Viktor Stovyet's page

Viktor approaches one of the injured bandits with one of the bottles of liquor and a cup. "You fought well, but not as a team. Too many of your supposed comrades broke and ran as soon as they were in a spot of trouble. Had you worked together this fight may have ended another way." He pours some of the drink into the cup, "Care for a drink? Those look painful." He nods towards the bandit's wounds.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Heh, guess I speared too many of them to win him over. Probably still covered in his buddies' gore.

Belay my last. Didn't realize the guy who just climbed down was unconscious. Going to move and javelin the guy to the north. I'll reroll the damage.

Viktor drops his spear and rushes after one of the bandits in the clear. He pulls a javelin as he moves and hurls it.

Attack: 17 = 17

Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7

Jeez, guys. We're fighting for our lives against murderous bandits, and ya'll are over here playing with smurfs?

GM, are you sure he can full withdraw while he's balancing in the grease puddle? He has to move at half speed even if he makes his acro check.

Viktor eyes the grease puddle as if considering jumping it to chase after his fleeing prey but thinks better of it. Seeing the bandit climbing down from the platform he steps up and lunges with his spear which again glows with his thrust.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 1 + 1 - 1 = 18

Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 = 17

His arms jolt with impact as the spear strikes true.

Viktor grins fiercely as he pulls his spear free. He takes a quick step forward and his hands glow with arcane energy as he attempts to impale the second bandit in the grease.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 + 1 - 1 = 6

Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 = 15 Finally remembered I have arcane strike.

The bandit slips a bit in the grease and manages to avoid Viktor's attack.

Wilhelm, I'm almost positive inspire courage damage boost gets multiplied on a crit. Not that it mattered in this case.

After a few seconds the image of Viktor ripples and winks out.

The other Viktor winces and pushes himself off the wagon leaving a small blood streak on it's wooden surface. His grey eyes set with determination as he moves around beside Lanya and with a yell lunges forcefully at one of the bandits coming for her.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 1 + 1 - 1 = 18 An additional +4 if he's prone from the grease spell.

Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 + 3 = 13

Maintain bardic performance, move 15' (or more if the bandits were greased sooner), power attack. GM do I get partial cover or concealment to the platform bandit from the foliage I'm near?

Ana switching hands is a free action, Lanya don't forget you have +2 to hit and +1 damage.

Viktor gasps as he feels the cold light enter his wounds and start pulling them closed. "Thanks," he manages to croak out.

He turns and makes an arcane gesture, "They seemed to like me as a target..." Suddenly a second Viktor appears and walks out into the open with a sneering smile.

Maintain bard song, silent image of Viktor in the open, hopefully drawing fire.

Wilhelm's next up in the initiative, but there's no reason you couldn't go ahead and post your action. We just started the second full round of combat and the bandits just went.

Viktor grimaces as a second arrow comes from nowhere and strikes him in the chest. Damn, where the hell did the other one come from? In pain he stumbles back behind the wagon and looks to his companions, "So much for that idea." He grins weakly but a trickle blood appears from his mouth. He begins chanting a war chant to encourage the others, interrupted once or twice by coughs.

Move behind wagon, Inspire courage +1 attack/damage/saves vs. fear and charms. Also, I didn't realize how high up the bandits were. I never would have moved that close if I'd known, but it's a bit late to retcon so we'll just say Viktor, being still inexperienced, displayed a bit of rash overconfidence.

I'm going to try to clarify our initiative order for my sanity's sake. GM please correct me if I'm off on anything.

16 Bandits
15 Wilhelm
9 Ana
7 Viktor
6 Koilia
6 Marick
4 Lanya

I think everyone has taken their first round action and we're ready to start round 2 at the Bandits' initiative.

That's no fun. Take her easy and get well.

GM, Ana was before me in the initiative order. If her bless goes off and I'm allowed a charge action that'd put my attack at 13. If I couldn't charge it wouldn't matter though.

Viktor swears as the bandit shakes off his enchantment and takes a shot. The arrow strikes him in the shoulder. Viktor swears and rushes the bandit. His hands glow with arcane energy as he grips his longspear and thrusts at the man's midsection.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12

Nope, if I could have charged that would be +2, but still not enough.

Lol, -1 Will save and they roll a 20

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Hmm... you might be right about the dice today.

Viktor nods at Koilia's signal and whispers to the others, "Looks like one ahead on watch. I don't think we can get too much closer ourselves without raising the alarm and I don't want to send Koilia in further where he can be cut off from out support. I'm going try to fascinate the guard. If it works, follow my lead but make no aggressive actions until we're in position. Be ready to move if this doesn't work."

Viktor's grey eyes meet those of each of his companions for a brief moment before he turns back to Koilia and makes a motion with his hands to wait.

Suddenly Viktor vanishes from sight.

Stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 20 = 25

A few seconds later he reappears next to Koilia and steps out from behind the wagon. A low mesmerizing hum emanates from his throat as he steps out into view of the guard.

This is two rounds worth of actions for narrative sake. First round vanish and approach Koila. Second round step out and use fascinate bardic performance, DC 13. Feel free to retcon the second round if the bandit hears me.

Viktor shakes his head again and turns to the other four. "Let's not be turned from the path. We'll continue to Kressle's camp. Afterwards, we can come back here and investigate the wagon."

Let's go ahead and go to the camp first. We'll dismount when we're close and try to approach unawares. A night assault might be good, but we'd have to stumble around in the dark to try to catch them by surprise. I say let's just go for it now.

KGM, I see the XP sheet up top but I can't remember how we're handling it. Is that total how much xp each of us has?

After the fight

Viktor dismounts and walks up to fallen creature. Placing his boot against it's huge corpse he yanks his javelin free and wipes the ichor off on the grass. He chuckles at Wilhelm's reaction, "Sure, I suppose we can leave this little detail out of the ballads. Good work, everyone. This could have gone a lot differently, so let's not get complacent."

Pharast 3

Viktor pulls his mount up next to Anastacia to see what she's pointing out.

Survival: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

"Could be. Tracks look about a day old. We're only about a mile out from where their camp should be. If they're after that wagon, I doubt we'll catch them in time, and it might not even be them. Part of me thinks we should check the camp first then double back and follow these tracks if it turns out they aren't home. On the other hand, if the tracks are fresher than I'm guessing and we could have stopped another murder from occurring I'll regret not following the tracks first. The wagon won't be moving as fast as our horses, so we should catch up in a day I'd think. I say we follow the wagon. Any other thoughts?

Map is in link at top of thread "Spider Fight". Can't manipulate it though.

GM, in that case I will have used inspire courage as my first standard action and throw a javelin in the first round before my horse flees out of range.

As the Viktor's horse flees, it's rider hefts a javelin and hurls it at the massive vermin. The missile strikes solidly barely missing one of the spider's huge eyes.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Confirmation: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Ride Check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Viktor tries to get control of his horse, but the creature is panicked by the spider and flees to the best of it's ability. Unable to enter the fray himself, Viktor attempts to aid his party with a rousing song of battle.

Move action - fail to control mount, Standard action - inspire courage +1 atk/damage/saves vs. fear

GM, ride rules say if you fail the ride check you have to spend a full-round action to control the mount and can take no other actions. It sounds like I could either spend a full-round action pretty much yanking on the reigns and making it go where I wanted, or let it run and take an action myself. Just want to make sure that I understand my options. If your interpretation is failure costs both a full round action and the mount goes where it wants as well then just remove inspire courage from my actions this round.

Viktor shakes his head at Wilhelm, "Your comment about a beast made me try that trick with the noises, but I can't keep that up for very long and the creature retreated when no prey was in sight." He turns his horse back towards the circle. "I can ride in and draw it after me. If you three want to set up like Kiolia is doing, maybe you can take it down from afar. I certainly don't want to face that thing up close, but hopefully it can't keep up with a horse."

Viktor shakes his head, "If it's a beast den where is the beast? Or the den for that matter? I would imagine it would be at the center of this carnage, but I don't see anything there."

He frowns and looks around for any signs of movement. Seeing nothing, he reaches into his pouch and pulls out a small cloth. "Maybe I'm being paranoid, but..." He mutters a few words and makes a gesture with his hand and suddenly the sound of four horses trotting emits from nowhere and moves out into the circle.

Ghost Sound

This only lasts for a few seconds before the sound fades.

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Viktor frowns at the disturbing sight, "I haven't seen anything like that before. It seems unnatural for so many different animals to have died in one place."

He turns to Lanya, "An unharrowed circle? Who would have put it here?" He considers for a moment. "I am loathe to waste time finding Kressle, but I agree with Wilhelm. I care not for something so sinister near the post, nor do I feel comfortable leaving it at our backs without at least confirming it represents no immediate threat. Let's approach it cautiously."

He turns his horse towards the circle and stops about 30 ft. from it's edge.

With Koila
Viktor glances over his shoulder at his squad behind him, "Yes, we're hoping to root out the leaders of these bandits before they grow wary of their comrades' late return. Well Koilia, if you're up for it, I'd like you to come with me on our little hunt. We could use one skilled with a bow. Our other archer is hunting creatures of another sort at the moment." He extends his hand to the the man.

With Marick

"Even stronger than what we saw yesterday? That will be a sight to see. We'll be heading out soon once everyone has gathered.

GM, my squad will be setting out to the bandit camp via the route Ben described. If the first day goes well, we should make it part of the way through 3.13.

Yes, we'll be following Ben's directions. We won't be exploring at first, just travelling directly to the bandit camp. Hopefully we'll make it most of the way through 3.13 on the first day.

Let's get started. Those that expressed interest in the hunt I sent in Squad B. We all know each other now except for Koilia and he's with me for now. If anyone wants to RP with their new squad mates, they're more than welcome, but I'm not going to assign everyone in person IC.

With Koilia
Viktor turns to see the new face approaching. His grey eyes widen at the man's accent but he smiles at him and nods, "We can always use more fighting men. Our mission is not just to do battle, however, but to bring peace to these lands as well. There will be plenty of bloodshed, but I hope that's not all you seek. I'm Viktor, honored to call myself leader of these fine men and women . Who might you be and from whence do you hail, friend?"

With Marick
Viktor shoots a fierce grin at the elf, "Good. You'll be with me, then. We'll be setting out early. I don't want this Kressle wrinkling her nose at her friends' absence. Once this knot of bandits is cut out and it's leader removed, we'll see about getting you set up with a good lab, Marick. You acquitted yourself well in the fight. I know I'd hate to face your bestial side in battle. I had no idea your alchemy was so potent."

GM, no issues with keeping the men stationed there. The bandit group will be headed out this morning after Koilia arrives. Felix will decide when his Tatzlewyrm expedition will set out.

Kertuffle, do you have a problem if we still run 2 groups for this next bit? 6 and 6 make for 2 large groups, but it will simplify things since at the moment we have two objectives.

Squad A - Objective: Kressle

Viktor
Lanya
Anastacia
Marick
Wilhelm
Koilia

Squad B - Objective: Tatzlewyrm/exploration

Felix
Casamir
Dante
Dantalion
Rowan
Vors

If you insist on 3 squads then the only change will be a 3rd squad led by Dante with Anastacia, Casamir, and Koilia.

Viktor notices the mixed reaction to his judgement, a frown here, dark looks there, but does not speak out in his defense.

His expression is blank the rest of the day as he goes about the day's business. When Lanya approaches his smile is wan but genuine as he stands and dusts off his leathers. "It did go well. I was glad for our lack of casualties. We did get a source of information on the bandits, but that has brought it's own troubles. Seems half find my judgement too harsh and half think it was not enough. Perhaps it would have been a better mercy to kill the man. He has murdered and more, after all. He was offered his life for the information he gave, and we don't have the resources yet to watch herd over prisoners. Tell me, Lanya, what would you have done? As for what next, we should move immediately. I will need to adjust the squads. I'm down a squad leader and our black powder expert." He frowns thoughtfully, "Two squads will not be able to cover as much territory as three, but they will be safer with numbers. I'm thinking of going after Kressle's group with five others and sending the rest of us to start exploring the area. What do you think?

Later when Casimir approaches

”Casimir, you've been doing excellent work. I'm glad you've put Ben to work. He'll be unable to do much beyond manual labor, until he get more familiar with using his off-hand for dextrous tasks. It's unfortunate, but better than death, I'd think. Perhaps he'll learn a thing or two working for you. As for our plans, we need to move soon. This Kressle will be expecting the return of her men soon and I'd like to catch her by surprise. We also have much area to explore. I'm thinking tomorrow morning we will set out in two groups.”

I don't want any squads of 3 so until we get the replacement we'll go with two.

Anyone who has a better suggestion on how to take repentant bandits without watching over them 24/7 feel free to share your ideas here or in character. Letting them walk around with no consequence is no good. These are mostly murderers who don't want an honest living so we'll get people who are lying about their repentance. Of course we could just execute them all, but that will make it unlikely for people to surrender in the future if we get a reputation for being merciless.

I'll get the two squads posted later today.

I'm thinking of going ahead and splitting up and letting one squad go after Kressel and the other do some exploring (I'm guessing on a tatzlwyrm hunt from the table talk). Any thoughts in that regard?

Viktor listens to the bandits words quietly. When he recants his actions and swears to start a new life he looks at the man levelly for a few moments. Finally he speaks and his voice is grave, "You're willingness to change is a good start, but words alone are not enough, and there is still a price to be paid. I want you to fully understand your choice. You can choose between the rope or the index and middle finger of your fighting hand. You'll still be able to work, but you won't be swinging a sword or drawing a bow again. If you choose this route, I will help you get started. You will spend time here with us working under Casimir's direction. You will help him rebuild the defenses of this place. If you listen well you may even learn a thing or two. When we are finished here, I'll make sure you have enough money to get started on your new life, but you will need to find real employment. Finally, be aware that henceforth the absence of those two fingers will be a mark of repentant bantitry. Anyone bearing this mark who is caught commiting a crime against another will be executed on the spot. This is your one chance for redemption. Which path will you choose?"

If the bandit chooses to repent and sacrifice his fingers, Viktor will do the severing himself with Felix there to heal the wound. If he chooses to die instead we will hang him that day.

After meeting with the bandit he calls Dante to his side. "I need you to draw up a few copies of a decree announcing our stance on banditry and the mark of a repentant bandit. Those bearing the mark will not be turned away from work or lodging for that reason alone, but if they are caught committing another crime they are to be exectuted. We'll make sure one copy stays here and one is forwarded to Fort Serenko."

Later he approaches Oleg and explains the situation, "So you see, we're not just letting him go free. I ask that you post a copy of our decree here in your trading post."

After the discussions Viktor begins the grisly work of removing the right ear from the fallen bandits. He then asks Casimir to get some people and erect a pyre outside and a safe distance from the trading post where the bodies can be burned.

If Wilhelm or Anastacia demand burials or some other ritual, Viktor will try to accomidate them

Viktor would be against any actual torture unless it was a dire necessity.

Sorry for the relatively short posts of late. Busy week.

Viktor nods at Dante, "Good work keeping him alive. We need to find out who's been organizing them and where they're operating from."

He steps back to let Felix approach the man and nods in agreement with his words.

"A life spent leeching off society is no life at all. You have a chance to contribute something for once, it's up to you whether you take it.

Aid another for Felix's Diplomacy

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Kertuffle, if you'll allow the assist that should put Felix at 25.

I'll take 1 horse with saddle, saddlebag and bridle. I imagine everyone who doesn't have one will as well.

Kertuffle, when you say you're adding them to the loot list, are you keeping a party treasure list for stuff unclaimed or should we be splitting up all treasure as it's acquired?

Edit: okay, I see the loot list at the top of the page now. I requested permission to access it.

Viktor sees the bandit trying to escape. He leaves his first opponent impaled on his spear and pulls a javelin out from it's sling across his back.

He hefts the missile and throws, but is jostled by a fallen bandit's panicking horse and the javelin flies wide.

Drop longspear, draw javelin. Throw at bandit 2. Miss.

Javelin: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Lanya, don't forget you can take a full round action in addition to your surprise round standandard action since you beat their initiative.

Dante and all, don't forget to add +1 attack and damage to your rolls. Also, what the hell are you swinging that does 1d20 damage, Dante? Lol

Viktor frowns as he hears the bandits outside. He rests his hand on Wilhelm's shoulder as they wait. Once the sound of horses movement has stopped Viktor raises his voice in a shout that carries throughout the trading post, "CASIMIR, NOW!"

His pitch drops immediately after the signal and he begins a deep note that reverberates through the bones of everyone present. The note rises into a wordless melody which reaches inside and calls up the primal urges of battle and bloodlust.

He then moves out behind Wilhelm into the battle and strikes out with his longspear in a mighty thrust.

initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Standard action: inspire courage +1 atk/dam/saves vs. fear
Full round action: move out after Wilhelm and attack a bandit within 10' reach.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Viktor takes an interest in Casimir's plans and offers his assistance. Knowing this is not his expertise he defers to the engineer's construction instructions.

Aid Another: Knowledge(Engineering): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

No, we're not keeping squads together right now Wilhelm. Just find your best tactical position.

My work computer blocks google docs, but I can see the map on my phone. Just can't manipulate it. I'll be starting behind Wilhelm in A6.

Viktor listens to everyone's suggestions thoughtfully, "Excellent idea, Casimir. Do you think we can get the tree moved in time and disguise the excavation?" Turning to Lanya, Rowan and Dantalion, "You three should be fine on the battlements, but lets see if Oleg has a tarp or cover of some kind you three could use to remain hidden."

Turning to the group, "Everyone, once you find your hiding spot stay hidden until I give signal. Casimir that will be your cue to drop the tree, then we'll join the fray. We should have the advantage of surprise and terrain. Do not let them group up you. Fight in the alleys between buildings or doorways. Fight together; don't be a hero and run off on your own."

"Any other ideas before we start preparing?"

Viktor looks on in relief as Oleg approaches the group. At least Anastacia's worst fears weren't realized.

Following the man he speaks up, "Yes, we're here to wipe them out. I'm glad we arrived before they did. Your defenses look to be in sad repair so walling them out isn't an option. I'm hoping we can lure as many of them inside the trading post as possible before we strike. I hate to ask this of you, but your presence would go a long way in convincing the bandits that everything is business as usual."

Yeah, the whole reason for all that cart nonsense was so we could all arrive together. With 20 potential bandits, we want to arrive in full force.

Knowledge(Engineering): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Viktor eyes the trading post for a moment, rolling his spear idly in his palm as he thinks.. After a moment he turns to the group, "I don't see twenty horses hiding inside, and the fact the your elven senses pick out freshly cooked food is comforting, but let's play this safe. Dantalion, before we hail them find a good place to provide cover. Can that falcon of yours recognize an ambush? I'd like him to fly over the post to scout for enemies hidden behind the walls."

Viktor frowns as he listens to the man's tale. As Herman describes the bandits' handiwork Viktor's left hand absently handles the pommel of his longsword. These are not men we hunt, but rabid beasts who've turned on their own kind.

As the merchant guard completes his tale Viktor nods grimly, "Thank you for your warning, friend, but those same bandits you speak of are our prey. We head for Oleg's ourselves to head them off." He claps the man on the shoulder, "Good of you to report it, man. Go ahead to the Fort. I'm sure they would like to hear the tale from your mouth."

He reaches into his pouch at his waist and pulls out a silver piece. Rolling it briefly along the back of his knuckles he then flicks it up towards Herman. "For your warning. And when you see your Master Lorwin next, tell him to listen for news from the Stolen Lands over the next few. Soon he may have new trading opportunities."

Not a problem. Having had some brutal work schedules in the past, I know they can wind you up. For some reason the thought of riding in the cart simply hadn't occurred to me, and it makes much more sense. I guess it's probably because in my past games I've only used them as loot haulers.

Viktor looks over the forms and nods. "Hand them over to the Lieutenant personally, if you would Dante. I don't want the man to feel slighted."

Unless there are any last minute objections, we'll take off in the morning with the cart. Anastacia will be riding in the cart in armor, Dante it's up to you to join her or remove your armor and walk. Wilhelm will double up with Majda again and we should all be moving at at least 30 ft which will get us to Oleg's in two days.

Sorry for the delay, been a busy end of week. I don't think the Lt. is willing to part with horses for everyone. Maybe one to pull the cart.

Anastacia, I think you Wilhelm and Dante are the only 3 who are encumbered by armor. If Wilhelm doubles up with Majda again, then I would think you and Dante could ride in the cart if that's preferable to travelling without armor. I need to drop the sack of supplies I'm carrying in the cart as well, but that shouldn't take much space.