Here's the map. Minx is currently in hex 30.09. Thorvald is in hex 30.24 and Shade is directly behind him in hex 30.25.
You may move through the light green trees at full speed and they provide partial cover. Moving through the dark green trees is at half speed and they provide full cover if you don't move during a round.
Stepping off the path toward Dolgi, Thor motions for the others to follow him and makes his way into the dense cover, moving as quickly as he can. Heading north, Thor looks over his shoulder to ensure the others are following.
ReplyDeleteDolgi fires an arrow at Minx.
ReplyDelete((Attack +Guidance 18+4+1=23))
((Damage=7))
He then whispers to Rayla, "Lass if you could give me that spell again, that would be great, but you should follow Thor and the others."
That is a hit.
DeleteRayla too fires her crossbow at Minx then turns and heads to Thor. (using my swift feet here) Leaving Dolgi and Jul to cover Shade's retreat.
ReplyDelete((1d20=20+2+1(guidance)+1(the "to hit" on the sword)=24))
((I roll to confirm, right? bah, 2))
((Damage=1d10=7(Do I have any modifiers on the hit? This is only perhaps the second time I've fired at a target!))
(Any modifiers on my damage, I mean?)
DeleteNo, you won't have.
DeleteThat hits, Minx has now taken 14 points of damage.
DeleteJul move quickly (double move) toward Dolgi.
ReplyDeleteShade uses the grease spell to cause a patch of grease to form in the path just beyond the caltrops, further limiting the approach of the riders.
ReplyDeleteFollowing that he moves to pursue Thorvald.
DeleteMinx snarls in anger and gives more orders to her flanking riders. They move forward on their horses 40 feet and load and fire their light crossbows at Jul and Dolgi.
ReplyDelete(First shot at Jul: 5+3 = 8. Second shot at Dolgi: 13+3 = 16, 3 points of damage.)
Minx wheels on her horse and rides around the bend, out of sight.
Thorvald watches from light cover as the riders come within range and he barrels out of the forest and charges the nearest mounted bandit like a lion pouncing upon his prey. Gathering the sum of all his rage and hate, Thor unleashed a furious attack.
Delete((Charge: -1 AC, +1 attack roll
((Attack roll: 1d20 + 6(hit) + 1(mgc wep) + 1(charge) = 20 + 6 + 1 + 1 = 28
((Confirm roll: 8 + 6 + 1 + 1 = 16
((Sam, can't remember the confirmation rolls, below I put regular damage, let me know if I need to correct it if the crit confirmed.
((Damage roll: 2d6 + 2d6 + (4*1.5)(str) + 1(mgc wep) = 4 + 3 + 3 + 4 + 6 + 1 = 21
((Penalty: -1 AC for 1 round due to charge
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ReplyDeleteYour crit is confirmed and the rider is dead, he slumps off the horses back and it rears up in fear. Well done.
DeleteDolgi moves toward the other rider, nocking his bow as he moves. He gets to a spot closer and when he feels he has the best chance, he stops and fires an arrow.
ReplyDelete((Attack+PBS-15+4+1=20))
((Damage+PBS-8+1=9))
That'll hit, he's taken 9 points of damage.
DeleteRayla steps out of the woods and takes aim at the remaining rider with her thrown spear.
ReplyDelete((1d20+2 to hit=9+2=11))
((damage is 1d8=4))
That will not hit.
DeleteJul moves a full move toward the remaining rider, drawing his crossbow as he moves.
ReplyDelete(Attack 1D20+3 to hit 5+3=8)
I'm afraid that does not hit. Do you leave the woods?
Deleteyes
ReplyDeleteShade casts Acid Splash from the relative safety of his wooded area. (Roll 14 + Dex Mod 1 = 15. Damage roll... 1d4-1... (3-1=2). Shade calls his raven to also strike the target. (Roll 4+4 = 8, Miss)
ReplyDeleteThat will not hit. Can I get a Perception check?
DeleteThe orb of acid arcs its way to the rider with great precision but splatters against a low-hanging limb and it's momentum is deflected.
Delete((11+3+1=15))
ReplyDelete((Extra 1 is for Forest Ghost which bonuses my Perception/Survival checks in a Forest))
Just needed Shade's. I believe he's the only one in the trees right now.
Delete((3+1=4))
Delete((Well Dolgi is in the left hand light green area, 29.19, just FYI))
Delete((FYI for Rayla. She's at 28.19 just out of the woods.))
DeleteThe horseman drops his crossbow and draws a mace and swings it down at Thorvald, he hits and delivers a crushing blow to the barbarian's head. He then wheels his horse and rides around the bend.
ReplyDelete(17 + 2 to hit, 8 + 1 = 9 points of damage. Horse's full move is 100 feet.)
At that moment, 3 bandits materialize in the woods and fire longbows at Shade.
(Stealth rolls were 23, 14, 20. To hit: 12+2, 9+2, 15+2. Damage: 8+3, 1+4, 1+1 is 18 points of damage. The second number is for their sneak attack.)
(Concealment rolls: 26, 56, 92. You'd need a 20 or lower so you do get hit all three times.)
DeleteThe party hears a grunt of pain from Shade's direction.
Shade falls to the ground saying, "I told you this was a bad idea..." Before bleeding out. ((At -5 Hitpoints and currently dying))
ReplyDeleteSeeing shade fall to the ground, Thorvald ignores the fleeing rider and charges into the middle of the the three ambushing bandits. Bringing his sword down upon his foe, Thor lets out a furious battle cry!
ReplyDelete((Charge: -1 AC, +1 attack roll
((Attack roll: 1d20 + 7(hit) + 1(mgc wep) + 1(charge) = 16 + 7 + 1 + 1 = 25
((Damage roll: 2d6 + (4*1.5)(str) + 1(mgc wep) = 4 + 5 + 6 + 1 = 16
((Penalty: -1 AC for 1 round due to charge
((Sam, since +1 size for enlarge person increases melee to hit, my hit is up to 7. I don't think it affects damage at all, so I haven't added it, but if I'm wrong, let me know.
That is enough damage to bring him down.
DeleteDolgi turns and fires at the bandit furthest from him.
ReplyDelete((Attack= 20+5+1=26 yayy my first crit))
((confirm= 15+5+1=21))
((Damage 3+2+4+3(PBS-not sure if that's multiplied or not, if not just add 1)=12))
(not my finest damage rolls)
That is still enough damage to kill the bandit.
DeleteThere is one left standing.
Risking an attack from the bandit that is still standing or from others still hiding in the woods, Rayla sees only her fallen comrade. She moves to his side and lays her hands on the bleeding arrow wounds.
ReplyDelete((rebuke death 1d4+1=4+1=5))
Shade remains unconscious but he is no longer in danger of dying.
DeleteJul moves to 28.17 and fires his crossbow.
ReplyDelete(attack 12+3=15)
That's a hit.
Delete8 points of damage
DeleteHe is wounded but still standing.
DeleteThe final bandit that ambushed Shade grunts in pain as Jul's crossbow bolt lodges itself in his shoulder. He turns and stumbles into the woods behind him.
ReplyDeleteThe party is alone, at least for a moment..
Dolgi begins searching the nearest bodies and then stops.
ReplyDelete"In this case, the better part of valor may be to retreat, hide out close to the entrance and see if we can't rest overnight and allow the spellcasters to recharge their spells. I'd like to get that horse from the trail and add it to our group. Also, Jul, would you be able to search these bodies while I keep watch over you?"
"Should we pursue the wounded one? I should be able to conduct the search. Also, Shade requires more healing I believe." Jul begins searching the bodies of the bandits and the area around them.
ReplyDelete"He's the third wounded that's run off, probably not worth it. With Shade down and Thor wounded, we need to remain in place until Rayla finishes seeing to them."
Delete((Perception 13+3+1=17))
You find a chain shirt, two suits of leather armor, 3 light crossbows, 4 daggers, a light mace, 84 silver pieces and a thin gold chain necklace.
DeleteDolgi, you don't perceive anything out of order.
Delete"I can fight on," Thor said, standing with renewed purpose, "but my vengeance will wait another night. I will not risk the deaths of any more brothers or sisters in arms." Pausing, Thor thought about their options before continuing on.
Delete"Minx and her crew will know this valley too well," he said. "We should retreat beyond the veil and return early in the morning. "We have the advantage now of knowing what traps they have prepared for us, and if we are careful, we may get the jump on them this time."
Reaching down, Thor scooped up the tiny figure of Shade in his enlarged paw and made for valley's entrance. In a whisper that only Shade could hear, he said, "I have you wizard, no more harm will befall you while I draw breath."
Seeing that the entire group is close enough to receive the benefits of her healing waves, Rayla heals the entire party.
ReplyDelete((channel positive energy 1d6 3 times for a total of 9.))
Dogli is fully healed now.
DeleteOnce she's healed the group, Rayla loads her crossbow and watches for the return of the bandits.
DeleteIn or out of the woods?
DeleteAnyone else need to do anything before we move forward?
At the edge of the forest, out of the woods, next to the rest of the party. I want to be able to watch the trail.
DeleteAssuming we've looted and caught up the horse I think that was all.
DeleteDolgi heads back to the trail and the dead bandit on it, speaking softly to the horse, he grabs the reins and holding them searches the body, then follows Thor out to the entrance, where he will stop and loot those 3 bandits.
DeleteAs Dolgi plods past with the newly captured horse, Thor plops Shade on its back before returning to his normal size.
DeleteOn the first three bandits you find another 3 suits of leather armor, 44 silver pieces, 10 gold pieces, 2 rapiers, one short sword and 2 daggers.
DeleteWhile they are stopped Rayla retrieves her spear from Dolgi and takes one of the light crossbows and some bolts which she slings across her back. ((She's still carrying the loaded heavy crossbow.))
ReplyDeleteRayla heals the party once again. ((Channel positive energy 1d6=6))
DeleteAfter finishing with his looting and seeing everyone there, Dolgi leads them off into the forest, leading them back to their mounts. As he leads them, Dolgi keeps an eye out for any spot that might make a good campsite with plenty of defensive positions.
ReplyDelete"Thor, keep an eye out for any spot that might provide us good cover. We hurt Minx today and I suspect she's not going to let that lie."
((Sam, do you have the exp gained in our little adventure?))
xp is 600 total.
DeleteAs you are riding away, looking for a campsite, you hear the pounding of many hooves coming back down the path from Minx's valley.
ReplyDeleteIt is obvious that they are not hiding their approach and they will be at the veiled entrance in less than a minute.
"Everyone off the path, Shade leads the group to the area with the fallen log and journeys beyond into a stand of trees, he then casts Silent Image to project a 10 ft area of high brambles, bushes and Trees, having the foliage block the group.
ReplyDeleteDolgi makes sure all the light crossbows are loaded and sits them on the ground in front of Jul and Rayla, also makes sure that the extra heavy crossbow is loaded as well.
ReplyDeleteDolgi whispers, "If they keep coming, throw your area of effect spells first, then start firing with the crossbows. Thor, I would suggest you use a bow to start with, so the larger spells can be used to wittle them down. Aim for Minx first, if she's there."
Everyone make a Stealth check. d20 + Dex and give yourselves an extra 5 for Shade's quick thinking.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone else wants to post actions, now's the time.
((Stealth 15+2+5=22))
DeleteShade hunkers low in the underbrush, careful that no sign be left on the trail leading to their hiding place behind his illusion. (Sneak 15+1+5=21) Shade grabs out a scroll of Mage armor and casts it, quickly pulling forth his wand and casting enlarge person on Thorvald as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat are you doing with the horses?
DeleteWho goes out to do this?
DeleteExactly where were we in the process of heading and back to the mounts? I read it as we got past the veil we ended up hearing them coming? So we actually only have 1 horse.
DeleteYou are correct. I forgot you hid your mounts. I'll rule you can hide the one extra horse behind Shade's silent image.
DeleteHiding behind a log with the loaded crossbows. (stealth: 12)
ReplyDelete(forgot the dex and +5) (stealth 12+3+5=29)
ReplyDeleteLol, makes a difference!
DeleteI cannot type either, make that 20 not 29.
DeleteI'll hide behind a log too, move over a little, Jul. ((12+5+1=18))
ReplyDelete"Help me count the horses and riders," Rayla breathes as she puts her lips right next to Jul's ear. ("We're being vewy quiiiet." channeling Elmer Fudd.)
ReplyDeleteCount horses.
ReplyDeleteLegs and divide by 4?
Delete((1d20 + DEX + 5 = 9 + 2 + 5 = 16))
ReplyDeleteThe horses draw nearer. You hear a man shouting orders and before long 4 armed bandits much like the guards you killed earlier walk out of the veiled entrance (which you can see through, but that's an easy way to describe it.)
ReplyDeleteThey look around and then shout back that the way is clear. Another 7 men on foot, these carrying pikes and longswords, walk out and split up, half heading toward the river and the other half walking towards you.
They spend perhaps 5 minutes looking up and down in the woods on both sides of the trails and you hear much muttering and cursing.
These men finally return to the entrance and a discussion is held. You can make out three voices.
1. Minx, she seems frustrated and impatient and suggest lighting the whole forest on fire several times.
2. The man you hear shouting orders. He seems to be a calming influence on Minx and is obviously her second in command.
3. A quiet voice, that you sometimes have trouble making out over the shuffle of the dozen or so footmen present.
(I won't post the conversation, but I'll give you the general gist.)
Minx wants to pursue you to the ends of the earth to pay you back for slighting her. The second in command, a man called Marcus, suggests that they fall back and continue their defensive build-up. The third voice is silent except when Minx asks a direct question and it seems to be remaining neutral.
They banter back and forth for a time before moving back out of earshot.
After the area clears, Dolgi looks over at Thorvald. "Lad, I think we have a problem. That place is going to be locked up tighter than a miser's purse in a bit. We don't have the firepower it'll take to root her out. An' I know a bit about attacking a keep or two. We either need more men or more power. I can'no guide you enter certain doom. I'm sorry lad." With that said, Dolgi hangs his head, knowing he failed his friend.
DeleteRayla looks to Dolgi, "Don't despair, my friend. We may yet triumph over the Minx. As soon as the way is clear we'll make our way back to the horses. After that we can decide what to do next. You fought well this day."
ReplyDeleteShade struggles to maintain his concentration, knowing that any slip could mean his illusion would falter and the temporary reprieve they have may be shattered. The voice in his head returns as time passes, admonishing the weak Vailian for his paltry efforts and his near death. Banishing the voice from his thoughts for now Vailian decides that he will prove that he can do this, even if he must keep up the facade until after sunset. Sweat begins to bead down his face and salt stings his eyes. Bugs ranging from ants and termites to centipedes and beetles begin to crawl over him. His head swimming from the heat and the strain he knows that if he lives to see the end of the day, he will have found new resovoirs of strength to draw upon and grown stronger from the challenge.
ReplyDeleteAfter Minx and her retinue leave, the pikemen stand around outside the entrance, smoking and chatting for a while. Shade's struggle is noticed by the whole group and it is with great difficulty that the party restrains Thorvald long enough to see the men eventually wander back deeper into the compound. You hear the last man mutter a few words and with a shimmer the veil goes back up. This time you see it like a curtain of forest in front of the road that you know is there. It's a strange sensation.
ReplyDeleteYou wait for another few minutes but finally decide that the decision has been made to withdraw. Perhaps to shore up their forces, perhaps because they don't fear you, perhaps because they think you won't return.
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ReplyDelete"We should head back to the horses," Thor said, the frustration obvious in his voice. "If we ride hard," he went on, "we can make it back to the farm and gather Hamish and Rethas to join us for another assault."
ReplyDeleteI agree, let's get our horses and ride, We can rest and start again tomorrow.
DeleteDolgi begins packing up the extra crossbows on the horse they claimed and begins working his way back to the other mounts. Before leaving, he scores a tree with his special mark.
DeleteJul follows Dolgi.
ReplyDeleteYou make it back to your horses unmolested and make great haste to Bremel. The town is bustling, enjoying it's last few days of sunshine and the bounty of harvest before winter sets in for good.
ReplyDeleteIt's a market day so there are stacks of every good sold in town out on tables. There are sticky buns and mead and sausages to be eaten and you find it comforting that the town is so full of life.
Will you spend the afternoon and evening here or push on toward the farm?
I think we should send a messenger to the farm and take up a couple rooms at the inn for the night. I could use a nights sleep in a proper bed and a basin to wash in.
Delete"Get your rest, Shade," Thor said to his friend. "I'll fetch the wagon myself. Rayla, would you journey with me? If we press on, we can reach it before nightfall."
Delete"I'll go with you, Thor. I spent many years separated from my sister and now I'd like to travel some of the same paths she trod.'' Rayla passes coins to Jul. "Pick me up some more of those caltrops, would you? They may be of use to us yet."
DeleteDolgi wanders the town selling off the extra armor and weapons the party doesn't need and looking for a map of the area, perhaps one that shows the area Minx is in. Dolgi mutters to himself, "No way the wagon is making it back in those woods the way we went. Perhaps if we find another way in, we can get closer with it."
DeleteAs the party enters the town, Dolgi looks at the others, "I say we keep one of the rapiers and a short sword and the mace. I would like to look at the chain shirt again, but I think we might keep it. Anyone need any of the other armor, or should we sell it. The crossbows are handy, probably should keep them as well."
ReplyDeleteI'll take that rapier if no one else needs it... and a crossbow if you got it. My brush with death has given me a new appreciation for ranged attacks.
Delete"Sure, Shade, gotta keep you upright." Dolgi said as he reached over to the horse he was leading and handed a light crossbow and a quiver of 10 bolts to Shade. He then pulled out a rapier in it's scabbard and hands that over. "You know how to use the rapier, lad? Pointy end goes in the bad guy." Dogli says with a chuckle. "Same for the crossbow, too."
Delete"Exactly my diminutive friend, I shall ever endeavor to eradicate the enemies of everyone with these excellent edges." Smiling at his alliterative self and at the dwarfs jesting he claps the stout tracker on the back and trudges on.
DeleteJul joins any of the party that are going to the market place. He is looking for caltrops and crossbow bolts to buy.
ReplyDeleteAs Jul is grabbing some bolts, Dolgi stops him and tells him they have plenty of durable bolts in the wagon.
Delete((Dolgi bought 30 durable bolts, so you just pick them up when you are done and yayy bolts again))