[IC] Dragonbane for Learners

[Harl Quinn]

Spoiler: You Are Here

It has been two days since you left Caer Dyrnwyn, home to Tinderrock's cousins, seeking the pass which will lead you down into the Misty Vale. Today, the third day of your caravan's sojourn in the Kummer Mountains, you were met with success, finding the infamous Drakmar Pass.

Ancient and narrow, the pass runs through the mountains as though carved by a sword or axe. Around you, steep, moss-covered slopes rise to the snow-laden peaks you occasionally glimpse through the clouds. The sun, having faded to a pale circle in the sky, is muted by the mists which give the region its name.

Spoiler: The sun

Somewhere below and ahead of you lies the Misty Vale, the legendary storehouse of the Pax Draconia's wealth and magical artifacts. You - and others like you - have been drawn to the region, both by tales of such riches, as well as the news that the orcs have started leaving the valley. Tinderrock's cousin, Belmar Thunderfoot, was quick to warn you that the influx of humans to the valley has brought bandits and other predators to the region.

At the behest of the caravan's guide, a cloaked, gruff hulk of a man, you are scouting ahead to ensure the way is clear of obstacles and potential ambushes. The five of you find yourselves looking down a rough, sloping rock stair. While it looks formidable, it is passable, provided the wagon drivers have decent guidance and a good grip on the reins. However, that obstacle pales when compared to the woeful omen that lies a few meters beyond the bottom stair.

In the middle of the rock-strewn trail, about 20 meters ahead of you, lies the figure of a man. At first you think him dead, but you suddenly hear a faint, disconcerting whimper of pain. The man wears a simple grey robe and clutches a dark bundle to his chest. He whimpers a second time, but as that whimper turns into a rattling wheeze, you realize he is gravely wounded...

Spoiler: Somewhere in the Drakmar Pass...

What do you do?

 

[Taelin]

Talaskas, reluctantly stowing his half eaten sandwich for later, gestures suggesting that someone bigger approach the poor fellow, while he, Talaskas, moves to the side of the stairs taking cover behind what appear to be some handy boulders.

Talaskas readies his sling and scans the firstly the skyline, behind and ahead, then the stairway itself looking for signs of an ambush.

In the event of obviously hostile forces (unless overwhelming) Talaskas will fire at the nearest foe, if not obviously hostile Talaskas seeks to evaluate the situation.

How tall are the stair edges/cliffs and are they climbable?

 

[gruagach]

As the band stops short, Madoc squints in the direction everyone else seems to be gawking. Madoc is a bit tall for a halfling. Slender. Wearing hand-me-down clothes in good repair. He sports a wavy mane of blonde hair, and long beard worn in a dwarfish style. He's barefoot, naturally. Tufts of blonde hair spill across the tops of his feet, and out from the collar of his vest, and cling to his arms. He wears a dagger on his belt, and likewise has a decent looking flute tied to the same belt. The group has noticed he's almost always snacking on something.

He takes a bite from the small apple he's holding. And nods his head once he's spotted the body.

Madoc runs his free hand through this mane of blonde hair, and through his beard. He watches Talaskas move over into to cover.

Madoc takes another bite of the apple. And in a near whisper says, "Wonder what's got him so spooked?" looking over towards the now behind cover Talaskas.

Madoc stows the half eaten apple in one of his ramshackle vest's many pockets, wipes his hands on his trousers, and trundles down the stairs toward the gray robed man. He calls, "Allo? You there, are you quite right? Do you need a hand?"

Madoc intends to approach the man, and see what's troubling him, and if he can do anything to help the poor sod, do so. He's fairly oblivious to the obvious danger of ambush this situation presents. However, if attacked, he'd certainly attempt to evade the blow.

 

[Fenris-77]

Sighing inwardly at the constant snacking of his small friends, Whisper draws his bow and moves toward the fallen man. His attention is not on the man, but rather on ground around the man as he searches for tracks or signs of where the man was coming from and whether there are tracks of anyone else in the area, attackers perhaps. He starts a search in the area right around the man and works his way outward.

Like Talaskas, Whisper will scan the skyline and possible hiding places as he moves, alert for a possible ambush. Whisper is comfident that one of his companions will try to help the poor fellow and Whisper wants to be able to protect whomever takes on that task should something unexpected occur.

 

[Silverlion]

Quietly, Wolfheart whispers "He may need aid, but this place feels uncertain and untrustworthy, I will make my way ahead if you will all keep a closer watch on the sides of the ravines?"

Wolfheart will then move cautiously forward, being he's untested for the most part, he's sure in his abilities, but his instincts are not yet fine-honed. His ears twitch as his tail moves side to side not in happiness but caution.

As he approaches the man he'll speak loud enough to be heard by the man, but hopefully not resounding off the walls. "I am known as Graycape and could aid you, I'm approaching can you see me and hear me?"

[ Stance: Cautious but forward. Mood: Worried for the man and his safety Approach: Softhearted but firm as a doctor.]

If he makes it to the man safely he will investigate the wounds, and see if regular care will aid him of if he must call upon the eldritch arts to charm away the mans wounds by casting a spell.

He is keeping a firm grip on his staff because of his state of caution and slight unease.

 

[Bunch]

Tinderrock scans the valley and loads his crossbow. "Wolfheart is young and agile. He can roll out or run if something spooks 'im." He mutters to himself quietly. He does his best to disappear into the mess of the wagon while covering Wolfheart with his crossbow. "Iffen something jumps out at Wolfy we'll it'll get an unpleasant surprise."

 

[Harl Quinn]

Even the wind seems to go quiet as the five of you study the scene. The rock stairs are manageable by foot, you can all see that driving horse-pulled wagons down will take some guidance.

Madoc's cheery call to the figure below echoes off the walls of the canyon. Everybody winces slightly at the sound while Madoc simply shrugs with a foolish, yet apologetic smile upon his face. In response the figure moans in pain and coughs, spasming with each gasp.

Wolfheart can see that the man is seriously injured, a black arrow jutting from his right thigh. If he's not too late, he may be able to remove the arrow and staunch the flow of blood from the wound.

Talaskas and Tinderrock peer out from the cover of their respective positions, so far seeing nothing but shadows and rocks ahead. Whisper, his ears perked and nose sniffing, catches the tang of something in the air, but it's too ethereal to identify at this point.

[OOC]: Here's the situation as I see it. If there's anything wrong, let me know and I'll correct it. The brown rectangle is the wagon (and horse). Everybody is represented by the first letter or first two letters of their name. That being said, everybody make an Awareness roll.

Spoiler: The Current Situation

 

[Harl Quinn]

Tinderrock focuses on the area ahead of the wagon and group while Talaskas scans the skies for signs of anyone atop the canyon walls. The walls are a good 10 feet high but are sparse when it comes to hand and footholds. Madoc continues looking about, wondering why everybody is being so cautious. Whisper growls something in his native tongue to Wolfheart, and the two stop to take stock of the situation. The indistinct scent on the wind has become stronger, and the minute sound of pebbles shifting and hitting the ground echoes in the close confines of the pass.

As if sharing the same thought telepathically, Whisper lets out a howl, which Wolfheart answers.

"Goblins! Ambush!" Whisper shouts back at his fellows.

As if summoned by the alarm, five goblin scouts spring from hiding on either side of the pass. "Yagadai! Killum!" shouts one of them. The five begin nocking black arrows to their small bows.

Spoiler: Goblin Attack!

Goblin Scouts' Initiative: 2 on 1D6; the heroes have the initiative with a 3 on 1D6.

Spoiler: The group's action order is:

Talaskas Proudbrook - AGL 17; WIL 15
Chill Wind Whispers On Pines (aka Whisper) - AGL 17; WIL 11
Wolfheart Loom - AGL 15; WIL 16
Tinderrock Coldsteel - AGL 13; WIL 14
Madoc Wheyword - AGL 13; WIL 11

Taelin, since your character acts first in the group order, roll 1D6 for group initiative.

 

[Taelin]

Talaskas uses his sling to attack G1
[OOC - sling is already drawn, I am assuming I have LoS and presence of others in-between is not an issue, the range is Sqrt (11*11 + 2*2) which is < 20 so in range]
[I believe I should be rolling d20 to score <or equal to 14]
Taelin Request:
[d20]
Roll:
[11]
Result:
11

Which looks like an accurate strike with a rock for that pesky Goblin [unless it wasn't]

[Damage is d8 for sling + d6 for Agility]
Taelin Request:
[d8 + d6]
Roll:
[8][2]
Result:
10

Which Appears to be a solid whack of 10 damage [unless armour reduces it]

 

[Fenris-77]

Whisper fires off an arrow at one of the closer Goblins and misses. [rolled 17] Cursing, Whisper reaches for another arrow...

 

[Silverlion]

The goblins unsettle Wolfheart, he's brave but a bit nervous. He shouts out words of power and calls upon the vine and branch. "Effulos Veruna Nalt."
and cast the Esnaring roots to spell. Then he turns and tries to make it to the wagon so he has at least his backside protected! If he makes it back unharmed He will hold his staff in a protective fashion, ready to lash out at any goblins who close.

He will still try and avoid fire even if he can't make it back in time.

 

[gruagach]

Madoc keeps his eyes on the goblins, and prepares himself to duck and roll out of the way of any arrows they shoot.

---

Evading / dodging any incoming fire.

TheGruagachan Request:
[1d20]
Roll:
[10]
Result:
10
Reason:
Madoc evade

 

[Harl Quinn]

Talaskas uses his sling to attack G1
[OOC - sling is already drawn, I am assuming I have LoS and presence of others in-between is not an issue, the range is Sqrt (11*11 + 2*2) which is < 20 so in range]
[I believe I should be rolling d20 to score <or equal to 14]
Taelin Request:
[d20]
Roll:
[11]
Result:
11

Which looks like an accurate strike with a rock for that pesky Goblin [unless it wasn't]

[Damage is d8 for sling + d6 for Agility]
Taelin Request:
[d8 + d6]
Roll:
[8][2]
Result:
10

Which Appears to be a solid whack of 10 damage [unless armour reduces it]

Your shot narrowly misses Madoc's left ear and speeds past Whisper's right arm, but it strikes true, right between the goblin's beady eyes. The goblin doesn't even have a chance to register the impact or let out a sound; it just faceplants into the rocky ground in front of it.

 

[Harl Quinn]

The goblins unsettle Wolfheart, he's brave but a bit nervous. He shouts out words of power and calls upon the vine and branch. "Effulos Veruna Nalt."
and cast the Esnaring roots to spell. Then he turns and tries to make it to the wagon so he has at least his backside protected! If he makes it back unharmed He will hold his staff in a protective fashion, ready to lash out at any goblins who close.

He will still try and avoid fire even if he can't make it back in time.

Wolfheart hears the whistle of a slingstone passing by and watches as one of the goblins drops dead from the impact. Go ahead and make an Animism roll to cast the spell before running.

 

[Silverlion]

That was close! His mind thinks as he reminds himself to unleash the incantation's words.
(roll 10) as the spell uncoils from him. He decided to keep moving whether it worked or not, he doesn't have a ranged weapon or skill with one and he knows this.

"Careful!" he says to his companions.

Mood: Worried. Plans: Get to some cover form new plan afterward.

 

[Harl Quinn]

That was close! His mind thinks as he reminds himself to unleash the incantation's words.
(roll 10) as the spell uncoils from him. He decided to keep moving whether it worked or not, he doesn't have a ranged weapon or skill with one and he knows this.

"Careful!" he says to his companions.

Mood: Worried. Plans: Get to some cover form new plan afterward.

You release the magic force and quickly run toward the wagon. You glance behind you to see the second goblin try to flee as six woody roots sprout from the ground and entangle him, first by the ankles, then rapidly binding his hands and arms, immobilizing him.

[OOC]: I assumed you cast the spell at the first power level, giving the goblin a boon to evade. That didn't even help him. He rolled an 11 and his boon die rolled a 15.

 

[Harl Quinn]

Tinderrock looses a crossbow bolt, shouting a warning to Madoc and Wolfheart as he does so. "Get out o' th' way!" His bolt glances off a rock, changing its path slightly to strike one of the more distant goblins in the shoulder rather than the eye. The goblin reels back in pain, clutching at the bolt.

[OOC]: Bunch - I just ruled that Tinderrock takes a shot with his crossbow. He rolls a 10 and does 9 damage.

The other three goblins loose their own arrows, but their shots go wide, landing in the rocks. The third has his shot spoiled by Madoc's agility and Tinderrock's shot.

Spoiler: Turn 2 - Shots fired!

The fight unfolds as follows:

• Talaskas takes out Goblin 1 with a slingstone.
• Whisper looses an arrow at Goblin 2 and misses.
• Wolfheart successfully casts Ensnaring Roots and ties up Goblin 2 before running back to the wagon.
• Tinderrock looses a crossbow bolt and does serious damage to Goblin 5.
• Madoc manages to evade Talaskas' slingstone, Tinderrock's crossbow bolt, and an arrow loosed by Goblin 5.
• Goblins 4-5 loose their own arrows with two shots going into the rocks. Madoc narrowly avoids the third thanks to his quickness and Tinderrock's aim.

Before anyone can catch their breath, a terrifying howl echoes through the canyon. Deeper and more grim than the howl Whisper and Wolfheart let loose earlier, it causes the goblins to grin menacingly. The source of the sound reveals itself quickly. With a snarl, a massive worg bounds into view. Its rider shouting orders to his underlings.

"Nar koth shaddak! Jagadai!!"

Spoiler: End of Turn 2

Madoc and Wolfheart have made it back to the wagon safely, Goblin 1 is dead, Goblin 2 is entangled, Goblin 5 is badly wounded, Goblins 3 and 4 move up, as does the Worg Rider.

 

[Silverlion]

You release the magic force and quickly run toward the wagon. You glance behind you to see the second goblin try to flee as six woody roots sprout from the ground and entangle him, first by the ankles, then rapidly binding his hands and arms, immobilizing him.

[OOC]: I assumed you cast the spell at the first power level, giving the goblin a boon to evade. That didn't even help him. He rolled an 11 and his boon die rolled a 15.

[OOC] Yes, I wasn't aware I could up the level! (I'm still addled from surgery so bear with me.)

 

[Harl Quinn]

[OOC] Yes, I wasn't aware I could up the level! (I'm still addled from surgery so bear with me.)

[OOC]: No worries. Take your time.

 

[Taelin]

Talaskas grimaces at the sight of the Worg and Rider and takes a long shot at the rider:

[OOC - shot with bane on account of range]

1. Taelin Request:
   [d20]
   Roll:
   [4]
   Result:
   4
   
   
2. 
   Taelin Request:
   [d20]
   Roll:
   [13]
   Result:
   13
3. Damage:
   Taelin Request:
   [d8 + d6]
   Roll:
   [7][4]
   Result:
   11

Appears to be a remarkable shot with a sling - all that hunting of small game back home seems to have paid off!

 

[Fenris-77]

Whisper bears his teeth in a mirthless grin as the Warg appears, and barks a laugh of appreciation as Talaskas makes a wonderful hit with his sling at long range. Drawing an arrow to his ear, Whisper lets fly at the Warg, hoping that between them he an Talaskas can eliminate this new threat to the group before anyone gets mauled.

Roll to hit


Roll to damage:

 

[Bunch]

"Kill the leader and the rest will run!" Shouts Tinderrock before aiming at the Worg. He proudly stands to put one in the Words eye but catches the crossbow on a barrel dropping it to the floor! He curses as he fumbles to pick it up.

Rolled a 20 for the attack and a 1 for the effect of the demon

 

[Harl Quinn]

Talaskas' slingstone slams into the worg rider's temple, digging a bloody furrow along the left side of his head. At the same time, Whisper's arrow buries itself in the left shoulder of the worg. The foul beast snarls in pain and glares back at the source of its wound. The worg rider reaches down while leveling a sinister glare at Talaskas and then Whisper and pulls the arrow from his steed's wound. The worg yips and flinches slightly in pain and then growls in acknowledgment as its rider whispers words of dark encouragement into its ear.

 

[Fenris-77]

[OOC] should someone have been tagged about going next?

 

[gruagach]

Madoc grabs his flute off his belt, and begins to play a rousing battle march, intending to lift the spirts of his companions..

[ooc - might be me, sorry for the delay - Madoc is expended 3 will points, and granting a boon (aka advantage) for any of Madoc's companions within 10 meters of his current position]

 

[Harl Quinn]

[OOC] should someone have been tagged about going next?

Sorry about that. I was giving people a chance to respond through the week. I'll try to pay a little more attention.

Madoc grabs his flute off his belt, and begins to play a rousing battle march, intending to lift the spirts of his companions..

[ooc - might be me, sorry for the delay - Madoc is expended 3 will points, and granting a boon (aka advantage) for any of Madoc's companions within 10 meters of his current position]

The action order has Madoc as last to act in the party, but if Wolfheart and Tinderrock are willing to hold their actions as Madoc starts the inspirational music, I'll allow it. As it stands, Talaskas and Whisper have already acted, the party has initiative with a 6 over the goblins' 2.

Spoiler: Reminder: The Party Action Order

Talaskas Proudbrook - AGL 17; WIL 15
Chill Wind Whispers On Pines (aka Whisper) - AGL 17; WIL 11
Wolfheart Loom - AGL 15; WIL 16
Tinderrock Coldsteel - AGL 13; WIL 14
Madoc Wheyword - AGL 13; WIL 11

 

[Harl Quinn]

Madoc begins playing a lively battle march, stirring a fire in Talaskas, Wolfheart, and Tinderrock's blood and bones.

Silverlion - What is Wolfheart going to do?

Goblin 3 begins trying to chop his way through the roots holding Goblin 2 down, but Goblin 2's struggles only make things worse, nearly nullifying his compatriot's attempt to free him. Goblins 4 and 5 take aim at the best target they can see, loosing arrows at Whisper. Goblin 4's shot speeds past Whisper's right ear while Goblin 5's shot falls short due to his injuries.

The wolfrider, sneering at his warriors' incompetence, snarls a rallying cry to spur them on. "Chaga vo! Nar kath shaddak! Jagadai! Jagadai!!" He then makes a show of readying and setting his spear before charging straight at Whisper! The worg lets out a horrific howl as it rapidly closes the distance between it and Whisper.

Fenris-77 - Whisper will need to make a WIL roll to resist fear.

 

[Bunch]

I get confused who is who so I put this block in with who to tag after you post your turn.

Taelin Talaskas Proudbrook - AGL 17; WIL 15
Fenris-77 Chill Wind Whispers On Pines (aka Whisper) - AGL 17; WIL 11
Silverlion Wolfheart Loom - AGL 15; WIL 16
Bunch Tinderrock Coldsteel - AGL 13; WIL 14
gruagach Madoc Wheyword - AGL 13; WIL 11

 

[Silverlion]

Madoc begins playing a lively battle march, stirring a fire in Talaskas, Wolfheart, and Tinderrock's blood and bones.

Silverlion - What is Wolfheart going to do?

Goblin 3 begins trying to chop his way through the roots holding Goblin 2 down, but Goblin 2's struggles only make things worse, nearly nullifying his compatriot's attempt to free him. Goblins 4 and 5 take aim at the best target they can see, loosing arrows at Whisper. Goblin 4's shot speeds past Whisper's right ear while Goblin 5's shot falls short due to his injuries.

Wolfheart Loom realizing his prior mistake will gesture again and speak the words and try and cast a more powerful version of Ensnaring Roots (magnitude 2) at the ones shooting arrows (4 and 5 if possible) He will then ready himself if they approach while talking to himself.

"I wish I'd trained in a bow, a sling, something that I could hurl their way..."

He wonders if the wolfrider's wolf could be convinced to rebel and thinks about the animal whisperer enchantment he has (what does it do?)

(Roll 12!)

Bunch Tag you are it!

 

[Fenris-77]

Whisper grits his teeth and tries to resist the ice that floods his veins at the sound of the Warg's howl, but fails.

[OOC] Whisper takes the condition scared (I think?)

 

[Bunch]

Tinderrock fumbles around for the crossbow and loads another arrow. "Nice little doggie, here's a stick for you. Right down your throat!!" He cries letting loose another arrow. Which sails last the warg missing him completely.

I rolled a 17 to hit. Maybe he'll go fetch
your up gruagach!

 

[gruagach]

Madoc lowers his flute and prepares to dodge any incoming attacks.

OOC: rolled an 8 on potential dodge attempt
TheGruagachan Request: [d20 : madoc evade] Roll: [8] Result: 8

Harl Quinn I think that ends the round. Recap time?

 

[Harl Quinn]

Madoc lowers his flute and prepares to dodge any incoming attacks.

OOC: rolled an 8 on potential dodge attempt
TheGruagachan Request: [d20 : madoc evade] Roll: [8] Result: 8

Harl Quinn I think that ends the round. Recap time?

That it is. I'll get to work on that. If I don't post tonight, expect it tomorrow night.

CORRECTION: I think Taelin needs to post a move for Talaskas. We also need to roll for initiative for the next turn. The goblins lose iniative once again with a 1.

 

[Harl Quinn]

Taelin, your sling shot was in the last turn - here's my notes from the turn as they stand:

• Talaskas - *BARDIC BOON* -
• Whisper - *SCARED* I'll allow Whisper to rally with a successful WIL roll; the Bane from the condition and the Boon provided by Madoc's music cancel each other out. I'm ruling that Whisper's hearing is also enhanced by his Hunting Instincts ability (same for Wolfheart, BTW), allowing him to pick up the music in the distance. Keep in mind he's facing down a charge by the worg and its rider.
• Wolfheart - *BARDIC BOON* - Casting Ensnaring Roots at Tier 2 at Goblin #4 and Goblin #5 - Rolled a 12 - needs to roll for the Boon
• Tinderrock - *BARDIC BOON* - Fires crossbow at worg. - Needs to roll for the Boon
• Madoc - Bardic music effect ends at Madoc's turn - Preparing to dodge any incoming attacks (rolled an 8)

Once Taelin posts Talaskas' newest action, I'll move ahead with the turn. To keep things moving, I'll give the party initiative since the goblins lost it anyway.

Spoiler: The Current Situation

 

[Silverlion]

(What is the Boon roll? I got a 20...oof, probably bad..)

 

[Fenris-77]

Whisper summons up some steel from deep within and does not flee or cower from the charging Warg and its rider.


[OOC] Is that my action for the turn? I'm not sure.

 

[Taelin]

Talaskas quickly wizzes another stone straight at the Warg:
Taelin Request:
[d20]
Roll:
[7]
Result:
7
Seems to hit
Damage:
Taelin Request:
[d8 + d6]
Roll:
[5][4]
Result:
9

 

[Bunch]

Tinderrock loads his crossbow and takes careful aim. "This time it goes right in you mouth foul beast!"
He lets loose and sails another bolt right past the worgs shoulder.
"God be damned! What's the point of worship?"

 

[gruagach]

Madoc chuckles at his companion's irreverent exclamation, while attempting to continue to doge any incoming fire from the goblin menace.

Under his breath, through gritted teeth, he stage-whispers, "I wish I'd thought to bring that sling, like aunt Harlow suggested!".

[ooc] https://discordapp.com/channels/748029127604305980/748307406521368586/1181050899351732298

TheGruagachan Request:
[d20 Madoc Dodge]
Roll:
[18]
Result:
18

Harl Quinn I believe that completes the player's round. I really should've invested in a ranged weapon.

[/ooc]

 

[Harl Quinn]

(What is the Boon roll? I got a 20...oof, probably bad..)

Boons and Banes are basically one or more extra d20s rolled to influence the test either way. If a PC has a Bane on their roll, they roll 2d20 and take the worse (higher) roll. A Boon would have them rolling 2d20 and taking the better (lower) roll. In this case, since you rolled a 20 (demon) on a Boon, you would still take the better roll.

Banes and Boons cancel each other out like positives and negatives in math. If a PC has both a Bane and a Boon on a roll, they just roll 1d20. If they have something like, say, a Bane and two Boons, then one Boon cancels out the Bane and the player rolls 2d20, taking the better (lower) roll of the two dice.

There's really no stated limit in the rules as to how many modifiers can be stacked on a roll. Part of me wants to house rule a cap on the number of modifiers ona single roll, and part of me wants to see how far we can go.