TGZ Presents: The Sellswords of Punjar

[TGZ101]

Walking into the chamber, Galad feels a cold touch as he passes through the smokey tendrils. Strangely, the smoke does not seems disturbed by his presence, and it looks more as though Galad and his spirit companion are passing directly through the smoke as if it's not really there.

Galad's healing check reveals that the body has been dead for several weeks, but strangely, is only very dry and dessicated, showing no signs of rot yet. The corpse is dressed in a voluminous red robe decorated with sigils stitched in silver thread, and has a flowing beard the color of ash. There is a trio of scroll cases hanging from the corpse's belt.

As the party wracks their brains for religious significance of the glyphs they quickly realize why they can't recognize any of the symbols. They're all nonsense. Random patterns and markings with no religious significance.

[Vandis]

"Must we linger? It grows offensive to my nostrils." the barbarian growls.

[Galad The Redeemed]

Galad slips the scrolls from the man's belt and stands back up. "This man died weeks ago. I suggest we leave here and see if his scrolls hold any clues."

[Dagobert the Luckless]

"Most unhealthy."

Dagobert backs away and examines the other staircase, failing to notice much beyond the fact that it goes up.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 - Perception

[Dagobert the Luckless]

In good and bad news, I'm about to buy a new computer. This means no more frantic fan noise and abrupt crashing - I hope. It also means I may be offline for a while until I get everything reinstalled. Apologies if I vanish without warning and DMPC as needed.

[Hawkseer]

"One route left."

Hawkseer is ready for the other staircase.

[TGZ101]

I'm going to need a marching order for the wide staircase please.

[Galad The Redeemed]

I'll stay near the middle(anywhere from second to fourth), keeping the spirit near the front(next to whoever is first, if possible) to hopefully take a blow or two that would of otherwise gone to the person in front.

[Dagobert the Luckless]

Next to Galad.

[Hawkseer]

Behind the companion

[Vandis]

Front row! Rar!

[TGZ101]

Alright. Vandis and the companion up front, Dagobert and Galad behind them, and Dannad taking up the rear guard.

Next update coming up later tonight when I have more time. Those of you checking in before then can make perception checks to determine the surprise round. ;)

[Dagobert the Luckless]

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 - Perception

Dagobert plods warily behind the looming figure of Vandis.

[Vandis]

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

[Hawkseer]

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

[Dannad Bumbleroot]

Dannad keeps his attention behind the party, but tries his hardest to listen to his surroundings. The feeling he was getting from the underground made him quite uncomfortable.

Perception check 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

[TGZ101]

The wide stairs rise to a short hall. Skulls of various humanoids hang on the far wall, flanking a large ironbound door secured with a bronze lock. Cast in the shape of a roaring lion’s maw, the oversized lock glints with bright fangs. The scent of cooking flesh hangs in the air.

Perception 20:

Moving up into the room, you suddenly have a keen sense of danger. You are the first to hear the mechanical click signaling the release of something above you. You look up just in time to see a hidden portcullis start to fall down behind Vandis and the spirit companion.

The rest of the party is caught unaware as Dagobert and Hawkseer perk up and look above them.

At the same time, muffled laughter is heard from the other side of the door.

INITIATIVE PLEASE!

UPDATED MAP
Party Hit Points

Surprise Round:
Dagobert ??
Hawkseer ??

First Round:
Dannad ??
Dagobert ??
Galad ??
Hawkseer ??
Vandis ??

[Galad The Redeemed]

Perception, Initiative: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 181d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

[Hawkseer]

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

[Dagobert the Luckless]

"Erm - trap?"

Dagobert prods Vandis in the back and points upwards to the portcullis descending on his head.

1d20 ⇒ 15 - init.

[Vandis]

Init
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

[TGZ101]

The portcullis will be dropping after the surprise round. Sorry, I didn't make that very clear. Those acting in the surprise round can either try to prevent it somehow or they can choose which side they want to end up on.

[TGZ101]

No time for a big update 'till later tonight.

Hawkseer and Dagobert may act on their surprise round whenever they like. I'll roll for Dannad's initiative if he hasn't posted by tonight.

MAP
Party Hit Points

[Hawkseer]

Hawkseer slips nimbly past Vandis into the main room.

Surprise: Move to L13

[Dagobert the Luckless]

"This side is probably better, Vandis." Dagobert tugs helpfully at the barbarian, gesturing him to the side of the portcullis already containing Hawkseer.

[TGZ101]

The ground beneath your feet trembles as the heavy wood portcullis slams down amidst you all, only inches from crushing you. The muffled laughter on the other side of the door draws closer and the sound of a host of humanoids can be heard coming your way. Galad and Dannad are cut off in the stairway while the rest of the party remains trapped in the room, backs against the iron enforced gate.

Attention: As I'm posting this my image hosting site is down and I can't upload the latest map update. You all have one round to prepare yourselves for the incoming enemies. Just tell me what you're doing and I'll approximate on the map whenever I can finally get it up.

MAP
Party Hit Points

Galad
Vandis
Dagobert
Dannad
Hawkseer
HS 1
HS 4
Orliss
HA 4, 5, 6
HS 3
HA 1, 2, 3
HS 2

[Galad The Redeemed]

The spirit drifts further into the room while Galad looks for some sort of way to release the portcullis without just lifting it.

Moving the spirit closer to where the people are likely to come from, and using a standard action to search for some sort of hidden switch or the like. I'm assuming no enemies are currently in the room. Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

[Dagobert the Luckless]

Quick question. Can we see through the portcullis or is it a solid piece of wood?

[Dannad Bumbleroot]

How big are the gaps in the portcullis?

[TGZ101]

Galad:

You cannot find any release for the portcullis, but through the opening in the gate you spot a well hidden peep hole in the wall that you hadn't noticed before.

The portcullis is like a gate and you can see through the spaces. When I can get the map up it'll be more easy to tell. As such, Galad can still guide his spirit companion and Dannad can still throw dagger between the spaces. Also, any enemy pressed up against the portcullis can still be stabbed from the other side.

The spaces in between are pretty narrow. Dannad might be able to squeeze through if he took all his armor and gear off, being a halfling and all. There's no chance for any other party members.

[TGZ101]

Finally got the map up. Check it out and decide what you're doing on your turn before the baddies show up.

UPDATED MAP
Party Hit Points

[Galad The Redeemed]

Galad stares directly into the peep hole.

Move the spirit to N15.

[Hawkseer]

Moved to L13 in surprise

Hawkseer draws a dagger and watches the southern door intently

Spoiler:

Ready Focused Fury attack on first enemy-looking thing visible. 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 141d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

[Dagobert the Luckless]

Staying put and casting Wall of Light from M14-19.
Area wall 5 within 10
You conjure a wall of divine energy. The wall is one square high and lasts until the end of your next turn. While within the wall, an ally gains +1AC and each ally who starts their turn in the wall gains 5 temp hp.
Sustain minor.

Unless anyone has a preference on where it goes?

[TGZ101]

It's been a 3-day, holiday weekend here in the states so I haven't been around much. Today should be lighter so I'll post once Vandis and Dannad have had a little more time to post their preparation. If I haven't seen anything by tonight or tomorrow morning at the latest, then I'll be moving ahead.

[Dannad Bumbleroot]

Perception 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12 to check for a control panel.

Dannad looks at the walls on either side of the portcullis, wondering if there might be a hidden control panel.

[Vandis]

STaying put.

[TGZ101]

Back to back classes and homework in between. The morning update may have to be an afternoon update. Please stay tuned. You are not forgotten. Good news is that this is the last week of classes for me followed by finals week. After next Wednesday I won't have any more excuses to fall back on. :)

[TGZ101]

Galad and Dannad cannot find any control panel to speak of.

The doors fly open revealing a wall of goblinoids of several shapes and sizes armed with shields, swords, and bows. Towering above them all is a red scaled dragonborn in chain armor wielding a greatsword. Unusually, this dragonborn sports a set of ram-like horns growing out of his great head. He smiles a toothy grin, revealing two rows of needle-like teeth, and simply points, signaling his goblinoids to attack.

One immediately appears from the side of the entrance and attacks the spirit companion, but not before the readied Hawkseer can move up and take a swipe at him. Hawkseer's attack is deflected by the hobgoblin's shield at the same time the hobgoblin's own sword simply passes through the spirit.
21 vs. AC for 8 damage. No effect on the spirit companion.

Another hobgoblin appears screaming from the doorway and charges Hawkseer with a shortsword jab.
20 vs. AC. -7 HP to Hawkseer

The horned dragonborn steps up a ways and barks some orders in goblin. HS1 then darts in between the spirit and his own ally.

A group of goblins break off from their line at his order and move to fire arrows over their allies who duck with practiced synchronicity.
20 vs. spirit's AC with no effect
12 vs. spirit's AC with no effect
23 vs. Hawkseer's AC. -3 HP to Hawkseer

The dragonborn yells out more commands in goblin and the troops grunt their understanding. The next hobgoblin to run through ignores Galad's spirit completely and heads straight for Vandis and Dagobert.
Spirit Companion gets an Opportunity Attack on HS3.
26 CRIT vs. Vandis' AC. -8 HP to Vandis

The dragonborn holds three more archers in check until they are needed and sends in the last of the hobgoblins who also bypasses the spirit companion and goes for Dagobert, jabbing the young dwarf hard with the tip of its sword.
Spirit Companion gets an Opportunity Attack on HS2.
19 vs. Dagobert's AC. -6 HP to Dagobert

UPDATED MAP
Party Hit Points

Galad
Vandis
Dagobert
Dannad
Hawkseer
HS 1
HS 4
Orliss
HA 4, 5, 6
HS 3
HA 1, 2, 3
HS 2

[TGZ101]

Galad and Dannad cannot find any control panel to speak of.

The doors fly open revealing a wall of goblinoids of several shapes and sizes armed with shields, swords, and bows. Towering above them all is a red scaled dragonborn in chain armor wielding a greatsword. Unusually, this dragonborn sports a set of ram-like horns growing out of his great head. He smiles a toothy grin, revealing two rows of needle-like teeth, and simply points, signaling his goblinoids to attack.

One immediately appears from the side of the entrance and attacks the spirit companion, but not before the readied Hawkseer can move up and take a swipe at him. Hawkseer's attack is deflected by the hobgoblin's shield at the same time the hobgoblin's own sword simply passes through the spirit.
21 vs. AC for 8 damage. No effect on the spirit companion.

Another hobgoblin appears screaming from the doorway and charges Hawkseer with a shortsword jab.
20 vs. AC. -7 HP to Hawkseer

The horned dragonborn steps up a ways and barks some orders in goblin. HS1 then darts in between the spirit and his own ally.

A group of goblins break off from their line at his order and move to fire arrows over their allies who duck with practiced synchronicity.
20 vs. spirit's AC with no effect
12 vs. spirit's AC with no effect
23 vs. Hawkseer's AC. -3 HP to Hawkseer

The dragonborn yells out more commands in goblin and the troops grunt their understanding. The next hobgoblin to run through ignores Galad's spirit completely and heads straight for Vandis and Dagobert.
Spirit Companion gets an Opportunity Attack on HS3.
26 CRIT vs. Vandis' AC. -8 HP to Vandis

The dragonborn holds three more archers in check until they are needed and sends in the last of the hobgoblins who also bypasses the spirit companion and goes for Dagobert, jabbing the young dwarf hard with the tip of its sword.
Spirit Companion gets an Opportunity Attack on HS2.
19 vs. Dagobert's AC. -6 HP to Dagobert

UPDATED MAP
Party Hit Points

Galad
Vandis
Dagobert
Dannad
Hawkseer
HS 1
HS 4
Orliss
HA 4, 5, 6
HS 3
HA 1, 2, 3
HS 2

[Galad The Redeemed]

The spirit lashes out at the passing hobgoblins.

Spirit's Fangs(vs Reflex, HS3, then HS2): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 81d10 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 111d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 231d10 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

The spirit then drifts behind the first to pass him by and plunges his blade into his back.

Shift spirit to M16, then use Stalker's Strike on HS3(vs Fort, if hit spirit can flank until EOMNT): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 221d10 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

[TGZ101]

With the site being down earlier today and everything I'm giving Vandis a bit more time.

[Vandis]

Cleave vs HS3.
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 191d10 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
If that hits, HS2 takes 4 damage as well. Mark both of them. Shift to K15.

Vandis wastes no time and immediately sets to his grisly work.

[Hawkseer]

Don't believe you get to mark HS2, as you didn't technically target him with an attack.

[Dagobert the Luckless]

Waiting to see what's still around before deciding what Dagobert does.

[Vandis]

It's a bit ambiguous. We've always ruled at home that you can, as it is a target of the attack (albeit a secondary one).

[Galad The Redeemed]

Vandis wrote:

It's a bit ambiguous. We've always ruled at home that you can, as it is a target of the attack (albeit a secondary one).

Well, you could just draw your dagger and use Dual Strike instead.

[Hawkseer]

Up to TGZ, of course, but not really IMO. "an enemy adjacent to you other than the target." Secondary targets are called that.
Just idling until our GM wakes up :)

[Vandis]

I wield a bastard sword one handed, and short sword in off hand as a matter of course. Dual Strike will only really be useful when I get a magical shortsword.

[TGZ101]

Sorry Vandis, but I tend to side with Hawkseer on this one. In all the LFR and other league games I've played in we only consider it an "attack" for the sake of marking if a roll is required, which isn't the case with auto damage like Cleave's secondary effect.

Dagobert, all the targets are still in their same positions and none of them are dead or bloodied yet. Dagobert and Dannad may attack whenever they like as the map has not changed. I may not have time for a flavorful update until later this evening as my schedule is booked solid until around 5PM EST.