CH. 3: Mages, Mages Everywhere

[djhyland]

Darga shrinks back at the sight of the approaching Ergothians, his knees weak. Just loudly enough for Kendra to hear, he mutters, "Didn't think they'd be bringin' an army..." But despite his every instinct pleading with him to flee, he remembers the elf girl's desperation in seeking refuge with them in the first place. Hefting his walking stick, he mutters, "They probably got her hands tied. See how she's got 'em behind her back, even as she's walkin'? She ain't gonna be able ta help herself none."

As the Ergothians pass by the alley, Darga creeps out behind them as unobtrusively as he can, trusting that the night's shadows and his dark armor to hide him while remaining within striking distance. His heart racing, he sneaks as quietly as he can, waiting for the elf boy to work his magic before rushing in himself.

(OOC: Excitement might be an understatement. I'm assuming that Darga will need to be rolling some thief skills at this point. He rolls an 81 for Move Silently (score of 35) and a 5 for Hide in Shadows (score of 30). He intends to strike at the cavalier when the time comes.)

[mgbevan]

Throughout the hour's wait Gregeddin's nerves began to grow. While Trench was statuesque, he shook and jiggled - partly to keep warm with the other part his anxiety. From the quiet of their waiting, the rapid beat of footsteps gave away their targets arrival. The clinking of metal and boots kept rising, echoing inside his head. Were they brining an thousand men?! for it surely sounded like it.

He knew the time to act would soon draw near. He pulls Trench's head in line with his own and presses their foreheads together. Staring into the fighter's eyes he gave a gritted whisper, "Come on man, get ready to rend 'em head to heel! Now do 'em right fer me!"

Pushing himself off Trench, he readies both torch and sword, waiting beside him for the heavy clunk of falling, or worse, the dreaded whistle...

[JadedDM]

Darga and Kendra creep ahead, ready to move as soon as they hear the signal. Meanwhile, to the north, Kynaston seems surprised by Gregeddin's action, but nods sternly and wordlessly in reply.

The party hears Tulbas chanting, as do the Ergothians. They halt suddenly, confused, looking from left to right, trying to determine where the voice is coming from. By the time one of them looks up and sees the elf, it's too late. The sand Tulbas throws forms into a small cloud that swirls outward through the Ergothians' ranks, starting at the center and moving outward.

The two archers suddenly drop to the ground, as does one of the pikemen in the back. Daxia looks around, just as surprised, but then after a few moments of delay, swoons, as well. The cavalier does not appear affected at all, nor do the remaining pikemen or any of the swordsmen. However, they all stand there, flat-footed and completely caught off-guard, barely remembering to ready their weapons.

==============

Tulbas casts Sleep, centered on the cavalier. It affects (2d4): 3 HD worth of enemies. Archer 01, Archer 02, and Pikeman 01 fall asleep for 5 rounds.

Ergothains' surprise roll (1d10): 2; the Ergothians are surprised. They cannot attack this round.

(OOC: Your luck kind of balanced out here. On the one hand, Tulbas didn't roll very high and only knocked out three mooks. However, the Ergothians are surprised and so won't attack in Round 1 at all. In fact, don't bother rolling for initiative for Round 1.

Some notes: Remember that characters who make projectile attacks from the rooftops get a +1 to hit and attacking with a melee weapon from behind gets a +2 to hit. Darga can try and make a backstab attempt with a +4 to hit and x2 damage if it hits.

Sleeping characters are blue on the map. You cannot instant kill (or 'coup de gras' if you prefer) them unless there is no fighting going on. Otherwise, if you attack a sleeping character, you instantly hit (no attack roll) and deal normal damage. If this isn't sufficient to kill them, they wake up the next round.

All that being said, Tulbas has already made his action for Round 1; everyone else, state your action and make sure to name your targets.)

[mgbevan]

Gregeddin's ears prick at the clatter of wood on the stone floor. Were it bows or crossbows or staves? He was about to find out. Tapping Trench on the shoulder, he sets off, charging round the corner. His eyes focus on the towering being at the centre, horns rising above all else. The Cavalier. That was Trench's target, so he runs a little wider around the swordsmen and sets himself to charge someone nearby, hoping he can prevent Trench from being surrounded. With torch in the air and sword poised to strike, all he could hope was to come out the other side alive.

Gregeddin charges at Pikeman 3. Standing Due West of P3's position.
1d20+3=17, 2d4=5

[HorizonsDream]

"Concentrate on the pike man," Kendra says to Darga as she runs towards the closest swords man and begins her attack.

Hit Rolls (9, 6)

OOC: Geez, starting off good all ready.

[BishGada]

(OOC: Can I use cantrip to conjure small stones to appear inside the cavalier armor in his joints, such as the elbow, to hinder his attacks?)

[Haahque]

Excited about once again performing heroic deeds, an idea pops into Haahqae's head. And when there's an idea in his head, Haahqae knows there's nothing to do but follow through with it. If he doesn't, then that idea's just going to sit there, nagging him until he finally does it.

(OoC: Is 70' range long enough to cast "Audible Glamor" on the rooftop opposite Haahqae+Tulbas? Haahae will cast audible glamor to sound like a hobgoblin robed mage incantating a spell of ultimate doom from the target (preferably the other rooftop, but if not possible then some hidden spot from a different building's roof). The mage does not move while incanting, but starts chanting softly, and gets louder as it "channels" this spell of ultimate doom over 3 rounds.)

[djhyland]

Darga nods grimly to Kendra and follows through on her suggestion, rushing up to the non-sleeping pikeman and bringing his walking stick down with all his might, aiming for the back of the unaware man's head.

(OOC: Darga is "backstabbing" the pikeman. His attack roll is 16. Should this be enough to hit, his damage is 12 (twice his damage roll of 6, due to his backstab modifier).)

(OOC: Darga will most certainly not be attempting any greasy strikes against sleeping targets!)

[JadedDM]

Kynaston and Gregeddin turn the corner and come in from the north, weapons at the ready. Kynaston engages with one of the swordsmen and swings his axe at him. However, the weapon is easily deflected by the swordsman's heavy scale mail. Gregeddin instead targets one of the pikemen. His new, magical weapon easily slices through the pikeman's padded armor like a hot knife through butter. The man, severely wounded, staggers back and nearly drops his weapon, but somehow manages to remain on his feet, albeit shakily.

From the south, Kendra and Darga move in at the same time. Kendra strikes one of the swordsmen from behind, but both of her strikes are clumsy and just glance off the man's armor. He turns around to face her, surprised. Darga, on the other hand, has much better luck. He comes up behind the remaining pikeman and slams his new, magical quarterstaff across the back of the man's skull. The strike is true and forceful; the man cries out in pain before collapsing to the ground, bleeding from the spot where his skull was likely cracked open.

Meanwhile, on the rooftop, Haahqae begins chanting in the spidery tongue of magic. Suddenly, from the rooftop across the alley from him, it sounds like another voice is also chanting in magius, but nobody can see where it is coming from.

As Haahqae has never revealed his spellcasting abilities, and never discussed this option with the others, the party is left as vulnerable to its effects as anyone else. "Shit!" Kynaston swears, hearing the chanting. "They have a mage, too! Tulbas, Haahqae, take him out, quickly!" The big warrior wonders if he should sound the retreat; depending on the power of this mystery mage, the party may well be over their heads!

The cavalier, snapping out of his surprise, starts barking orders to his men in Ergothian while he readies his large horseman's pick.

=============

Round 1!

Kynaston moves 35 feet southeast and attacks Swordsman 03 with his battle axe with great strength (+1) and skill (+1) (1d20+2): 11, miss.
Gregeddin charges (+2) 30 feet at Pikeman 03 with his magic (+1) broad sword (1d20+3): 17, hit for (2d4+1): 6 damage.
Kendra moves 35 feet northwest and attacks Swordsman 02 with great skill (+1) from behind (+2) with her magic sword (+2) (1d20+5): 9, miss. She then attacks with great skill (+1) from behind (+2) with her mundane sword (1d20+3): 6, miss.
Darga moves northwest 30 feet and backstabs (+4) Pikeman 02 with his magical (+1) quarterstaff (1d20+5): 17, hit for (1d6+1): 7 damage (x2) = 14 damage. Pikeman 02 dies.
Haahqae casts Audible Glamer 85 feet to the west of himself for three rounds.

(OOC: Remember that magical weapons add their bonus to both attack and damage rolls.

Also, just for future reference, the range of Audible Glamer is actually 70 yards, not feet, so that's 210 feet. Suffice to say, that should be more than enough.

Okay, for Round 2, the enemy can attack normally, so everyone include initiative with their actions this time.)

[Haahque]

"Now why'd they have a caster on the rooftops, not with the rest of the group? And it sounds likka hobgoblin to me, they're usually pretty friendly. Mebbe he's here to help?" Haahqae suggests, drawing his bow.

(Haahqae targets P3 and looses 2 arrows. Init (1d10+7): 8; Hit (1d20+3): 5, 20; Damage (1d8): 3, 6)

[mgbevan]

Gregeddin continues to swing though the pikemen.

The ease at which it glided through their padded armour, and the fluttering of his torch was quite majestic, or so he thought. At least until he considered the potential taste of the swordsmen's metal or the mere shadow of the Cavalier looming to his right. Would his pick arc its way through the cold air into his body, or, one of his friends'...

init;attack;dmg (1d10+5=15, 1d20+1=8, 2d4+1=6)

[HorizonsDream]

Kendra hears the chanting, but she isn't quite sure where it is coming from. Knowing there isn't a whole lot she can do about a hidden mage, she quickly drinks her potion of heroism as she knows that it is going to help out with this battle.

Initi Roll (7)

[djhyland]

Although surprised, Darga does not pause to consider his success as the pikeman falls to his blow. Before any second thoughts about the likelyhood of keeping his skin can catch up to him, he moves to engage the next threat between him and the elf woman. Though his foe is heavily armored, Darga guesses that he might be able to catch the cavalier in one of the chinks in his armor or strike an enfeebling blow against his head. Hoping that he's right, he puts all his strength, desperation, and fear into his swing.

(OOC: Darga intends to attack the cavalier. His initiative is 8, his attack roll is 14, and if he hits, his damage is 4 (I know that it says 3 on the link, but I forgot to add the +1 magic bonus for damage).)

[BishGada]

For a moment Tulbas is taken offguard. Quickly glancing to the darkness opposite his post looking for the mage. But then hearing Haaques's reasoning he decides to walk on certain ground and cast 'Charm Person' on the cavalier before he engages in battle. 'Even if I won't be perfectly understood over the battle, the charm might confuse him somewhat.' Tulbas thinks to himself and starts chanting in the ancient elvish dialect the arcane words:

'Till the end time,
the ringing of chime,
will make our souls bind,
and your friendship be mine.'

======================================================
(OOC: djhyland - Great strike!!! cheers! keep the good job.
JadedDM - do I have to converse with the cavalier at the same round or the next?)

[JadedDM]

To the north, Gregeddin and Kynaston fight on with all of their might. The pikeman that the bard wounded drops his glaive and pulls out a short sword and shield, as the glaive is an awkward weapon to use at such close quarters and the shield offers him a bit more protection. He stabs forward, but Gregeddin is easily able to sidestep it. An arrow from above clinks off the ground near the pikeman's feet, but fails to hit him.

The other pikeman, hiding behind the wounded pikeman for defense, thrusts outward at Gregeddin with his glaive with its long reach. Again, the bard manages to duck, avoiding any real danger. Just as Gregeddin begins to wonder if he can hold up against the two pikemen at once, the wounded one suddenly grunts and falls over dead, an arrow sticking out of his neck.

Kynaston, meanwhile, fends off attacks from both of the swordsmen, then easily cuts them both down with his mighty axe. "Good shooting, Haahqae!" he calls. He gestures to the remaining pikeman. "Can you take care of him, or should I?" he asks Gregeddin.

To the south, Darga sees the way to the cavalier is clear as the two swordsmen gang up on Kendra. Although Kynaston had warned the party to leave the cavalier to himself and Kendra, the dwarf can't pass up the opportunity. Feeling empowered, he comes up behind the cavalier and, just like the pikeman, he slams the enchanted quarterstaff across the back of the knight's helmet.

However, it bounces off harmlessly and the jolt sends shockwaves of pain through Darga's hands and teeth. It didn't even leave a dent. Slowly, the cavalier turns to face Darga, his large horseman's pick in hand. The cavalier towers over the dwarf, and although Darga cannot see his expression through his close-faced helmet, he gets the distinct impression that he's really pissed him off.

Tulbas, meanwhile, up on the rooftop, casts his other spell, focusing on the cavalier. The charm spell allows one to tweak a person's perception slightly, to view the caster as a friend and ally. When the spell finishes, the young elf feels exhausted, as if he had run a mile. But did it work?

Kendra finds she has her hands full with the two swordsmen, who have ganged up on her. The first one strikes at her with his spear, which punches through her armor and right into her shoulder, wounding her severely. On her last legs, she manages to retrieve her potion, uncork it, and down it in one motion. At once, she feels an incredible surge of power. The pain of her wounds evaporate completely, her reflexes quicken, and her confidence soars. Just one of these swordsmen was an even match for her a moment ago; now, even standing together, they were but barely a threat at all. The other swordsman stabs at her with her spear, which she easily deflects with her twin blades.

=============

Initiative
Kynaston (1d10+7): 17
Haahqae (1d10+7): 8
Gregeddin (1d10+4): 14
Kendra (1d10+4): 11
Darga (1d10+3): 7
Tulbas (1d10+1): 10
Pikeman 03 (1d10+3): 7
Pikeman 04 (1d10+8): 12
Swordsman 01 (1d10+6): 9
Swordsman 02 (1d10+6): 15
Swordsman 03 (1d10+5): 14
Swordsman 04 (1d10+5): 14
Cavalier (1d10+3): 11

Round 2!

Pikeman 03 drops his glaive and draws his short sword and medium shield. He then attacks Gregeddin with a thrust against leather armor (+2) (1d20+2): 5, miss.
Darga moves 25 feet northwest and attacks the cavalier from behind (+2) with his magic quarterstaff (+1) (1d20+3): 16, miss.
Haahqae fires a sheaf arrow from his short bow at Pikeman 03 from a height advantage (+1) against his padded armor (+2) with excellent accuracy (+2) (1d20+5): 7, miss.
Swordsman 01 drops his sword and draws his spear and body shield. He then attacks Kendra with a thrust against her studded leather (-1) (1d20-1): 16, bare hit for (1d6): 5 damage. Kendra is now near death.
Tulbas casts Charm Person on the cavalier.
----Cavalier saves vs. spell [13] (1d20): 7, fail. Cavalier is charmed for 2 weeks.
Cavalier goes into full defense. His AC improves by 4 points.
Kendra drinks a Potion of Heroism. She is now level 4 for 40-80 rounds. THAC0 improved. Saving throws improved. She gains (3d10+1): 20 HP. She is no longer near death; she is at 200% HP.
Pikeman 04 attacks Gregeddin with his glaive (1d20): 4, miss.
Swordsman 03 attacks Kynaston with his long sword against his brigandine armor (-2) (1d20-2): 9, miss.
Swordsman 04 moves 5 feet northwest and attacks Kynaston with his long sword against his brigadine armor (-2) (1d20-2): 11, miss.
Gregeddin attacks Pikeman 03 with his magic (+1) broad sword (1d20+1): 8, miss.
Swordsman 02 drops his sword and draws his spear and body shield. He then attacks Kendra with a thrust against her studded leather (-1) (1d20-1): 13, miss.
Kynaston attacks Swordsman 03 with his battle axe with great strength (+1) and skill (+1) (1d20+2): 21, hit for (1d8+3): 10 damage. Swordsman 03 dies.
Haahqae fires a sheaf arrow from his short bow at Pikeman 03 from a height advantage (+1) against his padded armor (+2) with excellent accuracy (+2) (1d20+5): 22, hit for (1d8): 6 damage. Pikeman 03 dies.
Kynaston attacks Swordsman 04 with his battle axe with great strength (+1) and skill (+1) (1d20+2): 16, hit for (1d8+3): 9 damage. Swordsman 04 dies.

(OOC: Talking is a free action, so go nuts, BishGada.

I guess Darga didn't learn his lesson when he tried to solo that Baaz, haha! Seriously, though, the cavalier is a level 6 fighter with an AC of 0, so...I don't see this ending well for him.

If Gregeddin indicates he needs help with the pikeman, Kynaston will aid him. If he feels he can take him alone, Kynaston will move on to the cavalier.

Actions and initiative for Round 3?)