Black Tom's Citadel by the Sea

[Broccan Dunchad]

Black Tom:
1.)What is the equipment availability at the mine camp? Broccan would like to make some changes, but it seems reasonable to think that the closest weaponsmith/armory would be back at Wolfstone. If he needs to wait for the return there, that's fine.
2.)Also, to whom did Crommard give the 160 gps in gems? Did he give us each an even portion, or did he give them all to one person?

"Mis'Tiana scoutin' ahead would giveusa good look at wha'we're up ag'inst. I think it would be good fa'her to have a signalo' some sort, like a whist'l, in case she's in danger."

[Edrukk Thorvirgun]

Wow, what a flurry of posts since this morning!! And then I took so long typing that I think I got ninja'd! Twice!

"First thin', lad, 'r ye truly up t' a fight t'day? More 'n one good man fell when 'e shouldna fer goin' back t' th' battle too soon. D'ye mind if'n we step away s' I can see 'ow bad it is?"

Broccan & BT:

Spoiler:

Heal check, if Broccan allows him to look at the wound 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Trying to determine if it's something that would reasonably heal on its own in a day or two or not. If not, or if he can't tell, he'll channel positive energy again 1d6 ⇒ 2 when they get back to the table so the others can benefit if any remain wounded.

Settled back at the table discussing roles in the upcoming battle, he reaches down to lift the greatsword lying near his feet into view, then lay it back down, "I expect t' be one o' th' ones in front if'n I'm not 'ealin' some 'n else. Me spells 'r more centered on aidin' in battle, but they will n' last long, maybe only one fight, so it's a 'elp t' know if'n I need 'em right off, 'r if'n I c'n wait fer another fight."

"If'n th' lass," nodding at Tiana, "c'n scout things out 'r create a distraction away from th' gate, it'd be a 'elp. Thunderstone, flask o' fire, stuff like 'at. If'n she c'n drop a guard -- 'r ye sayin' 'ere was only one guard last time? 'at's odd. -- but if'n she c'n drop a guard, 'at's good, but if'n she can distract a dozen, 'at's better, eh?"

"Speakin' o' gear, d'ye think we'd be needin' rope 'r ladders, such like 'at? All I 'ave is me armor, me weapons, 'n some food. I do have a few coin from me last pay, though."

And speaking of coin, did the party not sell the masterwork greataxe to Crommard? I would think that would more than pay for any basic gear, including the shield and brace of javelins mentioned.

[Edrukk Thorvirgun]

Sanstree wrote:

"Ima to hopein that someone has rope, hammers, pitons, crowbars and other such Ihave never had much use fer such myself but mighten be handy inside yon citadel"

"Are we fer leavin right after the break o the fast or waitin closer to lunch?"

"Aye, I'm a wonderin' if'n such might not give us a side gate, if'n yer 'earin' me. Th' lass might be able t' get 'nside if'n we 'r prepared."

"As fer when... They be orcs, s' early in th' daylight 's better, after 'ey bed down 'n afore 'ey start t' gettin' up. 'n 'ere's some thought fer givin' 'em a day t' wonder 'o killed th' guard, restin' 'nother day 'r buyin' gear, startin' nice 'n early tomorro'. D'ye know if ye were seen leavin'?"

"'course, 'at said, I'd as soon be bustin' orc 'eads t'day..."

[Broccan Dunchad]

Edrukk's channel put Broccan at one point shy of full. That's plenty-good. I'm sure we'll all be in need of healing soon enough. ;P

(Refreshed and invigorated by the wave of positive energy from Edrukk)

"We'ad best get ourselves ready, then."

[Edrukk Thorvirgun]

Broccan Dunchad wrote:

Edrukk's channel put Broccan at one point shy of full. That's plenty-good. I'm sure we'll all be in need of healing soon enough. ;P

(Refreshed and invigorated by the wave of positive energy from Edrukk)

"We'ad best get ourselves ready, then."

Right, then, marking off one channel for the day. Anyone else in the party that's not at full hp, Edrukk channeled all of 2 points of healing for our injured fighter, but he made sure he's at the table to benefit everyone, like so,

"Gorum, th' Laird 'n Iron, we beseech ye t' give 'r arms th' strength t' prevail 'n bring ye greater glory 'n th' comin' battle."

[Sanstree]

"Edrukk yeve done well Ive seen Broccan worse fer wear after a night o brawlin or drinkin among other things (gives sideling look to Broccan) but were in the company o ladies an o tha goat as well...He looks fine ta me."

(pauses for a bit)

"I said my peace bout some other gear some pitons, hammers and such."
"Ima to be keepin a light spell goin fer us and mighten be that someone wants somethin of purpose jus fer that and to carry round"

Spoiler:

Light
School evocation [light]; Level bard 0, cleric 0, druid 0, sorcerer/wizard 0

Casting Time 1 standard action

Components V, M/DF (a firefly)

Range touch

Target object touched

Duration 10 min./level

Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no

This spell causes a touched object to glow like a torch, shedding normal light in a 20-foot radius, and increasing the light level for an additional 20 feet by one step, up to normal light (darkness becomes dim light, and dim light becomes normal light). In an area of normal or bright light, this spell has no effect. The effect is immobile, but it can be cast on a movable object.

You can only have one light spell active at any one time. If you cast this spell while another casting is still in effect, the previous casting is dispelled. If you make this spell permanent (through permanency or a similar effect), it does not count against this limit. Light can be used to counter or dispel any darkness spell of equal or lower spell level.

[Black Tom]

That's what I get for getting out of town for a day. Crommard gave the gems to Broccan, who's maybe the least stark raving mad of you (at least in his opinion) to share among you. You can indeed buy some javelins and a shield here if you like, but they will overcharge you by 30%.

I don't have a map of the citadel, but there is really only one way into it, since it's situated on a promontory, with steep cliffs on three sides. There is as I stated 50 feet of open terrain outside it.

Still interested in those little things as marching order and tactics.

[Tiana Twelvefingers]

Canvy Mandrain wrote:

Canvy smiles at all this talk of madness, they should all know it is madness to go into the citadel, only he understands that, yet they say he is the mad one. Canvy sn~!!@!s at the thought, before he sees Broccan. "You know if you need extra healing here Broccan, I think the local cleric will help you some, for 10gp. Not sure about buying much else tho. I could always do with a couple more javalin."

He turns to Tiana, "Are you good enough to get across to the citadel without being seen, away from the guards post?" We gotta know if we can get in by stealth or we have to pound a few orc heads on the way in. If the later, we all need to understand our part in any plan. Generally, start with spells and ranged attack, followed by getting up close and bloody. If I can, I can cause one orc to be shaken whilst we are still in some cover, which will make the green one more susceptible to other more deadly magic attacks. Then we have a minute to make the most of any effect and attack. But only if we have to attack over open ground, then that green one might not be so deadly."

Canvy sits back, waiting for the party to respond, please with his plan but not sure if the other mad ones will follow suit.

aaah the PC police don't understand the difference between US English and the real thing, God's own country English...

Tiana answers confidently. "I'm sure can sneak in the citadel without none of those monsters noticing. It shouldn't be too hard for an expert".

[Canvy Mandrain]

Canvy his steely blues glinting in the sun streaming through the window says "Taina, are you one of those people who understands the anatomy of the orc, for if we get into a fight which is surely the most likely, could you use your skills to inflict a severe wound? From what we have seen there is only the one guarded entrance to the place.

We should plan any action as if there were at least 2 guards, but we must also try and use only the resources we need in this fight, for we will need to reserve some for inside.

Let each of us propose how we approach this coming fight. I for one can stagger a guard for a short time, before running forward and letting loose this javelin, then I will go charging forward into the fight. I would also suggest that if there are more than a single guard, we concentrate any mundane ranged attacks on a single target. You know thats what we did in the military, concentrate our attacks for maximum effect.

Let's only go, when we are ready, but the earlier the better."

1.Doom (hopefully a surprise round from cover), 2.take javelin, move forward, 3.loose javelin, take out falchion, 4.charge

[Edrukk Thorvirgun]

Well, I'm not stealthy and it will take two rounds for me to cover ground from cover to gate, unless I run (which may not be an option, anyway. Edrukk will almost certainly have to be part of a second wave of attackers, even if he's the only one in the wave. I guess that means I will likely be rearguard. I have nothing to cast on the enemy, but I have Bless for us.

[Broccan Dunchad]

Black Tom: Thanks for the clarification. Broccan would have distributed the gems evenly between himself, Sanstree, Tiana, Canvy, and Erine (32 gps each).
With regard to the equipment prices, would someone in the camp be willing to buy his shortbow, arrows and buckler, and if so, what would that yield?

"It makessense tha'when the fightin' starts that I go'in first. That'll buy the rest'o ye time to get yer magic workin'."

Broccan will take the point in the marching order, unless Tiana is scouting, in which case he will be second.
As far as general tactics, he will follow a similar pattern to Canvy's - loose a missile weapon, draw his sword and charge. His main intent will be to draw the attention and attacks of the enemy, giving his companions time to get off spells, missile attacks, or move into more favorable positions on the battlefield.

[Canvy Mandrain]

Broccan, what say you 2.fire missile, pick up weapon. 3.charge the enemy. I follow 1 round later. Edrukk, 2. move across, 3.bless and draw weapon, 4.charge. We gotta hope Broccan can last a round by himself, which is a bit touch and go.

With luck, Tiana can sneak round the back of an orc during this time, in time with Broccan's charge to do some backstabbing. She may need to get within 30ft or less, in stealthy mode, before we start the attack.

Of course if any of the magic people had a sleep spell, that would do the job, without us spilling any blood, our own blood I mean. Alternatively, either something to reduce the Orcs effectiveness or something to distract them, a summoned creature or something.

[Erine Wintyle]

Canvy Mandrain wrote:

Broccan, what say you 2.fire missile, pick up weapon. 3.charge the enemy. I follow 1 round later. Edrukk, 2. move across, 3.bless and draw weapon, 4.charge. We gotta hope Broccan can last a round by himself, which is a bit touch and go.

With luck, Tiana can sneak round the back of an orc during this time, in time with Broccan's charge to do some backstabbing. She may need to get within 30ft or less, in stealthy mode, before we start the attack.

Of course if any of the magic people had a sleep spell, that would do the job, without us spilling any blood, our own blood I mean. Alternatively, either something to reduce the Orcs effectiveness or something to distract them, a summoned creature or something.

I prepared Cause Fear, I'm afraid.

By the way, is there a reason you say 'steely blue eyes' every other post? :P

[Sanstree]

"Broccan Ive prepared healin magic mostly, thinkin thats better to keep you, canvy an Edrukk standin an in tha fight, an keep canvy from castin when hes needin to be swingin. If Ima in reach o ya I can heal who needs it, an I can make tha ol orc think hesa in tha midst o a storm most o' tha time."

"Canvy, I can give up a healin spell to bring ina creature, but tha creature would be gone in a blink o an orcs eye"

Summon natures ally Duration 1 round/level

[Black Tom]

Broccan can sell his equipment at the usual half price if he likes. Fastforwarding a little here...

As you cautiously approach the citadel again, intensely debating tactics, Tiana, who is scouting ahead, is surprised to see that there is no guard at all this time outside the citadel. Maybe the orcs moved on.

[Sanstree]

"No sign o orcs! Then weve scared thembut good! or they ave holed up in tha citadel"

Sanstree maintains position behind and within proximity of the 3 melee types, and readies to use storm burst should any trouble start.

Perception Check
15

[Canvy Mandrain]

Erine Wintyle wrote:

By the way, is there a reason you say 'steely blue eyes' every other post? :P

No its not every time I post, just keep it in mind, you might be onto something there.....

Canvy doesn't like it, his steely blue eyes survey the parapets of the citadel. "Call me superstitious or someat, but I don't like it, could be a trap. Tiana is the main gate to the citadel open or closed? Would you trust yourself getting over there without being seen? I know I keep askin the same question, but its your life on the line here. We don't wanna loose you."

Perception looking for movement on the parapets, 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

[Erine Wintyle]

Canvy Mandrain wrote:

Erine Wintyle wrote:

By the way, is there a reason you say 'steely blue eyes' every other post? :P

No its not every time I post, just keep it in mind, you might be onto something there.....

It was an exaggeration. But if it serves some purpose, then I'm not one to judge.

[Canvy Mandrain]

Erine Wintyle wrote:

It was an exaggeration. But if it serves some purpose, then I'm not one to judge.

I don't think being judged comes into it....but you might find it useful to know.

[Black Tom]

There is no gate and not much of the parapets. The entrance is more like a long corridor. In fact only the ground level of the citadel is left standing. Canvy can discern no movement at the top of the ruins though.

Crommard bursts into an anecdote about the proverbial impatience of orcs until checked by the looks of the rest of the party.

[Broccan Dunchad]

(Broccan surveys the area, unconsciously hefting the tower shield now strapped to his left arm. He scans the area, looking for any sign of movement. Tapping the butt of his javelin on the ground, he looks to his companions.)

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 12

"This doesn'a bode well. I canna'believe there was but one of'em. They mus'be waitin' t'ambush us."

[Sanstree]

"Tha thar is what I calla shield, an Javalins no less." "We err adventurers now, fer certain."

Sanstree continues to look around. and considers being behind Broccan an his new shield!

Perception Check
11

Sanstree disgusted as other memebers spend time seeming to make goo-goo eyes at each other

[Sanstree]

Sanstree wants to see if sea gulls are flocking around the citadel as an indication of habitants in the citadel.

Knowledge (nature) check
19

[Broccan Dunchad]

"Sometimes y'got'a walk the drift 'fore ye know if th'archin'll hold. If Miss Tiana don'see annethin', then one o' us shou' go. Iss time I earned my coin."

(Broccan readies himself to cross the open field to the entrance)

I'll let y'know iff'I fine annethin'.

(Broccan moves towards the entrance unless someone stops him)

[Sanstree]

Sanstree moves behind him.

"Healin magic only works close up so I'm goin also, the rest o' you can come with or hang back do as pleases yerselves, jus tryin keep healin handy fer all."

Grabs Broccans arm
"Sides we've left one o' our own alone near tha citadel long enough, better we be movin to Tiana's aid"

[Canvy Mandrain]

Canvy stops in his tracks, sniffs the air and scratches the stubble growing on his chin, "Humm, prhaps I should had that bath an shave...oh well, I could pass as an orc soon, scent wise at least." He sniffs the air again and continues on, "Broccan, best not run wily nilly across to the citadel, you need to be able to react if theys throw or shoots at ya. I suggest we stagger, each of us going over, maybe go over in twos. I thinks we should move quickly, but not an all out run, we need to do some ziggy zaggers." He laughs at his own humour."Don't make it easy for anyone to aim. And we need spotters to watch the citadel, to see where are ranged fire comes from, once we start going across."

His mind seems to wander, a purple glint in his eyes, "Or we just go for it, all get over as quick as we can at the same time. Exciting isn't it"

[Broccan Dunchad]

(Broccan stops and listens to Canvy, glancing at his brand new massive tower shield as the cleric talks of running zig-zag to dodge enemy fire)

"I'm obliged t'ya for the advice, Cap'n. I was thinkin' of headin' straight ov'r at a reg'lr pace. With this big ol' shield, I'll be a big target for anniwon waitin' to ambush. If ye'all hang backn' wait with weaponsn'spells ready, ye can fire at'em while they're tryin' t'kill me. If the'orcs are gone, I can letcha knowitsall clear whennitgeta the entr'nce."

(with a quick thump of his javelin against the outside of his shield in salute, Broccan turns to Sanstree and bobs his head towards the citadel.)

"Ye still wanna come wit'me, boy-o? We might makeit safe, we might en'up onna spit."

assuming no other objections, Broccan moves at a cautious, but standard movement rate (20 ft) towards the citadel entrance.

[Tiana Twelvefingers]

As the group assembles around her after she signals them there's no orc sentry, Tiana feels like this is some kind of trap. Turning to her friends, she whispers "I'll sneak ahead. Follow me and try to stay quiet and unnoticed".

[Edrukk Thorvirgun]

"I 'ave no missiles t' throw. It makes n' sense fer me t' wait here -- if'n ye need me, I'll be ferever crossin' 'is patch o' ground." Looking at the druid and specifically his armor, "Lad, ye stay good 'n close t' 'r movin' wall 'ere 'n I'll be followin' th' two o' ye. Brocco, as ye say, a nice steady pace, 'n we'll be 'ere 'n n' time."

I debated ranged weapons, discarded the idea, now I wish I had them. Some mental arguments never end. Edrukk will be carrying his greatsword as he walks, hunched to get what little cover he might from the shield, but I don't expect it to provide him armor cover so much as visual cover from observers.

Ninja'd by the rogue. As would be appropriate, actually. If we need quiet, Edrukk will stay outside, chafing at the wait. He has no business pretending to be stealthy.

[Canvy Mandrain]

Canvy sees them start off, and follows them about 30ft behind Edrukk, doing his random zig-zag crossing. He waits until Broccan is 50ft across before starting, as he thinks Edruuk is 10ft behind Broccan Can do this as Edruuk has speed 20ft, Canvy has 30ft.

[Edrukk Thorvirgun]

Canvy Mandrain wrote:

Canvy sees them start off, and follows them about 30ft behind Edrukk, doing his random zig-zag crossing. He waits until Broccan is 50ft across before starting, as he thinks Edruuk is 10ft behind Broccan Can do this as Edruuk has speed 20ft, Canvy has 30ft.

If memory serves, 50' will put Broccan across the bare ground. And he indicated that he moves at the same 20' rate as the dwarf. I didn't check, but I assumed it was due to his armor.

I was also thinking that Tiana had snuck across ahead of the warriors. If so, we should be providing a noisy distraction to her further sneaking.

[Sanstree]

Sanstree moves just behind Broccan at the steady pace of 20.

Continue perception check
19

I'm keeping my shield up and my hand free for casting.

[Black Tom]

As Tiana heads into the long corridor (it is 10 feet wide and about 100 feet long, with arrow slits on the right side (the one facing into the citadel) and ahead, suddenly the sound of a hand bell echoes out of nowhere.

It is time to roll for initiative. I guess that you are about 30 feet behind Tiana.

[Canvy Mandrain]

Initiative 1d20 ⇒ 11

[Edrukk Thorvirgun]

Initiative 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

[Tiana Twelvefingers]

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

[Black Tom]

You hear the sounds of crossbows being readied behind the arrow slits. The good news is that they go on 3, so you probably all beat them.

Anybody that does, feel free to state your action.

[Broccan Dunchad]

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Black Tom: How much cover are the arrow slits providing? Are the slits tight or have they opened a bit from the crumbling stone? Can we see anyone through them? If so, is there enough to target, or do they have total cover?

(Broccan sighs, and glances back at Sanstree)

"Things'r about'a get messy, boy-o. I've a flask'o fire in my pack iffya wanna grabbit. It might'do sump'n."

(Broccan continues to move towards the entraceway. He will hurl his javelin at any threatening opponent within range that isn't under full cover. Once he hurls the javelin, he will draw his sword. If no opportunity to throw presents itself before he reaches the entrance, he will at that time, stow the javelin and draw his sword.)

In the event something appears to throw his javelin at:

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

[Edrukk Thorvirgun]

"Well, 'ey know we're 'ere. 'ey are all on th' right, lad. Keep 'at wall o' yers 'n front o' th' arrow slits 'n angle it up, if'n ye can so 'ey cannae shoot str aight int' it - 'n ye. 'ave t' druid 'elp ye. 'n let me slip past ye, 'ere."

Edrukk will, if the others allow, move past into the lead (behind Tiana) and stay against the right wall, keeping down below the visible arrow slots. Because he's crouching as he moves, I'm not sure what his rate of movement should be, but he will move as far as he can, hoping to be at the end of the corridor when 1) Tiana needs aid or 2) an orc decides face-to-face combat is their thing. If he can reach the end of the corridor, he will wait where he can see the others and prepare to face orcs rushing to repel the invaders.

[Sanstree]

Initiative roll (with the -2)
8

"If we get to the end o' the hall I can put up a thick mist then we can no be shot so easy as wer tryin to get tha door open." "I'll need to be 10 foot from tha door to keep tha cover on."

Sanstree nudges Broccan toward the end of the hallway...

[Canvy Mandrain]

Canvy follows Edrukk some 10 ft behind, same thing crawling.

Gotta rush, so this is my best option.

[Black Tom]

Whatever it is behind the arrow slits, they have improved cover (+8 AC). If you'd like to make a run for it, you could cover most of the hallway in a single round (or all of it if you have a 30' move), but of course you'd lose your Dex bonus to AC.

There are arrow slits ahead, where the corridor turns, but of course there are a lot fewer of them there, since there is only 10 feet of wall.

Let's see what Tiana and Erine are up to before I adjudicate this.

[Erine Wintyle]

Initiative 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5
Erine seems unsure. She waits to see what Tiana does.
I'll wait for Badslacker before posting my action, since Tiana is the only other one who isn't built for combat.

[Tiana Twelvefingers]

If the hallway is 100 ft, how far in is Tiana? Also, if the arrow slits are only on the right side, will it be possible to duck under them, next to the right wall?

[Black Tom]

The alarm went off as Tiana entered the hallway. It would be possible to duck past the arrow slits on the right but doing so would mean moving at half speed.

[Broccan Dunchad]

Black Tom: I'm confused as to where everyone is located at the moment. Is Tiana the only one in the hallway, or are we all in it at the time the alarm sounds? I need to clarify Broccan's actions according to where he is and what is happening.

*If everyone is in the hallway when the alarm sounds:

Broccan will use his tower shield for Total Cover (per PFCR) and move down the hallway with his back to the wall without arrow slits. He will try to keep Sanstree behind him, providing Soft Cover (+4 AC per PFRC) Throwing a javelin would be pointless in tight quarters, so he will not throw it.

*If Broccan and Sanstree are still outside when the alarm sounds, and there are arrow slits on the outside of the citadel:

I will act exactly as I stated previously.

*If Broccan and Sanstree are still outside when the alarm sounds, and there are no arrow slits outside the citadel:

Broccan will move as quickly as possible into the hallway. He most likely won't be able to do anything else this turn after the double-move.

[Black Tom]

Sorry, since Tiana was the one scouting ahead she would be the only person who was actually inside the hallway as the bell rang. That would put you right outside the citadel. There are no arrow slits on the outside of the citadel, so you are safe there (it seems).

Will Broccan use his tower shield to face forward or to the right (toward the arrow slits there)?

[Sanstree]

Sanstree continues with Broccan, Sanstree casts detect magic orison to check out the walls/arrow slits.

Sanstree will drop the spell after a quick scan of ahead and both sides (1 round). Will still move behind Broccan as we move to assist Tiana.

(to Broccan)
"Them sounds to meanin trouble an I'm not fer leavin Tiana Exposed to Danger, Ima usin magic to check this hallway."