does.

That done with he lingers and listens, neither offering words nor suggestions... seemingly waiting until matters of the town were complete before speaking of his mind.

I am back! - good job getting the gibbering monster down in my absence... I've got a bunch of reading up to do and shall post once I've been able to cogitate... and the kids are asleep ;)

Travel, London, awesome, tiredness - reminder to DMPC if I slow things up.
Please also move me on map :)

Having dealt with the spider, Duroj sets his eyes on bigger prey. Pushing through the foilage he aims a rising backhand at Kriegler...

Power Attack Claw: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 2 - 1 + 1 = 16 for 1d6 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 12

5ft N (move action due to difficult terrain) then swipe

Niklos merely silently paces forward at his bear's shoulder.

Free from the oppression of the biting mosquito swarm and with fresh eyes towards bloodletting, Duroj turns his attention on the nearest target - the fiendish spider before him. Rearing up on his hind legs, a meaty claw looks to bludgeon the arachnid where the head meets it's carapace...

Claw: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 - 1 + 1 = 17 for 1d6 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 12

Niklos keeps beside his companion, knowing that the bulk and fury of Duroj would carry the day far further than his blade.

If the first claw dropped the spider, Duroj would move 10ft North in order to get the mayor in melee range.
If the first claw didn't drop the spider, then use the two attacks in spoiler to finish the job.
Regardless, Niklos will keep pace just to the W of his ursine rampager.

Provisos and notes and such:

Myself and family will be travelling off to London for both the Rugby World Cup, and taking my mum back to the UK for the first time since she emigrated about 50 years ago. Will be fun... not so much the transit (kids plus planes = tired parents) but once we get there much fun and frivolity should ensue.

We have wifi at the accommodations I'm going to, but I can't promise that I'll be around often enough to get frequent posts in, nor verbose ones if the situation calls for it. If I can lean upon DM generosity of spirit as needed then that would be appreciated.

I'll be back in KL and ready for resumption of general service on the 9th-10th ish of October.

I'll attempt to be around as much as I can and provide cliff notes for what Niklos and Duroj attempt, but feel free to keep the ball rolling rather than wait up on me.

As Duroj suffers with the pain and begins aimlessly swiping through the mosquitoes - Niklos looks to salve his companion's hurt. Laying a hand on the bear's haunches he lets his concern seep through and into the one that is pained...

CLW: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Is there a save for Duroj vs distraction as well? - or is he free to act this round?

Gah - serves me right for not thinking.... but Duroj should be doing a bit more damage.
He gets +2 Strength from the enlarge and his weapons go up a die size.
So revised attack is:
Bite: 9 +8+2-1 = 19 for 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 16
Claw: 2 +9+2-1+1 = 13 for 1d6 + 5 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 16
Claw: 16 +9+2-1+1 = 27 for 1d6 + 5 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 11

The time was upon them... time for action... time to let loose the mask of death and walk towards horror unflinching... unbroken... and reap what needed to be sowed. A hand upon his ursine companion Niklos channels the power of the collar that Duroj wears, the magic flowing like syrup through and into his muscles... making the bear swell with might and majesty until he towered over the cornrows. He also focuses with narrowed eyes, and imparts the senses of the bats... that he might see through darkness.

With a furious roar that no doubt chills the cultists that until now thought themselves alone, a heavy claw lashes out at the nearest cultist of the abominations...

Surprise Round: Niklos - activate Dire Collar, swift action animal focus (bat) for darkvision on Niklos and Duroj
Duroj - claw attack.
Power Attacking Bull Strength 'PABS' Claw: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 2 - 1 = 24 for 1d4 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 12

As battle is joined and the others make their play, Niklos stands with the avatar of varisi wrath - bolstering his ability to fight and sharpening his claws with further art.

Duroj is a whirlwind of blood and fury, claws and teeth seeking cultist flesh in an attempt to rend them asunder...

Round 1: Niklos - cast magic fang (claw) on Duroj, 5ft step N
Duroj - full attack
PABS Bite: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 2 - 1 = 18 for 1d6 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 15
PABS Magic Fang Claw: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 2 - 1 + 1 = 13 for 1d4 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 13
PABS Magic Fang Claw: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 2 - 1 + 1 = 27 for 1d4 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 11
Target priority is starting with the leftmost of the three in base to base with Duroj - then moving along the line if cultists drop.

Active Effects:
enlarge person on Duroj - 9 rounds remaining
bulls strength on Duroj - 3 minutes remaining?
animal focus (bat) - 9 rounds remaining

Yes indeed. They do block line of sight as well.

Pertinent question... how tall are they?

Just adjusted myself 5ft to the West.
The rows - are they difficult terrain? - block LoS?

For clarity - Niklos wants to get in and near to the ritual. If there's time for the plan - the plan is a go. If there's not... then a Large Size bear will start wreaking havoc in the center of the circle.

With a momentary shared glance to his companion, Niklos looks upwards and the pair touch foreheads once more. In hushed tones he murmurs "În umbra prietenul meu. Am mers pe jos ca slujitor morții."

Casting bull's strength on Duroj

To the others he snaps his head around and growls "We go now... lest it be too late." not entirely waiting to see who shadows his approach, but setting off at what speed can be mustered with his ursine companion in tow. Duroj, with bloodied claw, sways heavily from side to side as he keeps his head low and mouth in half-snarl as he tracks into the field at Niklos' side.

Stealths: 2d20 ⇒ (6, 10) = 16 +14 for Niklos (24), +6 for Duroj (16)

A hand put to Duroj's shoulder serves to calm the bear as Niklos looks to the still breathing girl. Face devoid of emotion he merely adds "Be quick... we need to keep moving."

The bear's bloodlust not entirely met he shifts from the fallen man to swat the last remaining stirge from the sky. As Duroj repositions, Niklos slips into a flanking position...
Flanking Power Attack Claw: 1d20 + 9 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 4 - 1 = 14 for 1d4 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 = 10 Facepalm

Hopefully at least one cultist is up for round one... I don't think Duroj has had a chance to really go to town with a full attack yet ;)

Duroj announces his arrival onto the field with a bestial growl that's followed by a barreling charge into the core of the cultists. Thick legs pounding across the turf he draws near before rearing up onto his hind legs to his full height, and driving a claw downwards upon the diagonal to crush a cultist beneath it's fall...
Charging Power Attack Claw: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 2 - 1 = 30 for 1d4 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 2 = 9

Niklos slips out in his bear's wake, choosing his path more carefully though still with haste and choosing a more reasonable target for his bladed wrath. He picks out a low flying stirge and delivers a heavy handed lunge towards it's core...
Charging Shortsword: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8 for 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Edit to add:
Crit Confirm on Claw: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 2 - 1 = 13 for 1d4 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 = 10 extra

Niklos puts a hand to the side where it lands upon his ursine companion. He then locks eyes with the beast and wordlessly beckons him to follow to the fringe of the rows... where he might best lurk in wait to strike. In hushed tones he informs "They come, three... maybe four with wings in tow. Make haste with your plan or ready shaft and string."

Niklos keeps his eyes forward and narrowed as the others postulate and plan. His focus primarily on the cultists and ensuring they aren't prematurely discovered.

Hissing back through the magic arcane "You set fire to this field and it could take it all... no control, no way to restrain... you would unleash the flacără vie and there is no choosing who it burns."

Back in town after the short work trip, so should have Niklos tied down and updated tonight.

Niklos seeks to be at the forefront of the group with his ursine companion, relying on Duroj's nose over his own eyes...
Stealth Synergy: 2d20 ⇒ (8, 15) = 23 +13 for Niklos (28), +7 for Duroj (22)
As he can't see over the crops - more relying on Duroj's scent to pick up enemies.

As the enemies fall Niklos cleanses his blade of blood on the fallen mutant, before sheathing it. He touches foreheads with Duroj in a moment of solidarity before leading his companion over to where the others have congregated. Keeping his countenance grim and unreadable, he offers but the following in addition to the words being exchanged "Speed and stealth... a commotion could create a hole to be exploited... or a path could simply be lanced quietly. The chaff will be sent with the wind... it's merely the wheat that needs grim harvest."

He's suggesting scout out the site - then breach the easier part of the defenses with stealth and savagery.

I'll try and get level 4 put in sharpish... but I've got a quick trip for work over the next couple of days so I might not be able to get an appropriate mental space to do so.

He'll be taking level 4 as a Hunter at any rate, and Duroj will get all grown up (Medium size here we come).

Sorry for the radio silence over the weekend - had a Monday public holiday in KL, inclusive of a Friday poker night, and Sunday dinner party that stretched into the wee hours of Monday... so haven't been able to catch up.

Should have posts up in da morning my time.

...the ursine beast savaging the mutant and removing it as a threat. Niklos stepped beside his companion... not ignoring Voyla's cry - but similarly not ignoring the oncoming threat of the approaching stirges. He keeps his small sword before him wardingly...

Readying an attack against a stirge that gets into melee.
Readied attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 for 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

With the mutant firmly wedged between the two smaller combatant, Duroj roars and begins a heavy fusillade of blows...
Duroj Power Attack Bite: 1d20 + 5 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 4 - 1 = 25 for 1d4 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8
Duroj Power Attack Claw: 1d20 + 6 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 4 - 1 = 21 for 1d3 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6
Duroj Power Attack Claw: 1d20 + 6 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 4 - 1 = 22 for 1d3 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7
Is that enough to drop the mutant?

Alchemist's Fire only burns for 1d6 on the second round?

With the nearer target of the mongrelfolk presented, Niklos tenses and gives a practiced signal to his ursine companion before breaking from cover. Wedging the spiked abomination between them, the halfling and bear seek to make it pay a heavy price in blood...

Niklos moving to one side of the mongrel, Duroj to the other so as to wedge it between us while we're in flanking positions.
Niklos Sword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 for 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0
Duroj Bite: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 4 = 13 for 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Niklos intent was to circle around and come from the rear (preferably within 40ft charge range) - and has a Stealth roll above included to suit same.
With Stealth Synergy the rolls came to 29 for Niklos and 28 for Duroj

Niklos continues his silent stalk with his ursine companion, seeking to place himself advantageously on the other side of the fray from the others. Duroj nervously sniffs at the air, hackles rising as the stirges are given away by their musk... and unsure what else lurks in the darkness.

Niklos will be attempting to edge his way by eyes alone... well that and his low-light vision. If it's complete darkness then he might need to burn another of his bag of tricks.

Niklos nods gravely before turning to Duroj, he takes the bear's head in his hands and presses his forehead against his. Eyes closed he holds the pose for a moment to center before drawing his steel with a susurrant hiss of steel on waxed leather. Reading his companion's intent, Duroj keeps low to the ground and tracks his master's steps...

Changing his teamwork feat to Stealth Synergy which will allow for the pair of them to use the better roll of the two of them for both their stealth checks. Have spoilered same below, c/w Perception checks as well.

Not wanting to act against the will of the Magnimarites and not getting explicit guidance on his intended actions, Niklos seeks clarification "Should I make for it's flank... or keep myself and Duroj's nose here with the group?"

Niklos moves smoothly and quietly through the underbrush, rarely turning his voice to words... and even then only spending them on matters of tracking. He keeps within an arms length of his ursine companion at all times, instinctually reacting to each of Duroj's adjustments and detections upon the trail.

As they seemingly draw near to the end of their journey, he offers "We have some skill at lurking... we could stalk before and around? Seek to wedge the beast betwixt us?"

Confirming quietly to Dramin "Duroj has a keen nose"

Definitely start to track and see where we get to by the time 30 minutes is up.

The halfling inclines his head slightly and offers "The trails one follows are not often clear." before pausing for a few moments in thought. Pensive and wary, his eyes are cold before he makes an internal decision and his hand goes out to attract the attention of his companion. Wordlessly he takes Duroj towards the start of the trail before pointing to his eyes, then nose and then to the trail. The pair begin their work...

Niklos Survival: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 1 = 20
Duroj Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 With scent

Voyla is given a more formal bow and the words "Aș oferi să împartă focul meu ... dar cred că nu va fi de lemn care va fi în flăcări în seara asta." A wry smirk forms on his lips as she refers to the blood stained bear as 'handsome'.

Marsh finds that his hand is first shaken by the Halfling (who touches his hand to chest then kisses it after release) before being reared away from with partially bared teeth by the bear. Duroj then permits himself to be pet though and the bear's expression conjures up thoughts of a four year old getting his hair unwantingly tousled by an enthusiastic relative.

In answer to his question on origins Niklos answers simply "We are ursari" Those with knowledge of the varisi would recognize the word as referring to men of the caravan that performed with bears... though in many cases the bond betwixt man and beast went deeper than merely parading a clumsily dancing bear through villages for performances. They are rarer in Varisia though... and are more common in distant Ustalav.

Slowly sheathing his blade, Niklos puts a hand upon Duroj's withers... mostly to assuage his companion's tension, but also for his own. With a shallow bow in return (though keeping his eyes up and upon the other party) "Your words are met... though the air this night is far from well. We are Niklos and Duroj, from wherever our backs rest for the night." pausing with glances towards the others present to see if names or greetings are offered before continuing.

"The woman... Doriv... hangs to life by a thread, we left her in the dirt on the other side of the building." gestures showing that she is clearly being given to the Magnimarites to act upon as they see fit.

As the creature falls, the halfling looks to the bloodied combatants that were already on the field and hisses an urgent "Duroj, canarisi!" to which the bear stands on all fours panting and growling a moment before turning and trotting back to crouch beside the halfling.

The bear is not a massive specimen of it's kind, reaching only four feet tall if it was to stand on it's hind legs, but it's core is a knot of muscle. Girding it's fur is a blackened and weathered coating of leather armor studded with pig iron rivets and shackles. The halfling is dressed relatively plainly with dark earthy tones, though the cut of the fabrics suggest a Varisi upbringing. In his hand still is a sharpened sword... though the point of it is laid down and towards the ground non-threateningly.

The halfling's eyes are still affixed to the mockery of life that his ursine companion laid low... and he has either not yet mustered the mental cohesion to speak... or is awaiting the words of others before adding his own.