Rethas takes the sword and shield, "I won't be able to cast a spell while holding these in my hands, but I will carry them until such a time as Hamish has need of them."
Alis with take the weapons grimly and you see in his eyes a spark of light and a hardening of purpose.
The telling of the story and the preparation takes some time. Alis pulls the wagon into the trees and you help him throw some fallen branches on it. Draymun offers a goodberry to all who will take one and it fills you with warmth and sates your hunger.
The fire has burned itself out to some extent but it is still big enough that you decide to go around the back of the fire, where the goblins were starting it. It is easy enough for Tom to pick up the trail of the rest of the warband from there.
You track, by the light of spell and the moon, for long minutes. Sometimes Tom has to double back and pick the trail up again. At times Draymun sees a branch or stone out of place and can help lead the party. Once you're north of the hill, the trail is easier; there is blood to follow.
A half a mile north of the hill you find something that lifts your spirits a bit. One of the hobgoblins, covered with burns and blisters, lies dead. It has bled out and was left to die. Rethas grins to himself.
The tracks run up to the river and then head east. It's another half of a mile before Tom calls a halt. There is firelight in the distance and the sounds of goblins yelling and cheering.
Tom turns to his companions, "Time for me to go see what is up with this camp. If you hear a panther, attack, if you hear nothing, wait here, I'll be back. Then we can finalize our plans." Tom removes his shield and sword and chain shirt and sits his pack on the ground, placing the sword and shield on the pack. "Less chance for clanging and more chance for me to get close. Again, if you hear the panther's scream, attack the camp, do not come for me. Alis, if they are running to the battle, grab that longsword, it's very old and we need to try to save it. Oh and while I am gone, perhaps one of you might prepare a couple of oil flasks for use?" Tom says that last bit with a grin on his face. After patting Alis on the back and shaking Draymun's hand, he nods to the others and heads off into the woods.
ReplyDeleteSneaking up on the camp is surprisingly easy. There are two sentries posted, but by skirting around and above the camp, Tom can get a good view without being seen.
ReplyDeleteThe camp is set up near the river. At the back of camp there is a dirt hill that has been eroded by floods throughout the years to form an overhang. Tom is watching from the side of this hill. Under the overhang, ducking to avoid the roots growing through, are two hobgoblins standing near a fire. Around the outside of the camp are 5 more goblins and 3 goblin dogs. The goblins are all looking into the camp so there is very little chance of Tom being detected.
It takes a moment, but Tom sees Hamish on the other side of the overhang, thrown atop a pile of bones and rubbish. He is breathing but he looks terrible; bruised and bloody. He moans and one of the hobgoblins turns to him and slaps him across the face. The whole camp goes up in a cheer.
The hobgoblin turns back to the fire and you can see that what the two hobs are focused on is another captive. You think it's a child at first, but then you realize that it's a gnome. They are taking turns holding him upside down and shaking him, talking all the time in a high pitched voice.
You realize that this is the evening's entertainment for the goblins. The hobgoblins are putting on some sort of play with the gnome and you suspect Hamish may be the star of another show soon.
While telling his companions what he saw, Tom puts his armor and weapons back on, along with his pack, checking everything over making sure all his items are where they need to be. Seeing two oil flasks have been prepared for lighting, Tom smiles.
ReplyDelete"As you can see, we have two captives to rescue. Thorvald and Kring, I want you to take a hobgoblin each, you'll charge in from the east, engaging the hobs, and grabbing the captives, since we are not sure they can walk. I'll cover you from the hill and shoot down the dogs, covering your escape with a flask bomb here, as you escape around the hill to the west." While explaining his plan, Tom draws the camp in the dirt. "Draymun, Khazad, Rethas, I'd like you to come in with them from the east, but stay on the east side of the camp, Khazad, moving closer to heal Thorvald and Kring, if necessary, but you three will engage the goblins and keep them off of Thorvald and Kring. As you escape, you'll lay down flask bombs here and here, the idea hopefully is to cut them off so we can rejoin here, then head to the wagon. Alis, I need you with me to prepare the flasks and light a torch once we've attacked, if needed I'll have a commanding field of fire and be able to drop flasks over both sides of the hill to cover retreats. If we can rout them, all the better, we won't need to retreat. I want to be clear, the retreat action is purely to join back up and get the captives out, assess their needs. It is not an end to our judgement. We will hunt these goblins all night if necessary."
"A sound plan Tom," Thorvald says with respect. "I believe that these cowards will flee before us, especially the little ones." Looking over the map that Tom drew one more time, Thor makes a suggestion. "What about a pincer move?" he began, pointing at the map.
Delete"If we divide our forces, Kring and Khazad come in from the northwest while Draymun and myself attack from the northeast. You," Thor continued, looking to Tom, "Alis and Rethas could hold the high ground and reinforce or support us where needed."
"Our onslaught would back them into their own camp fire and pin them with their backs to you. It would keep them confined and open their flank to your precision shots." Thor paused looking to Tom. "You are the one who surveyed the ground, do you think this could work?"
Tom nods, "Yes, it was what I was going for, except trying to keep you all together until the last moment, but this might work better. I'd rather not use the fire, but what if we dropped some flasks on the other side of the fire, cutting them in the middle, maybe killing some with fire?" Tom thinks on this for a moment. "No, I think your change is good, we can play that by ear. Khazad, I know you carry some flasks, please give them to Alis, Alis, no reason for you to carry that armor for yourself, up on the hill, you won't be seen. Rethas give that armor to Alis, for Hamish. Rethas, if you'll carry the extra flasks. Everyone agree?"
DeleteAlis will do whatever you ask of him.
DeleteRethas will only suggest that his Burning Hands spell can be used to set burst oil flasks alight either as a splitting tactic or as a means of retreat. He'll also mutter something about you cheapskates not buying that wand for him from the traveling salesman.
Tom looks at Rethas and asks, "Rethas, why are you always so dour, it's like you are an old Grumbaki, smirks at the dwarves. I've seen dwarves who are out of ale whine less than you? Also, what's so special about that wand, was that spell that powerful?"
DeleteHe'll frown and cross his arms and say something unkind in elvish. "A spell is a spell. You brutes are all the same, you assume anything can be solved by an arrow or a sword."
DeleteOnce we finish here and at the grove, and get to Ashmont, you find a wand with a spell you can convince us is useful, I'll get it for you. Something like that magic missile you cast at Thunar's Fist. But you gotta admit, we've solved a lot of our problems with swords and arrows. Plus I've still got arrows, so stay behind me some when we attack. After we attack you and Alis will light a torch, so we can hold your spell in reserve."
DeleteDraymun slings his hammer over his shoulder and lets out a small chuckle in response to Tom and Thorvald's planning.
ReplyDelete"Look at you guys... Masterminds! Amazin' what happens when we're pushed this far..." He lets out a sigh and puts on a sterner face. "Now, with all due respect, I say we get to movin' and kick some Goblin arse!"
He gives Thorvald a harder-than-playful tap on the shoulder with his shield to show he means business behind the jests, and nods solemnly toward Tom.
First step is taking out the sentries. It's a surprise round, so you guys get to pick who attacks.
ReplyDeleteAs the party split up into their assault groups, Thorvald quietly made his way to the east until he had a good clear line to the sentry. Knowing that he would need to be quiet even as he launched his attack, he deliberately calmed his nerve and fought back the rage that would normally boil his blood. He looked back and nodded Draymun, signalling to be ready for the attack to commence.
ReplyDeleteThor lunged forward from his crouch, instantly running at his full stride, waraxe raised above his head. He let out no war cries, no shouts and no grunts. He simply brought his axe down upon the small creature's neck in one graceful motion that belied his murderous intent.
((Hit Roll 1d20 + 3(Hit) + 2(Charge) = 14+3+2 = 19))
Delete((Damage Roll 1d12 + [2*1.5] = 6+3 = 9))
((Penalty: -2 AC until next round))
That does it. The goblin gurgles a bit when his head is removed but the kill was silent.
DeleteLooking beside him, still crouched before the strike, Kring tightens his grip on his great axe. Holding himslef back, he knows that this isn't the time for rage. Kring waits for Thor's signal ands lunges toward the western sentry at a full sprint. Rushing toward the unsuspecting guards, Kring can see why thieves take so much pleasure moving in silently on their unknown prey. The sentry has no clue what is coming, and the last thing he will remember will be his head looking up at his still falling corpse. Kring reaches the sentry, and knowing he needs to silence him quickly, brings his axe across the neck, hoping for a clean, quick separation. No vocal chords, no scream.
ReplyDelete((Hit Roll 1d20 + 3(Hit) + 2(Charge) = 12+3+2 = 17))
((Damage Roll 1d12 + [2*1.5] = 7+3=10))
((Penalty: -2 AC until next round))
((Are my mathz right?))
((Assuming)) Kring revels in the soundless spray of gore as blood splatters himself, and everything in the area, as the head falls with a whimper to the floor. Kring contains his boiling rage building... For now.
((Fixed: Damage Roll 1d12 + [3*1.5] = 7+4=11))
DeleteYour blade takes the creatures head clean off.
DeleteKhazad signals silently to the rest of the group the success of Thorvald and Kring, the plan can move forward as planned. A small smile creeps across Khazads face, "Am I taking joy in this slaughter or merely that we may rescue the hostages successfully?"
ReplyDeleteTom, hearing Thorvald's signal quiets his charges. Hearing the snicker-snack of the two kill shots, he signals the two others to follow. Setting up on the hill over looking the camp, he begins to mentally target the three dogs, walking self through each movement. Listening for the ready signals from his companions. Tom sees all is ready on the hill. Nocking his arrow, Tom prepares to unleash his vengeance.
ReplyDeleteThe camp seems to be working itself into some sort of frenzy. The goblin dogs are agitated and you are sickened by the sight of them; they are thin, mangy creatures with faces like huge rats, gangly legs and grotesque physiques.
ReplyDeleteThe goblins are chanting now and even though you don't speak the language, you can see the blood lust in their eyes.
The hobgoblins seem to be toying with the little ones now, making a show of picking the biggest battleaxe in the pile and checking the blade for sharpness. The gnome moans weakly as he is tossed aside and Hamish is dragged brutally into the center of camp.
The party is in position, the hobgoblin's backs are to the edge of camp.
Your mind fills with clarity of focus and time seems to slow a little, your nostrils are full of the smell of earth and rotting leaves and goblin stench, your hands grasp your weapon and the wood feels hard and familiar, you hear the chants grow to the full swell and...
Thorvald knows that mere seconds matter at this point, and wasting no more time, he releases the rage he has kept pent up within himself. Charging from the east side of the camp, he launches himself at the nearest Hobgoblin and unleashes a furious striking attack, bellowing forth a mighty warcry that Thunor would be proud of.
ReplyDelete((Enrage))
Delete((Hit Roll 1d20 + 3(Hit) + 2(Charge) = 12+3+2 = 17))
((Damage Roll 1d12 + [4*1.5] = 11+6 = 17))
((Penalty: -2 AC until next round))
It jumps with surprise and drops the weapon it's holding as you bear it to the ground with your axe, severing it's arm at the shoulder and killing it. It screams and the sound can be heard even over the chanting.
DeleteKhazad looks to Kring and seeing Thorvald charge the line, Khazad let's fly a furious throw of his hammer, magically sped by Torag's might.
ReplyDeleteGoblin or Hobgoblin?
DeleteKhazad targets the nearest goblin dog and hits it, dealing 5 damage.
Delete(Actually it's 7 damage with your Str bonus.)
DeleteTom stands on top of the hill as he sees his barbarian companions charge into battle, he hears the cry of Khazad has his hammer streaks into a goblin dog. The battle has begun and Tom sights down his arrow at the goblin dog far eastern side of the camp. His bowstring thrums as he releases the arrow. The arrow races across the camp and buries itself deep into the dog, flipping it backward.
ReplyDelete((Hit 17 +5 +1 = 23 Damage 6 +1 = 7))
That will hit but the dog is still alive.)
Delete(They're medium creatures, so you probably don't flip it over.)
((It happens in the movies, so it's happening in my fantasy!))
DeleteAlis and Rethas both throw their flasks into the mobs of goblins, they both burst on impact.
ReplyDelete4 goblins are hit by the fiery oil and they each take 4 points of damage. There is now a 10 by 15 foot burning oil patch on the ground in the middle of camp.
DeleteDraymun watches the chaos unraveling in front of him as his comrades begin the surprise assault on the unsuspecting goblin folk. Blood splatters, arrows fly, flames consume, and satisfaction fills his soul.
ReplyDeleteDraymun watches as Khazad's hammer slams into one of the goblin "dogs" before returning to his hand, but is deflated to see the beast still stand.
"Tough one, eh? Let's see how you like this!"
The green dart begins to form in front of him as his focus settles on causing the destruction of his foe. With a swift swing of his hammer, he impacts the suspended bolt and sends it flying toward the beast.
[Action: Acid Dart on Khazad's target
1d20 -1 (Dex); Result 6-1= 5 ... womp womp]
The acid dart will streak over the dog's head and hit the tree behind it with a sizzle.
DeleteSeeing the enemy stirring in response to the combined assault, Khazad knew it was time to spring the captives and get them clear of the fighting. Breaking off his assault Khazad helps the two to their feet and helps them run clear out of the encampment towards friendlier faces. Moving as fast and as far as Khazad can he hopes to break free from the enemy lines and then use his channel ability when possible to banish the pain the captives are no doubt feeling.
ReplyDeleteYou have to hold Hamish under his arm to keep him from falling over during your retreat, but he is conscious at least.
DeleteThe gnome, who moments ago looked near death, jumps up when you get close and jogs next to you. If you look closely at him, you see that his skin is covered in thousands of tiny brambles and has taken on a greenish tint.
"Fear not, friend," Thorvald called out in Gnomish, hoping to reassure the small fellow of their good intentions. "We have come to save one of our own, but we mean you no ill will. Allow the cleric to aid you and we will see you safely from this place."
ReplyDeleteHe yells back in Gnomish, "don't worry Big Red, I'll keep things together!"
DeleteThen he shouts something in a melodic tongue and vines and thorns erupt from the ground under the feet of the goblin dogs and reach up to entangle them.
Tom sees the goblin dog hasn't died yet, nocks another arrow and pulls the string back, his hand just touching his ear. Exhaling slowing then holding his breath, he steadies his target picture. Once satisfied a heartbeat later, Tom releases the arrow. It again streaks across the camp, buying it's razor sharp tip deeply into the dog.
ReplyDelete((Roll 20 +5 +1--confirm roll 16 +5 +1 =21 Damage 1 X 3 = 3 +1 = 4 Yay awesome damage roll))
The goblin dog flips over from the impact of the arrow.
DeleteTurning back to the chaos before him, Thorvald revelled in the destruction that they were bringing down upon these fiends. Khaz was helping Hamish and the little Gnome with the sense of humor had already joined in the fight.
ReplyDeleteThor circled around to the northeast of the blaze that had engulfed many of the goblins. As he came around, he saw one of the notorious goblin dogs and moved in for the kill.
((Enraged))
Delete((Hit Roll 1d20 + 3(Hit) = 11+3 = 14))
((Damage Roll 1d12 + [4*1.5] = 8+6 = 14))
Your axe comes down on the dog and breaks its back.
DeleteFrustrated by his lack of concentration causing his first attack to miss, Draymun allows his anger to dictate his actions.
ReplyDelete"Alright, you mangy... let's see how you like this!"
Hustling as steadily as his dwarf legs will carry him, he draws back his hammer and dashes in for the kill.
[Action: Move and Attack;
To-Hit 1d20 -1 (Dex); Result 17-1 = 16
Damage 1d8 +3 (Str); Result 4+3 = 7]
The dog yelps as it falls under your assault. It is dead.
DeleteThe oil continues to burn and the 4 goblins engulfed in the flames fall to the ground and their bodies continue to sizzle.
ReplyDeleteThe last goblin alive turns in circles, looking for a weapon or help from any direction. Seeing the destruction leveled on his camp, he drops to his knees and raises his hands in the air.
Tom sees the goblin drop to his knees. Realizing in his heart that goblin is dead anyway, he ignores it for now. Grabbing Alis in a brotherly hug he says, "Well done Alis, well done!" He then turns to Rethas and says, "You were right, sometimes swords and arrows aren't the solution, sometimes you need a lot of fire." Ruffling Alis' hair and patting Rethas on the shoulder, Tom climbs down to see how the captives are doing. Looking at the gnome, he says, "Well met, druid, my name is Tom, scout for this motley crew. Might you tell us your story before we clean this campsite up and return for our wagon?"
ReplyDeleteAlis breathes a sigh of relief and even Rethas looks pleased with the outcome.
DeleteShe says "I am Sina, a wanderer and protector of this forest. I was taken by these brutes and was planning my escape when you lot showed up. So tell me," and she takes a defensive step back, "what finds you in these woods?"
Without the slightest hesitation, Thorvald drops his mighty axe as he takes several strides forward, drawing his smaller one handed axe as he picked up the sole surviving goblin by its hair. Thor continued forward until he came to the overhang where he held the goblin against the embankment and in one swift strike severed the goblin's body from his head.
ReplyDeleteThorvald turned as the torso of the profane creature fell to the ground, still twitching and picked up a spear he found laying on the ground. Impaling the skull, Thor drove the spike into the ground and walked away, leaving a warning for every goblin in the forest that they were not to be trifled with.
You each gain 642 xp for the battle, roleplaying and general badassery. The NPC's gain 321 xp.
ReplyDeleteLoot:
From the goblins you loot another pile of smelly leather armor, 13 small short swords, 13 small short bows and a mess of small arrows.
From the hobgoblins you loot 3 medium longswords, 3 suits of medium chain mail, 11 shortspears.
You also find 18gp, 51sp laying about.
In the garbage pile:
You find the remnants of another ambushed party that wasn't as lucky as you.
A quarterstaff, an Arcane scroll of Jump, a +1 greatsword, a wand of Enlarge Person, a wand of Charm Person, 2 cure light potions, 6 alchemist's fire, a potion of Disguise Self and a Masterwork Sling.
Draymun exhales and calms himself from the fury of battle, securely strapping his hammer and shield to his backside. He turns and approaches Sina as she makes her introduction to Tom.
ReplyDelete/What finds you in these woods?/
"Mae caddug yn prifio 'ma , a 'm chilyddion danfon 'm at 'r darddiad."
He smiles at her and nods. "]m kin , 'ch a Fi."
"I am Draymun Stonespeak, and I believe we are headed to the same place."
"We have come to aid our friend here," Thor says gesturing at Draymun as he approached. "A nearby grove is not well. Do you know the one of which I speak?"
DeleteShe looks at you askance and says "Brawd cwrdd yn dda."
DeleteIn common, "Yes I know of the grove. It is my...gateway? I suppose gateway is as good as any word you have."
Delete"There is a taint growing but I have not been able to divine in my own power what is the source."
"We require some rest for the night," Thorvald said looking over his companions, "and we must return for our wagon, and animals. Perhaps we can make camp together for the night and continue on to the grove in the morning?
Delete"I will meet you at sunrise."
DeleteWith that she looks around for a moment and then picks a stick up off the ground, then she begins wandering off along the river.
Thorvald walks over to Hamish asking, "Hamish, you are still breathing. We have driven every Goblin into the ground, that they would dare lay their filthy hands upon you was an affront to us all." Thor reached down and helped Hamish to his feet. "How badly hurt are you?"
ReplyDeleteHamish nods gratefully and takes the hand that is offered but as you help him stand his legs give out and he falls back to the ground.
Delete"They beat me and quite well but I don't think I've got any open wounds. Have you got any food?"
He grins sheepishly and you can tell that although he's had a terrible experience, he's still got his spirit.
Khazad begins hammering out a slow, constant rhythm like that of a heart beating, and as he hammers the beat he quickens the pace... Amplifying the volume... When the beat reached a fever pitch Khazad lifted his mace and then brought it vertically back into the ground, sending waves of energy channeling out into the surrounding region... Khazad channels the divine power until he senses that everyone's wounds have closed and they feel better.
ReplyDelete