Firebeard's Slaughtergarde - IC

[Firebeard]

The interviews with Vintra took almost an hour. Some of the adventurers -some might say mercenaries - left before they had their interview, bored with the wait or for other reasons.once it was over, a half dozen of you waited expectantly for her decision. Finally, she looked up from her notes.

"Thank you all for your interest. Know that the Chicane guild is ever on the lookout for stalwart and trustworthy individuals. Those of you not chosen for this particular job are free to come to the guildhouse for freelance jobs. As a whole you are a very impressive and talented group.

"Kael, Aedin, and Erika, please come see me. The rest of you are free to leave." Chairs and benches made scooting noises on the floor as people stand up to leave. There is a little muttering about the choices, but by and large the rejected applicants have no hard feelings. It isn't as if there won't be other work for them soon enough, the world being what it is.

When the three of you gather to Vintra's side, she asks you to follow her to the Chicane guildhouse. Once there, she leads you to her office, stopping only to whisper a message to a young boy at the front hallway.

"Please, take a seat. There are some others I wish for you to meet before we commence." Only a few minutes pass before there is a knock at the door. At Vintra's call, the door opens and in walks an unlikely pair - a tall human man and a halfling female, the former wearing what looks like overlapping plates of cured hide and the latter with a double bandoleer with a half dozen or more throwing knives slotted into it.

"These are Kaleb and Branwyn," Vintra said, indicating first the human and then the halfiling. "They have skills that I believe you will need to succeed in this task. Kaleb, while not being of the martial nature as most of those that showed interest today, nevertheless has the healing abilities you may need to survive. Branwyn...well, her skills will come in useful as well I am sure."

"Now, I am sure you wish to acquaint yourselves, but first let me tell you more about the job you hired on for. As I mentioned before, some bandits hit our main spring caravan, killed most of the drovers and oxen, and carried away their goods. One of the drivers survived. He dragged himself almost a mile from the ambush site with a goblin spear buried in his back. He was found by a patrol who brought him straight to me. He died before the healer could arrive, but before he did, he managed to tell me what happened."

Vintra reached into a desk drawer and pulled from it a scroll of parchment. She unrolled it to show a map of the region (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/regionMap.png). "The ambush happened here." she said, pointing to a spot on the road south out of Slumberton towards Tulvercross. "The raiders ran off to the East, towards the Kurkle Ridge."

"The Chicane guild cannot abide raiders and thieves. The ambushers must be caught, dealt with - permanently - and our goods returned. For this, you will each receive 200 gold and the gratitude of the Chicane...which in itself is worth a hefty sum in this region. Do you have any questions?"

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn walked into the room with Kaleb and looked over the group of people assembled by Vintra to go with them on this expedition. She had done a few odd jobs for Vintra and the Chicane before, so she knew they paid well...she also knew not to cross them. More than one member of the local rogue's guild had tried to steal from the Chicane, despite the warnings. Branwyn was impressed by the suitability of the punishments. They were inventive, to say the least.

Looking over the group before her, she began to assess their skills. The one in scale mail and outfitted like a traveling weapons merchant was obviously the muscle. Just as obviously, the female's lack of armor and non-martial appearance made her a caster of some sort - most likely a mage, since Kaleb was coming along to provide the divine magic. That left the elf. His wild appearance suggested a ranger or scout, more than likely. Either would fit well with what Vintra had told them earlier.

As the Chicane Guildmaster finished speaking, she said "200 gold sounds a bit on the low end for what you are asking here. When we talked before, it sounded like a snatch-and-grab, but this looks like you are outfitting a small war. Especially this one" she finished, pointing at Kael. "I'm not sure you expect us all to live to collect that 200g."

[josh13905]

Aedin walked alongside the others, then they entered the Guildhouse, and Vintra's office. Two more companions were brought forward to join them. Aedin took that moment to look over everyone.

Kael seemed competent enough in a fight, but most likely attract lots of attention. Erika, the other interviewed member, was more than likely an arcane disciple. As far as Aedin knew there were two groups she would fall into, the type that had gone out into the world and experienced battle, and the type that had spent all their life in the library, reading books. The former type Aedin could deal with, but the latter would require a lot of watching over.

That left the two newcomers. Kaleb provided the essential healing that would hopefully keep them all alive. Then Branwyn, she was well-armed, so many knives meant she went through them quickly, and that meant throwing. He hoped she could throw them well.

"I've traveled that region a few times. We may encounter more danger than your ambushers." The elf studied the map closely, it seemed to match his memory.

[Nixed]

It had been a good start to the day for Kael. The first one in some time, he'd beaten out several more experienced adventurers in the process of getting this far, and his new companions were already taking notice of him. He did his best to keep a straight face and pay attention, but in the end he was having a hard time keeping a smile off his face. The questions about money were important but he could let the others negotiate that but dangers, now that was interesting. He focused in studying the map, waiting for his turn to talk.

Dangers aside, I'm sure we can all handle a little danger, how're we supposed to get the goods back here after we've dealt with these cowards? There was more sincerity than bluster in his voice, he had no doubts he could handle the work, and the others wouldn't have been chosen if the couldn't also do what was needed.

[Cardea]

Erika stroked her arm absentmindedly. She could feel people watching her, magical or otherwise, and she could just... know. She pushed it to the back of her mind. It was time for work again, and, for once, it wasn't being a bar wench. Or a librarian. Or something just so... mundane. She spent time learning the ways of the world. It should balance out. The world should learn about her and concede: Odd jobs suck. She needs something that pays.

She listened to man talk about the four others. A Holy Man, a thug in armor, a... knight?... and a... what was the term? Forest Man? It was something like that. Close to it, at least. So really, only she had real power out of the five of them. Great. Just... great. At least she was hired instead of the other twits. At least with her around, things would be done.

She kept her body steady and nodded her head slowly in agreement with the payment amount mentioned.

[Firebeard]

"Well now, it seems that I had explained the possibility of something more martial to you earlier, Miss Darkblade. I cannot raise the sum now, not with so many others added to the party. But I suppose I can advance you some money to show how pleased I have been with your efforts in the past. And how confident I am that you will return to collect the rest. Say, half up front? That would apply to all of you as well."

Vintra eyed you all with an expression that left no doubt that the sum was not negotiable. She had the look of a merchant who had already signed an agreement and was expecting the customer to try to back out of it.

"The danger should be minimal for a group of your qualifications. The drover said there were only about 10 of the raiders. The caravan was taken by surprise, not by an army. I have all faith in you."

"As for how you get the goods back here, I leave that up to you. Horses or draft animals could be rented from the drover's guild if you don't have any of your own. If you tell them you are working with the Chicane, they should give you a good deal."

"If there are no further questions, I'll leave you to each other's company. You can pick up your advance pay from Jared in the entry hall." She waited a few moments to see if any further questions would be forthcoming.


When all questions have been asked, Vintra escorts the 5 of you to the entry hall, where the boy you saw earlier is sent away again, presumably to fetch your coin.

Feel free to talk amongst yourselves while you wait.

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb looked over his charges. He had no doubt that he would see all of their blood on his hands at one point or another before this task was completed... he had already seen Branwyn's enough times for her name to be etched into his memory.

"Metal armor, warrior... yes, he'll likely occupy most of my time." Kaleb thought to himself.

If the Mage and Elf held any sense of self-preservation they'd support from from the back and let he and... Kael, was it, move forward. Kaleb knew he had minimal martial skills, and even less inclination to use them, but if the fight was just or in self-defense, Kael would learn he could count on Kaleb's hand being at his back channeling the divine power of Pelor through that metal skin he bore.

Kaleb closed his eyes and bowed his head for a moment as the others poured over the map and spoke of strategy and danger. Silently, mouthed a prayer...

"Pelor, we stand in your light, always... watch over us. Guide us to temper justice with mercy, and may we meet out clean-death only, and when no alternative is before us.

...When the conversations are over, Kaleb follows behind the group as the exit the room.

He turns his mind away from what might be, and focuses on the world at hand. A less morose look comes to Kaleb's face as he takes in his companions in the here and now.

[josh13905]

Aedin frowned, renting horses would be an expense he hadn't plan for. However, 200 gold would easily cover his expenses. He decided it wasn't worth arguing further over price. Ten raiders, and there were five of them, they were heavily outnumbered in a straight out fight.

When they are left alone waiting for Jared he says, "Our odds aren't good for a straight out fight, we'll have to take them by surprise, return the favor of the ambush."

If the Chicane wanted the threats permanently dealt with, then it meant killed, and they were paying five people each 200 gold. That meant the price of a live of their enemies was 100 gold, minus expenses for returning the goods.

[Nox Lupus]

"If its alright with everyone else, I have an errend to run before we depart... I would advise we all handle any last minute business before departing on this mission."

Kaleb waits a moment longer for any objections...

(...assuming none)

"We should meet back here once we are all prepared."

With that the Cleric hefts his backpack and departs...

[Fuzzies]

"Hold up there Kaleb. Before we go haring off to spend wealth we still haven't received yet, I'd suggest we find out more about these folks. Just because Vintra picked them means they are competent, but I'd like to know more about those that are supposed to be on my side."

Turning to the others, Branwyn said "I'm Branwyn. Rogue by trade and temperament. Don't let the knives fool you, I'm actually a sweetheart." She gifts them all with a roguish grin - what other kind? - and asks "So, who are you and what are your specialties?

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb shrugs as if it hardly mattered.

Hearing his vertically disinclined companion, Kaleb places his backpack on the floor and listens intently to any responces from the new people.

[Nixed]

Looks down at his equipment a bit of a grin on his face as well, his more of the boyish variety. "Kael Goodspeed. Swimming and walking around quietly" Moves slightly, producing sounds from his armor to punctuate the joke. It was a good deflection, it was fairly obvious what his role in the group was and if someone had not been able to discern that as of yet, then the hiring practices of Vintra were somewhat suspect. At the same time it allowed him to respond without going into much detail.

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb returns Kael's smile and nods to him.

Given that Branwyn had wished him to remain, he decided to make the most of it...

"Master Goodspeed, tell me, if I were an adversary in battle and I were before you, defeated, asking for mercy, would you grant it?"

[Nixed]

Pauses a moment, and then with a nod responds. "There is no honor to be gained killing one who is already defeated." It's not exactly an answer, but it gets the point across of his stance on the subject, while not stating it as a hard and fast rule.

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb's smile grows and he nods in appreciation of Kael's answer.

[Cardea]

She looks over the group. One by one she tries and grasp them better. Kaleb and Branwyn worked together, obviously, so they knew each other. Trusted each other. Would take the other's side in conflict. Kaleb was a holy man, so if anyone could keep them breathing, it'd be him. Best to stay on his good side. Meaning to stay on Branwyn's good side. The person with the training in stealth and backstabbing.

The two others, Aedin and Kael. Kael and Kaleb. How quaint. Kael was armored and had an air about him; like he was serving something else. Probably is. His 'Honor'. That'd get us all killed, won't it?, she thinks, as she listens to them talk amongst themselves. Who cares about Honor, these days? Survival is cheaper.

She sits down, leaning her head against a wall, and closes her eyes. Survival is... cheaaa... peeerrrrrr...., she thinks, as her mind slips out of itself. She concentrates, and tries to achieve her second state of mind, preparing for the worst of whatever will come in the next few hours.

Concentration Check: [roll0] DC 20.

[Firebeard]

It isn't long before the boy comes running back with a pouch in his hand. It makes a satisfying clink as he handed it to Branwyn, who seemed to materialize just as the boy looked for someone to give the purse to. The halfling woman opened the pouch to find it full of platinum coins, 50 of them.


The town of Slumberton is pretty big, you can buy almost anything here. In your time here, you have learned the locations of the major merchants and smiths.

If you want to run errands and meet somewhere before setting off, it is about 1.5 hours until noon, local time.

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb's eyes fall on their shortest companion expectantly, likely along with the rest of the fully conscious party members... :smallsmile:

[josh13905]

Prior to the boy's arrival: "My name is Aedin, as for who I am, well, I'm a ranger by trade. Pretty good with a sword... don't often have to use it though."

Aedin appears to be telling the truth, though he speaks with an air of unimportance.

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn took the bag of of coins and peered into it. The full sum in platinum coinage was in there. Quickly she passed out 10 coins to each person, glaring at Kaleb who seemed to think that she was likely to shortchange someone.

"If anyone needs to gather supplies" she looked at Kaleb "then now is the time to do it. Perhaps we should meet somewhere, maybe by the south gate, in half an hour or so?"

[Nox Lupus]

@GM

SM- [roll0]


Kaleb caught that mischeivious glint in Branwyn's eye. He smiled back at her and inclined his head to her as she graciously passed out the coinage.

Not bothering to count it, Kaleb looks to the others and says

"I will return as soon as I can"

With that he hefts his backpack and heads out.

[Nixed]

"Half an hour then. Then go collect an unknown quantity of goods and then bring them back through what is apparently ambush territory. Sounds exciting. Might as well get some hot food in the stomach before then" Nods and turns for the door, intending on doing just that, he was a growing lad still.

[Firebeard]

"Eight containers." The words came from the young errand boy. He had taken his post by the entry doors back up without anyone noticing him. He was watching you now with that haughty expression children get when they feel adults are stupid.

"Eight crates, about 2 foot to a side. They are marked with the Chicane guild symbol," he said, pointing to the crescent moon crossed with a sheaf of wheat hanging from the ceiling in the entry hall. "They weigh about 30 pounds each and are full of spices packed in double wrapped canvas bags. If you drop a crate, the contents will likely be ruined. One of them is full of candleleaf, so don't try and load it on a skittish horse. Seems like an important thing to know."

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb pauses and looks at the young man. He :smallsmile: as he says"Well said young man, thank you for your keen insights, we shall have to bring you with us on one of our missions should your information prove correct."

Kaleb then hands the boy a copper.

"May Pelor watch over you." With that Kaleb heads off into the town...

[josh13905]

Aedin takes the coin, "Before anyone goes anywhere, we should determine how much it will cost to transport the goods back here, that way we can split the cost among us."

[Nox Lupus]

"Thats why we are going out, isn't it. I was unaware anyone here had experience as a teamster or selling wagon supplies?"

Kaleb pauses two steps outside the room on the unlikely chance anyone actually does...

[Firebeard]

"If'n you're gonna rent a cart, try Carstellan Stables. It's by the Southwest gate - the one you'll be going out of - and Master Carstellan is a good friend of the guild. He normally don't rent out teams, but if you say you're working with the Chicane, he'd likely help out. And donkeys are cheap." The boy looked at you for a few moments, as if trying to understand why adults made everything so difficult, and then wandered off into the halls of the guildhouse.

[Fuzzies]

"Carstellan's it is then. If you guys like, I can go arrange things with Master Carstellan. We can meet there when errands are done. I don't have a lot to purchase at the moment. We can just settle up after we meet up again." Branwyn was obviously impatient to get going. She had been sitting around too much of late. The chance to break heads and use her skills had her practically skipping.

[Nixed]

"Half an hour, at the gate. Lunch time it is then. Maybe a nice stew" A nod, as much to himself as anyone else and he starts to follow the others out.

[Cardea]

Erika, now with a headache, takes the coins and nods. Her head pulses with the disturbance of the Arcane running through her head. She counts them through, and decides against spending them; she'll need them when she can get to a large Library. More spells, more knowledge basis. And... she's an Adventurer now, instead of just some travelling fool with magical persuasion. She needs a tower.

She finds the southern entrance to the town, and sits down in the dirt, picking at the trail rations in her bag. She draws pictures in the ground with her staff, and waits for the others to show.

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb shows about 20 minutes after departing from the guild house.

[Nixed]

Approaches the gate, well fed and with a new longbow sung across his back. They're outnumbered it is probably better to not wait until they are standing in the middle of the pack to start fighting.

[Firebeard]

Carstellan Stables is right where the boy, Jared, described. Near the southwest gate of Slumberton, across the river from the Chicane guildhouse. As Branwyn approaches, she can see that the stables are very large, with a dozen stalls opening into a large corral in the back. There is even an outdoor pen containing a few oxen, and an assortment of wagons and carts parked beside the building.

When she stuck her head inside the stables, a middle-aged human man with hair thinning on top came strolling out of a side office that was attached the main stables. It was Carstellan. After introductions, the halfling described what she and her party needed, and that they were working with the Chicane guild.

"Hmmm, this got something to do with that nasty business earlier this week? Heard about that. Vintra's obviously got vengeance in mind as well as business if she's hiring the likes of you. No offence lass, but it's obvious as the nose on my face that you're not exactly officers of the magistrate. Still, raiders hurt everybody's business, mine included."

"I ain't got no wagons for hire, nor stable boys that I'd trust to be able to lookout for themselves if things got tight. But, if'n all you need is a cart and donkey, I got one of those I can rent you. I'll need a deposit though. I know you're working with Vintra, and no one crosses the Chicane guild and gets away with it - as I suppose you are gonna prove yourselves - but business is business. She'd tell you the same."

@Branwyn

You work out with Carstellan to rent the donkey and cart for a week for 5g, with a 15g deposit up front.


"Jessup!" the man called out to one of the stable boys "Go and get Betsy harnessed up to the gray cart, the one with the sidewalls. Oh, and get her a week's feed to go with it." Turning back to Branwyn he said "I'll throw in a week's feed as well. Whatever you don't use, just bring back with Betsy. Good luck to you."

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn passes over the coins to the stable master and then thanks him for his concessions. She mulls briefly over telling the others a higher cost than what she paid, but decided in the end it wasn't worth the trouble. Kaleb would probably call her on it, and that was a hassle she didn't need at the start of a new job.

Leading, and sometimes pulling, the donkey along behind her, she met up with the others at the southwest gate. "1g from each of you. I paid the deposit on this beast out of my own funds, so if we don't get her back in a week, you'll have to cough up more. Name's Betsy."

She hands the leads to Kaleb and then looks about her. "Are we ready to go?"

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb hands over the coin to his companion and takes lead. He does this after lumping his backpack on the cart with the rest of the party's gear.

"Ready as we can be, I imagine."

[Nixed]

Nods, paying back Branwyn and loading his own bag onto the cart for the time being. Then looking over at Aedin, "You said you knew the area right?"

[Firebeard]

"Perhaps this will help (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/regionMap.png)," said Branwyn with a twinkle in her eye, producing the map that Vintras had shown to you earlier in her office.


Fuzzies, hope you don't mind me doing a little DMPCing to move things along.


The day is mild, the cool crisp air of morning warming to a comfortable temperature as noon approaches. Perfect traveling weather. You travel without incident for about three hours, covering a dozen miles or so. The road is surrounded by sparse woods on either side. Suddenly, Aedin's head snaps up as he sees a flock of birds burst from a dense copse of trees ahead and to the right.

@Aedin

Nat 20 on the spot roll!

You can discern a dark shape in the copse of trees, about 90 feet ahead of you and just off the trail, humanoid in appearance and small. It does not appear to know that it has been seen.


@everyone

I need a marching order for everyone. I am assuming the cart is in the rear with Kaleb leading it. Post your marching order in the OOC thread.

[Nox Lupus]

"Kael, would you mind holding the lead for a moment, I need to speak with Carstellan."

[Assuming he gracious takes the lead]


Kaleb hurries over to Carstellan. There he 'negotiates' the trade of a few of his personal items for a couple of empty barrels. By the end of the discussions, Kaleb is out two Tindertwigs and a Sunrod.


Kaleb makes two trips to bring the two 'new' barrels back to the cart and load them up.

@GM

Okay, Kaleb casts straight Conjuration spells as a 2nd level caster... so thats 4 gallons of water per casting. How much would you say these barrels can hold, cause he's got three Create Waters to 'burn' today, :smallbiggrin:

[Cardea]

Erika keeps track of the time by tapping her staff on the ground every minute or so. She watches over everyone as they walk, trying to grab more off of them from their appearance. She already had to pay a gold for a bloody donkey. The man in the large armor couldn't hold their stuff? Preposterous.

Still, though, it was good to be doing something aside from bar work. And murder was something she'd never done before, so that'd be something new. New experiences always helped. She needed conversation, though. Something to keep her mind occupied. "Do any of you know how much it is to buy land in this region?"

[josh13905]

Aedin walked up to meet the group from the outside of the city, rather than from within. Holding a waterskin he takes a long pull, and then approaches everyone. "A gold piece I don't have, this will have to do, I'll see if I can get change next time we're in town, for now, you can hold onto it."

He flips a platinum piece to Branwyn, and returns his waterskin to his pack, placing his hands in his pocket. Then they get underway, with Aedin leading. He casually walks along the path, head lowered, listening quietly to the sounds of area. "Erika, the land belongs to none, man or ---"

Aedin's head raises quickly, and he continues walking, although his step is more pronounced. He speaks softly his voice low and serious, "We are being watched, 90 feet, in those trees. I see one, small figure."

Checking his weapon, Aedin continues walking calmly searching the treeline.

[Fuzzies]

"On it." Branwyn replied. She slipped behind Kaleb and then into the trees on the right hand side of the path. Using all her skills at stealth, she moved quietly through the woods, keeping to the shadows and keeping the tree trunks between her and the figure Aedin spotted ahead.


Move quietly through the woods, keeping out of sight. Maintaining pace with the rest of the party for now. Heck, draw a dagger in each hand while I am at it.

Hide check: [roll0]
Move silently: [roll1]

[Nox Lupus]

As Aedin approaches, Kaleb closes his eyes, takes hold of is holy symbol and recites a short prayer...

Spellcraft DC 10

Create Water... ooooooo, :smallbiggrin:


@GM

Cast the spell into the 5 gallon barrel


Kaleb finishes his prayer and inspects the slightly smaller of the two barrels.
"Hmmm..." He mutters appreciatively.

Then Aedin makes his pronouncement.
"What?"

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb watches Branwyn slink off to do what she does best...


Spot- [roll0]


Kaleb blows a slow whistle that builds to a crescendo, a seldom used signal to his rogish friend that she's isn't as well hidden as she might think she is...

[Nixed]

Continues to lead the cart forward for the time being, because the only thing worse than being watched by advanced scouts it to let them know you see them and have them get away and warn the rest of the group. He does his best to keep the attention of the figure to allow the halfing to approach while also closing the gap between themselves.

[Firebeard]

Nonchalantly, the group moves forward, studiously ignoring the figure in the trees, but surreptitiously readying their weapons in any case. Aedin spots another 2 in the same copse of trees and whispers back to Kael "There's 3 of them". As Kael and Aedin approach to within 40 feet or so, the goblins step out from behind the trees with bows raised and prepared to fire.



Here is the initial map (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/forestEncounter1.png)

Player positions (so you can identify your token) are:

Branwyn H9
Aedin E10
Kael C12
Erika C14
Kaleb C16

If you don't think your token fits your character, let me know what image you would like to use and I'll see if I can update it.

Because Branwyn knew the goblins were there and armed, and she herself was armed as well, she can take a surprise round action if she wants. No one else gets a surprise round, not even the goblins since you are all aware of each other.

Initiative rolls:


Kael: [roll0]
Aedin: [roll1]
Erika: [roll2]
Branwyn: [roll3]
Kaleb: [roll4]
Goblins: [roll5]


Once Branwyn has made her surprise round actions...

Round 1 Initiative order

Erika - 16
Kael - 13
Kaleb - 13
Aedin - 11
Branwyn - 10
Goblins - 6

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn sees the goblins pop out from hiding and aim bows at her companions on the road. Taking advantage of their focus, she slipped forward, knives held ready to throw. As soon as she was close enough, the launched both knives out at the closest goblin, who still hadn't even spotted her yet.


turn 1 action, move to within 10 feet of the closest goblin (that's still standing by that time) and throw both knives.

attack: [roll0]
damage: [roll1] + [roll2] SA

attack: [roll3]
damage: [roll4] + [roll5] SA

Edit: grrrrrrrrrrr

[Nixed]

((ooc: we have weapons drawn already right?))

Moves to quickly close the distance between the group and their attackers, yelling loudly as he does in an effort to draw their fire and keep them from noticing the rogue sneaking up on them.


Double move ending at D5. (I think that works anyway)

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb hangs back and protects the donkey.

He watches his new allies for any sign they might be getting in over their heads...

@GM

Holding-
Watching the others and the groups surroundings...
Spot- [roll0]

[josh13905]

Goblins.

Aedin sprints forward sword in hand, slowing slightly when he arrives next to the goblins, his sword cutting sideways at his most hated enemy. "May your death be swift."



Full-Round Charge Goblin at G2, Aedin will stop in F3
[roll0] Attack with Longsword
[roll1] Favored Enemy, and strength +4, not wielding with two hands yet.

[Cardea]

Erika stays close to the Cart, and takes a couple of Crossbow bolts from her pouch, and holds them in her hand. With everyone running off, there's obviously a fight, and with them running off, that'd only leave her to guard the cart.

How exactly did they plan this out?

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb looks over at Erika and gives her a :smallamused:

"At least not all of them are crazy to run head first into combat..."

[Firebeard]

The counter ambush failed miserably in actually damaging the attackers. Both Aedin and Branwyn rushed their attacks and neither managed to harm a goblin. One of Branwyn's daggers stuck quivering in the tree beside her target.

The goblins reacted by spreading out. The two closest to Aedin drew their nocked bows and fired point blank at the elf. Branwyn's target dropped his bow and pulled out a wickedly spiked morningstar. Closing the gap, he lashed out at the halfling rogue.



arrow@Aedin: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]

arrow@Aedin: [roll2]
damage: [roll3]

morningstar@Branwyn: [roll4]
damage: [roll5]

Branwyn is crit and takes 8 damage.

map is updated (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/forestEncounter1a.png)

Round 2 Initiative order

Erika - 16
Kael - 13
Kaleb - 13
Aedin - 11
Branwyn - 10
Goblins - 6

[Cardea]

Erika moves up ahead of the cart, keeping an eye out for her 'party'.

Move to F8.

[Nox Lupus]

[Whenever the GM says Kaleb can do this, since he was holding...]

"Branwyn!" Kaleb exclaims.

Forgetting all caution, Kaleb rushes to her side. Short spear in one hand, holy symbol in the other, Kaleb rushes to his ally's side...

@GM

Double move to interpose himself between Branwyn and the goblins.. or as close to her as possible.

[josh13905]

His swing was wild, and Aedin was mentally berating himself when Branwyn was hit with the mace, and two arrows flew by him. Seeing his companion go down, Aedin is hit with worry, This isn't going well... Stepping lightly to the side, Aedin places his other hand on the hilt of his sword, and swings it in a hard arcing strike toward the goblin.


Five Foot Step to J3 and attack adjacent Goblin, Place Dodge on same goblin.
Attack[roll0]
Damage[roll1]

[Nixed]

Catching his teammate going down out of the corner of his eye he makes a quick change of direction launching himself at the attacking goblin before more damage can be done.


Charge goblin at M4 ending in L4. AC -2 (14) for the round.

Longsword Power Attack 1
[roll0]
[roll1]
Crit on 19/20
[roll2]

[Firebeard]

The Goblin looked back at his friends with a triumphant expression as Branwyn thudded to the ground, bleeding heavily from a gash in her cheek where the morningstar had slammed into her. The goblin's distraction cost him though. Kael let out a roar of fury and rushed the creature, slamming his longsword under the goblin's guard. The blade cut deeply into the goblin's side, and the green skinned creature let out a moan as it slid to the ground and died.

Aedin's blade flashed out at the goblin near him, but the greenskin's bow neatly flicked the ranger's blade aside. Erika moved forward to support the team, while Kaleb rushed to Branwyn's side.

The free goblin dropped his bow and slipped behind Aedin to provide flanking for his companion, pulling his morningstar free. The other goblin also traded his bow for a morningstar as the two began bashing at Aedin from opposite sides. The ranger took several bruising hits, but managed to stay on his feet.



Stabilization roll for Branwyn: [roll0] high stable

morningstar@Aedin: [roll1]
damage: [roll2]

morningstar@Aedin: [roll3]
damage: [roll4]

Aedin takes 7 damage

map is updated (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/forestEncounter1b.png)

Round 3 Initiative order

Erika - 16
Kael - 13
Kaleb - 13
Aedin - 11
Branwyn - 10
Goblins - 6

[Cardea]

Erika moves up, and fires one of the crossbow bolts in her hand at one of the goblins flanking Aedin.

Move to J9, and casting Launch Bolt at Goblin at J5.
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb begins his prayer even before he drops to his knees nextto Branwyn.
"Merciful Pelor, I call upon your power, let it deny death this prize and restore her vitality. We stand in the light."

At those last words, Kaleb's hands radiate with a soft golden glow. He reaches out and touches Branwyn's battered face.

@GM & Branwyn

Sacred Healing- Burn a turn attempt as a swift action, +2hp/die of conj. (Healing) spell.
Cure Light- [roll0]

[Nixed]

A look of minor annoyance on his face as the goblin offers no challenge and is swiftly run through. Using his foot to pull back the bloody blade Kael see's Kaleb taking care of the downed rogue and again rushes off to aid another of their group in trouble.


Charge goblin at L3. AC -2 (14) for the round.

Longsword Power Attack 1
[roll0]
[roll1]
crit roll on natural 19/20 x2
[roll2]

[Nox Lupus]

(assuming she doesn't fight me on it)

Kaleb lifts Branwyn to her feet as she regains consciousness.

"Are you alright?" He asks, :smallfrown:

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn opened her eyes and blinked. She looked into the concerned face of Kaleb and groaned "Not again!" Accepting his hand up, she looked around to see the others still in combat.

((OOC: next turn, if necessary))

She whirled into action, drawing a dagger in each hand and launching them, one after another at the goblins fighting Aedin.


dagger: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]

dagger: [roll2]
damage: [roll3]

there's gotta be a way to get SA bonuses at range in the middle of a fight

Edit: not that it matters with rolls like that

[josh13905]

Aedin is slammed in the back, and then the side both hits bruising him. But he manages to stay on his feet. Swaying, he twists his sword, and pivots to move from between the two goblins, and then stabs with his blade.


5-Foot Step to J4, and Attack J5 goblin.
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Firebeard]

Erika's bolt slams into the Goblin's back, twisting it partway around and sending it reeling. The goblin glared at her, but its attention was still focused on Aedin for the moment.

The moment passed when Kael charged its companion, longsword sweeping down in a looping cut that hacked into the creature's neck and sent it tumbling to the ground in death.

Aedin shrugged off the blows he had taken and pivoted, slamming his own sword into the goblin Erika had already wounded. the creature did not avoid the blow this time, and fell to the ground, blood streaming from its mouth.

In all, mere moments had passed between the goblins' attempt at an ambush and the companions' attempt at a counter-ambush. One of them had nearly died and another was badly hurt. It was not a omen of good fortune. They would have to be better to survive this mission.

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn looked around to make sure they were truly alone, and then sighed aloud. "Damn! I was so sure that springing the counter-ambush would work. Where did those blasted knives go?" She rummaged around the underbrush for a ferw minutes, finally coming up with 3 of the blades. Looking around for the 4th, she found it still stuck in the tree beside where the first goblin has waited in ambush.

Again looking about, she began expertly stripping the useful equipment from teh dead goblins. "Good thing we brought a cart, eh?" she grinned.


take 20 on the search for a 26.

[Nox Lupus]

With the conflict over, Kaleb says to the group "Who else is hurt."
He looks and waits for any responses....

[Firebeard]

@Kaleb

Aedin is visibly hurting. No one else appears to have taken any damage at all, except Branwyn of course, but you healed her already.


At first, the goblins appear to have very little in term of worthwhile possessions. Their armor and weapons - what weren't so moldy and torn as to be practically useless -and a few bone and shell trinkets on thongs about their necks. Then, as she was about finished, Branwyn found a heavy purse under one of the goblins' tunics. The purse clinked heavily with coins as she lifted it up. Apparently, the goblins hadn't been as unsuccessful as it looked.



You found:

- 120g worth of coins in mixed denomination
- 3 small light wooden shields
- 3 small morningstars
- 1 small leather armor
- 2 shell and bone necklaces
- 2 small shortbows
- 6 arrows

Erika can feel free to use the arrows for her cantrip, as well as her crossbow bolts.

[Cardea]

Erika calls out to her 'party', in a tone of amused bewilderment, "So, great jobs guys." As she walks closer to them, keeping an eye on the cart. "So, whose idea was it to just run ahead of th- can I have those necklaces?"

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb moves to Aedin and assesses his wounds...

@GM

Heal- [roll0]

The result will determine how badly Kaleb thinks Adin is hurt and thus what spell he will use on him...

[Nixed]

Pulls his blade free his eyes quickly scanning for any potential trouble. The immediate area cleared he exhales and rolls his head and shoulders eliciting a fair number of pops and cracks as he worked to control his breathing and release the adrenalin of his first true life or death battle. He stops himself from celebrating with the sobering thought that even against such unimpressive force they'd had one downed and a second significantly injured. He'd have to be better he decided as he stooped down and dutifully cleaned his sword and checked the weapon's edge for dings, looking for more danger as he waited for Kaleb to complete his work.

[Firebeard]

@Kaleb

Aedin is significantly injured.

At your current level, that means about 1d3+4 = 6 points from full health.

[Nox Lupus]

"Aedin, here let me help..." Kaleb places his hand on Aedin's chest and bows his head in prayer while gripping his holy symbol in the other.
"Merciful Pelor, I call upon your power, let to feel your grace and mend his wound. We stand in the light."
Kaleb's hands glow with a soft, warm light which is quickly absorbed into Aedin...

@GM and Aedin

Cure Light- [roll0]

[josh13905]

Aedin cleans his sword, and then sheathes the weapon after a quick eye over the area. Then he turns back to the group, swaying a little on his feet. After the magic flows through him he feels quite a bit better. "Thank you Kaleb, that feels a lot better." Then walking over to the others, "Find anything useful on these wretches?"

[Fuzzies]

"Some decent coinage, and their weapons and armor. These - well, I don't know if pretty is quite the words - bits of jewelry. That's about it." Branwyn quickly divvies the coinage into 5 equal shares and passes it out. The rest she loads on the cart for sale back in town.

"If we are healed up, shall we be off then? We can't be too far from where the caravan was ambushed. Or did you want to try and track from here, Aedin?"

[Nixed]

"Well, if we can find them, following tracks might be the best idea. Constantly walking into ambushes is probably not going to work forever, and if we can find the camp while the main group is out maybe we can split them up." Shrugs as he returns to the group looking over the collected stuff and fallen corpses. "Of course there is no guarantee these are even the raiders that we're looking for. Even so we aught to at very least get these bodies out of sight from the road in case more come looking for them." Frowns, sheathing his sword and moving to do just that.

[josh13905]

Aedin nods once to Branwyn, the others were proving to be far more strategical in their thinking that he had thought they would. Perfect, less to look out for. "I'll see if I can find their tracks, and if I can then I'll take point, and lead by a ways, don't want anyone to disturb the tracks ya see... But If I get ambushed, you guys bail me out if you can, otherwise, run like hell." Aedin sheathes his own blade, walks to where the goblins were originally, and settles down to pick up the trail.

@AnySurvival Track:[roll0] Favored Enemy Bonus Applied.

[Firebeard]

Scanning the ground near the copse of trees that the goblins had been hiding in, Aedin saw a set of tracks that were fairly fresh, about 4 hours old. The tracks paralleled the road for about a quarter mile, in the direction you had been traveling, before cutting back across the road again and heading to the east.

A few hundred yards beyond the road, Aedin led you to a small camp where a number of tracks milled about. In addition to goblin tracks, the ranger found something a bit larger- perhaps an orc or hobgoblin. The tracks leading from the small campsite branched off in small groups, but the largest concentration continued east, towards the area marked Kurkle Ridge on your map.

It is a bit of a struggle getting the donkey and cart through the trees at times, but for the most part, there is plenty of room as the foliage is widely spread. As you get to the Ridge itself, the ground opens into rocky foothills and minor chasms. The tracks go around the worst of these, and the one that you are forced to cross is only about 3 foot across. It is a simple, if time consuming, matter to unhitch the donkey, lead it across, then manhandle the cart over the gap.

The tracks become denser as you approach a box canyon, the signs of many sandaled, booted, and bare feet unmistakable, even to the non-trackers in the group. The tracks lead into the canyon proper. After taking the time to scout out the canyon carefully - seeing no signs of life - you follow the trail in. There are a number of side passages that appear to go back a few dozen feet, but the main trail takes you straight ahead.

Finally, you reach the end of the box canyon. A craggy fissure opens up in the wall ahead of you, and the trail leads right into it. As you approach, you can see that the fissure opens into a dark tunnel that slopes downward into the ground beyond.



I made the appropriate tracking rolls for Aedin, just to move things along.

The travel here from Slumberton took you about 5 hours total, making it about 3 hours until sundown.

There are a number of small side canyons suitable for picketing the donkey if you so choose.

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb looks around at the canyon walls. "I don't like such a narrow pass in and out... seems to easy to get trapped. Aedin, you are our outdoors ma... er elf, what do you think of this place."

[Cardea]

Erika pauses in the path, and leans on her staff for support. "Hold on, I need to get my... focusssz.... ahhhh." She sighs in release, as her mind begins to empty thoughts of weariness, travel, her job, her life, as it begins to fill with thoughts of Arcane Formulas and Writings. Her head pulses in pain as her mind lashes back at her, her attempt to gain her second mindset fails.

[roll0]

[Nox Lupus]

While waiting for Aedin to take in the surroundings, Kaleb notices Ericka's little zone-out.
"Ericka, right... are you alright, you seem prone to periods of, lessened consciousness."

Kaleb inclines his head to the side slightly as he awaits her response. A slightly concerned look never entirely leaves his face.

[josh13905]

Yeah, Erika will definitely be the one needing the most protection in a fight...

Aedin looks at the cave thoughtfully, then to a sky. "We don't have much time until sunset, and that cave could be set up with an ambush, if we have to run while it's dark, we will have a disadvantage, perhaps we should wait until morning. Although then we run the risk of anyone inside leaving through another exit."

[Fuzzies]

"We've still got 3 or 4 hours until sunset, so it shouldn't really be an issue. More than that though, right now we have the advantage that no one here yet knows we are around. If we hold off, we could be spotted and then coming in here would be walking straight into a prepared position. That's fine for the man of metal over there, but I'm not exactly well suited for the frontal approach. I'm much more skilled at the sneaking in the dark and ambushing philosophy...well, when the ambush works anyways."

Branwyn couldn't believe it. they finally got that cursed donkey and its cart here and now Aedin wants to wait? The little rogue knew she was impulsive, but this seemed like madness to her. She peered into the tunnel to see if there was anything there of interest that she could see.


spot: [roll0]

[Cardea]

"Nnnoo its fine... and yeah... its Erika..." Erika mumbles and she tries to awaken her mind once more, running through even more Formulas.This time, her mind begins to flow and her thoughts become more clear as the Formulas begin to become all of her thought."Son of a... yeah, yeah just.... gimme a minute... " She says, her voice now calmer.

Changed thanks to Firebeard's new ruling.

[Nox Lupus]

The concern on Kaleb's face turns to a more quizical look...:smallconfused:

[Firebeard]

@Branwyn

The tunnel floor is smooth and uncluttered. It appears to run on a slight slope downward for about 60 feet or more before slanting downward at a steep angle and disappearing from view. From where you stand, you can just make out the end of a thick rope anchored to the tunnel floor just above the point where it slopes out of sight.

You can also see the still form of a large goblinoid slumped against the side of the tunnel near the rope.

[Fuzzies]

"Hsst!" Branwyn whispered as she spotted the form lying in the tunnel. "There's someone there, a guard maybe. About 60 feet in."

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb looks at Aedin, because there was no way Branwyn would be calling him forward to try and sneak around... :smallredface:

[Fuzzies]

"Just keep your voice down, ya big oaf," the halfling whispered. Branwyn smiled at Kaleb to take the sting out of her words. Sometimes Kaleb made her groan inside, but he had saved her life several times and she rather liked the tall man.

"How do we want to handle this?"

[Nox Lupus]

"What is it?"
Kaleb whispers...

[josh13905]

Aedin frowns, a figure in the tunnel meant that they were more than likely unable to move around the outside of the cave without being noticed. Alright, that changes things, it's more than likely a guard, and if that's the case, we'll have to take him out before he can raise the alarm, Branwyn, I think that's you're department, I'll stay close, Kael, stay here and watch Kaleb and Erika, if things go bad we're gonna need you to back us up. Questions?"

We better hurry or this could go bad... He gives a meaningful glance to Branwyn, and crouches low...

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn nodded at Aedin and drew a pair of daggers. Quietly, she slipped down the tunnel and towards the figure. As she approached, she took even more care with her steps, making sure that each foot was placed softly and surely, preventing unnecessary noise or stumbles.

The daggers in her hands were held securely, but she was weighing her options carefully. She was much better at throwing them then she was with stabbing, but the figure was apparently motionless. Could she sneak up to it and just cut its throat without it waking up?


Sneak up to the creature and sneak attack ambush it. Would it be an automatic hit and crit if it is asleep? I'll roll everything just in case.

If it appears to be a guard, based on what I can see, go ahead and attack. Obviously I would be going for the throat to prevent it from calling out if it survives the initial attack.

Move silently: [roll0]

dagger1: [roll1]
damage: [roll2] + [roll3] SA
crit damage: [roll4]

dagger2: [roll5]
damage: [roll6] + [roll7] SA
crit damage: [roll8]

edit: heh, both rolls are crit threats. figures I'd get that on the auto-hits :smallbiggrin:

[Nixed]

Stays back, as close as he can get to the opening without being noticed, waiting for either the alls well sign, or the sounds of battle, weapon and shield at the ready.

[Firebeard]

As stealthy as a halfling can be, Branwyn sneaks up on the dozing figure. The bugbear - for that is what the creature turns out to be - is sound asleep and never hears her approach. There is a dicely moment as the halfling contemplates whether to throw or cut, but in the end she decides the safest way is the best...simply slash the throat.

Making an X with her blades, Branwyn quickly slashes the beast's throat. It's eyes open wide and it starts to sit up before the pain and shock send it slumping back to the ground. In a matter of seconds it is still and the only motion is the blood pumping furiously from the slashed throat. Soon, even that slows to a trickle.

Branwyn sees that the tunnel slopes sharply downward and that a rope has been fastened to the tunnel floor to give a handhold to help with the ascent and descent. The fist 20 feet or so is cast in deep shadow, but beyond that darkness claims the tunnel.


Nice rolls there. You managed to hit and crit with both blades, easily slaying the sleeping sentry. He should have known better than to fall asleep on the job.

150 XP to everyone!

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn steps back to avoid the jet of blood from the bugbear's throat. Once she is sure the thing has been taken care of, she wipes the daggers on the bugbear's jerkin and replaces them in the bandolier. She then searches the thing's pockets and pouches before returning to the others.


Yes! Makes up for the miserable ambush. Of course, he was sleeping, but still.


"Bugbear guard. It's taken care of now. The tunnel goes in about 60 feet and then angles very sharply downward. I couldn't see how far it went without a light of some kind. It must be pretty steep though, because someone's pitoned a rope to the floor of the tunnel."

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb holds one of his short spears with both hands, ringing it slightly in his grip as he mentally prepares for the coming conflicts.

[Nixed]

A nod at the all clear he starts in, moving slowly, though working his way back up towards the front of the group.

[Cardea]

Erika takes a handful of bolts from her belt pouch, and grins from pleasure as arcane knowledge courses through her head. "This should be... interesting."

[Fuzzies]

"Perhaps one of you should hold a torch? I can scout ahead at the range of the light and look for traps and other dangers. This should be interesting." Branwyn was practically quivering with excitement. This was her first taste of underground adventuring since that bad job in the sewers a year or so back.

Leading the others, she drew a dagger from her bandoleer and, holding the rope with one hand, descended into the tunnel.

[Nox Lupus]

"I'll take it..." Kaleb offers, thrusting his hand out for the torch, maybe a bit too eagerly :smallredface:.

[Firebeard]

The tunnel leads down, down down. 200 feet or more go past, with the thick rope attached to the middle of the floor with pitons every 20 feet or so. Finally, the rope ends and the floor levels out more or less. Branwyn can see that the tunnel turns to the left and opens into a wider chamber.

The ceilings in this area are about 15 feet high, and the stone walls and floor, though natural, show signs of smoothing and shaping. There is a faint glow of shadowy illumination coming from around the corner.



Here's the map as you see it. (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/labEntry.png)

I need to know who is holding what light source before we go any farther.

[Firebeard]

With Kaleb standing in the back holding the light, Branwyn peeked around the corner. the tunnel opens into a roughly square chamber shored up by timbers. Four similar posts hold up the ceiling. A torch set in a sconce on the far wall lights the room. Two hobgoblins in heavy armor lean on the far wall, guarding a pair of burnished copper doors engraved with leering demonic faces. Unlike the earthen walls of the rest of the entry room, the walls that flank the doors are made of gray-green masonry. A hay bale is set near the eastern wall, with arrows sticking out of it.

@Branwyn

You mange to sneak your head around the corner without the hobgoblins giving any signs that they spotted you.

[Cardea]

Erika stands farther back away from the corner after seeing the Hobgoblins. She puts a hood over her face, and spins a crossbow bolt in her other hand.

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn stepped back and quietly told the others what she had seen. She explained the basic layout of the room and where the guards were in relation to it. "I think Kael and Aedin should go in first, with Erika and myself coming in behind as support. I didn't see any obvious trapdoors or anything. It just looks like the two guards."

@GM

I didn't see any traps did I?
search: [roll0]
spot: [roll1]

[Nixed]

Rolls his shoulders, nodding at the plan and responding quietly as he looks at Aeslin. "Left or right?"

((ooc: how big is the room?))

[Firebeard]

((OOC: Branwyn would have told you it is approximately 30'x30'))

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn whispered the room's dimensions to the Knight and then drew a dagger in each hand. She hunched around the corner, preparing for a dash and throw.

[Nixed]

Nods at the information and then prepares himself to charge into battle once again. Holding just around the corner until he gets the go ahead from his companions.

(attack rolls for once everyone is ready and all that, figuring we get a surprise round. If not then disregard. Also if the rolls are bad, then we've got like half an hour more discussion before attacking and disregard that too ;))

Charge at whichever hobgoblin Aelin isn't attacking. AC -2 (14) for the round.

Longsword Power Attack 1
[roll0]
[roll1]
crit on 19 or 20
[roll2]

[Firebeard]

As Aedin and Kael step around the corner, the shifting shadows caused by the torch Kaleb was trying to conceal gave their positions away. A cry of alarm rose from the left hobgoblin and both guards drew their weapons. Apparently they took their job much more seriously than the bugbear up top.



Initiative rolls...

Hobgoblins: [roll0]
Kael: [roll1]
Aedin: [roll2]
Erika: [roll3]
Branwyn: [roll4]
Kaleb: [roll5]


Round 1 Initiatives:

17 - Kael
13 - Aedin
12 - Branwyn
10 - Kaleb
7 - Hobgoblins
2 - Erika



Here's the map (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/labEncounter1.png)


Getting the jump on the guards, Kael rushed forward with sword swinging. He barely missed the pillar holding up the ceiling with his swing, and slashed deeply into the hobgoblin's chest. The creature barely had time to get his sword out before he was dead.

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb moves forward to illuminate the situation beyond...


move to B8, if vacated, otherwise A8

[josh13905]

Turning the corner, Aedin looked upon the enemy, with sword in hand. Kael was first to move, immediately taking out one of the opposition, Aedin snarled, contempt for the hobgoblin clear on his face, and he charged, his sword casting flickering shadows on the ground.

He was upon the orc in an instant, sword slashing in a fever.

Charge orc, moving to G9
Attack[roll0]
Damage[roll1]
Crit on 19 or 20

[Firebeard]

Aedin rushed forward and slashed out with his blade. The hobgoblin was skilled, but taken somewhat by surprise. Aedin's blade cut through him as easily as Kael had dropped the other guard.

It seemed the way was clear when an arrow came flashing from the darkness to slam into Aedin's back. Luckily for the ranger, this armor turned the warped arrow and it failed to penetrate.


The apparent death of all known foes allowed teh archer to act before Branwyn. It is as if Branwyn was holding her action.

arrow: [roll0] from hiding (no dex)
damage: [roll1]

[Cardea]

Erika runs down the rest of the corridor, and launches a crossbow bolt at the Hobgoblin thats left standing.


Move to C10.
To hit[roll0]
To kill[roll1]
If I crit: [roll2]

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn moved in fast and low, looking to the left where the archer must be hiding. AS soon as she got a clear shot, both daggers went winging towards the archer.


Move to E9 and throw both daggers.

dagger: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]

dagger: [roll2]
damage: [roll3]

I think the dice roller gets brain farts every now and then. Seriously? The dame numbers to hit and damage for BOTH rolls?

[Firebeard]

On a ledge about 5 feet off the floor stood a hobgoblin archer, already drawing another arrow from his quiver. He had sat concealed int eh darkness, and even now was in deep shadow. There was a short ladder leading up to his alcove.

Both of Branwyn's knives clattered off the stone outcropping the archer was hiding behind, as did Erika's crossbow bolt. Another clattering sound joined the din as the archer kicked the ladder to the floor, denying easy access to the ledge and then moved back against the far wall, just out of reach from the ground.



Round 2 Initiatives:

17 - Kael
13 - Aedin
10 - Kaleb
7 - Hobgoblins
6 - Branwyn
2 - Erika

Map is updated (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/labEncounter1a.png)

[josh13905]

Won't have time to post later so here they are;

Aedin spins, after the arrow glances off, spots the archer, and lets loose a dagger of his own. "Up there on the ledge!"

Attack: [roll0] -4 applied from offhand.
Damage:[roll1]

[Nox Lupus]

Seeing the ladder clatter on the ground, combined with Aedin's cry, Kaleb drops his backpack and rushes forward to lift the ladder back into position.

@GM

Move to E9
Standard action- set ladder back into place

Note: I'm honestly not sure how long setting a ladder in place takes so if its more than a standard action, let me know.

[Nixed]

Waits back, standing tall and imposing in hopes of drawing fire, not wanting to drop his sword and shield in favor of his new bow in case the noise of the battle brings more enemies through the door.


Delay until the rest of the group goes.

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn moves for a better angle and draws two more daggers. Concentrating on angling the blades up under the archer's armor, she flings first one, then the other.


Move to within 10', no obstructions and throw.

dagger: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]

dagger: [roll2]
damage: [roll3]

[Firebeard]

The hobgoblin archer snarls a curse at Kaleb and draws back another arrow. He fires point blank at the cleric and then kicks viciously at the ladder again.


arrow@Kaleb:
damage: [roll]l1d6

kaleb gets a AoO against the archer for kicking the ladder away.

If Kaleb was holding the ladder in place, then a strength check to keep the archer from kicking the ladder down again.


Branwyn's pair of daggers clink off dirt and stone again as the archer ducks aside. One glanced off the armor on his side though, showing Branwyn that she had the spot pinpointed.

[Cardea]

Erika flicks her free hand, and shouts out, pushing magical energy out towards the Hobgoblin. "Sh'yoon!"

Casting Magic Missle on the Hobgoblin.
[roll0]

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb reflexively, and defensively, thrusts at the Archer...

@GM

Attack- 1d20[/roll]


...then attempts to keep the ladder up against the hobgoblins continued attempts to kick it from his hand...

@GM

Str chk- [roll0]

[Firebeard]

Assuming the archer did not die due to the AoO...


Kaleb watches as the Archer shot an arrow at him, but stares in disbelief as he shot goes wide, the warped arrow flashing past his head. As the archer moves the kick the ladder away again, Kaleb tries to grab it, but his shaking fingers can't hold on and the ladder crashes to the floor again. He stabbed forward with his spear as the archer moved back, but the haft was deflected by the lip of the ledge.

Immediately afterward, Erika's spell slams into the archer, knocking him back against eh far wall, smoking holes in his jerking showing the damage the spell caused.

[Firebeard]

Kael can go at the end of round 2 if he likes, or can just go in his normal initiative order in round 3 if he prefers.

Round 3 Initiatives:

17 - Kael
13 - Aedin
10 - Kaleb
7 - Hobgoblins
6 - Branwyn
2 - Erika

Map is updated (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/labEncounter1b.png)

[Nixed]

No signs of other enemies coming and no path up to be able to engage the archer in hand to hand he switches out his longsword for the dagger in his belt and sends it end over end in an attempt to finish the fight.


Move action sheath sword/free action draw dagger.
Throw dagger @ archer. -2 for range
[roll0]
[roll1]
crit on 19/20
[roll2]

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb, trying to breath deeply without hyper-ventilating, gathers his nerve and attempts to put the ladder back up...

[Nixed]

Round 3:
One hand free now he trades out the shield for his newly purchased long bow and returns fire.


Hopefully this all works out right.
Move action, remove shield/draw bow.
Free action draw arrow,
Attack archer.

[roll0]
[roll1]
crit x3 on 20
[roll2]

[josh13905]

Switching out his own sword, for his dagger, Aedin looks at the hobgoblin against the wall, and lets fly the dagger tracing a path toward the wounded foe.


[roll0] Main hand now, -2 for range
Damage[roll1]
Move Action: Draw dagger, switch longsword to off hand,
Standard: Attack goblin.

[Firebeard]

The hobgoblin archer easily sidestepped both Kael's arrows and Aedin's dagger. He had practiced long and hard against his fellow guards, as they threw things at him and he dodged on the ledge. Of course, sometimes it wasn't always practice...

Seeing Kaleb trying to raise the ladder again, the archer snarled. He drew back the bow and waited for a chance to shoot straight past the leather scales. Seeing an opening, he loosed, and then kicked out at the ladder once more to send it toppling to the ground.


arrow@Kaleb: [roll0]

strength check for the ladder: [roll1]

I need an opposed strength check from Kaleb.


Reaching for the ladder threw off the creature's aim and the arrow flew straight past the cleric.

[Fuzzies]

Cursing up a blue streak, Branwyn snatched another pair of knives from her bandoleer and threw them angrily at the archer. She couldn't believe how poorly her aim was. It appeared that throwing knives at wooden targets was one thing, but throwing them at someone actively trying to dodge them and shooting back was quite another.


They better hit this time!

dagger: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]

dagger: [roll2]
damage: [roll3]

[Firebeard]

Perhaps the timing was right. Perhaps the hobgoblin was slowing down. Perhaps cursing at your weapons really does make the perform better. Whatever the reason, both of Branwyn's daggers flew true. One struck the hobgoblin in the side under a flap of armor. The other buried itself in his throat. The archer gave a gasp of disbelief and fell from the ledge, nearly landing on Kaleb and Branwyn as it tumbled.

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb stops his attempts to raise the ladder. Breathing hard he looks around at the group. "Is everyone alright?"

[josh13905]

Aedin lowers his blade, breathing heavily he focuses, and slowly his breathing returns to its normal rate. Giving his body a once over he nods to Kaleb he was ok. Then he says, "Not as quiet as I would have hoped but it got it done. Kael, I don't think he'll need this, I don't fancy the heavy stuff, and from the looks of it, Kaleb or Kael you want something better? " Aedin gesturs at the Hobgoblin's half-plate, then inspects both his daggers before returning them to their places.

Is Kael prof. with heavy armour? If yes I think he's the only one, unless Kaleb can. I'd like the shield if no one else wants it, but it's of minimum importance because eventually I'll be dual-wielding anyways.

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb moves over and looks over the equipment. The Heavy wooden shield catchs his eye and he holds it up to the torch light to inspect it.

"I would take this if no one else needs it."

Kaleb already carries a light wooden shield, in addition to is leather scalemail. Judging by the close encounter with the archer, holding the heavier shield is making the cleric feel a bit safer.

[Nixed]

Frowning at the lack of being able to hit the archer he nods reshuffling his weapons back to the longsword shield combo. "Yeah, if it fits that might be a good idea... Though I don't know if we want to waste too much time here... looking back down the tunnel. Or much time lugging this stuff around for that matter. I'd say stash whatever we don't need up there and we can get it on the way back."

[Nox Lupus]

kaleb nods at that idea as he sets his small shield to the side and straps on the hobgoblin heavy wooden shield.

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn picks through the loot pile for a few moments, making sure that there is nothing of use for her there. Then, she left the loot to the others and began searching the door for traps, locks, or anything that might be important to know before they go through.


Branwyn will make this a standard routine at every closed door. So if I don't post it, please assume that she did it. If we have time, she'll take 20 for the search roll.

search: [roll0]
listen: [roll1]
disable device: [roll2]
open lock: [roll3]

[Nixed]

Hearing no objections he goes about trading out to the more protective armor while Branwyn checks things out for them, asking for help with straps and whatnot as necessary.

[josh13905]

Thrusting the pair of hand axes through his belt and proffers one dagger to each of the others except Branwyn. After this he walks up beside Branwyn, drawing his blade, and preparing for the next room.

I'll take the hand axes for now, we can leave the rest here. Ready to move on

[Firebeard]

@Branwyn

As far as you can tell there are no traps on the doors, nor is there a latching mechanism. The handles on the doors indicate that the doors open inwards towards you. You hear nothing ont he other side of the doors.

[Nixed]

Even more tank-like in his new armor he readies his sword and shield once more and stands ready, letting someone else open the door so he can be ready for whatever awaits behind them.

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb waves off the dagger, but gives an appreciative smile. :smallsmile:

[Fuzzies]

Seeing the others readying themselves for the next room, Branwyn hauls open the right door and steps aside for Kael.


When everyone's ready. I am assuming that since the map showed 2 separate doors with a divider in between, that I can't just open both wide with a single move.

[Firebeard]

As Branwyn throws her door open, the torchlight spills into the room revealing a wide, high chamber of gray-green stone walls. Chains and manacles hang from the walls. A round wooden table surrounded by chairs sits in the middle, and copper doors are visible on the wall beyond. Painted in red across the doors is a word of some sort. to the left of the doors, another torch sits in a scone mounted on the wall.

Standing in the doorway, Kael can see a pile of crates and barrels. Behind them is a goblin, crouching down in an attempt to hide.



Initiative rolls:


Kael: [roll0]
Aedin: [roll1]
Erika: [roll2]
Branwyn: [roll3]
Kaleb: [roll4]
goblin: [roll5]

round 1 Initiatives...

Aedin 19
Branwyn 17
Erika 17
goblin 14
Kaleb 13
Kael 7


Here's the map (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/labEncounter2.png)

[josh13905]

Aedin spots the goblin, and moves quickly into the room, drawing his dagger as he moves and flinging it with a flick of his wrist at the crouching goblin, a snarl on his face. all the while his eyes flitting to the shadows where other goblins may be in wait.

Move Action: Move to I6, combined with Draw Dagger
Standard: Throw Dagger at hiding goblin, think from an angle not covered by barrels.

Attack:[roll0] -2 included due to range
Damage:[roll1]

[Fuzzies]

oops. out of order. Branwyn is going to wait for Kael to go in first.

[Firebeard]

As Aedin charges into the room, a motion to his right distracts him. Another goblin is hiding behind the barrels and crates there, javelin in hand. He calls a warning out to the others still in the room behind, but his distraction causes the dagger to fly wide.



I have updated the map (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/labEncounter2a.png) based on what Aedin can now see.

[Nox Lupus]

Seeing the direction the Javelin flew from, Kaleb charges into the room to try give Aedin cover. Seeing the two goblins, Kaleb adopts a defensive stance

@GM

Move- C5 to I6
Full defensive fighting- hold for attacker to come w/n melee range

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn runs in behind Aedin and launches a pair of daggers at the nearest goblin.


move to H6.

dagger:[roll0]
damage: [roll1] + [roll2]SA

dagger:[roll3]
damage: [roll4] + [roll5]SA

the dice roller HATES me :smallfurious:

[Firebeard]

In order to move things forward, I am going to DMPC Erika for a round.


Not wanting to barge into an unknown situation before the melee can all arrive, Erika Held her quarterstaff across her in a defensive posture and waited for Kael to act.

The goblin nearest Aedin dropped its javelin to the floor and drew a rusted shortsword. It flailed the sword at the ranger as if hoping that waving the blade in the air would make its opponent fall over.

The other goblin threw its javelin at Branwyn, the nearest unengaged foe. As Branwyn was focused on that one, another goblin popped from behind the crates and barrels in the opposite corner and also threw his javelin at the halfling.


Erika takes the total defense action.

shortsword@Aedin: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]

javelin@Branwyn : [roll2]
damage: [roll3]

javelin@Branwyn : [roll4] against flatfooted
damage: [roll5]

Branwyn takes 3 damage

map is updated (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/labEncounter2b.png)

Kaleb can adjust his actions, as necessary.
Kael goes and then we start round 2. Feel free to post in any order and I'll merge the actions.


round 2 Initiatives...

Aedin 19
Branwyn 17
Erika 17
goblin 14
Kaleb 13
Kael 7

[Nixed]

Moves in, seeing the javelin hit the Halfling he turns and engages the goblin who threw it.


Move to H4 attack with long sword.
Power Attack 1 - AC19
[roll0]
[roll1]
Crit on 19/20
[roll2]

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn curses again (hey it worked last time) and drew another pair of daggers. She moved to guard Kael's back, and to bring her closer to the bastard that hurt her.


Move to H5. Grudge Keeper in effect

[Nox Lupus]

Being in 'touch' rage of two melee-people, nah he's good where he's at :smallbiggrin:


Kaleb reaches out and, with a short prayer on his lips and holy symbol in his grip, touches Branwyn...

"We stand in the light"

@GM & Branwyn

Spontaneous casting- Cure Minor- 1hp back

[josh13905]

The goblin's shortsword finds its way through his chain shirt, and pierces his flesh. The nick causes his breath to catch but nothing more, and he flicks the sword around, and tries to catch the goblin off-guard.


5-foot step to I8
Aedin Attack goblin [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Firebeard]

The goblin's shortsword finds its way through his chain shirt, and pierces his flesh. The nick causes his breath to catch but nothing more, and he flicks the sword around, and tries to catch the goblin off-guard.


5-foot step to I8
Aedin Attack goblin [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Sorry mate, I got your sheet and Kael's confused. I didn't realize he connected. Good catch

[Cardea]

Erika walks into the next room, and looks around to see what her comrades have been fighting, and turns to the left to see another one of the little creatures in the corner. She holds out a crossbow bolt, and yells out "Kan'tiel!"

Casting Launch Bolt.
To hit: [roll0]
To damage the little thing: [roll1]

Edit: Lolwut.

[Firebeard]

Kael and Aedin's attacks smash up against the crates and barrels the goblins are hiding behind, while Erika's crossbow bolt slams into the wooden barricade as well.

Aedin's opponent lashed out at him over the top of the crate between them. The goblin fighting Kale went for its shortsword as well, coming across with a slashing movement. The third goblin continued to chuck javelins at Kaleb, who was sitting in the middle of the room trying to keep an eye on two combats at once.


shortsword@Aedin: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]

shortsword@Kael: [roll2]
damage: [roll3]

javelin@Kaleb: [roll4]
damage: [roll5]

Map is updated (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/labEncounter2c.png)


Kaleb can adjust his actions, as necessary.
Kael goes and then we start round 3. Feel free to post in any order and I'll merge the actions.


round 3 Initiatives...

Aedin 19
Branwyn 17
Erika 17
goblin 14
Kaleb 13
Kael 7


Fortunately for the companions, the crates and barrels hinder their opponents as well. No one was injured.

[Nixed]

Just misses the quicker enemy with his blade, deflecting the return strike with his shield pushing the blade wide and swinging in once more.


attack H3 with long sword.
Power Attack 1 - AC19
[roll0]
[roll1]
Crit on 19/20
[roll2]

[Firebeard]

Kael's strike flies true, tearing into the goblin before him and sending it dead to the ground.

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn moves fast back towards Aedin's taarget and launches a flurry of steel at him.


come on, please! Move to J7, I guess.

dagger:[roll0]
damage: [roll1]

dagger:[roll2]
damage: [roll3]

[josh13905]

Aedin ducks under the slashing blade, and comes back up to retaliate. If Branwyn didn't slay the goblin nearest him, he swings at it again. If Branwyn did then he charges the goblin at the other end of the room.

Attack.[roll0]+2 if charge
Damage[roll1]

[Firebeard]

Aedin's sword slash was met by the lid of a barrel that the goblin had pried up. The little creature grinned around the barrel lid with sharp pointy teeth at the ranger. With a loud thunk Branwyn's dagger sinks nearly to the hilt in the goblin's forehead. The grin still on its face, the goblin's knees buckled and it fell to the floor.


Waiting on Erika and then we'll move on.

Kael can feel free to post if he likes, I'll work it in after the goblin's actions.

[Cardea]

Erika, frustrated and angry, moves another crossbow bolt to her free hand, and fires it off at the Goblin. "Kan'tiel!"

Casting Launch Bolt again. I have two more left, I believe.
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Nixed]

Assuming Erika/Kaleb don't cut him down and he doesn't run somewhere.
Move to, wherever he can attack the last goblin.
Attack with long sword.
Power Attack 1.
[roll0]
[roll1]
crit 19/20 x2
[roll2]

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb holds for one of the goblins to threaten a throw...

@GM

Kaleb will throw his spear if he sees this
Still Fighting Defensively...

Attack- [roll0]
Dmg- [roll1]

If this specific even doesn't happen, he'll move to heal anyoen who is injured further when he can.

[Firebeard]

Erika's crossbow bolt flies wide as the goblin ducks behind the crates again. It came back up with its last javelin and threw it hard at Kaleb once again. It let out a set of loud shrieks in the goblin tongue as the javelin flew.


javelin@Kaleb: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]

Kaleb takes 1 damage.

Map is updated. (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/labEncounter2d.png)


Kaleb can go, and then we'll start round 3. Feel free to post in any order and I'll merge the actions.

round 3 Initiatives...

Aedin 19
Branwyn 17
Erika 17
goblin 14
Kaleb 13
Kael 7



The goblin's javelin launches across the room to find a crease in Kaleb's armor.
The wound is minor, but it throws the cleric's aim off significantly, the spear nearly gutting Kael as he ran to the lone goblin.

Kale rushes over to the goblin's hiding place and lashes out with his longsword, but once again finds a crate blocking his swing.

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb curses himself for having given in to his more aggressive impulses. Clearing this was a sign of his lord's displeasure... He draws his other short spear and resets himself into a defensive posture.

[Fuzzies]

"Hah!" Branwyn shouts as her dagger slipped between the crates to impale the goblin. It was about time. Kaleb get nicked by the thrown javelin, she spun, jumped up on the table, and launched another pair of daggers at the remaining greenskin.


Move to J6 on top of the table, throw a pair.

jump: [roll0]

dagger: [roll1]
damage: [roll2]

dagger: [roll3]
damage: [roll4]

[josh13905]

Aedin charges the goblin opposite the room, his sword whistling through the air as he moves to strike the goblin to the ground. Bobbing and weaving as he goes to distract the goblin, and staring him dead in the eyes.

Charge Goblin, move to K8
Attack[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]
AC 15 this round.

[Firebeard]

Branwyn's dagger flashed in as Aedin made his charge. The dagger thunked home and disabled the goblin's sword arm just in time for the ranger's attack to land home. The strong blow nearly cut the goblin in two. The goblin fell and the companions realized that no more attackers were around.

Looking around the room, you see that the open passages are surmounted by arched passageways, the arches themselves fashioned in the form of leering demonic faces. The closed wooden doors are barred, with red painted letters in some language scrawled across them.

Amongst the crates and barrels stacked in the corners are 3 boxes marked with the crescent and sheaf sigil of the Chicane guild, obviously some of the goods you have been sent to look for.

If you can read goblin...

The red letters on the doors reads "Danger"

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb checks the others to see how wounded, and once they are tended, moves to recover his spear.


If you are hurt, post it on the OOC thread and I'll post what healing I can spread around.

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn step on the head of the first goblin she killed an yanked her dagger from its skull. It was amazing how tightly a thin-bladed knife could get stuck in bone. Then, she proceeded to gather her other daggers from the floor and boxes where they had landed during the fight.

Once her weaponry was stowed on her bandoleer again, she went about the fun part of her job...searching for loot. She found a few items on the goblins, especially a key that she palmed...then brought out again to show the others when she caught Kaleb looking at her.

"Perhaps we should stack these crates together and come back for them when we've found the others. The kid said there were 8, right?" She said, motioning at the Chicane guild crates in the corners. She began to drag the closest one over by the door that they entered by.

That done, she inspected the wooden doors. "Says 'bladvak' on here,which is goblin for 'danger' I think. Or maybe its 'fungus'. My written goblin's not too good." So saying she checked all 3 doors for traps or other interesting information.


search: [roll0]
open lock: [roll1]
listen: [roll2]

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb inspects the crates for damage or signs of having been looted by the goblins...

[Nixed]

"Yeah I don't think carrying them around is going to help any better off leaving them here. Any thought as to which way to go, or are we sticking with the dangerous fungus room..." Cleans and sheaths his blade, looks around a bit himself.

[Firebeard]

Branwyn looked over the doors and found that they were barred from this side, but apparently had no traps or locks on them. The demon arches were likewise untrapped, if a bit creepy.

Kaleb and Kael brought the other two crates over to the one Branwyn had dragged out, noting that none of the crates appears to have been molested.

None of the doorways leading from the room show any particular signs of activity, but the northern archway showed the signed of flickering light, as if from a torch, in the far distance.

[josh13905]

Aedin snarls as he yanks his sword from the goblin carcass, cleaning it on the goblin's cloth. Sheathing his sword he turns back to others, and assesses the situation. Finding nothing much to add to the plan, he nods his head toward the door with Danger/fungus above it. "If somethings dangerous to Goblins its probably dangerous to us as well. Mayber we go the other way first then if the crates aren't there, we take that path?" He finishes while picking up his own dagger.

[Fuzzies]

"I agree. Let's check out that corridor with the lights in it first, then double back as needed. Barred doors saying 'danger' don't usually lead to storage areas like this one. And light for goblins means someone's up and about. They don't need light to see, but for reading, games, and such."

Branwyn frowned a bit as she thought. Of course, 'danger' cound just be a bluff. We'll still need to check it out later.

She moved quietly to the north arch and adjusted her eyes to the darkness beyond, trying to see anything out of place ... or any one.



search: [roll0]
listen: [roll1]
spot: [roll2]

[Cardea]

Erika listens as they discuss what to do next. "I will remain here and watch if anything sounds out from behind, or even hits, the wooden doors." Erika says, moving to a spot ten feet out from the doors. "If you find anything of a peculiar, arcane-persuasion, let me know."

[Nixed]

Assumes their standard order thus far as it'd worked fairly well, following Branwyn immediately after Aedin weapons ready to resume front line duties.

[Firebeard]

The northern hallway slopes sharply downward for about 30 feet, opening into a small room. Lit by a gently flichering torch, the chamber is indeterminately wide from your vantage. You can see a heavily armored goblin. He's crouched, and he's picking up something and dropping it on the floor in front of him near a battleaxe.


Here's what you see (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/labEncounter3.png)

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn motions for Kaleb to stay back with the light, and then sneaks forward towards the room to get a better view of what is happening. She stays to the shadows and gets as close as she can to the doorway without being seen. Along the way she checks carefully for any traps.


Move silently: [roll0]
hide:[roll1]
search: [roll2]

[Nixed]

Does his best to stay back enough to not to hinder the rogue and her sneaking while staying close enough to quickly come to her aid should she run into trouble.

[Firebeard]

As Branwyn creeps closer to the room, she can see that to the right are a set of triple bunk beds and to the left are more crates and barrels. The goblin appears to be throwing runebones absently. She is still about 10 feet inside the hallway when the goblin looks up sharply and then gives a cry of alarm. Branwyn has been spotted!


oops! the goblin rolled a 19 on that spot check!

Initiative rolls:


Kael: [roll0]
Aedin: [roll1]
Erika: [roll2]
Branwyn: [roll3]
Kaleb: [roll4]
goblin: [roll5]

Round 1 initiatives...

goblin - 20
branwyn - 18
aedin - 14
kaleb - 12
erika - 6
kael - 6

Here's the current map (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/labEncounter3a.png)

[Firebeard]

The goblin snatches up his battleaxe from the floor and rushes at Branwyn, axe swinging. From the left, another goblin rushes across the room to one of the bunkbeds and retrieves its own battleaxe.


Goblin1 moved to D5 on your map and attacked Branwyn. Goblin 2 is standing in E2.

battleaxe: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]

Branwyn takes 6 damage! sucks when the gobin is faster than the halfling rogue :smalleek:


Taken by surprise, Branwyn fails to evade the axe blow and the rusty blade crashes deep into her chest, staggering her. The wound is deep and the vicious goblin smiles a ragged, sharp toothed smile at her as it yanks the blade free.

[Nox Lupus]

See blood fly and hearing Branwyn grunt in pain, Kaleb runs forward...

"Lord Pelor, grant me your divine power so that I may heal my ally's wounds...

@GM & Branwyn

Move to C7 (25')
Edit- Per Branwyn's stagger- move to C8
Cure Light- [roll0]
+2 Augment healing

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn staggered backwards from the blow and sent her daggers whistling at the goblin that wounded her. The gash in her chest hurt like hell, and she hoped Kaleb was as alert as usual.


5' step back, throw twice, grudge keeper in effect

dagger: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]

dagger: [roll2]
damage: [roll3]

[josh13905]

The daggers fly through the air toward the goblin, and as that attack ends another begins immediately Aedin nimbley rushing past Kaleb, and Branwyn, taking up his sword, and slashing at the goblin who had wounded Branwyn. "You'll pay for that!"

Move to C6, per Branwyn vacating the spot.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage:[roll1]
AC 17, +1 dodge on goblin Aedin isn't attacking, but is next to.

[Nixed]

Heads down the hall and joins the battle with another flash of his longsword.


If the goblin at D5 hasn't been cut down yet move to C6 and attack w/long sword.
AC 18
Power Attack 1
[roll0]
[roll1]
crit on 19/20
[roll2]

else

move 20' limit to d5 and ready attack

[Cardea]

"Hey! Did you guys find somethi-" Erika shouts down the hallway, stopping as she sees Branwyn being cut in the chest by such a... lowly... filthy... disgusting... creature... how dare it touch her! How dare it think it would dare touch any of us! Her mind floods with Arcane Knowledge, and after seeing her other allies rush in after it, reaches out with her hand, and yells out one word of power, this time in common...

"Suffer!" And grins evilly as a bolt of force leaps from her hand at the goblin.

Casting Magic Missle on the Goblin punk that hit Branwyn.
[roll0]

Edit: My face (http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/6/26/woah128589732614822136.jpg) when I saw I rolled max damage. Really makes me happy.

[Firebeard]

Staggering, Branwyn missed her target and the knives flew into the room beyond. Aedin and Kael moved forward to block the hallway and engage the lone goblin, but it was quick with its battleaxe and blocked both blows. Erika's magic missiles managed to find a mark however, causing Kael to duck as they zoomed over his head and crashed into the attacking goblin. Meanwhile, the healer Kaleb moved forward and once again wiped away all traces of Branwyn's injuries.

In return, the goblin in front slashed at Aedin with his axe while the other charged Kael. The one landed a solid blow on Kael, forcing a grunt from the Knight.


attack@Aedin: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]


charge@Kael: [roll2]
damage: [roll3]

Kael takes 3 damage

Round 2 initiatives...

goblin - 20
branwyn - 18
aedin - 14
kaleb - 12
erika - 6
kael - 6

Map is updated (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/labEncounter3b.png)

[Nox Lupus]

As Kael took the hit from the Goblin's axe, an often used adage of Kaleb's old mentor rang in his mind "A healer's work is never done" :durkon:...
Shifting forward, Kaleb touches his wounded ally...

"We stand in the light" He chants briefly

@GM & Kael

5' adjust to D8
Cure Minor- 1hp

[Fuzzies]

From her place of relative safety behind Kael, Branwyn drew another pair of knives, fixated upon the goblin that wounded her. She flung the blades past Kael's elbow, aiming for the unprotected armpit of the goblin as it raised its axe to strike at Kale.



Grudge keeper in effect

dagger: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]

dagger: [roll2]
damage: [roll3]

[Nixed]

Momentarily distracted by the flashing light of the spell cast behind him he's unable to deflect the attack of the charging goblin and takes some damage to his shoulder before returning the attack.


PA1
[roll0]
[roll1]
crit
[roll2]

[josh13905]

Seeing Kael stand by him, even after being struck makes Aedin wrathful. Swinging his own sword in a deadly side slash at the goblin's side, two of his companions had been injured this fight. There would be no quarter given.

Attack C6 Goblin[roll0]
Damage[roll1]

[Firebeard]

Kael's attack was successful where the others were not. His blow felled the goblin before him. The other goblin launched another series of strikes at Aedin, battling furiously now that his partner had been felled.


attack@Aedin: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]

Aedin takes 7 damage

Round 3 initiatives...

goblin - 20
branwyn - 18
aedin - 14
kaleb - 12
erika - 6
kael - 6

Map is updated (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/labEncounter3c.png)

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb gasps as the other goblin scored another solid hit on one of his companions. With a calming breath, Kaleb gathers and focuses the divine power within him...

@GM

Full round action-
Transfer one daily use of Healing Devotion (See CS)
-Will grant Kael Aedin Fast Healing 1 for 1 minute at completion; burn 1 turn attempt to do so.

Edit: sorry, to many people being nearly mortally wounded.

[josh13905]

The goblins blade gets under Aedin's guard, and cuts him deep in the chest. Aedin coughs up blood, and then retaliates with a strike of his own, in a last chance effort to take down his foe.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage[roll1]
1/9 HP AC 18 vs standing goblin.

Can't access sheet atm, MW is too busy.

[Firebeard]

Kaleb gasps as the other goblin scored another solid hit on one of his companions. With a calming breath, Kaleb gathers and focuses the divine power within him...

@GM

Full round action-
Transfer one daily use of Healing Devotion (See CS)
-Will grant Kael Fast Healing 1 for 1 minute at completion; burn 1 turn attempt to do so.


Aedin is the one that just took teh big hit, not Kael

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn followed her usual procedure and drewa pair of throwing daggers, sending one to either side of Aedin at the goblin beyond.


dagger: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]

dagger: [roll2]
damage: [roll3]

[Cardea]

OOC
Can't do anything at this point. Withholding action. Also, can't see any more Goblins on the map.

[Nixed]

Attempts to finish off the remaining goblin with another flash of steel.


If Branwyn's attack didn't do it.
[roll0]
[roll1]
crit 19/20
[roll2]

[Firebeard]

Between them, Kael and Branwyn finish off the second goblin. Once again the sounds of battle are stilled, and yet there appears to be no force coming to investigate the noises. Either the walls in here mask sounds very well, or the goblins are used to squabbling amongst each other and don't pay much attention to such noises.

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb finishes gathering his focus and then reaches out and touches Aedin. A slight golden light passes from Kaleb's arm to Aedin's body.

@GM & Aedin

Healing Devotion-
Aedin has Fast Healing 1 for the next minute.
Burning 1 Turn Undead use do this.


Once this is done, Kaleb looks to the others... "Is anyone else hurt?"

[josh13905]

As the wound closes up Aedin lets out a sigh of relief. He nods his thanks to Kaleb, and says, "Thank you, how much more magic do you have left?"

He looks at his sword, he had been off that fight, he didn't seem to have been able to hit anything.

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb gives a rueful smile and says "Spells? None, I have only this special gift of Pelor, taught to me by my Order. I can do this another few times today, it will heal your body over a short time... In combat though, it might not be fast enough to compete with an opponent's blade.

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn recovers her daggers and begins to search the goblins and the room for useful items.

[Firebeard]

Searching through the goblins' stuff, Branwyn finds a number of useful items,but not much in the way of treasure. The crates and footlockers are another matter however. 3 of the crates clearly have the marking of the Chicane guild, and are the right size and shape for the missing containers. The other crates hold an assortment of moldy trail rations and other consumables. 2 picks and a shovel lean against the wall.

Most of the footlockers are empty, or hold only clothing, but one of the footlockers had an extremely rusted lock on it. It took Branwyn all of 10 seconds to pop the lock. Inside was a collection of coins, which when counted totaled 225g.

On the far side of the room, the rune bones the goblin had been throwing lay on the floor. The roll was a Death's Head, the lowest throw possible.

[Cardea]

Erika makes her way down the hallway, looking around the room as she enters it. She looks at the crates, and nods. "Betting these are the ones that were stolen. But that'd just be my guess." She steps away from them, and smiles at the result of the Die Roll. "Cute. Does anyone particularly mind if I take these for my amusement?"

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb raises an eyebrow at Erika "I would use caution with those. Magical or not, I would suspect that such an object of divination would be associated with some dark power."

[Firebeard]

Looking around, you can see that the bunk beds show signs of recent use, so perhaps there are 12 or more goblins that use this place as a regular place of rest. Either that, or these two like to sleep in a different bed every night. The entry you came through is yet another of the leering demon arches, and there is another in the wall directly opposite of your entrance, leading to a darkened chamber.

[Fuzzies]

"Well, looks like there is only 1 way to go from here. Shall we continue?" Branwyn begins to edge up to the other archway, acutely aware of the fact that anyone walking through will be outlined by the light from the torches in the room. To that ewnd, she stays low and hugs the sides as much as possible, peering into the darkness beyond.


hide: [roll0]
move silently: [roll1]
search: [roll2]
spot: [roll3]
listen: [roll4]

Edit: I am appalled that those rolls were wasted on a doorway

[Nixed]

For the short time working together they've fallen into a fairly comfortable rhythm. No reason to change things now he follows the Rogue, again as far away as possible to avoid giving things away while still being able to aid her with whatever they encounter next.

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb tries to stay not too far away from anyone. Though his quicker healing abilities were exhausted, he still had a few tricks left up his sleeve...

[Firebeard]

@Branwyn

In the darkness, it is difficult to see what is coming ahead, but you do notice that the earthen floor turns into a wooden planked bridge. The suspension bridge crosses a deep chasm that is only about 8-10 feet wide. You can barely see the far side of the bridge, which appears to open into a natural cavern - as opposed to the worked stone that you have been seeing in these rooms.

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn calls softly back to the others to let them know what she has found. Then, she gingerly steps onto the bridge and begins to make her way across.



same rolls as before, if necessary

[Nixed]

Reaching the bridge he's torn between covering Branwyn while she crosses and getting over to the other side as quickly as possible to hold that end of the bridge should they meet resistance on the other side. A quick reflection on shooting arrows wide as opposed to the number of enemies he's already cut down with his blade ends the internal debate however and he starts across the bridge as well after Bran has made it a quarter way or so across.

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb holds for Branwyn to make it across the bridge before following...

[Cardea]

Erika only smiles quietly to herself as she picks up the dice. She fondles them in her hand, before slipping them into one of her pouches. She follows down the tunnel with the others, speeding up her pace to catch up to them. She freezes up when she sees the bridge, as she steps behind them.

[josh13905]

Aedin hefts a shield before piling the rest of the loot off to the side. Then continuing along with the others, he slings the shield across his back, sheathing his sword as well. After hearing from Branwyn what is ahead he says;

"I don't like this, seems like a trap... and the walls, they're not the same."

He follows the little halfling as soon as she crosses as quickly as he dares.

[Firebeard]

As Kaleb moves the torch out onto the bridge, it is easy to see that the chasm actually ends about 20 feet below the bridge - deep enough to be an dangerous obstacle, but not so deep that you couldn't climb out if someone fell in and survived the fall.

the raised earthen pathway on the other side of the bridge appears to be surrounded by the chasm, like an island or peninsula, with the chasm surrounding it as far as you can see in the meager light. To the west, there is a ladder laying on the ground at the edge of the chasm. To the east is the bare outlines of another bridge and the flicker of torchlight high in the distance.



@everyone

This is what you see (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/rift.png)



@Aedin
You can see a number of tracks heading in both directions, though the westward tracks are more prevalent. You can distinguish both small and medium sized humanoid tracks, as well as some that look like rodent tracks.

[Nox Lupus]

"Which way?" Kaleb whispers

[Fuzzies]

"The bridge over there suggests that the complex might continue on that way." Branwyn said, just as quietly.

[Nixed]

"The ladder is up, that makes it unlikely anyone is down in the pit there. I would think it better to investigate up here to limit the chance of someone surprising us while we're at a disadvantage if we need to explore the pit later." Looking around. "I agree with checking the bridge out first."

[josh13905]

Aedin inspects the ground carefully then stands, and looks to the others.

"Their tracks show that most of them are traveling that way, with less traveling the other. " He says pointing to the west.

[Firebeard]

You move towards the bridge to the east, Branwyn scouting ahead and making little noise...especially compared tot eh rest of the group. She had just reached the bridge and was about to report back the all clear when the scrabbling of tiny claws on stone can be heard. From all around you rodents appear. Rats...big ones!



Initiative rolls:


Kael: [roll0]
Aedin: [roll1]
Erika: [roll2]
Branwyn: [roll3]
Kaleb: [roll4]
rats: [roll5]

Round 1 Initiatives...

Kael 17
Branwyn 11
Aedin 10
rats 5
Erika 5
Kaleb 5


Here's the map (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/labEncounter4a.png)

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb is caught off guard by the appearance of these rodents of unusual size. A moments hesitation is all it takes to give the ROUSs an advantage before Kaleb pulls his spear and falls back into a defensive posture.

Assuming no one gets swarmed, Kaleb thrusts at a nearby rat...

@GM

Full defensive- +2 AC, -4 attack
Attack- [roll0]

...IF someone does get ganked by the rats, Kaleb will begin the full round action to transfer his Healing Devotion ability instead...

[josh13905]

Aedin head swivels back and forth taking in the situation at a glance, this wasn't going to end well, there were a lot of rats... He had to try and lessen their numbers before it was too late. He stepped closer, and lashed out at one of the beasts with his blade.

Step to K4, Draw and slash:
NOTE: Shield not drawn yet, two handed strike, not enough actions to draw both.
Attack[roll0]
Damage[roll1]

[Nixed]

Moves towards the back of the group attacking with his sword to help protect the non-melee members of the group.


Move to I5 attack H5
Power attack 1
[roll0]
[roll1]
crit
[roll2]

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn, realizing that she is out front and possibly surrounded by enemies looks back to see Aedin moving forward towards her, and Kael moving to the rear. Right, throw and move, honey. She launched a pair of daggers at the unengaged rat, and then followed them, somersaulting past the snarling beast to end up where Kael had stood before.


throw a pair, then move to J5. The somersault is just flavor, not tumbling.

dagger: [roll0]
damage: [roll1] + [roll2] SA

dagger: [roll3]
damage: [roll4] + [roll5] SA

[Firebeard]

The first wave of rats pose little challenge as Branwyn, Kael, and Aedin each kill one. The ease with which they dispatched their opponents at odds with the difficulties of the last few fights. Perhaps their practice at working together was beginning to pay off.

The lone remaining rat lunged at the nearest person, Erika, and attempted to sink its sharp teeth through her robes. As it did so, another 4 rats scrambled to the top of the embankment.


bite@Erika: [roll0]

Kaleb can redo his action if he likes, and Erika and we move on to Round 2.

Round 2 Initiatives...

Kael 17
Branwyn 11
Aedin 10
rats 5
Erika 5
Kaleb 5


Here's the map (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/labEncounter4b.png)


Erika gasped as the sharp teeth found the flesh of her legs beneath the robes. She managed to kick it free finally, but a small trickle of blood flowed down her leg.

[Nox Lupus]

Speaking directly to Erika "Quickly, switch places with me!" Kaleb says. He then resumes his defensive fighting stance and thrusts at the next rat.

@GM

As no damage was scored Kaleb will keep his actions the same for this round as last... Kaleb will wait til Erika can switch squares with him...

Attack- [roll0]
Dmg- [roll1]

[Cardea]

"Gladly. My power is almost gone as it stands." Erika says, limping behind Kaleb.

[Nixed]

As Erika moves he steps up and fills her spot, effectively keeping the rats away from the rest of the party. "Help her, and try and keep them off my back I'll keep them off you." A quick glance to Kaleb before striking at the next Rodent.


Power Attack 1
[roll0]
[roll1]
crit
[roll2]

[Firebeard]

A quick round of maneuvering follows as Kaleb, Erika, and Kael all swap positions. Erika ends up where Kael had stood, while Kaleb steps to the side, beside her original position, and swipes ineffectively at the rat. Kael ends up next to the rat and neatly skewers the terrier-sized rodent with his blade.


Current positions:

Kael - H4
Kaleb - H5
Erika - I5

[Nox Lupus]

Not ending up quite where he had intended, Kaleb notices the growing blood stain on Erika's leg. Mentally, he plans what he will do next...

@GM

Thanks for the movement clarification, lol.

Next Round, as Kaleb already attacked, he will prepare to transfer his Healing Devotion ability to Erika.

[Fuzzies]

Up against a rat that came up to her knees, Branwyn was more than a little concerned. She was made to engage from afar, not up close and personal. Glancing behind her, she saw that Erika was right behind her, but that there was a space beyond the mage that she could get to.

With a mumbled "out of the way, sister!" she rolled back behind Aedin, drawing another pair of daggers. She then launched them at the rat that she had been so up close and personal with a moment before.


5' to I4 and throw a pair at the rat in K5.

dagger: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]

dagger: [roll2]
damage: [roll3]

[josh13905]

Aedin frowns, every rat they were putting down was being replaced by another, they just kept coming if this continued they'd be overrun...

Nothing he could do except keep fighting unless,

"If we can get back to the bridge, we can funnel them through!"

As he speaks he lunges forward to stab at a rat, before shrinking back into a crouch. As he does he unslings his newfound shield and fits his arms through the straps.

Move: Equip Shield
Attack[roll0]
Damage[roll1]

[Firebeard]

With a skill that belied the fumbles of earlier encounters, Branwyn sanka dagger deep into the eye of the first rat in line, then sent another sailing over that rodent and into the one behind. Both creatures fell to the floor, twitching in death. Aedin, shocked at this display of skill, fumbled his swing and hurried to get his shield in place.

The remaining rats pressed the attack on both fronts. One gnashed at Aedin, trying to get past the shield. The ranger easily turned the bites with the rim of the shield, glad he got it in place in time. In the back, the rat there climbed on top of the bodies of its dead companions and launched itself through the air at Kael. The scrabbling claws and biting teeth skidded harmlessly off the knight's armor as the rodent fell to the floor.



bite@Aedin: [roll0]
damage: [roll1], Fort save if you take damage

bite@Kael: [roll2]
damage: [roll3], Fort save if you take damage

Kaleb can redo his action if he likes, and Erika and we move on to Round 3.

Round 3 Initiatives...

Kael 17
Branwyn 11
Aedin 10
rats 5
Erika 5
Kaleb 5


Here's the map (http://bradgrinstead.com/Slaughtergarde/labEncounter4c.png)

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb begins focusing his god's divine power...

@GM & Erika

Kaleb will bestow on Erika FH1 next round for 1 minute...

@GM
Note: "Special: As a full-round action, you can transfer this ability to a willing recipient as a touch spell. Doing so counts as one daily use of the ability."

I'd been misreading this ability...oops. Burning the Turn Undead use...



...and reaches out and touches Erika

[Nixed]

A quiet thud as the creatures leap meets the Knights shield, a stroke of his blade follows as the rat tumbles back to the stone.


Attack G4. If the rat is killed move to G5 to allow others to access bridge if they wish.
[roll0]
[roll1]
crit
[roll2]

[josh13905]

Aedin pulls his gaze from Branwyn after here amazing feat of dagger slinging, and returns his eyes to his own opponent, and lashes out with his sword.

Attack:[roll0]
Damage[roll1]
Move:Unused.

[Firebeard]

Kael lashed out and splattered the wall nearby with rodent blood, easily killing his foe and looking for more. Aedin's lunge was true and skewered the rat from head to tail, embedding the dire rat upon his sword. He stomped down on it with his boot and yanked the blade free. They waited for the next wave, but no more rats appeared. The cavern was quiet, expect for the sounds of dripping water behind them and a low murmur from the direction of the light across the second bridge.

[Nixed]

"Clear?" a call to the others as he stayed ready for more enemies to surface, quickly glancing around, still cautious.

[josh13905]

Aedin looks to Branwyn, and raises his hand for silence, mouthing the words, Do you hear anything? Intently listening to what he thought was the sound of voices.

Listen: [roll0]

[Nox Lupus]

Kaleb finishes the transfer of power with a sigh "You should feel better in a few moments." He said to erika quietly...

[Fuzzies]

"There's someone talking up ahead I think."


You already told us, but listen to see if there's anything else. [roll0]

Edit: apparently I didn't even hear what you just said.

[Firebeard]

@Aedin (and anyone else who rolls a listen check 20+)

The noise is definitely voices speaking in a guttural tongue.

If you know goblin:

The voices are speaking about a golem and something that sounds like "quilldug"

[Nox Lupus]

"Whats going on" Kaleb whispers to whoever is nearby, concerned over the hesitancy the group was showing in going forward.

[Fuzzies]

After recovering her daggers and checking to make sure no more of the furry beasts are headed to them, Branwyn makes a motion to the others to hold back while she scouts on ahead. Quietly she slip across the bridge and towards where the murmurs of sound are coming from.


move silently: [roll0]
hide: [roll1]
search: [roll2]

[Firebeard]

@Branwyn

As you get to the suspension bridge, you can see that it is a little longer than the other one, about 15-20 feet or so. Beyond it, you can just make out a wooden stairway riding up towards the light and sounds from ahead.

You climb the stairway quietly, noting that is is prone to creaking, and peer over the top step. You freeze when you notice 2 goblins on the right side of the room, peering at something beyond your vision. The goblins are speaking to each other (see the spoiler from before).

[Fuzzies]

Branwyn watched the goblins for a moment from her hiding place, making sure she could relate their positions and the layout of the room back to the others. Then, she slowly began making her way back down the staircase and bridge.

Returning to the group, she whispered "There are two goblins at the top of the stairs. They appear to be focused on something to the right, but I couldn't see what. Those stairs are likely to cause problems with sneaking up on them. They creak badly. so, what's the plan?"