[Setting] - In front of Abradoc Mansion. the waist high stone fence and an iron gate wide enough to drive a team of oxen through. There is a human [Stormbinder] trapped in a stocks near the front door. There is a Magic Missile glowing above him, set to strike. A few feet from him is a half-barrel...you could call it a large bucket I suppose...with a dead goblin in it, his legs sticking out along with an axe handle. At the left side of the gate as you approach is a goblin spearman pulling a quarrel from his neck. On the right side is another goblin spearman who isn't pulling the arrow out of his ribcage because he's busy being dead.]

[Staging - Iffy and Eron are concealed in the woods in front of the wall firing missiles. Mataku is to the right firing missiles as well. You hear howling and yapping from inside the mansion and the clanging of weapons and shields.]

[The rest of you - assuming you are running in...

Einhard can charge in on his horse and arrive first, he has a chance to do double damage with his spear if he charges a foe on horseback. If Chomper is feeling vicious I assume he can run in with the horse and bite someone. The rest of you would be humans and elves first, then the halfling who I assume runs slower. Dwarves would be slower too, if we had any.]
This message was last updated by the GM at 20:02, Mon 22 Oct 2018.

At the left side of the gate as you approach is a goblin spearman pulling a quarrel from his neck.

What appened?!
That goblin got hit!

Manaku can't leave that poor man in their hands... his urge to help is too strong!

With a fast motion... he pick the longbow from his back, a well long-used bow, with the scars of time... this bow never betraied him when he was hunting... maybe it's time to use it for help the weak!
He pick one of the best arrows, take aim and let the years of experience take action... it's was all automatic, nocked the arrow, pulled the string... and then let it go...
The arrow flies direct to the goblin standing to the right... killing him on the spot



Action:
Then he move to the left, trying to hide himself behind one of these vines, trying to observe the surrounding, searching for allies and enemyes
This message was last edited by the player at 00:03, Tue 23 Oct 2018.

There is a human [Stormbinder] trapped in a stocks near the front door. There is a Magic Missile glowing above him, set to strike.

As soon as Brodd sees this, whatever fear and uncertainty he had been feeling about heading into possible battle were replaced with a clear desire to set the man free.  No one deserved such a horrid predicament!

On the right side is another goblin spearman who isn't pulling the arrow out of his ribcage because he's busy being dead.

"Goblins!" Brodd calls out, perhaps uselessly.  "Give them no quarter!  They will give us none!!"

It just may be that goblins were not the hard-core killers the young priest believed them to be, but naturally he had heard so many prejudicial stories of chaos-spawn such as kobolds, orcs, goblins.  These were beings beyond redemption only fit for a quick death!

As the priest approaches, he keeps his distance, fully aware of his limitations and careful not to get stuck in hand-to-hand battle.  Instead, Brodd readies his sling and looks for an unengaged target.

Actions
Run in, but keep to the rear out of melee.  Goal is to use sling but not taking shots that risk hitting allies

Perception 10 vs 15, fail

17:57, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 10 using 1d20.  Perception  Spot the Dire Tarrasques.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:57, Tue 23 Oct 2018.

goblins though Amalrik as he spat n the ground, waiting for Brother Brodd to give the word and then he was off; "Crom guide my blade" as Amalrik races toward the action.

OOC:  Move full to get into melee.

20:47, Today: Amalrik rolled 1 using 1d20.  Perception.  Too much wine apparently



This message was last edited by the player at 00:47, Tue 23 Oct 2018.

**CORRECTION***

[Make a roll under your WIS. If your die roll would have succeeded in the last roll, we'll say you've succeeded.]

*grumbles and takes his rulebook and sits in the corner to reread*
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:33, Tue 23 Oct 2018.

The double doors burst open and three goblin spearmen take positions, blocking the entrance. They spit and shout at you, sort of a goblin hakka questioning your breeding lineage.

In reply to DM (msg # 6):

[Manaku: You already shot one goblin, let the other PCs and the goblins have a turn before you go next :D ]

In reply to DM (msg # 7):

[Manaku: You already shot one goblin, let the other PCs and the goblins have a turn before you go next :D ]

Sorry, it's my fisrt time, i have yet to understand when a round is done :P

In reply to DM (msg # 6):

“Goodness gracious! What was that?!” Sasar blurts upon hearing the strange yell. And now they all run off towards it! No!

He quickly grabs reins of his mule and starts to pull the animal after the others.

“Come on Angie! Time to move! We have to stay with the others, you like it or not! Come on now girl, lets move it!”

Seeing the goblins doing their haka a moment later, he starts to draw gestures in the air and chant a spell.

Action: Staying behind others, in cover if possible, but maintaining line of sight, casts Charm Person on the most likely leader of the enemy.

"Up there!" Brodd calls out, pointing to the winery roof above the double doors and a spot above the goblin dancers.  "More of them, with barrels and traps."

[Make a roll under your WIS. If your die roll would have succeeded in the last roll, we'll say you've succeeded.]

Gotcha, then my character did succeed, yay :)

Question: can Brodd sling-shoot one of the spearmen this round? Or will it be next round at the earliest?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:13, Tue 23 Oct 2018.

In reply to Brother Brodd (msg # 10):

[Okay, this is as good a point as any to start using combat rounds. Quoting from B/X Essentials:]

Basic Combat Procedure
Sequence of Events
The sequence of actions in each round is broken down as follows:
1. Characters who wish to cast a spell or perform a full retreat from melee must declare it.
2. Initiative: 1d6 is rolled by each opposing side.
3. The winner of initiative acts first:
     a. The referee may check Morale for monsters.
     b. Movements are made.
     c. Missile attacks are made, accounting for DEX modifiers, cover, range, and magic adjustments.
     d. Spells are cast and applicable saving throws are made.
     e. Melee combat and other actions occur; attacks are made, accounting for STR modifiers and magic adjustments.
4. Other sides act through step 3, in order of initiative.
5. When all sides of a conflict have acted, the round is over. If the combat has not come to an end, the sequence begins again at step 1.


Initiative
At the start of each round, each side rolls 1d6 to determine initiative. The side with the highest result on 1d6 acts first for that round. Other sides in a conflict will react in order from highest to lowest roll.
Tied Initiative
If initiative is a tie, each side in the tie acts at the same time. All actions are completed, unaffected by opposed actions. For example, two opponents in melee may both inflict enough damage to kill the other. As the initiative is tied, both attacks occur simultaneously, resulting in both characters being killed.

Two-Handed Weapons
Characters wielding two-handed melee weapons (and some missile weapons—as indicated in the equipment description) always act last in the round, as if they had lost initiative.

In reply to DM (msg # 11):

14:24, Today: DM, for the NPC Goblins, rolled 2 using 1d6.  Kill the hoo-mahns!

In reply to DM (msg # 12):

20:55, Today: Manaku rolled 2 using 1d6.  Initiative roll for the forst round of battle vs. the goblins.

[DM clears his throat and uses his Morgan Freeman voice as drums and ominous trumpets blare behind him in full orchestral glory]

The first battle of the Endeavoring Examplars quickly descended into chaos the party engaged, no quarter asked nor given.


15:25, Today: DM, for the NPC Less Than Charming Goblin, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Goblin resisting Sasar's Charm Person.

This here's Globo. He just got a shot to the neck from some elf over yonder. He was already in a bad mood this morning. The wine he had for breakfast was a bit too sugary and already gave him a hangover. So when some wizard pops out of the bushes and starts wavin' his arms with some mojo voodoo, he felt a sudden feeling of...is there even a word for it in his language? Friendship...

and he shook his pounding head and it quickly went away. he just wasn't having it. Nope. Not Globo.
In return for his offer of friendship he raised his spear and hurled it at that wizard over there with the mule.

15:31, Today: DM, for the NPC Globo the Spear Flinger, rolled 14 using 1d20.
15:32, Today: DM, for the NPC Globo, rolled 6 using 1d6.  Spear damage.

And wouldn't you know it, despite the hangover and the arrowhead tickling his side, Globo his Sasar square in the chest, and down he went.

"I felled a wizard!" He thought to himself, as Sasar began to bleed out. "Maybe this is going to be a good day after all!"

In reply to DM (msg # 14):

Sasar’s incantation dies on his lips as the spear punctures his ribcage.

“But...I...wasn’t...ready...” He utters before his eyes roll over and he falls like a limp sack of potatoes.

(Sasar is at -3 hp. Is he Dead outright or Dying and bleeding out, ending dead at -10 hit Points?)

Wizard! Your life force is running out. You will be at -4 next round if no one binds your wounds or magically heals you.

In return for his offer of friendship he raised his spear and hurled it at that wizard over there with the mule.

"what the h..."

Manaku notice the wizard plummeting in the dirt after being impaled...

"You'll die for this"

And while whispering this, Manaku nock another arrow, and aim at the goblin who speared the wizard

23:07, Today: Manaku rolled 20 using 1d20+2.  Shoot an arrow versus the goblin searching vegance! With the bow
And hit him for
23:09, Today: Manaku rolled 1 using 1d6.  Damage roll for the hit.

And then he hide again behind the vine
23:12, Today: Manaku rolled 22 using 1d20+2.  Roll to hide again behind one vine.

And begin to chant a spell
"Come to protect me, my shield..."
And prepare the spell Shield for the next round
This message was last edited by the player at 21:15, Tue 23 Oct 2018.

Seeing the others gives Iffy a sense of hope.  She readies her cross bow once more.

14:29, Today: Iffy rolled 5 using 1d6 ((5)).
Initiative.

A little overwhelmed by all the action, she globally focuses and fires at the nearest goblin.

14:32, Today: Iffy rolled 13,4 using 1d20,1d6 ((13,4)).
Firing cross bow at the nearest goblin.

The second goblin was standing guard had turned tail as the party crossed the threshold onto the mansion property, and now took a second, and this time fatal, bolt in the back.

Globo had just begun his little dance. He’d just made it up, his “I killed a wizard!” Dance.

But then that second arrow drove straight through his big goblin ear and into his little goblin brain.

Suddenly he didn’t feel his hangover any more.

“My name is Globo,” his last thoughts were as a big goblin fanged grin spread across his big red goblin face. “And I felled a wizard.”

And just like that...Globo was no more.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:26, Tue 23 Oct 2018.

Eron was trying to be stealthy and sneak up on the enemy, but as the melee begins, he realizes that there's no real point in doing that.  Instead, he hurls his pixie spear toward an enemy.  The spear does just that, flying in the general direction of the enemy but not at at all close to actually hitting one.  So, the pixie reconsiders his present plan and decides to move forward on foot instead of relying on a fickle missile weapon.

OOC:
15:33, Today: Eron Windblade rolled 7 using 1d20+3.  pixie spear attack.

The other two goblins, inspired by Globo’s single victory, charge forward to engage the two largest foes approaching, the Barbarian and the mounted knight.


18:47, Today: DM, for the NPC Goblin 2, rolled 11,5 using D20+1,d6.  Charging Amalrik with spear.

One goblin finds an opening and jabs deep through leather hides as the battle axe is swung, but fails to pierce flesh!

18:46, Today: DM, for the NPC Goblin 1, rolled 10,5 using D20+1,d6.  Charging Einhard with spear

The other goblin’s spear glances off the knight’s shield. He
Should have had a mount before he tried to joust.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:51, Wed 24 Oct 2018.

Simultaneous to this carnage, Brodd had been steadily getting closer.  The metal-clad priest was moving far too slowly for his taste, but he hoped the chain-and-mail was going to offer proper protection in return.

Once close enough he starts the whipping, slinging motion in earnest and then lets fly at disgusting vile goblin.

Just then he sees Sasar felled, and utters a few of the saltier words he knows before stepping in the fallen wizard`s direction.  "Hang on!"

Round 1 actions: simultaneous init
Move: get within 40 feet of a goblin spearman
Attack: ranged with sling, modifiers: -1 bad DEX, +1 Short range
Result: 9, assumed miss

16:38, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 9 using 1d20.  Round 1: Brodd sling vs goblin spearman.

Racing forward with the others Amalrik takes a swing at the nearest goblin missing it, "Look at the roof these goblins are up to something up there-be careful!"

20:13, Today: Amalrik rolled 11 using 1d20+3.  attack.

In reply to Amalrik (msg # 24):

Your swing barely misses the goblin’s head.

Having finally noticed that the rest of the party has charged into battle, Creston starts looking for something to shoot at. As Amalrik suggests, he chesks the roof first.

20:14, Today: Creston Fairwood rolled 14,1 using d20+3,d6.  Shooting bow first.
20:15, Today: Creston Fairwood rolled 11,4 using d20+3,d6.  Shooting bow second.

If he doesn't see anything to shoot at, Creston just points his drawn arrow at all the doors and windows as he walks.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:18, Wed 24 Oct 2018.

The shuffle to battle was pressed, and Regdoc tried to recall a battlecry. He stopped on the way to ask assistance of Sasar - he having impressed the old cleric somewhat with his demeanor and passing intelligence - when the wizard was struck by an arrow!

"By the Shabby, Tattered Cloak of He Who Wanders Ever Onward!" Regdoc watched in surprise as Sasar twitched. A painful array of groans and grunts followed as Regdoc knelt beside the wizard and placed hands upon him.

"CHOMPER! ON GUARD!"

"Oh Wandering One, this poor soul hath strayed forthwith and directly into the path of that which pierceth and causeth to gush forth as it were, tremendous puddles of life-blood. Please hear Ye the orison of Thine ever vigilant Seeker and grant a bit of life unto this one who knoweth much but is yet to seek after Thy Ways..."

Initiative!: 6
Chomper - Defensive position near Sasar, will attack any foe that approaches, hits AC4 for 2 damage.
Regdoc will apply pressure and try to stabilize Sasar's wounds and will spend his daily Cure Minor Wounds (1hp) orison...

21:17, Today: Regdoc rolled 6 using 1d6.  Initiative!
21:24, Today: Regdoc rolled 13 using 1d20.  Chomper chomp attack (THAC0 17).
21:25, Today: Regdoc rolled 2 using 1d6.  Chomper chomp damage.

In reply to Regdoc (msg # 27):

Thud sneaks as close as he can get to the action without being seen. Thud readies his bow to fire at any near Goblin, but before he fires, he has one trick to try.

As Thud speaks Goblin, he puts on his best Goblin accent and shouts (In Goblin), " RETREAT, RETREAT, Hoo-mans have got a Dragon , run for your lives !!"

Thud then takes aim at a Goblin, and fires an arrow from his short bow. Then does his best to stay concealed, and readies his short sword.

Roll Initative = 17:10, Today: Thud rolled 2 using 1d6 ((2)).
17:12, Today: Thud rolled 9 using 1d20 ((9)). To Attack
Roll Damage = 17:12, Today: Thud rolled 1 using 1d6 ((1)).

In reply to Creston Fairwood (msg # 26):

Creston, you have a Rate of Fire of 2? I thought that was AD&D...?

In reply to Regdoc (msg # 27):

The goblin that stabbed Amalrik left himself vulnerable as Chomper dashes through the Barbarian's legs to lock his jaws deep into the goblin's ankle! The goblin howls in pain!

In reply to DM (msg # 30):

Creston's arrow flies true, piercing the goblin's chest between the dented plates that pass for armor. The red foe falls flat!

[SCENE STATUS]

Wrangle at the Winery, Round 1
Game Map: (let me find it again)
Initiative Result:  Simultaneous!
Post actions in format:
Already gone:
1. Sasar (downed, given first aid)
2. Amalrik (charged G1 and missed)
3. Brother Brodd (gaurding Sasar)
4. Regdoc (guarding Sasar) & Chomper (biting G1 attacking Amalrik)
5. Manaku (sniper shot down G2)
6. Iffy (sniper shot down last gate guard)
7. Thud (shot and missed)
8. Creston (shot and killed G3)
9. Stormbinder (shot off his lock with Magic Missile, I assume running for cover?)

Still to go:
10. Eron (threw his spear last round and missed, has been in hiding, could still decide to move)
11. Einhard (assumed to have charged in Knightly fashion. Player MIA. Last warning.)
Enemy status: 3 goblin spearmen
(G1 charged & struck Amalrik but failed to cut his abs of steel, has Chomper on his leg)
(G2 died with Morgan Freeman narration)
(G3 charged Einhard, shot by Creston and died)
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:52, Wed 24 Oct 2018.

A goblin voice shriller than the rest taunts the halfling from the roof of the mansion.

(In Common) "HA! YOU SHOW ME DA DRAGON! WE GOT DA CLAW!!"

12:56, Today: DM, for the NPC THE CLAW, rolled 18 using 1d20.  grabbing Einhard.

The violent grinding of machinery makes your teeth rattle as a huge beam of lumber swings raises skywards, then down from the roof. A mechanical claw designed to grab and lift barrels of wine swings down and snaps around Einhard!

12:58, Today: DM, for the NPC THE CLAW, rolled 1 using 1d10.  crushing damage.

His horse whinnies in terror as the claw rips his rider out of the saddle!

Einhard groans in pain as he's lifted into the air.

"YOU GO NOW! WE THROW YOUR FRIEND BACK! GO NOW! GO FOR WALK! NICE DAY!"

12:54, Today: DM, for the NPC Goblins, rolled 2 using 1d6.  Goblin initiative - Round 2.

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:09, Wed 24 Oct 2018.

In reply to DM (msg # 33):

19:32, Today: Manaku rolled 1 using 1d6.  Initiative roll for the second round of battle vs. the goblins.

The voice continues to cackle and taunt the Examplars.

"DRAGON GOT CLAW, DRAGON GOT FIRE!"

From the southern and the eastern parapets on the mansion, you watch in horror as perfectly good bottles of brandy are hurled with flaming strips of cloth towards the hidden snipers.


15:01, Today: DM, for the NPC R2, rolled 68 using 1d100.  Molotov (flaming oil) thrown towards hidden Iffy and Eron, 10% chance of being splashed.

15:00, Today: DM, for the NPC R1, rolled 32 using 1d100.  Molotov (flaming oil) thrown towards hidden Manaku, 10% chance of being splashed.

When the bottles crash to the ground, the sweet liquor spreads everywhere. None of the three are harmed, but the rows and rows of vines are already beginning to sizzle and smoke. You cannot remain hidden next round.

And in a few rounds you will ALL be surrounded by flames.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:09, Wed 24 Oct 2018.

In reply to DM (msg # 35):

When the bottles crash to the ground, the sweet liquor spreads everywhere. None of the three are harmed, but the rows and rows of vines are already beginning to sizzle and smoke. You cannot remain hidden next round.

"oh sh*t!"

Manaku, as the moment he see the flames bottle exploding around him, he got to run away from the flames.
And go toward the house, from the right, and jump over the three feet high wall there (front of the house), and try to find cover.

21:39, Today: Manaku rolled 11 using 1d20+2.  Jump over the wall.

In the meantime he try to aim to the one who move that infernal machine!

21:31, Today: Manaku rolled 16 using 1d20.  Trying to spot the enemy who move that infernal machine.

And shoot an arrow directed there!

21:33, Today: Manaku rolled 9 using 1d20+2.  To hit the one who manovrate the machine.

For

21:35, Today: Manaku rolled 4 using 1d6.  Damage from the longbow.

And then cover himself behind the wall

Actions: Run, shoot and jump over the wall

The last goblin on the ground sees blossoms of flames burst in the fields around him, and suddenly feels less emboldened.

(Rolling his DEX or less, assumed 10)

15:51, Today: DM, for the NPC G2, rolled 3 using 1d20.  G2 trying to jump on Einhard's horse.

He leaps and manages to catch his foot in the stirrup. The horse rears in outrage but the goblin manages to hold onto the saddle. Frightened by the flames, horse bolts towards the broken gates and down the road towards the signpost.

[Now PCs can move, I'll resolve Manaku's actions in a bit]

A few strides sideways and Brodd was standing near to Sasar.  Regdoc was already there, and the wizened trailblazer was doing something ... miraculous.

A painful array of groans and grunts followed as Regdoc knelt beside the wizard and placed hands upon him.

"What .. how ..," mutters the priest as he sees the blood immediately stop and the wound neatly zip up.  Sasar remained in a swoon though.  Before Brodd could inquire more, all hell broke loose!

His horse whinnies in terror as the claw rips his rider out of the saddle!
Einhard groans in pain as he's lifted into the air.

"They have a golem!" cries Brodd, as it`s all he can think of that might be responsible for such a thing.  We have to get away, he thinks in dismay.  Although the goblins were falling quickly, thanks to timely sniping from the scouts.  Then there was the prisoner in the stocks, they can`t abandon him.  What to do!?

And in a few rounds you will ALL be surrounded by flames.

That did it.  There was no way back, they had to get inside the house and root out the goblins.  "Come on, let`s get this wizard indoors," Brodd said to Regdoc as he prepared to help carry Sasar inside.

To the others, he hollered: "Clear the fire zone!  Get inside!"

Actions
Round 2
Stow weapon & shield and begin to carry Sasar to the double doors.

Looking around for the nearest goblin to attack; he hears Brother Brodd's command and follows him hastily into the building as quickly as he can.

Regdoc groaned beneath the weight of the trafficky end of the wizard he was hauling. Though Sasar didn't weigh much more than himself, Redgoc's days of brawny undertakings were long in the past.

"You have... to pray... like you... *wheeze* mean it... A matter... of... *gasp* faith..." The fire must have been sucking the air out of his lungs. Certainly no other explanation would suffice. Oh yes, and the smoke, let that be of note.

"Chomper HEEL! No, let that... *wheeze* thing go! You're going... *gasp* to get some sort... *cough* of parasite from... *choke* that thing..." The faithful dog bit ferociously once more upon the goblin's leg he'd been attempting to break. When it made a satisfying cracking noise, the dog followed his out-of-breath master. The mutt might have been smiling.

Chomper bite hits AC2 for 1 damage

In reply to Regdoc (msg # 40):

Thud realising his last trick failed, and whats more his shot with an arrow missed, quietly curses to himself.

Thud hears Brother Brodd shout "Clear the Fire zone, Get Inside", as they help Sasar into the house. Thud checks to ensure he has a clear run, then when all clear dash's across to help the others with Sasar, and enter the house.

Once inside, Thud immediatly checks the inside of the house for any more unwelcome surprises.

Thud immediately announces...."I HAAATE GOBLINS !!"

In reply to Thud (msg # 41):

Chomper lives up to his name and gives a final vicious shake of his jowls which and rips the goblin's leg clean off below the knee. Said goblin collapses. The dog triumphantly trots into the mansion with tail wagging, goblin-calf still in his teeth.

Manaku leaps over the fence easily. He can't see the crane's operator - there seems to be a door in the contraption blocking a clear line of sight - but he can loose a shot at the goblin that threw the Molotov. Unfortunately the shaft arcs too high and misses the mark.

The rest of you hurry into the mansion.

[Thanks for Manaku to pointing me to a mapmaking app, I chose one of his samples as the inner structure. See his post below]



You start in the foyer area, the banquet hall looks much the same except the stout oak table has been upended and blocks entrance from the foyer into the main area. Looking up and past the table you can see a wide stairway leading to the roof and a chandelier that hung whewre the table was, a repurposed wagon wheel still lit with candles.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:05, Thu 25 Oct 2018.

In reply to DM (msg # 42):

Here the first floor map ;) -> https://imgur.com/MFIx0kg
This message was last edited by the player at 15:10, Thu 25 Oct 2018.

The rest of you hurry into the mansion.

You start in the foyer area, the banquet hall looks much the same except the stout oak table has been upended and blocks entrance from the foyer into the main area. Looking up and past the table you can see a wide stairway leading to the roof and a chandelier that hung whewre the table was, a repurposed wagon wheel still lit with candles.

Huffing and puffing from the burden of the armour and now the prone wizard, Brodd takes great gasping breaths as he nods to Regdoc to put Sasar down beside the upended table.

"He needs to eat less potatoes and I need more meat," Brodd mutters to himself.  Fed mostly on porridge and stew since his cloistering, the young acolyte could have grown stronger and taller with a better diet.

He scans around for threats, hoping the fire was not going to threaten the dwelling and then eyeballing the stairs.  "We have to get up there, take the roof and save Einhard," he declares.  Just who the `we` will be is not immediately clear; Brodd himself seems content to guard Sasar and leave the melee combat to the melee combat specialists.

Round 2 Actions
Moving into position and securing Sasar`s location, and looking around.

Eron had spent his time falling to his knees and crying at the miserable waste of perfectly good alcohol by the goblins and their tactics.  It takes a while for the threat of flames to stir him from his somber lament.  He trudges inside, stirred to seek out those who would defile the pure and the good...product of this winery.  Eron looks around to see if he can get to the parapets from which the goblins had thrown their firebombs.

[Current Map, thanks to Brother Brodd. I added a mini-grid for the room.]


https://docs.google.com/drawin...okrWr3kctTdi1Uc/edit
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:13, Thu 25 Oct 2018.

"You disobedient dung-roller, you'd do well to listen to me! Drop it! DROP IT!"

Chomper seemed to sigh that his trophy wasn't appreciated and padded over to bury it in a potted plant.

"C'mere, I need the bandages."

From one of the clever pouches on the large guard dog's back, Regdoc withdrew a carefully prepared bundle. Within was twice boiled cotton bandages along with some sort of sticky glue for adhere it to a wound. Long years of experience on this realm's roads granted the oldster the wisdom to apply a bandage correctly.

"You'll be back to your books in not time youngster," Regdoc told Sasar in a quiet and gentle voice.

"Thank you Chomper, head over and make sure nothing sneaks in on us..."

"BWOOOF!"

"Don't use that tone with me! I'll glue your tail to your haunches next time you sleep..." Regdoc grumbled as Chomper padded away.


OOC: Bandaging Sasar. Chomper on guard duty.

Manaku has he noticed that everybody is going inside the mansion, has some doubt.

"Do I entry too or i stay out of this affair?"

But to stay out there is too hot, danger is not gone, so theren't much options.
He want to sneakily enter to the mansion, trying to be not spotted in this chaos, he doesn't want to explain anything to nobody.

"Maybe they won't notice me.

He just goes past the stormbinder.

"Sorry man, but now I can't help you"

[Stormbinder already smashed the lock with his Magic Missile. -DM]

[09:48, Today: Manaku rolled 3 using 1d20+2.  To sneak inside the mansion.]

And sneakly entered in the mansion.
But right after making one step to enter, he clumsily hit, with the right leg, the left candle-lamp, whose fall make so much noise.
CRASH!

"Fu*k!"

Now everybody know I'm here.
Inside the mansion, on the left, right after the doorway.
Frozen and embarrassed.
With a candle-lamp on the ground, right in front of him.

"H-hi"


OCC: Sneak inside the mansion and failed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:13, Fri 26 Oct 2018.

In reply to Manaku (msg # 48):

Thud quickly moves over to the door on the left (A5) listens at the door for any sounds, then quickly moves to ascend the stairs (A3) Thud has his bow armed and ready to fire as he scans from left to right checking for traps, and any unwelcome surprises, carefully taking step by step.

In reply to Thud (msg # 49):

They're sturdy, stone steps. They've seen some wear over the years but still easy to climb. As you reach the corner, a barrel comes rolling down the steps at you!

[Make a Dexterity roll to avoid being hit]
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:51, Fri 26 Oct 2018.

Meanwhile, Sasar's mule, who is bright enough to avoid standing out among burning grapes, wanders into the entrance way and brays loudly, seemingly offended at being forgotten in the conflagration outside.

Now everybody know I'm here.
Inside the mansion, on the left, right after the doorway.
Frozen and embarrassed.
With a candle-lamp on the ground, right in front of him.

"H-hi"

Brodd was expecting a sneak attack by goblin gatecrashers.  Instead, it was an elven archer.  "Are you here to help us?" he asks cautiously.  Standing protectively over a battle casualty, the young priest looks suspiciously at the newcomer.

"If so, head upstairs with the halfling!"

Wings unfurl from the pixie’s back, and It takes off in flighty.  Eron draws his blade as he flies to the top of the stairs to try to strike at whoever threw that barrel.

The door on the east side of the chamber slams several times from the other side, several seconds later, a human [Erlendale] wrapped in ropes bursts through and falls to the floor. He tosses the shard of a broken wine bottle in his hand to the side and hurriedly pulls off ropes, now slack from being cut.

"Who're you?" Regdoc snorted at the elfy-looking human. It seemed as if wanna-be heroes were coming out of the woodwork now. Only to probably die by flame...

14:30, Today: Iffy rolled 4 using 1d20+2 ((2)).
Detecting traps.

Iffy, cross bow still in hand, grumbles something about amateurs as she enters the building and sees the broken barrel and the halfling tromping about.  "Everyone's all a-rush for their dirt-naps..." She says under her breath as she begins entertaining the thought of checking for traps.  Then, she is distracted by the newcomer and all the people.  "Oh.  Hello..."

In reply to Iffy (msg # 56):

Thud climbs the worn steps, suddenly see's a barrel come rolling toward him, he tries to dodge the barrel, unfortunately leaves his dodge a little too late.

09:38, Today: Thud rolled 6 using 1d20+2 ((4)). Dexterity  (Boll@k$ !)

Thud feels the barrel make contact ..........

20:00, Today: DM, for the NPC Oaken Barrel, rolled 6 using 1d6.  Halfling’s can’t jump!

With a CRASH the barrel bowls into the hobbit, flattening him. Oaken staves and iron hoops flying everywhere!

[STRIKE!!!]

He’s drenched in BLOOD...oh wait that’s wine. My bad. Oaken with leathery tones. Such a pity it was never decanted properly.

There is a goblin at the top of the stairs, laughing and jumping. He double-takes when he sees you speeding upwards.

<Goblin> “Why goat men no thunder stick you already?!?”

[Eron, state your attack and roll hit/damage]

"What a waste of wine, but at least the Goblins know which kind to serve with combat."

In reply to Creston Fairwood (msg # 60):

Brodd was expecting a sneak attack by goblin gatecrashers.  Instead, it was an elven archer.  "Are you here to help us?" he asks cautiously.  Standing protectively over a battle casualty, the young priest looks suspiciously at the newcomer.

"If so, head upstairs with the halfling!"

"You h-have no right to o-o-order me around! I was right out there and saw all this mess, I want to help, yes... but not for you all!"

The door on the east side of the chamber slams several times from the other side, several seconds later, a human [Erlendale] wrapped in ropes bursts through and falls to the floor. He tosses the shard of a broken wine bottle in his hand to the side and hurriedly pulls off ropes, now slack from being cut.

Manaku move to the right going to help the man to stand up

"Are you alright?"

And then with bow at ready, move to L1 ready to jump out if another barrel come from upstairs... or a red face shows up
This message was last edited by the player at 10:56, Sun 28 Oct 2018.

"Bah! Elves." Regdoc observed to his younger protege.

The human looks very confused and little battered.
He spends a little time looking around trying to understand what going on.
He the speaks in answer to elf question.

Master elf.  I am pleased to make your 'acquittal'.  Thank you for asking.
I am little confused and my head hurts.

OOC:
'Any' thing in caps deliberately the wrong word.
Elerndale thinks he more intelligent than he really is...

In reply to Elerndale (msg # 63):

Thud picks himself up, shakes himself of the excess wine, "All that wine, and not one sip !", Thud nods toward Manaku in appreciation of his help, "Thank you". Thud quickly re-arms his bow, and readies to fire if the goblin appears. This time more wary of what might be thrown or fired from upstairs.

"Bah! Elves." Regdoc observed to his younger protege.

Brodd was wise to Regdoc`s comment but he also felt behooved to point out that any enemy of the nasty goblinkin were automatically their friends.  But who had time for conversations amid all the mayhem!?

The door on the east side of the chamber slams several times from the other side, several seconds later, a human [Erlendale] wrapped in ropes bursts through and falls to the floor.

Instead Brodd advanced to Elerndale`s prone position (K,5) to assist Chomper as well as the newcomer elf in rendering aid in case the man was hurt.

I added Faramir Elerndale to the map at (L,5) based on the description above.

Master elf.  I am pleased to make your 'acquittal'.  Thank you for asking.
I am little confused and my head hurts.

"Well met sir," Brodd adds for good measure.  "Is that room there empty of goblins?"

In case there was an imminent thread, the priest readies his shield and tries not too look like a target.

Is Erlendale hurt? Also standing in square (K,5), what can be seen of the eastern room beyond the doorway?
This message was last edited by the player at 23:43, Sat 27 Oct 2018.

In reply to Brother Brodd (msg # 65):

He’s a bit bruised from pushing his way out but otherwise unharmed. Looking past him it appears to be a storage closet for bottling equipment and some wine racks.

(Erlendale: note that you were a prisoner so your armor and weapons were taken from you.]

"Ok more help....that is always good.  Now lets figure out how to get at these goblins.  I for one do not like being trapped in a house."

In reply to Amalrik (msg # 67):

"Everyone! w-we need t-to go u-upstairs, staying here is too dangerous! C-come with me! Let's fight these obnoxious monsters!"

00:14, Today: Manaku rolled 13 using 1d20. Persuasion.

After that he goes up the stairs, stealthy and checking for traps.

00:10, Today: Manaku rolled 10 using 1d20+2. Manaku go stealth up to the stairs.
00:12, Today: Manaku rolled 14 using 1d20+1.  Check for traps.


OCC: Speaking to party, Going upstairs, stealth and investigate for traps.

In reply to Manaku (msg # 68):

[There’s already a battle at the top of the stairs and the barrel trap was already sprung. There’s also a halfling and a pixie fighting their way to the roof. It’s a bit late for stealth...]

In reply to DM (msg # 69):

All right I'll just go up then, bow at ready.

As he's begin to go to the upper floor, he start chanting with an almost impercettible voice.

"Come fort, my defence, I need you in this dire moment"

And with a rapid snap of the fingers, a magic purple circle begin to form in front of him. A beautiful magic shield.

Trying to spot any red face on the roof.

02:36, Today: Manaku rolled 18 using 1d20.  Perception
This message was last edited by the player at 11:50, Mon 29 Oct 2018.

Elerndale looks around him.
My Sword, My Armor.  Where are they.

Wrangle at the Winery, Round 2
Game Map: (let me find it again)
Initiative Result:  Party's turn
Post actions in format:
Recovering:
1. Sasar

Already gone:
2. Manaku (cast Shield spell and charging up NE steps)


Yet to go:
4. Thud (risen back to feet on NW steps)
5. Eron (flying up NW steps, need an attack against R1)
6. Iffy (scanning the room, crossbow at the ready)
7. Brother Brodd (gaurding Sasar)
8. Regdoc (guarding Sasar) & Chomper
9. Creston
9. Stormbinder (out in the flames? Player MIA)
10. Einhard (Screaming in the clutch of the claw? Player MIA)
11. Erendale: (Looking for his armor and sword)

Enemy:
Goblins that you've seen

R1: faceful of angry pixie
R2: throwing a spear down at Manaku, will resolve soon
R3: Crane operator (???)

Elerndale looks around him.
My Sword, My Armor.  Where are they.

"The goblins must have them," Brodd reasons.  Just to be sure, he goes into the storage room a few steps to make sure they were not in there.  Goblins were not known to be too smart ...

Round 3 Actions
Enter Storage Room, quick look around for Elerndale`s stuff (or anything else that might be there)
I moved my character`s icon on the map

https://docs.google.com/drawin...okrWr3kctTdi1Uc/edit
This message was last edited by the player at 18:29, Mon 29 Oct 2018.

In reply to Brother Brodd (msg # 73):

You see shelves of wine bottles and some broken glass on the floor where he freed himself. Also what appears to be equipment for corking bottles.

14:50, Today: DM, for the NPC NE Goblin, rolled 4 using 1d20+2.  throwing spear down at Manaku.

The goblin at the head of the stairs throws his spear, which bounces pathetically off of the elf's shimmering magic shield.

If Creston can get a clean shot at that Goblin, Creston takes it. Otherwise, he's not wasting an arrow on a teammate's backside.


((15:00, Today: Creston Fairwood rolled 15,3 using d20+3,d6 ((12,3)).))

In reply to Creston Fairwood (msg # 76):

The goblin yowls, and trips off the edge of stairs to plummet to the floor with a CRUNCH.

Regdoc offered a brief prayer of gratitude to the Wandering God when he finally saw Sasar's eyes flutter open. Having done about all he could do for the man, Regcod arose and attempted to launch a sling stone at the foe battling the pixie. Not surprisingly, the shot very much missed its mark...

Chomper made a woof that sounded much more like laughter than a canine communication as he padded over to stand before his owner.

Sling attack attempt at the foe facing our winged avenger: Regdoc rolled 2 using 1d20-1 ((3)) - Whiff! What type of misses are we doing (if any) for firing into melee?

In reply to Regdoc (msg # 78):

Thud carefully climbs the stairs once again, bow ready to fire should another Goblin appear.

O.O.C - If Thud gets a chance to fire (19:23, Today: Thud rolled 13 using 1d20+2 ((11)).Damage = 19:24, Today: Thud rolled 3 using 1d6 ((3)).

In reply to Regdoc (msg # 78):

Regdoc's stone launches from the sling far too early and hits something metal in the rafters with a CLANGGGG.

With the NE stairs goblin down, Creston takes another shot at the NW stairs goblin. Creston's arrow goes through the goblin's thigh, and Thud's arrow lodges square in the belly. If neither of these arrows were fatal in themselves the noisy tumble down the stairs would have done him in with the loud cracking of neckbones. This time at least Thud can easily push the rolling corpse out of his way before he's bowled over again.

The pixie was dressed for the occasion certainly with all of his arms and armor.  But as he attacks, he looks most dangerous to himself than to the goblin before him.  His strikes are wild and erratic and....

OOC:
06:44, Today: Eron Windblade rolled 3 using 1d4-1.  damage.
06:44, Today: Eron Windblade rolled 10 using 1d20-1.  attack.

In reply to Eron Windblade (msg # 81):

Eron swings wildly, and the gobllin tumbles down the stairs. For a moment he feel victorious, thinking that his attack somehow took the goblin off-balance. Then, looking he back, he notices the two arrow stuck in him.

Also: make a Wisdom roll.

During all this, you hear a lout CRASH as something falls down the chimney with a cloud of ashes. It looks like a human body, wearing armor.

“Where am I?”

He remembers being outside when pain exploded in his ribcage and world started spinning around. He can smell his own blood now, and there is strong taste of iron in his mouth. Robes feel wet and moist too, and he is clearly inside a building now, seeing interior of roof and walls.

“Angie? Where are you, old friend?”

The wizard struggles to get on his feet, noticing his own bloodied hands while doing so.

Eron stands oblivious to whatever it is that he missed, unless it kills him.  Of course, he might notice that, but one can't be too sure.

OOC: 10:34, Today: Eron Windblade rolled 17 using 1d20.  wisdom check.

In reply to Eron Windblade (msg # 85):

Well, at least you hear the grinding of gears just above the stairs on the roof level. And the door is open. (On Manaku's side as well.)

The mule clops over and licks the wizard's face.

In reply to DM (msg # 87):

Thud shoulders his bow, then draws his short sword to use with his shield. Pushing the deceased goblin out of the way, thud carefully advances, listening and anticipating another attack.

In reply to DM (msg # 87):

“Oh, there you are, girl! All well and unharmed, as you should be. Good, good!” Sasar gently strokes the mule. Only then he pays more attention to the surroundings, noticing the party members he can see.

“Brodd? Regdoc? Are we clear? Is is safe?”

He throws sharp glances at the direction of the new people he hasn't seen before, unsure if they are friends or foes.

Outside you hear Stormbinder shouting about his spellbook, and his voice trails off through the burning fields.

With growing horror you realize the ash-covered form dropped down the chimney is that of Einhard!

Great sword in hand and ready Amalrik follows the pixie up the stairs looking for a target to unleash his furry on.

Einhard groans as he crawls out of the fireplace and back to his feet.

Wrangle at the Winery, Round 3
Game Map: see links
Initiative Result:  Party's turn
Post actions in format:

MISSING:
1. Stormbinder

ON ROOF: https://docs.google.com/drawin...okrWr3kctTdi1Uc/edit
1. Manaku (cast Shield spell and charging up NE steps, ON ROOF)
2. Thud (charged up NW steps, ON ROOF)
3. Eron (flew up NW steps, ON ROOF)
4. Amalrik: Charged up NW steps, ON ROOF)
R3: The Giant Crane

MAIN LEVEL:
1. Iffy (scanning the room, crossbow at the ready)
2. Brother Brodd (helping EInhard)
3. Regdoc (guarding Sasar) & Chomper
4. Creston
5. Einhard (stepping out of the fireplace)
6. Erendale: (Looking for his armor and sword)
7. Sasar: (back on his feet) & mule
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:38, Thu 01 Nov 2018.

Manaku is going to open the doors (if there are) that brings to the roof, and if an enemy is spotted he'll shoot an arrow on this one!

13:51, Today: Manaku rolled 16, 6 using 1d20+2,1d6

And he will move on his right, always facing the crane, so the magic shield will protect him.

Ooc:open the door, shoot the enemy, go on his right facing the enemy.

map: https://docs.google.com/drawin...okrWr3kctTdi1Uc/edit

With growing horror you realize the ash-covered form dropped down the chimney is that of Einhard!
Einhard groans as he crawls out of the fireplace and back to his feet.

Fearing the worst Brodd rushes over to the fallen man.  To see the knight plucked right off the horse by that golem-like thing ... he had certainly feared the worst.  "M`lord let me help you stand," Brodd offers.

Once it seemed clear that Einhard was not needing further aid, Brodd tries to assess the situation and delegates as well as he can:

"If the fire is bad we`re in danger in here, we need to get to the roof to find a way down on the far side, or we need to find a back door."

He can`t offer anything for the mule, it would have to be safe inside.

The other option was to find a way down into the cellars - Brodd assumes a winery would have extensive cellars for bottle storate - but there was no guarantee there was an exit from them.  In fact, he`d guess there wasn`t.

"First though, the roof!"

Actions Round 3
Move to fireplace (done on map)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:16, Thu 01 Nov 2018.

The goblin had already pushed the door open. The elf races up the stairs. The air is thick with smoke and the crimson glow from the ground tinges everything. The giant crane looms before Manaku, a thunderous monstrosity of lumber and wrought iron gears!

At the base, he sees a skull with beady red eyes staring back at him through a slat in the boards. Manaku lets loose his arrow, and a century of practice in hunting birds in flight guides it through  the space.

<Goblin> "GAH! YOU NOTCH ME EAR! YOU PAY FOR DAT!"

A massive iron claw that suspended over the chimney from where it dropped the knight begins to rise and swing over the elf...

[NOTE: To hit the goblin in the cab requires a missile strike of AC 2[16]]

In reply to DM (msg # 96):

Thud seeing the monsterous crane structure with the skull, quickly arms his sling with a bullett. Then throws the bullet with the sling toward the red eyes of the skull.

20:37, Today: Thud rolled 8 using 1d20+2 ((6)). (the dice hate me)

Eron pulls a small pixie spear out, takes careful aim and lets it lose.  It flies amazingly through the narrow opening in the monstrous contraption, but is weakly thrown and barely grazes the goblin.

05:49, Today: Eron Windblade rolled 0 using 1d4-1.  damage.
05:49, Today: Eron Windblade rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  spear attack.

Thud's bullet makes a dull *THUD* against the planks.



<goblin>"OI! WHO GROW DE MOSQUITOS SO DAMN BIG?"

There is a pause...

<Common>"AIGHT, STOPPIN' DE POKEYS! ME SURRENDER!"

The crane lurches to a halt, the crane's massive claw dropping and stopping barely a yard over where the elf stood!

“My goodness,  we’re going to burn alive! Angie, wait here – I’ll be right back!”

Sasar leaves his mule for a moment and moves to check the doorway towards west (A5). He scans the room for an exit, stairs or anything which might be useful in the current situation.

“This is a winery. There must be a cellar or storage below ground level. If we could find the exit down below, perhaps we could go there and just wait until the flames die? I’d prefer finding a back door, though...”
This message was last edited by the player at 16:29, Fri 02 Nov 2018.

[Roll D6 to search for secret doors.]

His own eyes beginning to burn from the accumulation of smoke, Regdoc agreed with his elderly companion. "Take it easy Sasar, you were on the shady side of dead only moments ago. But yes, any further protection at this point would be well for us!"

Assist Sasar in secrety secreeets: Regdoc rolled 3

Following Manaku out the door, Amalrik looks for the nearest goblin to strike with his sword missing it.


OOC: 18:37, Today: Amalrik rolled 11 using 1d20+3.  attack.

05:20, Today: Iffy rolled 5 using 1d6 ((5)).
05:19, Today: Iffy rolled 14,2 using 1d20-1,1d6 ((15,2)).
Firing at the cab goblin.  Cabgoblin.

Part-surprised at things and part-trying to ready her acquired cross bow, Iffy soon proves that she is all about making sure those gods-forsaken goblins have as little success as possible doing...whatever it is their budget grey matter in their heads is telling them to do.

Since Sasar said out loud that he was looking for a trap door, Creston will help him look for it.

((Creston Fairwood rolled 3 using 1d6.  secret doors.))

The only goblin on the roof is in the cab.

<Common> “Hey! Call off your ogre! I no come out to you put you weapons down, got it long legs?”

In reply to Iffy (msg # 104):

[Iffy, you’re not on the roof level. You can keep your roll but hit the right goblin :D]

In reply to DM (msg # 107):

(O.O.C - If there is only one Goblin on the roof and no other enemy, AND if the "cab" is made of wood, Thud will do the following :   )

Thud reaches into his back pack, and pulls out his tinder box, and will attempt to set light to the "cab", trying to ensure that the Goblin cannot stab or hit him with anything.

Dex roll 18:22, Today: Thud rolled 5 using 1d20+2 ((3)).    (this dice roller is suss)

"Im not putting my weapon down ! besides its chilly up here, let me warm things up for you."

In reply to Thud (msg # 108):

A pair of beady eyes peers down at the halfling through the planks.

“Hey short legs! ” The goblin wiggles their fingers.

[Thud, Save vs. Spells!]

In reply to DM (msg # 109):

18:50, Today: Thud rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  (save vs spells) (another high role ? )

Thud attempts to get his little fire started, and keep the little Goblin warm.

In reply to Thud (msg # 110):


<from inside the cab> "Cut dat out! We gots enough fires out here! Just keep you friends from hittin' me or dis' ting! Don't deez longlegs know what SURRENDAH means? Such PRIMITIVE creatures!"

"What's the big idea of burning down the vineyard?" Regdoc shouted at the goblin operator. "Is this a raid or simply entertainment?"

map: https://docs.google.com/drawin...okrWr3kctTdi1Uc/edit

While Einhard dusted himself off, Erlindale found his bearings and Sasar bravely went exploring, Brodd hustled to the base of the stairs and glanced up.

Events on the roof seemed to be sorting themselves out.  Eager to find a side exit or a cellar entrance, the young priest moved to follow Sasar.

Actions
Move to (B,5) and look in that other room.  If empty, search.
Concealed Door search 3

11:51, Today: Brother Brodd rolled 3 using 1d6.  Concealed Door search.

NOTE I assume there is a door there??
This message was last edited by the player at 19:52, Mon 05 Nov 2018.

In reply to Brother Brodd (msg # 113):

Before Brodd walks over to the west door, Iffy yells "Wait!"

She raises her crossbow and fires into the ceiling. With a yelp, a goblin smashes into the stone floor, and his saw blade clatters to the floor beside him.

[I had to resolve this move before everyone could continue.]

Yes there is a door that's been opened. Roll D6 to search.

None of you have found a door yet, just a large rack on the wall with rows and rows of bottles set to age. You can see the finger prints on the bottles where they've been turned regularly to prevent the contents from turning to vinegar. Except for that bottle in the upper right corner, it's got cobwebs all over it!

"You longlegs took our land! We hunt here til you come in and drive us to de peaks and de sunrise! Cut down de trees and rip de land will all de grapes! We put it back so trees come back like de Druids say! Maybe keep some grapes for bottle or two but de land needs de trees!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:24, Tue 06 Nov 2018.

In reply to DM (msg # 115):

“Hmm. Strange that one bottle is left alone when all others have been tampered with, don’t you think?” Sasar points the bottle to Brodd. “Well, I might just as well fill my wineskin. My mouth feels dry as the dirty road we walked here...”

Despite of possible danger still present he takes one of the other bottles having fingerprints on it and tries to open it.  If successful he will take a sniff of the wine and if it doesn't smell foul will take a mouthful and carefully taste it.

“What do you think? Could be a lever.” He asks and nods towards the untouched bottle.

It's a lighter vintage, with cherry tones, smooth finish. Good choice.

"Bah! Your kind are rodents. Breaking, burning, destroying and consuming. Unable to produce anything you kill or steal what you need and want. There's nothing stopping you from starting your own vineyard, but tribal squabbles and selfishness would never allow that. There are plenty of trees, and there'd be plenty more if fools like you weren't lighting the world on fire!"

The old man was, ahem, fired up, not taking the goblin's druid drivel as any sort of excuse for raiding the vineyard.

"Oh you got us fuzzy wit de orcs, scraggy dog-man! Trees grow faster from de ashes! We leave room for de wargs to hunt wid us! We take what we need and take back what's ours! De goblins ALWAYS come back! You kill us now, we come back! Go home scraggy dog-man before de wargs chase you down! Go before me new shortleg friend here put a rock in you face-fur!"

"Like cockroaches and rats... vermin that breed in dark places and live only to repeat the foul process and consume. And in case you haven't noticed, I have my own short-legged friend over yonder that'll run you through if you even twitch." Regdoc pointed to the halfling.

Chomper's ears were perked and the dog slowly walked over to stand before the old man.

"Ha ha! No. You wrong again. He my friend now. Ain't dat right, shortlegs?"

Thud has an enraged look on his face for the briefest moment, before he smiles and nods.

"Gobbin, Hobbit, one face one race! Dat wat dey say, don't dey? Well maybe no before but I say it now!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:38, Tue 06 Nov 2018.

Except for that bottle in the upper right corner, it's got cobwebs all over it!

“What do you think? Could be a lever.” He asks and nods towards the untouched bottle.

"Aha, this has to be the mechanism," Brodd reasons.  He nods to Sasar.  "I think you've found it, well done."

He gently manipulates the bottle in an attempt to expedite matters.

It sounded like conversation on the roof, and not killing.  I wonder what's going on up there but without yells of murder, he hopes he wasn't needed quite yet to bandage any wounds.

Not sure if another die roll is needed based on your clue, or allowed.  If the latter, consider this my character's novice fumblings and he'll move on in the next post; if the former, then hopefully we got this door open now :)
This message was last edited by the player at 17:43, Tue 06 Nov 2018.

[Do you spin the bottle clockwise or counterclockwise?]

Do you spin the bottle clockwise or counterclockwise?



So naturally, when faced with this wine bottle conundrum, the correct way was the direction the sun traveled in the sky.  Rising in the east as it always was the basis of Solar Order.  Imagine if the sun suddenly moved the other way?  Or rose when it should set?  Those things didn't happen, and Order was preserved.



In full faith, Brodd turns the bottle clockwise, as is Right and Proper.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:09, Tue 06 Nov 2018.

[1 XP bonus to Sasar for concluding the bottle was a lever for a secret door, and for his exquisite taste in wines.]

[1 XP bonus to Brother Brodd for convincing flashback, Grasshopper, and for taking the leap of faith.]

Acting on faith, the cleric cups his hand around the base of the bottle and starts to twist it clockwise. There's a bit of resistance at first, then it moves until it stops with a loud click. You feel a faint tremble under your feet, and the shelves to the left of this contraption slowly begin to sink into the floor, along with the wall behind it.

[It will take a round for the shelf to to be flush with the floor, revealing an passage 10' wide, sloping downward]

As the secret passage starts to open Sasar smiles at Brodd and raises his now opened wine bottle to salute him. Then he turns toward the larger hall and shouts loudly:

“We found a possible way out! Come! Come quickly before the flames get you and leave them goblins at their own devices!”

With the bottle still in his hand he rushes back to get the mule.

“All right, Angie. It seems our adventure has truly begun now. We'll be going to dark and scary places but fear not. Move your bones, old girl!” He leads the mule towards the secret passage and takes a long swig of the wine.

A shout from above.

<DarkRed>"Dis a gnome device, true be true! But I come and help! Nobody know de cave like de goblin! We made for down dere! You get?"</DarkRed>

The door of the cab unlocks and a female goblin climbs out, standing behind Thud protectively.

She wears a human child's red dress which is stained around the collar from arrow lacerations to her face, painted white with chalk like a skull. Her hair is a jumble of dreadlocks and she carries a stick festooned with leather straps, feathers, and beads with a human skull on top.

<DarkRed>"So we's introducin? I is Yagi de ghost talker! And dis here Mistah Wong!"</DarkRed>

Thud turns and shakes Yagi's hand and waves to the skull momentarily before getting back in defensive position between her and the rest of the party.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:28, Tue 06 Nov 2018.

Creston goes in first, in case there are more Goblins, his sword at the ready. He is being careful.

"Yes I get you! You just proved my point! Warrens and foul crawling places... VERMIN!"

"And you halfling, or should I say half-wit? What's gotten in to you anyway!"

Chomper backed up, nudging Regdoc toward the door where Sasar was trying to coax his mule.

"You wanna chew on goblin legs Chomper? That's the one you should be chewing on!"

There are sconces on the walls at regular intervals. The dusty wax droplets on them tell you that they were once used to light the way with candles. The passage curves clockwise as it descends, like a corkscrew.

"You keep sayin' dat like de bad ting! Vermin EBBYWHERE! You no NEBBA stop de vermin! Tasty too!"


The halfling opens his mouth as if to say something urgent, then only shrugs like one of the decrepit adventurers back at the Sword & Board.



She shakes her red finger at Chomper. "Hey! You no take me say too close goggie! Me no vermins! Me know you cousin de warg!"

Creston goes in first, in case there are more Goblins, his sword at the ready. He is being careful.

There are sconces on the walls at regular intervals. The dusty wax droplets on them tell you that they were once used to light the way with candles. The passage curves clockwise as it descends, like a corkscrew.

Brodd gently places a hand on Sasar's shoulder.  "You should rest, you've recently taken a wound."

The least brother is grateful for Creston's stepping forward.  He examines a sconce, trying to tell how recently this passage might have been used.  There was lightly dusty, and then there was filthy dusty.

"I'm not afraid of the dark," Brodd tells the elf.  It wasn't precisely true, but as a sun priest Brodd feared more the darkness in a spiritual sense.  "But I can't see in it as well as you can, either.  We should wait for the others."

To Sasar: "I don't know how we'll get Angie out this.  Unless the fire burns itself out, there are just stairs everywhere else, up and down."

“Oh, stairs won’t be an issue for Angie.” Sasar waves off Brodd’s concern as he stops to rest, puffing and gasping for air. He grimaces, still feeling the wound.

“Back at my master’s tower, we once found her from from the third floor, from the library! Angie had eaten some important scrolls, as we found out later, and he – my master – wasn’t exactly thrilled about it...” He gives Brodd half-smile, half grimace.

“Anyways, as longs as there are actual stairs, I don’t thing it will be an issue. Excuse me, I think I’ll have to rest for a little bit. And enjoy this excellent wine.”

The wizard will stand there and take a breather while he waits rest of the party come.

Hearing the call Amalrik turns and heads back down stairs to join the others before they head out the secret passage.

"Ehi! Come inside!"

Manaku, in the roof, wait for everybody got inside the mansion and will close the doors.

There is a wood board or something similiar around? I want to isolate the goblin out blocking the doors
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 14:06, Thu 08 Nov 2018.

In reply to Manaku (msg # 136):

There are two doors on the roof leading down to the north wall of the first floor. You have no key to lock them. You could try to block one with your body, but not both at once. And that would mean keeping Thud isolated as well.

In reply to DM (msg # 137):

Brodd, regarding the was on the sconces, some of the dribbled surrounding wax is very dusty indeed, but the empty circles where the actual columnar candles once stood (think of the kinds you find in your church) have very little dust at all.

nevermind!
I go downstairs, ignoring the goblin in the machine

Yagi takes the other stairs with Thud in front.
"Me sorry bout de barrel and all dat but dat was too tart anyways. Watch you step it still sticky. Oh you got more pack! Hey-yo! Nice hunting dere!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:06, Thu 08 Nov 2018.

Brodd was taken aback by the goblin suddenly in their midst.  His teachings coloured the world as us vs. them, good vs. evil, law vs. chaos.  Goblins were certainly in the 'them' category.

He didn't know the best move.  Inflexibility would prove a mistake, as would trusting an evil creature.  He tries to get a sense of the creature's heart but keeps his sling lowered:

"Tell me, where is the owner of the is place?  The winemaker and his family?"

In reply to DM (msg # 140):

“We going to have this creature around then, I suppose?” Sasar asks in lightly sour manner.

Then addressing the goblin:

“Why do you insist on coming with us? What do you want? We could part peacefully. You go that way and we go this way. With little luck we don’t have to never ever see each others again”

His voice carries clear mistrust towards the goblin.

At the bottom of the stairs, Creston stands and waits for his eyesight to adjust. Until it does, he listens for enemies and takes a sniff at the air down there.

((20:10, Today: Creston Fairwood rolled 5 using 1d6 (Secret Stuff) ((5)).))

If Creston finds anything, or anyone, of interest down here, he'll shout up to the others.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:14, Fri 09 Nov 2018.

"Agreed. Yagi is nothing more than an opportunistic rat. I vote we let Chomper eat him."

"When we come only see vine peoples! Like deadwalkers but vines. Dey here before we came? Dunno! We tell dem go 'way but dey jus' walkin walkin so we cut dem till dey fall. Dat one guy in the stock we find in de house in back, we keep him in de stock to see if he got de vine-sick. Udder guy *points to Elerndale* came later wit' de cart guy, we put him in de closet if he vine-sick too. Dunno where de cart guy went, he talk 'bout get de real good bottle in dat room an' he no come back!

She points at the room with the sliding shelf.



Because dis me castle now! Me pack take over we own it! I surrender, you shortleg now friend me, now we one pack! Same-same! We split up, de vine-sicks come scratch us make us vine-sick! Den de vines run dis place but not like de druids like!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:19, Fri 09 Nov 2018.

"When we come only see vine peoples! Like deadwalkers but vines ...

Listening to the creature's childish rant, Brodd did detect a discernible narrative.  Yes she was still a goblin and not to be trusted.

"Apparently the household was infected somehow but there's one fellow unaccounted for," he says grimly to the others.  "So we can still rescue someone as was out first intention."

"Where is this man's gear?" Brodd then asks the goblin, referring to Erlindale.

Regarding the creature's fate, the priest knows that in the long term she will be forced out or killed, but there was no reason they could not be genial for a time.  Perhaps they could even show her was real, civilised folk were like and she might take this lesson back to her broodlings.

"There is a place for every creature under the sun," he mutters to himself.  It was a psalm, not really popular with the older clergy, but still a belief of his faith.

"Fine.  If you surrendered, then give us your weaponry and take our trust that we will not abuse you.  As a prisoner, there are rules and we will follow them."

Brodd felt everyone from Masondain would be honourable enough, but what of the newcomers?  Would they even be staying once they knew the place was not to be looted??

See OOC forum for some comments

"Dat axe out front was he carryin. De rest it here and there."

Brodd:

"Fine.  If you surrendered, then give us your weaponry and take our trust that we will not abuse you.  As a prisoner, there are rules and we will follow them."

"Ghost talker don' carry weapon, sun talker! Me only got Mista Wong an he say he like me better! And you longleg friend woulda been squishy already If me no stop de lever! *points at Manaku*

She picks up the severed leg that Chomper was playing with.

"You want me weapon? Here. Take me arms, and me feetses."

She brings the ball joint to her snout and sniffs at it.

"Make sure you cook friend before you eat. Dat de right way."

She nods solemnly, mimicking your utterance.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:48, Fri 09 Nov 2018.

Regdoc snorted in disgust, waving Chomper next to him. There was something odd going on here, the goblin was working some sort of machination with everyone's mind. If they were weak and foolish enough to fall for such tricks and manipulations, well that was fine for them, but the Seeker wouldn't have any of it himself. He waited reluctantly to be the last to enter the tunnel. He'd much rather be near the head of this downward meandering line, but reasoned that if he was last, the goblin couldn't stab him in the back, and he'd be able to keep an eye on the dirty little creature as well.

As you all prepare to take the slope down into the tunnels, you do a quick head count and realize Iffy has vanished.

“I don’t trust you and I think it is inevitable that at some point in the near future you will betray us. I'm sorry, but that is what I know about your kind and that is how I feel about you.” Sasar says coldly to the goblin before he turns and glances the newcomers (Einhard & Manaku) from head to toe.

“And who are all these new people? I’d like to know what are your names and what is your business here?”

"Only a fool fights in a burning building," shouts Creston! "Just get everybody down here and we can continue the fighting later, if we want!"

While sharing the concerns of everyone about the goblin and the newcomers Brodd was also in agreement with Creston and Sasar.  The building might survive but it was safer underground and if the goblin was in their midst and under strict observation then there was less chance of malice.

"Let's move."


Update to March Order
Single file  WAS                              NOW
Amalrik the Barbarian                         Creston the Eager and the Infravision-istic
Regdoc and Hound at his side                  Amalrik and Eron riding his shoulder
Eron Windblade the pixie buzzing around       Goblin and THUD! at her side
Brother Brodd the Ill-Equipped                Brodd, the Goblin Watcher
Sasar the Wizard                              Sasar
Creston the Elf                               Regdoc and Hound
Iffy the Thief                                Manaku the Rear Guard, The Stealthy, the After-Scout

Quite possibly also there (but also quite possibly not)
IFFY, Einhard, Erlindale.


Double File
Amalrik and Creston
Goblin and THUD!
Brodd and Sasar
Regdoc and Hound
Manaku and Eron

At these words Manaku grin and looks at the goblin with his red eyes.

"You don't know that, I already killed two of your companions and you were the next... but i do appreciate your... clemence, what's your name?"



"I was a passerby, and I noticed the fray, I just wanted to help. My name is Manaku, an hunter, maybe... not anymore"

And Manaku stay behind the group, looking at the back so they won't be surprised by any improvise attacks.

In reply to Manaku (msg # 153):

“Eh well we kill one o’ you guys already but you bring him back! And he name not Clemence, it Mista Wong! You ears too small?”

The goblin turns to Sasar. “Oh you back already! Well Globo still did victory dance! Dis goblin Yagi de Ghost Talker and dis me stick Mista Wong!” She shakes the stick with the skull on it, and it rattles.

Manaku reply with a whisper

"All right, all right. Keep your voice low... I suppose we should say sorry to you for your companions, but it was a 'to kill or be killed' situation, don't you agree?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:20, Mon 12 Nov 2018.

"I was a passerby, and I noticed the fray, I just wanted to help. My name is Manaku, an hunter, maybe... not anymore"

"We're from the region to the south," Brodd explains.  "Masondain."

"It is a rescue mission and you are welcome to join us."

He's noticed the convict has left the scene but says nothing; perhaps Iffy had taken the opportunity to loot and leave, or perhaps she was scouting somewhere.  Either way, Brodd doubts the resourceful woman was in trouble.

"Regdoc the Seeker, I tread the Path of the Wandering One..." The old cleric said by way of introduction.

Then addressing Manaku, "...keep your wits, apologizing to a goblin is like telling a mosquito you're sorry for not eating more sweets!"

"Get this caravan moving Brodd..." Regdoc grouched.

Manaku is visibility irritated by this way to interpret life as white or black

"Just put yourself in his/hers(not sure) situation, born and raised in a goblin clan, what are the chances he/she could be like you or me? I'm just going to give him/her a possibility to change his/her view of life"

Then he blink his eye and grin towarth the goblin

"It's not like I'm going to be a fool, I don't trust you, yet, you have to convince me first"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:16, Mon 12 Nov 2018.

With the new goblin ally and the group readying itself to head into parts unknown, Eron is busy rummaging through the racks of the wine, putting as many as he can manage to drag away.  When he is convinced that he himself could lift no more, he proceeds to try to load down Sasar's beast of burden, a few in Amalrik's pack and wherever he thinks he could pass them off unnoticed.

In reply to Eron Windblade (msg # 159):

[I find the idea of a 1.5' pixie trying to make off with a pair of bottles as tall as he is quite hilarious!]