Where did he go?
Subject Where did he go?
As the six companions prepare for bed Kal and Ragnar notice that Harp does not seem to be preparing for bed. Of course he has not been sleeping as much as the others, due to his magic ring, but he does not take off his armor or put away his sword. Once Salix, Ally and Mund are in bed, and the others are close, Ragnar and Kal notice Harp pack up a small bag of supplies and head out of the door. They exchange a worried look. Sundown was almost 1/2 an hour ago.
OODM: Do Ragnar and Kal want to do anything?
From: Jason
Subject Where did he go?
OOC: I dunno, casting status might have some interesting results...
Is he heading out of the door of the room, or the door of the inn?
From: Josh
Subject Where did he go?
"Where do you think he's going to?" Kal says to Ragnar, "He didnt say anything to me."
Follow or not?
Subject Follow or not?
OOC Well I'll assume he was heading out of the door of the room, but with armor and sword on.
IC: Ragnar notices Harp head out the door fully armed and instantly becomes worried. He follows Harp out the door, closing it behind him. "Ha... Hack," he calls out, almost forgetting to use the half-orc's alias. (Assuming Harp turns around) Ragnar continues more quietly, concerned, "You aren't planning on heading outdoors alone this late are you?"
From: Kevin
Subject Follow or not?
Hack stops when he hears Ragnar's voice behind him. Damn, he had almost made it out without being noticed.
" I just thought I would go say hello to someone. We might be leaving on short notice and...." he stammers. Damnit, he hadn't planned on having to explain himself.
" I'll be fine. I've got my sword and my guards pass. No one will bother me. I'll be back first thing in the morning. Don't worry about me - go back in and get some sleep."
From: Jason
Subject Follow or not?
Still more than a little concerned, Ragnar nods in acceptance, if not agreement, and says "Just be careful." With that he heads back into the room.
"Where do you think he's going to?" Kal says to Ragnar, "He didnt say anything to me."
"He seemed reluctant to say. I have no idea where he's heading, but I guess he can take care of himself." Not that Ragnar wouldn't worry. Who could he possibly know to go say hello to here in Bodentown? (OOC: Ragnar never saw Harp and Thanga together.) Well, he would remember to pray for Harp that night, and just trust he knew what he was doing.
From: Josh
Subject Follow or not?
"I'm going to follow him. He's got a guard pass, but it doesn't mean he'll be safe. It's really unlike Harp to act unilaterally. Something strange is going on."
Kal wraps his cloak around him closely and starts to leave. He won't object much if Ragnar tries to come, except he's concerned about too much noise.
Kal and Harp, Ambush, maps and opinions
Subject Kal and Harp
"I agree, and I hope he lets you accompany him. Be careful."
Ragnar won't try to go with him however.
From: Josh
Subject Kal and Harp
Kal hurries out soon after Harp leaves. The noise of the common room is muffled and dark. The air smells of booze and smoke. There's no sign of Harp.
Kal leaves the tavern. The air is thick with fog and the stench of death. The moon is hanging low in the sky, casting long shadows. Kal sees Harp moving quickly down the street.
Kal's first instinct is to follow discreetly; years of hatred and cautious training still run through his head. He ducks back close to the wall, thinking of Surin, keeping his body close and moving as Harp moves.
Harp has shown himself to be trustworthy. He wasn't tempted by the riches like Mund in the testing grounds. He stood with me on the side of righteousness. But he's a half-orc. A place like this could do strange things to a man with his blood. I can't trust him, not when so much is on the line.
Harp turns a corner. Kal sprints to the corner and looks around the turn. He waits for the distance to widen between them and begins to follow again.
He's treated me as a friend. He's forgiven me for my mistrust twice, and testified on my behalf at my trial. He is a holy man, a good man.
Harp turns another corner, Kal rushes forward again. As Kal nears the corner Harp walks back into the street. Kal stops dead, hugging the wall. Harp looks up at the street sign and then continues down the road, turning at the next corner.
He could be headed out to alert the Mayor and secure a trusted place in the guard. I shouldn't trust him. I can't trust him.
Kal approaches this corner more cautiously. Harp has slowed down some, a little lost. Kal again waits a moment for their distance to widen.
He's my friend. I have to trust him.
"Hey Hack, wait up!"
From: Kevin
Subject Kal and Harp
Harp heads down the street, trying to remember exactly how to get back to the inn where Thanga was. He turned here, didn't he? He heads down an alley, then realizes that this does not look familiar. He turn back, heads back to the earlier intersection, turns and heads farther down the street. Just as he is about to make another turn, he hears a voice call out from behind.
He whirls around and sees Kal a little ways back, looking in his direction. Damn it, could he get no privacy!!! All he wanted to was to go see Thanga. With a snarl under his breath, he heads back to where Kal is.
"What are you doing following me?? I thought I told Ragnar why I was leaving?? Do you want to get picked up by one of the press gangs? Go back to the inn, I'll be back first thing in the morning"
From: Josh
Subject Kal and Harp
Kal's a bit taken aback by Harp's tone. He responds coolly, "Ragnar and I were concerned about your well-being. Just because you're a guard doesn't mean you're safe here. It isn't wise to go out alone at night."
From: Mark
Subject Ambush
Out of the darkness a voice speaks. "You should listen to your friend, 1/2 orc. Even an elf will speak the truth sometimes." A figure steps out from the shadows, about 25 feet down the alleyway.
I have a map I am making to show the lay out of the alley way and the surrounding areas. Please wait until I have that out before you take any actions.
From: Kevin
Subject Ambush
OOC: This will teach Harp to go on a booty call.
From: Jason
Subject Ambush
OOC: That's pretty much what they thought back at the order too, IIRC. If you want to teach Harp something, you have to beat him over the head (literally) a few times.
From: Mark
Subject Map
Ok here is the map of the alley way. The brown things are large crates, stacks of goods, etc. The are basically immovable and block line of site. The blue things are doors.
I have to roll for a few things when I get home tonight and then I can start things. There is going to be a surprise round but you can do any talking you want.
From: Ashley
Subject Ambush
Boys are so stupid!!!
From: Kevin
Subject Ambush
OOC: Mark, can you give us an idea of which way we entered (i.e. which way is back to the general way we came from).
Does "M" on the map stand for "the Man"?
From: Kevin
Subject Ambush
OOC: After sitting around for so long, I would have thought Kal would be up for a little "education" of those of an evil bent. Let's have at them.
From: Mark
Subject Map
Harp and Kal were basically walking from left to right on the map. They just passed the cross street when they were accosted. There is a torch with a continual light spell on the corner of I5, where the building is. The M stands for "The Man".
From: Mark
Subject Feelings
Josh
I meant to send this out this morning, but nice job on showing the conflicted feelings.
From: Mark
Subject Map
Just a note for Josh and Kevin, when telling me where you want to go, please note the row and column headers on the map. Right now Kal is at L6 and Harp is at L7. This will, I think, go easier if we use this system.
From: Josh
Subject Ambush
OOC: I'm about to head off to work for the day. I'll be home around 9:30 tonight. I might be able to check in once at work, depending how busy we are today.
Kal smiles. He's stood by quietly through the horrors of this town. Finally he has a chance to strike back. Kal casts Bull's Strength on himself and waits for the spell to take effect.
From: Josh
Subject Feelings
Thanks. :)
From: Josh
Subject Ambush
Also: If Harp starts to move foward, Kal will match his movement.
From: Kevin
Subject Feelings
OOC: I think I can hear some emo music playing in the background. Is that Dashboard Confessional I hear????
From: Mark
Subject opinion
I just want to get everyones feel for the level of graphic content on the cellar scene that played out last week. My wife read some of what I wrote and she thought I was a bit grusome. Did I go over board?
From: Porter
Subject Opinion
Disturbing, yes. Overboard, no.
[/my opinion]
From: Kevin
Subject Opinion
Having just seen The Devils Rejects on cable last night, and seeing on the news that a man chopped up his wife and distributed her body parts throughout their town, what was done by an evil death cult to Sephira was the least of my concerns.
From: Karl
Subject Opinion
I didn't think so.
From: Jason
Subject Opinion
I agree with Porter.
From: Randy
Subject Opinion
I didn't think it was overboard at all. It was gruesome but it fit the tone of the campaign.
Round 1 actions, round 1, round 2 actions, maps
Subject Ambush
Harp and Kal's eyes adjust to the limited light. Down the alleyway they see a form step out from behind a pile of boxes. In the torch light his chain armor shimmers. "Come my brothers, the Reaper has sent more victims for us to take to his temple." The man starts chanting and Harp and Kal hear a rushing sound as others move to surround them. The cleric's sybilant voice rattles in the half light. Harp feels a compulsion to hold still and not move. He recognizes the feeling and throws it off (Will save, DC15, 15+7=22, save).(That was the surprise round.)
Round 1
Init: Kal, Harp, Thug1, Man, Thug2, Thug3, Thug4, Thug5, Thug6, Thug7, Thug8.
I will get an updated map out in a bit and then I need actions.
From: Mark
Subject map
Here is the map.
From: Mark
Subject turn
It is most likely going to be this evening before I can get the first round out. 4 "hot" things just dropped in my lap, all of which have the "Highest" priority. :)
From: Kevin
Subject Round 1 actions
Harp growls at the man - tyring to use magic on him, was he? Well, the best way to take care of that was to take that person out of the picture. Looking around, Harp says to Kal "Take that guy out first. MOVE, and I'll cover you."
OOC: If Kal moves down the wall (stays in row 6) Harp will then charge "M" (moving to Q7) taking a zillions AOO. If Kal moves to Q7, Harp will do a normal move to Q8 and take a normal attack.
He is pulling his sword as he moves.
Depending on what Josh writes for Kal, I may revise this.
From: Mark
Subject Round 1 actions
Well unless he changes it, he did want to cast Bull's Strength on himself, which he can do. He may provoke AOO, but he can do it.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 1 actions
Mark, in fact, forget what I wrote before. I need to see what Josh his in mind for Kal first.
From: Josh
Subject Round 1 actions
With these new guys around Kal, he's not casting Bulls Strength. He'll charge with Harp toward "M" and attack.
From: Josh
Subject Round 1 actions
Nix that, he'll run up with Harp and cast Magic Missle instead.
From: Mark
Subject Round 1 actions
Ok so give me the location Kal wants to move to?
From: Josh
Subject Round 1 actions
p6
From: Mark
Subject Round 1 actions
You do know that moving will possibly provoke AOO from T3 and T5?
From: Josh
Subject Looks
What do the people around us look like?
From: Mark
Subject looks
They look human with short swords, chain shirts and small wooden shields.
From: Josh
Subject Round 1 actions
Let me think about it for a bit. I'll see what Kevin's got in mind too. I didnt realize there were two OOA's.
From: Mark
Subject Round 1 actions
It will depend on the die rolls I make for them. right now Harp and Kal are threatened by 4 people. If they move out of those squares they provoke AOO. Kevin wants to get to the guy who talked to them, assuming, I think, that he is the leader.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 1 actions
Leader or not, he is the guy casting spells - and while Harp was able to shrug off the effects this time, next time he might not be so lucky. It will also depend on what Kal does. Harp will not leave him alone with 4 thugs around him.
From: Josh
Subject Round 1 actions
Kal quickly yells "Stay together. Where you move I'll move."
OOC: I'm about to hop in the shower then go to work. Kal's going to move or not move with Harp. If he's close to people he'll attack one, if he's further away he'll cast magic missile. He'd rather target "M", so if he's casting thats the target.
I'll be checking back again in about 20 minutes and then later tonight.
From: Josh
Subject round 1 actions
I forgot Kal's got Dodge and Mobility. He'll target T3 with his +1 AC dodge bonus. He also gets a +4 dodge bonus against all attacks of opportunity (which stacks with his mobilty bonus).
So I'll have Kal move to that p6 square and then cast magic missile at "M". I'm pretty sure Harps itching to get down that way too.
From: kevin
Subject Round 1 actions
Harp hears Kal's cry and watches him dash toward the chanting man. Well, at least they had the same idea - the spell caster had to go first. Harp had seen how folks like Salix and Allistair could turn the tide of a fight, and he did not want to be on the other side of one of them. Harp picks his moment, turns from the thugs in front of him, and moves toward the man, pulling his sword as he does. He hates giving thes others an open shot at his back, but normal thugs he could deal with after this spell caster was done. When he gets next to the man he takes a hack at him.
OOC: Mark, normal move action to Q7, drawing his sword as part of that action. Standard attack against "M" when he gets there. He will suffer whatever AOO there are.
From: Mark
Subject Round 1
Round 1
Init: Kal, Harp, Thug1, Man, Thug2, Thug3, Thug4, Thug5, Thug6, Thug7, Thug8
Harp turns to Kal and mutters "Spell caster. We need to take him down fast. Kal nods and moves nimbly along the rough hewn wall next to him. As he moves the two thugs behind him strike at his back. Kal is ready for them though and he twists out of the way, leaving the two gasping in disbelief (AOO, T3, AC25, 8+7=15, miss, T5, AC24, 7+7=14, miss). The elf moves down the alley way but is startled (Spot check 2+2=4 vs. Hide check 3+?=?, fail) when a figure in studded leather steps out and swings at him (Flat footed, AC15, 6+6=12, miss). Kal ducks instinctively and something swishes over his head. The elf comes up with his rapier and skewers the figure in front of him (T1,AC17, 7+12=19, hit, damage 7). His blade sinks into the figures shoulder drawing a grunt of pain from the man.
Harp turns to move as well trusting in his armor to protect him. The 1/2 orc blocks one of the swings with his buckler (AOO, T4, AC20, 9+7=16, miss) and ducks under the others sword (T8, AC20, 8+7=15, miss). He then rushes at the man down the alley. As he moves he notices that Kal has stopped and is fighting with another figure. Ignoring this figure Harp moves on past. As he moves by the figure lashes out with something but misses wildly (T1, AOO, AC20, 7+6=13, miss). Harp continues and drawing his sword as he moves heads in to combat with the dark figure. He takes a high line and the figure swings a large scythe up to block it. The big blade is too slow and Harp's sword crashes down on the man shoulder (AC16, 17+12=29, hit, damage 12). The man cries out in pain but does not fall. He shouts to the others "Get him, surround him you fools."
The man swings the back at Harp and the 1/2 orc jumps over the blade as it swishes by (AC20, 2+4=6, miss). Making a growling sound in his throat, the man steps back against the wall, using the refuse in the street as cover.
One of the figures that had been close to Kal follows him down the street and strikes at the elf's back (T3, AC21, 12+8=20, miss). Luckily, Kal had kept his attention on the man and at the last second dodges out of the way of the blade that was about to sink itself deep into his back. The bladesinger continues his dance, shifting out of the way as another of the thugs' swings his sword at his side (T5, AC20, 8+7=15, miss).
Two of the other thugs follow Harp down the alley way. When he stops to attack their leader, they rush his back. The first (T4) stumbles on something in the street as he goes, missing terribly (AC20, 2+9=11, miss). However, the second takes advantage of Harp's attention on the leader to slide his blade into a gap in the 1/2 orc's armor (AC20, 14+9=23, hit, damage 8). Harp grunts as the blade cuts a shallow furrow in his side.
OODM: Round 1 is over. I need actions for round 2.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 2 actions
OOC: Mark, would Harp consider "M" to now have partial cover from the crates?
From: Mark
Subject Round 2 actions
Yes. Unless Harp moves.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 2 actions
Harp feels his sword make a satisfying chunk in the man's shoulder. Well, he was flesh and blood, and that Harp could deal with. Harp can hear the sounds of combat behind him - Kal was probably doing his elvish dance around those thugs - good luck to them in trying to hit him. But, Harp thinks to himself, Kal's surrounded now, and may not be able to move where he needs to. But they had to take this spell caster out, and fast. Thinking as best he can, Harp shouts to Kal "protect yourself as best you can, I'll finish this guy off and then we can mop up these guys." With that, Harp takes a small step to give himself a better angle on the man with the scythe and attacks him with all of his skill.
OOC: Mark, 5 ft. step to R7, full attack on "M". Unless Kal comes up with a brilliant plan to take "M" out before Harp gets there. If he does, Harp will full attack T4 (and then T1 with the second attack if T4 happens to drop).
From: Mark
Subject Map
Round 2 map
From: Josh
Subject Round 2 actions
Kal's going to attempt to tumble to Q7. I'm not sure if this is going through an occupied area or just around it. The PHB has all the rules for this.
Firstly, Kal will apply his +1 dodge bonus to T4.
If it's not through an occupied space the DC is 15, failure meaning OOA's are provoked as normal (I believe my +4 mobility bonus still applies). If it suceeds no AOO's are provoked.
If it is through an occupied area then the DC is 25 and failure means he doesn't make it. Success means you make it and no AOO's are provoked.
If he makes it through he'll turn and attack M defensively unless he's down, in which case he'll attack T4.
If he doesn't make it through he'll use a Total Defense standard action, giving him a +6 stackable Dodge bonus. I think this means he'll get a +10 AC bonus against any AOO's provoked, but I'm not certain.
If you fill in some of the unknowns I'll have a more clear turn.
Combat moves
Subject Combat moves
Josh, Harp is in Q7 right now. Since Kal goes first, I don't think he can tumble into Harp's square.
From: Derek
Subject Combat moves
OOC: I don't know if it's possible or practical, but if you can incapacitate this priest guy and take him alive he would have more information than days worth of sneaking around the estate. Both Ally and Kal have mind reading, and we have others in the group that are definately willing to take an 'ends justifies the means' approach to information gathering.
From: Kevin
Subject Combat moves
That thought had crossed my mind, but will it cross Harp's???
We shall see.
Mark, while Harp is fighting this guy, would you do spot check to see if there is anything that might catch Harp's attenion.
From: Mark
Subject combat moves
Already done so and he did not see the wall next to him or the ground underneath him.
A roll of a 2 means that the sun and the moon can both sneak up on him.
From: Kevin
Subject Combat moves
I was afraid of that.
Maybe Kal will be smart enough to suggest something. Right now Harp is mad that eveyone seems to be trying to mess with his booty call.
From: Mark
Subject Combat moves
This is Thanga's pimp and he wants paid.
From: Kevin
Subject Combat moves
Looks like some changes might be comin around. He has some beat down comin' now.
From: Josh
Subject Combat moves
Mark, would Kal be tumbling through an occupied square or just by one? If it's the DC15 one, he'll wait till Harp moves.
From: Mark
Subject Combat moves
There are foes in squares P6,P7 and P8 and Harp is in Q7 at the moment. If Kal wanted to tumble to Q8, he would have to tumble through just one occupied square, P7. The occupied square would be a DC25 and the tow other squares that threaten that square, P6 and P8 would be DC15 and DC17 to not provoke. The AOO from T3 in square N6 and T5 in N7 would still happen, unless you wanted to include them in your tumble. IF so those DC's would be DC19 and DC21.
So to tumble to Q8 would require 5 tumble checks, DC15, 17,19,21, and 25. However, if any of those fail, Kal's AC would still be 24, I think. A few of the people may be flanking him and they would get bonuses for that.
It is not a great situation. Kal is basically surrounded by foes with his back to the wall. He is thinking of making a break for it and that is frought with danger.
From: Josh
Subject Combat moves
But only the DC 25 one would mean failure, right?
From: Mark
Subject Combat moves
Correct. If he fiailed that one then he could not move to Q8. He would still take an AOO from the guy in P7 but that is the only AOO he would take, since he did not move. If he made it he would then do the rolls for the tumble checks for the other 4 guys, if he failed those, he would take an AOO for each one failed, but he would move.
From: Mark
Subject Combat moves
also remember you can only tumble at 1/2 your speed, which would let you move 15 feet, or two squares diagonally.
From: Josh
Subject Combat moves
I'm going to go with that then. I'm gambling one extra attack by them from them for much better position.
His +1 dodge bonus will be applied to P7. He'll delay his turn until after Harp and then attempt to tumble into Q7. This might provide less AOO's than you said earlier.
If he doesn't make the tumble he'll use his full round defense.
If he makes the tumble and "M" isn't down, he'll cast Magic Missile at M defensively.
If he makes the tumble and M's down, he'll use his full round defense.
I'll try to check in once at work to make sure there's no confusion.
From: Mark
Subject Combat moves
It will be later tonight before I can do this.
Round 2 and round 3 actions
Subject Round 2
Again, another night anxiously waiting by the computer, only to be stood up by our DM.
I know, he was busy with "family" responsibilities. These weak excuses will not suffice much longer.
From: Josh
Subject Round 2
Mark's really got to get his priorities in order.
From: Mark
Subject Round 2
Ok I am going to try and get a turn out this afternoon.
From: Mark
Subject Round 2
Round 2
Init: Kal, Harp, Thug1, Man, Thug2, Thug3, Thug4, Thug5, Thug6, Thug7, Thug8
Kal stands with his back against the wall remembering his training. He had 4 foes surrounding him and only a little space to move. If Harp would just move a bit, he could close ranks with him and they could present a united front. His body tense, he waits; his rapier ready to block incoming blows.
Harp takes a quick step to his left, trying to get into a better position to attach the supposed leader of this press gang. As he moves the 1/2 orc slashes with his sword and connects with a solid blow (AC16, 17+12=29, hit, damage 9) and follows up with a backhand blow that the man barely dodges (AC16, 4+7=11, miss).
As soon as he sees Harp move Kal makes his move. He feints to his right and then moves quickly back to his left. However his foe is not fooled (Tumble check, DC 25, 4+12=16, failure). As Kal starts to move by him he steps in front of him and strikes with his sword. (AOO, AC25, 9+7=16, miss) Kal pulls up just short of the blade and dances back against the wall, his rapier flashing, holding off the others (Fight defensively as a standard action.)
The man (T1) that Kal has been fighting responds with a blow to the elves head (AC26, 13+8=21, miss). Again the elf's amazing agility saves him from a crushing blow to the head.
Harp's foe watches the 1/2 orc carefully and starts to chant another prayer. Touching a skull symbol around his neck he chants a prayer (Concentration check, DC16, 17+6=23, success). Harp is unable to get an attack in and he feels power tugging at his mind (Will save, DC 16, 3+7=10, fail) and he looses all interest in the man in front of him. The man then moves a few steps to his left.
Kal watches as another figure fades into view and moves around him (T2). This figure also moves in to attack him (AC26, 17+6=23, miss). Kal pulls his head back at the last second and the blunt object just misses the elf's skull.
The man to his right (T3) then swings his sword (AC26, 2+9=11, miss) but Kal is able to dance under the blade with ease.
One of the thugs behind Harp (T4) strikes at the 1/2 orc's back (AC20, 5+7=12, miss) but the sword clangs loudly as it bounces harmlessly off the mithral armor.
Another figure (T5) takes a step in front of Kal and stabs his sword at the elves belly (AC26, 15+7=22, miss). The elf's luck continues as he dances around another blade.
Another figure (T6) in studded leather melts out of the gloom and swings at Kal (AC26, 9+6=15, miss). The blow lands but Kal's armor absorbs the impact, leaving the elf unharmed.
The second figure behind Harp strikes at Harp's back and hits true (AC20, 19+9=28, hit, critical threat, AC20, 1+9=10, miss, no critical, damage 6). Harp's armor absorbs most of the blow but Harp thinks a rib might have been broken.
OODM: Round 2 is done. I need actions for round 3.
From: Mark
Subject Round 2
The last figure to attack Harp is T8.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 3 actions
Harp watches as his sword impacts with the figure in front of him. Great, a couple more like that, and this guy wil go down he thinks to himself. Then he sees the figure attempting to cast a spell again, but this time Harp is unable to find an opening. A slight tingling comes over Harp. Oh well, that guy is not really that important any way. The sound of fighting from behind him garners his attention. Harp swings around and seeing two people in front of him, attacks.
OOC: Mark, full attack, starting with T4. If he goes down, then move onto T8.
From: Josh
Subject Round 3 actions
Did harp move or is the same square Kal tried to move to last time still open?
From: Mark
Subject Round 3 actions
Harp moved. It should be on the map.
He took a 5 foot step. He is at R7.
From: Josh
Subject Round 3 actions
Kal will defensively attack T1.
From: Mark
Subject Round 3 actions
OK both of you have sent in your turn. I will try and get something out late tonight/early tomorrow before I leave town.
Armor class, round 3, round 4 actions
Subject Armor class
You do realize that Kal has the Combat Expertise feat, which allows him to trade Attack bonus, 1 for 1 for AC. This differs from fighting defensively, since normally you trade 2 points of attack bonus for 1 point of AC. This also allows you to take up to 5 points of attack bonus and turn it into 5 points of AC.
You can use combat expertise and fighting defensively together. They stack. So since Kal has a +12 to attacks, he could do a -5 for combat expertise and a -4 for fighting defensively and still have a +3 to his attack with a +7 to his AC. This bonus to AC would jump to +8 with his tumble skill.
I will assume that this +8 is what Kal wants, since it seems he just wants to keep the other foes busy until Harp can cut his way through to him.
From: Mark
Subject Round 3
Round3
Init: Kal, Harp, Thug1, Man, Thug2, Thug3, Thug4, Thug5, Thug6, Thug7, Thug8
Kal realizes that he is surrounded. His mind goes back to his early days of training as a bladesinger. The mantra he had learned for how to deal with being surrounded but when help was near by was to stay alive. He was lucky, he only had to worry about 5 foes at a time. During his bladesinger training, there had been 8 and they had not been gentle. Kal's dance changes subtly but now he is more concerned with being hit than hitting. Kal makes a half hearted attempt to strike his previous target and is surprised to see his blade sink (AC17,20+3=23, hit, critical threat, AC17, 16+3=19, critical hit, damage 12) all the way into the man's belly. In the dim light Kal sees blood froth from the man's mouth as he slides into death and off Kal's rapier.
Harp turns his back on the man with the scythe and attacks the nearest man (T4)) with a sword. His longsword glints in the dim light as it swings in the night air (AC18, 9+12=21, hit, damage 9) and he connects with a solid blow. The man tries to block it with his shield but almost breaks his arm from the force of the blow. The 1/2 orc follows up with a thrust of his sword to the man's belly (AC18, 14+7=21, hit, damage 8). His sword draws blood as the man shifts at the last moment, keeping him from being disemboweled.
Harp hears some chanting behind him but ignores it.
One of the sap wielding foes (T2) steps to the side a bit and over his fallen comrade, swinging the lead filled strap at Kal's head (AC28, 4+8=12,miss). To Kal it is like his enemies are moving in slow motion. He pulls his head back with ease and positions himself so that he has plenty of room to dodge the others around him. All of the attacks against Kal fare the same. He is like lightening. One foe (T3, AC28, 3+9=12,miss), after another (T5, AC28, 5+7=12, miss) after another (T6, AC28 19+6=25,miss) after another (T7, AC28, 15+6=21,miss) try and strike the elf as he does his defensive dance.
Harp's foes fare little better. The first (T4, AC20, 10+7=17,miss) bounces his sword off of Harp's buckler. The second (T8, AC20, 2+7=9,miss) swings so wide he hits the building next to him.
OODM: End round 3. I need round 4 actions. Map attached.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 4 actions
Harp keeps working in the attackers in front of him saying "Kal, hold on, I'm on my way."
OOC: Mark, hope you had a safe trip. Harp will full attack - first attack at T4. If he drops, Harp will use his second attack against T8. If T4 drops, Harp will 5 ft step to Q7.
Round 4, round 5 actions
Subject Turn
I have not heard from Josh but I am going to assume that Kal is going to fight defensivly, just like last round.
Turn will be out in a bit.
From: Mark
Subject Round 4
Round4
Init: Kal, Harp, Man, Thug2, Thug3, Thug4, Thug5, Thug6, Thug7, Thug8
In the semi dark Kal is unable to see how Harp is faring. The elf can hear the clash of swords on armor and shields as well as the cries of pain as flesh is torn and sundered, but the voice does not seem to be that of the 1/2 orc. "Hack, any time you want to get over here and give me a hand, it would be appreciated" Kal says loudly into the night air. He continues his defensive dance. For a second time Kal makes a half hearted attempt on the foe to his right and is again surprised to see his blade prick his foe in the upper arm (AC17, 15+3=18, hit, damage 7). He pulls the blade free and whirls his blade around, moving to block his foes as they move into attack again.
Harp continues his assault on the man in front of him (T4). First a massive over hand blow (AC18,15+12=27, hit, damage 11) this time the shield shatters, his arm breaking instead of being cut off at the elbow. Harp's second blow misses as the man brings his sword around in a parry (AC18,7+7=14,miss).
Kal continues his dance in earnest. The man he had just cut (T2) swings a sap at his head. Kal pulls his head back from the blow and it whistles harmlessly by (AC28, 8+8=16, miss). The man on Kal's other side (T3) takes advantage of Kal's distraction and slides his short sword hard into the elf's back (AC28, 20+9=29, hit, critical threat, AC28, 15+9=24,miss, damage 5). Kal's armor turns the blade but the hit will leave an ugly bruise for a while. The other three thugs fighting Kal find that the elf is always one step ahead of them. First a sword flashes in the pale light, (T5, 6+7=12,miss), then a pair of blackjacks swing from the dark, but they too fail to connect (T6, 16+6=22,miss, T7, 15+6=21,miss).
The two men in chain shirts facing Harp then attack. The one with the broken arm makes a half hearted attempt and Harp easily blocks the blow (AC20, 11+7=18,miss). His ally, however, is able to connect with a solid blow to Harp's breast plate (AC20, 12+9=21, hit, damage 4.) Harp takes another dent in his armor.
OODM: End of round 4. I need actions for round 5
From: Josh
Subject Round 5 actions
OOC: I woulda sworn I responded. Either way that's what I wanted to do. Thanks mark.
Kal redoubles his efforts after getting struck. He shouldn't have been hit at all, He must have let his mind wander.
He lets his dance overtake his mind. Every step becomes an end unto itself. He forgets the danger and the weapons. His enemies are now his partners, leading him and being lead by him.
OOC: He continues to fight defensively and chip away at the same guy.
Round 5 actions, round 5
Round 5
Init: Kal, Harp, Man, Thug2, Thug3, Thug4, Thug5, Thug6, Thug7, Thug8
Kal's mind enters that place where thought and action are one. These men think they are opposing him, when in reality he has made them all part of his song and dance. The song of the sword, the dance of the blade. In counter point to the sound of blade slapping blade, Kal's rapier darts out at one of his foes (T2, AC17, 12+3=15,miss) and pass just to one side of the form. Kal is not upset as he had not really counted on hitting his foe. This strike just set up the next few measures of the combat.
Harp hears the man behind him chanting again. He recognizes a few of the words, mainly words of supplication and promise similar in context to the words he uses when asking for the help of the battle lord. Ignoring the man again Harp continues his assault on the swordsman in front of him (T4). This time Harp tries to use finesse instead of brute strength. He fakes another overhead slash and when the swordsman raises his sword to parry, Harp changes his grip and thrusts instead of swinging (AC18, 16+12=28, hit, damage 10). The sword slides into the gap between the head and the chest , severing arteries. Blood spurts as the man slides to the ground.
Pulling his sword free Harp continues on, bring the blade across the back of one of Kal's foes (T5) hit gets a solid hit in the man's back (AC18, 20+7=27, hit, critical threat, AC18, 12+7=19, critical hit, damage 21). The man screams as the blade slides through a gap in his chain shirt and appears out of his belly in front.
The men surrounding Kal continue to fight. One (T2) swings the sap again(AC28, 18+8=26, miss). The elf parries the leather strap and continues moving in a flowing motion, already defending himself from the sword at his back (T3). He spins as the blade flashes in (AC28, 4+9=13,miss) and he feels his armor shift as the blade grazes the metal rings. His spin takes him back around just in time to block two more saps moving towards his head (T6, AC28, 16+6=22,miss, T7, AC28, 16+6=22,miss). The flow of these blocks leaves him in exact position to block the next thrust of the swordsman in front of him (T5) but the expected blow is not there. The man has turned to attack Harp.
Screaming in agony as Harp pulls his sword out of his back, the man (T5) spins wildly, slashing at the cause of his pain. His strike is wild, (AC20, 9+7=16,miss) but it does give the other swordsman (T8) a chance to scoot over and surround Harp. The second swordsman takes advantage of Harp's distraction and lands another solid blow on the 1/2 orc (AC20, 16+9=25, hit, damage 6). Harp winces again as the short sword blade smashes into his armor, bruising the skin beneath the metal.
OODM: Round 5 is over. I need actions for round 6. I also have a comment to make. It has never come up before since we have never had a melee last long enough before. A person can fight for a number of rounds equal to their CON score. After that you are fatigued. After 2X CON score of melee combat you are exhausted. This may or may not come into effect in this combat, but there is a chance, since there are still 7 foes standing.
round 6 actions, round 6, round 7 actions, round 7
Subject Round 6 actions
OOC: Mark, that same penalty would apply to our opponents as well, right? Assuming they are still alive.
IC: Harp smiles to himself as his sword does its damage. Damn, it had been a whille since he had been in close quarters like this, in the dark, on a street.... He hears the man in black chanting behind him, but so long as he didn;t attack them, Harp would not worry about him. There were enough people between him and Kal for him to worry about. One more down, another severly hurt. If he could take this guy out, he could get next to Kal and give him a hand. He says over the din "Kal, I'm coming your way, keep your back to the wall."
OOC: Mark, Harp will full attack, starting with T5. When (and if) he drops, Harp will take a 5 ft step to P7. If he still has an attack left, he will attack T2 (I think Harp can make a 5 ft step between attacks using the full attack action).
From: Josh
Subject Round 6 actions
Kal looks over at the mage casting. He'd love to throw a magic missile his way, but he has to stay on the defensive this round. Maybe next round. With Harps support Kals puts more emphasis on the attack and less on the defense.
OOC: I'll keep the -5 attack for the +5 AC, but I'm going to drop the -4 for the +2. So my AC drops to 26 and my attack bonus goes to +7.
From: Josh
Subject Round 6 actions
Oh, forgot the tumble bonus. So my AC dropped to 25, and my attack bonus to +7. I'll also apply the +1 dodge bonus to T3.
From: Mark
Subject turn
I will see if I can get a turn out this afternoon.
From: Mark
Subject Round 6
Round 6
Init: Kal, Harp, Man, Thug2, Thug3, Thug5, Thug6, Thug7, Thug8
Out of the edges of his vision Kal sees Harp starting to hack his way through those surrounding him. The elf changes his song, this time going more on the offensive. With more of his attention focused on his enemies, Kal's rapier strikes true and draws blood again from the man (T2) between him and the pile of garbage (AC17, 17+7=24, hit, damage 8).
Harp is satisfied with the crunch his sword had made on the man (T5) in front of him just a few seconds before. The 1/2 orc takes half a step back when the man flails at him wildly and that throws off Harp's aim (AC18, 2+12=14, miss). Harp curses and refocuses, letting fly a back hand slash that finds its mark (AC18, 12+7=19, hit, damage 9). The man screams in pain, drops his sword and falls to the ground. Behind him Harp hears a voice that chills him to the bone. He hears it chanting and then say "Come brother, let your fading life fill me." Harp then steps up so that he is close to Kal.
The figures surrounding Kal continue their assault. First the one in the corner (T2) swings the sap again (AC25, 17+8=25, hit, damage 13) and this time Kal's head rings with the blow. The man with the sword on the other side also attacks (AC26, 5+9=14, miss) but the elf is able to dodge out of the way at the last moment. Another sap wielding figure in studded leather lashes out as Kal turns to block a sword thrust (AC25, 18+6=24, miss) but Kal ducks under that blow as well. A third sap flashes in the pale torch light but does not even come close to Kal (AC25, 1+6=7, miss).
The swordsman at Harps back steps up and strikes at the 1/2 orc's back again (AC20, 17+9=26, hit, damage 6). This time Harp feels the point of the blade draw blood as it pierces the armor.
OODM: End round 6. If Josh and Kevin get me turns by 6:30 PM or so I should be able to get a second turn out tonight. There are 5 thugs and the man left.
From: Josh
Subject Round 7 actions
Kal stings some from the blow, but keeps fighting aggressively. They need to put these guys down so they can't get to the Mage.
"Forget me, Harp! Kill the Mage!"
If Harp turns toward the mage Kal will go back to fighting as defensive as he can (ac 28) otherwise he'll keep at AC 25.
From: Mark
Subject Round 7 actions
You know that Kal has not been able to hear the few things coming from behind Harp. As far as Kal knows, Harp has already killed the person that cast the spell in the surprise round. Kal's view of the street, and where the man is, is blocked by the pile of garbage represented by the tan square.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 7 actions
"That guy's not as important as these guys" Harp yells back. Lets get them first.
With that, Harp will attack.....
OOC: Josh, there is a reason why Harp does not want to go after "M". After the fight, I can tell you why that is.
Mark, Harp will full attack. First choice is T2 if he is still up. If not, then T7 and then T8.
He will 5ft step to P6 if the space opens up.
Seems like Harp's damage rolls have been in the dumper this combat. Weakling.
From: Josh
Subject Round 7 actions
If Kal thinks the Mage is dead then he'll continue to fight completely defensively. If he suspects or knows that he isn't, he'll go to AC25.
From: Mark
Subject Round 7 actions
Right now I would say that since Harp had said that he was going to attack and kill the mage and that Harp is now back, and that Kal really could not see what happened, Kal should think that the man is dead. So I will have Kal fight with combat expertise and fight defensivly as a standard action.
From: Josh
Subject Round 7 actions
Where's that promised round 7!? Are you spending time with the wife and kids again? Tsk tsk.
From: Mark
Subject Round 7
Round 7
Init: Kal, Harp, Man, Thug2, Thug3, Thug6, Thug7, Thug8
Kal, his ears still ringing from the blow to his head, shifts back to the defensive form he had been using. He can see that Harp is working his way to his side, cutting his way through the crowd. If they could get back to back, so that they would not have to worry about flankers, they might be able to beat these superior numbers. Kal takes another stab at the figure in the corner (T2) but the man is able block the blow on his buckler (AC17, 8+3=11,miss).
"I'm coming Kal. Just hold out for a bit longer. Then we can chase these bastards back to hell." Harp's words belie his disbelief. Kal looked basically alright. The elf had been surrounded by at least five foes for almost half a minute. He should be on the ground, chopped to pieces. And it would have been Harp's fault. This thought makes Harp growl deep in his throat. He gives up any sense of subtlety with this attack (AC17, 9+12=21, hit, damage 13) and his sword crashes through the wooden buckler and deep into the man's neck. The figure falls to the ground and Harp steps forward, turning as he does to strike at the foe in front of Kal (T7) (AC17, 12+7=19, hit, damage 9). His sword crashes into the man, cutting a deep wound in the man's chest.
It is at this moment that the man with the scythe seems to appear out of nowhere, standing next to Harp. "You have done the work of The Reaper well tonight 1/2 orc. Now you will get a taste of what awaits when you go to your final reward." (Concentration check, DC18, 14+10=24,success, no AOO). The man reaches out a hand and touches Harp, just for a second (AC12, 9+5=14, hit, Will save, 8+7=15, fail, STR drop by 6 points) but in that second, everything changes for Harp. He feels something get sucked out of him, some essential part of him. He goes light headed for a second and the weight of his armor seems to drag him down. His sword feels almost heavy in his hand.
The man with the sword next to Kal takes a swing at the elf. With out the distraction from the other side, Kal is easily able to avoid the blow (AC29, 10+7=17, miss). The other two figures in studded leather each strike at the elf with their saps, both missing (AC28, 16+6=22, miss, 1+6=7, miss). The one remaining figure with a sword seems to be doing something to the bodies on the ground beneath him. Harp is not able to do anything due to the refuse in the way.
OODM: End round 7. I need actions for round 8.
