Nikolais Fist decides that retreat is the best option. With the location marked on their map and recorded, as well as general notes about the camp itself, they stalk away from the malevolent grove and its inhabitants.
William strains to hear bits of the Gnoll conversation, and it seems to revolve around food and mating, both of which seem to be high up in Gnoll priority.
Tinker raises a good point as the Fist retreats.
"What about that howl when we left?"
Does the Fist use the Bloodroot to teleport back? Or do they slog the long trek back from whence they came?
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+11=31 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+8=24 ; Monday November 3rd, 2014 4:08:59 PM "Considering that any force the Mailed Fist sends this way, if they do, won't use the Blood Root to get around, it would be a good idea to make the next trips the hard way and know what to expect on these trails, whether the gnoll howled or not. But I would suggest any force that comes here to bring herd of pigs or some cows. That way they've got meat to eat as well as a transportation sacrifice."
Thus plans are made to return to the center using the path instead of the Blood Root. Tinker takes the front scout again, followed by Nikolai and the rest. When it comes time to look for a campsite, it's another fire-less night, and hopefully a dry one.
Perc +11 = 31 Stealth +9 = 22 Survival (look for campsite) +8 = 24
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Monday November 3rd, 2014 5:45:41 PM
Pru is relieved to hear that they won't be taking on the gnoll camp, and a little discouraged at the prospect of more slogging through the swamp.
"You'd think I'd get used to it," she murmurs, "but not so far."
AC 23 T19 F20 CMD 24 (28 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=18 ; d20+9=26 ; d20+2=18 ; Monday November 3rd, 2014 6:13:36 PM
Tinker actually smiles, thinking about how miserable everyone will be together slogging through the swamp. "Let's get started ".
The dwarf takes the lead, setting the pace through the swamp and being on the lookout for dangers.
Stealthy 18
Perception 26
Survival 18
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18 hp 23/23 Monday November 3rd, 2014 9:36:32 PM
William is frustrated that no useful Intel was gained but agrees that the long path would be best in this case. He takes his usual spot in the middle near Pru and is watchful as usual.
DM Ken - Map So Far - Hunted d100=95 ; d100=95 ; d100=88 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; Tuesday November 4th, 2014 7:18:13 PM
Flint takes point and with Nikolais guidance, a suitable campsite is found. As the sun melts away overhead, the buzz of swamplife fills the evening.
Though you have traveled far from the completely burned away section of swamp, there are signs that the Druids flames have reached as far as even your camp site.
As everyone begins to wind down and settle in for the night, before the first watch is set, Tinker hears something strange. Nikolai hears it too. Yips, grunts, and barks soon set themselves apart from the evening sounds of the dense swamp. The occasional splash and whistle hint that the sounds are coming closer, and moving steadily in your direction.
You figure there is maybe 100 yards between your party and the source of the noise.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Tuesday November 4th, 2014 7:41:14 PM
OOC; i'd like to set up some kind of perimeter and see how we can hide the spellcasters, but need a map for that. :}
AC 23 T19 F20 CMD 24 (28 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tuesday November 4th, 2014 8:28:50 PM
Tinker limbers up his crossbow and makes sure his Urgosh is ready. "There's that fallen tree we can put our backs against, but looks like you were right, shoulda killed the hyenas. Hope I take many of them out first!"
When Tinker is ready, he casts a minor magic, making him fleeter of foot.
Crossbow in hand
Near fallen tree in between Prudence and the sounds
Cast expeditious retreat
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Tuesday November 4th, 2014 10:27:14 PM
Linden casts Bless making sure the entire Fist is covered. Then he takes out his crossbow.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Tuesday November 4th, 2014 10:43:21 PM
Pru casts Mage Armor on herself.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Wednesday November 5th, 2014 12:27:30 AM Good idea about that log. Tinker, take the top of the log and keep anything from coming from the other side. Linden and I can take this side of the log while Pru and William stay between us and the log. I don't want them flanked, they need to be able to cast spells freely."
Nikolai retrieves two items, holding one in each hand. In one he holds a Thunderstone and in the other a Tanglefoot bag.
Pru, if you have a spare Mage Armor, I could use it. If not, no problem."
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18 hp 23/23 Wednesday November 5th, 2014 9:27:58 AM
William goes to the spot where Nikolai directs and after kneeling to take cover behind a log, casts Mage Armor. To Pru, he says, "if they are bunched up, I can cast Web to keep several in place and can you fry them when they are stuck? "
AC 23 T19 F20 CMD 24 (28 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+5=25 ; d20+6=7 ; Wednesday November 5th, 2014 8:04:10 PM
Tinker nods and scrambles up onto the log. With his crossbow, he'll shoot the first opponent within 40 feet, and then draw his Urgosh.
Climb 25
Ready shoot crossbow : natural 1. Like tinker should expect any other roll with that cursed crossbow!
DM Ken - Map So Far - Hunted Thursday November 6th, 2014 10:16:46 AM
(Go ahead and place yourselves on the map. I'll make my DM post a little later this evening to give everyone a chance to do so. Just copy and paste your icon on the left.)
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Thursday November 6th, 2014 3:04:00 PM
With Nik by the log.
Prudence Gundle (Kathy) Thursday November 6th, 2014 4:36:53 PM
[OOC: On the map, which direction are the sounds coming from?]
AC 23 T19 F20 CMD 24 (28 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Thursday November 6th, 2014 6:18:09 PM
Tinker can't place himself on the map by iPhone.
DM Ken - Map So Far - Hunted Thursday November 6th, 2014 6:40:04 PM
(East!)
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Thursday November 6th, 2014 9:15:52 PM
OOC. Same with iPod.
DM Ken - Map So Far - Hunted d20=18 ; d3=3 ; d20=4 ; d20=12 ; d20=10 ; d20=15 ; d20=18 ; d20=16 ; d20=16 ; d20=15 ; Thursday November 6th, 2014 9:19:17 PM
Rallying at the sound, several members take evasive or protective actions.
Mage Armor, Expeditious Retreat, and a readied Crossbow all become part of the battle plan.
As your enemies begin to appear, one by one through the mire of the swamp, its apparent they are spread out and following the lead of a pair of Hyenas, sniffing their way through the swamp.
At about 60ft away, one of the canines freeze and looks directly towards Linden. It throws its head back and howls, and several of the Gnolls look towards the barely hidden Centaur as well.
Creeping closer, the Gnolls encroach on your defenses. 50ft... 40ft...
Tinker pops and snaps off a crossbow bolt, which lands harmlessly somewhere behind the enemy patrol. With a shout, the enemies approach!
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+6=23 ; d8=4 ; Thursday November 6th, 2014 11:36:47 PM
OOC: I re-positioned some of the icons to fit Nikolai's plans.
IC: Nikolai takes a shot at the hyena that approaches from the north-east.
Crossbow attack +6 = 23 damage = 4
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor] (Kathy) Thursday November 6th, 2014 11:59:23 PM
Pru sidles over and casts Mage Armor on Nikolai.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) d20+5=23 d10=6 Friday November 7th, 2014 1:11:33 AM
OOC: And Bless!! EVERYONE IS BLESSED. Linden was with Nikolai! No stealth check required, just seen. nice. As if Linden was completely ignored, until seen.
Takes a shot at nearest foe. (Hitting AC 23 for 6 damage.)
-1 bolt
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Friday November 7th, 2014 3:34:34 PM
Checking.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18 hp 23/23 Friday November 7th, 2014 3:40:01 PM
Williams goal is to catch a bunch of the gnolls and hyenas in his web spell. He'll aim at the north group and try to get as many as possible.
Web - 20' radius so 40' diameter. Dc 17 vs reflex.
AC 23 T19 F20 CMD 24 (28 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday November 7th, 2014 4:49:36 PM
Tinker curses his crossbow and drops it, drawing his Urgosh and standing on top of the log like a living wall. The others will defeat the gnoll patrol, it was up to Tinker to ensure they have enough time and space to do it.
Total defense. +6 AC
DM Ken - Map So Far - Hunted Friday November 7th, 2014 6:49:33 PM
(Late post tonight, I'm at an ACA Tax seminar until late this evening. My head is spinning.)
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor, Bless] (Kathy) Friday November 7th, 2014 7:51:22 PM
[Updating header, because if I put "Bless" in my header, I'll totally remember I have it and not forget to add the +1. Hahahaha, that was a joke.]
DM Ken - Map So Far - Hunted d20+10=21 ; d8+7=13 ; d20+3=16 ; d6+2=4 ; d20+5=22 ; d20+5=16 ; d20+3=8 ; d20+3=10 ; d20=8 ; d20=11 ; d20=3 ; Friday November 7th, 2014 10:50:44 PM
The Gnolls surge forward, though a few are wounded by incoming ranged attacks from Nikolais Fist. The lines are joined with the obvious advantage going to the defenders. Braugh nearly cleaves a Hyena in two as it closes into range of his readied attack.
The northern Hyena crashes into Nikolai, grabbing his leg with a toothy maw and dragging him to the ground!
( Hit AC 16 (as listed in header) for 4 damage and trips CMD 22.
A Flind swings a large, awkward bar at Tinker, but misses badly.
Braugh easily fends off his attackers.
None of the three northern Gnolls seem to have a hope of escaping the webbing at this moment.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 45/56 (David Feest posting) d20+9=24 ; d10=9 ; Saturday November 8th, 2014 12:17:20 AM
This is what Bruagh had been waiting for since the fort. No more cat and mouse. No more sneaking around. Combat, pure and simple. He steps toward the Flind going for their cleric and slams his axe through the flinds armor, into the squishy meat beneath, shattering the cratures chest and dropping it where it stands. Masterwork Dwarven Waraxe hits AC 24 for 19 damage ( which should drop it) He tries not to spook them, they could most likely outrun him. He needs them to be confident and swarm him so that he can make sure none escape. To that end he pauses over the Flind, making it look like his axe is caught in the gear the dogman wears. " See to Nikolai! Get that mangy cur off him. I'll play with these poor excuses for fighters."
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18 hp 23/23 Saturday November 8th, 2014 8:34:07 AM
Now that some of their foe is trapped, William casts SM2, calling forth his usual friend Ernie the Earth elemental, wanting him to appear just north of the Hyena that's to William's north, so that Ernie will be flanking it...
He'll also remain crouched and hidden as best as he can from the enemies... He'll also try to stay in the middle of the party, avoiding the possibility of melee attack...
_______________ Spells Cast - Mage Armor, Web SM 2 6/6 rounds
Ernie = AC 17, hp 13/13, Melee slam +6 (1d6+4), Earth mastery +1 att/dmg if it and its foe are touching ground, 20 speed + earth mastery
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Saturday November 8th, 2014 10:02:41 AM
OOC: DM Ken, I was unable to update my AC after Pru cast Mage Armor. My AC would have been 20 at time the hyena attacked. Let me know if this changes anything.
Thanks.
Shane P Michael Wittman Saturday November 8th, 2014 12:38:14 PM
Testing. Ya'll save a hyena man for me.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 Saturday November 8th, 2014 12:48:23 PM
OOC. Hows this for quick stats on my character?
BLESS, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) d20+4=24 ; d20+4=11 ; d10=7 ; Saturday November 8th, 2014 1:36:14 PM
Linden fires at a gnoll. (Hits AC 25, Not a crit, for 7 damage)
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor, Bless] (Kathy) d20+7=25 ; d6+3=7 ; Saturday November 8th, 2014 6:25:56 PM
Pru fires an Elemental Ray at the hyena who may or may not have hold of Nikolai.
[Hit Touch AC 25 for 7 damage. Pru has the Precise Shot feat.]
DM Ken - Map So Far - Hunted Saturday November 8th, 2014 8:19:51 PM
The Hyena would miss, and you wouldnt be tripped.)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+6=14 ; d6+3=9 ; Sunday November 9th, 2014 8:57:04 PM
OOC: Cool!
IC: Nikolai feels the magical force envelope him just in time as the hyena he shot snaps at him. Pru came through in the 'nik' of time!
Both hands full, he gives the hyena a solid kick.
Att +6 = 14, if hit, dmg = 9
AC 20 T16 F17 CMD 24 (28 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d8+2=6 ; Sunday November 9th, 2014 9:05:23 PM
Tinker moves to a defensive fight, but jabs at the gnoll holding a bar. " not coming over the log", he shouts in a report to Nikolai.
(Ooc: typed my postpone in the die roller from my iPhone. Tried to copy and paste to the post area and accidentally brought the d20 with me. Still getting used to new technology I suppose. )
AC 20 T16 F17 CMD 24 (28 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday November 10th, 2014 10:00:02 PM
Tinker feels he can handle the gnoll in front of him. That will keep the others able to do the real damage
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor, Bless] (Kathy) Monday November 10th, 2014 10:26:40 PM
Monday post.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Monday November 10th, 2014 11:18:20 PM "Try biting me again!" Nikolai taunts.
BLESS, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Monday November 10th, 2014 11:52:40 PM
Linden uses a SacBond for Nikolai. (As Shield Other) (OOC. Not sure how many of what is still alive. Vagueness).
DM Ken - Map So Far - Hunted Tuesday November 11th, 2014 12:55:47 AM
(ooc: The map is fairly clear. The dead stuff has an X through it colored in red.)
DM Ken - Map So Far - Hunted d20=11 ; d20=19 ; d20=18 ; d20+3=22 ; d20+3=22 ; d6+3=5 ; d20+3=7 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+5=22 ; (modded for flank) d20+7=17 ; d20+7=20 ; d6+4=5 ; d20+5=21 ; d6+3=7 ; d20+5=11 ; Tuesday November 11th, 2014 1:11:34 AM
The Mailed Fist reacts with practiced discipline, casters in the middle and fighters engaging threats to the perimeter of their group.
While Prudence and Braugh do the heavy lifting, the rest of the Fist carries out their assignments and combat roles effectively, with no breach in their plans.
The gnolls press their numbers in, trying to swarm around Nikolais Fist. A Gnoll and a Flind escape from the web, leaving their packmate stranded. The Flind gives a shrill whistle (DC 20) and successfully pushes the Hyena to bear down on William.
Tinker vs. Flind/Hyena: Hit AC 20 for 5 damage, Hit AC 21 for damage.
The last Hyena flank maneuvers to the side of Nikolai, but misses against the agile monk.
Hyena vs. William - Bites hits AC 22 for 5 damage, Trip fails at CMD 7.
Pack vs Braugh - All miss - hit AC of 24 at highest.
Another Gnoll joins the Flind attacking Tinker, and together they press the dwarf.
Above the din of combat, there is a loud boom, pushing a concussive blast through the combatants. A bright red glow encompasses the battlefield for a brieft moment, until a rush of armored and armed silhouttes clog the portals vision.
Stepping through are several figures you recognize, and a few you don't. Tall, tan, and with his perfect hair dancing lightly in response to his movements, Color Sgt. Carren Taggart and his Fist quickly take the field!
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 45/56 (David Feest posting) d20+9=15 ; Tuesday November 11th, 2014 6:48:19 AM
OOC Braugh hit his flind for 19 last round. 9 on the dice plus 10 more in bonus damage. Is that a second flind in his face? Either way hiss round will be the same. IC Braugh sees his comrades being pressed and the opponents seem to be unable to harm him. He grins within his steelsheathe and swings at the gnoll on his right. he misses, but that does little to stop his next move. He steps in front of that gnoll, allowing it a swing , and moves up behind the gnoll pressing Tinker. " Hammer and anvil, lad." He says to Tinker. Attack on the gnoll hits AC 15 Miss
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor, Bless] (Kathy) d20+7=26 ; d6+3=8 ; Tuesday November 11th, 2014 12:10:41 PM
Pru takes a step back and turns to target one of the gnolls to the south of her. She fires another Elemental Ray, which finds its mark.
[Hit Touch AC 26 for 8 damage.]
AC 17 T13 F14 CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 22/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+8=28 ; d20+8=12 ; d8+2=5 ; 2d6=6 ; Tuesday November 11th, 2014 6:20:48 PM
Tinker feels the hits, bleeding and bruised, but can't let up. Seeing an opportunity, he turns and arcs his Urgosh behind him, slashing hard into the gnoll between him and Braugh!
"Hammer and anvil for sure!" Tinker agrees with the dwarven veteran.
Attack 28 nat 20! 12 no confirm
Damage 11 (with sneak attacking flanked gnoll)
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18 hp 18/23 d20+9=25 ; d6+7=9 ; d4+1=3 ; Tuesday November 11th, 2014 6:45:13 PM
William curses as he's cut by the gnoll, but he's somewhat relieved when these new fist members show up...
His friendly Earth Elemental will arrive just to the NW of the hyena, bashing it with its claws and trying to save its summoner...
Attack - Hit AC 25 for 9 pts of damage on the hyena...
Option 1 - Hyena dead.... William will cast Mirror Image, trying to defend himself a bit better... (3 dups created, so 25% of hitting him). For his move action, he'll move to the West ONLY if the gnoll on that side is dead. If it's alive, then he'll crouch to keep in cover from ranged attacks...
Option 2 - Hyena alive, William will use total defense, trying to defend himself the best he can...(Total Defense, +4 to AC, then AC is 22) ____________ Spells Cast - Mage Armor, Web, Maybe Mirror Image SM 2 5/6 rounds
Ernie (Augmented) = AC 17, hp 17/17, Melee slam +8 (1d6+6), Earth mastery +1 att/dmg if it and its foe are touching ground, 20 speed + earth mastery
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 20 Tch 20 Ffted 17 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+3=22 ; d6+3=8 ; d20+3=7 ; Tuesday November 11th, 2014 9:18:34 PM
Nikolai barely glances at what could be a new threat but is relieved that it is actually help!
He turns and focuses again on the battle before him.
A) If the hyena to his right is still alive, kick at it again: Flurry of Blows 1 d20+3 = 22, dmg = 8 Flurry of Blows 2 d20+3 = 7
B) if the hyena to his right is dead, kick at the gnoll to his left: Flurry of Blows 1 d20+3 = 22, dmg = 8 Flurry of Blows 2 d20+3 = 7
BLESS, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Tuesday November 11th, 2014 11:12:32 PM
Bolstered by the arrival of more Fist, Linden takes puts away his crossbow and draws his morningstar. He moves to join Tinker in combat.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 d20+10=29 ; Wednesday November 12th, 2014 12:59:16 AM
With a flash of red Michael is somewhere else. He has heard that everyone takes teleportation differently, but for Michael, he always feels as if he has just been born anew. That everything from before is but a vividly remembered dream, and that this, this is the true reality. The feeling pass though, and as the red glare fades he sees through the trees and brush his brothers in arms being pressed by furred creatures he guesses are gnolls. As Sgt. Carren motions for his men to move out, Michael is off like a shot. Moving parallel to the side of the battle, looking for a position to flank and draw some of the heat off the defenders. Moving at a quick jog, he takes a bottle of Alchemists fire from the pocket of his magical pants as he moves. Darting to cover where a tree and a bush grow close, he watches as the larger of the three Gnolls in his area crumbles beneath a ray of light from the center of the defenders. His primary target group disrupted, he waits for the other gnolls to close to a better position. Scanning the area for more threats as he does so. (perception d20+10=29)
Pru's red blast scorches a Gnoll, but when the smoke clears it is still on it's feet. Tinker's attack scores a Gnoll so deeply its legs buckle, but it too remains alive.
William is damaged while casting, and concentrates to keep his spell. (DC 10+5+2) He does, and his elemental smashes into the Gnoll. With the Hyena dead, finished off by Nikolai, he assumes a defensive posture.
Linden moves to join the combat, as does Carrens Fist. His men fan out and pepper the enemy with arrows, dropping the southern un-engaged enemy. All except one, who is new to Carrens Fist, who seems to be maneuvering for something.
The northern Flind, who seems to have command, shouts to his patrol.
William Only: Highlight to display spoiler: {"Kill the fire witch and the summoner! Then retreat!"}
Nikolai vs. Gnoll: Nat 20, no confirm. 4 Damage.
William vs. Gnoll/Flind/Flind: Gnoll hits AC22 for 4, Flinds Miss
Pru vs. Gnoll/Gnoll: Gnolls Miss.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 45/56 (David Feest posting) d20+1=12 ; d20+1=20 ; d20+9=13 ; d20+9=28 ; Wednesday November 12th, 2014 12:43:59 PM
Linguistics 12 Sense Motive 20 Bruagh doesn't understand what the Flind said, but that was a battle command if ever he heard one, and the gnolls tighten into the heart of the Fist. They are after someone in particular. Things might get desperate soon for the ones the gnolls can hit. All Bruagh can do about that is thin their numbers. Bruagh has Seen Prudence ignite whole groups of opponents before, so he goes for those NOT in the group in the middle ( The one to his southwest, next to Pru) Attack hits AC 13 Miss Ahain he nisses fueling his anger at these dogmen. Then he sees the halfling creeping through the trees, part of this Carren fellows Fist he guesses. He raps his axe on his shield, trying to keep the gnoll focused on him, giving the halfling a clean shot at the gnolls exposed back. Taunt? Intimidate? 28 if it helps
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor, Bless] (Kathy) 4d4=10 ; Wednesday November 12th, 2014 2:46:59 PM
Pru steps back--to avoid singeing Tinker's eyebrows off--and casts a Burning Hands to catch the two gnolls to the east of her.
[10 damage; Reflex save DC 15 for half.]
AC 17 T13 F14 CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 22/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+8=13 ; d20+8=24 ; d8+2=10 ; 2d6=12 ; Wednesday November 12th, 2014 7:55:53 PM
Ooc: great entrance! Welcome To Agents of the Fist!
Tinker skips back to make sure Prudence's flame misses, but is concentrating so much on the gnoll and flinds that the only thing that may avoid getting singed is the sorcerer's good sense!
His Urgosh in a blur, Tinker steps to flank the most wounded flind and sinks the axe head into furry flesh!
Reflex save. 13 if needed miss!
Flanking attack. 24. Damage 22!
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18 hp 18/23 d20+9=15 ; d6+7=10 ; Wednesday November 12th, 2014 9:49:12 PM
William hears the gnolls command and translates it to his friends, "they are targeting Pru and me and then they're planning on running after that!"
His summoned helper will attack the nearest gnoll if it is still alive or Move past its allies and stand to the south of William and attack the nearest gnoll there...
Att - Hit AC 15 for 10 pts
William, still protected by his mirror images , Withdraws as a full round action and moves to the southwest behind his tauran friend... Avoids AoO because of withdraw action out of threatened square...
BLESS, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 39/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) d20+4=5 ; Wednesday November 12th, 2014 9:58:24 PM
OOC. Nik takes 2. Lindy takes 2. Due to SacBond.
The centaur pacifist tries to clobber a gnoll near Tink. Fails.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 36/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+5=17 ; d6+3=8 ; d20+5=18 ; d6+3=8 ; Wednesday November 12th, 2014 10:00:10 PM
OOC: I just read up on the Sacrificial Bond (shield Other) spell and realized that it gives me a +1 deflection bonus to AC and a +1 resistance on saves on top of splitting the hp damage. Now he tells me! Adjusting AC and taking 2hp damage, the other 2 go to Linden.
IC: Nikolai's kick to the hyena's jaw snaps hits mouth shut and gives it a deadly concussion. Wasting no time, he slips into the spot the hyena occupied and attacks the gnoll between he and William.
FoB 1 d20+3 +2(flanking) = 17, if hit dmg = 8 FoB 2 d20+3 +2(flanking) = 18, if hit dmg = 8
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 d20+8=14 ; Wednesday November 12th, 2014 11:04:08 PM
From the cover of the tree Michael watches as the Gnolls he was about to target fall. He grins. "These guys are good" he thinks. His eyes catch the heavily armored dwarfs subtle signal. He takes a move action to get a bit closer and then he tosses the Alchemists fire at the feet of the gnoll facing the dwarf. (Grid junction between dead flind and gnoll facing Braugh) Attack AC14 for 1 pt damage save DC 15 and lose full round to put it out or take1d6. Maybe the fire will distract the gnoll long enough for the dwarf to put an axe through its skull, or failing that, maybe Michael can shove a couple of feet of rapier through a kidney.
One of the Gnolls uses the other to hide from the brunt of Pru's fire. Nikolai has little trouble incapacitating the Gnoll between William and himself, and a barrage of arrows and a stray alchemists fire pelt the Gnolls, killing an ugly sort with large black spots over his eyes.
The Gnolls continue their plan, bolstered by the Flind in the middle of their line.
2 Flinds/1 Gnoll vs. William: The Flinds slam their Flind bars into the mage, hitting AC 20 and 18 for 7 and 7 damage.
1 Gnoll vs Prudence: The northern Gnoll tries to maneuver past Linden and away from the Earth Elemental to get at Pru, but is bludgeoned down by the elemental as he turns.
There is one Gnoll still stuck in the web spell!
AC 17 T13 F14 CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 22/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+8=13 ; Thursday November 13th, 2014 4:56:57 PM
Tinker strikes again, too quickly! His Urgosh cannot penetrate the matted hair and armor of the Flind.
"Keep weaving William! Pru! They won't keep this up for long!"
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18 hp 18/23 Thursday November 13th, 2014 5:05:18 PM
Ummmmm .... DM did you notice that william withdrew? He should be out of range of melee attacks ..
(He didnt move on the map .. =(
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor, Bless] (Kathy) d20+7=11 ; d6+3=5 ; Thursday November 13th, 2014 6:36:20 PM
As has become typical, Pru's corner of the battlefield is beginning to smell like burnt dog.
Also, she's having a hard time finding a gnoll-free zone to cast in. But she manages, taking a step back and targeting the gnoll next to Tinker with an Elemental Ray. It isn't particularly well-amied however.
[Hit Touch AC 11. Since it's Touch AC, I'll go ahead and roll damage, 5.]
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 45/56 (David Feest posting) d20+9=25 ; d10=2 ; Thursday November 13th, 2014 6:55:36 PM
Bruagh sees the halfling emerge from the trees and take out one gnoll, the only other gnoll near it is flanked by Linden, so the soldier should have no trouble taking it out. The dwarf shifts north and swings for the southernmost Flind, since they seem to be the ones leading this rabble, and the only ones actually hitting through the magical protections of the mages. His swing is solid this time and it makes a good connection with the Flind. 5 foot step, no AoO War axe hits AC 25 for 12 damage. He again taunts the enemy, trying to draw their attention to him rather than the mages.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 d20+8=24 ; d4=3 ; 2d6=4 ; Thursday November 13th, 2014 7:58:23 PM
Michaels alchemists fire and the arrows of his brothers hit the hapless gnoll in a beautiful synchronicity. William turns, draws his rapier and charges the gnoll to the North, positioning himself to flank the beast against the centaur. He mis judges the distance to the gnoll a bit, and the perfect thrust upward through the gnolls kidney up into the heart and lungs falls short, merely bisecting the kidney. He twirls the blade as he withdraws, widening the hole and making the wound gush blood. Attack roll: AC d20 +4 (bab) +2 (flank)+2 (charge)=24, damage 1d4 (rapier)3 +2d6 (sneak attack) 4= 7 + 2 points bleed damage beginning next round.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 36/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+5=9 ; d20+5=11 ; Thursday November 13th, 2014 10:05:24 PM
OOC: Welcome to Nikolai's Fist, Michael. :)
IC: Nikolai keeps trying to take the pressure off William and Tinker by targeting the flind between he and Tinker.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 Thursday November 13th, 2014 11:37:11 PM
OOC: Thanks! Looks to be a good group here. Tight knit, effective, just what I was looking for. I..uh..didn't mean to put William in my post...I meant to say Wittman. Freudian slip there...I like playing wizards.
BLESS, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 39/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) d20+7=25 ; d8=8 ; Friday November 14th, 2014 2:57:51 AM
Linden takes a swing at the passing gnoll. (AoO, flanking with Bruagh, hits AC 23 without flank, for 8damage!)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 Friday November 14th, 2014 11:47:35 AM
OOC: could the DM mark the Flind that spoke and hid behind the others to avoid Pru's fire? I think part of our orders were to capture a officer, and that one smells like one to me.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 45/56 (David Feest posting) Friday November 14th, 2014 12:35:36 PM
OOC Good point. See, the replacement soldier is more on top of our mission than us. If that's the case, I think both Flind got hit this turn, Linden may need to stabilize the speaker, kinda quicklike. 8) BTW, any work on Zach returning to resume control of Braugh?
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18 hp 18/23 d20+9=15 d100=3 d100=18 d6+7=9 d20+1=3 Friday November 14th, 2014 1:14:48 PM (Ooc2. 1. William didn't move because I posted from an ipad and it wouldn't move him. sorry for the confusion, but I usually do post from my iPad and cant move using it. I don't see coordinate markers on the map so it's hard for me to tell you which one he goes to. 2. Did you take my mirror images into account for the attacks? They have a 25% chance of hitting each image. I rolled 2 d100's and we'll assume that they both hit an image (first roll was 3 (vs 75-00 to hit me), 2nd was 18 (vs 66-00 to hit me)) so I lose 2 images and have 1 left.))
The earth elemental continues bashing at enemies, hitting the nearest gnoll or hyena (AC 15) for 9 dmg.
Meanwhile, William will throw an acid dart against the nearest gnoll but it misses.. (AC 3)
Ernie (Augmented) = AC 17, hp 17/17, Melee slam +8 (1d6+6), Earth mastery +1 att/dmg if it and its foe are touching ground, 20 speed + earth mastery
DM Ken - Map So Far - Hunted d20=8 ; d20+5=20 ; d20+5=16 ; d20+5=13 ; d20+5=11 ; d8=6 ; d20+11=13 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+11=19 ; d20+11=15 ; d8+9=15 ; d8+9=10 ; d8+9=17 ; Friday November 14th, 2014 4:18:13 PM
The combat seems to be heavily favored the Mailed Fist, especially with the well-timed reinforcements. Prudence sends one Gnoll to the ground, whimpering as it burns to ash. Michael eviscerates another, leaving it twitching on the swamp floor. As the final Gnolls fall, with the sole exception being one whimpering specimen caught in a web spell, Sgt. Carren steps forward and draws his bow.
Three snaps of the string, and both Flinds fall dead.
(Not DM fiat! Flind 1 had 6 damage and took a crit for 25. The other flind had 12 damage at ate 17.)
-- Combat Over--
Carren stares at the Gnolls for a bit, seemingly drawing some great joy from their deaths. A disturbing smile sits on his lips for a moment, before he steps away from the carnage and seeks out Nikolai.
"Well met, Double Fist. I didn't expect a fight when the dress-wearing men at the Keep sent us through to find you and to relieve you in the field here once your mission is done. So whats the situation? Besides the smell, that is."
Carren eyes the burnt corpses and sighs. The rest of his men, fellows you have spent some time with, smile and start saying their hellos.
"I'd assume that's your doing Lance Corporal Grundle. Your legend among young bar maidens will grow yet again."
He looks around and whistles, his eyes resting on the webbed monster for a moment.
"Where are we exactly? The Mages weren't quite sure where we were going, only that you would be there when we arrived."
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor, Bless] (Kathy) Friday November 14th, 2014 6:48:44 PM
Pru brushes aside an errant lock of hair, leaving a sooty smudge on one cheek. "Sergeant Carren," she smiles. "We weren't expecting reinforcements so soon. Hello, Anklebiter," she adds to the halfling member of Carren's Fist.
BLESS, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 39/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) d20+10=11 ; Friday November 14th, 2014 11:29:16 PM
Linden runs around and stabilizes or binds the wounded. (Miserable Heal check. 11) he'll use Orisons to stabilize the more critically wounded.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 45/56 (David Feest posting) Saturday November 15th, 2014 12:18:52 AM
Bruagh starts grabbing the dead gnolls, ones that the cleric can't save and dragging them into a line for searching and post mortem interrogation. Once they are gathered he begins turning out their pockets and kit, looking for clues, rank insignia, maps and anything else useful to the mission.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 d20+10=22 ; Saturday November 15th, 2014 12:54:39 AM
Michael cleans the blood of of his rapier with a scrap of fabric off the dead Gnoll at his feet. He looks up and flashes a broad smile at the comely sorcerer. "Good Evening, Lance Corporal, Hows the weather up there?" He then turns to Sgt Carren. "Sir, Permission to Police the bodies of the Gnolls for Intelligence, sir?"
If he gets permission he starts to gather up all the gnoll weapons, armor, and any other material that they carry and put it in small piles near the center of camp, each pile corresponding to each killed gnoll. While he get it all together he pays attention to things like unit insignia, rank marks, any thing out of the ordinary, Perception roll d20+10=22
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 Saturday November 15th, 2014 1:03:08 AM
He sings a poem while her works.
If you've ever stole a pheasant-egg be'ind the keeper's back, If you've ever snigged the washin' from the line, If you've ever crammed a gander in your bloomin' 'aversack, You will understand this little song o' mine. But the service rules are 'ard, an' from such we are debarred, For the same with Fist morals does not suit. (Cornet: Toot! toot!) W'y, they call a man a robber if 'e stuffs 'is marchin' clobber With the -- (Chorus) Loo! loo! Lulu! lulu! Loo! loo! Loot! loot! loot! Ow the loot! Bloomin' loot! That's the thing to make the boys git up an' shoot! It's the same with dogs an' men, If you'd make 'em come again Clap 'em forward with a Loo! loo! Lulu! Loot! (ff) Whoopee! Tear 'im, puppy! Loo! loo! Lulu! Loot! loot! loot!
If you've knocked a goblin edgeways when 'e's thrustin' for your life, You must leave 'im very careful where 'e fell; An' may thank your stars an' gaiters if you didn't feel 'is knife That you ain't told off to bury 'im as well. Then the sweatin' Tommies wonder as they spade the beggars under Why lootin' should be entered as a crime; So if my song you'll 'ear, I will learn you plain an' clear 'Ow to pay yourself for fightin' overtime. (Chorus) With the loot, . . .
Now remember when you're 'acking round a gilded Burma god That 'is eyes is very often precious stones; An' if you treat a Gnol to a dose o' cleanin'-rod 'E's like to show you everything 'e owns. When 'e won't prodooce no more, pour some water on the floor Where you 'ear it answer 'ollow to the boot (Cornet: Toot! toot!) -- When the ground begins to sink, shove your baynick down the chink, An' you're sure to touch the -- (Chorus) Loo! loo! Lulu! Loot! loot! loot! Ow the loot! . . .
When from 'ouse to 'ouse you're 'unting, you must always work in pairs -- It 'alves the gain, but safer you will find -- For a single man gets bottled on them twisty-wisty stairs, An' a woman comes and clobs 'im from be'ind. When you've turned 'em inside out, an' it seems beyond a doubt As if there weren't enough to dust a flute (Cornet: Toot! toot!) -- Before you sling your 'ook, at the 'ousetops take a look, For it's underneath the tiles they 'ide the loot. (Chorus) Ow the loot! . . .
You can mostly square a Sergint an' a Quartermaster too, If you only take the proper way to go; I could never keep my pickin's, but I've learned you all I knew -- An' don't you never say I told you so. An' now I'll bid good-bye, for I'm gettin' rather dry, An' I see another tunin' up to toot (Cornet: Toot! toot!) -- So 'ere's good-luck to those that wears the Widow's clo'es, An' the Devil send 'em all they want o' loot! (Chorus) Yes, the loot, Bloomin' loot! In the tunic an' the mess-tin an' the boot! It's the same with dogs an' men, If you'd make 'em come again (fff) Whoop 'em forward with a Loo! loo! Lulu! Loot! loot! loot! Heeya! Sick 'im, puppy! Loo! loo! Lulu! Loot! loot! loot!
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18 hp 18/23 Saturday November 15th, 2014 8:01:08 AM
William greets the new fist with relief. as he was in no mood to become a gnoll pincushion... He says hello to those he doesn't know and sends his summoned friend back home, unneeded at this point. He suggests they start searching the gnoll bodies, especially the enemy leaders, and will do so...
AC 17 T13 F14 CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 22/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday November 15th, 2014 4:48:39 PM
Tinker wipes his urgosh of blood and looks about. Sergeant Carren's Fist is taking the perimeter, the little halfling and Braugh is checking for loot and information, and Linden is doing his normal job of taking care of friend and enemy alike (his devotion to Flower strong in the young centaur). Looks like the only job left is to meet up with Sergeants Carren and Nikolai and give a Situation Report.
To the halfling's tune in the background, Tinker moves up and gives a deferential nod. "Hello Sergeant, here's the MET report. Nikolai's Thumb Mission was to find how the gnolls were getting around the Hornfowl area without any word from scouts or troops. We were to find their lairs, capabilities, and maybe capture an officer; no significant engagements. Enemy are five lairs of gnolls, flind leaders, and pens of hyenas. Some leaders are mages and prefer fire spells. Each lair looks to be taken over from other groups; a dwarf mine, an elf tree village and the like. Terrain is all through the swamps. They have found a tree we call a Blood Cypress that if you feed it blood, it will teleport a group to another Blood Cypress. That's how they are getting around. There are also potential allies in a group of Veggie-Pygmies who hate the gnolls. (Tinker pulls out the kewpie doll from his belt) This here makes the VPs friends; that and killing gnolls."
BLESS, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 39/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Sunday November 16th, 2014 12:11:37 AM
Linden will spend a Channel to heal grouped wounded if needed.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 Sunday November 16th, 2014 12:34:12 AM
If one of the Flinds looks like it might can be saved, Michael will call Lindens attention to it. Is anybody taking care of the webbed gnoll?
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 36/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Sunday November 16th, 2014 9:16:12 PM
The battle suddenly ends and Nikolai looks around. He wished he could have kept William and Pru better protected but there were just too many of them. Talk about timing! Sgt. Carron's Fist showed up just in time!
His Fist takes over the clean up and Tinker gives a good concise report. But one gnoll is left hanging, well, rather stuck, in webs.
"We need to knock that gnoll out before those webs expire, in case he's the only one we left alive."
Unless there is a Sleep spell handy, he instructs Linden, Bruagh, and himself to grapple the gnoll as soon as the web expires and Tinker to bind him good and tight.
During this time he thanks Carron and the others for their help. "Thanks for the timely arrival. Things were getting pretty dicey there for a moment. You guys tipped the scales. So what's the news? What's our orders?"
AC 17 T13 F14 CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 22/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Monday November 17th, 2014 6:21:50 PM
Tinker nods and slips out his manacles and lock , ready to snap them on the pinned gnoll.
BLESS, AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 39/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) d20=15 ; Monday November 17th, 2014 7:16:23 PM
Checking.
DM Ken - Map So Far - Hunted Monday November 17th, 2014 9:07:55 PM
Anklebiter mumbles a greeting to Prudence, then goes with Brandon to secure the webbed Gnoll. He can be overheard mumbling.
"Stupid Bliss... shouldn't have left..."
Sgt. Carren nods to Tinkers report, then answers Nikolai.
"Your orders are unchanged. Double Fist is to continue on as assigned per your last communique. You are to fill out your maps, gather as much intel as you can, then report home when complete. Weve been assigned here for a short time to watch over the different warrens in a more typical scouting role. The good captain has seen fit to make these swamps a permanent post based on your information, and scout-type fists will be rotating through here on regular tours for a couple weeks at a time."
He turns to Michael, watching the Halfing as he hums.
"Then there's that one. Captain Palance assigned him to me for training and eventual placement into your unit, now that you've lost both Cameron and Bliss. I don't know if you knew that or not in your 9 days you've been gone, but both are permanent losses Nikolai. Carver too. Cameron had some sort of strange religious epiphany out here, and has dedicated himself to Jancaissis. An eye of Gargul showed up around the same time and bought out both he and Carvers contracts."
He hands Nikolai a docket that seems to contain information on Michael.
"He didn't need my training. He has a background in shadow-work, and while probably not as gifted a scout as Cameron or stealthy as Bliss, he's a fair mix. For personality, it's a bit strange. Add 1 part Halfling and 1 part depressed poet. Good luck with him. We can camp with you tonight if you need, or we can part ways now."
The Fist was making camp when they heard their foes approaching, it will be dark soon...
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 Monday November 17th, 2014 9:49:00 PM
OCC: A depressed poet would quote Sylvia Plath, or Emily Dickinson some such nonsense. Only true warriors understand the nuance and passion that is Rudyard Kipling.
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor, Bless] (Kathy) Monday November 17th, 2014 10:07:22 PM
Pru isn't much use tying up or interrogating prisoners, so she stands aside and lets the others work. On hearing Sergeant Carren talk about their new member, she turns and smiles at the halfling.
"I guess we're working together now," she says. "Prudence Gundle. It's good to meet you."
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 45/56 (David Feest posting) Monday November 17th, 2014 11:04:13 PM " William, can you explain to him that if he struggles when the webs go away, I will remove parts of him that we don't need to interrogate him, but leave him capable of answering questions"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 21 Tch 21 Ffted 18 HP 36/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Monday November 17th, 2014 11:15:56 PM
OOC: I'm surprised Michael doesn't quote Walt Wittman: "I am as bad as the worst, but, thank God, I can get even worse than that."
Just kidding, the real quote, from Walt Whitman: "I am as bad as the worst, but, thank God, I am as good as the best."
:}
IC: Nikolai salutes Stg. Carren, he is a superior officer, and replies, "Thank you sir! The reinforcement is very welcome." and takes the docket. "I'll look this over tonight. Which, by the way, it would be best for your Fist stay with us tonight. Not only can we mount a better watch in case the gonlls come 'a knocking again, I need to go over the map with you and give you a detailed layout of the swamp as much as we have seen. We also need to fill you in on the vegepygmies up north, who we've befriended on account of our mutual enemy, the gnolls. We'll make a copy of the map tonight too, for your use. You'll also need to know how to use the Blood Root, just in case you have a fancy of instantaneous travel.
We were setting up camp when we had our visitors, so let us finish cleaning up this mess, discuss what to do with prisoners, eat something and get some rest. Tomorrow, we part ways.
So, how does Captain Palance expect us to get a prisoner back to her?"
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 Tuesday November 18th, 2014 9:24:22 AM
OCC: how about Chris Claremont, 'I'm the best there is at what I do, but what I do isn't very nice."[/b}
Michael Drops the last of the loot onto the last pile. He walks up to Prudence. [b]"I'm Michael Wittman, I guess I'll be your new team mate. Nice to meet you"
He bows.
"Sorry for the song, I guess it's a stress response, the fighting just gets my blood up its so exciting...it makes me so happy I sometimes burst into song."
"I'm not a poet, I just know a lot of obscure literary references that have no relevance to anything in the world but the most general." Also I'm not depressed, I'm twisted...there's a difference. He smiles
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18 hp 18/23 Tuesday November 18th, 2014 2:09:07 PM
William smiles at their new members, especially the literary warrior. He'd glad to have more martial types now too.
He'll gladly translate the messages to the gnoll, putting the right amount of threats in it to get it to comply..
DM Ken - Map So Far - Hunted Tuesday November 18th, 2014 7:06:29 PM
While the Flinds are all beyond help, Linden feels he could save another Gnoll and a Hyena, if he was so inclined. While stripping the bodies of armor, shield, and weapon, William doesn't find anything denoting rank to any of those defeated or alive. Other than the Flinds strange weapons (Exotic Weapon: 1d8 damage with the disarm special rule), there is nothing especially valuable.
Cameron nods at Nikolais suggestion, giving Turley and Anklebiter a few orders to handle their gear.
"Strangest thing, we had two more members lined up for you, but once they learned where you were.. one had an appendix burst and the other snatched an assignment to a far off swamp port infested with the Woldian League of Adventurers."
Getting his gear in order, he gets back around to Nikolais other question.
"You are heading home over-land. With these Blood-Cypress, you should get back to civilization pretty quickly. I've brought you another sending scroll, use it on your way home and some men with extra horses will meet you. Officer treatment for Agents, if I say so myself."
Carren leaves his men at Nikolais disposal, and the night passes without event. In the early morning, the last watchstander observes Carrens Fist waking quietly, making their packs, and heading out with the copied map.
Double Fist now gets to choose their next destination and what to do with the current prisoner.
AC 17 T13 F14 CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 22/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=24 ; d20+9=16 ; Tuesday November 18th, 2014 8:04:47 PM
The brown haired and bearded dwarf meets Michael around the campfire and dinner. "Daemar Torvalsson, Lance Corporal. " he says by way of introduction. "Everyone in the Fist calls me Tinker. And twisted will fit you in just fine."
Helping about the camp, taking his turn at watch in the dark of night to maximize his darksight. In the morning, he waits for Nikolai's or and takes the lead, scouting for the Fist to thief next destination.
Perception 24
Stealth. 16
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) 2d6=10 ; Tuesday November 18th, 2014 8:05:42 PM
Linden doesn't push the healing foes. He knows that it bothers most of the Fist, so he simply sticks to stablizing them. The pibald centaur cleric of Flower busily trots around the field. Being busy with healing, Linden only nods to the new faces and moves on to the injured among Nikolais Fist, William, Bruagh, Tinker and himself (and anyone else within it). "Into the circle." Dragging William, Tinker and Bruagh by the arm and uses a channel to group heal. (All in the circle heal 10 hps)
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor, Bless] (Kathy) Tuesday November 18th, 2014 10:14:26 PM
Pru is glad to be heading back, and hopes that they acquitted themselves adequately on their assignment. True, they hadn't captured an officer. But Pru remembers how difficult it was to even make the quick trip with their few captives. She isn't sorry to have missed slogging through the swamp with a cunning gnoll officer in tow!
In the morning, she packs up her gear and makes ready to move with the rest of the Fist.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+11=15 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+9=19 ; Tuesday November 18th, 2014 11:21:14 PM
Nikolai thanks Linden for the healing and then helps get camp organized. He tells Sgt. Carron that his Fist is welcome to any of the gear from the gnolls they want.
He spends a good hour going over the lay of the land, the Blood Root groves and how they work, the different gnoll warrens they've come across and so forth.
"To the north there's these vegepymies. Although they are allies, so to speak, be very cautious, because there is this fungus that they carry that can infect you and then who-knows-what will happen to you.
After Sgt Carron is all caught up and has a copy of the map, Nikolai introduces himself to their new Fist member. "Michael Wittman, welcome to Nikolai's Fist. I'm Nikolai. I was chosen to be the Thumb of this Fist, like Sgt. Carron was chosen to be the Thumb of his fist. Thus, the Fist is named after the Thumb. Which means I give the orders. But I'm not a hard-nosed drill sergeant and we here all respect each other's different skill sets. Basically, all it means that when a decision needs to be made, I make it, and take the responsibility for it. Good job in gathering up all that stuff. Pick out what you want, and what we don't want, we'll destroy. Now help with making camp and we'll talk later."
Nikolai is a half elf of average height and wears the Mailed Fist uniform as do the others, but wears no armor and his weapons are meager in comparison to the warriors in the Fist, hey are monk weapons. He wears an oddly colored monk belt.
Nikolai gives his fare-wells to Sgt Carron's Fist and then gets his Fist ready to move out.
"We still have that area to the east to explore. It is in the direction of our original Blood Root tree so once we finish that area, we can finally head home. So East it is. Tinker, do your scouting and we'll follow as usual."
Heading east - Perception +11 = 15 Stealth +9 = 21 Survival (tracking) looking for fresh tracks +9 = 19
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 d20+15=31 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+2=6 ; Wednesday November 19th, 2014 12:29:31 AM
Michael engages the rest of the agents in any conversation they wish to have. He discusses lock and trap theory and design with Tinker, flirts with Pru in a friendly good natured way, and asks William about planar travel and summoningThese are his team mates now, and his life may one day depend upon his knowledge of them, and their knowledge of him. He volunteers for first watch, reasoning that they having slogged through the swamp all day may be tired and eager to hit the sack. In the morning he offers to split scouting duties with whoever is on point, and when not scouting ahead is paying attention to whats going on behind, covering the more obvious signs of our passage and looking out for tails and forage. Stealth d20+15=31, perception d20+10=26, survival d20+2=6.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 45/56 (David Feest posting) d20=5 ; Wednesday November 19th, 2014 1:49:06 PM
Bruagh stows his gear and follows with the 'loud' group, leaving the scouting to the scouts. Perception 5
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18 hp 18/23 Wednesday November 19th, 2014 1:58:45 PM
William helps prepare the campsite for the night and enjoys getting to know their new teammates. He of course likes discussing summoning and planar travel,as well as Michaels background and experience.
He asks if he can go first or last on watch so he can have enough time to memorize his spells
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Wednesday November 19th, 2014 6:43:57 PM
OOC: Ken, your PC has been healed. William is a-ok. Just a reminder. All the Fist are healed.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 Wednesday November 19th, 2014 6:51:12 PM
OCC: can we get a list of the loot we got of the Flinds and Gnolls?
"you know, with the gnolls infiltrating to the south, a beach head if you will, in order to relieve population pressures in the North. it would seem prudent to conduct a raid to the north. This will force them to pull back their troops south and,...erm...heh..heh..also we can help to "relieve" some of that population pressure as well.
A well conducted raid, could also erode support for this "prophet"
Ohhh..ohh. we also need to get a cutting or some seeds from one of these blood cypress trees, If we could get one growing at each of our outposts, suitably secured and defended of course, just think of what a logistical and support force multiplier it would be.
AC 17 T13 F14 CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 22/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=16 ; d20+9=10 ; Wednesday November 19th, 2014 7:25:46 PM
Tinker keeps many thoughts to himself, mostly about Carver, Cameron, and Bliss. He hopes his shield-brothers are healthy and well. He is glad C&Cs contracts were bought out and hopes Bliss is not in a dungeon somewhere or worse.
The dwarf listens to Michael and shakes his head. "Not in the job to raid the northern swamp. We're here under orders to gauge a future potential enemy. We'll fight the gnolls if someone pays us to fight the gnolls "
Tinker doesn't have a very good poker face. While he said the correct mercenary thing to say, his face says he wouldn't hesitate to jump in front of an innocent if the situation warrented.
Perception 16
Stealth 10 (and glad there is no auto failure for skill checks)
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor, Bless] (Kathy) Wednesday November 19th, 2014 10:12:37 PM
"The trees require a substantial amount of blood in order to operate," Pru tells Michael. "They're less convenient than they seem at first."
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 45/56 (David Feest posting) Wednesday November 19th, 2014 10:42:03 PM " The butcher at the cook shed probably kills a cow or two a day to keep the Citadel and the other outposts fed. There would be plenty of blood to make the thing thrive and to move troops and such when needed. Problem is we don't have the knowledge of how to create them or maintain them or link them."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 Wednesday November 19th, 2014 11:54:47 PM Sure, Sure. it's above my pay grade to be planning Strategy, but I think a word in the right ear might not be too out of line. I mean whoever is paying us to walk around in this swamp looking for dog men, prolly has a vested interest in this area. If it costs too much to run them all out of here, it might be more cost effective to send us up north.
does the fist have Druids in it's employ? I'm not a mage or nuthin, but it can be figured out right?
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 d20+15=30 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+2=8 ; Wednesday November 19th, 2014 11:56:04 PM
stealth, perception and survival 30, 15 and 8
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Thursday November 20th, 2014 12:07:48 AM
Nikolai has to smile a bit at their newby's enthusiasm, much like their own when they first started.
"Michael, your ideas are noble and perhaps worth mentioning to Captain Palance, if you wish. Actually, the only reason we are here is because these swamps are close enough to the town of Hornfowl. The town was experiencing gnoll attacks and they paid the Mailed Fist to help fight them off. The Mailed Fist felt it was a good idea to find out more about these gnolls as future clients might be wanting the same help.
Turns out, the northern swamps are much, much bigger and so far, no gnoll raids have come from there. That's not saying no one will go scouting, just that this southern swamp is the source of raids right now.
As far as the Fist is concerned, we don't care a hill of beans who's behind it nor that there are gnolls here, just as long as they stay put here.
A small group like ours tromping in the swamp is one thing. A whole army in a swamp is another altogether that the Mailed Fist will not chose to do unless it truly is an emergency or backed by a huge pile of gold. Charity doesn't make money and soldiers have to get paid or they leave. You learn that pretty quick."
DM Ken - Map So Far - Hunted d100=20 ; d100=85 ; d100=30 ; d100=68 ; Thursday November 20th, 2014 12:35:14 AM
(Sorry for the late post.)
Loot list -
2 Flindbars
10 sets of poor quality scale mail
10 large wooden shields
10 assorted hand weapons
10 javelins
2 hyena carcasses
---------------------------------
The first few days of travel posses no real trouble. No further patrols seem to be tracking you from either direction. It's likely the patrol you found was random in nature and you were unlucky for the Hyenas to have found your scent.
As evening begins to fall on the fourth night, which by the estimations of your scouts put you only a couple of hours away from the central warren when morning falls, your camp notices a strange sight. Through the dusk, coming from the direction of the main warren, are a thin procession of dimly glowing lights. From time to time the lights pause or circle, before bobbing on again through the darkness.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 (David Feest posting) d20=5 ; Thursday November 20th, 2014 12:53:29 AM
Fixed my header. Perception 5 Bruagh sees nothing but swamp, lights, what lights? Bruagh is not so gentle as Nikolai. He doesn't mean to be rude, but he is blunt in his mannerisms. Some part of 'mercenary' is escaping the halfling's notice. " We were sent here to recon the gnolls because they were a sizable force, much larger than previously reported, within a couple days march of HOME. Any army that didn't do that wouldn't be around long. While we had the scouts with us, we were recon only, unless someone got trigger happy and shot a sentry. When that happened we wiped them out in detail. Their leaders retreated so they darn sure know they aren't alone in the swamp. In a nutshell that is the situation up to now. We get cornered and can't hide, we drop them, because getting caught means slavery or the stew pot. I for one am not going out as some gnoll's lunch. The Knight Captain wants to know how much of a threat they are, and how to neutralize them if, and when someone hires us to do it. As far as she is concerned they can strip and burn this whole countryside so long as they don't threaten the Citadel. If no one is paying, they get a free ride. Someone coughs up some coin or they threaten the Citadel she will put an end to them the fastest way possible. We are here to find that fastest way. Probably won't even BE our Fist that does the exterminating."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 d20+15=33 ; d20+15=21 ; d20+10=23 ; Thursday November 20th, 2014 1:16:26 AM
OOC. Didnt mean to hit d20+15 twice. Rolls are stealth and perception.
Tryin to sneak closer to the lights to see whats going on, yet stay out of sight.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 Thursday November 20th, 2014 9:00:02 AM
Oh and I'll take 2 of the javelins and flense the hide for the hyena that was beat to death and take it too.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18 hp 23/23 d20+6=7 ; d20+8=22 ; Thursday November 20th, 2014 12:19:26 PM
William is converted about what the lights could mean and he tries to remember if he has heard about what they might be... Could it be a magical creature like a will o wisp or maybe a party of enemies...?
Either way, he'll cast Mage armor just in case...
Know nature? 22 Perc? 7
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor, Bless] (Kathy) Thursday November 20th, 2014 5:56:32 PM
"Looks like they're on the move," Pru says, watching the lights. "We'd better report in as soon as we can. I don't like the look of this."
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 Thursday November 20th, 2014 5:57:43 PM
you know, scratch that. Instead of going in on my own, I'll tell the rest of the crew about the lights and let them decide if they want to send me in or not.
AC 17 T13 F14 CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 22/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=19 ; d20+9=14 ; Thursday November 20th, 2014 7:36:35 PM
Ooc: is sergeant Carren and Braugh still with the group?
Tinker frowns in the gathering dusk, he can't figure out if the lights look like a search party looking for them or something else. Finally he makes a decision.
"Looks like a ceremony, good chance to see some leaders. Me and Michael can go check it out."
Tinker doesn't move until Nikolai gives the word.
Perception 19
Stealth 14
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+11=19 ; d20+5=7 ; Thursday November 20th, 2014 9:46:24 PM
Once everyone has taken what they want from the gnoll gear (Nikolai takes a Flindbar himself), he has the remaining gear destroyed.
Perc +11 (do the lights flicker like torches, etc.) = 19 Knowledge (Nature) +5 = 7
Nikolai squints into the dimming light. "We can't presume anything. Could be some ritual or could be some swamp trick. If it were some ritual, though, you'd think there'd be some drums perhaps, or hooting 'n hollering, or some other such singing type thing.
However, we need to find a decent camp sight before it is too dark. If it is the gnolls, they'll still be there half an hour from now. If it isn't, then it'll just remain a mystery. Our security comes first.
On the other hand, If Tinker can find us again, he can keep an eye on them while we find a place to make camp."
So Nikolai instructs the Fist to look for a place to make camp, but gives Tinker permission to watch the lights and have a report for their journal just as long as he is sure he can find the Fist again.
DM Ken - Map So Far - Hunted d20+11=29 ; Thursday November 20th, 2014 10:08:06 PM
Michael, who is immediately proving useful, has no issues leading the group to a secure, dry, and defensible camping spot.
It is from this place that the lights were first observed. Nikolai watches the patterns and is quite sure that he is watching torchlight at play, though the lack of sound is curious. Who knows what sort of rituals occur among the denizens of the cursed swamp, or what sort of victims they leave behind?
As of now, Nikolai gives permission to Tinker, who also takes Michael along. However, since a secure camp is already a given, perhaps Nikolai wishes to modify his orders?
----------------------------
If you investigate, we need stealth and perception rolls from each member who is doing so.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 (David Feest posting) Thursday November 20th, 2014 11:38:46 PM
Bruagh checks the edge on his axe and waits for Tinker to return with news, or start screaming and running back with angry gnolls in tow. Either way he keeps his gear packed, so that he can move out if it is called for.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Friday November 21st, 2014 12:46:09 AM
OOC. Tinker is entirely healed!!
Linden moves along with the group, watching the newcomer and gauging his skills.
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18 hp 23/23 Friday November 21st, 2014 9:06:26 AM
William waits patiently for the group to g o and investigate the strange torches... He's prepared to summon help if needed...
AC 17 T13 F14 CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Tinker takes Nikolai's answer as a go and takes a little time in sticking a couple swamp plants to his hat and beard and smearing mud on his face and hands. Then the hopefully camouflaged dwarf slinks through the swamp slowly sneaking up on the lights.
Survival to camouflage 6
Stealth 15
Perception 15
d20+2=6 ; d20+9=15 ; d20+9=15 ; Friday November 21st, 2014 6:50:49 PM
Posted up
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor, Bless] (Kathy) Friday November 21st, 2014 8:56:37 PM
Pru watches the stealthy group depart, offering prayers to Ffloy for a successful mission.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 d20+15=23 ; d20+10=24 ; d20+5=12 ; Friday November 21st, 2014 10:10:45 PM
Michaels travelling cloak is dark green, he pulls it around him and sticks some leaves into the weave to break it up against the night. He joins up with Tinker. He whispers.
"you want to advance, cover me as I advance then I'll cover you as you advance. Listen close, if I see something I'll croak like a frog or something. you do the same for me".
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) d20+3=6 ; Friday November 21st, 2014 11:56:24 PM
"I can cover you Wittman." The cleric takes out his crossbow and fumbles with a bolt. But he readies to use a SacBond instead. (Perception 6, with lousy rolls like this you'd think he was still using pipe weed and wine!! Sheesh)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Saturday November 22nd, 2014 12:03:35 AM
With a defensible campsite so easily found, he allows the excited newby, Michael, to join Tinker in the scouting trip to the strange lights.
"We can't all go. If indeed if is something we need to interfere with, those two can tell us."
So Tinker and Michael go snooping on the strange lights while the rest remain vigilant at the campsite.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Saturday November 22nd, 2014 2:53:32 AM
"You got it, sir." The cleric stays with Nikolai. "Is there anything I can do?" A bit of the old quirky enthusiasm pokes through the cleric's recently stoic demeanor.
AC 17 T13 F14 CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20-1=16 ; Saturday November 22nd, 2014 8:03:09 AM
Tinker nods. Two scouts and leap-frogging will really help with the sneaking part. Tinker practices croaking like a frog with Michael so both of them know each other's sounds apart from a regular frog or toad in the swamp. Surprisingly, Tinker sounds pretty good! :-)
Bluff to sound like a frog - 16
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 Saturday November 22nd, 2014 6:56:11 PM " Arrg... I cannot remember what the called it in basic, advancing by columns? no...Leapfrogging? closer. it will allow us to support each other while we close on the adjective. Jeeze, my Drill Sargent would kick my butt for forgetting this."
ooc; can teamwork rules be used to give a bonus to stealth checks?
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 d20+6=24 ; Saturday November 22nd, 2014 6:58:05 PM
bluff to sound like a frog d20+6=24
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 (David Feest posting) Saturday November 22nd, 2014 10:07:47 PM
Bruagh just shakes his head while he watches the two scouts figure out how to advance silently. 8)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 Saturday November 22nd, 2014 10:30:41 PM you know, usually we quiet guys have to put up with you normal types walking around sounding like you are carrying bags of silverware over your shoulders...and shaking them! Alemi Forgive if on one of the rare times TWO people who understand the meaning of "stealth" get together and have to figure out how we can be even more stealthy!
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 (David Feest posting) Sunday November 23rd, 2014 3:20:29 AM " Domi's britches lad, they'll be gone by the time you guys get there" Bruagh grumbles. Bruagh smiles on the inside. These guys didn't give him half the hazing he had expected when HE was the new guy. It takes a dwarf to get it right it seems.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Sunday November 23rd, 2014 7:57:07 PM
OOC: we discussed the use of Teamwork Feats early on. It would be the exception since Teamwork Feats are in the APG, which we don't use, except on certain PTB (Powers That Be) approval. For our campaign, Teamwork Feats would be very helpful and would make sense as we trained together in the Mailed Fist for several years. At yet we've got no work on the subject. And then there's when Players drop out or are added.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 Monday November 24th, 2014 12:59:53 AM
OOC: Military training keys on the principle of consistency. I don't know what kind of bonus would be appropriate but, I think we should get something. I will, of course, submit to the will of the DM in this matter.
DM Ken - Map So Far - Hunted d20=12 ; Monday November 24th, 2014 2:06:59 PM
(Perception 29)
Tinker and Michael advance towards the procession of lights, which takes a little less time than they would have estimated. The torches lead on, staying somewhat on pace of your stealthed movement.
When you finally draw within 100 or so feet of them, you notice that the torches are not being carried, but rather seem to be floating. Even more queer, is what the lights are doing..
"... a frog.."
Straining to hear, its as if the lights repeat themselves for your benefit.
".. Ribbit like a frog.. like a frog.."
Sudden realization sets in. They knew you were there, and they even heard your whispered plans..
"RIBBIT RIBBIT! RUN FROG. RUN!"
The glowing orbs change colors, flickering from white to red to green. The sail smoothly through the swamp, ducking trees and obstacles and directly towards Tinker and Michael! Slowly at first, then suddenly in a rush, the three orbs come within a hairs breadth of Tinker and ..
Vanish.
AC 17 T13 F14 CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=27 ; Monday November 24th, 2014 5:29:48 PM
Tinker follows the lights, hears the lights and is rather startled when they charge and disappear.
He tries to think about any reason why they would do that, but Tinker was never one for boring study.
"Ummm, we better get back, quick".
Ignoring stealth, Tinker leads they way back to the Fist, trying to make sure to follow the path they took to get here. "Don't want any ghosts around", he growls to himself.
Perception. 27
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor, Bless] (Kathy) Monday November 24th, 2014 5:41:59 PM
Pru ties to settle down and tend to ordinary camp tasks, but she is tense and jittery--and will probably remain so until the scouts are safely back in camp.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Monday November 24th, 2014 6:32:07 PM
The burden of leadership means Nikolai must trust in his scouts. Not their abilities, but their wisdom. And he must continue doing the normal order of things at the same time. So he busies himself locating good watch spots, detailing the watch and latrine duty, and so forth.
From his point of view, if it is not gnolls, and if it is something that could cause the gnolls some grief, might as well leave it alone unless they are directly threatened. He'll know more what to do when the scouts return...
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 (David Feest posting) d20+1=16 ; d20+8=9 ; Monday November 24th, 2014 6:34:10 PM
Bruagh watches the lights, then sees them freeze and all move in one direction together, then disappear. " That's probably not good. Look sharp, scouts coming in." Bruagh readies his axe in case something is chasing them. If it is he will swing at it. Perception 16 Readied attack misses, natural 1
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 d20+10=23 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+10=14 ; Monday November 24th, 2014 7:02:19 PM
Hair standing in end Michael beats feet back to camp. The weirdness and spooky fear starting the familiar buzz he loves so much within him. He has to stifle and laugh, from fear or fierce joy, maybe both, he never knows which. His eyes keep Tinkers back in veiw as he runs, but also checks his surroundings for signs of followers.
OOC: sorry bout the rolls, the screen would not refresh and I got impatient perception= d20+10=23
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) d20+3=21 ; Monday November 24th, 2014 7:20:29 PM
Perception 21
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Monday November 24th, 2014 8:32:59 PM
OOC: Sometimes there is a lag when you hit the die roller. If after a 30sec or a minute it still isn't back, submit anyway and it may be already there.
DM Ken - Map So Far - Hunted Tuesday November 25th, 2014 11:26:05 AM
The pair make it back to camp, harassed most of the way by fluttering lights of red, blue, white and green. There is no real pattern or reason, other than the slow fade of color in the otherwise dark night.
When at camp, the creatures, whatever they were, seem to have become silent. Back in the swamp, the two scouts could felt a palpable aura of malevolence coming from those glowing orbs. There is no mistake, they were not benign in nature.
Please list the first watch, who is up and who is sleeping.
AC 17 T13 F14 CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+9=14 ; Tuesday November 25th, 2014 4:04:53 PM
Tinker is going to have a hard time sleeping. He relates to the Fist what he felt, the malevolence and the worry that he couldn't fight lights or ghosts. The dwarf is glad to hear the halfling had a similar experience. As dumb as it feels to withdraw from little lights, the Mailed Fist instructors had plenty of stories of mercenaries who ignored their instincts and paid the price.
Tinker isn't looking to become one of them.
The dwarf plans on being mid watch once more to make use of his dark vision.
Perception. 14
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) d20+2=3 ; d20+6=21 ; Tuesday November 25th, 2014 6:53:40 PM
(untrained Know Nature 3, Know Religion 21)
"Those lights. Likely spirits curious about Tinker. Dwarf in a swamp.... must be odd to them." The centaur smirks, but draws and loads his cross bow all the same.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 d20+4=14 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+4=22 ; d3=1 ; 2d6=10 ; Tuesday November 25th, 2014 8:11:16 PM
Michael corroborates Tinkers story. Looks thoughtful for a moment. Walks over to Nicholas, motions for him to bend down, and whispers in his ear. Will o' Wisp, be ready . he then says loudly with a quaver in his voice, to the rest of the crew. Gods!, when they started flashing the horrible, horrible red color I thought i was going to die of fright! . He picks up a stick (improvised weapon) and looks around, afraid. OOC: hoping to draw one of them out close to me where I can hit him with the improvised weapon feat, so my rolls are perform d20+4= 14, perception d20+10 if one appears to hit AC 22. If hit improvised club (d3=1+2d6=10)=11
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 Tuesday November 25th, 2014 8:32:05 PM
If nothing happens I will take first watch. Too hyped up to sleep just now.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 (David Feest posting) Tuesday November 25th, 2014 8:58:12 PM " Dwarven ruins not that far from here, occupied by Gnolls right now. More like hungry spirits than curious from the sound of their tale. Since I wouldn't notice anything smaller than a giant walking into camp I'll watch with Tinker, since he can notice things better'n me. At least I can see in the dark."
Prudence Gundle [AC 18; HP 39/39] [Mage Armor, Bless] (Kathy) Tuesday November 25th, 2014 11:20:25 PM
On hearing the scouts' account, Pru casts a quick Detect Magic and scans the direction they came from, looking for magical auras.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+11=30 ; Tuesday November 25th, 2014 11:58:20 PM
Nikolai nods at Michael as the passes on what he thinks the lights are.
"They certainly wanted a reaction out of you two and got one. I'll note this oddity down in our journal for the Captain to study. The thing to remember is not loose focus of our mission. Going off chasing strange lights that are not gnollish in nature would do just that."
Nikolai volunteers to keep watch with their new companion. He asks Linden to help keep watch with the two mages.
Perception +11 = 30
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) d20+3=20 ; Wednesday November 26th, 2014 5:33:27 AM
"You got it boss." (Perception 20)
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18 hp 23/23 d20+8=19 ; d20+6=21 ; Wednesday November 26th, 2014 12:48:54 PM
William will take last watch so he has time to prep his spells...
He'll also try to remember what he knowns about these strange lights... Know nature - 19
Perc = 21
DM Ken - Map So Far - Hunted d20=11 ; d20=19 ; d20=3 ; 2d8=7 ; 2d8=6 ; 2d8=10 ; Wednesday November 26th, 2014 7:00:37 PM
Prudence, thinking to catch the aura of magic that tell-tales invisibility spells, casts detect magic and scans the camp. She is thorough, but detects nothing.
Others try to recall what they can about swamp denizens, monsters, and spirits. Perhaps however, the knowledge lies in a different discipline?
Knowledge Dungeoneering, DC 16
Highlight to display spoiler: {Will o the Wisp
These creatures are both curious and malevolent. Intelligent beings, they seem to feed on emotions of fear, suffering, and stress. Though they seem to be spirits they are not actually undead, but violent aberrations of magic. They possess many inherent abilities, inlcuding flight, natural invisibilty not tied to magic, and a shocking discharge. They have been known to stalk a target for several days, constantly feeding upon its emotions until delivering the unfortunate target to its doom.}
Watches are assigned and a team of Nikolai, Michael, and Tinker get ready while their friends head to bed.
Keen eyes watch their surroundings, and the only sounds are the turning of Williams spell book and the loud sleeping breaths of their centaur companion. Nearly simultaneously, the shouts of those not on watch can be heard!
Prudence - 7 electric damage William - 6 electric damage Linden - 10 electric damage
Only the subtle gusting of wind and the slight movement of camp gear gives any clue to the attacks, until a swirling of colors briefly flashes red and green, hovering 20ft above the camp.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 (David Feest posting) d20+1=8 ; Wednesday November 26th, 2014 7:39:38 PM "Huh, odd it didn't hurt me. Guess I'm lucky." Perception 8
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) d20+5=20 ; Wednesday November 26th, 2014 9:58:48 PM
Knowledge Dungeoneering +5 = 20
The sudden discharge of electricity brings Nikolai to sound the alarm. The lights suddenly appear but are too high for him to attack. Now that they are up close and he's seen them attack, he remembers a story from his childhood told by some of his father's cavalry regiment. They thought they were chasing the enemy but never could quite catch up with them. When they realized they were lost, the lights came back to harass them as they tried to find their way back to the rest of the regiment.They almost lost their wits but fortune would have it that they came upon a scouting patrol and found their way back.
Nikolai remembers that they found out later that the lights were a strange aberration called Will o' the Wisps.
"You were right, Michael. These are those pesky Will o' the Wisp. My father's regiment friends once told me about them. I remember now that they said that these things feed on emotions such as fear, despair, anger, and so forth.
So, if you can help it, don't show any emotion and they might go away. Otherwise, how to kill them I'm not sure. I don't remember my father's friends mentioning ever fighting them.
Nikolai stands ready do dodge one if it comes close.
"A good bardic song might come in handy. A jovial, happy one maybe?"
Prudence Gundle [AC 14; HP 32/39] (Kathy) Wednesday November 26th, 2014 11:06:33 PM
Pru is jolted rudely awake. "Ow!" she yells. "Rye, stop it! Oh."
She peers up at the hovering globes. "Magic Missile will hurt most things," she remarks. "Should I try one?"
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 d20+8=20 ; d6=6 ; Thursday November 27th, 2014 12:01:37 AM
Michael loads a bullet into his staff sling and attempts to hit one of the lights. sling d20+8=20. if hit damage is 1d6=6
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) 2d6=11 ; Thursday November 27th, 2014 5:56:49 AM
Linden immediately pops off a channel energy to heal himself, Pru and William. (Heals 11 on Linden, Pru and Will)
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 Thursday November 27th, 2014 9:08:19 AM Shoot that thang!
AC 17 T13 F14 CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) d20+2=18 ; d4=4 ; Thursday November 27th, 2014 1:35:49 PM
Tinker growls low in his throat. The lights are back and they need a defense! The dwarf picks up a branch and flings it into the sky at the lights. "Go away, ya hear? We ain't a scared of ya!"
Privately, the dwarf is worried. How do they fight lights?
Spontaneous weapon. AC 18. Damage. 4. (Taking -4 to hit for the log and assuming it is like a club)
William the Courageous (Ken) AC 18 hp 23/23 Thursday November 27th, 2014 4:07:50 PM
William is literally shocked out of sleep but his burns are healed by his companions spell... He ducks behind the nearest log to get cover...
He summons an air elemental to appear near these creatures, hoping that it's air mastery or whirlwind will help stop the wisps...
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 16 Ffted 13 HP 38/38 CMD 20/22(Grapple) Thursday November 27th, 2014 5:51:38 PM
Nikolai is not sure, but it would seem that showing anger and attacking them is about as bad as showing fear and running from them.
"This is an order that sounds strange to your ears, but by all means, don't attack them, nor hide from them, nor run or stand defiant. You must purge yourselves of all emotion towards them or anything else. Try to put your mind somewhere else and let Serenity Now take the place of your emotions."
With that said, Nikolai tries to do as he preaches and puts his mind in a serene place back home.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 (David Feest posting) Thursday November 27th, 2014 9:13:16 PM
Bruagh follows orders. He rolls over and falls back asleep.
AC 17 T13 F14 CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Friday November 28th, 2014 4:38:29 PM
Serenity? " easy for you, Nikolai, with a your meditation training, but the only ones who were attCked were the Fist asleep and not thinking about the lights. "
Still, Tinker tries to think about something else, pulling out his locks and practicing openi g and closing the set endlessly.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Saturday November 29th, 2014 12:15:23 AM
OOC. Hoping everyone had a good Thanksgiving. Checking in.
Prudence Gundle [AC 14; HP 32/39] (Kathy) Saturday November 29th, 2014 12:56:37 AM
Pru tries to calm herself, reaching for comfort from the gods. She whispers a prayer, learned at her mother's knee, calling on each of the gods in turn for help and guidance. She thinks she feels better afterward.
AC 17 T13 F14 CMD 18 (22 Bull Rush or Trip); HP 34/34 "Tinker" (SteveK) Saturday November 29th, 2014 9:20:11 AM
The locks absorb Tinker's attention, the feel, the heft, the musical click she. His lock picks touch just right and springs the lock...
The dwarf's world reduces to the mechanical devices and his ability to defeat the puzzle.
Shane P Michael Wittman AC18, T16, FF13 (ucdodge) HP37/37 Me +4, R+8, CMB+7, CMD+13 Saturday November 29th, 2014 11:10:15 PM
Michael is confused by his superiors order. He frowns. This is his peace, the fight, the struggle the buzz. Still there were other times in his life when he felt...not the buzz but something different. Warmth, quietness, the times when he was between missions and played with the masters daughters, singing them songs and having tea parties with stuffed animals. The times when he and the other soldiers drank and sang songs to the memories of lost comrades. Death comes to all things, one day it will come for him and all will be quiet. He wonders if his comrades will sing songs for him. Unbidden his lips open and an old song from another place and time issues forth...
Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling From glen to glen, and down the mountain side The summer's gone, and all the roses falling It's you, it's you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow It's I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so.
But when ye come, and all the flowers are dying If I am dead, as dead I well may be Ye'll come and find the place where I am lying And kneel and say an ave there for me.
And I shall hear, though soft you tread above me And all my grave will warmer, sweeter be For you will bend and tell me that you love me And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me.
with the last syllables come forth, he has found the stillness, the quiet place, not peace, but at least a center from which he can look out at his enemies, obedient to his orders, death warm, with out the buzz.
Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/12/20 -- CMD 19/23 -- HP 56/56 (David Feest posting) Sunday November 30th, 2014 4:27:09 PM
Bruagh snores contentedly.
AC 19 w/shield, TAC 11, FFAC 15, (CMD 16, CMB 4), HPS 41/41 Linden, the Returned (Jay B) Sunday November 30th, 2014 10:33:34 PM
Ooc. Monday post.
DM Ken - Map So Far - Hunted d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d20=13 ; d20=20 ; d20=9 ; d20=2 ; 2d6=5 ; 4d6=14 ; 2d6=4 ; Monday December 1st, 2014 11:56:42 AM
The Will o' Wisps remain invisible, and Nikolai gives his Fist orders to maintain calm and peace as best as possible.
Michael begins a song, Tinker fiddles with a lock, Pru seeks the gods, Braugh goes back to sleep.
Each in their own way, find peace and tranquility, and whether they are gone or just watching, for awhile all is peaceful.
After about 10 minutes, after Williams summon is gone, after Braugh begins snoring, and after the camp settles down, Nikolai can pat himself on the back for a job well d.. BZZZZZT.
Three more electric touch attacks, again aimed at non-watch members.
LOG ON