Proteus hurriedly moves up to get as close as possible to Sandros so that he may stand at his side.
Black Tom
Oh, it has been so long since I followed the rules to the tee. If I could I would drop the javelin and charge, but I think what I have to do is drop jav as free action, draw falchion as move action, and move forward 30' to stand on the other side of Sandros as my second move action. Does that sound about right?
I dont have excel available right now so I am doing this in my head. If it is possible to attack this round, here is my to hit roll: 15 +3 (or +5 if I can charge) damage 2+4=6
Out of the side of my mouth I will growl "The foul beast drew blood, it must be slain!"
Oh, it has been so long since I followed the rules to the tee. If I could I would drop the javelin and charge, but I think what I have to do is drop jav as free action, draw falchion as move action, and move forward 30' to stand on the other side of Sandros as my second move action. Does that sound about right?
"I don't think I dare risk a shot from here!" Being careful to point her crossbow away from anyone else (preferably to the right on the map), she hops down from the wagon and moves toward the action.
Sandros desperately tries to parry the flurry of tentacles weaving around him, but he still manages to give the pig a good jab with his rapier. The creature roars in pain and fury, which turns to fear and agony as Grond drops his javelin, steps up and slashes its side open with his falchion.
Yay I hit!
Sorry, will post after everyone else has gone. Thanks for the heads up on the move-n-draw rule.
Laughing in delight and with a manic look in his eye Thorak charges the beast! "Aha! Let's see how you like the bite of my axe!" He roars as he swings the heavy axe at the back of the pig beast.
With a maniacal yell Thorak charges the pig and brings his axe down hard on its back, splattering Grond and Sandros with pig's blood. The ground is sodden with blood and pig entrails, but the creature just keeps going, seemingly more out of pure hatred than anything. Several tentacles and one leg hang limp and it squeals horribly.
The dying pig whips furiously with its remaining tentacles, slapping Grond and Thorak (who feel a numbing sensation) while its foaming mouth snaps at Sandor, who only barely manages to deftly slide away at the last moment.
Proteus joins the fray and the pig is now almost completely surrounded, while Royl jumps off the wagon and sidles forward , looking for a clean shot. Greta is furious: "Now look what you've done!"
Seeing that the pig is nearly surrounded, Sandros dives to one side, rolling up to stab it from behind while it remains distracted by Grond and the arrival of the dwarf.
Though the jump goes well, Sandros' wound causes him to stumble as he regains his feet, and his attack goes wide.
Attack, fighting defensively, with flank (1d20+3=4, damage 1d6+2=6)
I took the liberty of rerolling for you, but the result was actually the same. And yes, you can charge and draw a weapon in the same action, but only if you have a BAB of at least +1.
Grond screams in rage and as he lifts his mighty sword above his head (he will attempt to take a five foot step to the creatures flank, but irregardless of his move) he will bring down the falchion in a sweep that is meant to cleave the creature in twain.
Grond immediately regrets the rashness of his actions thruoghout the battle. Even as the sunlight scorchis his scalp and ears, he is taking a step back, looking for shadows instinctively.
As the tentacle sweeps across Thorak's face he seems to freeze to the spot, paralyzed. . The pig is still bleeding profusely and continues to flail all over the place with its still functional tentacles. Grond's mighty swing throws him off-balance and he takes another hit , while Proteus feels a tentacle sweeping harmlessly over his leather cuirass. Its jaws continue to snap at Sandros, but the pig is clearly weakening from the massive loss of blood, and its eyes are starting to glaze over. Proteus strikes the pig with his bare hand but the pig's hide is much tougher than any pig's hide should be and he barely bruises it.
Roylenna is up.
he will attempt to take a five foot step to the creatures flank
Roylenna is up.
Sandros shouts, "C'mon, ugly, time to send you back to the hell that spawned you!" The creature's dying spasms, however, send it careening out of the way of Sandros' attack.
Attack (not fighting defensively), plus flank (1d20+7=9, 1d6+2=7)
Grond swings the falchion around his head as he steps backwards, then forwards again to strike! Argh, another tentacle slaps towards him, a chill passing thru him as it flickers near. His mind is focused on survival, the fiend must die! Saliva froths and whips about his howling maw, "Grokkus! Fiend!" he roars.
Roylenna carefully maneuvres into position behind Sandros. While Sandros and Grond chop at the pig that just won't die, the tentacles keep flailing at them. Grond is out of luck and is hit once more but the pig is clearly weakening.
Proteus and Roylenna are up.
Proteus and Roylenna are up.
Roylenna reaches toward Sandros from her position behind him and concentrates for a moment. She's close enough that Proteus and Greta may be the only ones that can see the eruption of green flame from her tiny hand against his back. For his part, as Sandros jumps back from yet another attack from the demon swine, he feels a tingling warmth that starts in his lower back before moving to the wound in his leg. He can still tell the wound was there, but most of the discomfort from the gouging bite fades as the warmth does.
"Greta, if you have some means of caging or capturing this beast, now's the time to let us know - it still rages, but it's weakening!"
{
"Greta, if you have some means of caging or capturing this beast, now's the time to let us know - it still rages, but it's weakening!"
Greta sighs. "Nay, children, I don't know what to do. I know my way with animals, but that is hardly an animal. And you'd hardly wish me to heal it, so just you go on and put it out of its misery."
"Besides, unless your healer has any magic that can preserve the dead, I hope you have some good pork recipes."
"I have no spells to preserve the dead, but I might be able to keep it from death if you wish it, Madam Wilkerson." Proteus, relieved by Royl's help of Sandros, takes another swing at the swine.
Grond will continue to stand toe to toe with the vile creature and attack him until one or the other is dead or incapacitated.
The tentacles get to Grond too, and now the pig is flanked by twin life-like warrior statues. While Roylenna heals Sandros, Proteus tries to put it down but the beast's death throes are unpredictable. A moment later it lets out a horrifying, almost human scream and keels over. All is silent while you, panting and covered in gore, try to take in your first victory.
Then Greta: "Who wants bacon?"
Proteus checks out Thorak and Grond to ensure that there will be no lasting effects from the beast.
After ensuring the health of his companions, Proteus sits down and takes a drink from his waterskin. "What manner of vile beast was that?" His question is directed toward Greta.
Sandros stretches his leg, marveling at the restoration the halfing has bestowed upon him. He spares a glance and a grateful smile for her, but his attention is entirely otherwise focused on the shockingly orange-haired figure, frozen a few steps away from him.
As Thorak's muscles once again begin to respond to his commands, he discovers a rapier blade pointing directly at his nose across the pig's carcass. "What... is... this?" Sandros asks, his lip curling.
Eyeing Sandros, Proteus states, "I doubt that our orange haired dwarf had anything to do with that poor beast attacking us. It was, afterall, his blow that covered you and Grond in pig parts." Proteus waves toward Grond and Sandros to emphasize his point. "Before you run him through, Sir Highmount, perhaps we should know his name and offer him our thanks."
As Thorak gains control of body again he looks pointedly at the rapier in his face. His eyes lock onto Sandros',"I'd listen to your friend whelp before you find that girls plaything somewhere you'd not intended it to be." Thorak stands there for a second more before moving to recover his gear from the roadway. "The names Thorak Trollslayer and this must the cart headin' outa town to Warwick right?"
Neither Thorak or Grond seem to suffer any lasting consequences from the paralysis, as far as Proteus can tell.
Greta shrugs her shoulders, and answers Proteus: "Beats me. That's why I wanted you to capture it alive. I've never seen anything like it. But I'm willing to wager to bet you that it was a pig once. Or at least that its parents were. *sigh* Now I'll just have to pickle the head and tentacles and hope that someone in Warwik knows more than I do. Wizards an' all, sometimes they do find some interesting things in those books of theirs."
To Thorak: "Yeah, and you must be that no-show barbarian." To Sandros: "Go ahead and stab him if you like, but he did help you with that pig, so I'd say he's as okay as the rest of you. And he might even be able to tell us where that monster came from."
Grond's body slowly relaxes as he regains control of his motor functions. He still feels the cold swipe of those tentacles, and the area where they slapped him is sore and tingling, but no lasting damage is apparent. He will watch the play between the dwarf and elf with indifferent humour, and even snort in glee when the dwarf likens the elf's rapier to a girl's toy.
Personally, he has never liked elves, but dwarves are not much better in his eyes. At least he gets the impression that Thorak and him see eye to eye, so finally he will speak "Welcome dwarf. Your axe was welcome as well."
So Saying, he will kick the pig's corpse and start moving out, taking point 100 yards in front of the wagon. When he gets into position, he will remember that he is broke and only has 4 days cold rations. Looking back, he will determine if anyone is butchering the pig, and will shout "Save me a shank!" He will find some shadows and sit down, not moving out till he is called upon or the wagon starts moving.
Seeing the beast fall, Roylenna moves in to look at it more closely, but she had no idea what it might be.
Realizing that Grond's frozen in place, she worriedly asks the others if they think he will recover on his own or if there's something that needs to be done.
Assured by Proteus that there appears to be no lasting effects, she proceeds to hover around the half-orc's frozen form with a not-entirely-convinced expression on her face.
She's greatly relieved to see the strange dwarf recovering because that means Grond will, too, so there's some relief evident as she introduces herself to him. ("My name's Roylenna, but my friends call me Royl. Thank you for your help with the beast. My friend Grond wields the large sword.") She soon returns to hovering like a little mother hen, not really feeling like talking until she sees her friend back to normal.
Even though the pig carcass is severely mangled, Greta manages to salvage what she claims is some edible parts (after carefully cutting off the head and the clump of tentacles and preserving them in some kind of pungent liquid). She sends you out for firewood and soon there is plenty of roast pork for those who dare try it.
After your meal you proceed on your way.
As the wagon begins to move forward, Proteus speaks, "I suggest if we are going to have someone on point that we make it two. Then we can have one person on each side at the rear of the wagon and perhaps Royl can ride alongside Madam Wilkerson. Although, I am personally happy with us all staying near the wagon."
Unless someone offers up a better suggestion, Proteus will take his place walking beside Atlas not desiring being labored with the task of retying him to the cart should trouble fall upon the group again.
Black Tom
Eyeing Sandros, Proteus states, "I doubt that our orange haired dwarf had anything to do with that poor beast attacking us. It was, afterall, his blow that covered you and Grond in pig parts." Proteus waves toward Grond and Sandros to emphasize his point. "Before you run him through, Sir Highmount, perhaps we should know his name and offer him our thanks."
As Thorak gains control of body again he looks pointedly at the rapier in his face. His eyes lock onto Sandros',"I'd listen to your friend whelp before you find that girls plaything somewhere you'd not intended it to be."
Sandros snorts. “As though I would etch my blade with a dwarf’s blood.”
To Thorak: "Yeah, and you must be that no-show barbarian." To Sandros: "Go ahead and stab him if you like, but he did help you with that pig, so I'd say he's as okay as the rest of you.”
Sandros tosses Greta a look, then sighs in disappointment. He sheathes his blade, shaking his head. “I’d’ve been much less enthusiastic about being a part of your entourage if I’d known the low standards you were setting.”
Personally, he has never liked elves, but dwarves are not much better in his eyes. At least he gets the impression that Thorak and him see eye to eye, so finally he will speak "Welcome dwarf. Your axe was welcome as well."
Sandros gives Roylenna a look. “I don’t think your friend likes me very much.”
With another sigh, Sandros settles into a position next to Heather, scanning his side of the road as they press onward.
Sandros tosses Greta a look, then sighs in disappointment. He sheathes his blade, shaking his head. “I’d’ve been much less enthusiastic about being a part of your entourage if I’d known the low standards you were setting.”
Greta chuckles. "Oh, you don't know half of it."
To Royl:
The weather stays fair, with the occasional clouds, and you trudge along peacefully. The rest of your day is uneventful except that Grond claims to have seen a dragon passing way overhead. Noone else sees it, however and soon it's gone. It could have been a trick of the light or an unusually shaped cloud.
As you go along you notice in certain places that parts of the surrounding has been... modified. Some jutting rocks seem to just have melted away, leaving a gap large enough for the cart to pass. You amble along at a leisurely pace, until Greta calls for a stop later that afternoon.
"This is enough for today", she says. "I think we could make camp here. I much prefer to pass Fool's pass in daylight."
The terrain is hilly but Greta has picked a relatively open space, with unhindered sight in all directions. Greta retires to the wagon, muttering something about that anyone who disturbs her will have to deal with Fritz, whoever that is. Not a very nice person, judging by her tone of voice.
With another sigh, Sandros settles into a position next to Heather, scanning his side of the road as they press onward.
I'd listen to your friend whelp before you find that girls plaything somewhere you'd not intended it to be."
Personally, he has never liked elves, but dwarves are not much better in his eyes.
Sandros gives Roylenna a look. “I don’t think your friend likes me very much.”
Proteus splits his time between watching for enemies threatening the small group as well as watching for enemies within the small group. Trying to lighten the mood amongst his comrades, Proteus begins to sing as they travel. It's a well-known song of heroic deeds among allies in fabled lands.
With another sigh, Sandros settles into a position next to Heather, scanning his side of the road as they press onward.
"I much prefer to pass Fool's pass in daylight."
As the group makes camp Greta's words catch the ear of Proteus. "Fool's pass? Any particular reason it is named such?"
Proteus stakes out an area near the wagon and starts removing rocks to make a comfortable place to lay. He then begins to lay out his bedroll, "While taking watches, I'd prefer a shift while there is some daylight. My eyes are not as in tune in the darkness as some of the others might be."
"Let us build a fire and try out some pork shank. A day's walking leaves me in need of sustenance." He will unroll his bedroll with his feet to the fire and will make sure that he is between Royl and Sandros or Thorak, should they bed down near Royl and Grond. He doesn't mind Proteus as he doesntt recognize him as a threat. The other two however, are on Grond's 'watch-list' and he will gauge all they say and do looking for signs of evil-doing. (Anything that might harm or fear Him or Roylenna)
If we get that far, I will spend my guard shift circling the fire outside the circle of light. Javelin out, hiding in shadows, and constantly on guard. I take being snuck up on VERY seriously.
Sandros passes on the pig, eating his own rations instead. He seems unthrilled with the watch suggestions, but doesn't offer any alternatives.
As the group makes camp Greta's words catch the ear of Proteus. "Fool's pass? Any particular reason it is named such?"
"Well, it is a narrow pass in a region full of orcs and other nasties. You save a lot of time compared to Merchant's Road, but the risks are high. That's why I brought you lot along, you know."
After some bickering you all agree to Grond's sensible suggestion and settle down to some uneasy sleep.
"Well, it is a narrow pass in a region full of orcs and other nasties. You save a lot of time compared to Merchant's Road, but the risks are high. That's why I brought you lot along, you know."
Sandros chuckles. "Helping a little old lady across the street is one of the most common idea of kindness." He slaps Proteus on the back. "Just think of this as one really big street."
Sandros pulls out his bedroll and finds a relatively level spot close to the wagon. It takes him a long time to get to sleep, though.
Proteus mumbles something about nobles and humor as he lays down. He is visibly concerned from his lack of effectiveness during the day's combat but he quickly falls asleep to the sounds of the night.
Sandros gives Roylenna a look. “I don’t think your friend likes me very much.”
Roylenna looks to see that Grond is out of earshot before responding quietly to Sandros:
To Greta:
The terrain is hilly but Greta has picked a relatively open space, with unhindered site in all directions.
Roylenna supplements her rations with some fiendish pork and tries to engage the willing in conversation. General niceties about whatever they want to talk about - she's seen very nice people get very mean suddenly when you ask them personal questions, so she tries to avoid such . Given the chance, she'll visit with Proteus about the finer points of the healing arts.
She will bed down in the vicinity of the wagon unless Grond indicates something different. She doesn't need to rest for her spells this day, but on future days will likely need to be either first or last watch. She'll enthusiastically accept Grond's plan.
During her watch, she will alternate between climbing up onto the wagon for a higher vantage point (assuming no trees offer themselves for climbing) and hanging out near the livestock, trusting them to offer some warning should something be amiss. She will take pains to become accustomed to the normal sounds of the night in hopes that she will recognize when something is odd.
Grond paces out the perimeter of the camp, just outside the 30' radius of the fire that is, privately he is angry at himself for not properly butchering the swine they killed that afternoon, the meal was tasty! He adds any leftovers to augment his own rations He stops to rebind his boots, there is nothing out there as far as he can tell...
Oh, he also worries about all this talk of orcs. He has never gotten along well with his brethren, and his nervousness shows. His plan in battle is to hang back, hooded, and strike from behind. he doesnt want word of his deeds to travel far among the orcish clans, it may be he will need their aid one day...
After gnawing on roast pork and several loud belches Thorak sets up his bed roll under the cart. He ignores Greta's pointed stares as he beds down to wait for his turn at watch.
Looking at Roylenna Thorak says,"Eh lass if you ever get tired of that huge monstrosity your hangin' around with your welcome to come warm my sheets with me!" Laughing at the obvious distaste in Roylenna's eyes he rolls over to go to sleep.
To Greta:** spoiler omitted **
To Royl:
The terrain is hilly but Greta has picked a relatively open space, with unhindered sight in all directions.
The road you are travelling on is more of a faint trail. You are several hours off Merchant's Road. The terrain is rather rocky and barren at this spot. There is some shrubbery but nothing much bigger than a cat could hide there. The nearest rocks that afford cover are about 60 feet away.
Some time after midnight Grond realizes with a start that you are not alone any more. Somewhere at the edge of his vision he can make out a figure creeping up on you. It's hard to tell what it is at this distance (roughly 60 feet from Grond, 100 feet from the wagon) except that it is bipedal and moving with a crouching gait.
Looking at Roylenna Thorak says,"Eh lass if you ever get tired of that huge monstrosity your hangin' around with your welcome to come warm my sheets with me!" Laughing at the obvious distaste in Roylenna's eyes he rolls over to go to sleep.
Roylenna keeps any disgust out of her expression, but shakes her head and firmly says, "The only sheets I'll be warming are my own. But I'll accept your remark as a compliment."