Experience Points
Subject Exp. points
OK I have done the XP for the past three encounters(Hell hounds, water elemental, fire elemental) and they are on Sakeriver. 4 party members have gone up a level: Allistair, Mund, Rangar and Surin. Kal is about 100 shy of 6th level and will go up, assuming he lives, after the next encounter.
These 4 characters have made 6th level. Please let me know what class you want to go up in and I will do your HP for the level. Also you need to update Sakeriver with the other bnouses and level things. I don't think any one gets new spell levels so that is not a problem.
Also please update your spell list, any used spells, and let me know if the party is going to do any healing before it moves on to the next door.
Character Sheets
Subject Character Sheets
I am still working with people to update the level changes. However, you should make a hard copy off line in case something happens to Sakeriver.
The key and updates
Subject The key
Harp watches in amazement as the two pieces fues into one. Even the keys were imbued with magic. While Harp was familiar with divine intervention, even in the small ways Harp was able to invoke, the type of power needed to create this place was finally starting to overwhelm him. He was growing tired of trying to come up with some new way to overcome these obstacles, having to put his friends at risk, not knowing if his decisions would end up with the death of one or more of the party.
Well, there was no stopping now. They had been through much the past few days. Had it only been that long since they had entered this place. It seems much longer. The group was getting a training course in a wide variety of foes, but Harp was ready to get out. But to do that, they had to push on.
"All right, lets head down the next hallway and peak in."
From: Mark
Subject Updates
I would like to move on to the next room but I would like everyone to have thier character sheet updated before I do. You never know what feats and skills you might need. So please let me know your feats and new skills.
Thanks
From: Mark
Subject Updates
Sorry about that. Some time today or this evening I'll work on it.
Frmo: Mark
Subject Updates
It was not just for you. I would like to hear from the others as well.
Turn, weapons, Grappling and Onward
Subject Turn
Ok guys, I am at home sick today but I can write.
I need to know what the party is going to do? How much healing, if any, who is doing what?
From: Karl
Subject Turn
Salix is ready to investigate the next door.
I'm on vacation from this Friday afternoon, until Tuesday after Memorial Day. I will be out of town (CA) and will have no reliable access to a computer. Kevin, can you play Salix for me for that week? (And Porter, if he gets Salix killed can you have Mund whack Harp in his sleep?).
From: Porter
Subject Turn
I'm not sure I heard you correctly. Did you ask me to kill Kal or Harp in their sleep? Well, I'll just have to kill them both to make sure.
From: Kevin
Subject Turn
I did not realize that hearing was a skill affected by a low intelligence score.
Karl, I will do the best I can to make Salix a living, productive member of the group.
Have a good time.
From: Kevin
Subject The next room
Mark, I think we are going to take a peek in the next door before we decided what to do, even as related to healing. The doors seem to have been an effective barrier so far, so the group will continue on that assumption. I think Ran and Mund will open the door, with Kal and Harp behind them. If the room is dark, we close the door, Harp and Ragnar move up to use darkvision.
From: Karl
Subject turn
Thanks Kevin. Bear in mind this only starts on Friday afternoon. I can handle him until then.
From: Mark
Subject The next room
Ok as is obvious to everyone there is likely a combat coming up, so I want a list of what weapons, if any your character has out.
Marching order is Mund and Surin, Kal and Ranthir. About 20 feet behind them is Ragar and Harp, with Salix and Allistair bringing up the rear.
From: Porter
Subject Weapons
Mund's got his crappy non-magic axe out.
A kopesh! My kingdom for a +1 kopesh!
From: Randy
SubjectWeapons
And my sword!
From: Porter
SubjectWeapons
:laugh:
From: Mark
Subject Weapons
You know your the one who wanted the Mithral breast plate and the +2 ring. You could have taken a +1 axe, but nooooooo. :)
From: Porter
Subject Feats
I've now taken improved grappling, which is what I should have given Mund in the first place instead of Improved Unarmed Strike.
Looking at the rules, it appears that you can grapple with a weapon in hand, although you cannot use it to attack while grappling unless it's pretty small.
As far as I can tell, you can grapple with something in each hand, meaning that Mund wouldn't have to drop his axe nor his shield to grapple.
Do you agree with my reading of the rules?
From: Karl
Subject Weapons
Salix can pray (i.e. "cast") with his scimitar drawn, right? If so then he has it drawn. If not, then not.
From: Porter
Subject Feats
Huh. That was supposed to just go out to Mark.
In other words, here's some spam to apologize for the earlier spam.
From: Karl
Subject Feats
I don't consider game re-lated questions spam. I actually learn a lot from other people's questions, especially since I wouldn't ask them for myself or my own character. (just sayin')
From: Mark
Subject Grappling rules
Actually I do not agree with your reading.
First you feat has nothing to do with if you need your hand free or not. It just allows you to make a grapple attempt with out provoking an AOO and gives you +4 on all grapple checks. Very in character for Mund and very approriate.
However, the grapple rules say you need to grab and hold your target. Depending on the shield, a buckler for example, you would might be able to keep the shield on, but not most shields, and not any weapon in the weapon hand.
You can draw a light weapon once you have successfully grappled someone and use it to attack the grappled person.
From: Mark
Subject Onward
Back the in the main room, the party takes stock. Harp and Mund are wounded but able to function fairly well. Ragnar and Ranthir are in pretty good shape as is the rest of the party. "Ok" Harp says, lets check out the next room. Surin, Kal, Ran and Mund, would you three lead the way?" The 4 open the door to the next hallway, with the others following. The party moves down the hall, 80 feet to the east and then they turn north. 50 more feet before they head east again for another 40 feet. When the first four are about 30 feet from the door Surin motions the others to stop. He continues on, slower this time, listening to all around him. He can hear the three others, just a few feet away but their sounds start to muffle as he approaches the new door. He closes with the door and looks it over. It looks just like all the other doors he had seen in this place.
Gently putting his ear to the door, he listens intently. He can make out some muffled sounds (Listen check 5+13=18, DC?). It sounds like two people talking in common. He is unable to make out the words or the accent. He returns to the others and the party backs up about 50 feet from the door. "Two people, talking common, but I couldn't tell anything else about them.
OODM: What next?
From: Porter
Subject Grappling
You are right, this has nothing to do with the Improved Grapple feat. It's just that now that I have it, Mund's going to be even more likely to do it.
So your call is that Mund cannot having anything in either hand, correct?
From: Mark
Subject Grappling
Correct. I will allow him to have a buckler, if he had one or gets one in the future, but as I read the rules, no weapons.
However, I will do some research just to make sure.
From: Porter
Subject Grappling
Thanky kindly.
Being in a dungon where I can't buy crap sucks. <_<
From: Jason
Subject Weapons
Longsword and shield out for Ragnar.
From: Kevin
Subject Grappling
Of course, Porter, dropping a weapon is a free action that does not provoke an AOO. You just will have nothing to attack it with but your bare hands (unless you have a dagger).
From: Kevin
Subject Weapons
Ditto for the loud cranking 1/2 orc (but his is magic).
From: Kevin
Subject Updated map
Mark, any chance for an updated map?
From: Porter
Subject Grappling
I don't understand what this is a reply to. Are you talking about grappling?
From: Porter
Subject Weapons
*lonsword envy*
From: Kevin
Subject Onward
OOC: Mark, from our experience with water room, was there a crack under the door large enough to allow a small, flexible animal to slither underneath?
From: Porter
Subject Onward
We've got a pet slug?
From: Ashley
Subject Onward
*hides salt*
From: Kevin
Subject Onward
No, but somebody you know has a small pet viper that *may* be able to slither under the door, look around, get a feel for the room and then come out and talk to his owner - if his owner remembers that he had it. Wink, wink, nod, nod.
From: Derek
Subject Onward
No, but Allistair has a small snake familiar.
From: Kevin
Subject Onward
Ashley, you take the salt, **I** will take care of the beer. Just to protect the slugs, mind you.
From: Porter
Subject Onward
http://www.giantitp.com/cgi-bin/GiantITP/ootscript?SK=3
From: Kevin
Subject Onward
There is one later on where the bird goes to look around and gets shot.
This strip did cross my mind, but Allistair does have the little guy slithering around inside that robe of his.
It may acutally have an intelligence the same as Mund's.
From: Porter
Subject Onward
*examines sarcastometer*
*kicks it to get it running again*
From: Mark
Subject Map
Ask and you shall recieve.
From: Derek
Subject Map
Looking at the map, it's going to be a 5-mile hike just to get through the corridor on that last door.
From: Kevin
Subject Map
OK, nothing different. Just wanted to make sure.
From: Kevin
Subject Map
Can you say "Trap"?
From: Josh
Subject Weapons
Kal's got his sword out in his left hand with his right ready to cast.
From: Porter
Subject Onward
When Surin comes back, Mund whispers to him "Hey, I've been paying attention to how you're able to be so quiet while you walk. Well, I've been practicing, and I think I've gotten better. Listen to this."
Mund gingerly walks around Surin, showing how quiet he can be.. While not nearly as quiet as Surin is, Mund has definitely quieted the lumbering gate that the halfling had remarked on before.
From: Ashley
Subject Onward
Did Kal and Harp fight? No? TRAAAAP!!!
From: Ashley
Subject Onward
"Good job there, Mund. Maybe you can have a go at the next brazier, eh? I've certainly had enough practice at it here."
OOC: did Surin make out what the people were saying? If not, he'll listen in some more.
Voices and talking
Subject Voices
No he could not make out the voices, just that there were two of them. He did listen, closely.
From: Kevin
Subject Gap
Mark, any answer on the size of a gap, if any, at the bottom of the door? Even a little one?
From: Mark
Subject Gap
There is a small gap but not enough for a small viper to fit through. The place is very well built.
From: Kevin
Subject Gap
Curses, foiled again.
Any other suggestions folks?
From: Randy
Subject Voices
Kick down the door and go in swinging!
But seriously,
"We would lose the element of surprise but we may be able to avoid bloodshed if we try to communicate with them. I still am hesitant to attack without attempting to find a peaceful resolution. If there are only two then we heavily outnumber them."
From: Porter
Subject Voices
"I agree. It's a door. How about we try knocking on it?"
From: Karl
Subject Voices
Salix nods agreement with this, glad to see that this option is at least being discussed before attacking. He casts a wary glance at Kal, though.
From: Kevin
Subject Voices
Harp nods in agreement. 'I would like to complete this without causing any more blooshed, but this place gives me little hope of that. But we must at least try. Unlike msot of the things we have met so far, we should at least be able to talk to these things. Salix, I would like you up front with Mund, leading the conversation. Allistair, I would like you close enough so if you hear them say anything that might help us, you can hear that. I will be with you. Remember what happened with the sighless things when we first got here. I think there is a better than even chance that these creatures will be evil at heart and not to be trusted."
From: Porter
Subject Voices
"I ain't never killed nobody that wasn't trying to kill me first, and I ain't gonna start now. I reckon if everything in this godsforsaken place deserves death, well, we're here to, ain't we?"
From: Mark
Subject Turn
I just got back from the doctor and I have a bad case of bronchitis. I am taking my pills now, and the cough syrup and eating lunch then going to sleep.
I will write up the turn latter this afternoon, early evening. By 8 at the latest, since that is when the finale of the Amazing Race is on. :)
From: Karl
Subject Voices
Salix will try to communicate with these creatures. He will ask what they are, where they are from, and how they came to be in that room.
From: Kevin
Subject Voices
OOC: Using all of his charm, wit, and +8 diplomacy ranks.
From: Karl
Subject Voices
Right. Using any skills he has to bear on this.
From: Derek
Subject Voices
Allistair will follow Harp's lead, seeing what he can evaluate from these two people in the other room. He will also ask his familiar if he can smell anything coming from the room. (Actually even if Sysyphus cannot fit through the crack, he should be able to stick his tongue in the crack to see if there is anything that smells in the other room)
From: Mark
Subject Talking
Actaully Diplomacy might come into play a little latter in the conversation. Sense motive would be a big part of this.
From: Mark
Subject Talking
After a quick discussion, the party decides to see if they can solve this with diplomacy instead of combat. The fighters are not optimistic, but Salix and Allistair are hopeful that brains may win out over brawn in this one. With Mund at this side, Salix approaches the door. Allistair and Ranthir are just behind them, with Harp and Kal next. Ragnar and Surin bring up the rear. When they get close to the door, Allistair kneels down and hisses at his snake. The little green snake slithers up to the door and stops at the crack at the bottom. It's forked tounge flickers in and out several times while it tastes and smells the air. It then slithers back to the mage and Allistair picks it up. The two have a whispered conversation for a few seconds. Allistair then pops a small piece of meat in the snakes mouth and the creature returns to the folds of the mage's robes.
"Sysyphys says that he can make out two different but similar tastes in the air, but they are not like anything he has tasted before. Also, whatever they are, they are scarred. He said he could taste their fear."
They approach the door and Salix nods his head in Mund's direction. The barbarian takes his axe haft and pounds on the door a couple of times, the thumping sound echoing in the hallway. Then Salix speaks up. "Hello in the room. Can you hear me?" There is some muffled sounds on the other side of the door and after a several seconds there comes a hesitant response. In oddly accented common they hear the reply "I can hear you. Who are you and why have you done this to me?" Salix takes a deep breath and answers "I am Salix, Druid of the Great North Woods and I do not know what you mean by having "Done" something to you."
The reply is angry. "You lie. You brought us here. You took us from our glade and stuck us in the forsaken place." There is a slight pause. "Let me go now and I will not kill you."
OODM: Ok let's role play this.
Voices
Subject taking a listen
OOC: Mark, is Salix the only person able to hear the other side of the converstation? If not, what impression do the other who can hear (and Salix for that matter) get? Male/Female, large creature (i.e. sound is coming from above their normal hearing level, or small creature (sound is coming from closer to the floor), old/young. I realize that we will not know for sure, but Salix at a minimum will have a basic idea of what he *thinks* he is talking to - a booming male sounding voice from 8-10 feet above his head vs. a wispy girls voice coming from waist height.
From: Mark
Subject Voices
The voice is hard to peg. It did not seem female or too old or young and while it is hard to tell through the door, it did not seem to come from very high or low.
From: Derek
Subject Voices
OOC: In other words, D&D does not reflect reality in this case. DM ain't tellin us `squat. ;)
Also, sensing motive doesn't seem to be much of a problem (assuming they are telling the truth and not just trying to get the door open so they can kill us...). Now we need some diplomacy and persuasion to convice these guys we didn't put them there.
From: Karl
Subject Voices
Salix responds, "We did not bring you here. We are looking for our way out of this place as well. I have told you my name and station. What is yours? How many of you are in there?" He says this with as much diplomacy as he can. He should be able to sound sincere since what he's said so far is true.
From: Mark
Subject Voices
Or it means that the usual descriptors do not apply. :)
From: Mark
Subject Voices
"I am called Sharpspike. There are 4 of us in here. And if you did not bring us here who did? How many of you are there?"
From: Karl
Subject Voices
Salix looks to Harp for a nod. If he gets one, he will reply "We are 7. We do not know who brought you here. We believe this place is a magical construct and assume it is that magic which brought you here."
Salix whispers to Harp, asking if there is anything else he wants to know. If not, he will proceed.
"We have no quarrel with you. If we open the door do we have your promise that none of you will attack us?"
From: Kevin
Subject Voices
Harp gives a nod, concerned about giving too much information away without knowing anything about those on the other side. He will wisper to Salix "Tell them we were brought here by the same magic and seem to be in the same basic position as they are - away from our home and looking for a way out."
He hears Salix's proposal to them about opening the door. If he gets the impression that they will actually open the door, he will move himself up, tapping the other fighters to move up with him and moving Allistair toward the rear.
OOC: He will also be prepared to cast Bless on the group before they open the door. He will rely on Salix to work out the best way to work out opening up the door.
From: Karl
Subject Voices
Salix will add, before proposing opening the door, what Harp suggests about them being in the same position, wording it as "We were also brought here by the magic of this place. . ." etc, to be more precisely correct. (He's concerned with being as honest as possible without giving too much away.)
From: Mark
Subject Voices
"How do we know we can trust you? That you will not kill us when you come in here?"
From: Mark
Subject Voices
"How were you able to get out of your prison? We have been unable to open the door, no matter how hard we try?"
From: Karl
Subject Voices
ooc - I'm taking the two question emails as both said before Salix could reply. /ooc)
"We do not understand the magic of this place. Some doors only open after others have been opened. I'm confident we can open your door if we try. As to killing you, well, others we have encountered here have attacked us without provocation or warning. If we wanted to kill you, we'd have opened the door and attacked. When we heard you talking we gained hope that we had encountered beings with which we could reason. We do not want bloodshed if it can be avoided."
All the while, Salix is watching Harp's face to see if the Half-Orc thinks he's revealing too much. He is also using all his skill to convey his sincerity to the beings on the other side.
From: Kevin
Subject Voices
Harp watches as Salix continues to talk to the creature on the other side of the door. He was doing this so much more easily than Harp would have thought. Harp would have said - you don't know anything - you will do as we say or we will leave you here to die. But, then, Salix might be able to get them out of this without having to fight. Harp was still unsure, but glad the druid was willing to make the effort - he just hoped it was not in vain.
From: Mark
Subject Voices
"We don't want to die either. What do you suggest?"
From: Karl
Subject Voices
Salix will turn to Harp and whisper, "Are we prepared to offer them a pledge of peace if they will do the same? I will not pledge to them peaceful intentions on our part only to have one of us attack them on principle of their race or species." He looks past Harp to Kal with suspicion.
From: Karl
Subject Voices
I'm going for the afternoon and may not respond again tonight. If Harp agrees, Salix will say to the beings "If you will vow that you will not attack us, we will give you the same promise. We also ask that you step back from the door so that we may open it."
From: Porter
Subject Voices
"Damn right we pledge peace to them," Mund says, raising his voice so that both parties can hear his voice. Brandishing his weapon, he says "If one of anybody tries to kill anybody else because of their race, they'll have to do it while defending against me."
From: Kevin
Subject Voices
Harp has misgivings, but can think of no other way short of a straight out attack. They had chosen this road, and they must now tread down it. He motions to Salix to come back toward the rest of the group, so they can talk quietly. "Salix make your proposal" He whispers to him (and the others around him) "Lets see what happens, but under no circumstance are we to attack first (he looks hard at Kal - trying to get a nod of agreement) - wait for my order. I know that I am exposing us here, but we must take this risk to keep our word to these creatures. But, if you see something that seems wrong, pipe up."
"Mund, I want you up there with Salix. The rest of us, lets back up slightly, but I want you, Ran, and Kal up front, then Ragnar and I and Allistair and Surin."
"Salix, if you see anything that does not ring true, I want to hear it."
OOC: Mark, Harp will still cast Bless on the group before they open the door.
From: Randy
Subject Voices
Ranthir speaks quietly before Salix returns to the door. "Have we not in the past had the ability to magically detect if there is evil nearby? Could we use some magic of that type in this situation to better prepare ourselves?"
OOC - Detect Evil?
Good and Evil, Salix, Negotiations and entry
Subject good and evil
Salix looks at Ran and shrugs. "If you feel the need to. It won't change our obligation if they also promise peace."
(ooc - Salix is lawful neutral. Good and evil are not absolutes to him, and it often baffles him how some try to pigeon-hole others into preset categories of good/evil, as if that made betrayal and murder justified somehow. /OOC)
From: Kevin
Subject Good and evil
OOC: Salix may not see a difference in the trustworthiness of good vs. evil creatures, but even St. Cuthbert, a LN diety, will not allow a follower to be LE. Evil types are more likely to violate a trust, whether through a narrow, self serving intrepretation of the rules or just plain evilness. Ran knows that some creatures are hard to trust (like 1/2 orcs :)).
From: Karl
Subject Good and evil
OOC: It's not that Salix doesn't see the difference. It's more that he thinks most people who think themselves "Good" often see too much of a difference. Suspicion of untrustworthiness isn't justification for being untrustworthy oneself. ;-)
From: Kevin
Subject Good and evil
OOC: Agreed. But after getting hosed by evil folks enough times, we good leaning people start to see a pattern. LOL.
From: Karl
Subject Good and evil
From a Druid perspective, though, you "Good" ones very often need the "evil" to keep you in check. Without them, you very often turn "evil" yourselves. It's like most of you can't keep hold of "goodness" except when you have something to contrast it to. And humans destroy nature as much as Orcs do (for instance). To a druid, it only matters a little that human destruction is methodical and Orc destruction is often wanton.
From: Porter
Subject Good and evil
Oh, the many evils that line of thought has been used to justify.
From: Randy
Subject Good and evil
"Our obligation will hold of course but better to be aware of any evil intention. I do however trust your ability to sense the motives of these people better than I am able to. I will leave it up to you to decide if you think this is necessary. We should be on guard either way. Being brought here and locked up like that would be enough to make any good man commit a harmful act."
From: Porter
Subject Good and evil
OOC: Evil alignment does not mean evil intention.
But then, I hate the whole concept of alignment in D&D, so it's no surprise that I and my characters try to undermine it as much as possible.
From: Karl
Subject Good and evil
On that note, I guess I should explicitly state that Salix would like a sense motive check on all of this exchange before opening the door.
And unless something comes out before noon, this it my last. Kevin has control of Salix until Tuesday, 5/30. (And just when it was getting interesting, too.)
Kevin, Salix understands the risk and is more than willing to be up front to bear the brunt of it. If someone sully's his good name by attacking these creatures first, they will find themselves fighting him as well. Other than that, you know what to do. ;-)
From: Mark
Subject Good and evil
Just remember that it is the DM who gets to decide these things, not the players. :)
You want to set up your own alignment system, run your own game.
From: Kevin
Subject Good and evil
OOC: Oh, Salix is going to be right up front in this. But he will have Mund at his side - those two seem to have a good understanding, so I (and Harp) want them to be the first to meet these creatures. If either of those two sense something wrong, they will be able to call the shot and let loose.
Karl, I may not have the prose you do, but I will try to keep Salix in character. **If** this degrades into a combat, any particular spell Salix would normally use first? Call Lightning? I have not really reviewed your character sheet, so bear with me on that.
IC: As the group prepares, Harp will whisper to Kal "We do not know that these creatures are evil. Lets keep our word until we have a reason to think they have not kept theirs.
From: Porter
Subject Good and evil
Summon Nature's Ally is one to not be forgotten, especially against groups.
From: Kevin
Subject Salix
Agreed, I should probably take a look at that this weekend.
From: Karl
Subject Salix
Yes, that is always on Salix's mind. It's probably his favorite ability. Don't forget that any prayer can be sacrificed for that level of SNA, and just as important, remember that you get more creatures (albeit weaker ones) if you summon, for instance, a level 2 ally type with a level 3 SNA prayer. This is sometimes good against groups since you can distract several enemies at once.
From: Kevin
Subject Salix
OOC: I think a couple of black bears or hippogriffs would make for some nice company.
Lets see what happens first.
From: Mark
Subject Negotiations
"We will move to the other end of the room. However, if you have lied to us we will kill you and eat you and chew your bones."
From: Porter
Subject Negotiations
"Fair enough. My name is Mund, and Salix and I are going to open the door."
From: Mark
Subject Negotiations
"Wait, give us time to move away from the door. Count to" there is a small pause " 10, slowly and then you can open the door."
From: Porter
Subject Negotiations
Mund moves to the door, taking point. He counts to ten in head, listening to see if he can hear the people behind the door moving.
Listen check, please?
From: Mark
Subject Negotiations
No listen check needed.
Mund waits by the door, counting to 10 slowly in his head. As he does he hears some heavy foot steps through the door, though they get fainter as he counts.
OODM: A listen check is really used to oppose a move silent. If the people are not trying to move silent, then as far as I am concerned, no real listen check is needed.
The above changes when trying to listen from a distance.
From: Porter
Subject Negotiations
Well, I thought that maybe they might be trying to move silently on each side of the door, waiting to ambush us. That's why I asked for a listen check. :)
From: Mark
Subject Negotiations
I understand. As far as Mund can tell they have moved off.
From: Porter
Subject Negotiations
Mund looks back to make sure that everybody else is ready. Mund has his shield out in one hand, but no weapon out, and he opens the door at a medium speed. He looks to see what he can see without entering the room yet.
From: Derek
Subject Negotiations
OOC: Well, at least it won't be a shock or surprise when these guys try and gut us. On the other hand, it would be nice to finish another encounter without having to kill something.
From: Mark
Subject Entry
Ok I want to make sure of the order people will enter. Mund, with Salix following. Then Harp and Ranthir. Then Ragnar and Kal. Then Surin and Allistair.
From: Porter
Subject Entry
I thought that at first only Mund and Salix were going to enter.
From: Kevin
Subject Entry
OOC: Only after we get a signal from Mund that things are how he (and Salix) expect them to be. We are not all rushing into the room. Porter made it pretty clear that he was opening the door and then peering in to see that they have moved off. I think we are all still a bit leary, though we will keep our word until given a reason to do otherwise (like dying).
From: Mark
Subject Entry
Ok but the order they will enter the room, when they do, is as listed?
From: Kevin
Subject Entry
OOC: Roughly, yes. If there are only 4 of them, Harp will probably keep Surin and Allistair in the hallway, just in case.
From: Derek
Subject Entry
Heh. If we had taken time to rest and re-memorize spells, Surin and I could perhaps take them out on our own. :P
From: Kevin
Subject Entry
OOC: Harp will be more concerned with not having all their eggs in one basket so to speak. Although, if they were all on the other side of the room, it would be a nice time to try a fireball.
From: Mark
Subject Entry
Ok I have one of my two RL games tonight, so I will not get a turn out until tomorrow afternoon.
If anyone else wants to say or do anything before I have Mund and Salix enter the room, you have until then to do or say it.
Face to face
Subject Turn
Sorry I did not get anything out yesterday. It was a beautiful day here and the wife and I were busy. I will get a turn out latter tonight.
From: Mark
Subject Face to face
Shield in hand, Mund looks at the others and then nods at Salix. He pushes open the door, not slowly but not quickly either. As the door opens to the right, the two see a wall about 40 feet away from them. The room is evenly lit, but not overly bright. As Mund and the druid enter the room along the east wall, they look to the west and see that the room is about 80 feet wide. At the opposite corner of the room they can see two large figures. These large figures are sitting on the ground like cats(OODM: What I mean is that the upper part of the body is upright and the back is down. If this is not clear to any one please let me know), but they look like no cats that Salix has ever seen.
The face is vaguely humanoid, but the body is almost lion like. It is hard to tell with the distance and with them sitting the way they are, but something seems odd about their backs. When they see Mund and Salix one of the creatures speaks up. "You said that there were seven of you. Where are the rest? Are you trying to betray us?" Salix quickly replies in calming tones " The rest are in the hallway and will enter in a bit. My friend Mund and I came first to make sure all was well. You said there were four of you, but I only see two. Where are the others?"
The creature seems a bit taken aback but quickly answers. "This is my mate, Flailtail and the other two are our young. They are behind us, and will stay there until we are confident of your intentions. They are not yet old enough to understand why we do not just eat you. Bring in the rest of your pride so that we may finish this."
OODM: What do you do now?
From: Porter
Subject Face to face
Mund calls out to behind his shoulders "They want to see the rest of our "pride". Let's all go in and say howdy."
From: Mark
Subject Face to face
How do you want to move in? Along the East wall? Along the south wall? What order? The same as listed on the map now?
From: Kevin
Subject Face to face
When Harp hears the creature mention that there were 7 in the group, he realizes that Salix had probably meant 7 others beside himself. These creatures were already suspsicious, probably best to not add to that. Before he enters the room, he will wisper to Ran "Tell Surin to stay out here in the hallway. Lets not spook these things anymore than we have too." With that, he will move into the room with Ran and move to Salix's side. OOC Mark, unless anyone else has an other idea, Ran and Harp will go to either side of Mund and Salix, sort of like book ends. Ragnar and Kal can follow, ending up on either side of Allistair.
OOC: I think I am running Salix now, so bear with me.
IC:Salix hears Mund call back to Allistair, and puts his hand out and on the humans shoulder, indicating he should wait momentarily. Salix feels his heart race as he talks to the creatures.
Here was a living, sentient being that had not attacked them at first look. Finally, something that made some sense. The protective feeling a parent had for its offspring was the first natural emotion he had seen in some many days, it almost made him want to weep with joy. But first - they had to accomplish their task while not antagonizing these creatures. In his most soothing voice (OOC: and using all the diplomacy skill he has) he says to (OOC: Mark, I don't want to sign out to look it up, but I think it was Sharpspike) " Sharpspike, I thank you for your trust in us. I appreciate the risk you have taken and give you my word that your trust will be honored. We will move forward slowly, and our friends will follow after us slowly as well, so as not to alarm you." Salix will motion for Mund to join him moving forward slowly, keeping eye contact on the creatures ahead of him.
As he moves, he decides to try and engage Sharpspike in some basic conversation, trying to learn a little about this new creature. "I am an elf from the Greatwood in "??? OOC: Mark, I forget where he is from please fill in. IC: It is my path to learn about natural things, to be nutured by them, guided by them, grow with them. In all my travels, I have never seen anything as wonderous as yourselves. It would be an honor to learn more about you and your mate. If we knew what you were and where you were from, maybe we can help you to find a way out of this place."
OOC: Mark, I think I am making a complete hack of this. If you feel this is way Salix/Karl would hav done this, please feel free to rewrite.
Moving slowly, no good deed, round 1 actions
Subject Moving slowly
Mund calls back over his shoulder "They want to see the rest of our 'pride'. Let's all go in and say howdy." With that the barbarian starts to move towards the north wall, keeping his back to the east wall and his hand off his axe. Salix follows, talking to Sharpspike as he goes. Just before he enters, Harp whispers to Surin to remain in the hallway. Ran and Harp then follow the first two into the room. Harp moves himself to the far wall and Ranthir takes up position next to Salix. Ragnar, Allistair and Kal follow and soon all seven are lined up against the east wall.
As the party moves slowly into position, Sharpspike answers Salix's questions. "We are rulers of the marshes where we live. Creatures fear us and pay us tribute so that we may let thier younlings live instead of eating them, as is right. I do not know if our marsh has a name, we just call it our marsh."
When they are all in Salix speaks again. "Here we are, as we said. We have kept our word." Sharpspike's response is quick. "I think you have decieved us. I smell halfling on you, thick. You have one of those thieving halflings with you and he is trying to sneak up on us and kill us. You have lied to us and now must die." With this last comment both creatures stand up, 10 feet long and 5 wide. Wings spread from their backs and long tails flick in light, twitching back and forth. Tails that seem to have many pointed ends. Just then Allistair makes a connection in his mind (Knowledge Arcana, DC15, 10+11=21) and he hisses "Manticores."
The party tenses at the threat and hands fly to weapons but are not drawn. They still have the advantage of distance. Or so it seems. The party watchs as the tails snake over the heads of the creatures and as they whip forward, a hail of spikes fly towards the party.
OODM: I will write up the Surprise round tonight.
From: Porter
Subject Moving slowly
OOC: Crap. I was going to write out a round where Mund said something like "Hey, there's one more of us. Surin, come on in here. We said we'd all be in here, so let's do it." I just haven't had time to do it yet this morning.
Also, that was definitely a chaotic act of Harp's.
From: Porter
Subject Moving slowly
OOC: How can they get a surprise round if we're watching them?
From: Mark
Subject Moving slowly
It is only partly a surpirse round. They are going to get one free action but the party will not be flat footed, as far as armor class goes. I am judging this as no one in the party, with the possible exception of Allistair had any idea that the tails could throw spikes. The fact that they thought they had 70 feet or so of clear area and no missile weapons in veiw, in my mind, means that the type of attack is surprising. They(the party) are prepared for danger so that is why they get their DEX bonus and stuff.
From: Kevin
Subject Moving slowly
Harp watches in dismay as the creatures turn on them. How had they know about Surin? They could smell him from that far away? More likely, they had smelled him from when he was nosing around the door. Well, what else was he to do now? Harp watches as the spikes fly toward them, then charges the creatures.
Salix's heart quails. They had almost done it. Why had he said 7 when he knew there were 8? He knew he had meant 7 other than himself, but this creature (Manticore Allistair had called it) was attacking with out the chance to explain things. It was Salix's responsiblity now. The group had relied on him, and now it was his duty to due what he could to protect them. Touching the small acorn symbol on his chest, he calls upon Obad-Hai to send the power of lightning to do the bidding of natures servant. (OOC: Mark, I think he still have Call Lightning, right?).
OOC: Mark, I know that if Salix gets hit, he has to make a concentraction check. Can he cast defensively? I am not as familiar with castin in combat as I should be. I will read up more tonight.
From: Ashley
Subject Moving slowly
Manticore's imaginary!
IC: "Wait! Surin shouts from the hallway. This wasn't going right at all, and Salix's plan would be fried if he didn't do something. "I'm right here! I ain't sneakin' up on nobody! Come now, let's just all calm down and settle this like...like somethin' fair and just. Think about your young, let's not have any fighting!" If this line of conversation doesn't end up going anywhere (even if Salix decides to try to communicate more), Surin will spend the next round finding a nice shadow in the room to sneak into.
OOC: I thought Harp was Neutral good.
From: Porter
Subject Moving slowly
What the hell is wrong with these people? What's so hard about being open and honest? And after I saved that little twerp while were were fighting thouse ghouls. I guess they were right -- you can't trust halflings.
From: Kevin
Subject Moving slowly
OOC: Mark, you can have Salix make an attempt to pre-empt this by trying to explain what has happened. However, if the spikes are flying, he will be angry with himself for failing to make this encounter a peaceful one. If the spikes fly, he will try to cast Call Lightning.
From: Mark
Subject Moving slowly
Any one else want to do/say anything?
From: Mark
Subject No good deed
As the creatures react several voices ring out. Surin, having heard the escalating tensions starts to announce his presence, just as Mund is telling him to come forward. It is all for naught. Sharpspike's (Yellow squares) tail flashes forward and a hail of spikes hurtle towards the party. Allistair screams as his body is riddled with 5 spikes (AC12, 11+8=19, hit, 18+8=26, hit, 6+8=14, hit, 4+8=12, hit, 11+8=19,hit, 1+8=9,miss, damage 33) and he almost collapses from the pain.
Salix fares little better. 3 spikes from Flailtail's tail hit him as he tries to dodge out of the way, 1 crashing in the middle of his chest (AC17, 18+8=26,hit, 13+8=21, hit, 19+8=27, critical threat, critical threat roll, AC17, 20+8=28, critical hit, 5+8=13,miss, 5+8=13, miss, 2+8=10, miss, damage 32) The druid also howls in pain as the spikes pierce his chest and belly.
Round 1 Initiative: Kal (23), Surin (20), Harp (18), Salix (12), Mund (11), Ran (9), Allistair (9), Flailtail (5), Sharpspike (5), Ragnar (5).
OOD: As the map shows they are 55 to 65 feet away. I need actions for round 1.
From: Josh
Subject Round 1 actions
OOC: Mark, I don't know if what I want to do is possible, but it seems it should be. If it's not I'll come up with another turn.
Kal runs forward, hoping the rest of the fighters follow him. If they don't seem to be moving, he'll hold back some, if they advance he'll go as far as they do. (If they go forward he'll go as far as they will, if they're staying back, he's only going 5-10 ft out).
As he's running he casts bulls strength on himself.
From: Josh
Subject Round 1 actions
Actually, to be more complex. If it looks like the fighters are charging, he'll cast bulls strength on himself. If they seem to be holding back he'll magic missle the yellow one.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 1 actions
OOC: Guys, my fault on this. I thought I had made clear how I wanted us lined up and against the wall like the St. Valentine Day Massacre was not what I had envisioned. I had thought we had 4 up front (Ran, Mund, Salix, Harp) with three behind (Ragnar, Allistair, and Kal).
Mark, when we were first supplied, we were given some healing potions. I forget who has those. Any idea of who we gave them too? Does Ragnar have them, or did we parcel them out? Any one else remember.
Have to go finish some work outside. Will write more later.
From: Porter
Subject Round 1 actions
Mund sees his brother and his friend get filled with spikes. They get hurt so bad, Mund is surprised that they're still standing. Mackiers aren't known for their toughness. Mund's first reaction is to protect his Allistair and Salix, but is torn as to how he should best do this. Should he shepherd them out of the room, or should he distract these betrayed creatures by trying to kill them?
"When in doubt, go with your strength." his pappy always used to say. Well, Mund's strength is killing.
Mund summons all his strength, yells "Get out of here you two, I'll distract them!", and charges the creatures, trying to put himself between them and the door.
OOC: If I can, I want to put Mund in D4 so that he gets an AOO if either one tries to go past him to the door.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 1 actions
Harp watches in dismay as his friends are filled like pin cushions. He sees numerous spikes sticking out of Allistair's and Salix's bodies, the pain obviuos on their faces. Cursing his decision to have Surin stay out in the hallway, Harp grabs Allistair and Salix and pushes-pulls them toward the doorway, yelling at Ragnar to follow him and for Ran, Mund and Kal to attack those things.
OOC: Mark, your discretion. Harp will pull Salix with him as he heads toward the door, puhing the druid through it as he gets there. If you let him grab Allistair as he goes by, he will do the same with him. His goal is to get those two on the other side of the door way and to provide as much cover as possilbe for them. He does not want to exit the room because he wants to turn back and attack next round. He will call for Ragnar to look after their wounds.
Salix will writhe in pain, stunned at the sudden turn of events, and will not fight Harp's dragging him along and out of the combat area. He was willing to fight, but this front line stuff was not what he expected.
From: Mark
Subject potions
The party was give 10 potions of CLW at the start. At sometime in the dungeon Ragnar gave every one at least 1 potion and kept the two remaining as well as the scrolls.
I do not recall any one using their potions.
So every one has at least one potion of CLW.
From: Porter
Subject potions
This is correct. We all have a potion.
Round 1 actions, round 1, round 2 actions, withdraw
Subject Round 1 actions
That's how I remember it too. Ragnar will is going to cast a cure spell on Alistair... Unfortunately I'll have to let you know which one tomorrow, because its going to involve seeing what he's cast so far today.
From: Derek
Subject Round 1 actions
OOC: OUCH. What is Allistair's difficulty to cast a spell next round?
IC: Ouch. Allistair had never felt as much pain in a single instance as he had just received. He would be surprised that he was still conscious, if he had time to think about such things. He'd really like to shoot a fireball up the arse of these manticores, but he's not sure if he can pull it off.
OOC: If Allistair has a decent chance of getting a fireball off, he'll shoot one that will get the two manticores without hitting his friends. Then he will run out the door. If he can't get a fireball off, he'll just run out and then drink his potion.
From: Randy
Subject Round 1 actions
Ranthir charges at Sharpspike as he seems to be the one in charge and is the one that ordered the attack. Staying at a distance did not seem like a good idea in this situation. He will attack as soon as he is close enough to take a swing.
From: Mark
Subject Round 1 actions
He would need to make a Concentration check of 10+ the damage taken this round, which would be a DC 43.
From: Derek
Subject Round 1 actions
OCC: *That* would be a very difficult number to roll.
IC: Allistair runs outside the room and gulps his potion down.
From: Mark
Subject Round 1 actions
I assume that Mund is raging?
From: Porter
Subject Round 1 actions
Yes. I see that I didn't make that explicit, but that's what I meant by "Mund summons all his strength." I should have made it clearer.
From: Mark
Subject Round 1 actions
I thought that that was what you meant, and it make perfect sense in this situation, but I just wanted to make sure.
From: Mark
Subject Round 1
Round 1 Initiative: Kal (23), Surin (20), Harp (18), Salix (12), Mund (11), Ran (9), Allistair (9), Flailtail (5), Sharpspike (5), Ragnar (5).
Kal's sense of right and wrong flares with in him. They had tried to deal with these creatures and they attacked the most helpless of the party on a technicality. Seeing the other fighters in the group preparing to charge Kal chants the spell for the strength of the Bull. As he feels his muscles surge with power, he rushes towards the beast that called it self Sharpspike.
Surin sees the attack just as he enters the room and watches Salix and Allistair almost fall from their injuries. The halfling takes a step into the room, trying to figure out how he can best help.
Harp pushes past Mund and grabs Salix, almost dragging him along, but also shielding the druid with his body. Ordering Ranthir, Mund and Kal to attack, he tells Ragnar to follow him "Save these two, if you can. I will go help the others." As he moves past the 1/2 also grabs Allistair as well and pushes both the mage and the druid out into the hallway. He then turns, a fire in his eyes. He sees Surin standing by him. "I don't know if you can help in this fight, little one, but maybe you can help Brother Ragnar aid these two."
Salix does not remember ever being in such pain. He vaguely realizes that Harp is dragging him to safety but the action barely registers. Healing. Something about healing. There was no way he would be able to pray for healing, not with the pain he was in. The thought crystallizes, just for a second, and he remembers the potion. Grasping at his waist, he pulls the small vial from where it was tied on his belt. He pulls the stopper with his teeth and not stopping to spit out the cork, lets the healing fluid flow into his mouth (Heal 8). The bleeding around the spike in his chest slows to a trickle.
Mund's anger at the situation is over run with his feelings for his brother. He sees Harp rush Salix and Ally out of the room, protecting them with his body. "Well, that does it. I tried to deal fairly with these things and they tried to kill my brother. No more nice Mund." The barbarian grabs his battle axe as he charges the two creatures, moving to a spot where they will not be able to escape. When he gets there he takes a huge swipe with his axe at Sharpspike (AC17, 16+14=29, hit, damage 8) and leaves a small gash in the things front right leg.
Ranthir also charges Sharpspike, a long forgotten elven war cry coming from his lips. His sword flashes in the light, (AC17, 4+13=17, hit, damage 4) and he nicks a wing tip. Ranthir curses that he was not able to do more damage and prepares for the attack he knows will come.
Allistair mind almost disconnects from the pain. "You know this would have been a perfect place for that fireball spell. They were just the right distance away, they were all lined up." His reverie is disturbed by the pain and Harp's grabbing him and pulling him to safety. In the distant background he hears Mund and Ranthir's battle cries. He then realizes that neither Mund nor Ran is at full strength and that two manticores may very well be too much for them. "Need to do something about the pain." He grabs at the vial at his waist and pops the stopper out and swallows the sweet tasting liquid (heal 6). His breath comes a bit easier.
Flailtail claws at Mund and then bites at the barbarian, the sharp teeth and claws gouging at the breastplate(AC20, 20+10=30, hit, critical threat, critical threat roll, AC20, 5+10=15,miss, no critical, 19+10=29, hit, 20+8=28, hit, critical threat, critical threat roll, AC20, 12+8=20, critical hit, damage 27).
Sharpspike strikes at Ranthir, one claw catching the 1/2 elf in the chest. (AC19, 7+10=17, miss, 20+10=30, hit, critical threat, critical threat roll, AC19, 4+10=14, miss, 7+10=17, miss, damage 10). Ran is able to roll with the paw, which keeps him from having his guts left on the floor.
Ragnar hustles out after Harp and his two companions, ready to heal them. Salix looks the worst for wear, so the cleric pulls out one of the scrolls and reads it, touching the druid as he does (Heal 11).
OODM: I need round 2 actions. Both Mund and Ran will be able to get in 2 attacks this round, assuming they take no more than a 5 foot step. Salix and Allistair will be able to do something, if they want.
From: Porter
Subject HP's
Is there anyplace I can look to see everybody's current hit points?
From: Mark
Subject HP's
Sakeriver.
From: Porter
Subject HP's
I just looked there, and it's not in the archives.
From: Mark
Subject HP's
Not in the archives. In the gaming tools section.
From: Porter
Subject HP's
Are you talking about the character sheets?
Mund's says that he has 30 out of 59 HP. Does the 30 include the +12 HP for raging?
From: Derek
Subject Round 2 actions
Allistair tries to clear his head enough so that he can run in the room and help. He asks Ragnar and Salix quickly, "Did I hear correctly that there are two Manticore cubs in addition to these two adults? If I hit them or threaten to hit them with a fireball, would the adults race back to guard thier cubs, would they be fearful enough that they would stop fighting, or would they attack me again?
OOC: Can I get a knowledge check on how the Manticores might behave if I threatened (or outright fireballed) thier young? Where I target my fireball will be determined by how I think they may react, and Ragnar's and Salix's reasoning.
Allistair moves into the room far enough so that he can shoot off a fireball. Can he see the two manticore cubs in the back of the room? If he can, he'll
From: Porter
Subject Round 2 actions
We're in big trouble.
From: Derek
Subject Round 2 actions
OOC: Sorry about that last paragraph. I forgot to erase it when I was rethinking my wording....
From: Kevin
Subject Round 2 actions
OOC: I have NEVER seen so many critical threats and hits in only 2 rounds of action from only 2 creatures.
Will write more tonight.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 2 actions
OOC: Mark, the concentration check is only for the round immediately following when damage was taken, right? i.e. since Salix was injured during the "surprise" round, and has now taken a turn to move and heal himself somewhat, he can cast in round 2 without making a concentration check, right? Same with Allistair?
From: Mark
Subject Round 2 actions
I think that that is what I said. Yes I am sure that that is what I said. The last line of the e-mail reads " Salix and Allistair will be able to do something, if they want."
So I guess I was very clear about what they would be able to do if they wanted to, unlike some people who assume others know what they were thinking when they wrote how people were lining up.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 2 actions
Sorry, I was still reeling from the huge amounts of damage our group took to read all the way down.
Take a prozac and lie down for a few minutes.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 2 actions
Harp looks up at the two in front of the beasts, each of them getting attacked viciously. He looks at Allistair, who is looking a bit better than he had a few minutes ago. "Can you shoot one of those fireballs back into the corner behind those things, if so, do it."
With that, Harp steps a few feet forward (5 ft step) toward Ran and Mund and Kal, and in his loudest, best seargant voice "WITHDRAW NOW!!!!"
OOC: Guys, withdraw action does not provoke an AOO, and it gets you out of range of the fireball that Ally is going to throw.
IC: Salix feels the warmth of the potion flow through his body. As the pain eases, he hears the sound of combat behind him in the room. Remembering the damage he had taken, he knows that hsi friends (even that damn elf Kal) would need natures help to over come these things. He steps gingerly back into the room, Harp and Ragnar in front of him. He touches his hand to the acorn on his chest, and chants the prayer that will call the power of electricity to his command. He strikes with it at the beasts. (Call Lightning).
From: Randy
Subject Round 2 actions
Ranthir will continue to attack Sharpspike, hoping to make two solid strikes at the creature. The blow had hurt, but he was still in pretty solid shape.
From: Randy
Subject Round 2 actions, revised
OOC: Revise my turn as follows
Ranthir hears Harp and responds quickly, withdrawing to the left of the creatures, not wanting to fall back into the path of whatever is to come.
From: Porter
Subject Round 2 actions
Mund is glad to see that Harp can recognize how dangerous this has gotten. He withdraws and goes back out through the door.
From: Mark
Subject Round 2 actions
Would you mind giving me a Square locator on the map?
From: Mark
Subject Round 2 actions
Getting awfully crowded around the door.
From: Jason
Subject Round 2 actions
Back on 5/13, Mark said "Kal is about 100 shy of 6th level and will go up,
assuming he lives, after the next encounter."
That comment is taking on whole new meanings right now.
From: Mark
Subject Round 2 actions
Actually Kal has gone up.
From: Jason
Subject Round 2 actions
Ah, my mistake. I was going through the archives figuring out what spells I've cast since we last rested, and I'm fairly certain that my spell list is now up to date. Speaking of which, Ragnar is going to cast Magic Circle against evil and then step away from the doorway (but stay within 10 feet of it.) That should hold the things back if we want to get out.
PS If, for any reason, when its Ragnar's turn he's the only one in a direct line between the manticores and Allistair and/or Salix, he'll stay there instead.
From: Mark
Subject Round 2 actions
Again if you could give me a square location that would be helpful.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 2 actions
OOC: Randy and Porter, I don't think Ran and Mund can make it ALL the way back to the door using the withdraw - Harp just wants them out of the way when the fire ball goes off. Luckily you guys are all before Salix and Allistair.
Mark, Harp will 5 ft step 1 square to G14. Salix will move to G16 for his call lightning.
From: Porter
Subject Run
If Mund can run after doing a withdraw, he can easily make it out the door.
From: Derek
Subject Round 2 actions
Mark, can I get a knowledge check for Allistair and at least Salix (who probably has the best idea of how they might react, being a druid) on how these Manticores will react if I hurt or threaten thier young? (Assuming that Allistair can see their young, that hasn't been answered yet either) If Allistair can't see the young or if no one knows they might react or if they would probably charge and attack me instead, then he'll just target the Manticores while making sure Ran and Mund don't get hit.
Also if Ragrar does cast that protection from evil, Allistair will do his best to stay in the area of effect.
From: Porter
Subject Round 2 actions
OOC: I am remining you that more than once Mund has been in favor of using Allistair's magic to hurt the baddies even if it hurts the fighters as well.
From: Mark
Subject Withdraw
The withdraw action is a full round action. You can move upto double your speed and do not provoke an AOO. You also do not get to make any attacks. The AOO you do not provoke is only from the square you are leaving. If you leave another square or do another action that provokes an AOO, that second AOO happens.
From: Kevin
Subject Withdraw
OOC: Porter, I believe the Withdraw action is a full round action, meaning that Mund will not be able to do other movement. A Withdraw allows you to leave a threatened square and move your normal movement allowance without provoking an attack of opportunity. Unless these guys die from the fireball (not bloody likely) they are going to move at you and probably attack you again this turn, but since they will have had to take a move action, they will not get a full attack, just normal attack (1 claw instead of 2). Harp wants to get you two to pull back as best as possible - if we can get back through the door, we can limit who they can hit a bit more.
From: Mark
Subject Round 2 actions
Actually Salix has very little knowledge about them. They are magical beasts and druids know very little about those types of things.
The applicable skill is knowledge Arcana and I already rolled for Allistair, that is how he knew what they were. Since you passed the knowledge checky by more than 5 points I will let you know one more fact about them. In a seperate e-mail.
From: Kevin
Subject Withdraw
I bow to my brother saying you can move a double movement. In that case, you may be able to make it - you small human types move faster than us 1/2 orcs.
From: Porter
Subject Withdraw
OK, let me see if I understand this:
These critters have a 10-foot reach. Even if they don't get an AOO on Mund when he leaves the square he's in, they'll still get one when he leaves the next square.
In other words, withdraw is useless when fighting anything of size large or larger.
So, Mund might as well attack and then run away.
From: Mark
Subject Withdraw
Thank you Mr. DM's Brother.
From: Kevin
Subject Withdraw
You do not know that they have a 10' foot reach, just that they are 10' long.
Mund does not have to do what Harp yells, Harp is just tyring to protect him. He is sort of soft that way. Mund maybe be so enraged at the attack on Allistair that he would not disengage until he or they are dead. You play him as you see him.
From: Porter
Subject Withdraw
I'm trying to understand the D&D rules. I'm not saying anything about what Mund would do.
I'm also going off of the assumption that any creature that takes up 4 squares has a 10-foot reach. I don't know if this is true or not, but it is true of everything we've encountered so far.
Besides that assumption, is my analysis of the rules correct?
From: Kevin
Subject Withdraw
I will say yes, but bow to the immense power and wisdom of the DM. He has the rules guru.
From: Mark
Subject Withdraw
Who said they had 10 foot reach? Not all 10 foot creatures have 10 foot reach. In fact I think the paty has already fought a few that do not.
There is a pattern to the size vs. reach.
From: Mark
Subject Withdraw
I will let everyone in on the pattern I have picked up on with Monsters, size and reach.
If a creature is large but a quadreped, then they usually, not always, will have a 5 foot reach. If a creature is large and a biped then the usually, not always, will have a 10 foot reach.
In general though Porter is correct. The withdraw action is not very usuful to people moveing away from creatures with 10 foot reach.
However, the mobility feat, which Ran and Kal have, helps alot.
From: Porter
Subject Withdraw
OK. Considering that assumption, is everything else I said correct?
From: Porter
Subject Withdraw
Can Mund attack and then run away at double speed?
From: Mark
Subject Withdraw
Not really. If Mund attacks and runs away he would provoke two AOO, one for each square. If the creature has Combat Reflexes, then it would get two AOO, one for each square Mund left. If the creature does not, then it only gets one.
also if you run you move 4 times your speed but loose your DEX bonus to AC. Unless you have the Run feat, whic allows you to move 5 times you speed and lets you keep your DEX bonus to AC when running.
From: Mark
Subject Withdraw
No.
Here are the options
1: Withdraw. Move twice speed, remove one AOO. NO attack for Mund.
2: Attack once and move base speed. May provoke AOO.
3: Attack full.
4: Run. Move 4 times speed, provoke AOO, loose DEX to AC.
I think that covers most of them. If you do not move you can do a 5 foot step.
From: Porter
Subject Withdraw
Huh. Wasn't Mund able to move at 2x and attack last round?
From: Mark
Subject Withdraw
He charged. That is another full round action that ends with an attack.
The withdraw is similar but it is used to leave combat. You sacrifice the attack to remove the AOO you would provoke when you normally leave a threatened square.
From: Porter
Subject Withdraw
After a whole bunch of talk, we're right back where we started:
Mund is glad to see that Harp can recognize how dangerous this has gotten. He withdraws and goes back out through the door.
From: Kevin
Subject Withdraw
But the talking was the important part.
Can't we all just get along?
From: Josh
Subject Withdraw
Wait, we're reatreating?
From: Randy
Subject Withdraw
G6
From: Kevin
Subject Withdraw
A strategic redeployment. Kal might pull up if he hears Harps call in time. Play it like you need.
From: Jason
Subject Round 2 actions
Have Ragnar aim for O10, unless there's no one between the Manticores and the two who are currently outside the room. Then he'll just get in the way. Here's the map for this round.
