Surin notices something
Subject Surin notices something
When Surin sees the toe move on the statue (G3) he tries to keep his composure (Bluff check 6+1=7, versus sense motive 7-2=5, success) and is able to keep the trembling out of his voice. Trying to gets his concern through to Mund with out the creature seeing it Surin tries to signal Mund of the danger (Bluff 4+1=5, versus sense motive 16-2=14) however his gestures alert the beast that it has been found out. As the halfling turns to try and warn Mund the beast takes a swipe at the halfling's back. However the halfling had been keeping an eye on the statue and is able to easily dodge the attack (AC20, 7+6=13,miss).
OODM: Initiative for this round:
Kal (24, Harp (20), Ranthir (19), Mund (19), Allistair (18), Creature (16), Surin (9).
Ragnar and Salix are outside the room and so do not see the attack. They can be told what is happening.
I need actions. You can use the last map. Surin is at G4, Mund at G5 and the other 4 are at the entrance to the room as previously listed.
From: Josh
Subject Surin notices something
OOC: I'm not sure if Kals standing close to any statues, if he is, he'll take a few steps away from it and then cast bulls strength.
From: Mark
Subject Surin notices something
The closest statue to Kal is D2, the hobgoblin, and it is about 15 feet away.
From: Kevin
Subject Surin notices something
Harp see's the statue take a swipe at the little rougue but the little guy is able to duck aside. With a shout Harp says to the rest of the group "One of the damn statues just tried to attack Surin, lets go help him". With that, Harp charges at the creature and takes a swing at it (OOC; Mark, Harp will Charge to F4 and attack the creature.)
From: Porter
Subject Surin notices something
Mund jumps in between* Surin and the statue. "Run! Get yourself back with the other! I'll keep it from following you!"
Mund swings his axe a the stone.
"Brother! Do you have any more fireballs? I wouldn't mind the help!"
*I guess that in game mechanics, that means that Mund moves to G4.
From: Mark
Subject Surin notices something
I do not know that you can move into a square with an ally. I will check the rules. You can move next to him with a 5 foot step, either H4 or F4. Until Surin moves, Mund can not move into his square.
From: Ashley
Subject Surin notices something
After feeling the wind of the statue's heavy blow, Surin doesn't need to be told twice -- hoping Mund had a decent handle on the monster, Surin makes for the nearest inimpeded wall (withdrawl), drawing out his hatchet. "The statues, they're alive! And angry!" He yells over his shoulder toward the doorway. Then, realizing for the first time just how many statues this room had, he mutters a curse. It was gonna be bedlam in here pretty soon if someone didn't come up with a plan, and quick.
If he manages to find some decent cover (how are the lights in this room?), he'll turn his attention toward the hobgoblin statue. Depending on how Mund's hit effects it, he'll try to sneak up on it and hit it from behind.
From: Mark
Subject Surin notices something
So far only the statue at G3 has moved.
The closest wall away from the creature is either G8 or C5, both of which pass by statues.
Please let me know which wall you want to move to.
Mund can not move to G4 until Surin is out of the way. He can move to either H4 or F4 before Surin moves.
Round 1 actions, round 1 and round 2 actions
Subject Surin notices something
SO which statue is it? The winged thing or the hobgoblin? I'm confused.
Salix will enter the room, moving far enough inside to try and get a clear view of the statue that moved. If possible this round, he will fire his sling at the thing.
From: Mark
Subject Statue
It is the winged one at G3. The hobgoblin was at D2.
Here is a list of the statues looked at so far.
F1= orc
D2 = hobgoblin
C7 = bugbear
E6 = Orc
H5 = dog faced creature
G3 = winged humaniod.
Only the winged "statue" has moved, the one at G3.
From: Josh
Subject Round 1 actions
Kal will stay where he is and cast bulls strength on himself.
From: Karl
Subject Round 1 actions
In the hallway, Salix had been running through lists in his mind of what creature might be in such a setup as the one that had been described by Surin. At first he was puzzled by Allistair's news that the statues didn't radiate magic (other than the ambient magic in this place). He was sure they were frozen creatures, from the apparently exquisite detail Surin had reported, but that didn't seem to make sense if they didn't radiate magic. But if he assumed they were sculptures the whole picture changed. What if there were so many of them and they were so perfectly executed so they could act as camouflage for something else? Maybe they would be facing a g-
The cry from Harp startles him into action and he runs into the room, trying to get line of sight toward the commotion. "Harp! I think it's a gargoyle!", he hazards, not actually being able to see what Mund and Surin see. "The other statues are probably camouflage, but there may be more than one of the creatures hiding among them. If I'm right, only magic weapons will hurt them."
To that end, Salix forgets the sling in his hand and prepares to petition Obad-Hai for the grace to call lightening down upon the creature as soon as he can get in position to target it, though he wished now, more than ever, they were outside, ideally under a stormy sky.
From: Randy
Subject Round 1 actions
Seeing how crowded it is near Surin, Ranthir ignores Harp in favor of trying to out any other possible enemies. He moves swiftly and tries to knock over the nearest statue (D2) and if he has time he continues on to (F1). If he uncovers another creature before hearing the comment on magical weapons he will attack it with his sword.
From: Porter
Subject Round 1 actions
Mund believes his godfolk friend and doesn't worry about trying to kill this thing. He'll leave that to the rest of them.
"Come on! This way!" Mund tries to get Surin to go west (on the mini-map with the statues).
Mund will do his best to put himself in between the gargoyle and Surn (I guess that means waiting for Surin to move), and will be as defensive as possible (withdraw? total defence? I'm not sure what's appropriate).
From: Jason
Subject Round 1 actions
Ragnar hears Salix's warning with intense regret. If the druid was correct, which he probably was, his sword would be ineffective against the creature. "Its a good thing I didn't try to join a military order like Harp," he thinks to himself, "because I would have been an abysmal failure." Running through his head the list of blessings Heironeous will grant him, he finally decides his best choice is to keep whole those who can actually hurt the creature. To that end, he makes his way into the room and will try to position himself near anyone who enters melee combat, and keep himself between the fight and the spellcasters behind him.
From: Porter
Subject Round 1 actions
Addendum: Instead of just running away and keeping Mund between Surin and the gargoyle, Mund will also attempt "Aid Another" to give Surin a +2 on AC.
From: Derek
Subject Round 1 actions
Allistair was about to ask his familiar to poke around the room, but all of a sudden Surin jumps back as one of the statues comes to life and attacks him. Allistair instead quickly tells Sysyphys to get back into his pocket.
Seeing how the statue has come to life, Allistair thinks seriously about shooting a fireball into the rear of the room just for good measure. But the rest might all be statues, so he'll play it safe and try and help Surin. He still has many magic missles available, so he releases one in his mind and directs it towards the gargoyle attacking Surin.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 1 actions
As Harp charges toward the creature, he hears Salix's shout. Gargoyle?? What the hell was a gargoyle? It sounded like a bad case of gas. It did not matter. It was alive and it could be killed,and Harp was the one who was going to do the killing.
From: Josh
Subject Round 1 actions
OOC: Mark, does Kal know what a gargoyle is?
From: Mark
Subject Round 1 actions
No. Kal has no ranks in Knowledge( Nature).
From: Mark
Subject Round 1
Round 1 Initiative: Kal (24), Harp (20), Ranthir (19), Mund (19), Allistair (18), Ragnar (18), Creature (16), Surin (9), Salix (3).
Kal watches as the statue bursts into motion and attacks the halfling. The little guy is fast though, maybe as fast as Kal. Surin ducks under the blow and dances back a bit, bumping into that clod barbarian. If this thing was stone, Kal thinks to himself, he is going to need to be as strong as he can. The elf chants the spell of strength and as he finishes it he feels like he could lift Harp and Ragnar at the same time.
Harp also watches in horror as the stone moves to smash the halfling. Not again he thinks. Why is it every time I send someone out, they end up getting attacked. That should be me. With a loud shout the 1/2 orc charges the beast, his sword flashing in the air. His charge takes him right next to Surin and his sword connects with a ringing blow (AC16, 16+12=28, hit, damage 10). A large chunk of the creature's wing crunches beneath the weight of the blow and falls to the ground.
The statues are coming to life is Ranthir's thought as the stone figure attacks Surin. Hoping that Harp and Mund would be enough to defeat the statue moving, Ran moves to the closest statue (D2) and tries to push it over. Luckily the thing is not on a base or a pedestal, but it is still incredibly heavy. Putting his shoulder into it he is able to topple the figure (STR check, DC10, 10+2=12, success). The figure shatters as it crashes to the ground.
Mund is not surprised by the attack of the statue. He almost gets a "Watch out" out when Surin ducks under the blow. "Surin, come on, this way. Get behind me!" shouts the barbarian as he moves up next to the halfling, trying to distract their foe (Aid other, AC10, 18+5=23, success).
Allistair sees Harp charge the statue and his first thought is fireball. But the room is a tight fit and there are people all over the place so he decides to stick with the basics. Chanting one of the first spells he had ever learned he points his finger and three bolts of energy leap from his fingers and streak towards the statue. They strike the beast in its flanks, searing holes in the stony hide (Damage 9).
Ragnar enters the room when Harp charges forward, taking a few seconds to take in what is happening.
The fearsome beast looks hungrily at the little halfling and strikes out with it two claws (AC22, 7+6=13, miss, 18+6=24, hit, damage 4) and one hard claw leaves a crease in the halfling's armor. The bite almost takes a piece out of Surin's neck but Mund is able to push him to the side at the last moment (AC22, 15+4=19, miss). The beast licks the blood from it talons and smiles.
Mund is ready to start moving towards safety when some sixth sense warns him of danger. He turns to his left, almost a full circle, and catches the claws of another stone beast on his shield (AC22, 8+8=16, miss). Oh shit, he thinks, two of them. "Come on you stone bastards, I'll chop you up like I did the dragon."
Surin winces at the shallow wound on his chest and decides to find some place to hide. Watching the things claws carefully, he moves away from the beast, back towards the nearest wall. "Mund" he shouts, "follow me."
Salix steps into the open space in front of Allistair and immediately recognizes the beast. "It is a gargoyle. They can only be hurt by magical weapons." The druid then chants the prayer to Obad-Hai for calling lightening. As he finishes his prayer a dark cloud forms at the ceiling of the room. Salix points his finger at the gargoyle and makes a gesture. A bolt of lightening strikes from the cloud (REF save DC16, 8+6=14, fail, damage 11). As the bolt hits the gargoyle shatters in a bloody explosion.
OODM: End of round 1. I need actions for round 2
From: Porter
Subject Round 2 actions
Two questions:
First for Ashley -- do you want Surin to ask Mund to follow or not?
Second for Mark -- on the map, which statues are attacking?
From: Mark
Subject Round 2 actions
Well the one that attacked Surin just burst in to a bloody pulp thanks to Salix. Mund is not sure which of the other statues it is, just that he is being attacked.
Now if you looked at the map you could tell which one has moved, L4.
From: Josh
Subject Round 2 actions
Kal will move cautiously to H3 and attack the statue on L4. He'll be particularly watching the two on F1 and G3.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 2 actions
OOC: Mark, as normal, I am a little confused. The cirlce at G3 is now a dead lump of stony looking creature, right?
Does Harp see the new creature attacking Mund? Does he hear Mund's shout at the creature?
If he does hear and realizes there are additional creatures, he will move to H3 and attack the gargoyle attacking Mund.
From: Mark
Subject Round 2 actions
The first gargoyl is dead. It was the statue at G3.
I will make a check for Harp next round.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 2 actions
If Kal gets to H3 before Harp does, Harp will move to I4 (and provoke an attack of opportunity as he leaves H3).
From: Randy
Subject Round 2 actions
Ranthir will continue trying to uncover any additional enemies and clear the room a little by knocking over the next nearest statue.
I don't have any way of hurting these things again! I really need to work on finding an enchanted weapon of some sort, Ran thinks to himself.
From: Porter
Subject round 2 actions
Yeah. Being a 5th-level fighter with no magic weapons really sucks in this D&D universe.
Mund's right there with you.
From: Karl
Subject Round 2 actions
If Salix knows there are others, he will attack the nearest one he sees with another lightening bolt.
If he doesn't see the other one, he will look around carefully, knowing they sometimes hunt in pairs or small groups.
(OOC - do I need another knowledge check to see if Salix knows that? If so, go ahead. If he doesn't know that, then just have him check since he figures it's a big room and the one went down pretty easily for this to be a proper test, given that they should be increasing in difficulty.)
From: Derek
Subject Round 2 actions
Allistair still isn't sure what's stone and what isn't, but he knows that the one that just attacked his brother needs to be dealt with, so he shoots a magic missle at it.
OOC: I know Mund doesn't have any magical weapons, but I wondering how well he would do if he just grappled with one of these things? Perhaps only magical weapons can hurt it, but if he choked it unconsious would it make a difference?
From: Kevin
Subject round 2 actions
OOC: If Mund asks real nice, maybe Harp will let Mund borrow his enchanted sword.
From: Porter
Subject Round 2 actions
OOC: I've been thinking that myself. I need a rules call -- when grappling, you can inflict damage just by pinning your opponent. Does that work against creatures that can only be hurt by magical weapons?
From: Porter
Subject Round 2 actions
OOC: Mund doesn't even know about that, so he couldn't ask.
From: Mark
Subject round 2 actions
What rules call? He can try and I will determine the out come. There are rules that cover this. Mund does not know that it will not work. He might have to find out the hard way.
More round 2 actions, aid other
Subject Round 2 actions
Your knowledge check has supplied you with all the info you have.
From: Mark
Subject Next week
As some of you know, Kevin in particular, I am going to be out of town early next week. I will be leaving mid afternoon Sunday and returning very late Wednesday. I will be taking a laptop with me and the hotel room has high speed internet in the rooms, so if I can get hooked up then I should be able to do stuff Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. It will only be in the evening since I will be in meetings from 9-5 Central time Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I do not see how I will get anything done on Wednesday since I have my meetings until 4:30 and then I have to go to the airport to catch my flight.
From: Porter
Subject Round 2 actions
I'm still waiting for a response from Ashley. If Surin really does want Mund to follow him, Mund will do that. Otherwise, he'll stick around and help kill the second statue.
From: Karl
Subject Round 2 actions
ok, then he will look to see if there are others and if he can bolt one to the floor this round he will do so.
From: Ashley
Subject Round 2 actions
The internet at my apartment is out. Sorry guys. Surin doesn't care if Mund follows him or not.
IC: Surin winces at the blow the gargoyle managed to land on him. Just wasn't quick enough that time, he figured. Salix had said only magical weapons can hurt the thing, so Surin takes it as a hint to get out of the way. "Salix, will all these things start movin' and tryin' to kill us?" he says as soon as he nears his friend. "We need someone to stick by the doorway, in case this gets ugly." He moves toward the doorway by way of volunteering.
From: Porter
Subject Round 2 actions
OOC: I don't know why Mund is at H4. He was staying right next to Surin last turn -- he had to in order to "Aid Other" to help Surin's AC.
From what I intended Mund to do, I'd say that he's at D5.
Let me know your ruling. I have different options avilailable depending on where Mund is.
From: Mark
Subject Round 2 actions
Mund is at H4 because of the Aid other.
Here is the rule from the PHB:
In melee combat, you can help a friend attack or defend by distracting or interfering with an opponent. If you're in position to make a melee attack on an opponent that is engaging a friend in melee combat, you can attempt to aid your friend as a standard action. You make an attack roll against AC 10. If you succeed, your friend gains either a +2 bonus on his next attack roll against that opponent or a +2 bonus to AC against that opponent's next attack (your choice), as long as that attack comes before the beginning of your next turn. Multiple characters can aid the same friend, and similar bonuses stack.
So Mund had to be at either F4 or H4 and since Harp went first he was in F4, so Mund had to move to H4. Since Mund had to take a 5 foot step to get into position to Aid Surin, and Aid other is a standard action, Mund was unable to also take a move action; You can not take a 5 foot step and a move action in the same round.
Mund can move this round, using a withdrawl action.
From: Josh
Subject Round 2 actions
OOC: I'm not sure if this meta-gaming, if it is, ignore it.
Everyone who can't do damage to this thing should "help" characters who can.
From: Mark
Subject Aid other
Just a sub comment about Aiding another and AOO.
If the person you are aiding does an action that provokes an AOO, then your aiding also provokes one against you. If the person you are aiding actions does not provoke an AOO then your aiding does not provoke one against you.
From: Porter
Subject Round 2 actions
OOC: OK. Thanks for explaining Mund's position.
IC: Mund will withdraw to the doorway, trying to keep himself between the commotion and Surin, Salix, and his brother.
Round 2
Subject Turn
I will try and get something out this afternoon or after work.
From: Mark
Subject Round 2
Round 1 Initiative: Kal (24), Harp (20), Ranthir (19), Mund (19), Allistair (18), Ragnar (18), GargoyleL4 (15), GargoyleN1(14), Surin (9), GargoyleJ7(5) Salix (3).
Kal feels the strength flow through him. Now is the time to get into combat. The elf moves between Ragnar and Salix "Out of my way, there is evil to fight." However the combat is further then he had thought and he is unable to reach his target.
Harp is a bit startled to see a bolt of lightening strike down from inside the room but quickly recovers. He turns, looking for more foes and sees another of the winged stone creatures attacking Mund. The 1/2 orc starts to move to his left when he is pushed aside by Kal. Grunting in annoyance Harp goes to the right, around the statue of the dog faced creature. "Mund" Harp shouts "back up a few feet so that we can surround it. Try and keep it from hitting you and I will attack from the rear." As Harp moves into position he swings his sword at the figure. His sword almost glows as it arc down and through the wing of the beast (AC16, 19+10=29, hit, critical threat, critical threat roll, AC16,14+10=24, hit, critical hit, damage14).
Ranthir moves to the next closest statue(F1) and tries to push it over as well. With a loud grunt Ran shoves the piece of stone and it topples to the floor, an arm breaking off (Str check DC10, 9+2=11, success.)
Mund hears Harps commands. "Yeah right, I'm supposed to stay here fighting something I can't hurt? I don't think so" Mund is able to withdraw from the fight with out getting attacked and moves over to protect the non fighters.
Allistair breaths a little sigh of relief when he sees Mund take the advice of the druid and get out of the combat. That must have been tough for him. He knows how Mund likes to fight. But now it is basically Harp and that scrawny elf against the remaining monster. Chanting the same words he had just said he points his fingers again and three more bolts of force fly past Mund's ear and strike the creature (Damage 10).
Ragnar waits trying to see if his help is needed. Right now Harp, Allistair and Salix seem to be handling things fairly well. He decides to keep himself and his prayers in reserve.
The gargoyle that Harp had hurt turns and hisses at him and launches a swift flurry of attacks. Harp is able to duck under one claw and catch the other on his shield (AC21, 12+6=18,miss, 7+6=13, miss). Harp is easily able to avoid the nasty bite that follows quickly after the claws (AC21, 2+4=6, miss).
Harp is almost knocked over by a rush of wind and is barely able to get his sword up in time to block another claw(AC21,9+8=17,miss). It takes him a second to realize that another gargoyle has joined the fray. Oh Heironeous, there is another one. I think a measured withdrawal might be in order. At that moment a searing pain slashes across Harp's back (AC21, 13+8=21, hit, damage 4). Harp is able to turn enough so that the second claw skids of his armor(AC21, 9+8=17,miss) and dodges the bite that the creature aims at his head (AC21, 13+6=19). It is at this moment that Harp realizes that he is surrounded.
Surin waits by the wall, watching the fight trying to figure out some way he can help.
Salix feels elated that the Nature Lord answers his prayers, even in this unnatural place. His elation turns to horror as he sees two more statues burst into movement and move to attack Harp. Focusing his will again he calls forth another bolt of lightening and strikes the foe that Harp had hit just a little earlier (REF save DC16, 8+6=14, fail, damage 11). The grey skin of the creature smokes like a smoldering branch but the creature does not fall.
OODM: I need actions for round 3. I have also included a map.
Round 3 actions
Subject Round 3 actions
OOC: The above does not reflect Mund's motivations. Mund didn't hear Harp's request (and I somehow missed it myself). Mund probably would have stayed and drawn their attention if he had heard Harp.
IC:
Mund ushers his small charge back to the corner, and things look OK on this side of the room. Mund looks back and sees the orc surrounded by the beasts. It looks like he needs Mund's help more than anybody else.
Mund channels the bear totem and feels life pour into his body [begin rage] and charges [Charge] at the southernmost creature, attempting to tackle it [grab and begin grapple and pin].
OOC: Mund is charging and raging, so don't forget his +4 to hit. :)
From: Mark
Subject Round 3 actions
And his -4 to AC. Can't forget that either. :)
From: Kevin
Subject Round 3 actions
OOC: Assuming that Kal will move to the most logical place (since he is a very intelligent elf), Harp will take advantage of flanking bonus that Kal provides to attack the gargoyle at I4 again and then take a 5 ft step to J6. If the gargoyle at I4 is already down, the Harp will take a 5 ft step to J6 and attack the gargoyle at I6.
IC: Harp feels a satisfying chunk as his sword cuts into the wing of the creature. They may look like stone, but they sure cut like normal flesh. As he moves he sees Kal out of the corner of his eye. "Kal, kelp surround this one" tyring to indicate the creature at I4. He then sees three more bolts of force come crashing into the creature he had just hit as well as some more lighting bolts. I sure hope Salix can control those things, Harp thinks to himself. As the thought crosses his mind, he regrets it. He had know Salix for a long time now, and had never known the druid to be reckless at all. In fact, it was mainly because of the druid that Harp was probably alive.
All of s sudden, Harp realizes that he is surrounded byt three of these things. One of the things scratches him across the back, but he had done worse damage trying to shave himself. Oh well, this was the way things were supposed to be - him, encased in his armor, sword flashing and slashing, surrounded by enemies, while his freinds were safe but able to help him. There was no one better qualified to be in this exact position. Now, how to bring it to an end as fast as possible.
From: Randy
Subject Round 3 actions
Ran, seeing that more of the statues have sprung to life, moves to check the last statue that is not near the others (K2) to make sure that it is not a foe as well. If it does not look like a gargoyle, he will make some noise to try to draw the attention away from the others. If it is a gargoyle, he will fight defensively against it in order to buy those with the means of harming it the time they need.
From: Karl
Subject Round 3 actions
Salix will call a bolt down on the same gargoyle, if it is still alive. Otherwise he will attack the next available one.
From: Porter
Subject Round 3 actions
Well, yeah. It was implied. :)
From: Josh
Subject Round 3 actions
Kal will move to I3 if he can get there (if not I4) and attack the gargoyle between Harp and himself.
From: Derek
Subject Round 3 actions
OOC: I'd like to just torch everything with a fireball, but that would probably get half the people in the party, too.
Allistair decides not to risk the lives of his compatroits with a firebal, so instead he'll fire off another magic missle, this one at J5. He's willing to move to A3 if he needs to to get line-of-sight, but will not move if not necessary.
No turn today
Subject Turn
I am probably not going to be albe to get a turn out today. I will get one out tomorrow.
Round 3, number crunching and a grammer nazi
Subject Round 3
Round 3 Initiative: Kal (24), Harp (20), Ranthir (19), Mund (19), Allistair (18), Ragnar (18), GargoyleL4 (15), GargoyleN1(14), Surin (9), GargoyleJ7(5) Salix (3).
Kal continues moving towards the creatures, trying to get into a position that will flank one of them. As he moves by the creature it takes a swing at him(AOO, leaving a threatened square H3) However the elf reacts with lightening fast reflexes and is just able to dodge the claw that lashes out at him (AC18,11+6=17,miss). The elf positions himself so that the beast is between Harp and himself. His rapier darts in (AC16,7+10=17, hit, damage 8) and pierces the beast through the eye, a gray liquid squirting out from the orb. The beast falls to the ground, a clawed hand grasping at its ruined eye.
Harp is relieved to see the elf follow his commands and take out one of the creatures. Now only two to go. Harp turns his attention to the one that was behind him and attacks with his full strength (AC16, 19+10=29, hit, critical threat, critical threat roll, AC16, 9+10=19, critical hit, damage 22) The 1/2 orc moves(5 foot step to J6) and spins in a whirling attack his sword flashing around in a half circle arc. The sword connects and cuts a deep gash across the chest of the creature(J7).
Ran continues moving along and toppling statues. He rushes to the next statue that has not moved (K2) and again throws his shoulder into it (STR check DC15, 4+4=8) This time however the 1/2 elf is unable to budge the statue.
When Mund gets Surin back to the wall he turns and sees that the orc is surrounded on all four sides. He watches as the elf kills one of them and Harp strikes another with a mighty blow. His blood boils and the barbarian channels the bear totem of his clan. Shouting a war yell, he charges the closest foe (J7), his axe swinging in circles above his head. The blade whirls above his head and connect with a solid blow (AC16, 16+14=30, hit, damage 0). The axe blade hits the creature solidly but bounces harmlessly from its hide. It does get the creatures attention.
Allistair watches the elf take down one of the gargoyles but his view is blocked by the wall and the others in front of him. He hears his brother's war yell and the mage moves just in time to see his brother's axe bounce off the gargoyle. He also notices that it looks like Harp's sword has already done some serious damage to it. He concentrates and chants the spell again, and another three bolts streak from his fingers and strike the remaining gargoyle (N1) solidly in the chest (Damage 10).
Ragnar continues keeping an eye out, seeing that the the battle seems to be turning. No major injuries on their side and two of the creatures are down. Surin stands near him fascinated by the fierce combat taking place in front of him.
The gargoyle that Mund attacked turns and lashes out with two claws. Mund is able to dodge both of them (AC18, 10+6=16,miss, 7+6=13, miss). Mund catches the creatures teeth on his shield as it tries to bite him (AC18, 10+4=14,miss).
The other gargoyle (N1) attacks Harp. He barely catches one claw on his shield (AC21, 14+6=20,miss) and is able to easily block the other claw with his sword (AC21, 3+6=9,miss). However, this leaves the 1/2 orc out of position and he is unable to avoid the mouth full of teeth that clamp down on his arm, just above his bracer (AC21, 18+4=22, hit, damage 4).
Salix calls another bolt of lightening from the clouds near the ceiling and a bolt strikes the gargoyle that attacked Harp. However, this creature seems to have learned from the other bolts it has seen and is able to jump out of the way when the bolt strikes (REF save, DC16, 15+6=21, save, damage 5).
OODM: I am sorry it took so long to get this done. I was swamped at work yesterday getting ready for my trip and I have spent most of the day at home getting ready as well.
I need round 4 actions. I have included a map.
From: Mark
Subject Number crunching
I am just curious.
Do you like that I include most of the rolls with the turns or not? I know that others show them and that some do not.
I am not wedded to showing them if you guys find them distracting.
From: Kevin
Subject Number crunching
I like seeing them, only because my son likes knowing who really did badly and who really did good.
Like right now, Harp is kicking some ass. I like seeing that. When he rolls 1's, I hate seeing that.
From: Mark
Subject Grammer nazi
Did well. A public service from your local grammer nazi.
Round 4 actions, number crunching and what Mund wanted to do
Subject What Mund wanted to do
Mund wasn't attacking with his axe at all. He was trying to tackle the gargoyle, initiate grapple, and pin it.
From: Mark
Subject What Mund wanted to do
Ok I think I missed that part. I will rewrite it tonight after I get settled in at the hotel in Chicago.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 4 actions
If you were paying more attention to what your players were writing and less attention to their grammar, you would not have these problems.
IC: Harp lets a small smile of satisfaction cross his face. Kal had done just as he had hoped, and another of these "gargoyles" had fallen to his blade. All right, next... Harp takes a small step to his side and swings at another of the creatures. He feels his sword slash across the chest of the creature, leaving a gaping wound in its chest. Harp is able to fight back the numerous attacks of the creature, but at the last second, the creature is able to gets its mouth on Harp forearm - it hurt, but it was nothing major.
Harp shouts to Kal "Good job. Lets do it again to this one" pointing with his head to the creature (OOC: at J5).
OOC: If Kal attacks the gargoyle at J5, and it is still up after his attack, Harp will attack it. If it is down, Harp will turn his focus to the gargoyle between him and Mund. Depending on what happens with your rewrite of Munds grapple. If the grapple is unsuccessful, then Harp will attack it. If the grapple is successful, then Harp will do what he can (can he Aid Other for a grapple) to help Mund.
From: Josh
Subject Number crunching
I've always felt they messed up the flow of the story. Maybe you could include them at the bottom instead of in the text?
From: Josh
Subject Round 4 actions
Kal's blade sings in triumph as the gargoyle falls. He does a quick spin to free his blade and continues his attack on the gargoyle Harp just struck.
From: Karl
Subject Round 4 actions
If the spell is still active, Salix will call another bolt down onto the last gargoyle (if it's still standing when his turn comes)
Number crunching and waiting for round 4
Subject Round 4 actions
To be precise, Kal will move to J4 to keep up the flanking bonus.
From: Karl
Subject Number crunching
They don't really distract from the narrative, to me, but they do help me understand the game mechanics. However, if you moved them to the bottom, I'd probably skip them because it would be too much effort to read through them and mentally put them back into context.
But if you remove them I won't cry about it.
From: Jason
Subject Number Crunching
I do like having them in there. Whether they are in the middle of the text or at the end is about the same to me, with maybe a slight preference for all collected at the end. I wouldn't complain if most people wanted them left out, but I do like seeing them.
From: Randy
Subject Number crunching and round 4 actions
OOC: I find them slightly distracting but not enough to actually care if you remove them or not.
IC: Ranthir is pretty sure that this last statue is not going to come to life and attack them but he will try to knock it over just in case. He can't really be any help to the others anyway.
From: Ashley
Subject Number crunching
I like seeing how you use the numbers to come up with combat scenarios. And it helps me understand the mechanic more. I vote stay.
From: Mark
Subject Round 4
Sorry I have not gotten a turn out. I am finding it almost impossible to work on this laptop with out a mouse. It looks like it will be Thursday before anything gets done.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 4
Weak. Worthless and weak.
Round 3 redux, round 4 and grappling rules
Subject Round 3 redux
Round 3 Initiative: Kal (24), Harp (20), Ranthir (19), Mund (19), Allistair (18), Ragnar (18), GargoyleL4 (15), GargoyleN1(14), Surin (9), GargoyleJ7(5) Salix (3).
Kal continues moving towards the creatures, trying to get into a position that will flank one of them. As he moves by the creature it takes a swing at him(AOO, leaving a threatened square H3) However the elf reacts with lightening fast reflexes and is just able to dodge the claw that lashes out at him (AC18,11+6=17,miss). The elf positions himself so that the beast is between Harp and himself. His rapier darts in (AC16,7+10=17, hit, damage 8) and pierces the beast through the eye, a gray liquid squirting out from the orb. The beast falls to the ground, a clawed hand grasping at its ruined eye.
Harp is relieved to see the elf follow his commands and take out one of the creatures. Now only two to go. Harp turns his attention to the one that was behind him and attacks with his full strength (AC16, 19+10=29, hit, critical threat, critical threat roll, AC16, 9+10=19, critical hit, damage 22) The 1/2 orc moves(5 foot step to J6) and spins in a whirling attack his sword flashing around in a half circle arc. The sword connects and cuts a deep gash across the chest of the creature(J7).
Ran continues moving along and toppling statues. He rushes to the next statue that has not moved (K2) and again throws his shoulder into it (STR check DC15, 4+4=8) This time however the 1/2 elf is unable to budge the statue.
When Mund gets Surin back to the wall he turns and sees that the orc is surrounded on all four sides. He watches as the elf kills one of them and Harp strikes another with a mighty blow. His blood boils and the barbarian channels the bear totem of his clan. Shouting a war yell he drops his axe and shield and charges the closest foe (J7). He lowers his shoulder and tries to tackle the beast. (AC12, 10+10, hit) and crashes in to the beast. The barbarian tries to wrap his arms around the beasts and tries to trap its arms in his grip (Opposed grapple check, Gargoyle 12+6=18, Mund 9+10=19, success). Mund is able to get his arms around the creature and pin them in place.
Allistair watches the elf take down one of the gargoyles but his view is blocked by the wall and the others in front of him. He hears his brother's war yell and the mage moves just in time to see his brother's axe bounce off the gargoyle. He also notices that it looks like Harp's sword has already done some serious damage to it. He concentrates and chants the spell again, and another three bolts streak from his fingers and strike the remaining gargoyle (N1) solidly in the chest (Damage 10).
Ragnar continues keeping an eye out, seeing that the the battle seems to be turning. No major injuries on their side and two of the creatures are down. Surin stands near him fascinated by the fierce combat taking place in front of him.
The gargoyle that Mund had pinned struggles to free itself (Opposed grapple check, gargoyle 6+6=12, Mund 12+10=22, fail) but the barbarian just squeezes it tighter.
The other gargoyle (N1) attacks Harp. He barely catches one claw on his shield (AC21, 14+6=20,miss) and is able to easily block the other claw with his sword (AC21, 3+6=9,miss). However, this leaves the 1/2 orc out of position and he is unable to avoid the mouth full of teeth that clamp down on his arm, just above his bracer (AC21, 18+4=22, hit, damage 4).
Salix calls another bolt of lightening from the clouds near the ceiling and a bolt strikes the gargoyle that attacked Harp. However, this creature seems to have learned from the other bolts it has seen and is able to jump out of the way when the bolt strikes (REF save, DC16, 15+6=21, save, damage 5).
OODM: I am sorry it took so long to get this done. I was swamped at work yesterday getting ready for my trip and I have spent most of the day at home getting ready as well.
I need round 4 actions. I have included a map.
From: Porter
Subject Round 4 actions
Ha! Mund thinks. Normal swords may not harm them, but they still have an ass to fall onto.
The creature struggles, but Mund is able to stay on top of him. Mund arches his body, driving his shoulder and much of his body weight into the creature's chest, trying to squeeze the breath out of it.
OOC: I want to try to do nonlethal damage to the creature. I don't even know it's possible, but I want to try.
Also, you didn't include a map.
From: Mark
Subject Round 4 actions
The map is the same as the one I sent last week. The positions have not changed.
I will put the map up on Sake river tomorrow.
Mund is at H6, the gargoyle he pinned is at I6 and Harp is at J6. The other gargoyle is at J5.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 4 actions
Mark, is Harp able to attack the grappled gargoyle with out harming Mund? I was not able to determine this from a quick look at the PHB.
From: Josh
Subject Round 4 actions
Kal's still going to J4 and attacking that gargoyle.
From: Josh
Subject dark lines
Mark: Do those thick black lines on on the map in the middle of the room indicate anything?
From: Mark
Subject dark lines
No I was copying Character signifiers and the formating of the boxes came with it. I will try and fix that with the new map.
From: Mark
Subject House rule
It is not covered as far as I can tell, but I am going to make a house rule.
You are unable to attack a foe who is being grappled with out there being a chance you could hit the person grappling him. So you could attack but he would have some cover and there is a chance of hitting Mund.
I am only going to use this rule when the two grapplers are of the same size catagory.
From: Mark
Subject Round 4
Round 3 Initiative: Kal (24), Harp (20), Ranthir (19), Mund (19), Allistair (18), Ragnar (18), GargoyleN1(14), Surin (9), GargoyleJ7(5) Salix (3).
With motions that look nothing like fighting Kal pulls his rapier from the eye socket of the gargoyle. In one fluid move he steps across and spins, his sword flashing out and striking at the back of the gargoyle facing Harp (AC16, 16+14=30, hit, damage 11). The rapier tip slides between the creatures ribs and almost hits Harp when it comes out the other side. The creatures eyes open wide and it looks down with a surprised look on its face as the rapier is pulled back out.
Harp takes advantage of the gargoyle distraction and thrusts his longsword into the creatures belly. There is a small flash as the weapon pierces the tough hide (AC16, 6+12+18, hit, damage 11) and Harp slides his sword into the belly of the thing. He then twists it as he pulls it out and the creature falls, its grey blood flowing on the floor.
Ran redoubles his efforts at toppling the statue that stymied him just a few seconds before. The cords on his neck bulge and his arms strain as he grabs the statue and heaves it onto it side (STR check, DC15, 19+2=21, success).
Mund's battle rage takes on an almost joyous tone in his own ears. These things weren't so tough. Hell he had just tossed one on it's ass. Mund falls on top of the creature, driving his shoulder into the things chest, trying to drive the breath from it (Opposed grapple check, Mund, 4+12=16, Gargoyle 5+6=11, success, damage 0). Mund lands right on the middle of the chest and almost breaks his shoulder from the impact.
Allistair and Ragnar watch Mund tackle the beast in a state of amused horror. Ragnar hears Allistair mumble "That's my brother, tackle something that can only be hurt by magic weapons."
The gargoyle strikes back at the barbarian (AC20, 10+2=12, miss, 17+2=19,miss, 4+0=4, miss). However Mund is able to block all of the attacks before they make contact.
Surin and Salix wait. The druid would like to hit the beast with a bolt of lightening, but figures that such a strike would probably also strike Mund.
OODM: I need round 5 actions. I have included a new map.
From: Porter
Subject Grappling
From the SRD:
When an opponent has pinned you, you are held immobile (but not helpless) for 1 round. While you're pinned, you take a -4 penalty to your AC against opponents other than the one pinning you. At your opponent's option, you may also be unable to speak. On your turn, you can try to escape the pin by making an opposed grapple check in place of an attack. You can make an Escape Artist check in place of your grapple check if you want, but this requires a standard action. If you win, you escape the pin, but you're still grappling.
While not relating directly to the question, this makes it clear that while grappling you are a valid target to others.
At the very least, I think you should be able to target freely somone who is pinned and immobile.
But then, I disagree with this entire new rule. Here's some more SRD rules:
From: Mark
Subject Grappling
I never said that the gargoyle is not a valid target, but that Mund could also be an accidental target. If the gargoyle and Mund are in a pin/grapple, it would reduce the creatures armor class but possible also give him some sort of cover, basically Mund.
You've all seen the shows where the hero and a baddie are rolling around and the hero uses the baddie as a shield against another foe. Something like that.
Harp can attack the gargoyle, however it is not a guarenteed hit with no consequences if he gets a bad roll. And it is concievable that Mund might possibly get hit and or hurt.