The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice OOC

[Ghostfoot]

I am loving the characters & attitudes that you guys have brought to the game here - a bunch of hard-core vikings (and hangers-on) for sure!

[PeacefulOak]

I am loving the characters & attitudes that you guys have brought to the game here - a bunch of hard-core vikings (and hangers-on) for sure!

Thanks! I'm really enjoying the game as well.


So... who should step forward as our champion? I'm fine volunteering as tribute, but I'm not 100% sure I'm the best choice.

[DrK]

Freyja the GIantess Paladin would volunteer

Also, just watched the Game of THrones.... Exciting episode!

[Ghostfoot]

Also, just watched the Game of THrones.... Exciting episode!

I am still a couple of seasons behind - lucky me I still have heaps to look forward to!!!

[Dexam]

I'm certainly enjoying this game, and looking forward to its continuation.

As much as Skorri would love to do it for the glory and bragging rights, I think that either Gunnar (due to rank) or Freyja (due to being best warrior so far) should be our champion.

As for Game of Thrones... I've seen one episode (the first), so I've got a lot to catch up on

[PeacefulOak]

As for Game of Thrones... I've seen one episode (the first), so I've got a lot to catch up on

You're one episode ahead of me!

[Ghostfoot]

Freyja the GIantess Paladin would volunteer

Want to do anything interesting or shall I just roll initiative for Freyja vs skeletal champion?

No rush I've just been to an old friend/ colleagues funeral today so my minds not on it right now.

[DrK]

Want to do anything interesting or shall I just roll initiative for Freyja vs skeletal champion?

No rush I've just been to an old friend/ colleagues funeral today so my minds not on it right now.

I'll roll out a suitable challeng provably at the weekend if thats ok
My condoloences on the funeral.

[Dexam]

Want to do anything interesting or shall I just roll initiative for Freyja vs skeletal champion?

I've just posted IC, mainly as an excuse to give Freyja a subtle buff (Resistance) in case the skeleton has some kind of fear aura or other shenanigans. Would starting an Inspiring Rage be considered too much interference in a one-on-one fight?

No rush I've just been to an old friend/ colleagues funeral today so my minds not on it right now.

My condolences on the loss of your friend. I don't want to speak for everyone else, but I think we can agree for you to take as long as you need.

[Ghostfoot]

I'll roll out a suitable challeng provably at the weekend if thats ok.

All good. I'll just pop this here for when you're ready:

Initiative
Skeletal Champion (1d20+5)[16]
Freyja (1d20+1)[20]
Neither of you flat-footed.

Would starting an Inspiring Rage be considered too much interference in a one-on-one fight?

I'd probably let that slip through as okay given it's nature (ie it fits thematically and isn't a flashy buff like enlarge or girallon arms or similar).

[Ghostfoot]

EDIT: as the 18 and 16 missed I've assumed the 15 misses.

Yep sure does, it's well armoured with breastplate + shield.

Quite the duel!

[Ghostfoot]

Hps 2/10!!

Aren't you at 4/12? I'd hate for those 2hp to be the difference...

[DrK]

Aren't you at 4/12? I'd hate for those 2hp to be the difference...

Yes you are correct... things have improved fractionally

[Ghostfoot]

Yes you are correct... things have improved fractionally

Twice as healthy, sadly not for long.

[DrK]

Twice as healthy, sadly not for long.

Ouch, yup, I was schooled there by the skeleton.

[PeacefulOak]

Urgent question: What is the leader/followers doing now that our champion has fallen?

[Ghostfoot]

Urgent question: What is the leader/followers doing now that our champion has fallen?

The skellies? They stand aside to leave you in peace. Eventually to shamble back to their barrow (if you let them).

[Ghostfoot]

I'm planning to update his thread tonight. I'll just move you forward through the barrows unless anyone wants to do anything different (if so, now's the time to post!).

Also, given current player numbers I'll bot Bel/ Gunnar for the time being. I haven't heard from Bel for a while now but hopefully he's back sooner or later, he usually is (his sig says "super busy"...).

[Dexam]

So our options are the NW causeway, the SW causeway, or climb the NE side of the tor.

NW causeway seems the most obvious route - it's closer, and doesn't require climbing.
SW causeway is most far away - we'd need to go around the tor to get to it, which increases our chances of running into undead.
Either or both causeways are likely to be guarded.
Climbing is most direct, but potentially the most risky and may possibly take the longest or the shortest, depending on how well we handle our climb; it's also unlikely to be guarded.
Related question - does a shield's ACP apply if you're just carrying it (i.e. slung over shoulders/strapped to back), and not actually wielding it? I would assume not, but best to check.
Also, a boarding axe grants a +2 circumstance bonus on Climb checks to scale wooden or other penetrable surfaces, such as ice - does the tor count as a "penetrable surface" i.e. dirt/earth, or is it stone? Edit: never mind, I just re-read the description and saw "mound of packed earth", so I'm guessing the bonus applies?

Thoughts on how we approach? If the ACP doesn't count for a slung shield, and the boarding axe bonus does count, I'm thinking Skorri might vote for the climb option.

[Ghostfoot]

does a shield's ACP apply if you're just carrying it (i.e. slung over shoulders/strapped to back), and not actually wielding it? I would assume not, but best to check.

correct, only if worn

Also, a boarding axe grants a +2 circumstance bonus on Climb checks to scale wooden or other penetrable surfaces, such as ice - does the tor count as a "penetrable surface" i.e. dirt/earth, or is it stone? Edit: never mind, I just re-read the description and saw "mound of packed earth", so I'm guessing the bonus applies?

correct (I think). Kinda like a climbing pickaxe

also, since I didn't say it as explicitly in the IC as I thought I had - the undead are more 'herding' you than 'hunting' you. They're leaving the way to the Tor open and unimpeded.

[PeacefulOak]

I think a two-pronged attack would be good. If DDW and Skorri climb the bluffs, we can hunker down until the other 3 can lead the horses around to the causeway. Then I can "pull them" by firing arrows into their midst, and the rest of the party can engage from behind. (DDW would say all this IC as well, if you'd like I can transpose it there)

[DrK]

I think a two-pronged attack would be good. If DDW and Skorri climb the bluffs, we can hunker down until the other 3 can lead the horses around to the causeway. Then I can "pull them" by firing arrows into their midst, and the rest of the party can engage from behind. (DDW would say all this IC as well, if you'd like I can transpose it there)

SOunds good for the two pronged assault

[Ghostfoot]

the other 3 can lead the horses around to the causeway)

all of your horses were ditched at the entrance to the Barrow Lands, so they won't be an encumbrance here

[PeacefulOak]

all of your horses were ditched at the entrance to the Barrow Lands, so they won't be an encumbrance here

Whoops!

Editing the thing.

[Ghostfoot]

So:

DDW & Skorri to climb the tor & wait to ambush.

Freyja, Gunnar & Signy to walk up the causeway from the far side (Signy trailing a little behind, with the dog).

Sound like a plan? If so, let's have some Climb (DC 8) and Stealth checks from DDW & Skorri please.

[PeacefulOak]

Climb: (1d20+3)[19]
Stealth: (1d20+6)[11]


Edit: Really? Those rolls couldn't be reversed? ><

[Ghostfoot]

Climb: [roll0]
Stealth: [roll1]


Edit: Really? Those rolls couldn't be reversed? ><

hooray for distance penalties!

[PeacefulOak]

So, group A has been seen, but is 200' out. That's three rounds of just running, and a fourth round of move and engage. Meanwhile, man with Bow and Witch with Spells will be making life difficult.



Also... no fair! Big bad mean witch gets to use crazy spells! :P Just kidding... I'ma kill her.

Strategery.... Have to divide that focus. DDW is going to act this round.


Edit: Boy o Boy do I hope that: A) 15 hits the witch, and B) that dropping to the ground will make up for that 6. :P

[Dexam]

How strictly are we following the round-by-round? i.e. would Skorri have already had time to put away his boarding axe and pull out his bow following the climb, therefore being able to attack or take other actions this round; or am I going to have to use the first round to swap weapons?

Also, what's the terrain like on the top of the Tor? i.e. could someone run/charge unimpeded, or is it prevented by difficult terrain?

[Ghostfoot]

How strictly are we following the round-by-round? i.e. would Skorri have already had time to put away his boarding axe and pull out his bow following the climb, therefore being able to attack or take other actions this round; or am I going to have to use the first round to swap weapons?

Also, what's the terrain like on the top of the Tor? i.e. could someone run/charge unimpeded, or is it prevented by difficult terrain?

Sure, you can have a free weapon-swap.

Terrain is unimpeded, so charging is fine.