Round 5 results and round 6 actions
Subject Round 5
Kal winces as his opponent drinks another potion. "I've killed this man twice over, why won't he stay dead?"
As his opponent drops the empty vial and readies his sword, Kal gets a glimpse of the terror in the strangers eyes. It fills Kal with a calm confidence --he knows the fight is over, the victory is already won.
He just needs to go through the motions and finish it.
Kal takes another step to his right to keep himself between Rochelle and his enemy. Dancing in, he engages the stranger again, his feet carrying him forward and back with the rhythm of the battle.
Calmly, confidently, Kal feints forward just once, and then commits to an attack. As he lunges forward, his foot slips on a patch of bloody leaves and he stumbles trying to catch his balance. For less than a second, his defenses fall. Quickly, his opponent siezes on the slip with a brutal attack. The stranger swings his long sword downward toward Kal's head as he's stumbling to recover.
In the very last second, a slight smile of satisfaction flashes across Kal's face as he ducks and spins his body to his left, around the overzealous attack. The momentum from the spin drives his sword arm; his entire body is thrown into the attack. His rapier thrusts toward the now exposed ribcage under his opponents right arm.
OOC: Kal moves one grid left on the map and attacks. That should put him on square above the second stranger.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 5
OOC: Just realized that it is Bane Harp will give up, not Doom.
From: Karl
Subject Round 5
Gee, the Halfling isn't hurt at all. Oh yeah, this is the episode where Surin hides in the bushes and watches us all DIE!
;-)
From: Mark
Subject Round 5
And I must say it have been good watching. :)
From: Karl
Subject Round 5
You're just still pissed that we neutralized all those Orcs with one spell way back at the beginning. :-D
From: Mark
Subject Round 5
Not pissed so much as chagrined. That was supposed to be a real test of the group, bring them together some and it turned into a shooting gallery. I mean I don't think any one even took any damage, did they?
Oh well live and learn.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 5
Oh, I think Harp may have taken 1 or 2 points when Fal misfired his crossbow into Harp's back, but other than that friendly fire, they gave up like the blubbering pus*** they are.
From: Randy
Subject Round 5
Ran, realizing that he is in a pretty sad state but not willing to disengage from his opponent, will fight defensively against the man with the morningstar. (apply dodge point and also the -4 to attack and +2 to armor class)
Ran is hoping that someone will be able to assist him in his efforts, but if not he just wants to make sure he can protect Rochelle for as long as he is alive.
From: Karl
Subject Round 5
Is the man with the morningstar #4? If not, then change Salix to fire at the morningstar guy instead.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 5
Morningstar guy is #4, so go ahead and fry him.
From: Jake
Subject Round 5
Good turn Josh! Very well written.
From: Jake
Subject Round 5
You mean the episode where Surin places the well timed attack at the last minute, pulling everyone's chestnuts out of the fire?
From: Kevin
Subject Round 5
If he had done something usefull before the last minute, he may not have to place a well timed attack to pull everyone's chestnuts out of the fire.
He is just an attention hog, longing for the glory of the spot light. Just goes to show you can't trust a carny.
From: Rob
Subject Round 5
I would have thought even a half-wit halfling would have noticed every single missile attack bouncing off the magic user.
From: Mark
Subject Round 5
Actually it has not. Bel's first arrow hit.
The magic missile attack had a problem.
No one has attacked the MU since Bel's two shots in the first round.
Bel has been too busy with the guy in plate in front of him.
The MU on the other side has had a pretty open time.
From: Rob
Subject Round 5
It was a joke, Mark...
From: Mark
Subject Round 5
Oh
From: Kevin
Subject Round 5
Rob, remember, the next time you try to tell a joke to my brother, make sure to type really slow, because it takes him a long time to understand. If you type in all caps, he will probably hear you better, but I cannot guarantee that he will understand any better.
From: Mark
Subject Round 5
Josh
I was checking the map. I know where you want to go and where you wanted to go but you still would not be directly up from #2 since he also moved a 5 foot step last round.
Hopefully the new map will be correct.
From: Mark
Subject Round 5 results
Initiative(Stranger5, Ran, Bel, Stranger3, Harp, Kal, Stranger2, Stranger4, Rochelle, Surin, Salix, Cai, Fal)
The man fighting Cai follows her as she tries to retreat. He leaps into the air, aiming a quick siscorrs kick to her head. (AC19,9+4=13, 6+4=10, miss, miss) Cai is able to dodge the blows easily.
Knowing that one more good hit will kill him, Ran decides to fight with a bit more caution. The sound coming from behind him a few seconds ago had to be Harp finishing off Kendrick. Surely the ? orc would be coming to his assistance any moment. In fact he is so intent on not getting hurt he almost drops his sword when it hits the shield of the man in plate.(AC21, 1+3=4, miss)
Bel is not too sure what to do? Just as he was about ready to take a shot at the man he had been fighting, Kal moves in the way, blocking his shot. Moving to get into a better position, he dashes towards the center of the fray and fires a quick shot at the man. (AC21,12+9=21, hit,damage 2) The arrow grazes the mans arm, leaving a small trail of blood.
Surin had intended to hit the magic user in the back and draw his attention from the rest of the party. The axe thrown at his head did that. The magic user turns to where Surin is standing and chants a quick few words, points his finger and a ray of blue white flashes from it. (AC16, 13+4=17, hit, damage 2) When the ray hits him, it almost reminds Surin of the snowball that his cousin had hit him with when he was young, except that this one really hurt.
Harp surveys the situation and decides that their forces need a little rearranging. ?Cai, Salix, help Ran. Bel, see if you can take out that magic user.? Harp takes a step towards Ran's back. ?I am here Sir. Keep your guard up and let me try and ask Heironeous to heal you some.? Careful not to get in Ran's way, Harp chants the prayer he learned for healing wounds and lays hands on Ran's back. Ran feels some small easing of his wounds, but not nearly enough to make him comfortable.(Heal 3)
Kal winces as his opponent drinks another potion. "I've killed this man twice over, why won't he stay dead?"
As his opponent drops the empty vial and readies his sword, Kal gets a glimpse of the terror in the strangers eyes. It fills Kal with a calm confidence --he knows the fight is over, the victory is already won. He just needs to go through the motions and finish it.
Kal takes another step to his right to keep himself between Rochelle and his enemy. Dancing in, he engages the stranger again, his feet carrying him forward and back with the rhythm of the battle.
Calmly, confidently, Kal feints forward just once, and then commits to an attack. As he lunges forward, his foot slips on a patch of bloody leaves and he stumbles trying to catch his balance. For less than a second, his defenses fall. Quickly, his opponent seizes on the slip with a brutal attack. The stranger swings his long sword downward toward Kal's head as he's stumbling to recover.
In the very last second, a slight smile of satisfaction flashes across Kal's face as he ducks and spins his body to his left, around the overzealous attack. The momentum from the spin drives his sword arm; his entire body is thrown into the attack. His rapier thrusts toward the now exposed ribcage under his opponents right arm.
As Kal drives the point of his rapier home the man is able to turn just enough so that the point of the rapier just skids off his armor. (AC21, 5+11=16, miss).
Up close Kal is able to really get a good look at his opponent. He is like nothing he has ever seen before, or heard of as far as he can tell. The man returns Kal's attack with one of his own. Compared to Kal there is no finesse in the attack. This is just hack and kill.(AC18, 16+6=22, hit, damage 7) The longsword cuts along Kal's side, leaving a trail of blood.
Ran dances away as his opponent smashes down with the morning star again. (AC22, 7+5=12, miss)
Rochelle and Fal keep hiding behind the tree that they have taken up residence in.
Surin knows better than to let a magic user cast spells with impunity. Pulling his rapier as he moves, he closes the distance between him and the mage quickly. Killing goblins in their sleep bothered him, but this was life and death now, and his mind was clear. He takes what he thinks is a clear shot at the mage, but feels something opposing his rapier as he thrusts it home. There is a small flash of power, but his rapier still connects with the thigh of the mage.(AC18, 10+11=21, hit, damage 1) The thin weapon punches a hole in the mage's robes and leaves a scratch but does no other damage.
Another ball of flame appears in Salix's hand and again he throws it, this time at the man fighting Ran. This time the ball of flame connects (AC21, 17+6=23, hit) and the ball erupts into flames.(Magic resistance, DC7, 8+4=12,success,damage 8) The man howls in pain, the skin on his face pealing back and charing.
Cai takes another swing at her opponent, but she is distracted by Harp's yell to help Ran. ?Can't that dumb ? orc see I have some I am already fighting. Why doesn't he help Ran?? She curses under her breath when her swing goes wide. (AC15, 4+8=12, miss)
OODM: I need actions for turn 6. New map is attached.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 6
Harp, seeing the fire cover the attacker in front on Ran, decides that between Ran and Salix, they should be able to finish that attacker off. Harp looks to his left where he sees Cai still involved against the unarmored attacker. With out much thought, Harp moves over behind the attacker (#5) and takes a swing.
OOC: Mark I want to try and get into a flanking position, but want to avoid an AOO. If getting into flanking position would cause an AOO, then just get me next to this guy.
From: Jake
Subject Round 6
Surin grins evily when his rapier pricks the mage's thigh. "Doesn't take more than a scratch if there's poison on the blade. I reckon you'll start feeling it here in a second. Meantime, you feel free to throw another of them snowballs at me--this fighting's hot work." He thrusts at the wizard, driving the tip of his rapier in a bid to pierce the magical shield and gut the man.
Round 6 actions and results
Subjet: Rond 6
Ran will continue to fight defensively hoping that Harp will give him the opportunity to retreat to a safer position. If Ran can get away from the enemy, he will retreat to join Fal and Rochelle.
OOC: I don't know what will provoke an attack of opportunity but Ran won't do anything that would cause that. He will only retreat if he can be sure the opponent is unable to kill him.
From: Karl
Subject Round 6
Can Salix take a 5 foot step toward flanking #5 and attack with his scimitar this round? Or can he draw his scimitar and attack from where he is this round? (I realize he can't do either and still throw his flame, but this is the last round for his flame, anyway, right? If he throws it at #5 that will provoke an AOO, right? So would casting a spell from a threatened square, correct?)
From: Kevin
Subject Round 6
OOC: Hearing the jeers from his companions, Harp rethinks his strategy.
Mark, I wish to revise my turn.
IC: Harp feels the grace of the battle lord flow through him and into his leader. Ran still looks the worse for wear and is obviously not attacking all out, but it was all Harp could do in the heat of battle. He had spent even amounts of time studying both the martial and the religous aspects of the Order, but the martial parts seemed to come easier to him. That being the case, Harp decides to use that to his advantage. Seeing the attacker focus on Ran, Harp will use that to his advantage and try to attack the man from his off side.
OOC: Mark, if I can take a 5 ft step and get into a flanking position, I will do so and then attack. If I have to take a full move action to get into such a position and avoid an AOO (i.e. move outside of a threatened square before getting into a flanking position), then I will do that then attack.
I should be able to get into a flanking position one way or another.
From: Mark
Subject Round 6
So you want to attack #4 instead of #5? Leave Cai all by herself, a helpless female while the two guys gang up on the helpless guy in plate? :)
From: Karl
Subject Round 6
Salix may not be the butchest member of the group, but if he's also attacking #5 this round, Cai is hardly "all by herself" thankyouverymuch!
From: Kevin
Subject Round 6
Well said, now just help the little elf lady KILL that damn guy.
Magic resistance is not a fun thing when the other guys have it.
From: Mark
Subject Round 6
Salix can take a 5 foot step but would not be in a flanking position this round. If he moves any further this round he would provoke an AOO. He can draw his scimitar as part of the move. Depending on how Cai and #5 move this round it is possible that he could flank #5 next round, assuming this lasts that long.
He can not attack from where he is, he would have to move.
He would not provoke an AOO if he throws the flame this round since he has already cast the spell and is just making a ranged touch attack.
So is he going to throw the flame or dispell the flame, pull his scimitar and attack?
From: Kevin
Subject Round 6
The world is full of tough decisions. I am looking at the attack bonus vs. armor class, and if I can flank #4, I have a good chance of hitting and taking him out, even if Ran does not hit. Salix may also finish him off if I don't. Cai has had 6 turns to hit her guy - let her fight her own battles. Hell, he is not even wearing any armor. How tough can he be?
From: Mark
Subject Round 6
There is no way for you to get into flanking position this round.
You are behind Ran, out of any threaten squares. You can take a 5 foot step to either side of Ran and attack, or you can move up to 20'(remember that medium armor you have on limits your speed to 20). If you want to stay out of threatened squares until you close you have to move around them. Remember though that when moving diagonally the first square counts as 5' and the second counts as 10'. So if you move two squares diagonally that counts as 15' of movement.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 6
But if Ran were to move slightly (5 ft step) to the other side, I would end up with a flanking position. Right???
From: Mark
Subject Round 6
No. Look at the map. How would Ran moving to the right or left get you into flanking position.
Harp
Ran
#4
See the problem?
From: Kevin
Subject Round 6
You have such a small mind.
All right, I will just step up and hack at the guy
From: Jason
Subject Round 6
I'm not dead yet!
I can't see this map again (it must be the even numbered turns I tell you!) so you'll have to move me as you see best :p
IC: Cai notes with relief that Harp has finished off Kendrick, and they are now facing the other stranger two on one. The sounds behind her indicate Kal is still doing well enough, and she suddenly realizes that she hasn't noticed a spell being cast in the last couple of rounds.
Risking a quick glance to the south, she sees that Surin has closed with the magic user and is keeping him busy. She turns back to her opponent, grinning wolfishly. "Not so tough without your friend stunning your opponents are you?" she taunts. (Assuming Salix steps up to help) She launches another cautious attack and takes another step (either getting in position to flank him or leading him into a position where Salix can do it). (Assuming Salix continues to throw flame from where he is) She launches another cautious attack and takes another step back, trying to position herself so that any of her allies can (when able) quickly come to her aid (ie, make him be standing 5 feet away from someone on the good team).
From: Mark
Subject Round 6
Kevin and Randy
I looked at the map again.
If Ran takes a 5 foot step to either side of #4 it IS possible for Harp to move into a flanking position, depending on what #4 does. Remember these guys are smart and know that getting flanked is bad news. Do not expect them to just stand there while you guys try and flank them.
From: Mark
Subject Round 6
So you are going to fight defensivly? -4 to attack but +2 to AC?
From: Karl
Subject Round 6
Seeing as the flame has the potential to do as much damage as the scimitar, Salix will cast the last (it is the last one for him, right?) at #5. He will then move as far toward flanking #5 as possible without provoking an AOO.
From: Mark
Subject Round 6
I think this is the last round.
He did the spell in round 3 and hit Kendrick but the Magic resistance failed the spell.
He missed in round 4 and hit in round 5.
This is round 6 so it is the fourth and final round of the spell.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 6
Mark, he can be as smart as he wants, but both Ran and Harp MOVE before he does. Ran will not get a flanking bonus, but Harp will. After we attack, the guy can take his 5 ft step to break the flank, assuming his is still alive.
Randy, have Ran take the 5 ft. step, fight defensively, Harp will move to where he flanks #4 and will take an attack with a bonus. If #4 is still alive, he may attack you, but your AC is high enough that he will have only a 1/3 chance to hit - and if he does hit I can still heal you after the fact.
Mark, will you do a spot check for the other guys to see if they noticed that their leader is down?
From: Mark
Subject Round 6
Jake
Did you want this to be some type of Bluff/intimidate roll?
From: Jason
Subject Round 6
Yes, I'll keep fighting defensively until he stops kicking me.
From: Randy
Subject Round 6
Ran calls out to Harp, "Harp, can you get to this guys flank, I can defend myself but I'm not doing much else other than bleeding here!"
Ran will take a 5 foot step to the SW when he sees the opportunity. Still fighting defensively.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 6
Harp, hearing Ran shout, looks at the situation and grins with appreciation at Ran's suggestion. Injured though he may be, Ran still had his wits about him and a great sense of the tactical situation. Harp grunts his agreement and moves to the other side of the attacker, looking to take advantage of the distraction two attackers will present to their opponent. Watching the man try to keep both of them in sight, Harp will wait for the opportune moment to make his attack. Nothing fancy, just a straight forward attack, looking to use all his strength to overcome the armor plating. Harp had done it before (it had been in a training exercise, and had caused his first tour on work detail) so he knew it could be done it the right spot was hit. He bides his time, and when the opportunity presents itself, he attacks, hoping to finish the attacker off.
From: Jake
Subject Round 6
Yeah, if A)it's not too late (ie if you haven't already written the turn) and B)if doing that won't interfere with Surin's ability to attack this round. I don't think that B) would be the case, but just to be sure.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 6
He has not yet, and probably will not until tomorrow. Lazy bum.
Probably working on his Overlook turn.
From: Mark
Subject Round 6 results
Initiative(Stranger5, Ran, Bel, Stranger3, Harp, Kal, Stranger2, Stranger4, Rochelle, Surin, Salix, Cai, Fal)
The man fighting Cai takes a quick step to the right and unleashes another flurry of blows at Cai's head. Cai has figured out the pattern of the attack and both blows come no where near hitting her. (AC21, 2+4=6, 2+4=6, miss, miss)
Ran feels the healing power of Harp's deity flow into him. It is not much, but it might just be enough. With Kendrick down they now out number their foes and should be able to out maneuver them. ?Harp? he yells, ?go left. I'll go right? and Ran moves up and to the right as he blocks a blow from his opponent. Not wanting to let the man get to comfortable, he takes a swing at the man's head and surprises himself when he almost connects. (AC21 17+3=20, miss) Only a quick twist of his shield,.blocking Ran's blow keeps the man from having his head separated from his shoulders.
Bel, who seems not to have heard Harp's command, fires another couple of shots at the man fighting Kal. The first bounces off the plate armor harmlessly (AC21, 4+6=10,miss) but the second punches another hole in the armor. (AC21, 18+6=24, hit,damage 6) The shaft buries itself in the man's side, hampering the movement of his shield arm.
The magic user facing Surin sneers at the wound caused by the rapier. He takes a step away (5 foot step) and chants again. Another ray leaps from his fingers but Surin is able to dodge out of the way. (AC16, 9+4=13, miss).
Harp, hearing Ran shout, looks at the situation and grins with appreciation at Ran's suggestion. Injured though he may be, Ran still had his wits about him and a great sense of the tactical situation. Harp grunts his agreement and moves to the other side of the attacker, looking to take advantage of the distraction two attackers will present to their opponent. Watching the man try to keep both of them in sight, Harp will wait for the opportune moment to make his attack. Nothing fancy, just a straight forward attack, looking to use all his strength to overcome the armor plating. Harp had done it before (it had been in a training exercise, and had caused his first tour on work detail) so he knew it could be done it the right spot was hit. He bides his time, and when the opportunity presents itself, he attacks, hoping to finish the attacker off. However his movement throws off his aim. (AC21, 5+12=17, miss) His sword clangs off the plate armor, notched from the impact.
Kal is frustrated by his seeming lack of prowess with his blade. When he has used it to channel the magic's at his disposal his foes have either ignored the spell or healed them. When he has hit his foe, he has healed himself. Now he has missed. He was not supposed to miss. He tries again, weaving an intricate pattern with his weapon and launching an attack when it seemed most unlikely. (AC21, 8+11=19,miss) Again he sees his rapier's point get turned by the plate armor his foe is wearing.
Kal's opponent jeers at him.?All those fancy moves. Here is how it is done.? he says in broken common. He takes a small step to his left and makes a powerful thrust at Kal's midsection and the sword strikes home. (AC18, 19+6=25, hit, critical threat, Critical threat roll, AC18,5+6=11, miss, damage 6) Kal twists at the last moment, but the blade still carves a long gash in his side.
Realizing that he is surrounded, Harp's foe takes a careful step away from the two towards the tree that is near them. As he does he takes a swing at Ran (AC22, 5+5=10, miss) but his momentum causes the head of the morning star to glance off of Ran's shield.
Rochelle and Fal keep where they are.
Surin grins evilly when his rapier pricks the mage's thigh. "Doesn't take more than a scratch if there's poison on the blade. I reckon you'll start feeling it here in a second. Meantime, you feel free to throw another of them snowballs at me--this fighting's hot work." (Intimidate roll, Opposed check, DC12,17+0=17, success) The man looks at the small hole in his robes and blanches. Surin thrusts at the wizard, driving the tip of his rapier in a bid to pierce the magical shield and gut the man. (AC18, 1+11=12,miss) Just as his rapier looks like it will strike the mage in the chest there is a flare of power and his stroke is deflected.
Another ball of flame appears in Salix's hand and he knows that this is the last of the fire. Seeing Harp and Ran taking care of one of the foes and Kal and Bel handling another, Salix tosses the flame at Cai's opponent. At this close of range he can hardly miss. (AC15, 20+6=26,hit, critical threat, Critical threat roll, AC15, 8+6=14,miss, no critical, damage 9) The mans robes burst into flames, his skin and hair ablaze. Salix then moves and draws his scimitar, ready to battle hand to hand. He able to get himself into a flanking position.
Cai, seeing her opponent ablaze and Salix flanking him, stops retreating and attacks at full strength. (AC15, 9+8+17,hit, damage 6) Her nose wrinkling at the smell of burning flesh, she drives her sword into the unarmored belly of her foe and lets his guts out on the ground. She pushes the dead man off her sword and his body slides to the ground, his face a nightmare of burned skin.
OODM: I need actions from every one this round. I have attached a new map.
Round 7 actions and results
Subject Round 7
Surin doesn't allow his frustration with his inability to land a blow on the mage to show in his face. Better, he thinks, to let the man be distracted by his fear of the imaginary poison. "So," he says, lunging again with his rapier, "that magic you got protectin' you. That a spell you cast? 'Cause if it ain't, if it's comin' from a ring or amulet or somethin', I reckon it's the first thing I'll pick off your corpse, once you're down. Strikes me it'd be a mighty handy thing to have on hand. Not enough to, you know, save a fella weak as you are, but handy just the same."
From: Jake
Subject Weapon finesse
By the way, you are including Surin's weapon finesse in his rolls, right? I figure that you are, but I figure there's no harm in making sure.
From: Josh
Subject Round 7
Rage builds up inside Kal. His opponent fights like a butcher, no style and no skill. How am I getting bested by this fool!? The savage managed to take down their leader and I'm over here exchanging blows with this skill-less mongrel! He has no right to cross swords with me, let alone draw my blood!
Calm. Calm down. Kal's vision narrows, his opponents features melt away. Kal is back in training, his opponent a featureless dummy. Duck left, step left. Spin back and feint forward. Put him on the defensive. Feint forward again, step left. Get on his weak side. Step right, spin to the left. Feint an attack. Step left. NOW. Kal's body unleashes like a coiled spring. All his rage is realeased through his blade, all his pride is gone. Entirely in the moment, Kal lives only to best this enemy. All other considerations are forgotten. His life begins and ends with this melee.
OOC: Harp and Ran -- check out page 154 in the PHB 3.5. It outlines how one character can help another. It takes your turn for the round (so it might not be useful here), but it allows you to give one of your teamates a +2 to AC or Attack.
OOC2: Sorry I missed last round. Tonite is the first time I've been home in a while.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 7
Harp, watches as his sword bounces off the armor. A grunt of frustration escapes his lips, but he quickly realizes that the man cannot escape them. Harp knows that Ran will move to the other side of the attacker again, just as he did last time. Harp takes a short step to the left, and attacks.
OOC: Randy - your call - if you want to keep fighting defensively, be my guest. Or, if you want to "Aid" me, it would give me another +2 to my attack, in addition to my flanking bonus. Harp would now be a +12 to hit - I have to roll a 9 to hit this guy - not guaranteed and if I don't hit, he gets an attack at you without you having your defensive fighting bonus. Makes no difference to me. Harp is going to keep hacking at him no matter what. Just make sure Ran takes that 5 ft step so we can flank him.
Good work, everyone else. We all did the right things, just got a few bad rolls. We will take a little more damage, but nothing Salix and Harp can't stabilize and then cure the next morning.
From: Karl
Subject Round 7
Salix had begun to worry that these foes were perhaps beyond them, but seeing his opponent burst into flame Salix feels the power of his God flowing through him. Fire! Nature's fearsome devourer! That will teach him to attack a follower of Obad-Hai!
He moves into flanking position, only to see Cai gut him. He watches as the man's entrails fall onto the ground, the blood soaking into the earth, iron returning from whence it came. The earthy smell of it seems to fill him up, renewing him as the man's minerals will renew the ground that is even now drinking them in.
Salix turns to survey the field, his face taking on a look that his party hasn't seen on him before, fierce and vengeful like a darkened storm cloud. He looks toward the magic user. "You have lasted far beyond your due time, force-bender!" he spits, slapping one hand to the symbol on his armor and pointing the other toward the enemy mage. He begins to chant the words of the prayer of summoning (sacrifice Flame Sphere for SNA II), petitioning Obad-Hai for a Hippogriff to appear directly behind the mage and attack with all its force, talons and beak.
From: Mark
Subject Round 7
Kevin is going to get Buckbeak yet. :)
From: Kevin
Subject Round 7
OOC: Go Karl. I want to see a hippogriff. But, check your range for the spell. I think it is 25' + 5'/2 levels.
I don't know if you can move this turn and then cast the spell when you are a bit closer.
Either way, I want to see Buckbeak.
From: Mark
Subject Round 7
The thing can move the round it shows up.
The spell is a full round action and he can not move while casting.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 7
Cast away. He might spot you and toss another magic missle, but I think he may be out of those, since he has resorted to snowball spells now.
From: Jason
Subject Round 7
Cai feels a rush of adrenaline surge through her as she kicks her dead, but still burning, assailant off the end of her sword. "Perfectly done!" she exclaims to Salix, and takes a quick look around at the rest of the battle. It looks good, she decides. Surin has somehow managed to single-handedly neutralize the spellcaster. Risking a quick glance behind her, she sees that Kal is still facing off with his opponent, and yet neither seems to be as badly injured as she expected. She hasn't been able to see much of that fight, and wonders if the stranger has some sort of magical protection.
Seeing Salix's eyes fix on the magic user as he begins to chant, she decides to focus her attention on (Stranger 4). Quickly switching to her weapon of choice, she fires off a pair of arrows hoping to turn the melee combat into a lopsided 7 on 1 before he can bring down Ran, who looks decidedly worse for the wear.
ooc If Cai can see a clear shot when it gets to be her turn, she'll rapid shot from where she is. Otherwise she'll move south-westish into position, trying to stay within 30 feet of both enemies.
From: Mark
Subject Round 7
You will not be able to do the rapid shot since that is a full round action and you have to pick up your bow and drop your sword. The drop is a free action but I am going to make bending down and picking up your bow and getting it set a move action. That means only one arrow. Into a melee. :)
From: Kevin
Subject Round 7
Hey Jason, forget the bow and come on over an join the party. You will get a better view up here.
From: Randy
Subject Round 7
Ran will continue to fight defensively but will move to keep the opponent flanked.
OOC: I may not be able to get a turn in tomorrow as it is Canada Day and we have a friend in town. If the battle is still going on, Ran will continue to work with Harp to finish of this man. If the man is no longer a threat, Ran will start retreating to join Fal and Rochelle.
From: Jason
Subject Round 7
Blah. I'll cut him into little tiny pieces. And when I'm done, I'll *jump* on them!
And by that I mean Cai will charge stranger 4 and stick him with her sword. And I do mean charge. If he attacks me when I'm at -2 AC, that just means he's not attacking Ran.
Not to be a spoilsport, but I'm actually curious. What is the difference between Bel shooting at #2 and me shooting at #4? I do hope there's a good reason, because I honestly don't want to find out that the DM just forgot and suddenly one of the arrows is sticking out of Kal's back instead of the stranger's side...
From: Mark
Subject Round 7
Depending on where people are standing. I have not looked at the map this morning but I know that Bel had to move to get a clear shot.
You can shoot into melee but there are minuses to your to hit roll, becuase you are making sure you do not hit your own team mate.
There is a feat that will allow you to shoot into melee with out minuses. I think it is precise shot.
From: Jason
Subject Round 7
OK. For some reason I thought there was some complicated thing about rolling to see who you hit, and figuring out how big each combatant was, and a lot of dice rolling. Maybe that's AD&D or something. Good to know, but I'll stick with the sword for now.
From: Mark
Subject Round 7
Well if you miss I would probably roll to see if you hit a team member.
However the -4 to hit is the basic penalty.
From: Mark
Subject Round 7 results
Initiative(Ran, Bel, Stranger3, Harp, Kal, Stranger2, Stranger4, Rochelle, Surin, Salix, Cai, Fal)
Out of the edge of his vision Ran sees Salix and Cai take down their foe. ?Two down, three to go? he thinks to himself. ?We might just get out of this alive. He moves to keep up with his opponent, knowing that Harp will do the same. He takes another swing at the man, but his blow is blocked by the man's shield. (AC21, 17+3=20,miss).
Bel tries to take a couple of shots at Kal's opponent, but with all the dodging and weaving going on both shots miss their mark. (AC21, 5+4=9, 1+4=5, miss, miss)
The magic user facing Surin has a terrified look on his face. He backs up a few feet(5 foot step) and chants some more words. Again the white/blue ray lances out at Surin.(AC16,14+2=16, hit,damage2) Again the freezing ray touches Surin on the arm, turning the skin white.
Harp follows Ran's lead and moves along with the man in plate, taking up a flanking position. He makes a mighty over hand sweep with his sword (AC21, 18+12=30,hit) The man throws up his shield to block the sword, but the power behind it is too much. The shield tilts and the sword buries itself between the chest plate and the mans neck. (Damage 9). He staggers, almost falling.
Rage builds up inside Kal. His opponent fights like a butcher, no style and no skill. How am I getting bested by this fool!? The savage managed to take down their leader and I'm over here exchanging blows with this skill-less mongrel! He has no right to cross swords with me, let alone draw my blood!
Calm. Calm down. Kal's vision narrows, his opponents features melt away. Kal is back in training, his opponent a featureless dummy. Duck left, step left. Spin back and feint forward. Put him on the defensive. Feint forward again, step left. Get on his weak side. Step right, spin to the left. Feint an attack. Step left. NOW. Kal's body unleashes like a coiled spring. All his rage is released through his blade, all his pride is gone. Entirely in the moment, Kal lives only to best this enemy. All other considerations are forgotten. His life begins and ends with this melee. (AC21,8+11=19) Again, the man blocks what Kal is sure is a death blow.
The man laughs. ?Stupid elf. Your type was always weak both in mind and in body.? He launches another attack. (AC18, 13+6=19, hit) He makes a huge overhand swing, eerily similar to what Harp had just done seconds before. Kal throws up his rapier to block the longsword but the power of the stroke knocks the weapon out of the way. The blade cuts deep into Kal's thigh. (Damage 4) The man then takes a quick step away, opening some room between the two.
Staggering under Harp's blow, the man stumbles away from Harp, almost out of control.(5 foot step) As he reaches for the vial at his waist, Ran makes a quick thrust. (AOO, using a potion in a threatened square) The man just barely able to get his sword up to block Ran's attack. (AC21,9+3=12, miss). He quickly swallows the fluid and the bleeding wound at his neck heals over.
Rochelle notices that the man fighting Kal is getting very close to where she is. She starts moving away from him, dragging Fal with her.
Surin doesn't allow his frustration with his inability to land a blow on the mage to show in his face. Better, he thinks, to let the man be distracted by his fear of the imaginary poison. "So," he says, lunging again with his rapier, "that magic you got protectin' you. That a spell you cast? 'Cause if it ain't, if it's comin' from a ring or amulet or somethin', I reckon it's the first thing I'll pick off your corpse, once you're down. Strikes me it'd be a mighty handy thing to have on hand. Not enough to, you know, save a fella weak as you are, but handy just the same." He follows the mage and makes another lightening quick thrust.(AC18, 1+11=12,miss) Again the shield of energy flares and the blade is turned aside.
Salix had begun to worry that these foes were perhaps beyond them, but seeing his opponent burst into flame Salix feels the power of his God flowing through him. Fire! Nature's fearsome devourer! That will teach him to attack a follower of Obad-Hai!
He moves into flanking position, only to see Cai gut him. He watches as the man's entrails fall onto the ground, the blood soaking into the earth, iron returning from whence it came. The earthy smell of it seems to fill him up, renewing him as the man's minerals will renew the ground that is even now drinking them in.
Salix turns to survey the field, his face taking on a look that his party hasn't seen on him before, fierce and vengeful like a darkened storm cloud. He looks toward the magic user. "You have lasted far beyond your due time, force-bender!" he spits, slapping one hand to the symbol on his armor and pointing the other toward the enemy mage. He begins to chant the words of the prayer of summoning (sacrifice Flame Sphere for SNA II), petitioning Obad-Hai for a Hippogriff to appear directly behind the mage and attack with all its force, talons and beak. (Full round action, if uninterrupted, the beast will show up just before your next action)
Cai looks at Ran and Harp, her blood flowing and decides she likes what she is feeling. She charges across the field, shouting at the top of her voice. As she gets to where Ran and Harp are, she has to veer off or run into Ran. As she gets to the man in plate, she swings her sword in a wide arc. (AC21, 13+8=21,hit, damage 6) Her sword bites deep into the side of the man.
OODM: I need actions for round 8.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 8
OOC: I have never seen such a miserable collection of rolls in my life. Always just a little off.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 8
Damn him to bloody hell, Harp thinks to himself. Just when he thought they were going to take another one down. Gritting his teeth and ignoring the pain, Harp will again work his way to a flanking position and attack the stranger. At least their opponent had not had a chance to cause any more damage. If they were lucky, at least 2 of the group would be able to strike him and lay him low.
From: Jake
Subject Round 8
Surin ignores the pain of the freezing ray, and laughs instead. "Ah, that's the stuff. Much oblidged, mister wizard. 'Fore the poison takes hold too bad, you mind aiming one of those at my waterskin? A nice cool drink'll be just the thing once you're down."
Despite his complete lack of success with the rapier so far, he once again thrusts with it. If nothing else, he's keeping the wizard from having the time or space to think of attacking the company.
From: Jake
Subject Round 8
OOC: I forgot to mention it in my turn, but Surin takes a five foot step toward the man, keeping close enough to him to engage him with the rapier.
From: Karl
Subject Round 8
If the Hippogriff prayer succeeds, Salix will order it to attach the mage, flanking him if possible and using all its weapons. Salix then noticing Ran is looking worse for wear will approach him and pray for Obad-Hai to grant him healing (Cure light wounds)
Round 8 actions
Subject Round 8
No, it doesn't add to the charisma...but it makes you think it did...:D
From: Derrell
Subject Round 8
Fal puts himself between Rochelle and the man fighting Kal. If he has a clear shot, Fal will fire Magic Missile at the man.
From: Mark
Subject Round 8
Sorry I think you used all your MM for the day, or at least according to your spell list on Sakeriver.
You did not update your list so you have used your one listed for the day.
Round 8 results and Round 9 actions
Subject Round 8 results
Initiative(Ran, Bel, Stranger3, Harp, Kal, Stranger2, Stranger4, Rochelle, Surin, Hippogriff, Salix, Cai, Fal)
Ran is pleased now that he has some more support. Still limiting his chance of getting hit he makes another attack at his foe. His half hearted attack fails to come even close to hitting his opponent. (AC21, 5+3=8, miss)
Seeing Kal in close combat with the man in plate, Bel decides to switch targets. Thinking to make quick work of the magic user, he takes a quick step forward and to his right (5 foot step) and shoots two quick arrows at the other magic user. Being careful not to hit the halfling fighting the magic user hampers Bel's aim a bit, and his first shot is wide. (AC 18, 9+2=11, miss) However his second shot finds the mark. (AC18, 18+2=20, hit) There is a flash of power as the arrow penetrates the magical shield around the man and then it buries itself in his shoulder, spinning him around. Watching the flash of magical energy Bel realizes that the magic user is protected by shield spell.(Spellcraft DC16, 12+6=18, success)
The magic user grimaces in pain and stumbles away from the halfling (5 foot step), grabbing at the arrow in his shoulder, pulling it out and throwing it to the ground. He then grabs at a small vial at this waist and quickly pops the cork and swallows the contents. The wound in his shoulder stops bleeding and the man looks a little bit better.
Harp moves cautiously around the man that he and Ran and Cai have been fighting. He gets into a flanking position and launches his attack. (AC21, 9+12=21, hit) Cai is able to provide just enough of a distraction that Harp is able to slide his blade between the back chest plate and the armored skirt. Harp feels his sword separate the bones in man's back (damage 11) and the man collapses in a pile at his feet.
With the distance between himself and the second stranger, Kal decides to take some time to regroup himself. He takes a step under the tree( 5 foot step) to keep himself between his enemy and Rochelle.
Kal allows his mind to retract even further from the present. Recalling the arcane words he had studied the night before, Kal weaves an intricate pattern with his right hand as he speaks the words. He casts like he fights, each word each and motion of his hand seems like a sword thrust. His entire being commits to the spell casting, his body swaying and dancing involuntarily as he draws up the arcane forces.
As he continues the chant, the opposite becomes apparent. His blade work is a reflection of his spell casting. Each thrust and feint of his blade is a a meaningless piece of a larger picture. What first appeared to be a flourish in his fencing is now obviously required. One different step or one different stroke and his blade work would fail, just as a spell would if a word was misspoken. (Cast True Strike)
As the spell reaches it's climax, the magic dances down his arm and infuses his blade. The true nature of his style is clear now. His sword play is reflected in his spell casting, and his spell casting in his blade work. The common thread is the artist, Kal paints both pictures with the same brush. One with steel, the other Aether. The two arts are inseparable for him, each builds on the other to create something bigger than the two alone.
The man in plate who had been fighting Kal looks around and sees the other man in plate fall to the ground. Deciding that they have taken too many losses he tries to retreat. Disdaining Kal's attacks as ineffective he runs right by Kal, trying to get to the magic users side. As he passes Kal, the elf lashes out with his rapier.(AOO leaving a threatened square.) Normally he would have been correct on Kal's ability to hit him, but he had not counted on the bladesinger's magic. The spell Kal had just cast guides his rapier unerringly into a gap in the man's armor. (AC21, 4+31=35,hit) Kal's rapier slides in between the chest plate and the back plate and punctures a vital organ or two. (Damage 5 The man looks surprised when Kal hits him, but continues moving and ends up next to Bel.
When he gets next to Bel he takes a swing at the ? elf's back. Bel is surprised by this attack and tries to defend himself with his bow. The man bats the bow away with almost contemptuous ease and takes an overhand swing at Bel. (AC18, 20+6=26, hit, critical threat, critical threat roll,AC18,14+6=20, critical hit) The sword crashes down on his shoulder. The fine elven chain does not separate but the blow does crush his collar bone and break his shoulder. (Damage 14)
Rochelle screams as she watches Bel almost get cut in half. She tries to rush around Kal but he holds her back, barely.
Surin ignores the pain of the freezing ray, and laughs instead. "Ah, that's the stuff. Much obliged, mister wizard. 'Fore the poison takes hold too bad, you mind aiming one of those at my water skin? A nice cool drink'll be just the thing once you're down."
Despite his complete lack of success with the rapier so far, he once again thrusts with it. If nothing else, he's keeping the wizard from having the time or space to think of attacking the company. (AC18, 19+11=30, hit, critical threat, critical threat roll, AC18, 4+11=15, no critical hit) This time his rapier punches through the magical shield but the small weapon only scratches the man again. (Damage 1)
Salix, who had been praying to Obad-Hai for nature's help, takes a small step forward as he finishes his prayer, which is answered. A Hippogriff appears next to Harp, startling the ? orc. At Salix's command it charges right at the magic user, trying to get to the opposite side of Surin. The beast moves with amazing speed, his wings flapping a bit and making it seem like his feet almost do not touch the ground. It takes a little bit of a round about path and then darts in and attacks the magic user from behind. (AC18, 19+8=25, hit) The hippogriff's claw catches the magic user by surprise and opens a large cut down his back.( Damage5)
Salix then moves up toward where Ran, Harp and Cai are. Deciding that Ran needs his help more than the other two do, he tells Ran ?Let me see what the healing power of Obad-Hai can do for you.? He than chants the healing prayer and lays his hands on Ran's wounds. Salix feels some healing power flowing through his touch and Some of Ran's wounds closing over. (Cure Light Wounds, heal 5)
Cai, looking around, sees her friend Bel almost get cut in half. Ignoring her own wounds she runs to his aid and swings at the man in plate. (AC21, 11+8+19, miss) The man is able to stop her blow on his shield and her sword bounces off with out doing any damage to him.
OODM: End of round 8. I need round 9 actions. New map attached.
From: Randy
Subject Round 9
OOC: What was the damage of Bel's hit on the magic user? Also, there are two number 2's on the map. From your description, #2 has moved away from Kal and is now near Bel and Cai correct?
Ran, feeling a little better from the healing from Salix, and feeling that the others have things pretty well in hand will move to join Fal and Rochelle. Before doing so he will tell Harp to help Bel and Cai as the man they are fighting seems to be the more serious threat right now.
From: Josh
Subject Round 9
OOC: Happy 4th everyone.
Kal, invigorated by his successful hit, charges his enemy.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 9
Happy 4th as well to every one. If you are reading this on the 4th, you need to get a life. I am just stopping in from the pool to get more beer and then heading back out to bake in the sun and corrupt my liver just a little more.
Horray Buckbeak - hit some more
From: Randy
Subject Round 9
At least one of us had to work on the 4th. I took my break on friday and enjoyed some fireworks and patriotism of my own. Red and White style.
Happy Independence Day to the rest of you though.
From: Mark
Subject Round 9
Sorry
Bel's hit did 5 damage.
Yes the #2 near next to Bel and Cai is the real one.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 9
Sorry for the oversight Randy. I had the same experience last year in the British Virgin Islands. For some reason, our captain, from just outside London, did not seem real keen on our call for some fireworks. Just us unsensitive citizens of the USA.
Hey, you also get Boxing Day, if I remember correctly.
Lets see if we can finish this thing this week
From: Kevin
Subject Round 9
For Harp, time seems to have stopped. Seconds become days, his eyes taking in a myriad of images, his mind trying to decide what to do. Finally, like the rockets used to celebrate a special occasion, his body reacts to what is happening around him. He sees Bel's arrows streak past him, but he does not take the time to see if (or who) they hit. Harp concentrates on the enemy in front of him. Cai's appearance has made this an even more unequal fight, but as Harp had been taught, take adavantage of whatever benefits you have been given. He moves slightly, feeling some appreciation for their opponents bravery at trying to fight against three foes, but it was not like this enemy had planned it that way. Finally, Harp sees an opening as the man is turning to ward of a blow from the other side.
Harp flexes his muscles and slides his sword into the mans back, severing his spine. With a satisfying grunt, he pulls his sword free and looks around for his next opponent. His training may be split between the religious and the martial, but today it was the martial that was leading the way.
As he looks around, he sees the armored opponent fighting Kal run past Kal wtih the appearance that he was trying to flee. He sees Kal get a good stick into him, but Kal's little rapier seemed to be overwhelmed by the man's armor. Then, horrified, he watches as the man runs up behind Bel and strike Bel so hard the Harp could hear the bones break. Harp flashes back to when his own shoulder had been broken, not so long ago. He knows that in that condition, Bel would not even be able to defend himself. He had to help. Harp starts to move that way when, out of no where, appears a huge bird like creature. It's wingspan is easily 12 feet across. Harp, a look of surprise on his face, sees Salix smiling and then speaking some words the Harp does not understand. With that, the huge bird heads off behind Harp.
Wishing it the best of luck, Harp moves on. (OOC: Mark, Harp will move three diagonal squares - that should equal his 20' movement, right (5, 10, 5 on the diagonal). If Bel moves, Harp will try to get within range to do the following.
IC: As Harp moves, he prays to Heironious - Great battle lord, allow your grace to fill me, infuse me, let me become a beacon of your light and good. Allow me to heal this companion who has been injured in this battle against those who follow your brother, Hextor. With that, Harp touches Bel, attemptin to ease his wounds. (OOC: Mark, Harp will sacrafice another 1st level spell - not my domain spells- for cure light wounds on Bel.)
OOC: Rob, if I can make a suggestion, stay where you are, but fight defensively. Harp will get there before your opponent can attack and will give you a little bit of healing. Also, remember that using a ranged weapon in a threatend square provides for an attack of opportunity, while, I think, dropping a weapon is a free action that does not provoke and drawing a weapon is a move action that does not provoke.
IC: As Harp provides his lords grace to Bel, he watches what the opponent does. If the chance permits, Harp will yell to Cai "Cai, try to flank him if you can."
From: Karl
Subject Round 9
Happy 4th to all. I'm still entertaining visiting relatives. The adults wanted to see Philly on the 4th, so I volunteered to keep the six kids (under 9 years old). Chris and I took them to a "Fun Center" and let them run wild. We ended the day with a nice dinner and a walk down the street to watch the fireworks.
From: Rob
Subject Round 9
Bel, staggering in pain from the massive blow he has received, backs away from the man in front of him, and draws his sword. He is far less interested in hitting the man, intending to use his sword to parry any attacks while trying to inflict some damage as well (defensive fighting).
Round 9 actions
Subject Round 9
Salix moves toward the magic user, scimitar drawn and a look of vengeance in his eye. (I assume he won't be able to attack this round, but on the off chance that I'm wrong, he'll strike with the scimitar as soon as he is within melee range.)
From: Jason
Subject Round 9
Cai's nostril's flare at the sight of her friend's grevious injuries, and she determines that this cowardly warrior will not escape her justice. She steps into position to flank him, and attacks with all her strength.
Ooc: Alternatively, if he keeps running, I'd prefer shooting him. If he dies, I'll shoot the magic user. Once again I can't see the map but hopefully I have a good line of sight still.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 9
OOC: Mark, I think that Cai and Harp have #2 in about the same position as Harp and Ran had #4 just a few rounds ago. We are going to work as best we can to keep him flanked, short of him taking a full fledged run away from us.
From: Mark
Subject Round 9
I am probably not going to get a turn done tonight and I am going to the local OSC book signing tomorrow. I will also be having dinner with the Card's on Thursday night before their Cincy signing.
I might be able to get something done tomorrow at lunch. I will see.
From: Josh
Subject Round 9
What have we told you about your priorities Mark? DnD first, all else second.
Sheesh, some people.
From: Rob
Subject Round 9
Just toss around those names, like we care...lol....
From: Kevin
Subject Round 9
Harp, having worked his way through the longest combat in his short history, is again poised to act. But, again, time seems to have stood still. Seconds become hours, hours become days. Is this some strange time warp? Did the stranger from the dream have the power to make time stand still? And why did the stranger have the initials OSC emblazoned on the sleeve of his robe?
No matter. Harp was used to considering himself as a pawn of larger, more powerful forces.
From: Josh
Subject Round 9
I just had a great idea. Slug OSC over the head with a bag of quarters, tie him up in your basement, and force him to crank out turns for us!
Who's with me!?
Round 9 results, the fight is over
Subject Round 9 actions
Initiative (Ran, Bel, Stranger3, Harp, Kal, Stranger 2, Stranger4, Rochelle, Surin, Hippogriff, Salix, Cai, Fal)
With the combat looking well in hand, Ran moves to take up a defensive position closer to Rochelle. ?Corporal, help Bel and Cai with that fighter.?
Bel is almost unconscious from the pain but his training takes over. Dropping his bow he takes a step (5 foot step) away from the man who had almost killed him, drawing his sword as he moves. (Total defense)
The magic user, surprised by the appearance of the beast behind him, panics and turns to flee. As he turns both Surin and the beast move to strike the unprotected back. Surin is able to force his blade through the magical shield and slide the thin blade of his rapier between the man's ribs. (AC18, 18+13=31, hit, critical threat, critical threat roll, AC18, 5+13=18, hit, critical hit, sneak attack as well, damage 12) The hippogriff also lashes out with one giant clawed foot and rakes it down the magic user's back. (AC18, 14+8=20, hit, damage 5) The man is almost cut in two, his body falling lifeless to the ground.
Harp nods at Ran's order and moves off towards where Bel is retreating. As he moves he prays to the Battle God for his healing power so that they may fight on. When he gets to Bel he grabs his shoulders. ?Stand and the healing power of Heironious will heal you.? Bel feels the warmth of the healing prayer flow through him and feels his shoulder shift back into place at Harp's touch. (Heal 10)
Kal's elation at finally hitting his opponent is tempered when he sees the man almost cut Bel in half. He charges after him, roaring in anger. (AC21, 10+13=23, hit) He is able to use the momentum from his charge to punch another hole in the plate armor of the man and the man collapses from the hit. (Damage 6).
There is a moment of eerie silence. Only the heavy breathing of the survivors and the odd sound of the hippogriff fill the air. Seconds later the hippogriff disappears.
OODM: Combat is now over. Turns, comments, actions.
From: Jason
Subject Round 9 actions
Cai turns around, surveying the battlefield, and whistles appreciatively.
Her arm and jaw ache from where she was punched, but she was one of only a few who had not been bloodied in the battle. They had been worthy opponents. The fact that they had attacked without warning did not bother her; nature did not give warning to those too insensitive to feel its inevitable course. She had felt a small warning in the back of her mind, but not acted quickly enough before they were attacked. If she were always that inattentive, she would have frozen to death in one of the blizzards that swept her home so frequently and suddenly each year.
Now, however, her mind is alert, and she notices that a couple of their opponents seem to be breathing shallowly--not quite dead, though well on their way. She turns to Ran and, pointing to one, she asks "Do you think it would be wise to wake one long enough to question him? I'm sure we're all thinking that they were probably sent by that man from our dreams, and its possible that they know something of him."
The calm after the storm
Subject The calm after the storm
Salix stops in mid stride, his scimitar raised and ready to strike the mage when he sees that it has been cut down by Surin and the hippogriff. Anger and vengeance still burning in his eyes, he looks for another target for his wrath, but there is none to be seen. He feels the intoxicating anger turning to frustration when he discovers there is no enemy to serve as outlet. He remembers his training. Like when a river is dammed, Salix must provide an outlet or his anger would find one on its own. In that case, it would probably be one that Salix (and his friends) wouldn't appreciate. So he continues toward the now-dead mage and strikes the corpse with all his force, nearly burying the scimitar in the man's chest with a near-feral howl. There is a pause as the howl echoes off the surrounding trees. Noctis takes wing and circles the group a couple of times before nervously alighting on a nearby branch.
Silently and seemingly unaware of the others, Salix closes his eyes and takes one deep breath and recites a prayer of thanks to Obad-Hai in one long, slow exhale. Because he is speaking in the language of his people, to his friends the sound is a strange mix of unknown syllables. After what seems to the group like much too long a time for a single breath, Salix seems to come back to himself. He opens his eyes removes the weapon from the mage's corpse, wipes the blood on the ground, stands and re-sheathes it. He then begins searching the corpses as if this strange display never happened.
"Help me search them," he says to the group. "There must be some indication of who they are or where they are from. It would be good to know why they attacked us."
(OOC - Salix will search each corpse in turn - unless someone else gets to one first. He will be looking for anything unusual or any sign of the origin or purpose of this group, gathering also any potions, weapons, amulets, or the like he encounters in his search.)
From: Randy
Subject The calm after the storm
Ran coughs, feeling suddenly weak and pained from his wounds. He takes a stumbling step towards the downed man next to him and stops, realizing that the pain might be too much for him to do more than sleep. Ran calls out weakly to Harp and says "Corporal, please take charge of the searching of these bodies. Bind tightly any who yet live that we may question them. Make sure Rochelle is well guarded."
Speaking seems to have taken all of Rans effort and he slumps to the ground in exhaustion. His eyes close and his breathing shallows. He begins to silently meditate, calming his mind and stilling his twitching muscles. His mouth moves slightly as he almost inaudibly speaks a prayer of thanks that neither he or any of his companions were killed in this deadly conflict.
From: Kevin
Subject The calm after the storm
Harp, hearing Ran's command, responds "Yes, sir. Bel, Cai - search these two over here. Fal, keep Rochelle where she is until I give the all clear, but check with her to make sure she is OK. Surin, help Salix search that mage for anything of interest. Kal, sit, rest, I will see to your wounds shortly."
With that, Harp kneels down at the two men in plate, checking to see if either of them still breathe. OOC: Mark, if Harp finds that either of them are still alive, he will sacrafice 2 0 level spells for a Cure Minor Wounds on each to stabilize them. If they are both beyond saving, the change the activity below to 4 cure minor wounds on Kal.
IC: Once Harp has stabilized the two enemies, he will go over to Kal to examine his wounds. Seeing their severity, he will get his healing kit from his pack horse, sacrafice his two remaining 0 level spells to cure minor wounds on Kal and uses his healing kit, saying as he does so
"Your wounds are deep, but not life threatening, I think. The grace my lord affords me has been mostly used this day, but I will do what little I can tonight. Tomorrow, I will be able to do more."
When Harp has completed this, and the bodies have been searched, Harp will call Surin and the others over.
" We need to make camp, both to rest ourselves, and to explore what we have found. Salix, would you and Cai go to Fal and Rochelle and bring them over while Bel and I get the horses and bring them in. Surin, when we return, I would appreciate your help in setting up camp. Bel, if you would then take Cai and maybe find us some fresh meat, I am sure that we could all use a hot meal."
Harp will ask diplomatically if either Ran or Kal need assistance in getting to the camp site.
From: Josh
Subject The calm after the storm
Kal, ignoring Harps order to sit, kneels in front of his fallen enemy. He says a short prayer to Corellon Larethian, kisses the hilt of his blade, wipes it clean of blood, and sheathes it.
With that, Kal allows himself to fully return to reality. As he stands, his left leg buckles beneath him. In that moment the pain from the battle washes over him and nearly knocks him unconscious. Struggling to master his pain, Kal forces himself to stand. After two deep breaths, he takes appraisal of the battlefield, and then inspects his enemy, looking for any thing that might reveal who he is or why he attacked us. (Knowledge Religion and Arcana checks)
Harp comes forward and says something to Kal, but Kal can hardly understand the words, he's lost in his thoughts: "He fought well, he bested their leader and another where I could hardly handle one."
Dismissively nodding at whatever Harp is saying to him, Kal returns to his thoughts. "I was overconfident, and it nearly got me killed. I should have prepared more thoroughly before I jumped into combat with him. Just because I'm the better swordsman doesn't mean I'm going to win every fight I get into, battle's are precarious things and I allowed my opponent too much of a chance. "
Kal wanders around the battlefield for a while, seemingly dazed. He occasionly stops to inspect his fallen enemies bodies, looking for something that could hint at their origin. If he finds anything of value he'll bring it to Ran. (Unless it's a Rapier, in which case he'll keep it for himself.)
Kal refuses healing until the rest of the party is completely healed, insisting that the wounds are much worse than they look.
OOC: Jason -- Ragnar Stonehands? Sounds fun.
Picking up the pieces
Subject Turn
Since I was busy having dinner last night with the Cards and am playing my Real Life D&D group tonight I will work on a turn over the weekend.
From: Kevin
Subject Turn
Harp watches in amazement as Kal staggers around, trying to be helpful. Harp shakes his head. He had seen this before. A zombie like state sets in in many wouned. They try to do normal things, but they are just making the motions. Harp goes over to Kal, gently takes him by the shoulders, and tries to get his attention.
"You fought well, and have been greviously wounded. Your body must be given time to accept what has happened to it. If you push yourself now, it will only make the healing process take longer. You are trained as a warrior - I am trained as a healer. Let me do my job. The enemy here is going no where, thanks in large part to your efforts. Let those who are haler do this work while I do mine. Sit, rest for a bit, and I will see to your wounds shortly. I do not single you out for this - I am doing the same for the Captain and the Rangers. Why don't you join the Captain and see if you can figure out what these things were."
OOC: Mark, Harp will make a concerted effort to convince Kal to take a break. If Kal resists strongly, Harp will let the issue go - he WILL NOT cause a fight at this time. However, given Kal's current state, a good whack from Harp to the side of Kal's head is likely to knock him out. You know the old movie cliche' - I did it for you own good. If you feel that would give you a fun issue to use in your write up, be my guest, so long as you think it fits the characters.
Setting up camp
Subject The aftermath
At this, Kal snaps: "Don't patronize me, Orc, I fought mediocre at best. We're lucky I didn't get us all killed. Keep your foul magics away from me, I'd rather die than be healed at your hands."
After a moment of dull silence between the two, Kal's angry facade falls. Almost weakly he speaks:
"I'm sorry. You don't deserve that, you pray to Heironious. Yes, please help me. I can hardl..."
With that, Kal collapses, nearly unconcious.
From: Mark
Subject Setting up Camp
Salix stops in mid stride, his scimitar raised and ready to strike the mage when he sees that it has been cut down by Surin and the hippogriff. Anger and vengeance still burning in his eyes, he looks for another target for his wrath, but there is none to be seen. He feels the intoxicating anger turning to frustration when he discovers there is no enemy to serve as outlet. He remembers his training. Like when a river is dammed, Salix must provide an outlet or his anger would find one on its own. In that case, it would probably be one that Salix (and his friends) wouldn't appreciate. So he continues toward the now-dead mage and strikes the corpse with all his force, nearly burying the scimitar in the man's chest with a near-feral howl. There is a pause as the howl echoes off the surrounding trees. Noctis takes wing and circles the group a couple of times before nervously alighting on a nearby branch.
Silently and seemingly unaware of the others, Salix closes his eyes and takes one deep breath and recites a prayer of thanks to Obad-Hai in one long, slow exhale. Because he is speaking in the language of his people, to his friends the sound is a strange mix of unknown syllables. After what seems to the group like much too long a time for a single breath, Salix seems to come back to himself. He opens his eyes removes the weapon from the mage's corpse, wipes the blood on the ground, stands and re-sheathes it. He then begins searching the corpses as if this strange display never happened.
"Help me search them," he says to the group. "There must be some indication of who they are or where they are from. It would be good to know why they attacked us."
Cai turns around, surveying the battlefield, and whistles appreciatively.
Her arm and jaw ache from where she was punched, but she was one of only a few who had not been bloodied in the battle. They had been worthy opponents. The fact that they had attacked without warning did not bother her; nature did not give warning to those too insensitive to feel its inevitable course. She had felt a small warning in the back of her mind, but not acted quickly enough before they were attacked. If she were always that inattentive, she would have frozen to death in one of the blizzards that swept her home so frequently and suddenly each year.
Now, however, her mind is alert, and she notices that a couple of their opponents seem to be breathing shallowly--not quite dead, though well on their way. She turns to Ran and, pointing to one, she asks "Do you think it would be wise to wake one long enough to question him? I'm sure we're all thinking that they were probably sent by that man from our dreams, and its possible that they know something of him."
Ran coughs, feeling suddenly weak and pained from his wounds. He takes a stumbling step towards the downed man next to him and stops, realizing that the pain might be too much for him to do more than sleep. Ran calls out weakly to Harp and says "Corporal, please take charge of the searching of these bodies. Bind tightly any who yet live that we may question them. Make sure Rochelle is well guarded."
Speaking seems to have taken all of Ran's effort and he slumps to the ground in exhaustion. His eyes close and his breathing shallows. He begins to silently meditate, calming his mind and stilling his twitching muscles. His mouth moves slightly as he almost inaudibly speaks a prayer of thanks that neither he or any of his companions were killed in this deadly conflict.
Harp, hearing Ran's command, responds "Yes, sir. Bel, Cai - search these two over here. Fal, keep Rochelle where she is until I give the all clear, but check with her to make sure she is OK. Surin, help Salix search that mage for anything of interest. Kal, sit, rest, I will see to your wounds shortly."
With that, Harp kneels down at the two men in plate, checking to see if either of them still breathe. The last man to go down still breathes and Harp chants a quick orison to stop the bleeding.( Cure Minor wound) However the other 4 are dead by the time Harp gets to them.
When Harp has completed this, and the bodies have been searched, Harp will call Surin and the others over.
" We need to make camp, both to rest ourselves, and to explore what we have found. Salix, would you and Cai go to Fal and Rochelle and bring them over while Bel and I get the horses and bring them in. Surin, when we return, I would appreciate your help in setting up camp. Bel, if you would then take Cai and maybe find us some fresh meat, I am sure that we could all use a hot meal."
Harp will ask diplomatically if either Ran or Kal need assistance in getting to the camp site.
Kal, ignoring Harps order to sit, kneels in front of his fallen enemy. He says a short prayer to Corellon Larethian, kisses the hilt of his blade, wipes it clean of blood, and sheathes it.
With that, Kal allows himself to fully return to reality. As he stands, his left leg buckles beneath him. In that moment the pain from the battle washes over him and nearly knocks him unconscious. Struggling to master his pain, Kal forces himself to stand. After two deep breaths, he takes appraisal of the battlefield, and then inspects his enemy, looking for any thing that might reveal who he is or why he attacked us. (Knowledge Religion and Arcana checks)
Harp comes forward and says something to Kal, but Kal can hardly understand the words, he's lost in his thoughts: "He fought well, he bested their leader and another where I could hardly handle one."
Dismissively nodding at whatever Harp is saying to him, Kal returns to his thoughts. "I was overconfident, and it nearly got me killed. I should have prepared more thoroughly before I jumped into combat with him. Just because I'm the better swordsman doesn't mean I'm going to win every fight I get into, battle's are precarious things and I allowed my opponent too much of a chance. "
Kal wanders around the battlefield for a while, seemingly dazed. He occasionally stops to inspect his fallen enemies bodies, looking for something that could hint at their origin. If he finds anything of value he'll bring it to Ran. (Unless it's a Rapier, in which case he'll keep it for himself.)
Harp watches in amazement as Kal staggers around, trying to be helpful. Harp shakes his head. He had seen this before. A zombie like state sets in in many wounded. They try to do normal things, but they are just making the motions. Harp goes over to Kal, gently takes him by the shoulders, and tries to get his attention.
"You fought well, and have been greaviously wounded. Your body must be given time to accept what has happened to it. If you push yourself now, it will only make the healing process take longer. You are trained as a warrior - I am trained as a healer. Let me do my job. The enemy here is going no where, thanks in large part to your efforts. Let those who are haler do this work while I do mine. Sit, rest for a bit, and I will see to your wounds shortly. I do not single you out for this - I am doing the same for the Captain and the Rangers. Why don't you join the Captain and see if you can figure out what these things were?"
At this, Kal snaps: "Don't patronize me, Orc, I fought mediocre at best. We're lucky I didn't get us all killed. Keep your foul magics away from me, I'd rather die than be healed at your hands."
After a moment of dull silence between the two, Kal's angry facade falls. Almost weakly he speaks:
"I'm sorry. You don't deserve that, you pray to Heironious. Yes, please help me. I can hardl..."
With that, Kal collapses, nearly unconscious.
Harp grabs Kal as he collapses, easing the elf to the ground. "Your wounds are deep, but not life threatening, I think. The grace my lord affords me has been mostly used this day, but I will do what little I can tonight. Tomorrow, I will be able to do more." Harp then chant the healing prayer again and lays his hands on the elf's wounds. He feels the comforting warmth of his god's healing flow through his hands and into the elf. (Heal 9)
The member of the party follow Harp's commands. Ran and Fal escort Rochelle to the site of the battle. Salix and Surin search the bodies while Harp and Bel retrieve the parties horses. When they return Salix and Surin have stripped the bodies of the fallen and the one survivor. Salix has even brought the other horses over. Bel and Cai head out looking for some food. Surin has started a fire and even has a couple pots of water set up. Harp looks at the halfling. ?Where did you get the gear?? ?Well these here fellas were settin up camp already, so I figured we could use some of their gear instead of waitn for our own.? the halfling replies. ?All their stuff is over there?, he says pointing to a nice sized pile a couple yards away.
Over the next hours the camp is set up and the gear is examined. Besides normal camp equipment the party finds the following: 2 sets of full plate armor, two steel shields, 1 very nice chain shirt, a short bow and a quiver of arrows, a very nice trident, a very nice sickle, a very nice longsword, a very nice light crossbow with a case of bolts, a spear, and a very nice morningstar. They also find the following gear: 2 vials with a red fluid in them, slightly warm to the touch, 1 vial with a light green liquid in it, 1 vial with a sort of silvery liquid in it, 2 sets of bracers and an amulet.
On the men themselves they find a total of 188 gold pieces. In Kendricks backpack they find a parchment scroll. One one of the horses, probably Kendrick' from the style of equipment, they find a bag with several large gem stones. They also find several standard packs with the usual equipment that would be found in such a thing.
The two rangers return with several rabbits and dinner is started. Harp moves the bodies several hundred yards away, hoping that the scavengers will leave the party alone this night. As they eat dinner Rochelle tries her best to help out, taking on duties that one of the injured party members would normally do. ?You were hurt because of me, it is the least I could do.? She is particularly attentive to Ran's needs, seeming to hover around him. When the party discusses what the creatures were, she pipes up. ? I have been studying their equipment and the survivor. I think I remember reading about them in a book back home.( Knowledge Planes, DC20, 17+?=?, success) They are called Githyanki, evil creatures that usually travel the Astral plane. However, I have heard that their services can be bought.
OODM: Ok that is enough for one day. I will be out of town tomorrow. I will do more on Monday. Any roleplaying you want to do let me know.
From: Jake
Subject Setting up Camp
Surin laughs with satisfaction as the wizard falls. The whole thing could have gone so much worse; if this man had been half the spellcaster that some of the members of Surin's party were, it would likely be the halfling who would be sprawled lifelessly on the ground. A quick glance around the battlefield reassures him that no one else is likely to be launching an attack at him, and he relaxes further.
"Well, let's see what we've got here," he thinks, kneeling to rifle through the pockets of the slain wizard. He is reaching out toward the body with one hand, sucking absently on a spot of frostbite on his left forearm, when Salix's attack falls. The druid's blood-curdling shriek causes Surin to throw himself back without thought, and it is the only thing that saves him from loosing a hand to Salix's scimitar.
Moving with reflex fueled by adrenaline, Surin turns his backward lunge into a controlled summersault, rising to his feet with his throwing axe poised to fling at his attacker. Recognizing the druid he checks his throw, burying the axe in the turf instead.
"Holy balls," he squawks, indignant. "What were you trying to do, kill me? I nearly soiled myself!"
Seemingly unaware of Surin, Salix takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, and begins speaking in a tongue the halfling has never heard. Surin shoots him a dirty look, pulls his throwing axe from the ground, and begins searching the mage's corpse, keeping one eye on Salix as he does so.
From: Jake
Subject Late
Well hell. I was literally 3 minutes too late with my Round Nine response turn.
From: Derrell
Subject Setting up camp
"Lady Rochelle, are you hurt? Can I get you some water? Perhaps you should rest while the camp is set up."
From: Kevin
Subject Setting up camp
After they have set up camp, and as the others are sorting through the items from their fallen foes, Harp walks the perimiter of the camp. He has little knowledge of these types of things, other than an appreciation of the quality of the weapons the enemy employed. His mind returns to the difference between his own rough morningstar and the much nicer one his recent enemy had carried. He will add little to any conversation about what has been found, but will suggest, either this night or the following day, that while their task is not yet complete, and he understands the desire to complete is as quickly as possible, that the group remain where they are for at least 1 more day. This way everyones natural healing ability (and Harp and Salix's grace from their dieties) would be able to restore their companions to a more appropriate state. During this 1 day delay, Fal could spend the time to learn the spell they had bartered for from Althea, since it seems that there might be some need of that ability now. He wil also suggest, if no one else has, that they can haul all this stuff on one of the enemies horses and lead it along like a pack horse.
Harp will suggest a watch schedule to Ran, indicating that Ran and Kal would be not be required for the first nights watch, but that they would be included in the following nights watch, after they have had a chance to recover from their wounds.
When he has a chance, Harp will go to Salix and speak quietly.
"Salix, I am usure how to proceed here. I have a small ability to help heal some of the hurt that has been done to our friends this day, but not enough to make everyone whole with only one days rest. I know that our captain will be anxious to move on, no matter what his condition. I would like your support for the idea of staying here at least one day and giving you and I a chance to provide what healing we can to our friends.
Also, I am truly thankful to you for the assistance you were able to provide in our fight. That animal you summoned was truly magnificent."