Dragon's Egg - Act II

[Ravana]

Two of the wolf-riders reach the dwarves. The first wolf rears onto its haunches, snapping teeth and swiping a paw at the dwarf to the left of the approaching party members. The dwarf turns both attacks against his shield, then swings a crushing blow with his hammer that pitches the goblin from the back of the wolf and into the snow. The second wolf-rider directs his mount in a quick turn just as he reaches the dwarf, jabbing with his spear as he closes the distance. The dwarf barely manages to knock the spear tip aside with his shield, and the action throws him slightly off balance. His return hammer-attack finds nothing but air.

((Dang, these guys are good! This one is, at any rate.))

Baldhart still sprints toward the fray, but her path takes her directly into the path of the running dwarf. He notices her about thirty feet away and pulls his hammer free, raising his shield as she closes the distance.

((She'll probably use the dwarf/shield combo as a springboard and keep right on going. Though I suppose I shouldn't be giving her ideas. Were I really calling out tactics, I'd be telling them to [redacted by author].))

((…how did he not notice her until now? She's kinda obvious. Several kinds of obvious, really. Okay, so not all the dwarves are as good as the first one.))

((Alright… done being goofy now. No, there isn't anything in here about what Hiljikki is doing.))

•••

GM thing: Most important item I've learned since I started creating maps on computer: always create—and retain!—blank version of map. That way, all you need to do is pull it up and add minor updates, don't need to erase anything. Which may be what you're doing… but I'd be embarrassed to tell you how long it took for me to learn the part about retaining an unadorned copy, so I figured I'd best not assume.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"We're helping you!" I say to the panic-stricken fool who raises his weapon.

I charge right past him.

I smile as an arrow passes on the right. ((I assume Ankari is targeting the lone wolf's rider.))

I want to tell the knights to divide the pack of wolves, but I was forced to waste my breath on the dwarf. No matter. The running dwarf divided the wolves with his cowardice—a tactic, I'd have assumed, if not for him raising a shield at the sight of me.

We will win the battle out here!


I charge the lone wolf…

HIT

DAMAGE

STR

((TYPO! Should be +1+3+4 for a total of 20. I blame Unseen Servant, which had me add the bonuses, giving me the habit of typing +8. Sorry!))

…and follow my swing with force enough to knock the beast onto its fallen rider!

((Knock-back/stun attempt… the STR roll is good but damage is ~average, so I can't justify a thrust/pin.))

 

[Nihal]

I frown, accepting the berry. She's being too gentle... I give it a little sniff then eat, barely chewing. The reinvigorating sensation takes me by surprise.

"Thanks." I throw my hair over the shoulder, getting it out of the way, and prepare to cast. "Please, give me some space."

Chanting, I focus on the pendant.



The familiar tingling sensation returns as the magic crawls over my hands, out of control. All of my mind and body are striving to hold the runaway magic...




... but it's of no use.

"I can't!" I squeak in despair as the magic grows even more wild instead of subduing.




Grimacing, I back off against the statue as the magic runs over my body.

I am useless.


((Gaaaaaah!

The good news is that I don't know how to count, I have a total of 7, not 6 points of mana. I forgot to update my own notes with the modifier.
Keeping track:
Light
Light -Runaway
Shield -Runaway
Shocking Grasp
Light -Runaway
))

 

[SeverinR]

Mauve sets Burnbright atop the staircase leading into the temple basement, then closes the door and joins Hiljikki near the temple entrance. Sounds of battle, growls and the shouts of voices, can be heard from the snowy field nearby, but the courtyard walls prevent either from seeing what is going on in the battle.

Aliron remains perched in the second story window of the temple. From his vantage point, he can see all that unfolds on the battlefield. There is a change one of the wolves will come into his range soon, though the distance would be greater than he wishes.

((Characters in the temple can continue to do whatever they like for the time being. So far, there is no direct threat to them)).

I will be ready for any target that might be in range, arrow in place. I will use the time to account for wind and the speed at which the enemy is moving, be that wolf runner or dismounted rider if any. Can't really aim at a potential target until they are in range.

I will relay battle highlights to the others that might not be able to see the battle as well, and if any being approaches the courtyard I will inform them friend or foe approaching to save accidental suprise or friendly injuries.
[of course, I will show my hostility towards Dwarves while doing the play by play, but also make it plain that Dwarves are a little better then Goblins.)

 

[Phietadix]

I turn around and strike at the wolf

I hit the wolf with my spear. ((That should be a 19 with modifiers, but it's a hit either way.))

And serverly injure him

 

[Ravana]

The familiar tingling sensation returns as the magic crawls over my hands, out of control. All of my mind and body are striving to hold the runaway magic...

... but it's of no use.

"I can't!" I squeak in despair as the magic grows even more wild instead of subduing.

"Ah, well," Hiljikki says, checking the raven over for possible injuries. "It was a thought."

((If Taevataat does seem more than ruffled, she feeds him a berry, then tells him to alight on the statue and "behave himself." Apparently she believes he understands what she means.))

Returning to her post in the center of the doorway, she says "I suppose I'll just have to try this the hard way." She shifts one side of her cloak and says "Now it's your turn." In response, out jumps a.…

…you still don't know what the hell it is. Even though it's now perched fully exposed on her left shoulder. An elongated cat or an unusually attractive and long-legged relative of a ferret are the two things that spring to mind—though its pointed ears, larger in proportion than a fox's, give both notions the lie. Its silver fur features rows of black spots; both colors alternate down a bushy tail that exceeds the length of the rest of its body and which now drapes around Hiljikki's neck and dangles halfway down her chest.

And while it seems too small to pose a credible threat to anything larger than a rabbit, it looks ready to take on the world.

The same might be said of Hiljikki.

•••

((And if I can ever figure out how to attach an image, not just a link, to a post, I'll even put a picture of him up.… ))

 

[Steerpike]

((New Map. Descriptions to follow))

 

[Steerpike]

Matthew cuts at the wolf, and the creature let's out a yelp as the spear tip slides across its flank. It goes for the horse again, snapping at the mount with its powerful jaws:

Wolf Attack [1d20+2] = 13+2 = 15
Bite Damage [2d4] = 8

The horse twists its head aside, but the wolf closes its jaw near the base of the horse's neck, just above the straps of the saddle. The horse lets out a snort and the wolf disengages with blood and hair in its teeth.

The dwarf nearest the fallen body squares himself toward two foes, as a second wolf and rider charge toward him. The dwarf swings his hammer, but misses. The follow through exposes the dwarf's shieldless side, and the goblin takes the opportunity to jab his spear at the dwarf. The spear scrapes along armor, then finds flesh. The goblin urges his mount forward, and the dwarf stumbles back against the bulk of the wolf on his shield. The riderless wolf leaps in as well, and the dwarf falls onto his back.

The dwarf nearest Cadell swings and misses, once again just able to defend himself from an enemy attack. His attention is locked on the wolf-rider, trying to anticipate its next move.

The wolf-rider Cadell shot at ignores the wayward arrow and continues its sprint toward the wayward dwarf, which is also in the direction of Baldhart and Cadell. Mid-sprint, Ankari's arrow flashes over the frozen ground and embeds itself into the chest of the goblin rider, who pitches backward in a tumble and falls heavily to the ground, sending up a spray of snow.

The last wolf-rider spots Cadell and veers that way. Cadell hears the crunching of heavy feet on the snow and turns quickly to meet the foe. He sees the wolf in mid-leap, mouth agape, it's goblin rider hanging on for its life:

Wolf Attack [1d20+2] = 19+2 = 21
Bite Damage [1d4] = 2

The wolf's jaws close around Cadell's left wrist, even as he tries to fend off the attack. As the creature bites through skin and bone it twists its head and digs its massive forepaws into the ground, using its momentum to pull at Cadell:

Wolf's Strength [1d20+2] = 17+2 = 19

Cadell is pulled free of his mount and joins the dwarf in the cold, wet, snow. He keeps his feet, but pain lances up his arm and there is a profusion of blood from where the wolf bit him. With a sudden surge of shock, Cadell sees a ragged, bleeding stump where his wrist and hand once joined.

Baldhart reaches the wolf she is sprinting toward just seconds after Ankari's arrow pitches its rider into the snow. She lands a solid hit, sending blood and fur flying into the air as her sword cuts a wide arc. What's more, she follows the swing with an almost overpowering impact, stopping the creature in its tracks. The wolf's hind legs slip in the snow and slide out from under it, and for a moment it looks absurdly like a sitting dog. The impact seems to bewilder it for the moment, robbing it of a chance to attack Baldhart.

Rydh arrives at Baldhart's side immediately after, now within range to make an attack of his own.

The dwarf who was running for the temple pulled up short as Baldhart passed him. He hesitates a moment, as though conflicted, then lets out a roar and follows after Baldhart and Rydh.

 

[Steerpike]

((I'm keeping track of what people are doing at the temple. Nothing for me to resolve this round. Aliron can see the battle unfolding from his perch. He sees the dwarf go down and Cadell unhorsed. He sees Ankari's arrow pick off one of the goblins. The wolf next to Baldhart and Rydh could potentially be hit by a shot from Aliron. It is outside of his normal range, but within the distance the weapon is capable of)).

 

[Sparkie]

Baldhart seems to have things well in hand, but I can't get around the wolf. I raise my sword and chop down vertically, hoping to hit the spine...

...And instead I miss the animal completely.

((Well, that didn't work. We're all gonna die!!! ))

 

[Ireth]

The sight of the ragged, bloody stump where my hand had been moments before freezes me in place for a moment. The shock of it holds off the pain, at least for now. I look at the wolf, its jaws dripping with blood -- my blood -- and rage sears through my veins. My bow is useless, dropped when the wolf seized my arm; I clumsily draw my sword with my right hand and lunge at the beast with a roar of fury.

Attack:

Damage:

((If the -2 penalty applies to this roll as well as/instead of the attack, this is a 6. Dunno what effect it'll have with such a sucky attack though.))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Cadell! This looks grim.

I remain focused on my enemy.

I look him in the eye…

[INTIMIDATE]

…and strike!

TO HIT:

In case a "sitting dog" position makes him easy to hit, here's DAMAGE:

 

[Phietadix]

As my horse falls, I try to fall softly. ((Do I need to roll for that, it's one of the knight's abilitys.))
I'll have to tend for my horse once we're out of danger. So I strike at the Wolf again.

And miss. ((In case the wolf is an easier target because of his injureis and that's a hit. here's damage.))

 

[Ankari]

The chaotic sounds of battle beat against the thudding in my ears. The ancient knight is injured, his arm a red stump of blood. Matthew lost his horse and may need aid. Of all the threatened allies, Rydh is the most crucial. He Everyone needs him.

The wolf facing Baldhart and Rydh is stunned and injured, but wild beasts rely in instinct more than thought and will recover quickly. I draw the bow and send an arrow at the wolf.

[url=http://www.unseenservant.com/Default.asp?do=showone&id=9267]Longbow Attack: [1d20+3] = 6+3 = 9[/URL]

((Do we get a bonus for attacking a stunned target? I recall a +4 from another battle. If so, then its a 13.))

[url=http://www.unseenservant.com/Default.asp?do=showone&id=9268]Arrow Damage: [1d8+2] = 6+2 = 8[/URL]

 

[Steerpike]

((Working today; no new map. But I think only one dwarf has changed position from the last map))

The Battlefield

Cadell steadies himself on his feet, steeling himself against the next attack from the wolf and rider. Before the enemy can strike again, however, Llucheden rears, bringing her hooves crashing down toward the foe:

((forgot to copy the link to the first attack; it was a 10. Miss))
Horse Attack [1d20+2] = 17+2 = 19

The first hoof passes but inches from the goblin's head, the creature ducking down tight against the fur of its mount to avoid the descending hoof. The wolf tries to spin away from Llucheden, but the second hoof strikes the wolf's head with a loud thock, causing the animal to spring back in pain:

Hoof Damage [1d4+2] = 3+2 = 5

The goblin cries out, digging its hands into wolf fur as it tries to stay mounted as the wolf dodges and leaps:

Goblin tries to stay mounted [1d20+1] = 12+1 = 13

It is no use. The goblin sails from the animal's back and into the snow. He has managed to keep his spear in hand and uses it as a support as he starts to haul himself back to his feet.

Matthew's mount is also well-trained, and though injured this animal too strikes out with its hoof, snorting mists of hot air as it attacks:

Horse Attack [1d20+2] = 15+2 = 17
Horse Attack [1d20+2] = 20+2 = 22

The first hoof strikes with a crack:

Hoof Attack [1d4+2] = 1+2 = 3

The blow elicits a yelp from the wolf, the animal's sound cut short as the second hoof falls with devastating forces onto its skull:

Hoof Damage [1d4+2] = 4+2 = 6

Blood sprays from the wolf's mouth, and when it opens its jaws once again Matthew sees a row of broken teeth. The animal slumps onto its side, pink tongue lolling like a panting dog. It is conscious, though scarcely able to move, and watches Matthew through wide eyes.

Rydh's attack against the wolf nearest him misses. As the wolf dodges Rydh's blow, an arrow from Ankari lodges just above its hind leg. The creature lets out a low, dangerous growl. Baldhart's attack comes almost immediately after, she having paused momentarily to give the wolf 'the eye' (which had seemingly no impact on the creature). Her sword takes the wolf in the chest, just between the forelegs. She wrenches the blade free in a spray of arterial blood, and the wolf falls.

The dwarf nearest Baldhart and Rydh arrives at their side as the corpse of the wolf crashes into the snow. He grunts, hammer in hand, and looks at Baldhart. His gaze lingers a split second longer on Rydh, and then in a gruff, deep voice, he says "to my comrades!" and begins to run back toward the fray.

The dwarf who was knocked prone is being chewed on by two wolves, one riderless and one still with a goblin atop it. The goblin leans forward and strikes the fallen dwarf with its spear, punching into the dwarf's leg.

The dwarf nearest Cadell blocks another spear attack from the wolf-rider in front of him, then counters with a heavy upward swing of his hammer. The weapon catches the wolf below its jaw, snapping its head back. The wolf springs back half a pace, then narrows its eyes and growls as its master urges it forward again.

The Temple

Tension is thick at the temple as party members there wait to see whether goblin-mounted wolves will breach the courtyard entrance. Aliron remains the only one in position to see what is occurring on the battlefield.

As Mauve and Hiljikki wait in the statue room, the creaking of a door catches their attention. They turn to see Burnbright standing in the doorway to the basement, looking unsteady on her feet. She starts to mutter "what happened..." when her eyes dart around the room and she seems to realize there are only two relative strangers in the room with her.

Her hand slides to her side, searching for the sword Matthew gave her. "Where are Ankari and Matthew?" she yells, trying to retain focus in her eyes. "Where's Baldhart? If you lay a finger on me she'll snap you into little tiny pieces!"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

((Assuming I can't reach any enemies…))

I rush over to the main battle, positioning myself in a place that I can help Cadell or the dwarves.

I make eye contact with the goblin nearest Cadell.

INTIMIDATE

 

[Ireth]

((Just so you know, Steerpike, Llucheden is female. ^^))

I cannot help but smile as Llucheden moves to defend me, striking at the wolf with her hoofs. The goblin flies from its back to land in the snow, but quickly starts to climb to its feet. I ready for another attack on the wolf, fighting a wave of dizziness as I do so. If I can finish this without passing out from bloodloss...

Attack:

((Holy crap! That... is probably the most appropriate roll I've ever seen.))

I sway as I move to attack, and it seems I can barely lift my sword with my right hand, much less strike -- my sword only hits air and snow inches from the wolf's body. I drop to my knees, using my sword as support to struggle back to my feet. Rage and hatred are the only things driving me now.

 

[Nihal]

I'm resting against the statue, trying to sort out how many spells I may still be able to cast - and fail - when the door creaks. Burnbright is up again.

"Calm down girl, they're outside, fighting. Do not go after them!" I stop for a second, thinking. "If they breach into the courtyard you would be helpful on the second floor, using your crossbow."

"I won't hurt you." I add, sincere.

 

[Phietadix]

As the immediate danger is gone, my attention is focused on Amaroq. I go through my bags for a spare piece of clothing to use as a bandage. I also keep an eye on the wolf. As soon as my horse has been tended to. I'll have to do something about the animal that attacked us. My code prevents me from attacking a helpless foe. Perhaps I should tend its wounds as well.

 

[Ankari]

My arrow thuds against the carcass of the wolf slain by Baldhart. I'm not sure why the beasts don't smell the potency in that woman and flee. No matter. She is rushing to the aid of the ancient knight and so will I. I move forward to get into range and send a pointy stick for the wolf to play with.

[url=http://www.unseenservant.com/Default.asp?do=showone&id=9287]Longbow Attack: [1d20+3] = 18+3 = 21 (Here, boy!)[/URL]

Arrow Damage: [1d8+2] = 2+2 = 4