The party continues its journey to Crimea?, passing a tower built by the Cumans? of Ataman Serkan, battling ankhegs, and eventually encountering Mongols? riding giant hornets, hunting a behir.
<<< Vasily o/ Couch has joined >>> <<< 03:57:19 PM >>> Vasily o/ Cou: /stroll 5 *** Vasily o/ Couch makes a check for Vasily o/ Cou: < 7 4 9 8 6 > 3 Successes Vasily o/ Cou: /stroll 5 8 *** Vasily o/ Couch makes a check for Vasily o/ Cou: < 7 8 8 3 4 > 2 Successes Vasily o/ Cou: /stroll 5 5 *** Vasily o/ Couch makes a check for Vasily o/ Cou: < 5 5 6 9 8 > 5 Successes <<< Vasily o/ Couch has left >>> <<< 03:57:47 PM >>> <<< DM of Gaia has left >>> <<< 09:07:06 AM >>> <<< Albrecht is now known as Albrecht is at his parents >>> <<< DM of Gaia has joined >>> <<< 07:26:16 PM >>> <<< Vasily has joined >>> <<< 07:34:10 PM >>> <<< Nikolai has joined >>> <<< 07:59:39 PM >>> DM of Gaia: Ok DM of Gaia: This needs a Sven to be complete <<< Graynjahhh has joined >>> <<< 08:01:42 PM >>> <<< Graynjahhh is now known as Sven >>> Sven: so we're doing this -2? DM of Gaia: For the moment DM of Gaia: Adam will be joining us DM of Gaia: Alright DM of Gaia: ROLL CALL! Sven: up in hurr DM of Gaia: k that's 1 Vasily: sup. DM of Gaia: k DM of Gaia: And comrade Nikolai? Nikolai: here\ Nikolai: eating DM of Gaia: Ok DM of Gaia: Anyone have any questions? DM of Gaia: Or possibly DM of Gaia: Comments? Sven: did we get e-mail about that loot? DM of Gaia: No! DM of Gaia: I'll do that now. DM of Gaia: You guys killed 3 goblin worg riders Sven: very well. DM of Gaia: While you got your shit bombed Nikolai: and a cleric DM of Gaia: By goblin bat riders DM of Gaia: Yes a cleric also DM of Gaia: The following loots accrued from this DM of Gaia: Small morningstar x3 (1d6/x2) (24 gp), Small lance x3 (1d6/x3) (30 gp), Small javelin x10 coated with drow poison (1d4/x2) (760 gp), Small studded leather armor x3 (+3 AC) (75 gp), tanglefoot bag x9 (450 gp), potions: cure moderate wounds x9 (900 gp), bull's strength x3 (300 gp), haste x3 (600 gp); goblin's exit x3 (1080 gp), 450 gp. DM of Gaia: All gold numbers are totals DM of Gaia: That's the riders DM of Gaia: The cleric is... DM of Gaia: /roll 1d100 *** DM rolls dice for DM of Gaia: 1d100 < 50 = 50 > = 50 *** Vasily rolls dice for DM of Gaia : 1d100 < 21 = 21 > = 21 DM of Gaia: Disable that Vasily: /disable-diebot *** Vasily is disabled DM of Gaia: Small morningstar (1d6/x2) (8 gp), Small studded leather armor (+3 AC) (25 gp), wooden holy symbol of Volos (stylized bull's head), potions: cure light wounds x3 (150 gp), eagle's splendor x2 (200 gp), invisibility x2 (200 gp); scrolls: color spray x2 (50 gp), magic missile x2 (50 gp), sleep x2 (50 gp), 80 gp. DM of Gaia: Remember, all Small items are sold for one-quarter market price instead of half DM of Gaia: Now. DM of Gaia: sec phone DM of Gaia: Adam will be back at 10 DM of Gaia: So! DM of Gaia: As you will recall DM of Gaia: The last session ended with you guys... making it to the forest's edge, isn't that right? Nikolai: yeah I think so Nikolai: also we avoided some bat riders Vasily: "Potion of Goblin's Exit"? DM of Gaia: No DM of Gaia: Goblin's exit is an item DM of Gaia: It's an eggshell Sven: oh right, the effing ninja smokebombs DM of Gaia: When thrown at the ground or otherwise broken, it quickly releases a gaseous substance that expands into an Obscuring Mist centered on your position DM of Gaia: Caster level 1 Vasily: The scrolls are Cleric Scrolls I assume? Vasily: err, divine that is. DM of Gaia: The scrolls are arcane Nikolai: those are all arcane spells Vasily: Off a cleric? DM of Gaia: Yes Vasily: jinkies. Nikolai: Magic domain Vasily: Indeed. Vasily: Wanna split the scrolls? DM of Gaia: Yep Volos grants the Magic domain among others DM of Da: So Vasily: We both take one of each: Color Spray, Magic Missile, Sleep. Nikolai: yep Nikolai: CL 1? DM of Da: Yah Vasily: And those prices are sale or base? DM of Da: Base. DM of Da: Now. DM of Da: You've been traveling for 8 days DM of Da: Along the western shore of the Dnieper, through the forest DM of Da: You have about 10 more days' travel along the river, at which point the river turns west - this is where you'll cross the Dnieper, leaving it behind, and traverse the steppes due south DM of Da: Entering the Crimean peninsula DM of Da: Which is Mongol territory DM of Da: http://127.0.0.1/~obormot/beyond_ragnarok/maps/set_0/MI_RusMap.pdf DM of Da: er DM of Da: http://obormot.ath.cx/~obormot/beyond_ragnarok/maps/set_0/MI_RusMap.pdf DM of Da: Take a look at the bottom part of that map for a reminder if you wish DM of Da: So DM of Da: You set off along the shore DM of Da: (and when I said due south I meant south-southeast but meh) DM of Da: The first day's travels are relatively uneventful... Vasily: (brb) DM of Da: A couple of times, you see what appear to be gnolls in the hills, further inland DM of Da: But they avoid you DM of Da: As the sun begins to set, however, and you prepare to make camp for the night, you spot a group of six riders DM of Da: They are coming up the shore, from the south DM of Da: By now you are familiar with their dress and armaments, and easily recognize them as Cuman warriors <<< Cuman Riders has joined >>> <<< 08:25:10 PM >>> DM of Da: They hail you in Russian; one of them moves forward, while the rest stay back, their hands on their sword hilts. Sven: oh boy. DM of Da: He addresses you in accented Russian Cuman Riders: Halt! Vasily: Hail! Vasily: Can we help you gentlemen? Cuman Riders: We greet you in the name of Ataman Ozgur. Sven: //that's a new name, right? DM of Da: You Vasily: And we greet you in the name of peace. DM of Da: You've met his men before; they "saved" you from the gnoll ambush right before that sandstorm DM of Da: When you met Taras and had some dragon issues Nikolai: right Cuman Riders: Tell me, my friends, what are travelers like yourselves doing here, so far from the road? Vasily: (is he friends with Mr. Khan?) DM of Da: Is who what Sven: (insert obligatory Khaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan remark here) Nikolai: (the ataman) DM of Da: Are you asking if this here Ataman is allied with the Crimean Khan? Nikolai: (do we know anything about him) Nikolai: (yeah) Vasily: (We're traveling to deliver a package. Do we have reason to suspect that these gents might not be inclined to let us carry about our business?) DM of Da: Unlikely - you are still hundreds of miles from Crimea DM of Da: From what you've seen, the steppes between Kievan territory and Oleshie are ruled by a number of Atamans, each apparently out for himself Nikolai: ok let's just dust them Nikolai: Sandy we're not going to let them surround us DM of Da: Ok Vasily: (no need for violence) DM of Da: So far they've made no attempt to do so Nikolai: (go ahead and talk) Nikolai: (but I don't want to be in a shitty position) Vasily: Well, we were hired to deliver a parcel, but ran across a few goblins. Vasily: We barely managed to escape from them. Sven: (I would prefer not to have to be on the wrong side of every Ataman between Kiev and Crimea) Cuman Riders: Well, I am sorry to hear that. Perhaps you are in need of protection, yes? Vasily: Still, we were taken a bit out of our way, so we figured we'd try the direct route. Vasily: Nay, we're out of goblin territory now, so we should be able to take care of ourselves. Vasily: Thank you for the offer though, it is most kind. Cuman Riders: Well, suit yourselves... as long as you all pay us the toll for crossing the Ataman's lands, we have no reason for quarrel with you. Vasily: what might that toll be? Cuman Riders: Ten gold pieces per person - generous indeed, as we, the Ataman's warriors, fight to protect travelers against the vile beasts that inhabit these steppes. Nikolai: (eh that's not so bad) Vasily: (70g? We can pull that) Nikolai: (wanna pay it?) Nikolai: (70?) Nikolai: (50) Vasily: (err, right) Nikolai: (ok pay em) Vasily: (Out of curiosity, how many territories will we be passing through?) Sven: (sounds good.) DM of Da: You have no idea Vasily: (rough estimate? under 10?) DM of Da: The main road from Kiev to Oleshie passes through the territories of three Atamans Vasily: (ok, we can probably swing 150-250g) DM of Da: Whether those domains extend as far east as the river's course will take you, you are unsure DM of Da: Could be more, could be less DM of Da: Ok so you pay them eh Vasily: Of course good sirs. Might I ask one thing though... Vasily: If we meet another band of... protectors... Cuman Riders: Do not worry, you need pay the toll only once per crossing. Nikolai: (we need a receipt) Vasily: Is there a token of some sort you might give us that we may use to show that we have honored the Ataman's law? Nikolai: (rofl) Cuman Riders: Your faces and clothes will be described to all our warriors. Vasily: (*coughreceiptcough* Nikolai: (ok just give him the cash) Vasily: Of course. Thank you. Sven: (we needs a badge or some shit) Sven: (find me a black sherriff) *** Vasily hands over the currency. Vasily: (I don't suppose they take cash in goblin equipment form, do they?) Cuman Riders: And be warned... further along the river's course are the holdings of Ataman Serkan, and he is a ruthless man, not nearly so generous as the one we serve. Cuman Riders: Cross his lands with care. Vasily: (umm... we're not following the river, are we?) DM of Da: You are for like 9 more days Vasily: (ahh) Vasily: We'll be sure to watch out. Thank you for the warning. Cuman Riders: Safe travels to you! Vasily: And you. Nikolai: Thank you sirs *** Sven nods *** Cuman Riders ride past you and continue north <<< Cuman Riders has left >>> <<< 08:40:51 PM >>> DM of Da: Ok DM of Da: Someone connect a Boris and an Albrecht DM of Da: In case we need to have some combat Vasily: I guess I'll take B. Sven: "You go down the river. You find combat." <<< Boris has joined >>> <<< 08:41:55 PM >>> DM of Da: Ok Nikolai: uhm DM of Da: Someone get Albrecht DM of Da: Meanwhile Nikolai: did albrecht leave a char sheet? DM of Da: No <<< Nikolai has joined >>> <<< 08:43:16 PM >>> DM of Da: Improvise <<< Nikolai is now known as Lolbrecht >>> DM of Da: lol <<< Boris is now known as lolis >>> <<< lolis is now known as Lolris >>> DM of Da: Ok <<< Sven is now known as Slol >>> DM of Da: Stop that :P Slol: :-P <<< Vasily is now known as Vasilol >>> <<< Slol is now known as Sven >>> <<< Vasilol is now known as Vasily >>> DM of Da: The night passes without attack Sven: like some sort of Xmas day miracle. DM of Da: Though you hear canine howling from the distance Vasily: /equip Steak DM of Da: And several times, you think you see vaguely humanoid shapes stalking through the dry grass DM of Da: A merchant vessel passes you at dawn, sailing down the river, but it pays you no attention Vasily: (SOP is to hide) Nikolai: so far so good Sven: I would hate to think one of those boats might start shooting cannons 'n shit DM of Da: There are no cannons Vasily: I'm more concerned with our descriptions being described in Oleshie. DM of Da: The only thing that could be shot is either ranged weaponry from occupants DM of Da: Oooor if it's a Byzantine vessel... Greek fire DM of Da: aka DM of Da: Alchemist's pwnage DM of Da: Anyways DM of Da: For the next couple of days DM of Da: Your travels are uneventful Sven: hooray for not having to deal with bullshit DM of Da: You encounter bands of Ozgur's men, but as promised, they've been informed that you paid the toll DM of Da: Every night, you continue to hear howling DM of Da: And get the feeling that you're being watched and/or stalked Sven: do we ever spot specific shit around our camp sites? DM of Da: Roll some Spot checks Sven: /try 10 *** DM rolls attempts for Sven : *** DM 1d20 < 15 = 15 > + 10 = 25 *** Lolris rolls attempts for Sven : *** Lolris 1d20 < 9 = 9 > + 10 = 19 Sven: err . . . Vasily: /try 1 *** DM rolls attempts for Vasily : *** DM 1d20 < 3 = 3 > + 1 = 4 *** Lolris rolls attempts for Vasily : *** Lolris 1d20 < 16 = 16 > + 1 = 17 Vasily: err... DM of Da: Disable that Lolris: /disable-diebot *** Vasily is disabled *** Lolris is disabled DM of Da: Thank you DM of Da: Spot checks for Nikolai? DM of Da: Also for Boris DM of Da: In fact DM of Da: Whatever DM of Da: Sven succeeded sufficiently DM of Da: It's gnolls Nikolai: k Lolris: /try 6 *** DM rolls attempts for Lolris : *** DM 1d20 < 4 = 4 > + 6 = 10 Nikolai: /try 3 *** DM rolls attempts for Nikolai : *** DM 1d20 < 1 = 1 > + 3 = 4 DM of Da: The stuff that's watching you during the night is gnolls Nikolai: lol. DM of Da: They do not attack Sven: how many each night? Lolris: We wave. Nikolai: ok next time we encounter some of those men, we inform them about the gnolls DM of Da: At least several DM of Da: The Cuman warriors tell you that yes, gnolls are a problem DM of Da: And again offer to escort you through Ozgur's territory DM of Da: For a price, of course Nikolai: We tell them no thanks, we can handle ourselves, but we just wanted them to be aware. Vasily: Well, can't hurt to ask. What price? Sven: (hahaha) DM of Da: A mere hundred gold DM of Da: Which compares favorably with death, you are informed Vasily: Nah, it's ok. We should be able to handle ourselves. DM of Da: Ok DM of Da: On the fifth day... Sven: God created an encounter? DM of Da: Yep Vasily: We encounter a partridge in a pear tree? DM of Da: No DM of Da: But as you ride along the river shore DM of Da: You see, in the distance, a sizable wooden tower, apparently half-constructed Sven: . . . are we getting tower rushed? Nikolai: the peons, they build too fast! DM of Da: Surrounding it are a number of tents and several hastily erected sheds DM of Da: And, situated near the water, two crudely built but fairly large catapults Nikolai: oh crap Nikolai: siege damage Sven: glad I don't have any buildings. Vasily: 'sok. We're not buildings. Nikolai: it does plenty of damage to heroes. :/ DM of Da: The camp around the tower contains at least two dozen people that you can see DM of Da: Cuman warriors mostly DM of Da: And another half-dozen warriors, on horseback, patrol the camp's outskirts Sven: I'm too worthless to be a hero :/ DM of Da: When they see you approaching, they yell to each other Nikolai: well Nikolai: that's great DM of Da: The six mounted warriors take off in your direction at a gallop DM of Da: And the others begin to grab their weapons, armor, etc. from the tents Nikolai: oy. Sven: oh jeez. Nikolai: I don't want to fight 18 people without adam here. ;/ DM of Da: Several men begin scaling the tower Sven: it might be time to turn and bounce. Nikolai: especially if they have siege weapons DM of Da: By 18 you mean like 30 Nikolai: oh Nikolai: 2 dozen DM of Da: Yep Nikolai: my bad DM of Da: Anyway. <<< Cuman Riders has joined >>> <<< 09:01:20 PM >>> DM of Da: Do you want to do anything while they're getting to you? Vasily: Well, question... DM of Da: Yo Vasily: I get that they're not likely to want to stop for afternoon tea, but does it look like they're going to ask questions before they try to kill us? Sven: are these guys in the same uniforms or outfits or gang colors or whatnot as the previous folks? Vasily: Or will they ask questions after they try to kill us? DM of Da: All the Cuman warriors you've ever seen wear essentially the same thing DM of Da: You can't really tell their allegiance by looking at them DM of Da: As for the other question DM of Da: They have not drawn swords or bows DM of Da: So they don DM of Da: don't SEEM immediately hostile DM of Da: But they're coming at you pretty fast DM of Da: Full run in fact DM of Da: What's the plan? Nikolai: Ok well Nikolai: Let's see what happens Sven: oh brother. Vasily: Fair enough. I'll pull out a smoke bomb and ready an action to poof it if they take any hostile actions against us. DM of Da: Very well. *** Cuman Riders yell something at you in Cuman Vasily: "I'm sorry, we don't understand you." *** Cuman Riders come to a stop 100 feet away, drawing shortbows as they do so, nock arrows, and take aim, but do not fire Nikolai: ah, here we go DM of Da: One of them yells out in accented Russian Vasily: I suggest we back up 10 ft. Nikolai: backing up is a good idea Sven: forrizzle. Cuman Riders: Who are you? What is your business in these lands? Nikolai: We are just passing through! Nikolai: We mean no harm! Vasily: We're peaceful travelers. We're only passing through. Cuman Riders: Do you know whose realm this is, strangers? Nikolai: uh, no? Vasily: Ataman Ozgur (correct?) if my knowledge of geography serves. *** Cuman Riders laughs derisively Vasily: (am I correct?) DM of Da: Seems not! Sven: (I'm betting on no.) Sven: (Ataman MeanGuy, more likely) Cuman Riders: The fool Ozgur wishes he could claim this territory for himself! Vasily: It's possible my knowledge is a bit out of date. Vasily: Then please tell us the name of our generous host. Cuman Riders: Nor has he ever held it! This land belongs to Ataman Serkan. Nikolai: Is it.. Ataman Serkan? Nikolai: Aha Vasily: (damnit... all these atamans have names reminiscent of food) Sven: er Vasily: (cucumber, cheese) Sven: (Is it milks?) Vasily: (I want an Ataman sandwich) Cuman Riders: I warn you! We are suspicious of armed strangers, traveling so far from any roads, coming upon this camp. Vasily: Ah, well then. It seems I missed a landmark somewhere. Thank you for your guidance. Cuman Riders: Tell me. Vasily: Of course, any fool would be. Vasily: err... Cuman Riders: Are you spies for Kiev? Perhaps you are here to sabotage the tower? Vasily: V would have phrased that better Cuman Riders: Who sent you! Speak. Vasily: Of course, even a fool would be. Nikolai: We are not here to sabotage anything and we are not spies. Nikolai: We are JUST travellers Nikolai: We want nothing to do with you and just wish to pass through Vasily: We're messengers out of Oleshie. Goblins captured us and took us north. We managed to escape, but ended up a considerable ways off course. Vasily: All we want is to travel south. Cuman Riders: Messengers? To whom? DM of Da: Meanwhile you guys roll Diplomacy Vasily: Khan whatshisface. Vasily: /try 6;grumble,needsmemysynergybonus *** DM rolls attempts for Vasily : *** DM (grumble,needsmemysynergybonus) 1d20 < 2 = 2 > + 6 = 8 Vasily: ... Sven: (khan whatshisbuckets?) Vasily: goddamn die. Nikolai: well Nikolai: /try 0 *** DM rolls attempts for Nikolai : *** DM 1d20 < 10 = 10 > + 0 = 10 Nikolai: haha. Sven: /try 0 *** DM rolls attempts for Sven : *** DM 1d20 < 13 = 13 > + 0 = 13 Vasily: hah DM of Da: Nogai Khan of Crimea Sven: (wtf is talking) *** Cuman Riders laughs Cuman Riders: Tell me, what do you think is more unlikely... Cuman Riders: That such a band of misfits as you would ever be allowed to the court of Nogai Khan himself... Cuman Riders: Or that we would believe this tale of yours? Nikolai: Hey, I resent that misfit remark Vasily: Sir. I'll have you know that my tailor went over every inch of my suit in precise detail. Nikolai: We are travellers, and I don't see why you have any reason to disbelieve us Nikolai: (rofl) Nikolai: We've done nothing to you Sven: (wow.) DM of Da: As you're saying all of that, one of the other riders says something to the one that's been talking Nikolai: Our weapons are for our own protection against the creatures of the land Nikolai: Nothing more Vasily: We're more than willing to give your tower a wide berth since you seem to value its defense. Vasily: Escort us away from it if you don't trust us. DM of Da: And by this time, the other warriors in the camp have got their gear on and are on horseback Nikolai: figures Sven: fantastic. Vasily: Right. Still thumbing the eggshell. DM of Da: The tower and the camp around it are about 800 feet downriver from you DM of Da: And the six warriors that are facing you now are, I remind you, 110 feet away DM of Da: The rider who's been talking listens to what his comrade had to say and says to you: Vasily: So... what do you say? We're more than willing to pay any reasonable toll for traveling through your lands. Cuman Riders: We can't let you tell anyone of this... *** Cuman Riders indicates the tower with a nod of his head Vasily: Sigh. Vasily: Alright. Cuman Riders: My friend here thinks it would be best if we killed you and threw your bodies into the river... and I agree. Vasily: *whisper*eggshell? *** Cuman Riders yells out a command in Cuman Vasily: Right. Eggshell. Nikolai: do it Sven: yeah. DM of Da: Ok Sven: it's time we bounce. DM of Da: As you do this, the riders release their arrows DM of Da: So DM of Da: Roll Init Sven: /try 1 *** DM rolls attempts for Sven : *** DM 1d20 < 4 = 4 > + 1 = 5 Sven: damn I'm nice. Vasily: /try 1 *** DM rolls attempts for Vasily : *** DM 1d20 < 14 = 14 > + 1 = 15 Vasily: (does the readied action go off before init happens?) DM of Da: No because technically you can't ready actions outside of combat Vasily: (I'd say the phrase "We're going to kill you now" qualifies as a hostile action) DM of Da: Well the init roll will determine whether they shoot first or the gas takes effect first DM of Da: So DM of Da: Init for the rest please Nikolai: /try 1 *** DM rolls attempts for Nikolai : *** DM 1d20 < 2 = 2 > + 1 = 3 Lolbrecht: uh Lolris: /try 7 *** DM rolls attempts for Lolris : *** DM 1d20 < 9 = 9 > + 7 = 16 Lolbrecht: what's my init DM of Da: WHO KNOWS DM of Da: Make it 1 Lolbrecht: uhm Lolbrecht: /try 1 *** DM rolls attempts for Lolbrecht : *** DM 1d20 < 15 = 15 > + 1 = 16 Cuman Riders: /try 0 *** DM rolls attempts for Cuman Riders : *** DM 1d20 < 20 = 20 > + 0 = 20 Lolris: ... DM of Da: lolol Lolbrecht: oh fuck you DM of Da: Ok. Lolris: So... DM of Da: Six arrows fly out toward you. DM of Da: 1 at each of you except Vasily who gets two DM of Da: Just 'cause Nikolai: lol Vasily: Of course. Cuman Riders: /try -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 *** DM rolls attempts for Cuman Riders : *** DM 1d20 < 19 = 19 > + 0 - 1 = 18 *** DM 1d20 < 6 = 6 > + 0 - 1 = 5 *** DM 1d20 < 20 = 20 > + 0 - 1 = 19 *** DM 1d20 < 5 = 5 > + 0 - 1 = 4 *** DM 1d20 < 12 = 12 > + 0 - 1 = 11 *** DM 1d20 < 2 = 2 > + 0 - 1 = 1 DM of Da: Ok DM of Da: Looks like 1 hits Vasily DM of Da: 1 threatens a crit at Nikolai DM of Da: And nobody else Cuman Riders: /roll 1d6 *** DM rolls dice for Cuman Riders: 1d6 < 2 = 2 > = 2 Vasily: The 11? DM of Da: The 18 Vasily: Ah Cuman Riders: /try -1 *** DM rolls attempts for Cuman Riders : *** DM 1d20 < 4 = 4 > + 0 - 1 = 3 Cuman Riders: /roll 1d6 *** DM rolls dice for Cuman Riders: 1d6 < 1 = 1 > = 1 DM of Da: 2 damage for V, 1 for N DM of Da: Boris is next DM of Da: Then Albrecht *** Nikolai takes 1 damage Lolris: Hmm... why not. The grasses are tall hereabouts, right? *** Lolris makes with the hiding Sven: uhh Sven: shouldn't we be bouncing? DM of Da: Yes there's some grass but you can't Hide In PLain Sight Lolris: Hmm... we're mounted, aren't we. DM of Da: And yes Nikolai: we are. Sven: yeah. DM of Da: Horses DM of Da: Mounted Nikolai: runt he fuck away imo Nikolai: or we could like Lolris: In that case, boris will delay until Vasily goes. DM of Da: k Nikolai: try to incapacitate them all DM of Da: Albrecht? Lolris: (delay) Nikolai: he also delays DM of Da: k DM of Da: Vasily! Eggshell ok Vasily: Drop the eggshell and spur the horse to move away. DM of Da: You crush the eggshell, and a thick mist spreads out around you guys Nikolai: in the opposite direction of them DM of Da: You hear exclamations of surprise and anger from the Cumans Vasily: That's the plan. Nikolai: albrecht undelays and follows DM of Da: And you ride back north eh DM of Da: Ok Nikolai: yes *** Lolris undelays and follows as well DM of Da: Light horses is what you've got? Nikolai: i think they're light warhorses DM of Da: Oh yes Vasily: yep. DM of Da: Ok. DM of Da: The mist blocks you from view; from what you can tell, the hapless Cumans charge into the mist, searching therein for a bit; by the time they realize you've escaped, it's far too late DM of Da: They hurl insults and epithets at you from a distance, but soon break off the pursuit Nikolai: ok so Nikolai: we need to give that area a wiiiiiide Nikolai: wide wide wide Sven: time to get off the river. Nikolai: yes Nikolai: that Vasily: Yeah. That seems like a plan. Nikolai: go way around them Vasily: Other side of the river seems like a good idea. Vasily: Wait... Vasily: We're not traveling down the east bank? DM of Da: West Vasily: How... exactly were we planning to cross the river at the bend? DM of Da: I dunno, that's really up to you, isn't it? Vasily: I kinda figured we'd start on the east bank. DM of Da: I was going to ask that when you got there Vasily: Because you know... that would make sense. DM of Da: Well, it was definitely specified way back that you were traveling down the west back Vasily: o.O DM of Da: And someone asked about crossing and concluded it to be unnecessary and/or unfeasible Vasily: Crossing at Kiev? DM of Da: I DM of Da: I'm just telling you what was decided by you guys DM of Da: Anyways Sven: I don't remember this conversation Sven: though wouldn't we hit the same problem many times with the tributaries? DM of Da: I don't see any of the major tributaries intersecting your course Sven: not on our current bank, no. DM of Da: And yes you probably would Nikolai: wait, why do we have to cross the river now Vasily: We planned this thing out pretty thoroughly, I can't believe we didn't have a plan for crossing the river. Nikolai: let's just avoid their tower Nikolai: we figured we'd find something to allow us passage when we got there DM of Da: Yeah Vasily: o.O Vasily: /shrug ok. Vasily: Let's go around then. DM of Da: Ok. DM of Da: Do you plan to return to the river and follow it the rest of the previously planned way? DM of Da: Or just go across the steppes? Sven: if we give them a day's berth we should probably be able to go back to the river, right? Vasily: Aye. DM of Da: Ok. Vasily: And we need to start looking for passage across the river. DM of Da: You give the tower a wide berth... DM of Da: Your path takes you across a wide, especially flat part of the steppes DM of Da: By the afternoon of that day, when you are about to head back to the river's shore, you spot a single hill jutting out of the landscape a bit further inland, about a mile's distance from you DM of Da: Standing on top of the hill is what appears to be a massive, walled fortress Sven: uhh . . . we probably need to go further. Nikolai: no wait Nikolai: that's inland DM of Da: Yep Nikolai: so we want to go to the shore to avoid it. Sven: oh Sven: inland. DM of Da: As you turn away from it and start heading more eastward, toward the river, a group of mounted warriors come out of the gates and head directly for you DM of Da: It seems you have been spotted. Vasily: Sigh. Vasily: The things we do for 100g. DM of Da: Hmm? Vasily: Shall we drop another eggshell? Nikolai: sure Nikolai: I say just do it Sven: yeah. Sven: no need to go through this again. Vasily: Bamf DM of Da: Ok DM of Da: Once again, this tactic seems to shake off your pursuers effectively. Sven: are we rolling in eggshells? Lolbrecht: we have 1 more Vasily: 2 Nikolai: ah Nikolai: ok DM of Da: You reach the river without incident, and follow it south Vasily: I saved 1 from earlier. Nikolai: well Nikolai: if it becomes a continuous problem Nikolai: I will just cast the spell myself Sven: I will prep. Sven: or that. Nikolai: nah Vasily: Once we run out of eggshells, we've got 4 more black volcanic rocks. Nikolai: you prep something useful Nikolai: like entangle Vasily: We can pull this trick off 6 more times. Vasily: Without screwing with our spell selections. DM of Da: Alright. Nikolai: meh my L1s aren't specifically important Nikolai: I mean like Nikolai: I can afford one slot Nikolai: we have lots of scrolls Vasily: True 'nuff. DM of Da: In the next 5 days DM of Da: You travel along the shore DM of Da: You come upon no other towers, camps, or similar DM of Da: You do encounter Ataman Serkan's warriors twice more, and each time the Obscuring Mist trick works like a charm Vasily: Hmm... Vasily: Question. DM of Da: Wassup Vasily: If they're not backed up by anyone... Vasily: We can probably take 6 of them. Nikolai: Yeah I was about to say Nikolai: there is no reason we should run from 6 people Sven: . . . that wasn't even remotely a question. Vasily: Agreed. DM of Da: Very well DM of Da: If you wish DM of Da: You can just kill them Vasily: Well... DM of Da: And since you're all badass and have shit like Entangle Vasily: We'll parlay with them first. DM of Da: We can SOP that Nikolai: k Nikolai: also color spray and sleep DM of Da: What we can also SOP is that this Ataman's warriors are not the parlaying type Nikolai: we take their shit Vasily: Fair enough. Sven: yup. DM of Da: Turns out they just plunder people's stuff DM of Da: Now Vasily: Smite & Yoink. Nikolai: haha counterplunder DM of Da: On the fifth day DM of Da: Oh I forgot to say DM of Da: Two different ships pass you, heading north DM of Da: A Kievan merchant ship and a Byzantine war vessel DM of Da: But on the fifth day Sven: war vessel . . . DM of Da: Yes DM of Da: They are called DM of Da: Something that I forget DM of Da: It's a Greek word Sven: trireme? DM of Da: Maybe? No I don't think so Sven: not that this matters. DM of Da: Whatever, it's got soldiers, it's equipped with ballistae, a ram... Sven: I was more concerned that a war vessel was running around at all. DM of Da: Neither ship pays you any attention DM of Da: On the fifth day, you spot a ship, of Russian design (probably from Kiev as well), heading south Vasily: The variety of ships mentioned in the Alexiad by Anna Comnena is most striking: monoremes, biremes, triremes, corsairs, dromons (a generic term for warships), galleys (including one set apart for the use of empresses), merchantmen of heavy tonnage, cargo vessels, horse-transports, skiffs, dinghies, sermones (the exact nature of which eludes us, but they were probably fast, small craft), rowboats, scout-ships, tiny boats for use on river or lake, fire-ships with flame-throwing apparatus for Greek fire and the vessel reserved for the `Second Count' and called by the sailors eveoussaton. Vasily: Dromons? DM of Da: Yeah DM of Da: That's the one. DM of Da: Anyway DM of Da: This Russian ship DM of Da: Heading south DM of Da: What you also see is that it is damaged DM of Da: Significantly DM of Da: One mast is smashed DM of Da: There are huge holes in the hull, more or less repaired Vasily: Does it look burnt? DM of Da: Nope DM of Da: There is no fire damage DM of Da: This is the sort of damage that might be done by impact DM of Da: By, say, catapults Sven: I guess someone came across the "secret" tower? Vasily: Mr Cheese seems to be having some fun with his tower. DM of Da: This vessel, too, pays you no mind whatsoever Vasily: Of course. We're hiding. DM of Da: And at the end of this day - the 24th of April - you come to the bend in the Dnieper DM of Da: It's time to cross. DM of Da: Got any plans for doing so? Vasily: Is there a Jesus or Moses in the house? DM of Da: There are neither jesuses nor moseses. <<< Albrecht is at his parents is now known as Albrecht >>> Lolbrecht: fantastic <<< Lolbrecht has left >>> <<< 09:57:04 PM >>> DM of Da: Perhaps you should use that Ring of Water Walking that you have! DM of Da: Ehh? Albrecht: I see Ian and sandy forgot they had access to my character sheet. Nikolai: PERHAPS DIE Nikolai: uh Nikolai: shit Nikolai: right *** Lolris feels odd Nikolai: google docs Albrecht: well, I don't appear to have died. *** Lolris feels like someone's controlling his mind Nikolai: nah we avoided combat Albrecht: yeah I just skimmed *** Lolris obeys Vasily's will and puts on the ring. *** Lolris thinks Vasily looks like a famous tenor. Vasily: Ok... Albrecht: ok, so how difficult would it be for us to ford the river with our horses? DM of Da: 100% impossible Vasily: How raftable is the water? Vasily: Can we chop down a few trees and slap something together? Vasily: Alternatively, are there villages nearby? DM of Da: If you're asking whether the river is too fast to raft - the answer is no, not at this point of it DM of Da: The problem is that you are in the steppes DM of Da: And trees are nowhere to be found Albrecht: so we need to either construct a boat/raft, or find one DM of Da: There are no villages. Vasily: Yay for forethought. Sven: then we can fashion them into . . . steps, right? *ba dum tsh* DM of Da: ... DM of Da: Wandering damage kills you. Sven: :( Vasily: Well, if we can get them to use the lavoratory. Albrecht: ok, let's see Vasily: See, in order to do that, they'd have to get rid of some p. Albrecht: we could follow the river on this side while looking for a way to cross. Vasily: *pe Vasily: (brb) Sven: do my survival skills know shit about shit for this? DM of Da: Let's see! DM of Da: Roll Survival. Sven: /try 16 *** DM rolls attempts for Sven : *** DM 1d20 < 10 = 10 > + 16 = 26 Sven: how very average. Nikolai: go go survival DM of Da: Well DM of Da: Your knowledge of steppes in general tells you that what few trees there are can be found near streams, lakes, etc. DM of Da: And you so happen to have spotted the beginnings of a small stream a couple miles back DM of Da: So somewhere along it there's probably some trees Sven: so I suppose we better look into that. DM of Da: Ok Nikolai: so even if we find those Nikolai: is it possible for us to cross Sven: we'll make a raft Sven: depending on quantity of wood DM of Da: Yes, as I said, the river is sufficiently calm at the bend in it to raft across DM of Da: It does not take you long to find a small grove of short, wind-twisted trees DM of Da: There are just enough of them to make a sizable raft DM of Da: Assuming you have the rope to tie them together Sven: I has rope. Albrecht: I have some too DM of Da: Ok. Albrecht: specifically I have 50 ft DM of Da: Night's about to fall, so you can't do this today DM of Da: And it takes you most of the next day to chop down the trees, get the lumber to the river, and construct the raft Sven: should I throw wood shapes at this to speed it up? DM of Da: Sure why not DM of Da: How many of those do you have Sven: given a day to prep, I could have 3 Sven: rather, given the night we took. DM of Da: Ok DM of Da: The time for this whole thing is now halved DM of Da: It will take 2 trips to get all of you and your horses across DM of Da: While you're crossing the river... DM of Da: No hydras attack you. Sven: hooray. Nikolai: yay Sven: any Not-A-Hydras? DM of Da: Not even those. Sven: excellent. DM of Da: You cross uneventfully. DM of Da: Now your course will take you south-southeast DM of Da: You have about... DM of Da: A week of traveling before you reach the peninsula of Crimea DM of Da: The first day passes uneventfully DM of Da: In the middle of the second day... DM of Da: As you ride, in midmorning DM of Da: You all suddenly roll Listen checks Sven: ruh roh. Sven: /try 3 *** DM rolls attempts for Sven : *** DM 1d20 < 15 = 15 > + 3 = 18 Albrecht: /try 0 *** DM rolls attempts for Albrecht : *** DM 1d20 < 7 = 7 > + 0 = 7 Nikolai: /try 3 *** DM rolls attempts for Nikolai : *** DM 1d20 < 1 = 1 > + 3 = 4 Nikolai: wow Vasily: (sorry) Lolris: /try 6 *** DM rolls attempts for Lolris : *** DM 1d20 < 18 = 18 > + 6 = 24 Vasily: /try 1 *** DM rolls attempts for Vasily : *** DM 1d20 < 19 = 19 > + 1 = 20 Sven: hey look Sven: someone with a listen check. DM of Da: In-credible DM of Da: Ok DM of Da: As you ride, you begin to hear... a sort of low rumbling Vasily: Horses? Vasily: Cookies? Vasily: Thunder? Sven: oh right, rumbling cookies. DM of Da: Not horses... DM of Da: It seems to be coming... DM of Da: From the ground itself DM of Da: In front of you Sven: nature? Nikolai: uh DM of Da: As you ride, the rumbling gets louder... DM of Da: Roll Nikolai: great Sven: /try 12 *** DM rolls attempts for Sven : *** DM 1d20 < 7 = 7 > + 12 = 19 Sven: :/ DM of Da: /roll 1d4 *** DM rolls dice for DM of Da: 1d4 < 4 = 4 > = 4 DM of Da: Ok. DM of Da: Sven, you have heard of this before DM of Da: This rumbling is likely caused by some sort of burrowing creature Sven: Watch yourselves guys . . . some sort of burrowing thing. DM of Da: It is getting louder now, coming from the ground all around you Sven: Trickery is affot. Sven: afoot, even DM of Da: What is your marching order? Vasily: middle for me. DM of Da: All in a line? Two by two or somesuch? Or...? Sven: 2-1-2, perhaps? DM of Da: Ok DM of Da: Who's where Nikolai: I'm in the middle Albrecht: front Sven: or 1-2-2, I guess Albrecht: it's my job as meatshield Sven: myself and lolris bringing up the rear DM of Da: Ok. DM of Da: So DM of Da: A DM of Da: NV DM of Da: SB DM of Da: More or less DM of Da: Except horses have a 10ft space so yeah DM of Da: Regardless DM of Da: Suddenly, there are four explosions of dirt and soil, all around you Sven: panther to my left. Nikolai: sigh DM of Da: And four insectoid creatures, each the size of a bear, burst out DM of Da: They snap their huge mandibles, which drip with an acidic slime DM of Da: And attack Nikolai's horse, Vasily's horse, Boris' horse, and Sven's cat. Sven: do I recognize these things better now? Vasily: (When did we get to hellfire?) DM of Da: Roll more Know: nature Sven: /try 12 *** DM rolls attempts for Sven : *** DM 1d20 < 8 = 8 > + 12 = 20 Albrecht: // damn crust bursters Sven: //I feel marauded. Nikolai: // aqgreed DM of Da: Ok DM of Da: These are ankhegs DM of Da: http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/MM35_gallery/MM35_PG15.jpg Sven: fugly as balls. Albrecht: yep DM of Da: All you really know about them is that they can grab people in their massive jaws and they can spit acid DM of Da: And their bite is also acidic Sven: also, the size of which bears? <<< Cuman Riders has left >>> <<< 10:24:25 PM >>> <<< Ankhegs has joined >>> <<< 10:24:28 PM >>> DM of Da: The size of grizzly bears. Albrecht: Totally crust bursters. DM: /try 9;Nikolai's horse *** DM rolls attempts for DM : *** DM (Nikolai's) 1d20 < 2 = 2 > + 9 = 11 *** DM 1d20 < 14 = 14 > + 0 = 14 Sven: so Large then. DM of Da: Ok that's an 11 DM of Da: Yes large DM of Da: Horse AC is what? DM: /try 9;Vasily_horse *** DM rolls attempts for DM : *** DM (Vasily_horse) 1d20 < 3 = 3 > + 9 = 12 Nikolai: uh Nikolai: dunno DM: /try 9;Boris_horse *** DM rolls attempts for DM : *** DM (Boris_horse) 1d20 < 14 = 14 > + 9 = 23 Nikolai: some number that is the AC of a horse DM of Da: 14 Albrecht: 14 Vasily: 14 DM of Da: 13 FF DM: /try 9;Sven's_cat *** DM rolls attempts for DM : *** DM (Sven's_cat) 1d20 < 16 = 16 > + 9 = 25 Sven: el hitto. DM of Da: 22 hp is a horse DM of Da: So. DM of Da: Boris' mount takes: Sven: also, would you say we were surprised? Vasily: (btw... DM of Da: Yes Sven: because I don't feel very surprised. DM of Da: Very surprised DM of Da: All the surprised ever Sven: even though I knew this was coming? Sven: interesting. Vasily: (Presumably, among the loot we stole from the Cumans was a fair number of horses, yes?) DM of Da: They charged at you from a position where you could not perceive them directly Sven: I see. DM of Da: I dunno, how many horses are you taking with you DM of Da: Are you like DM of Da: Trailing a herd of horses Vasily: Damn skippy. DM of Da: Seriously? Albrecht: why the hell not? DM of Da: No reason, I suppose Albrecht: 1. good for riding fast, 2. good for carrying loot, 3. good for selling later DM of Da: I guess you have 12 more light warhorses then Albrecht: 4. good for replacing losses DM of Da: So DM of Da: Boris' horse takes damage. DM: /roll 2d6+7+1d4 *** DM rolls dice for DM: 2d6 < 3 2 = 5 > + 7 + 1d4 < 3 = 3 > = 15 DM of Da: So does Sven's panther. DM: /roll 2d6+7+1d4 *** DM rolls dice for DM: 2d6 < 4 2 = 6 > + 7 + 1d4 < 3 = 3 > = 16 DM of Da: Roll init. Albrecht: /try 5 *** DM rolls attempts for Albrecht : *** DM 1d20 < 13 = 13 > + 5 = 18 Nikolai: /try 1 *** DM rolls attempts for Nikolai : *** DM 1d20 < 19 = 19 > + 1 = 20 Nikolai: hah Sven: thanks. DM: /try 0 *** DM rolls attempts for DM : *** DM 1d20 < 17 = 17 > + 0 = 17 Sven: /try 1 *** DM rolls attempts for Sven : *** DM 1d20 < 10 = 10 > + 1 = 11 Vasily: /try 1 *** DM rolls attempts for Vasily : *** DM 1d20 < 19 = 19 > + 1 = 20 Lolris: /try 7 *** DM rolls attempts for Lolris : *** DM 1d20 < 14 = 14 > + 7 = 21 DM of Da: Wow DM of Da: Ok Boris DM of Da: Go for it DM of Da: There is a massive insectoid monster chomping into your horse DM of Da: WHAT DO YOU DO?! Lolris: Indeed there is. Would I get flanking if I hopped off? DM of Da: No Lolris: (from the horse that is) DM of Da: I know what you meant DM of Da: No Lolris: Ok... hop off anyway, draw shortsword, smack. DM of Da: Alright Lolris: /try 6 *** DM rolls attempts for Lolris : *** DM 1d20 < 2 = 2 > + 6 = 8 DM of Da: Failure! Lolris: boo. DM of Da: Vasily. Vasily: Grr... what're rules for casting from horseback again? Albrecht: trivial if nothing is going on, I believe Vasily: Something is. DM of Da: You can cast from horseback with no roll if the horse is stationary Vasily: What about a 30 ft move? DM of Da: DC 10 DM of Da: Er DM of Da: 10 + spell lvl I guess Vasily: Ok, horsie withdraws. Vasily: 60 ft away. I magic missile. Vasily: /try 5;concentrate *** DM rolls attempts for Vasily : *** DM (concentrate) 1d20 < 12 = 12 > + 5 = 17 DM of Da: Very well. Vasily: /roll 2d4+2 *** DM rolls dice for Vasily: 2d4 < 3 1 = 4 > + 2 = 6 DM of Da: The ankheg barely seems to feel that DM of Da: Nikolai! Nikolai: ok Nikolai: hm Nikolai: so we got one hit Nikolai: glitterdust time. Nikolai: can I hit 2 of them DM of Da: Yes Nikolai: but 3 of them would not work Nikolai: right? DM of Da: Nope DM of Da: Not unless you want to glitterdust yourself DM of Da: In the face. Nikolai: right Nikolai: 2 of them, glitterdusted DM of Da: Ok DM of Da: Save DC? Nikolai: 15 Ankhegs: /try 2 2 *** DM rolls attempts for Ankhegs : *** DM 1d20 < 16 = 16 > + 2 = 18 *** DM 1d20 < 16 = 16 > + 2 = 18 Nikolai: oh wtf. DM of Da: rofl+waffles=what Nikolai: hatred Sven: utter boutroscopy. Albrecht: I concur DM of Da: Ok DM of Da: Albrecht! Albrecht: one next to me? DM of Da: A DM of Da: k N k DM of Da: k c S B k DM of Da: k = Ankheg DM of Da: And Vasily is off 60ft away Albrecht: so no, then DM of Da: c = cat Albrecht: that appears to give room for a charge at the one by Nikolai DM of Da: Negative DM of Da: Remember, you're all on horseback DM of Da: So Nikolai's horse blocks you DM of Da: From a straight charge DM of Da: You can move and attack, though Albrecht: ah Albrecht: but I could charge the other one DM of Da: Certainly you could. Albrecht: and that's the one who ate an MM, yes? Albrecht: it is time to initiate charging DM of Da: Sure is Albrecht: /try 11 *** DM rolls attempts for Albrecht : *** DM 1d20 < 3 = 3 > + 11 = 14 Albrecht: sigh DM of Da: Epic fail. Nikolai: really DM of Da: Ankhegs' turn. Nikolai: less fail please Albrecht: yes, please DM of Da: The one Albrecht just attacked rears up on its hind legs and snaps at him. Ankhegs: /try 7 *** DM rolls attempts for Ankhegs : *** DM 1d20 < 3 = 3 > + 7 = 10 Albrecht: epic fail. Sven: ain't nobody can roll up in this bitch. DM of Da: Nikolai's horse gets another attack... Ankhegs: /try 7 *** DM rolls attempts for Ankhegs : *** DM 1d20 < 8 = 8 > + 7 = 15 Ankhegs: /roll 2d6+7+1d4 *** DM rolls dice for Ankhegs: 2d6 < 6 3 = 9 > + 7 + 1d4 < 3 = 3 > = 19 Albrecht: (and this is why we have multiple horses :P) Sven: wtf infinite damage. DM of Da: It is grievously wounded, and whinnies in pain. DM of Da: Sven's cat gets the same treatment... Ankhegs: /try 7 *** DM rolls attempts for Ankhegs : *** DM 1d20 < 3 = 3 > + 7 = 10 DM of Da: Or not. Sven: or not. DM of Da: And Boris' horse Ankhegs: /try 7 *** DM rolls attempts for Ankhegs : *** DM 1d20 < 13 = 13 > + 7 = 20 Ankhegs: /roll 2d6+7+1d4 *** DM rolls dice for Ankhegs: 2d6 < 6 4 = 10 > + 7 + 1d4 < 3 = 3 > = 20 DM of Da: Is head. Sven: rull head. DM of Da: It crumples to the ground. Boris, roll Ride to land softly. DM of Da: *dead Lolris: /try 3;untrained *** DM rolls attempts for Lolris : *** DM (untrained) 1d20 < 1 = 1 > + 3 = 4 Albrecht: wait Albrecht: didn't boris hop off already> Lolris: That he did. DM of Da: Oh he did DM of Da: Whoopstastic DM of Da: Well, Boris' horse is teh dead DM of Da: Jim DM of Da: Sven! Sven: what's that? a turn? Sven: I'm going to take a page out of vasily's book Sven: in which my horse withdraws and I cast some joint DM of Da: Alright DM of Da: Pick a spell and roll Con DM of Da: centration DM of Da: lolol Sven: producing flame. DM of Da: Interrupting your regular programming DM of Da: "I think that both bears and gorillas should both get dash in the next patch. I looked it up and in real life a grizzly bear can run at 30 mph the same speed as a wort hog and while I wasn't able to find a top speed for a gorilla they should be at least as fast as humans and the fastest human are only a little slower than bears. " Sven: /try 8 *** DM rolls attempts for Sven : *** DM 1d20 < 11 = 11 > + 8 = 19 Sven: rofl. DM of Da: Ok Sven: the cat similarly withdraws. DM of Da: Ok. *** Lolris runs at at least 40 mph DM of Da: Roll attack DM of Da: For the flame DM of Da: That you are producing Sven: /try 4 *** DM rolls attempts for Sven : *** DM 1d20 < 19 = 19 > + 4 = 23 DM of Da: Outstanding DM of Da: Roll damage Sven: same guy that got nailed with magic thingy. Sven: /roll 1d6+4 *** DM rolls dice for Sven: 1d6 < 5 = 5 > + 4 = 9 DM of Da: Ok DM of Da: Boris' turn again. Lolris: Roight. Lolris: Hmm... Lolris: Ok, Draw the other shortsword... Lolris: And presumably, I can only attack with the first since drawing's a MA? DM of Da: k DM of Da: Unless you have QD, correct Lolris: Ok, attack the one that's being smited and then 5ft back. Lolris: /try 6 *** DM rolls attempts for Lolris : *** DM 1d20 < 1 = 1 > + 6 = 7 Lolris: ... Lolris: /try 9;ref *** DM rolls attempts for Lolris : *** DM (ref) 1d20 < 17 = 17 > + 9 = 26 DM of Da: k DM of Da: Awesome DM of Da: Vasily! Vasily: Magic Missile the thingie. Vasily: /roll 2d4+2 *** DM rolls dice for Vasily: 2d4 < 2 3 = 5 > + 2 = 7 DM of Da: Ok. DM of Da: Looks like the barrage of spells has almost got that one - he recoils from the damage, swaying uncertainly DM of Da: Nikolai! Nikolai: k Nikolai: my horse, which is still alive somehow Nikolai: withdraws Nikolai: I cast me some scorching ray on the one we've actually hit DM of Da: Ok DM of Da: Roll Conc Nikolai: /try 9 *** DM rolls attempts for Nikolai : *** DM 1d20 < 1 = 1 > + 9 = 10 Nikolai: wow DM of Da: That is shockingly incredible Sven: I don't even know what to say about that. DM of Da: Albrecht! Nikolai: I might want to die Sven: you might have your chance. Albrecht: I will attempt to finish it myself DM of Da: Yep Albrecht: /try 9 *** DM rolls attempts for Albrecht : *** DM 1d20 < 8 = 8 > + 9 = 17 DM of Da: Fail Albrecht: goddamnit DM of Da: You hit not quite hard enough to penetrate the monster's thick carapace DM of Da: Their turn. DM of Da: The wounded ankheg withdraws into its tunnel, disappearing from view Albrecht: AoO? Albrecht: no, withdraw DM of Da: DM of Da: withdraws DM of Da: The one next to Boris attacks Boris DM of Da: The one next to Albrecht attacks Albrecht DM of Da: And the third one... we'll see Albrecht: huh DM of Da: what Albrecht: I thought the one next to me was the wounded one DM of Da: Well DM of Da: Another one moves over to you. DM of Da: Because why not. Ankhegs: /try 7 *** DM rolls attempts for Ankhegs : *** DM 1d20 < 20 = 20 > + 7 = 27 Ankhegs: /try 7 *** DM rolls attempts for Ankhegs : *** DM 1d20 < 10 = 10 > + 7 = 17 DM of Da: That's for Boris Albrecht: non-cr DM of Da: Non, eh Albrecht: ah, poor boris DM of Da: What's Boris' AC Nikolai: this is terrible Vasily: ... Vasily: d'oh Vasily: That's a crit, just barely. Albrecht: he has chain shirt, and he has lots of dex Albrecht: damn DM of Da: kerpwned Ankhegs: /roll 4d6+14+1d4 *** DM rolls dice for Ankhegs: 4d6 < 2 5 3 5 = 15 > + 14 + 1d4 < 3 = 3 > = 32 DM of Da: How's he doing Albrecht: I really hope he's not dead Sven: probably fucked. Vasily: er... DM of Da: Is he dead <<< Lolris is now known as Deadris >>> Nikolai: sigh Deadris: wait... *** DM of Da waits Deadris: hmm... Deadris: This sheet is out of date. DM of Da: k DM of Da: How out of date Deadris: L3 DM of Da: And will being up to date save him Albrecht: how much was he dead by by? Deadris: Sec. DM of Da: k DM of Da: Meanwhile DM of Da: Albrecht: Nikolai: wait, it's out of date? Ankhegs: /try 7 *** DM rolls attempts for Ankhegs : *** DM 1d20 < 19 = 19 > + 7 = 26 Nikolai: didn't he say he was sending a recent one Ankhegs: /roll 2d6+7+1d4 *** DM rolls dice for Ankhegs: 2d6 < 3 3 = 6 > + 7 + 1d4 < 1 = 1 > = 14 *** Deadris isn't quite dead Nikolai: uh Deadris: aha... *** Deadris wasn't crit Nikolai: the one you sent me oliver Nikolai: is L4 Albrecht: ouch. Not dead by any means, but that hurt more than I like for one hit DM of Da: You weren't crit eh DM of Da: Ok DM of Da: So then... DM of Da: Subtract 15 damage DM of Da: Anyways DM of Da: The third ankheg retreats into its burrow as well DM of Da: Sven's turn. Sven: hmm DM of Da: k you're here good Sven: so two bitches in sight? DM of Da: Two! Sven: deadris not actually dead DM of Da: Not actually dead. Sven: ok Sven: well Sven: have either of the two up ones been damaged yet? <<< Deadris is now known as Lolris >>> DM of Da: Not even a little. Sven: ok *** Lolris has 12hp Sven: Lolris should probably withdraw :-P DM of Da: So, Sven Sven: so Sven: I'm chucking flame\ Sven: is albrecht in reach of any of them? Sven: or both? DM of Da: Both! Sven: k. DM of Da: Flame eh DM of Da: Roll Sven: I throw flame at the one attacking boris DM of Da: Ok. Sven: /try 4 *** DM rolls attempts for Sven : *** DM 1d20 < 11 = 11 > + 4 = 15 DM of Da: Success Sven: touch. Sven: /roll 1d6+4 *** DM rolls dice for Sven: 1d6 < 4 = 4 > + 4 = 8 Albrecht: oh that's going to hurt me DM of Da: The ankheg is seared DM of Da: Boris' turn. Sven: my horse also moves forward 30 ft Sven: my panther follows me. Sven: (or, you know, whatever movement puts me within 30 ft of the front line. DM of Da: k. DM of Da: Boris! DM of Da: gogogo Lolris: ok. Lolris: How's stuff look atm? Lolris: We've only got this one here, right? Albrecht: 2 Lolris: err... DM of Da: 2. Lolris: Ok. *** Lolris withdraws. Albrecht: then you can shoot them Lolris: that is the plan. DM of Da: Ok. DM of Da: Vasily! *** Lolris also draws his bow. *** Vasily scorches the one Boris just withdrew from. DM of Da: Very well DM of Da: Roll! Vasily: /try 2 *** DM rolls attempts for Vasily : *** DM 1d20 < 4 = 4 > + 2 = 6 Vasily: ... Vasily: bloody hell. DM of Da: lol Nikolai: yeah this is pretty terrible DM of Da: Nikolai! Nikolai: hey well Nikolai: this scorching ray requires no conc check Nikolai: so there DM of Da: Yes DM of Da: But it does require an attack roll DM of Da: So there. *** Vasily mutters Nikolai: /try 3 *** DM rolls attempts for Nikolai : *** DM 1d20 < 3 = 3 > + 3 = 6 Sven: . . . Nikolai: ... Nikolai: why am I here Albrecht: why am I here? *** Vasily To botch touch attacks? DM of Da: rofl DM of Da: waffles *** Nikolai cries DM of Da: copters DM of Da: skates Nikolai: skates Nikolai: damn DM of Da: Albrecht. Albrecht: so I will now miss the one which is damaaged Albrecht: /try 9 *** DM rolls attempts for Albrecht : *** DM 1d20 < 8 = 8 > + 9 = 17 Albrecht: yep/ DM of Da: You guys rock Sven: essentially. DM of Da: pure pwnage Nikolai: /weep DM of Da: Ankhegs' turn. DM of Da: One attacks Albrecht... and one charges Sven's horse. Ankhegs: /try 7 *** DM rolls attempts for Ankhegs : *** DM 1d20 < 6 = 6 > + 7 = 13 Ankhegs: /try 7 *** DM rolls attempts for Ankhegs : *** DM 1d20 < 7 = 7 > + 7 = 14 DM of Da: Horse gets hit! Ankhegs: /roll 2d6+7+1d4 *** DM rolls dice for Ankhegs: 2d6 < 1 6 = 7 > + 7 + 1d4 < 2 = 2 > = 16 DM of Da: And takes damage. DM of Da: Bam. DM of Da: Sven's turn. Sven: hmm. Sven: well. Sven: I guess it'll be more horse withdrawal followed by flamage. DM of Da: k. DM of Da: Roll and roll Nikolai: this just gets terribler by the turn Sven: /try 4 *** DM rolls attempts for Sven : *** DM 1d20 < 20 = 20 > + 4 = 24 Nikolai: wow Sven: can flame balls crit? Albrecht: yep Sven: /try 4 *** DM rolls attempts for Sven : *** DM 1d20 < 4 = 4 > + 4 = 8 DM of Da: They can crit but what about your Concentration check Sven: wow. Sven: what concentration check? DM of Da: To cast a spell on a moving horse DM of Da: DC 10+lvl Sven: who's casting? DM of Da: Ohh DM of Da: Right right DM of Da: Throwing multiple shit DM of Da: From yes DM of Da: Ok DM of Da: Well, roll dmg Sven: crit or no? DM of Da: Nope. Sven: aww. Sven: /roll 1d6+4 *** DM rolls dice for Sven: 1d6 < 2 = 2 > + 4 = 6 Sven: panther similarly withdraws. DM of Da: k. DM of Da: Boris! *** Lolris bows before the thingie Lolris: /try 8 *** DM rolls attempts for Lolris : *** DM 1d20 < 10 = 10 > + 8 = 18 DM of Da: Hit! Lolris: ... Lolris: really? Lolris: wow Lolris: /roll 1d6 *** DM rolls dice for Lolris: 1d6 < 1 = 1 > = 1 Lolris: figures. DM of Da: Ahaha Nikolai: yeah this shit needs to end Vasily: Ok, there's a scroll with magic missile's name on it. Vasily: /roll 2d4+2 *** DM rolls dice for Vasily: 2d4 < 4 3 = 7 > + 2 = 9 DM of Da: Ok! DM of Da: That one is almost dead. DM of Da: Nikolai! Nikolai: hey how about the spell that requires no rolls to hit Nikolai: fuckers. Nikolai: /roll 2d4+21 *** DM rolls dice for Nikolai: 2d4 < 3 4 = 7 > + 21 = 28 Sven: how about that. Nikolai: lol Nikolai: I fail at typing Sven: his magic missile was so angry Nikolai: but it does that much damage Sven: it got a +21 bonus. Vasily: (brb) Nikolai: so yeah that was 9 DM of Da: Ok DM of Da: It's dead, Jim. DM of Da: Albrecht! DM of Da: You've got 1 in front of you. DM of Da: Totally unwounded. Albrecht: yeah I miss it again Albrecht: /try 9 *** DM rolls attempts for Albrecht : *** DM 1d20 < 6 = 6 > + 9 = 15 DM of Da: You sure do. Sven: well played. DM of Da: Their turn. DM of Da: The ankheg attacks Albrecht. Ankhegs: /try 7 *** DM rolls attempts for Ankhegs : *** DM 1d20 < 6 = 6 > + 7 = 13 DM of Da: Aww. Sven: everybody sucks. DM of Da: You hear more rumbling coming from the ground. DM of Da: Sven! Sven: ok, who is in pain? Nikolai: my horse *** Lolris is hurted DM of Da: A&B&N_Horse Sven: albrecht is a ways away Sven: so I go to where boris is and tap him with a wand. DM of Da: k Sven: /roll 1d8+5 *** DM rolls dice for Sven: 1d8 < 6 = 6 > + 5 = 11 DM of Da: Sounds good DM of Da: Boris' turn! Sven: panther follows, of course. DM of Da: Of course. Sven: this puts me how far from albrecht? Sven: 60?\ DM of Da: Yeah Sven: ok. Lolris: err Lolris: sorry. *** Lolris shoots again. DM of Da: k DM of Da: roll DM of Da: Don't suck Lolris: /try 8 *** DM rolls attempts for Lolris : *** DM 1d20 < 4 = 4 > + 8 = 12 DM of Da: What did I just say *** Lolris sucks like yo momma. DM of Da: lol DM of Da: Vasily Vasily: Ok. Scroll #2 Nikolai: we're all gonna die from the d20s hating us Vasily: /roll 1d4+1 *** DM rolls dice for Vasily: 1d4 < 2 = 2 > + 1 = 3 DM of Da: Nikolai! Nikolai: k Nikolai: missiles Nikolai: pew pew Nikolai: /roll 2d4+2 *** DM rolls dice for Nikolai: 2d4 < 4 4 = 8 > + 2 = 10 Nikolai: hah Nikolai: sucker. Sven: zomg an actual roll. DM of Da: Albrecht! Albrecht: /try 9 *** DM rolls attempts for Albrecht : *** DM 1d20 < 9 = 9 > + 9 = 18 Sven: hey, a mother fucking hit. Albrecht: about goddamn time. Albrecht: /roll 1d10+4 *** DM rolls dice for Albrecht: 1d10 < 7 = 7 > + 4 = 11 DM of Da: The ankheg is almost dead! DM of Da: It retreats into the ground, disappearing from sight DM of Da: Withdrawing, naturally DM of Da: The rumbling sound gets more and more distant and muffled DM of Da: And eventually ceases DM of Da: The encounter is over. *** Nikolai cries Nikolai: my spells Sven: I immediately hook shit up with heals. DM of Da: Ok Sven: who wants some Sven: albrecht: Vasily: A couple of horses. Sven: /roll 1d8+1 *** DM rolls dice for Sven: 1d8 < 4 = 4 > + 1 = 5 Sven: again: Sven: /roll 1d8+1 *** DM rolls dice for Sven: 1d8 < 7 = 7 > + 1 = 8 Sven: my horse: Sven: /roll 1d8+1 *** DM rolls dice for Sven: 1d8 < 3 = 3 > + 1 = 4 Sven: and again: Sven: /roll 1d8+1 *** DM rolls dice for Sven: 1d8 < 2 = 2 > + 1 = 3 Sven: nikolai's horse: Sven: /roll 1d8+1 *** DM rolls dice for Sven: 1d8 < 4 = 4 > + 1 = 5 Nikolai: mmm horsey Nikolai: how we doing on charges Sven: 38 on the smaller wand Sven: 29 on the larger. Nikolai: good Albrecht: so Albrecht: is there any reason to dissect these corpses? Albrecht: well, the one DM of Da: Not that you know of. Albrecht: guess we ride DM of Da: Ok. Nikolai: so Sven: oh, my cat. Nikolai: we run away Nikolai: to make a raft Sven: /roll 2d8+2 *** DM rolls dice for Sven: 2d8 < 3 1 = 4 > + 2 = 6 Sven: /roll 1d8+1 *** DM rolls dice for Sven: 1d8 < 8 = 8 > + 1 = 9 DM of Da: Run away to make a raft? DM of Da: What DM of Da: I'm confused DM of Da: You've already crossed the river DM of Da: And are traversing the steppes again DM of Da: Why do you need a raft Sven: /try 16 *** DM rolls attempts for Sven : *** DM 1d20 < 20 = 20 > + 16 = 36 DM of Da: What is this Sven: survival tells me that rafts don't traverse steppes. Nikolai: oh DM of Da: It's true Vasily: Indeed. Nikolai: I fail at chronology DM of Da: Yes DM of Da: Yes you do DM of Da: Ok. Nikolai: it was like RIGHT after we crossed DM of Da: Yes DM of Da: On the first day of post-river travels Nikolai: that is why I got confused DM of Da: The next four days pass fairly uneventfully DM of Da: You encounter a lone ankheg on the next day DM of Da: But manage to drive it off DM of Da: And none after that. DM of Da: Sven's knowledge tells him there was probably a nest of them that you passed directly over *** Sven flexes DM of Da: You encounter no Cumans or anyone else here DM of Da: Seems this region is relatively uninhabited Albrecht: brb Albrecht: eh, actually nm DM of Da: And on the morning of the sixth day of your travels, you discover why that is so... DM of Da: Roll Spot checks Sven: /try 10 *** DM rolls attempts for Sven : *** DM 1d20 < 3 = 3 > + 10 = 13 Albrecht: /try 0 *** DM rolls attempts for Albrecht : *** DM 1d20 < 14 = 14 > + 0 = 14 Nikolai: /try 3 *** DM rolls attempts for Nikolai : *** DM 1d20 < 1 = 1 > + 3 = 4 Nikolai: hahaha Vasily: /try 6;boris 1;me *** DM rolls attempts for Vasily : *** DM (boris) 1d20 < 8 = 8 > + 6 = 14 *** DM (me) 1d20 < 5 = 5 > + 1 = 6 DM of Da: Awesome Sven: wtf is eyeballs Vasily: err, that's a 15 for boris. DM of Da: Listen checks? Sven: /try 6;pantherspot *** DM rolls attempts for Sven : *** DM (pantherspot) 1d20 < 17 = 17 > + 6 = 23 Sven: rofl. Vasily: /try 7;boris 1;me *** DM rolls attempts for Vasily : *** DM (boris) 1d20 < 12 = 12 > + 7 = 19 *** DM (me) 1d20 < 14 = 14 > + 1 = 15 Albrecht: /try 0;listen *** DM rolls attempts for Albrecht : *** DM (listen) 1d20 < 13 = 13 > + 0 = 13 Sven: /try 3;sven 6;panther *** DM rolls attempts for Sven : *** DM (sven) 1d20 < 3 = 3 > + 3 = 6 *** DM (panther) 1d20 < 4 = 4 > + 6 = 10 DM of Da: Ok DM of Da: You're riding through a totally flat region, with nothing, not a tree or a hill, for miles around DM of Da: When suddenly, Sven's panther begins to growl Sven: and still can't see a damn thing :-P DM of Da: It stops, its ears pricking up, and growls again Sven: hmm . . . DM of Da: It appears to be looking at something to the east Sven: I look to the east DM of Da: The panther's hair begins to stand on end DM of Da: You squint and barely make out, far to the east, a shape that appears vaguely serpentine, slithering across the ground at great speed Sven: /try 12;nature *** DM rolls attempts for Sven : *** DM (nature) 1d20 < 19 = 19 > + 12 = 31 DM of Da: As it approaches, you recognize the monster from tales other druids told you, as it is not native to your homeland DM of Da: It is a behir, a powerful, reptilian monster that can breathe lightning Nikolai: noooooooo Sven: oh jesus. DM of Da: Like snakes, behirs prefer to swallow their prey whole and digest it as such DM of Da: It is moving toward you Sven: /con behir Vasily: I'm thinking avoidance is in order. DM of Da: Wtf is /con DM of Da: Anyway Sven: I don't think we want to mess with that. Nikolai: /consider DM of Da: As the behir approaches, covering the distance between you fairly quickly, you spot something else Albrecht: // does it have a rider? DM of Da: Flying toward the behir from the south are a group of large, flying, insectoid creatures Nikolai: run the fuck away imo Sven: now I know we're bouncing. Sven: Bounceunt. DM of Da: They appear like enormous, two-legged hornets with massive stingers, a pair of small forelimbs, and huge bat wings Albrecht: sounds like behir v. things DM of Da: There are about 10 of them DM of Da: And these do have riders DM of Da: Warriors armed with shortbows DM of Da: Anyone have Knowledge: Geography? Nikolai: no DM of Da: Ok. Vasily: nyet Sven: hell no. DM of Da: The behir spots the flying creatures, rears up on six of its twelve short legs, and gives a terrible screech Nikolai: waity. Nikolai: the flying things have riders? DM of Da: That's what I said, yes Nikolai: what sort of riders DM of Da: Guys with bows Nikolai: humans? DM of Da: HUmans. Nikolai: riding bug things? DM of Da: Yeah Vasily: (time to call za paper) DM of Da: Anyway Nikolai: (possibly) DM of Da: The behir resumes its run, but turns northward, away from the riders DM of Da: But they fly faster, and are slowly catching up DM of Da: They begin firing volleys of arrows at it as they get within range DM of Da: Fire arrows, in fact DM of Da: Many miss, but some strike the behir's thick, scaly hide, scorching it DM of Da: The creature screeches in pain, but continues retreating DM of Da: Once it rears up, breathing a massive, forking bolt of lightning, which strikes one of the riders directly DM of Da: He screams and falls off his bug mount, to his death DM of Da: Several of the other creatures are glanced by it DM of Da: At this point DM of Da: One of the riders notices you DM of Da: And breaks off, heading in your direction. DM of Da: What do you do in the meantime? Albrecht: I think we were already riding away Sven: that's what I had thought. DM of Da: Ok. DM of Da: The warrior who noticed you continues his aerial pursuit DM of Da: He is yelling something at you, but he's much too far away to make out DM of Da: The insectoid flyer he rides moves at the same speed as your horses, so eventually he gives up Albrecht: // hmm I swear we encountered these two things seperately in the previous campaign DM of Da: The rest of the day's travels pass uneventfully. DM of Da: Yes you sure did DM of Da: You encountered them during your first trip to Cherkessia, as I recall Albrecht: feels more like on the way back DM of Da: Maybe DM of Da: But given that you're approaching that general region of the world, this makes sense DM of Da: Ok DM of Da: That night, as you're making camp DM of Da: You see three flying shapes in the darkening sky DM of Da: Much like those you saw earlier DM of Da: They are approaching. DM of Da: Going to do anything? *** Lolris will conceal himself Albrecht: make sure my weapons are available and my armor is on, but that's all for me DM of Da: Ok DM of Da: Anyone else? Albrecht: // that amounts to nothing Sven: hang on *** DM of Da hangs on Sven: I do the same as albrecht. DM of Da: Ok DM of Da: Anyway, it's three of those giant bugs, and just as before, they are ridden by warriors with elaborate, composite shortbows and quivers of arrows on their backs. DM of Da: Two of them circle above, while one descends, hovering just above the ground. DM of Da: He faces you, maintaining a position about 20 feet away DM of Da: The warrior speaks... and though none of you can understand him, you are fairly sure the language is Mongol. DM of Da: And that's where we'll end tonight. Vasily: indeed Sven: very well <<< Lolris has left >>> <<< 12:11:17 AM >>> <<< Vasily has left >>> <<< 12:11:24 AM >>> <<< Ankhegs has left >>> <<< 12:11:28 AM >>> Nikolai: well Nikolai: shit