[Avatar d20] Playtesting Combat 1 - level 1 pvp

[Mephibosheth]

Avatar d20 Playtesting Combat 1 – Level 1 Party v. Party

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa279/oliver426/g48235.png

Arena Map
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h197/Mephibosheth85/Avatar%2020%20Playtesting/Map1.png

A hush falls over the crowd as the wooden gates at either end of the arena open with a creak and the combatants file out from opposite sides of the arena, taking their places and preparing for the round to start. A voice booms from the announcer’s box.

Braaaaaains…braaaaains…*coughcoughcough* I have got to stop doing that. Anyway, it is time for the tournament to begin! Today, in this very arena, the finest combatants in the land will begin an epic test to determine who is worthy of victory and who will be returning home in shame! Now, let’s meet our challengers!

On the south side of the arena, hailing from the eastern Fire Nation, Shui Jin the firebender! Accompanying him into combat, his countrymen, Yan the martial artist! They will be assisted by Sorant the airbender, a wanderer from the Southern Water Tribe! And finally, we have Arijin the ranger! Will his survival skills and combat prowess help his team carry the day?

Let’s find out as the battle begins!

OOC:
The initiative order will run thus:
Sorant
E4
Arijin
Shui Jin
E3
Yan
E2
E1

When posting, please post both an “in character” and “out of character” description of your character’s actions. That way, it’s easy for everyone to understand what you’re doing, plus we can all enjoy the description. Also, you don’t have to post your actions in initiative order, but please remember to wait for me to post a round summary before you post your actions for the next round. I realize this will make the combat go more slowly (I’ll probably only be able to make summary posts once per day), but will hopefully make things easier to understand and analyze later.

I hope I haven’t left anything out. If you have questions, post or PM.

Have fun!

[Pirate_King]

As Shui Jin enters the battleground, he first looks to his left to familiarize himself with his comrades, then his surroundings. Finally, he sizes up those chosen to be his enemies on the other side of the arena. He quickly reviews the movements for the little firebending he knows, practicing the breathing techniques he learned from his father before he was carried away from his homeland. This will be a test of his worth, and a testament to his determination to practice his art.

OOC:
The flavor text there wasn't meant to take my first turn, just wanted a little intro, and to ask what we see of our enemies when we come in. Can we tell anything important about them from where we are?

[Shades of Gray]

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa279/oliver426/g24230.png
Yan, male fire nation monk (passive way) 1

Yan stands in the arena, surveying his foes.

He attempts to make himself look weak and tired. Slouching and letting his weapons hang loose in his hands.

Ugh, can we get this over with? he says lazily.

OOC: Can I make a bluff check here?

If so:

[roll0]

[Mephibosheth]

Looking across the stream that bisects the arena floor, you see your opponents lining up and preparing to fight. On the far left is a large man wearing dented armor composed of overlapping scales and wielding a long polearm with a viciously-curved blade. Next to him is a slender young woman clad heavy robes of various shades of blue, with at least two waterskins strapped to her back. The next opponent is a tall man wearing a suit of black and maroon armor, who takes a strongly-rooted stance and thrusts his chin and shoulders toward you aggressively. Finally, you see a slight young man of almost boyish appearance who holds a short, curving sword in each hand.

[Shades of Gray]

Yan thinks to himself.

hmm... a waterbender, and a firebender, or maybe an earthbender, we'll see. Two warriors... One seems to prefer faster combats, he seems like the reckless type...

Perfect.

Darn, the other team looks strong.

[Eighth_Seraph]

Sorant sits in the lotus position with his eyes closed, preparing his mind for the ordeals to come. He feels the wind caressing his body and hears his robes flutter in the breeze. The grass is comfortable and the air is warm. Slowly, the young airbender lifts his eyes to assess his opponents, and calmly brushes his shoulder-length, straight hair aside with his hand. This is his first test.

"Well then. Looks like it's time."

I would take my action, but I have to go in, um, two minutes ago. I'll get back in about four hours; don't wait up for me.

[Pirate_King]

Wonder what these mooks can do. Shui Jin wondered aloud as he drew back his bow. only one way to find out he thought, as he loosed an arrow at the largest target in his range of vision.

OOC

Attacking the pole-arm weilding enemy with long bow. Is there a thread for this combat in the dicerolls thread, or are we just going by honor system?
attack:[roll0]
dmg: [roll1]

[Eighth_Seraph]

Sorant stands, dusting his ropes off and takes his makeshift staff in hand, the breeze ruffling the folds of his blue and tan robes.

"Let's begin."

His calm demeanor shatters in that instant and turns to ferocity as he brings his left hand back and gathers the wind into it, then gasps his staff and thrusts it forward violently, channeling the wind through the rod of wood and launching a spiraling ball of wind to engulf the pompous fighter in black armor.

Air Blast + Air Thrust = DC 15 +3 for distance = DC 18
I take 10 and pass easily with a check of 22.

[roll0]
[roll1]

Kindly make a Reflex Save or be knocked prone.

Does armor's damage reduction apply to touch attacks? If so, then I change my target to the woman with the blue robes.
After the initial offense, Sorant seeks the high ground, finding a convenient spot between two rocks and tries to climb to the top of the rock, placing himself out of reach of offending spears and swords.

I take a five-foot step to go to Q16, between the to outcroppings. Base DC 25 for natural rock, -10 for having two walls to brace against, so DC 15. If I fail the check, I just let myself fall and get back into a fighting stance.

[roll0]


And for ease of reference, I'm reposting my character
Sorant Bluyué
Male human airbender 1
CG medium humanoid
Init +3; Senses Spot +4, Listen +4
Languages Common
--------------------------------------------------------
AC 17, touch 17, flat-footed 14
HP 8/8; DR 0/-
Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +6
--------------------------------------------------------
Spd 30 ft.
Melee Staff +0 (1d6)
Ranged Air Thrust +3 (1d4)
Base Atk +0
Atk Options Air Blast, Throw weapon
Special Atks
---------------------------------------------------------
Seeds Known Air Thrust
Bending Range 45 ft Average Bending 22
Bending Save DCs 15
---------------------------------------------------------
Abilities Str 10, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 8 36
SQ Body of Air
Feats Point-Blank Shot, Skill Focus (Airbending)
Skills Airbending +11 (+12 with staff), Concentration +6, Jump +4, Knowledge (Bending) +4, Profession (sailor) +6, Swim +2, Tumble +5,
Possessions quarterstaff, hunting knife, Water Tribe "airbender" robes, masterwork jumping shoes, 48 gp

...what happened to my rolls?

[Eighth_Seraph]

See above post
[roll0]
[roll1]

If this doesn't work, then we'll need to put an explanation of the forum dice roller in the recruitment thread.

[Pirate_King]

See above post
[roll0]
[roll1]

If this doesn't work, then we'll need to put an explanation of the forum dice roller in the recruitment thread.

didn't work, but my attack and damage rolls as well as your climb check rolls worked, at least as far as I can tell. why didn't you make an attack roll for air thrust?

[Eighth_Seraph]

Last try!
[roll0]
[roll1]

...w00t. Natural 20 means the attack hits. Guy in black armor takes 4 non-lethal damage and needs to make a DC 15 Reflex save or fall prone. Hoo yeah. (I checked the SRD, and it does seem that touch attacks ignore DR from armor, though there is some ambiguity; so my official target is the armored guy). Do crits count for anything with the blasts? I don't think so, but it seems like a good time to ask.

Anywho, the (badly) failed Climb check means I don't even make progress from the ground up, so Sorant is at Q16 and rarin' for the next round.

[Pirate_King]

no, crit's considered precision based damage, as far as I know. still, two natural 20's in the first round of combat. shiny.

[Shades of Gray]

Yan watches as the man in metal gets hit by the blast, and how the airbender himself falls from an attempt at climbing.

Ugh, an airbender who's falling down instead of an enemy, this'll be fun.

Yan casually walks to N11 looking frightened, he's acually confident however.

OOC: I forgot to buy my character a sling, may I say I have one?

If yes, I'll attack the waterbender

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[Pirate_King]

I suppose I should confirm my crit with the bow then, forgot about that [roll0]

[Pirate_King]

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

and the law of averages takes effect...

[FlyMolo]

For convenience.
Airjin
Male Ranger 1
NG medium humanoid
Init +2; Senses Spot +2, Listen +6
Languages Common,
--------------------------------------------------------
AC 18, touch 18, flat-footed 16
HP 8/8; DR 2/-
Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +2
--------------------------------------------------------
Spd 30 ft.
Melee Greatsword +7 (2d6+4)
Ranged Shortbow +3 (1d6)
Base Atk +1
Atk Options
Special Atks
---------------------------------------------------------
Abilities Str 18, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8
SQ Favored Environment: Plains +2
Feats Power Attack, Track, Weapon Focus (greatsword),
Skills Heal +6, Hide , Jump +8, Knowledge (nature) +4, Listen (Wis) +6, Survival (Wis) +6, Swim +8
Possessions Greatsword, Chain shirt, shortbow, 20 arrows

Arijin, maintaining a steely visage, draws his bow and shoots at the slight young man wielding a pair of curved swords. "Curvy swords, very fancy."

Attack[roll0]Damage[roll]1d6]/roll]

[Shades of Gray]

Cool, that's all our actions for the first round.

Also: Would I be able to run the level 5 round? It's ready and I could do it if you don't mind meph.

[Mephibosheth]

Round 1 Summary

Map - conclusion of Round 1
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h197/Mephibosheth85/Avatar%2020%20Playtesting/Map2.png

Sorant, you are able to react quickly to the start of combat, and the violent thrust of air you send hurtling toward the fighter strikes true, knocking him backward into the stone behind him. You can tell even from across the arena that he’s severely shaken.

Almost as quickly, you see the warrior to the far right dash forward, twin blades flashing in the sun as he leaps over the stream and, landing with a graceful roll on the other side, moves to within a few feet of the ally to your right (Arijin).

As the opponent approaches him, Arijin lets an arrow fly with his bow, hoping to stop him in his tracks. Unfortunately for Arijin, his shot is hurried and the stranger dodges quickly to the side. As he does so, he takes the opportunity to slash at Arijin with one of his curved blades, biting deeply into his side.

None of this activity is able to distract Shui Jin, who lets fly with an arrow at the heavily-armored warrior. His shaft strikes the buffeted fighter in a weak spot under his arm, and sinks deeply into his chest. You see him fight to remain standing momentarily before falling to the ground with a crash, apparently unconscious.

The combatant in the red and black armor, seeing his ally incapacitated, moves forward to the edge of the stream and punches aggressively towards Shui Jin. A tongue of fire develops at his fist before hurtling quickly toward Shui Jin. The burst of flame rockets forward, striking Shui Jin in the chest and pushing him backward into the stone behind him.

Yan whirls his sling around his head and whips a stone toward one of the remaining combatants, who dodges aside as she moves forward to the bridge. As she does so, you see a small tentacle of water rise from one of her waterskins, and it rockets toward Sorant at high speeds. Sorant is able to dodge out of the way, but can feel drops of water splash onto his forehead from where the blast hit the rock just over his left shoulder.

OOC:
E1 has been taken down. Well done!

Arijin, you take 5 damage from the opponent attack you. Shui Jin, you take 5 fire damage and need to make a Strength check (DC 22) or be pushed back into the wall behind you and fall prone. Please roll the check in your next post and post two sets of actions, one for if you succeed and one for if you end up prone.

[Pirate_King]

Do I get a deflect bending attempt? if so, my roll is [roll0].
If I don't get it: strength check [roll1](eh, I can't actually pass this check...)

Another firebender!
Successful deflect bending continuity:
Reacting quickly to the jet of flame, Jin sends a fireball of his own. The blast doesn't stop there, and speeds on towards the armored Firebender. After letting fly his blast, Shui Jin whips his arm around him, creating a rope of flames over his head. Anticipating more heavy blasts, Jin leaps to his left to gain cover

failed str check:
Reeling from the blast, Shui Jin rolls to the left and gets up behind the column. What power behind that flame! How is such force possible? No matter, I have my own tricks. Jin whipped his arm around him, creating a rope of flames, and prepared for his counter-attack

first continuity: deflect bending, Firblast for a standard action, create Fire Whip as a move action, five foot step to gain cover. Second continuity: get up as move action, firewhip as move action, 5-foot step to gain cover. If natural 20's are auto success for ability checks, I can't remember if they are, go with first continuity without deflect bending.

[Pirate_King]

atk roll for fireblast, forgot. [roll0] dmg [roll1]

[Shades of Gray]

Psst: In my post I moved to N11.

I will move to the square in front of the waterbender and attack with my kusari-gama(s?)

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2] Damage for 1st (if any) attack to hit.
[roll3] Damage for 2nd (if any) attack to hit.
[roll4]
[roll5]

EDIT:Woops, my strength bonus makes the first damage roll 8, and the other 3.

[Pirate_King]

Firebending check to create firewhip +5 feet [roll0]

[Eighth_Seraph]

"Arijin, what are you doing?!"
....Seeing his friend and ally in danger, Sorant takes a few quick steps north, preparing to give Arijin some breathing space so that the four combatants could focus on taking down the two benders.
....With a quick spin, Sorant extends his arms completely, allowing the momentum of his staff to carry itself and launch an arc of wind at the little devil and his curved swords.

OOC
I move to O16 and take 10 on the DC 15 Air Thrust.

[roll0]
[roll1]

Bullrush check opposed by my Airbending check of 22. If I can, I'd like for the Air Blast to knock my opponent north, along the side of the rock outcrop he's fighting by; if you don't allow it, then nothing happens, I guess. DC 15 Reflex save or fall prone. All of this assumes I hit in the first place.

[FlyMolo]

hp 5/8. Or 3/8, depending if DR was already factored into that number. Summary: Free to drop an object, move to draw greatsword, attack. None of these provoke AoO, I checked. Then 5-foot step east(?).

[roll0]
[roll1]
And I totally spaced. Sorry.
Taken aback at the speed of his opponent, Arijin starts, dropping his bow. Shouting to his friend Sorant, "Umm, a little busy here? Help?" Drawing his weapon, he slices at his nimble opponent, then steps to the side, to take advantage of the rocky cover.

[Pirate_King]

I didn't think about DR. Meph, did you factor in my single damage reduction point, or does it not work against fire damage?

[Eighth_Seraph]

OOC
Fire damage (or electricity, cold, and sonic damage, for that matter) is never subject to DR. Damage Reduction protects against physical attacks. Although you'd think that being encased in full plate with the faceplate down would block some of the flames; that's not the way it works in D&D. You can, however, insulate your armor if you have the gold to back it up. As level 1 characters, though, we don't.

Also, I think it's time to waste these two benders. Stay alive, Shui. You too, Yan.

[Shades of Gray]

OOc:
@^ assuming the waterbender doesn't have god-like AC or HP, I just killed her.

8 damage is enough unless the waterbender has 16 con or the toughness feat, which I doubt.

Also: I have kama-chucks yo!

[Eighth_Seraph]

OOC
I highly, highly doubt that you can assert that, Shades. Your first attack would have done 6 damage, except that the attack roll was a 12. That doesn't hit my wimpy pre-Dodge bonus airbender AC. Your second attack has a solid bet of hitting, but it only does, what 3 damage? We can't count her out yet. Neither of the enemy benders have revealed what seeds they use, and I'm worried about the waterbender being a tentacle-user. If she is, you're neck deep in trouble, Yan.

Also, shades, try using spoiler tags for your rolls and other OOC stuff. And yes, your kama chucks are freaking amazing. What's more amazing is that they can be dual-wielded. It just seems odd that a two-ended weapon can be used in one hand.

[Shades of Gray]

OOC:
I wrote beside the damage (for first, if any, attack to hit) I PbP'd on another forum, and that's how we did it, more like PnP. You wouldn't roll damage on a miss. I guess if it's easier all my future rolls will be like yours, with the first damage for the first attack, regardless of it hits or not..

[Mephibosheth]

Round 2 Summary

Map - Conclusion of Round 2
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h197/Mephibosheth85/Avatar%2020%20Playtesting/Map3.png

Sorant thrusts his hands forward in a sweeping motion, and a burst of air rockets toward the warrior engaged in combat with Arijin, thrusting him violently back into the rock and knocking him prone.

The warrior staggers to his feet and brings one of his blades slashing toward Arijin, who is able to throw himself out of the way at the last minute.

Arijin’s dodge carries him behind the large rock to his right, and he uses this cover to bring out his blade and stab viciously at his attacker. He’s rewarded with the feeling of armor crunching and giving beneath his blade, and the attacker falls limp to the ground, a deep and jagged wound in his chest.

Shui Jin is pushed back into the boulder, but manages to keep his feet (normally, natural 20’s aren’t automatically successful on ability checks, but I’m feeling generous). His counter attack sails wide as he steps behind the rock to his left for a reprieve.

Seeing her companion fall, the woman on the bridge remains where she is and reaches out toward the water around her, sending a small burst of water toward Arijin, who is stuck solidly in the face.

Yan moves into combat with the waterbender just in time to see her strike at his companion. He brings his weapon to bear, laying open a vicious wound in her side with his strike.

The final remaining enemy moves forward to relieve his embattled companion. He moves quickly to the bridge and attempts to land a vicious jab in Yan’s side. His fist burns with fire as he lashes out, but Yan is able to dodge out of the way at the last moment.

OOC:
Sorry, I forgot to tell you. I’m not factoring DR into any of the damage numbers I give you. I’m relying on you to keep track of your HP on your own.

Arijin, your attack completely destroys E4, but you take 6 damage from E3’s Water Blast.

[Pirate_King]

Seeing the monk out numbered on the bridge, Shui Jin charges forward, stopping just out of reach of the firebender and lashes at him with his fire whip.
This'l probably kill me, but whatever. I'll go out in a far more awesome way than the guy I crit'd at the start.

charge to m12. If I have to go all the way to him with a charge, go ahead and stick me at k12 and ignore the fluff. attack with fire whip (only 15ft long, failed the check to make it 20)
atk[roll0] (+2 for charge)
If I'm allowed to make a trip attempt with a fire whip (I don't know why not, hot feet would be as unstable as wrapped feet), here's my Strength check[roll1]
if not;
dmg[roll2]
confirm[roll3]
damn, if only I could switch my confirm and my attack...:( should have made that an aid another

[Shades of Gray]

Nice to see you finally joined Shui.

Yan strikes out at the waterbender with his weapons. (If the waterbender dies from my first attack, then my second attack will be aimed at the firebender)

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

[Pirate_King]

Finally?Says Jin, a bit indignantly, In case you didn't remember, there were 4 enemies to start with
hee. banter. Also, sort of a minor thing, but in China, and I think Japan, I can't remember, a person's surname is traditionally placed before their informal, so Shui Jin's "first name" would technically be Jin. Though, I suppose they don't really do that much in the avatar world; the only one given multiple names who doesn't use all of them at once every time is Toph

[FlyMolo]

Eep, I'm at one! 5-2=3, plus 6-2 equals 4, and I have 8 hp. well, one now. But I'm not dead! :smallbiggrin: Also, can I charge to K12 or so? K14, if the water isn't too deep? If so, I do that, hitting whichever one is closest. [roll0] [roll1]Elseways, Double move to threaten the pair of benders (K12)

Holding his sword in both hands, Arijin bounds across the intervening space, skidding to a halt in front of the enemy benders, brandishing his sword.

[Pirate_King]

since init order would have Arijin acting before me, I'll retcon my move to L11, my whip should still be able to reach E2 from there. 'm at 3HP, by the way

[Shades of Gray]

Holding his sword in both hands, Arijin bounds across the intervening space, skidding to a halt in front of the enemy benders, brandishing his sword.

Does he have two swords, or is he jumping with his sword, sheathing it, then drawing it again?

[Pirate_King]

Does he have two swords, or is he jumping with his sword, sheathing it, then drawing it again?

Arijin has a great sword, you might be confusing him with one of our enemies

[Shades of Gray]

I meant Flymolo said with "his greatsword in hand" He ran and jumped over the river, then "drew his greatsword"

[Pirate_King]

ah. he must have changed his post

[Eighth_Seraph]

....Sorant begins to get nervous of his allies' talk of 'killing' their opponents and 'finishing off' the waterbender. He had always thought that this opposing group was to be respected and competed against, not eliminated. Nevertheless, he sees that no death has taken place and realizes that these two opponents can still be very effective, as they hold a choke point in the battlefield. It's time to turn that choke point into a cage.
....With all enemies in close proximity out of the way, Sorant makes a dash to the river's shore and makes a deft leap over the waters, getting into a good position to take a shot at either of the combatants hoping to break away from his friends' frontal assault.

OOC
Basically, I take a move action to make it to I16, taking 10 on the DC 10 Jump check over the river and passing with a 14. After that, I prepare an action to attack the first opponent to get out of melee, so as not to suffer the -4 to attack roll. If neither of them breaks melee, then I'll take my shot at the waterbender to spare her the pain of lethal damage, as Sorant associates her with his sister.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Mephibosheth]

Round 3 Summary

Displaying an unearthly speed and grace, Sorant bounds forward and leaps across the stream, landing lightly on his toes on the other side. There he waits for an opportunity to strike.

Arijin, meanwhile, draws in a deep gasp of air as his wounds smart, but he musters up his strength and charges forward, reaching the bridge and thrusting his greatsword forward at the firebender in front of him, who gasps in pain before slumping to the ground (ouch, greatswords HURT).

Almost simultaneously, Shui Jin runs forward and takes his place behind Arijin, only to find that his intended target has already been dispatched.

The final remaining opponent, the female waterbender, sees her self completely outnumbered and out maneuvered, and raises her hands in surrender, the water she had previously readied for an attack splashing down into the stream.

I can see when I’m beaten. Well fought. Please, allow me to attend to my comrades.

She moves to each of her companions in turn, immersing her hands in water from her waterskin which glows momentarily before sinking into the wounds of the fallen warriors. They gasp as their wounds are knit back together, and sit up painfully. When this is finished, she offers similar services to those of your party who have been injured in the fighting.

OOC:
And that’s the battle! Well done, one and everyone. I hope that the combat was enjoyable and illuminating, and I apologize for my tardiness in posting the results of round 1.

If anyone has any comments they need to make about the system, I’ve started a new analysis thread. Check it out! (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73789)

[Eighth_Seraph]

Sorant smiles kindly. This girl is so much like his sister; the thick black curls, a skilled waterbender, she's even learning to heal! It's been almost two years since he's been home...

...Wait a moment.
"Alma?! Alma! You're here!"

Rushing forward, Sorant engulfs his younger sister in a bear hug, immensely proud of her attitude and application of her waterbending. After a long embrace, he lets her go and starts asking and answering questions on how they both got to be in the Avatar Arena Games.

OOC
You totally set this up, Meph. Nicely done.

You don't actually have to answer this post, but I'd like to make a level 10 version of Alma for later on, so might as well have some backstory.