Red Hand of Doom IC

[questionmark693]

It's a hot day on the Dawn Way as our adventurers head towards Drellin's Ferry. For some this is a brief stop, for others a destination. Regardless of the reasons for travel, everybody is feeling the dust covered sweat drip down their weary muscles from the journey. The path is hardpacked dirt, bordered by unkempt, dead grass. A few feet further from the road begin the growth of the trees, all feeling the effects of the deadly heat of summer in the Elsir Vale. As the sun begins to reach the horizon with maybe an hour left before sunset, the party comes to a sign in the road that reads, in common, the following:

Drellin's Ferry 2 Miles

[Frosty]

Lelyria

The beautiful redhead retains the cheerful demeanor she has had all day. "Come on, everyone, just two more miles. It is meltingly hot, but once we get to Drellin's Ferry, we can sit back and relax with one of their famous spicy fish soups, and also their dark brews, chilled in the river."

Hamalah is ahead of the group by 50ft, prowling alongside the road stealthily, looking for any dangers.

"We haven't seen any sort of raiders recently, and perhaps the rumors of the attacks concentrated here were exaggerated. I sure hope so, but one can never be too careful."

[dascarletm]

"Aye, no sign of the buggers. I'd not be surprised if they saw all of us and decided ta' turn tail and run." The trail-worn dwarf, Grymor, belts out to Lelyria ahead seeming to egg on any would be bandits within earshot. He dismounts from his horse continuing, "It's alright boy, only two more miles ta' go. I'll give ye a break." Looking to his wolf, Shirrg, he commands her in dwarven to heel, "Shirrg, topuk," as he takes a swig from his waterskin. Looking at the well worn and humbly fashioned waterskin he remarks, "That nice cold ale would be a welcome relief from the heat."

[infomatic]

Feliral's horse, Koh, had stopped to nibble halfheartedly on some grass as they paused at the sign. She snaps the reins, bringing him back to attention, and the wagon creaks onward.

She glances back at the Han, sprawled out in the bag of the wagon among the wolf pelts, nose buried in those countless scrolls he carried. "We should be there within the hour," she called.

And then what? she thought. At the discussion of raiders, she absentmindedly pulled the brim of her hat lower, blocking out the low-lying sun. Most likely it wasn't her tribesmen, but she realized she wasn't sure whether she wanted that to be true or not.

Before she left, her mother told her how to recognize if she had found the trail of her kin when she arrived in a new town. "If they don't try to kill you on sight, that means your father hasn't been there."

[Othniel]

Rothariel

"It is rather hot," Rothariel agreed. The elf pulled her waterskin from its place on her belt and took a drink. "What I wouldn't give to be under the cool tree cover of the Witchwood now." Rothariel wasn't interested in raiders, so long as they stayed far away from her. She was on her way ultimately to the Witchwood in search of a rumored temple to which an associate had obtained a map. Rothariel was to meet the dwarf in Drellin's Ferry, and then travel on further to Brindol where they would pick up the third and final member of the troupe. But for now she traveled with chance companions met on the road, keeping together for safety in numbers. Still, bandits and highwaymen were a frequent occurrence enough, even on well-traveled roads, that she kept her eyes peeled and her twin short swords ready in their sheathes.

[Nevershutup]

"This is what I get for not studying the arcane..." sighs the scholar, Han, as he futilely tries to fan himself with his hand.

"Oh well. We haven't run into any bandits yet, and we probably make a moderately tempting target. I doubt we'll have any trouble. And would you really want to be in a forest that is possibly haunted by the dead? Unless they could answer questions... Do you think we could ask them about the past?"

This last comment is directed towards Rothariel, and Han barely appears to breathe as he talks, but is understandable. Mostly.

[questionmark693]

As the group recovers from the short break and begins walking again, the road crests a small rise and descends into a dusty grove. An abandoned farmhouse, partially visible through the trees, stands on one side of the road. The group had passed dozens of spots just like this one, but somehow it feels different this time. Perhaps it is the proximity of town, the lateness of the day, or the half dozen humanoids springing from the bushes with bows and swords! As the six hobgoblins with bows in the trees and bushes take aim and fire, two more come out of the farmhouse with a demonic looking canine. Of the two from the farmhouse, one is well armed with two swords, and the other appears to be a religious authority of some sort.

As six arrows fly towards the group, Rothariel is hit slightly by an arrow, dealing 7 damage as it gashes her leg. The trio from the farmhouse runs out towards the group, the swordsman looking dangerous with his dual shortswords challenging the group, the hound next to him. A planar knowledge check of fifteen or higher reveals that the hound is a

Spoiler: Planar Knowledge 15+

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Hellhound.

The third member of the trio casts a spell, which can be identified with a spellcraft check of 16 or higher as

Spoiler: spellcraft 16+

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Bless.

Spoiler: Initiative

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I rolled for each party member, including companions, for both perception checks and initiative. Grymor and Rothariel were not considered flat-footed during the surprise attack, but everybody else is flat-footed until their first action. It is a move action to remove yourself from the wagon. Initiative as follows:
1 Feliral
2 Han
3 Grymor
4 Lelyria
5 Baddies
6 Rothariel
I am going to have companions move with their owner so as to keep things speedy.

[dascarletm]

Grymor ducks below the arrow seeking to end him, saying in a low voice, "Shirrg, Saldir," pointing to the hound and commanding his wolf to attack the hound. As he is crouched low he leaps forward drawing his war axe, and brings it down with a heavy overhand strike at the hobgoblin swordsman yelling, "Die Grobie!"

Spoiler: OOC Details

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Grymor commands his animal companion to attack the hell-hound, if she feels so inclined she may attempt to circle around and flank with me. I'm not sure I can order her to do as such yet.
He moves east two squares and draws his dwarven waraxe charging and at the swordsman, power attacking.
Attack: (1d20+14)[27] Confirm: (1d20+14)[32]
Damage:(1d10+18)[27] Extra Crit Damage (1d10+18)[21]

[Othniel]

Rothariel

As soon as the dwarf began moving, Rothariel sprung, drawing her short swords and dancing around her closest enemy. Looking for a weak point, she thrust toward it with one of the blades. "Guess we found the raiders!"

Spoiler: OOC

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Move to flank the goblin in her row with Grymor, then sneak attack stab!
Attack: (1d20+11)[29]
Damage: (1d6+5)[11]
Confirm: Attack: (1d20+11)[25]
Damage: (1d6+5)[7]
Sneak Attack: (3d6)[12]

[infomatic]

"Hm?" Feliral starts as she hears the arrows whistle by and bury themselves in the wagon. Fixing a gaze on the nearest archer, she curls her lip in a sneer.

"Gutless ... well, you will be soon," she growls, and launches herself at the assailant, a powerfully muscled arm suddenly flaring with a nimbus of yellow light and raking across the archer's midsection.

Spoiler:

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Rage and charge, power attacking for -2; activate arcane strike as swift action
(1d20+10)[16] attack
(1d6+11)[15] damage

[Nevershutup]

"Maybe my parents were right. Maybe I should just stop talking. Because now we've got bandits trying to kill us! We were too moderately tempting!" Han mutters to himself, he throws an orb of fire at the hobgoblin twent-five feet from his position, shouting, "Watch out for the cleric! And the hell hound's fire breath!"

Spoiler: OOC

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The hobgoblin takes (3d6)[9] fire damage, with a DC 18 reflex save for half damage.

[Frosty]

Lelyria Nightshadow

Spoiler

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Half-elf Summoner (Spirit Summoner) 5 NG
HP 43 / 43 Speed ft Init 2
AC 16 Fort 3 Ref 3 Will 5 (+2 vs Enchantment)
CMB +2 BAB 3
Quarterstaff, MW +8 (1d6+4, x2)
Str 8 (-1) Dex 14 (2) Con 14 (2) Wis 12 (1) Int 14 (2) Cha 19 (4)

Hamala

Spoiler

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NG Quadruped Eidolon, Level 5, Init 3, HP 28/28, DR Resist 10 Acid/Cold/Electricity, Speed 40+30 Land, 45+30 Fly
AC 24, Touch 14, Flat-footed 20, CMD 21, Fort 5, Ref 8, Will 1, CMB +7, Base Attack Bonus 4
Bite +8 (1d6+4+1d6 Fire, x2)
Claw x2 +8 (1d4+4+1d6 Fire, x2)
Mage Armor (+4 Armor, +3 Dex, +6 NA)
Abilities Str 17, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 7, Wis 10, Cha 11
Condition Mage Armor, Haste (5 rounds)

"An ambush!" shouts Lelyrial, although it seems unnecessary given the arrow sticking out of Rothariel's thigh. Hamalah, hearing the sounds of battle, ROARS and comes charging back, eager to rip the evil hobgoblin caster to shreds! The half-elf waits until her dragon is closer, and then casts a spell to greatly hasten the enemy's doom! After that, she climbs out from the wagon.

Spoiler: ooc

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Hamalah charges the hobgoblin caster. When he is in close to the others, Lelyria casts Haste, targeting Grymor, Shirrg, Rothariel and Hamalah. Lelyrial then climbs out of wagon, towards the south, where the burning sphere isn't.

See here for rolls: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/shows...15&postcount=4
Up to 45 damage if all attacks hit. The cleric should be flat-footed since no one saw Hamalah.

[questionmark693]

Despite the well hidden ambush, our heroes react quickly and effectively. With a few quick sword strokes, the apparent leader of the small band falls, bleeding and gurgling, to the ground. At the same time, Lelyria's companion turns back to assist, roaring as it destroys the enemy spellcaster in a flurry. Feliral throws himself at the nearest archer, nearly killing it with one blow, while Han and Lyleria cast spells in support from the safety and cover of the wagon. Han's orb does significant damage to the Hobgoblin target, while Lelyria's targets feel an incredible increase in their own reaction time.

Six archers remain, but only two have the courage to keep firing arrows, although neither have the aim necessary to actually make contact with anybody. The other four run away (Fel, take an AoO) completely disheartened by the quick demise of their leaders. The four foot tall canine, having no such thoughts, bites at Grymor (dealing 4 damage plus 4 from fire damage).

Spoiler: OOC

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Feliral, the Hobgoblin is almost dead, and tries to run away, provoking an AoO. The leaders are dead, the hell hound is still fighting, but only the two Hobgoblins still on the map didn't run, though they both missed in their attacks.

[Othniel]

Rothariel

"Damn it." Seeing two of the hobs break away north, Rothariel left the remaining targets to her traveling companions and sprinted after the fleeing hobgoblins. Catching up to one, she attempted a stab at the back of his leg, but hit only air. The creature sped on and Rothariel followed, starting to feel the burn in her calves. Reaching out with the blade once more, she scored a hit and her short sword was followed with a small spray of blood as she withdrew it from the wound. "Stop and fight me!"

Spoiler: OOC

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Rolled 7 dmg in the dice roll thread.

[Frosty]

Lelyria Nightshadow

Spoiler

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Half-elf Summoner (Spirit Summoner) 5 NG
HP 43 / 43 Speed ft Init 2
AC 16 Fort 3 Ref 3 Will 5 (+2 vs Enchantment)
CMB +2 BAB 3
Quarterstaff, MW +8 (1d6+4, x2)
Str 8 (-1) Dex 14 (2) Con 14 (2) Wis 12 (1) Int 14 (2) Cha 19 (4)

Hamala

Spoiler

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NG Quadruped Eidolon, Level 5, Init 3, HP 28/28, DR Resist 10 Acid/Cold/Electricity, Speed 40+30 Land, 45+30 Fly
AC 24, Touch 14, Flat-footed 20, CMD 21, Fort 5, Ref 8, Will 1, CMB +7, Base Attack Bonus 4
Bite +8 (1d6+4+1d6 Fire, x2)
Claw x2 +8 (1d4+4+1d6 Fire, x2)
Mage Armor (+4 Armor, +3 Dex, +6 NA)
Abilities Str 17, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 7, Wis 10, Cha 11
Condition Mage Armor, Haste (3 rounds)

The half-elf points to the south. "Hamalah, kill them!". She had not even finished the last syllable when the dragon ZOOMS southward, catching up to those pathetic hobbos fleeing on foot. In a dramatic and gory fashion, Hamalah literally tears those two apart limb by limb over the course of the next dozen or so seconds. The bodies are nicely seared by the fire from Hamalah's talons, should he wish to come back later and eat the corpses. Upon telepathic communication to Lelyrial that he has completed his task, the dragon receives new orders to aid in pursuit of the northern group. He takes to the skies, and flies north, providing aerial reconnaissance.

Lelyrial, for her part, doesn't slack off. She charges forward to bash at one of the remaining brave (and foolish) archers.

Spoiler: ooc

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Hamalah chases the two cowards to the south, and ends their lives Game of Thrones style over the next two turns, and then will head north to help chase the other group.

Lelyrial charge the hobgoblin SW of her, and attacks with her quarterstaff!
Atk: (1d20+10)[20]
Dmg: (1d6+4)[8]
Crit confirm: (1d20+10)[18]
Crit Dmg: (1d6+4)[6]

[dascarletm]

"Gah!" Grymor exclaims as the fiery bite of the hound nips at his thigh. He takes a quick step away from it, and diverts his attention to the archer to the north, drawing two throwing axes as he does. A quick flip in the air for both simultaneously, and as he catches the handle in a flash they are whirled toward the foe.

Shirrg continues her attack on the hellhound.

Spoiler: OOC

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Grymor takes a 5ft. step diagonally to the NW, and quick draws two throwing axes, which he uses to attack the north archer.
Attack 1: 23, Damage 14
Attack 2: 24, Damage 10

Shirrg attack the hellhound
Attack: 11, Damage 2

[questionmark693]

As Hamalah flies at high speed around the terrain and the rest of the party finishes off the nearby enemies, the apparent leader and cleric of the enemy party cease breathing. While none remain alive, the party is aso unable to question any of the now dead enemies. As they search the bodies for clues about motivations and origins, they find the following:

Spoiler: Loot

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I'm not really interested in making you guys roll to identify things, I know you have a few people with spellcraft, so here's the loot, all identified
6 medium sized longbows, composite (+1 strength bonus)
6 medium sized longswords
117 regular medium sized arrows
+1 banded mail, medium sized
light steel shield, medium sized
x2 +1 shortswords, medium
masterwork studded leather armor, medium
a holy symbol that can be more clearly identified with a knowledge religion DC 15
355 Gold Pieces

With the enemies bodies piled, and their valuables either removed or left with them, the party is now ready to continue on the path, or perhaps take some time to decide what to do about the ambush that occurred. A more thorough search may reveal more, though the sun is beginning to set, and it may be dangerous to remain on the road after sunset.

[Othniel]

Rothariel

After cleaning her blades upon the grass, Rothariel joined the others in despoiling the ambushers of their gear. As she gazed at the small pile of treasure, the pair of enchanted short swords drew the rogue's attention. She drew one out of the pile, unsheathed it, and went through a few practice motions and stances. "Good blade. Too good for the likes of these vermin," she added, sounding disgusted. "If the lot of you don't mind, I'd like at least one of these two blades. They're enchanted, where mine are not."

She pointed the blade in the direction of the farmhouse they'd seen earlier. "Do we spend the night in the house over yonder, or try to make it to Drellin's Ferry? At the very least, we should check the building for signs that would answer the question of why these hobgoblins were here."

[dascarletm]

Pulling his axes out of the dead hobgoblin and cleaning their blades, Grymor responds, "I don't mind, lass." He looks closely at one of the longbows. "I've seen better woodworking before. If the weren't magical I'd toss em."

Looking towards the houses, "Aye, we should check em, but I think we should try to make it to Drellin's Ferry. It's not too far now, and I want some of that ale."

[Frosty]

Lelyrial remembers the voice and the look of the cleric that Hamalah killed, even as Hamalah busies himself eating the corpse. Hungry business, fighting is. "Hmm...I let's keep that holy symbol. I think I can use it as part of a disguise if necessary. Hey Grymor, I don't think those bows are magical. But maybe someone in Drellin's Ferry will want them anyways."

She starts exploring the seemingly abandoned building with Hamalah after the dragon finishes his meal (with terrifying speed).

[infomatic]

Feliral shrugs as Rothariel holds up the looted swords. "I've no need of them," she says, as she bundles up what arrows she can find and deposits them in the wagon. She had little experience with bows, and had wasted many arrows while attempting to hunt on her travels so far.

She follows Lelyrial into the house, but adds, "But let's be quick on our way. Maybe we killed them all and maybe not. If not, or if they're missed, more will come."

Spoiler: search

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Perception check to search the house
(1d20+9)[25]

[Nevershutup]

Inhaling deeply and releasing a shuddering breath as he tries to calm down, Han removes himself from the wagon as his companions loot the bodies. Pausing and watching as the corpses are searched, he shakes his head and approaches Grymor, "May I take care of that wound? It looks rather painful, and would be no matter for me to heal. "

Spoiler: OOC

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If Grymor accepts, Han casts Lesser Vigor on him, giving him fast healing 1 for 15 rounds.

Stepping back and turning to the group at large, "We should check the farm house before moving on - it seems unlikely that the hobgoblins remained on the side of the road all day. There may be more supplies up there, and clues to any larger groups of raiders they may be connected to."

[Othniel]

Rothariel

After cutting off the ends of the arrow sticking out of her thigh, Rothariel pulled the shaft through and eyed the wound. "Wouldn't mind a bit of that healing as well, if it isn't any trouble," she said, sounding hopeful.

Spoiler: OOC

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After which we search the house!

[dascarletm]

"Oh this? Tis but a scratch, but I won't stop ye from healing it. Help Rothariel first of course." He smiles, and accepts any healing given to him after Rothariel. Afterwards he helps search the house.

Spoiler: OOC

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Perception: (1d20+8)[26] +4 if this is versus goblinoid stuff, and +2 for dragons.

[Frosty]

Lelyrial, finally seeing the injuries now that things have calmed up a bit, takes matters into her own hands. "Why choose one when we can heal both immediately?" she says with a playful wink. She walks up to Rothariel and Grymor, and channels her innate healing powers, letting the white, soothing light wash over everyone. "When friends are in need, you help them."

Spoiler: ooc

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Every heals 7

[questionmark693]

As the party heals each other, and helps each other pick over the remains of their enemies, they gather into the building, checking every nook and cranny. Inside the small broken down building, they find a a handwritten note written in Goblin.

Spoiler: Goblin Note

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Stay here with your band,
and spread fear. I don't care how many die,
we can send you reinforcements. For the Red Hand!

The building is clearly used as living quarters for a group of un-hygenic hobgoblins, and is filled with the belongings, and in one corner their defecations. Sorting through the detritus the party finds dice covered in grime that are obviously shaved to always land on one number, some ragged blankets, and water that is clearly not fit to drink, though the waterskins are all at least half empty. THe table is shattered, laying on top of the pieces of chair that make up the pile of garbage in another corner.

[Frosty]

After healing her allies, she helps search the building, and happens upon the note written in goblin. She reads it aloud and frowns. "Just as I suspected. These raiders really are part of a larger group. We must find this Red Hand and end its threat!" She keeps the note, and collects the personal effects and clothes of the hobbo divine caster as well. "I think I can use this for...infiltration purposes if need be. Say, what'd the holy symbol of? I have my suspicions, but I'm no religious scholar."

[infomatic]

"How long have they been here?" Feliral wonders aloud as she climbs back in the wagon. "And how far have they spread? We'd best be cautious as we approach Drellin's Ferry; they may be ahead of us."

[dascarletm]

Grymor looks at the encampment and especially the discarded food, and attempts to see if he can gather roughly how long they have been here.

Spoiler: OOC

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Survival: (1d20+12)[20]

[Nevershutup]

"That is much more efficient. Thank you Lelyri-" Han cuts off as he observes the object Rothariel holds,
appearing alarmed, and says, "Oh my. That appears to be the symbol of Tiamat, Queen of evil dragons. Which is confusing because those appear to be hobgoblins, not dragons. Should we check for signs of any draconic influence on them? We may have missed it the first time around, as we weren't looking for them...

When they search the house, Han does his best to avoid touching anything, showing obvious distaste at the filth surrounding them. When the note is read, Han's face - already thoughtful from trying to pusale out Tiamat's relation to a group of hobgoblin raiders - turns to outright confusion.

"The Red Hand Of Doom?? They Are, if memory serves," Han's voice shifts here, as if quoting some text, "'a band of monsters, primarily hobgoblins, goblins and kobolds, thouugh they have occasionally enslaved other monstrous races to strengthen their warriors through sheer force of numbers.' What does the Queen of Evil dragons have to do with them?"

Spoiler: OOC

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So, in order to make my knowledge check results standout a bit, I thought I'd make them in a different color. You guys should let me know what you think (it may be too confusing to read, which is fine). Also, the Red Hand info dump is a copy paste of the info I got from questionmark.