Hiding, round 1 and the map
Subject Hiding
Actually it might be easier then you think. If Surin makes a good hide and move silent roll, he can wait in the shadows until the creature comes to the party. It does not have to be on the ground since Surin can shoot with a missle weapon. What you might want to do is, once he is in place, hold action, stating that Surin will do a sneak attack when the creature gets in range. That means that Surin would go before the creature got to attack anyone, or at least at the same time. Surin's Initiave roll would then change to that of the dragon but becuase of his probably higher DEX score, Surin would always go first.
From: Jason
Subject Round 1 actions
Ragnar can hardly make sense of what he sees upon entering the room. The creature was hardly larger than Ragnar himself! And yet, it certainly looked more or less like he had always imagined a dragon. Perhaps it was a related species? Surely this could not be the powerful, deadly species Ragnar had heard so much about.
He puts his thoughts behind him for now. For now, he need simply follow Harp's lead. He begins advancing slowly, trying to stay within 10' of everyone to provide them with the protection of his god (though since Mund is apparently charging ahead he won't try to cover him.)
From: Mark
Subject Round 1
Ok every one has responded. I will try and get round 1 out tonight, however I have to go to my oldest Jazz concert from 7-8:45, so it might be late.
From: Mark
Subject Round 1
Round 1 Initiative: Surin (23), Salix (21), Allistair (19), Ragnar (17), Dragon (13), Ranthir (12), Harp (11), Kal (10), Mund (7)
Surin decides that he is going to let the biggins fight this thing and makes a move to the south wall, trying to stay in the shadows and not to make too much noise (Hide=16+17=33, Move Silent=16+14=30). As he moves he slips a sling stone into his sling and preps the weapon for quick use.
Allistair is also a little shocked at how small the creature is but remembers that magic can do strange things. Since he already had the components in his hands he figures that this will be about his only chance to use the fireball before things get close. Chanting the words he had memorized, he grinds the little piece of sulfur between his fingers and points at the beast. A small burning ember flys from his fingers and streaks towards his foe. As the ember moves it grows slowly until it reaches a point just above the beast and explodes. The beast is engulfed in a ball of flames (REF save DC17, 8+8=16, fail, damage 27). The magic user then follows Ragnar as they move carefully into the room.
The sound the beast makes at the touch of the flames belies its size. The roar is almost enough to make several party members run but the are able to control themselves. Salix calls up on the power of Obad-Hai and summons forth a ball of flame right next to the dragon as well. At his command it rolls towards the dragon. The dragon, still distracted from the smoldering damage of the fireball does not notice it and is burned when the small ball touches it (REF save DC15, 4+8=12, fail, damage 9). He then also follows Ragnar, trying to stay with in the protection of the prayer.
Ragnar moves forward at a steady pace trying not to misstep or leave anyone else behind.
The dragon spreads it wings and they shimmer in the half light, sparkling with reflected light. It then launches itself into the air and towards the group. With a speed that surprises everyone the dragon passes just in front of Ragnar and unleashes a blast of cold (DC18, Ragnar 6+3=9, fail, damage 7, Salix 14+5=19, save, damage 4, Allistair 10+3=13, fail, damage 16). The dwarf and the two around him are surrounded by the blast. Salix is able to dodge the worst of the blast and Ragnar's time in the cold mountain heights serves him well. However Allistair screams as the cold cuts through him and almost freezes him to the bone. The dragon turns almost in mid air and takes off towards the far end of the room.
Ranthir and Harp are both stunned at the ferocity of the attack. They move up and take position around Ragnar and the almost frozen mage.
Kal knows that this evil beast is here to test them and that he will not fail the test. He moves forward with the group and then chants his spell and points his rapier at the receding form of the dragon. Three bolts of mystical energy leap from the tip of his sword and streak towards the retreating foe. They strike the dragon (Damage 12) and burn small holes in the glimmering white hide.
Seeing his little brother scream from the blast of cold Mund decides to do his best decoy impression. He moves in a blur and speeds ahead of the rest of the party, yelling at the top of his voice trying to get the dragons attention.
OODM: Ok end of round 1. Please note the location of the dragon on the Map. It is still in the air and is about 15 feet in the air. I need actions for round 2. Please take note of the action order. If you go after the dragon please give me a couple of options, such as if it is still in the air or if it has come with in melee distance.
From: Josh
Subject Map
Mark, I'm using Adobe Reader to read your maps, and they're coming out all garbled. It gets split across a few pages, and I can't seem to get it to view them in a logical way.
What're you using to view these?
From: Mark
Subject Map
I am using open office to create a PDF right from the spread sheet.
I can send you the Excel file if you want.