B2) Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas any more

[Arpat]

OUT OF CHARACTER

the distraction is currently the fight... they hopefully dont see us enter. when we are back into the entrance, only the front character would be shot... he would be dead in one volley since all the fire would concentrate on him alone. so that would not be wise. thats why i urge everybody to go left and right along the wall so we cant get surrounded and have a wall behind our back... also with going left and right we open up a clear path for the one behind us enable more people to ranged attacks... the longer it akes for the enemy to recognise us the more people we get liend up left and right (the two teams) to attack them from two sides

 

[scarymike23]

I'm fully on board with your plan. I think we just need cave lion (DM) to weigh in. I think he is gone for few days or something.

[marine7312000]

Birag listens to the debate about tactics and says “If I'm in charge then this is what we're doing. Zanice and myself take lead down the passage. We send Harpsent and Kenken in first to distract our opponents and then utilize whatever surprise they create to attack with ranged weapons. If we can take a few of the goblins down before we have to trade blows with them great. I like the plan involving moving along the wall so we get as many of us into the room as possible but try to leave our ranged focused members in the passageway for as long as possible. Everyone keep your back to the wall and try not to let one person get swarmed. Let's go.” With that said, Birag moves into the passageway and keeps going, hoping everyone follows.

[cave_lion]

I've been out of town on business for two days--reading everything but not so much time to post--there is so much you have all posted I want to do it right, so I am going to take my time and get everything set up the way I think you all are intending. It is not easy dissecting all the posts and making sure everyone's point of view is covered. Should finish that either tonight or tomorrow at the latest. I'm betting you guys knock these little buggers out in 3 rounds or less--but we will see...
Keep in mind that, although this has taken a good deal of time in the real world to get to this point, in the game there has not been too much time gone by--maybe 15/20 minutes. Much of the banter has just been everyone getting used to PbP (for those who haven't played much) and us as a group working on getting comfortable with each other's posting methods. We are hopefully finishing up here building a base, that will make for a solid foundation to play this game for a couple of years...

[cave_lion]

“i'm not sure if the goblins would be able to "see" a still image in the dark, but it's worth a shot...”

as i understood it, the entrance is too narrow to get two people side by side...
maybe one can kneel and the other stand behind to shoot some arrows...

Gordon - how much noise are our armor friends making over the Goblin fight? Can I hear them more or the Goblins. If I can hear them more, there is a good chance one of goblins may notice.

Do the goblins have range weapons? My tactics will change if they do

OUT OF CHARACTER

The spell is not "still image" but "Silent Image." It can move a variable amount--right now at Treye's level that is 50 feet. Within that range it can do whatever she wants--run/raise up on two legs/whatever. It just can't go beyond the range limit and it doesn't make sounds at all. Given the noise the goblins make and the noise they will continue to make they are perfect for this to work (as long as the die roll your way...) Treye does also know Colorspray--but that is a limited range spell--so more of a defensive thing to save for emergencies (I would think anyway.) As far as noise--remember that the tunnel is pressurized and forcing noise in the direction away from the goblins. The layout is not conducive to them hearing anything coming at them from that direction--but again it will depend on their roll to a degree. The goblins have one archer--the one prone in the other, larger tunnel. The entrance you talk of Arpat is actually depicted in the map picture. It does spread out to a 10' section right at the end and there is a little pocket right there with some extra space I had wanted to post the beginning of Round 1 and roll surprise for the goblins--but there is still 1 major element that no one has addressed yet. For surprise to work the tunnel needs to stay black (or nearly black)--and for those without darkvision that means you will need to be led to the entrance so when the lights go on you are ready to move. The tunnel is only about 100 feet--the usable light from the cave stops after 10 feet or so. The light also needs to be figured out once in the room--it is a large one so at least two light sources are needed to fight without penalty for those with normal vision. Harpsent will provide one on the far side. He can also (if he hasn't already) provide a torch with continual light that someone can hide in a backpack until ready to throw it out into the room (or Kenken can carry it out for you.) First reasonable plan I get to deal with the light situation will get this battle rolling... A few things to consider. Make sure everyone is aware of how surprise works in the game--I posted relevant info on the OOC thread. The main thing to know is that you only get one standard or one move action in a surprise round--not both. SO the ranged attacks can be done in the entrance if you don't move. The melee fighters either need to just move--or they can charge to get a standard move plus attack during the surprise round (placing them in the middle of the room.) Also--both Harpsent and Kenken have ranged attacks that they can implement during a surprise round if in the proper position to do so (Harpsent will definitely do so after teleporting in (which is what will begin the surprise round with the arrow attacks?) Ok...no more tutorials...this game is on...

 

[marine7312000]

OUT OF CHARACTER

Is this tunnnel straight or does it have a curve of some sort that the party members without darkvision can hide behind until the room is better lit? My plan is to have Harpsent cast continual flame on Birag's throwing axe that he has readied when he has reached the end of the tunnel. Harpsent teleports to the other side immediately after casting continual flame and starts giving off light. Birag attacks the goblin that seems to be winning the fight in the center of the room. The party members without darkvision can at least see the axe go tumbling through the air and if it hits, and sticks in the goblin, either we have another portable light source, ie goblin runnning around thinking it's going to catch fire, or we have a light source in the middle of the room because the goblin is dead. Plus a fiery axe appearing out of nowhere might scare the goblins just a bit. The remainder of the party, ie those without darkvision, hide behind a turn in the tunnel until Birag throws the axe. Once the axe is thrown they can move forward and attack with ranged weapons at targets that they can see.

 

[Arpat]

Dordolio smiles and looks at Birag.
“I agree that you are the best leader.”
With that matter dealt with he can focus on the fight at hand.

“We have the light from Harpsent, and i like the axe-with-light-in-gobelin idea
if that isn't sufficient i can stop making horsesounds and cast light. It would not be a problem since the horse sounds only are needed to scare them initially.
So i think that light to fight with is covered...”
Dordolio looks to the entrance
“what's the best idea we have for now about entering and in what order we set off the events Birag?”

[marine7312000]

Birag says “Myself and Zanice will take the lead, Harpsent will remain with the main body of the group to provide light. When we reach the last bend in the tunnel, Harpsent comes to me with his light dimmed, enchants this throwing axe with continual flame and then teleports to the other side of the room. Once I see him on the other side, I throw at the winning goblin and do my best to get out of the way. Once you see the axe thrown pick your targets and fire. As for Kenken I'd recommend him staying with the casters to provide backup in case they get attacked. That frees myself, Zanice and Bhen for attacking directly with Nekki in support.”

[scarymike23]

Just before Birag and I enter the cave (before combat begins), Birag feels a surge of goodness pulse through his blood as Zanice touches him, whispering Let the power of Torag guide you.

OUT OF CHARACTER

For the next 10 rounds, Birag will recieve a +1 sacred bonus on attack rolls, skill checks, ability checks, and saving throws via the GOOD domain power known as "Touch of Good"

 

[greg_BSCIS]

Treye just in case this battle goes awry for our overzealous friends, Desna's Luck be with you.

OUT OF CHARACTER

Treye receives an insight bonus on attack rolls, skill checks, ability checks, and saving throws equal to 1/2 your sorcerer level for 1 round.

 

OUT OF CHARACTER

I time the spell just right so it will last hopefully for the whole fight. Casting SHIELD spell on myself which in turn grants me a luck bonus equal to the spell’s level on all your saving throws for 1 round.

 

OUT OF CHARACTER

When Harpsent lights up the Goblin Archer I will shoot him since Harpsent will be close to him - at least that is what is sounds like. I will take position at grid BJ-25 and will be shooting Goblin 15 at grid AZ-17 (which is the Archer - correct?)

 

[cave_lion]

OUT OF CHARACTER

ROUND 1: Surprise Attack Initiative Harpsent: teleports in and blasts archer Kenken: attacks a goblin Birag Stoneshatter Treye Hirther Dordolio Bhen the Proper Taedyn Firisol Nekki Tinkerton Zanice Songsteel Goblin Leader Goblin Archer: is dead Goblins Wolf The enemy in blue is surprised/The enemy in Red is not surprised

 

With plans well laid, the party moves down the narrow tunnel. Birag walks down the tunnel first, shielding the light of the muted Harpsent from the goblins until he gets to the small alcove. The rest follow as quietly as they can listening to the sounds of the goblins. When they are nearly to the end of the tunnel, a sudden shout rises in unison from the goblins and you hear (and understand if you speak goblin)

SpoilerShow

Erlbug now leader of you worthless dogs and HE say we go back and leave this cursed room. We find food somewhere else this day...

As the leader says this there seem to be two sides responding, one in agreement and the other cursing and howling their anger.

Now in position and apparently unnoticed, the party begins the next steps of their plan. Harpsent casts a Continual Flame spell on Birag's throwing axe (which Nekki covers in her empty backpack to hide the light). Harpsent then teleports to the far end of the room and fires off two light beams (1d20+7=12, 1d20+7=23) at the goblin archer. The damage (1d6=5, 1d6=5) kills the archer. At the same time Kenken (who sneaked (1d20+17=30) into position as Harpsent cast the light spell) blasts one of the goblins in front of him with his Magic Missile Attack (1d4+1=2, 1d4+1=2). Once Harpsent flares into the room, Birag pulls the axe from the cover and wings it at the leader as the rest of the party runs in and sets up for their various roles.

OUT OF CHARACTER

Birag, Nekki, and Zanice, I moved all of you the free 5' move to get you into a position to attack this round. Remember the distance penalties (which are substantial for Birag with a throwing axe). Birag, you may choose to do a charge attack with the throwing axe to get closer to your target (this gives you a standard move plus attack--you would need to start one square back to remove the assumed free 5' move.) If you do this that would open up room for others to move past Nekki and Zanice. If you stay where you are everyone else needs to squeeze past the front row during their move action of the surprise round (each regular move of one square counts as two squares until past the tight area--which would be just the one square at the entrance to the room). If anyone would prefer to start on the left side of the tunnel (so the 5' move gets you out of every one else's way) you will need to roll a stealth check DC12 to prevent being detected (which could modify all of what has gone before this.)

 

OUT OF CHARACTER

This is a surprise round--everyone unsurprised gets one standard or one move action. Everyone remember to follow the initiative order as posted unless your action will not affect anyone else's actions.

 

[greg_BSCIS]

OUT OF CHARACTER

Is the wolf an enemy or Kheldon since I do not see him in the initiative list?

 

[shai-hulud]

OUT OF CHARACTER

Is the wolf an enemy or Kheldon since I do not see him in the initiative list?

 

OUT OF CHARACTER

Kheldon acts on my initiative. I'd assume that the wolf is separate. Are we using the base map for this encounter? If we are, it might be helpful for a link to the post that has it.

 

[cave_lion]

OUT OF CHARACTER

The wolf is a newly discovered enemy coming from the other tunnel. Kheldon does not have an initiative because I assume Nekki is riding him--so they are acting together. had a map in there and accidentally deleted it--will get it posted back up shortly...

 

[marine7312000]

Birag will charge to BD25 and attack Goblin 13 intending to leave his throwing axe with continual flame imbedded in the goblin.

OUT OF CHARACTER

1d20+7=14, 1d6+4=6

 

[shai-hulud]

Nekki will charge to BD23. As she is charging, she will fire upon Goblin 11 (Single move action for the charge, so no penalty for mounted archery). Requires a DC 10 Ride check to be able to attack while mount is moving.

Ride check (DC 10) (1d20+7=25) Success

Attack roll on Goblin 11 (ranged attack) (1d20+6=11) (I hope that hits due to the surprize.)
Damage vs. Goblin 11 (1d4+4=6)
Edit: I forgot to add sneak attack damage! Sneak Attack damage (1d6=6) So, if I hit, total damage is 12.

Kheldon attacks at the end of his charge (Goblin 12).

Kheldon attacks using Power Attack (1d20+3=8) (I forgot to add 2 for charging).
If I can, I'd like to try adding an action point for Kheldon's attack roll (if it can be pulled from Nekki's pool): Action point for Kheldon's attack (8+1d6=11) (If not, oh well).

If that hits, damage is:
Kheldon's damage; CMB for trip (1d6+3=9, 1d20+2=6)

OUT OF CHARACTER

If Nekki cannot use her Action Point for Kheldon, she'll save it. Edit: I had misread the numbers. I changed the shot fired to Goblin 11, instead of Goblin 13.

 

[Benji]

Treye will take her five foot step to BJ26 and cast a Silent Image of a slightly larger than normal horse to appear coming down the corridor with the wolf, starting at AX12 for now.

[Arpat]

Dordolio will move up to the entrance as far as possible and start his performance. (DC 15 for creating a horsesound to scare the gobelins)

OUT OF CHARACTER

I'm not sure if Dordolio can get to BI24 or BI25 or even to BH for a clear and good performance. ocourse he will try to make it sound like the horse is comming from overthere... (also not sure if that is possible - nonetheless he will try)

 

when he is "performing" he will use his sling to launch a bullet at gobelin 4 (he takes one a little further away in the hope it will create more distraction)

OUT OF CHARACTER

IC is down... if DM rolls ok - otherwise i will roll later today

 

[greg_BSCIS]

THINKING: Lousy harp took my kill. Ok, who should die next.

OUT OF CHARACTER

Do I see any of the goblins barking orders? And I assume the less lit areas are low light areas - correct?

 

OUT OF CHARACTER

I hold my move until Zanice, Nekki, and Birag have used their initiative to clear up the area where I want to stand.

 

OUT OF CHARACTER

Also, my shield spell should be active (10 rounds-probably like 9 now) just prior to initiative during the preparation phase, please take note of my adjusted AC - thanks!

 

[scarymike23]

OUT OF CHARACTER

Since this is a surprise round, Zanice can only take a move OR a standard action. Since I'm in the way of other people, I simply move to BH26 (I only have 15 feet of movement left since the first 5 are shown already)

 

[Esselmonster]

Bhen will simply move up as far as he is able.

[cave_lion]

OUT OF CHARACTER

Since this is a surprise round, Zanice can only take a move OR a standard action. Since I'm in the way way of other people, I simply move to BH26 (I only have 15 feet of movement left since the first 5 are shown already)

 

SM--my intent for setting you and Nekki in the front using the free 5' move was that both of you would then be able to launch ranged attacks during the surprise round. Although you are in the way of others behind you--anyone can use the "squeeze" rule to get past you as part of their move (they just basically lose one square of movement--not a huge deal.) You are free to move anyway to get closer to the action for a better shot--but you could also choose to stay put and get an attack this round (only you and Nekki have that possibility.)

[scarymike23]

SM--my intent for setting you and Nekki in the front using the free 5' move was that both of you would then be able to launch ranged attacks during the surprise round. Although you are in the way of others behind you--anyone can use the "squeeze" rule to get past you as part of their move (they just basically lose one square of movement--not a huge deal.) You are free to move anyway to get closer to the action for a better shot--but you could also choose to stay put and get an attack this round (only you and Nekki have that possibility.)

Its all good. The only ranged weapon I have has a 30 foot limit (acid dart from the Earth Domain). So I just move during the surprise round.

[cave_lion]

SM--my intent for setting you and Nekki in the front using the free 5' move was that both of you would then be able to launch ranged attacks during the surprise round. Although you are in the way of others behind you--anyone can use the "squeeze" rule to get past you as part of their move (they just basically lose one square of movement--not a huge deal.) You are free to move anyway to get closer to the action for a better shot--but you could also choose to stay put and get an attack this round (only you and Nekki have that possibility.)

Its all good. The only ranged weapon I have has a 30 foot limit (acid dart from the Earth Domain). So I just move during the surprise round.

OUT OF CHARACTER

Ahh--I see what I did--mixed up your token with Taedyn's. So let's switch you two to make sure the original plan can go as planned. That will mean you will be farther out, but the next round you can move first and still be able to attack... So Greg--you are able to have Taedyn use the bow this round--sorry about the mix up...

 

[Arpat]

OUT OF CHARACTER

Dordolio can't move AND use his sling since this is a surprise round. but i guess he can start performing since that can be done walking (especially in his case)

 

Dordolio is Performing the sound of a horse (DC 15) (1d20+9=18)

[cave_lion]

OUT OF CHARACTER

Do I see any of the goblins barking orders? And I assume the less lit areas are low light areas - correct?

 

OUT OF CHARACTER

The goblin in the middle is the obvious leader (goblin 10) There are 3 shades--the brightest is normal light/the next level is dim light (for normal vision)/the darkest level is darkness: "In an area of dim light, a character can see somewhat. Creatures within this area have concealment (20% miss chance in combat) from those without darkvision or the ability to see in darkness. A creature within an area of dim light can make a Stealth check to conceal itself. Areas of dim light include outside at night with a moon in the sky, bright starlight, and the area between 20 and 40 feet from a torch. In areas of darkness, creatures without darkvision are effectively blinded. In addition to the obvious effects, a blinded creature has a 50% miss chance in combat (all opponents have total concealment), loses any Dexterity bonus to AC, takes a –2 penalty to AC, and takes a –4 penalty on Perception checks that rely on sight and most Strength- and Dexterity-based skill checks. Areas of darkness include an unlit dungeon chamber, most caverns, and outside on a cloudy, moonless night."

 

OUT OF CHARACTER

Keep in mind that the first action after Harp and Kenken is Birag throwing the torch--which should get normal light for everyone who will attack...

 

[cave_lion]

OUT OF CHARACTER

If Nekki cannot use her Action Point for Kheldon, she'll save it. Edit: I had misread the numbers. I changed the shot fired to Goblin 11, instead of Goblin 13.

 

[/quote]

OUT OF CHARACTER

Kheldon (and Harpsent and Kenken) can have their own Action Points as a character would. I also do give Action Points to certain NPC's and also "Boss" monsters. By the way, I posted on the Paizo forum to see if anyone had issues with Nekki's actions during the surprise round (what you posted didn't seem to be unreasonable, but there was so much going on I wanted to see if there was anyone who could come up with a fault to the plan.) No one had anything to say, so her actions will go into effect next validation. I would have expected some penalty for ranged attacks while charging (if anything)--but apparently not...

 

[scarymike23]

OUT OF CHARACTER

Ahh--I see what I did--mixed up your token with Taedyn's. So let's switch you two to make sure the original plan can go as planned. That will mean you will be farther out, but the next round you can move first and still be able to attack... So Greg--you are able to have Taedyn use the bow this round--sorry about the mix up...

 

Sounds good. Just move me up as far as I can go this round (speed 20).

[greg_BSCIS]

THINKING: Perhaps if I shoot the Goblin leader and kill him, it will throw the goblins more off balance and improve our chances of winning even more. Take aim, breathe, fire at the Goblin leader. - (Goblin #10 BA-23) -

OUT OF CHARACTER

Attack\Damage die roll for Taedyn Firisol 1d20+3=20, 1d8+3=10

 

THINKING: That felt like a nice shot, let us see how good it was?

Taedyn quickly looks with intent at the Goblin leader for the arrow's impact and notches another arrow.

OUT OF CHARACTER

59 arrows remaining

 

[cave_lion]

OUT OF CHARACTER

ROUND 1: Surprise Attack Initiative Harpsent: teleports in and kills the archer Kenken: attacks a goblin Birag Stoneshatter: charges to create goblin lantern Treye Hirther: casts Silent Image to create a Horse Dordolio: Sings like a horse! Bhen the Proper: move Taedyn Firisol: ranged attack Nekki & Kheldon: Charging attack Zanice Songsteel: move Goblin Leader: dies Goblin Archer: dies Goblins: what? hey? Wolf: moves The enemy in blue is surprised/The enemy in Red is not surprised

 

As the fight moves to full contact, Birag is the first to move in, throwing his axe, once in range, at the nearest goblin. The hit strikes deep and the goblin drops without a word. In a twist of fate (75% chance axe light is fully visible) (1d100=86), the dumb thing lands on the axe, covering a majority of the light source with his dead body.

Treye and Dordolio, working together for the first time, attempt to create an illusion that includes sound. Treye creates a large charging horse coming down the East tunnel, while Dordolio attempts to make convincing sounds to complete the illusion. Sound is already distorted in this room due to the broken tunnel openings, which create an odd pressurized effect and a louder than normal environment as air rushes from the East tunnel into the South one. This benefits Dordolio's attempt and as he makes the horse sounds several of the goblins quickly turn in panic (from the current focus of Harpsent and Birag) to search for the oncoming horse.

OUT OF CHARACTER

(I moved the start point slightly to ensure line of sight for Treye)

 

Nekki and Kheldon charge into the room, both attacking and missing. In a fluke, Nekki's arrow does slice through the neck of goblin 12 and then lodge itself into goblin 2. Nekki can't help herself and starts giggling uncontrollably ((2 15% chances Nekki's missed arrow hits adjacent opponents) (1d100=9, 1d100=9)). Goblin 12 is gushing blood from the wound and Goblin 2 drops stone cold... She probably won't be mentioning that she was aiming for goblin 11

Taedyn takes a well aimed shot at the lead goblin, focusing to deal with the lack of proper lighting. The arrow pierces his body deeply, dropping the goblin to his knees before it falls dead to the ground.

Coming down the East tunnel, a mangy wolf snarls his way towards the attack. He is startled by the sudden appearance of the horse next to him, but quickly seems to ignore it and turns back to find a victim that smells better... he then notices the new wolf and with a renewed growl lunges forward...

Meanwhile, both Bhen and Zanice move forward to engage in melee as quickly as possible.

Surprise round is over--on to round 2...

OUT OF CHARACTER

ROUND 2: Bring it on! Initiative Harpsent: attack Kenken: move and attack Birag Stoneshatter: turn over dead goblin and kill one more Treye Hirther: maintains Silent Image of a Horse Dordolio: Sings like a horse! Bhen the Proper: Taedyn Firisol: Nekki & Kheldon: Zanice Songsteel: Goblins Wolf

 

Harpsent uses his light rays again to attack goblin 16(ranged touch/damage (1d20+3=18, 1d6=1, 1d20+3=14, 1d6=3)).

Kenken shows everyone a new method of attack, as a glistening sword like appendage extends from his left hand. He steps up to attack, but misses.