Ilmarinen
SpoilerWhen the party is about 60 feet from the cart you notice a shadowy figure crouching in the bushes. He is watching you but is so far unaware that he has been spotted.
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Ilmarinen
SpoilerWhen the party is about 60 feet from the cart you notice a shadowy figure crouching in the bushes. He is watching you but is so far unaware that he has been spotted.
Ilmarinen approaches and reins in his gelding, deftly avoiding yet another nip from the willful young horse, as he asks [ Goblin ]"Evening good sirs, you seem to be having a spot of trouble. Might I offer some assistance?"[ /Goblin ]
Ilmarinen's speech is simple and heavily accented, and those who speak dwarven might recognize the source of his accent.
Although he is a good-natured fellow, Ilmarinen doesn't immediately assume that others are likewise trustworthy, having had experience to that effect in the past, and so he silently assesses the two figures before him.Spoiler
- Sense motive(assessing the human and hobgoblin): [roll0]
Almost as an afterthought, Ilmarinen states in common, "You might ask your friend in the bushes to join us. The work is liable to be easier with more of us assisting"
GMSpoilerIlmarinen keeps a casual eye out for the figure in the bushes ... and for any others that might be around....
Happy to be out of the swamp, Heather reins her horse in when she see's her elven companion do the same. At first she wonders why Ilmarinen has called a halt, but when he speaks of strangers in trees, she immediately assumes an ambush. Several stories about noble heroes fighting off ambushes come to mind and she hurriedly whispers to the others.
"If you guys wait here, I could ride up unarmed and try to draw them out."
Jasper
Friends in the bushes? Well that seems rather suspicous.
Jasper approaches the wagon. "Good day fellows. Im not much for brawn, but I am glad to help in any way I can. You know, this reminds me of the story of the damsel in distress. No offense of course. You see, there was this lovely damsel who's wagon broke down in a rough little patch of wilderness..."
Jasper continues with his verbose story. As he carries on, seemingly without taking a breath, the story seems oddly compelling for a fable.
Bardic Performance
Fascinate (DC 18): If its saving throw fails, the creature sits quietly and observes the performance for as long as the bard continues to maintain it. While fascinated, a target takes a –4 penalty on skill checks made as reactions, such as Perception checks. Any potential threat to the target allows the target to make a new saving throw against the effect. Any obvious threat, such as someone drawing a weapon, casting a spell, or aiming a weapon at the target, automatically breaks the effect.
Khrona, Mistress of Time
Having seen Heather rein in her horse, Khrona does the same and cantors up next to her. She sees the broken down carriage and both Jasper and Ilmarinen talking with the folks doing repairs. Khrona dismounts and stands next to her mare, at the ready for what might happen next.
Current Positions
The man at B8 seems completely enthralled by Jaspers oration. The figure hiding in the bushes seems ready to make a move, but hasn't sprung quite yet. The Hobgoblin near the wagon is confused by his friends ignoring of Ilmarinen discovering the person in the bushes.
Everyone!
Spoiler
Surprise round. Everyone can make a standard action or a move in the surprise round, except Jasper. He used his already. You win initiative, since you effectively blew their surprise. So take your surprise round and then you all go first in round 1.
"Gorm, do you see anything?" Heather asks worriedly.
"I don't see any weapons, but if there are hidden figures in the woods, it could be bandits. What do we do? As foreigners, are we allowed to shed blood on your soil?"
SpoilerHeather won't attack unprovoked. Though she will draw a vial of mutagen, just in case. Ready action to drink it if attacked.
Ilmarinen gracefully swings down from his horse, once again avoid a nip as he dismounts, and then he take a couple of steps forward, though he does not draw a weapon yet.
Whilst his voice is still mild, there is a hint of steel in it as he speaks again, "I'm afraid I must insist that your friend emerge from the bushes. It wouldn't be friendly of him to remain there would it now?"SpoilerSurprise round
- (move action) Dismount
Round 1
- (move action) Move to (y,6)
If they attack, then as an immediate action:
- (immediate action) Spell shield (+5AC) [-1AP]
Gorm
Sliding down from his horse, Gorm slung his bow off his back. He fingered an arrow over his shoulder, watching the two figures ahead near the cart carefully.
"If these men bare steel, or threaten ill will in any way the emperors law is on our side. These roads fall under the Rule of Regalos, and banditry is punishable by death."
His words a warning to their current foes, as well an answer to the question asked.
Khrona, Mistress of Time
After Gorm's words, Khrona feels more prepared to protect herself. She readies herself for the struggle if it comes.
SpoilerStanding still, ready an action to cast Sound Burst (DC:16) to hit all enemy targets at the first aggressive action.
Jasper
Jasper finishes blurting out his short story. "Well, you heard my friend here. The law is on our side if your intentions are ill. If you all lay down your weapons we can help you repair your wagon, or we can just be on our way. "
SuggestionSpoilerDC 18
Suggesting the fascinated one to lay down his weapons.
A bard of 6th level or higher can use his performance to make a suggestion (as per the spell) to a creature that he has already fascinated (see above). Using this ability does not disrupt the fascinate effect, but it does require a standard action to activate (in addition to the free action to continue the fascinate effect). A bard can use this ability more than once against an individual creature during an individual performance.
A Will saving throw (DC 10 + 1/2 bard’s level + bard’s Cha modifier) negates the effect. This ability affects only a single creature (but see mass suggestion, below). Suggestion is an enchantment (compulsion), mind-affecting, language-dependent ability and relies on audible components.
Bardic Performance (2 turns left)
Fascinate (DC 18): If its saving throw fails, the creature sits quietly and observes the performance for as long as the bard continues to maintain it. While fascinated, a target takes a –4 penalty on skill checks made as reactions, such as Perception checks. Any potential threat to the target allows the target to make a new saving throw against the effect. Any obvious threat, such as someone drawing a weapon, casting a spell, or aiming a weapon at the target, automatically breaks the effect.
Current Positions
As the party dismounts and makes their tentative moves the man that Jasper is speaking to looks at him, puzzled. He looks down to the formidable looking hammer he was using to tend to the wagon and shakes his head slowly.
"I don't think that is such a great idea. I mean, I heard one of your friends back there say something that sounded kinda threatening."
The hobgoblin behind him growls in frustration. As he speaks he steps to the wagon and draws from under the tarp and well used looking battleaxe.
"Shut your gob and get them! What are you waiting for! Attack!"
As his shouts echo towards you, several more hooded figures emerge. Two of them toss small orbs into the road, one from each side. They burst into a choking cloud of smoke.
Smoke Cloud
SpoilerA bank of smoke billows out from the point designated. The smoke obscures all sight, including darkvision, beyond 5 feet. A creature within 5 feet has concealment (attacks have a 20% miss chance). Creatures farther away have total concealment (50% miss chance, and the attacker can't use sight to locate the target). The wind is slight, and the smoke will dissipate in 2 rounds.
Heather drinks her mutagen, Ilmarinen is covered in his shield of magic and Khrona speaks a word of power and a crack like thunder erupts near the two cloaked figures in the bushes above Ilmarinen. They are visibly shaken and battered by the explosion of sound, and one of them(X,3) drops his short sword and his hands clutch to his pained ears, stunned for the moment.
Ilmarinen springs forward out of the smoke, drawing his blade even as he moves, and engages the two fellows beside the broken wagon.
His blade slices for the throat of the nearest fellow, deadly intent clear by both his expressions and his actions, even as he mildly states, "Not too smart are you, attacking alert travelers who are willing and able to defend themselves. I would suggest a career change but I fear that you no longer have that option."
SpoilerRound 2
- (swift action) Cannot take a swift actiion due to having just taken an immediate action.
- (move action) Move to (B,7), avoid provoking AoO's
- (standard action) Attack vs (B,8) Black blade [roll0] melee [roll1] (crit 18-20)
Arcane pool [3/7]
Effects
- Ablative barrier (7 hours)
- Spell shield [+5 shield AC] (end of this turn)
Jasper
Jasper steps out of the smoke. "Then so be it." Jasper casts a spell on himself and begins an inspiring oration. 3 copies of the halfling appear and mimic his movents.SpoilerHP: 52/52
Performance: 22/27
Spells: 6/6/2/2(6/6/4/2)
5 foot step.
Cast mirror image as a standard action: [roll0]
Begin bardic performance as a move action.
Current Performance
Inspire Courage: +2 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +2 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
"Stay safe Gorm." she whispers to their guide as she springs off of the path. Flying toward the bandit, a smile flashes in her eyes as a look of terror fills the man's face.
SpoilerCharging grapple at the s11 highwayman. Combat maneuver check [roll0]
Khrona, Mistress of Time
Backing away from the the billowing clouds of smoke, Khrona scans the fighting around her. To prepare herself for anything, she closes her eyes and when they open again she can see the outlines of people with colored hues.
SpoilerCasting Deathwatch as a spell-like ability. Then moving behind Jasper at (v,7)
Gorm
Nodding to the alchemist, he moves up into a small set of bushes to give himself a bit of cover and levels his bow at the highwayman that moved against Ilarminen(z,7)
Attack!
SpoilerPoint blank shot, Deadly Aim active.
[roll0]
[roll1]
Confirm?
[roll2]
[roll3]
Amalody
Moving out of the smoke Amalody readies her rapier and gathers her wits about her now that she can see.
Current Positions
Ilmarinens sword bites into the man Jasper had befuddled, and Heathers rushing at one of the highwaymen takes him completely by surprise. The two grapple fiercely in the bushes. Gorm moves forward and an arrow flies forth. It goes wide unfortunately. Jasper becomes surrounded by images of himself and Khrona takes a position behind him as her eyes begin to glow with the telltale signs of magic.
The Highwayman that dropped his sword takes the time to collect his senses, while the one nearest to him dashes in on Ilmarinen after seeing his sword bite into his comrade. The man Ilmarinen scored a hit on gathers his senses and draws a longsword from the wagon while the other moves up and chops at Ilmarinen with his axe. The one grappling with Heather is both terrified and unable to escape for the moment.
One of the Highwaymen bursts from the bushes and rushes at Khrona.
Attackson Ilmarinen!
Spoiler
Hobgoblin Highwayman:
[roll0]
[roll1]
Confirm?
[roll2]
[roll3]
Highwayman from the Bushes:
[roll4]
[roll5]
Attack on Khrona!
Spoiler
[roll6]
[roll7]
Khrona feels the bite of the highwaymans dagger as it slashes into her.
Khrona!
Spoiler7 damage!
Even as he attacks the highwayman again, Ilmarinen casts, causing arcane currents to engulf his black blade and he strikes swiftly twice against the same fellow he struck before. When his blade touches the fellow before him a glowing rune is inscribed on the fellow's forehead ... the dwarven rune for 'Death'.
SpoilerRound 3
- (swift action) Enhance weapon [-1AP]
- (full attack action) Spell combat/Spellstrike vs Highwayman at (B,8)
(Attack) Black blade [roll0](confirm [16]) melee [roll1](confirm [14]) (crit 15-20)
(Spellstrike) Cast Arcane mark; Concentration [roll2] vs DC 15 for casting defensively
(Spellstrike attack) Black blade [roll3](confirm [29]) melee [roll4](confirm [17]) (crit 15-20)
Arcane pool [2/7]
Effects
- Ablative barrier (7 hours)
- Enhance weapon [Black blade +3 keen] (10 rounds)
Establishing control over her terrified foe, Heather seeks to pin the bandit. As she folds the man's arms behind his back she screams in his ear.
SpoilerStandard action to pin opponent: [roll0] (includes +5 for being the grappler).
Move action to draw her set of masterwork manacles.
Jasper
Jasper continues his inspiring rant and moves to aid Ilmarinen with a spell.
SpoilerHP: 52/52
Performance: 21/27
Spells: 6/6/1/2(6/6/4/2)
5 foot step to z9 and cast blur on Ilmarinen.
Current Performance
Inspire Courage: +2 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +2 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
Khrona, Mistress of Time
Khrona recoils from the sharp blade of the bandit, her bluish hued blood staining the shoulder of her robes where the blade had bit into her flesh. Khrona stifled a cry of pain and retreated from the lumbering man. She hoped that Jasper could handle himself alone for the time being.
SpoilerHP: 39/46
Khrona withdraws to (s,8)
Gorm
Stepping up to the edge of the bushes, Gorm fires off a volley at the bandit closest, the man seeming now ready to rejoin the fight.
Attack!
Spoiler
Attack1
[roll0]
Damage1
[roll1]
[roll2]
Possible Crit?
[roll3]
Bonus Damage
[roll4]
Attack2
[roll5]
Damage2
[roll6]
Possible Crit?
[roll7]
Bonus Damage
[roll8]
Attack3
[roll9]
Damage3
[roll10]
Possible Crit?
[roll11]
Bonus Damage
[roll12]
Amalody
Seeing Khrona injured, and rushing past her to safety, Amalody charges forth to meet the attacker.
Attack!
Spoiler
[roll13]
[roll14]
Current Positions
Ilmarinen is able to dodge the clumsy blows put to him, and Khrona safely moves out of harms way. Jaspers spell swirls Ilmarinens image, making him slightly harder to see. Amalody finds a good hole in the rogues defenses as she charges, and her thin blade pierces straight into the mans torso, a look of dread on his face as his blood spills down the steel.
Gorm fires of his volley and finds only one arrow having hit the man he aimed at, but these desperate bandits continue their fight. The man Heather grapples with becomes pinned under her strength, unable to defend himself from her continuing assault. The rest of the bandits look determined to see this fight to the end. Whatever reason they have to not flee must be a powerful one to force them to fight to the death.
Bandits
The bandit in front of Ilmarinen swings his battle axe at him, his mouth a grim line of determination.
Attack on Ilmarinen!
Spoiler
[roll0]
[roll1]
Crit?
[roll2]
[roll3]
Concealment
[roll4]
The other Highwaymen try their luck with Jasper, Amalody, and Gorm.
Attack on Jasper!
Spoiler
[roll5]
[roll6]
Crit?
[roll7]
[roll8]
Mirror Image(Jasper is #1)
[roll9]
Attack on Amalody!
Spoiler[roll10]
[roll11]
Crit?
[roll12]
[roll13]
Attack on Gorm!
Spoiler[roll14]
[roll15]
Crit?
[roll16]
[roll17]
Gorm
SpoilerGorm takes 7 damage.
Turning to face the next highwayman, Ilmarinen casts, causing arcane currents to engulf his black blade and again he strikes swiftly ... twice ... against the next fellow. As before, when his blade touches the fellow before him a glowing rune is inscribed on the fellow's forehead ... the dwarven rune for 'Death'.
SpoilerRound 4
- (swift action) Arcane strike (+2 damage; 1 round)
- (full attack action) Spell combat/Spellstrike vs Highwayman at (B,7)
(Attack) Black blade [roll0] melee [roll1] (crit 15-20)
(Spellstrike) Cast Arcane mark; Concentration [roll2] vs DC 15 for casting defensively
(Spellstrike attack) Black blade [roll3] melee [roll4] (crit 15-20)
Arcane pool [2/7]
Effects
- Ablative barrier (7 hours)
- Enhance weapon [Black blade +3 keen] (9 rounds)
- Arcane strike [+2 dam] (1 round)
...- Blur [20% concealment] (7 minutes)
- Inspire courage [+2 att/dam/...]
Continuing to subdue the bandit, Heather attempts to lock the man's arms behind his back with her manacles.
Spoiler[roll0]
Jasper
Jasper moves away from the bandit and begins dancing around to avoid being hit.
SpoilerHP: 52/52
Performance: 21/27
Spells: 6/1/2(6/4/2)
5-foot step to y8 and use the full defense action.
Current Performance
Inspire Courage: +2 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +2 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
Khrona, Mistress of Time
Seeing Gorm take a sword to his shoulder, Khrona rushes to his side to heal the gushing laceration.
SpoilerMove to (t,6) and cast Cure Light Wounds on Gorm
[roll0]
Gorm
Stepping back from the mans assault Gorm looses another volley of Arrows at him.
Attack!
SpoilerFive foot step to t,6 and full attack.
Attack1
[roll0]
Damage1
[roll1]
[roll2]
Possible Crit?
[roll3]
Bonus Damage
[roll]2d8+10[/roll
Attack2
[roll4]
Damage2
[roll5]
Possible Crit?
[roll6]
Bonus Damage
[roll7]
Attack3
[roll8]
Damage3
[roll9]
Possible Crit?
[roll10]
Bonus Damage
[roll11]
Amalody
Pressing the assault against the highwayman she has encountered, her thinblade flashes forward.
Attack!
Spoiler
Attack1
[roll12]
Damage1
[roll13]
Possible Crit?
[roll14]
Extra Damage
[roll15]
Attack2
[roll16]
Damage2
[roll17]
Possible Crit?
[roll18]
Extra Damage
[roll19]
Current Positions
Two of the Highwaymen fall, one skewered by Amalody and the other with arrows protruding from his leather armor in various places. Another is tightly bound by Heathers manacles. The only two who remain focus on Ilmarinen, seeking to gain some justice, even if felling the man will only provide so much for their situation.
Attack on Ilmarinen!
Spoiler
Highwayman at y8.
[roll0]
[roll1]
Sneak Attack
[roll2]
Highwayman at b8.
[roll3]
[roll4]
The man in Manacles struggles against them.
Escape Artist!
Spoiler
[roll5]
Ilmarinen remains unharmed after the duo attacks, and the man in the manacles writhes fruitlessly against them.