Operation: Graystone #9

[GM Mad]

Operation: Graystone #9

April 13th, CR 569

As the combined Squads move deeper into the former dwarven lair, they encounter a huge amount of goblins in a combat arena tormenting other prisoners! The Stone Dwarf is summoned once more and it goes berserk upon seeing the goblins! It rushes its hated enemy either pounding them with weapons or trampling them underfoot. Understandably, the goblins flee for their retched lives!

However, a new problem presents itself. The center of the combat arena, where the prisoners are at, is a drop 10' down. This essentially means that the center of the room is large pit with goblins all around the edges. The Stone Dwarf went after the goblins on the groups side of the pit, but so far has ignored the ones on the other side. However, the construct is so far away now that no one can actually see it any more. All you heard the sounds of goblins screaming and bones breaking!

The worg is fired about by a variety of weapons, but still lives. At least it is now ignoring the dwarf it was tormenting. It 's now near the edge of the pit trying to get closer to this new enemy. Ren continues to back up Butternut while she is focused on the worg. Kendell holds his ground.


Elsewhere, several goblins are rushing the flank that Vardra is holding. He calls for Sorvani to back him up, and the mage comes rushing up. Erisciana moves closer to where Sorvani was. Lucyus also decides to help out and gives Wimzy the magically enhanced torch. Then he moves towards Vardra, but moves slower thanks to the weight of his gear and Sorvani beats Lucyus there.

Vardra strikes the first goblin that reaches him with his bastard sword ending its miserable life! Sorvani is soon there and tries to stab a goblin with his longsword, but misses. Vardra strikes again and downs another goblin. The goblins counterattack, but none are able to break Vardra's defenses.


A new round of attacks are launched at the worg. Flare fires an arrow, but this one misses its mark. Butternut shoots a bolt and this time buries it deep into the beasts side! Flare settles the issue with another arrow and the worg finally goes down!

While that is going on, Kaylessa calls out in goblin warning those on the other side of the pit to stay where they are. Thus far, they have not moved.

Vernar scrambles to lower a rope to reach the dwarf down below. Wimzy doesn't wait and just jumps down. She lands easily at the bottom, still carrying the magically enhanced torch, and tumbles forwards. The Priestess of Azrella drops the torch and examines the dwarf as Vernar moves closer.

“He still lives!” Wimzy cries out. “But not for long without my touch!” Wimzy then casts a Cure Light Wounds spell on the dwarf and he starts to come around.

“What happened?” the dwarf wonders as he opens his eyes. “Who ye be?”


Nearby, Lucyus has joined Vardra and Sorvani in their battle against the goblins. Lucyus moves along side Vardra as Sorvani is content to be behind. The paladins battle axe lashes out and downs the goblin before him. Vardra's next attack is devastating as he cleaves a goblin in half! The few goblins in this area turn and run away once more after seeing that!

For now, no one is in immediate danger of being attacked. But for how long?

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

That takes care of the fighting for the moment. There are still goblins on the far side of the pit, but so far none have dared to move any closer. The worg is dead and the dwarf you heard earlier was saved by Wimzy.

Here is the updated combat. Character positions are my best guesses based on what was posted.

graystone019.jpg (79.73 KiB) Viewed 8527 times

This time around, I added where the light sources are at. Within the yellow circles, normal vision is possible. The light weakens as you move further away. The light near Vardra, Sorvani and Lucyus is a hooded lantern. The magically enhanced torch is by Wimzy. The other light source is the coin that Lucyus cast Light on. The coin is on the ground at the moment.

No one took any damage.

Now what?

[Vernar]

Vernar -

“He still lives!” Wimzy cries out. “But not for long without my touch!” Wimzy then casts a Cure Light Wounds spell on the dwarf and he starts to come around.

“What happened?” the dwarf wonders as he opens his eyes. “Who ye be?”

"We be yer rescuers while you be layin' there sleepin'," Vernar chides playfully as he quickly retrieves his axe. "Time enough fer proper greetin' later. Now we need to be gettin' outta 'ere."

Vernar will head back to the rope. He will wait to see if Wimzy needs to climb or she simply will leap up and away. Vernar will make sure the dwarf is able to climb as the full extent of his injuries are not yet known. Vernar will be the last one up. They can come back for the bodies of the others once they have assured their own safety and exit from here.

Once the three of them are back with the rest of the companions, Vernar will start to look for a way out. "Was this yer home?" he will ask the rescued dwarf, and try to get directions on the quickest way to go. Depending on the rest of the fighting, Vernar will get the scouts ready to start leading the group out depending on what the other dwarf tells him. Finally, Vernar will also be ready to try to regain control of the stone guardian should it come stomping back this way looking for more goblins to smash.

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

The priestess puts herself into a position where she can see the hall and the group in the arena.

In the light in the arena, Erisciana sees a few of her group go down into the pit, which means the warg is dead. Meanwhile in the hall, Lucyus helps the two already there drive off the goblin attack.

Vernar and Wimzy exit the pit with another short humanoid, likely the wounded dwarf that they found. Stepping slightly into the arena, "The hall is under control," Erisci will share with Vernar. "The goblins have been driven off."

She steps back to the hall carefully, faint light showing the doorway. She yells down the hall to the three there. "The wounded dwarf has been rescued! We look to be on the move soon."

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa

While that is going on, Kaylessa calls out in goblin warning those on the other side of the pit to stay where they are. Thus far, they have not moved.
Kaylessa looks at the goblin as she finishes using their language and is please for the moment that the creatures have yet to move toward them.

Hearing Kaylessa call out in Goblin, Butternut is impressed by the elf's knowledge of their guttural tongue. "Of course, doing so won't save them," Butternut murmurs to no one in particular.

Kaylessa’s eyes look to Butternut but a moment as she hears the halfling’s remark. ‘Goblins must have done a number on her.’
The warg dies and Wimzy and Vernar goes to the aid of the dwarf. In but a moment it is revealed that dwarf lives, the warg not being able to finish it’s deadly work! Sheathing her swords and drawing her bow, she covers those within the pit.

"Was this yer home?" he will ask the rescued dwarf, and try to get directions on the quickest way to go. Depending on the rest of the fighting, Vernar will get the scouts ready to start leading the group out depending on what the other dwarf tells him. Finally, Vernar will also be ready to try to regain control of the stone guardian should it come stomping back this way looking for more goblins to smash.

Vernar and Wimzy exit the pit with another short humanoid, likely the wounded dwarf that they found. Stepping slightly into the arena, "The hall is under control," Erisci will share with Vernar. "The goblins have been driven off."

“For the moment.” Her eyes locked on the goblins across the way. “It is time to leave. We need to flee from here and alert our allies, before we are trapped like rats.”

[Lucyus]

Lucyus

Elsewhere, several goblins are rushing the flank that Vardra is holding. He calls for Sorvani to back him up, and the mage comes rushing up. Erisciana moves closer to where Sorvani was. Lucyus also decides to help out and gives Wimzy the magically enhanced torch. Then he moves towards Vardra, but moves slower thanks to the weight of his gear and Sorvani beats Lucyus there.

Lucyus curses his misfortune of moving to slowly as he sees Sorvani going to Varda’s aid. Breathing heavily underneath the weight of his armor, Lucyus presses on and fills the void near Varda.

Nearby, Lucyus has joined Vardra and Sorvani in their battle against the goblins. Lucyus moves along side Vardra as Sorvani is content to be behind. The paladins battle axe lashes out and downs the goblin before him. Vardra's next attack is devastating as he cleaves a goblin in half! The few goblins in this area turn and run away once more after seeing that!

“Sorry I’m late.”he says to Sorvani and Varda as he brings his Battle axe to bare causing a goblin to fall to the floor unmoving. He makes ready his axe again as he sees Varda cleave a goblin in half! The goblins turn and flee as the goblin’s life blood still pools beneath their comrade.
“Well fought!” he calls out as the goblins flee. “Are you well?”he asks the others as he looks them over.

She steps back to the hall carefully, faint light showing the doorway. She yells down the hall to the three there. "The wounded dwarf has been rescued! We look to be on the move soon."

Lucyus will begins moving backward( to the box below E) “It is a small miracle, but one I will take any day.”he says simply as he looks over Eri’s shoulder to the hallway behind her. “Get ready to move. The longer we linger the more danger that will find us.”

[Vardra]

Vardra Marcus, PFC:

Shortly after Sorvani joins him, the goblins rush forward to attack. Parrying their blows with his shield, Vardra carves into the shoulder of the first goblin. As the creature crumbles, another attacks Sorvani, though the mage's counter-strike is off by a hair. Vardra's back-swing is on target, and guts a second goblin.

“Sorry I’m late.”he says to Sorvani and Varda as he brings his Battle axe to bare causing a goblin to fall to the floor unmoving. He makes ready his axe again as he sees Varda cleave a goblin in half! The goblins turn and flee as the goblin’s life blood still pools beneath their comrade.

Moments later, Lucyus joins them and cleaves the goblin harassing Sorvani with his battle axe. Allowing the remaining goblins before him to expend their energy on futile attempts to bypass his shield, Vardra adjusts his position slightly and slices entirely through yet another of the filthy creatures with a powerful blow. Startled by the spray of blood and gore, the few still functioning goblins realize that they have already lost four of the number, and flee in panic.

“Well fought!” he calls out as the goblins flee. “Are you well?”he asks the others as he looks them over.

Recalling his training, Vardra stands his ground and does not give chase. To do so, would be to invite disaster. "I am unharmed," Vardra replies to the paladin's query.

She steps back to the hall carefully, faint light showing the doorway. She yells down the hall to the three there. "The wounded dwarf has been rescued! We look to be on the move soon."

"Got it!" Vardra calls back. Stowing his shield, he picks up his lantern from behind him and uses it to get a good look further down the hall for any sign of additional goblins. While he's doing that, Lucyus steps back the way he came.

Lucyus will begins moving backward( to the box below E) “It is a small miracle, but one I will take any day.”he says simply as he looks over Eri’s shoulder to the hallway behind her. “Get ready to move. The longer we linger the more danger that will find us.”

Still watching the hall before him, Vardra calls back. "Which way are we heading? Looks clear this way so far!"

[Butternut]

Butternut:

Seeing the worg cringe in pain, Butternut is suffused with a grim satisfaction as her shot strikes true this time. It is the first time since they entered this place that one of her crossbow bolts has found its target! Another arrow from Flare finishes off the beast and it crumples to the floor of this strange arena.

"Good shot, Flare!" she says, sparing a glance at the tall woodsman before shifting her gaze to the corner with the waiting goblins. Another quarrel is loaded into her crossbow as quickly and efficiently as she can manage.

Vernar and Wimzy make their way down to the fallen dwarf. Apparently the dwarf still lives, which Wimzy ensures with a healing spell. Regaining consciousness, the rescued dwarf seems unsure about his situation.

"We be yer rescuers while you be layin' there sleepin'," Vernar chides playfully as he quickly retrieves his axe. "Time enough fer proper greetin' later. Now we need to be gettin' outta 'ere."

Vernar will head back to the rope. He will wait to see if Wimzy needs to climb or she simply will leap up and away. Vernar will make sure the dwarf is able to climb as the full extent of his injuries are not yet known. Vernar will be the last one up. They can come back for the bodies of the others once they have assured their own safety and exit from here.

Perceiving an opportunity, Butternut calls down into the pit. "Hey, Wimzy! Toss that torch over by the gobbos so we can line up our targets!"

Vernar and Wimzy exit the pit with another short humanoid, likely the wounded dwarf that they found. Stepping slightly into the arena, "The hall is under control," Erisci will share with Vernar. "The goblins have been driven off."

Butternut takes note of the information, but doesn't take her eyes off the corner where the goblins are huddled.

“For the moment.” Her eyes locked on the goblins across the way. “It is time to leave. We need to flee from here and alert our allies, before we are trapped like rats.”

"They cannot trap us if they are dead," Butternut growls, her tone more like that of the worg just slain than a typical halfling. She is waiting only for Wimzy to illuminate the goblins before opening fire.

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa

Perceiving an opportunity, Butternut calls down into the pit. "Hey, Wimzy! Toss that torch over by the gobbos so we can line up our targets!"
"They cannot trap us if they are dead," Butternut growls, her tone more like that of the worg just slain than a typical halfling. She is waiting only for Wimzy to illuminate the goblins before opening fire.

Kaylessa to the halfling but can’t help but wonder what the halfling is thinking. Two, now three of our number are ten feet below us while there are just a halfling, a gnome and an unarmored elf standing before goblins that outnumber them.
“She is living up to her name as a nut!” she says in Elvish then switches to Common “Vernar, Wimzy and our new friend are below us and our fighters are behind us.... and you wish to start a fight with goblins that are twice maybe three times our number? It is us that may perish here, Nut.” The elf growls. If the Goblins begin to move toward them she will cast her sleep spell to cause maximum effect being sure not to target any of her comrades in it’s wake.
(Forgo switching weapons, keep swords out and at the ready.)

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The worg has been slain by bolts and arrows. With the way clear, Vernar and Wimzy make their way down into the pit. The Priestess of Azrella proclaims that the downed dwarf lives, but is in desperate need of healing. Wimzy heals the dwarf and his eyes flutter open.

“What happened?” the dwarf wonders as he opens his eyes. “Who ye be?”

“I be the one who brought your hairy butt back from the dead!”, Wimzy mischievously announces.

Vernar is there was well, retrieving the axe he threw at the worg earlier. As he does so, Vernar came make out that there are goblins all along the far side of the pit! Many more than could be immediately seen!

"We be yer rescuers while you be layin' there sleepin'," Vernar chides playfully as he quickly retrieves his axe. "Time enough fer proper greetin' later. Now we need to be gettin' outta 'ere."

“Aye! What of me comrades?”, the wounded dwarf wonders as he scrambles to his feet.

“I'll look,” Wimzy says as she picks up the enhanced torch once more and scampers off further to the south of the pit. If the Priestess of Azrella heard Butternut's call to throw the torch towards the goblins, she does not show it. Wimzy reaches the first body, checks for signs of life, but finds none.

While Vernar and the rescued dwarf climb up the rope, Flare keeps a watch on Wimzy with his bow. Once out of the pit, Vernar questions the dwarf.

Once the three of them are back with the rest of the companions, Vernar will start to look for a way out. "Was this yer home?" he will ask the rescued dwarf, and try to get directions on the quickest way to go.

“This dung hole?!”, the dwarf forcefully responds. “Goblins ruin everything they touch! Nay, I be Sann Silverbeard, agent o' the Ministry o' Histories! Seeker o' lore an' forgotten knowledge!”

Elsewhere Wimzy moves from fallen body to fallen body in the pit while Flare keeps a watchful eye. The Priestess finds that all the others in the pit have passed on. Something else above the pit attracts Wimzy's attention at this point. She can just barely make out the Stone Dwarf as it continues to pound and crush goblins! It has turned and is now heading up the other side of the pit!

“Yikes!” Wimzy cries out as she dashes towards the nearest rope and rapidly climbs out of the pit near Flare. “Rocky is chasing the goblins on the other side of the pit now! They'll be rushing us to get away from him!”

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

The Stone Dwarf is circling the pit going counter-clockwise causing the goblins before him to flee towards the group! There are dozens of goblins there, maybe as many as 100 of the foul creatures! They are in a full panic and are starting to run for it. The horde of goblins contains both males, females and children.

No activity has been noted near Erisciana's position and likewise things look clear down by Vardra.

Here is the updated map for the area:

graystone020.jpg (82.52 KiB) Viewed 8463 times

Now what?

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

The priestess relays to the main group that the goblins in the hall have been driven back by her three companions. This starts to create a discussion as to whether we should kill all the goblins or retreat from the caverns, between Kaylessa and Butternut.

"If we are going to stay and fight, we need a definitive plan of action. The risk of becoming overwhelmed still remains," Erisciana will offer.

Lucyus moves up closer to her position. “It is a small miracle, but one I will take any day,” he says simply as he looks over Eri’s shoulder to the hallway behind her. “Get ready to move. The longer we linger the more danger that will find us.” It is a sentiment that she agrees with.

"There is an army not far from this location that can deal with these foul humanoids. We are not the sole responsibility for removing their threat. By the same token, we are here, now. And the goblins are routing, terrified. If striking a blow to eliminate their threat permanently is the goal, then we should act on it immediately. What say you, Vernar?"

Still watching the hall before him, Vardra calls back. "Which way are we heading? Looks clear this way so far!" Erisci will forward this information as well to Verna and the others in the arena area.

Wimzy points out that the Stone Dwarf is driving the goblins around the arena towards their left and that a full rush of them trying to get away would lead right toward the main group. A quick decision on their actions is now vital.

[Lucyus]

Lucyus
As Lucyus moves back to Eri hears several things as to the group of Goblins that are staring at them

"If we are going to stay and fight, we need a definitive plan of action. The risk of becoming overwhelmed still remains," Erisciana will offer.

“I concur.” He says simply as he sees a new dwarf among their number and then news of the goblins running their way.
“Who has oil?” he asks in earnest! Lucyus puts forth a plan of action, hoping that the others may agree. “They are looking to flee from here! If Varda, Kendell and myself lock shields behind a fire line we can slow the tide and turn them back to break against the golem like water upon rock!” He says looking to Vernar, “The archers and mages can pick their targets and clerics can see to the wounded.”
“It is either that or we flee the way we came and barricade the doors before they get there.” He suggests evenly.”
He hears Varda’s call as to where they are moving.. He looks to Vernar, “Unless you have a better course of action.”

[Flare Nightstorm]

Flare Nightstorm -

"Good shot, Flare!" Butternut says, sparing a glance at the tall woodsman before shifting her gaze to the corner with the waiting goblins.

"Aye. It's about time I make myself useful. Thank you, Butternut."

Their new Dwarven companion, Sann Silverbeard, is lucky to be alive, let alone have any knowledge of their surroundings. The squad will have to decide on their own which way to travel next.

With Wimzy & the others out of the pit, Flare will move as quickly as he can to gather behind Vardra & Sorvani.

Flare favors the squad head south, keeping the arena to their left and continuing in the direction that Vardra & Sorvani had cleared.

Lucyus's strategy of building a line of fire could certainly drive the goblins back toward the rapidly-encircling Stone Dwarf:

"We can slow the tide and turn them back to break against the golem like water upon rock!”

“The archers and mages can pick their targets and clerics can see to the wounded.”

But if facing the stone behemoth proves too frightening to the goblins, they may risk crossing such a fire line.

If this were to happen, forcing the goblin-offense north - back the way Wyvern & Chimera have already come - would allow the squad to continue south, unimpeded (for now).

"Damn if our escape lies back the way we came!" Flare thinks to himself. "But no one yet knows for sure."

Until proven otherwise, Flare believes south is the best way to progress.

[Vardra]

Vardra Marcus, PFC:

“Yikes!” Wimzy cries out as she dashes towards the nearest rope and rapidly climbs out of the pit near Flare. “Rocky is chasing the goblins on the other side of the pit now! They'll be rushing us to get away from him!”

Over the murmur of other voices from back the other way, Vardra hears one call out from much closer. Turning to look, he sees Wimzy clambering out of the pit. Her news is alarming; he hadn't realized that there were so many goblins still left alive in the room.

From a different direction, he hears the foreign priestess outline their options, then request orders from Vernar. The paladin puts forward a solid plan, and Vardra is ready to help. "I can spare a vial of oil," he calls back to Lucyus. Still keeping his eyes down the hallway before him, Vardra begins to back up toward the others.
_______________________________________________________________________________
I believe Ren mentioned having some oil, as well.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

"Aye. It's about time I make myself useful. Thank you, Butternut."

Nodding, the halfling tunnel-rat replies, "I know what you mean. That's the first time I've hit anything with this damn crossbow yet."

“She is living up to her name as a nut!” she says in Elvish then switches to Common “Vernar, Wimzy and our new friend are below us and our fighters are behind us.... and you wish to start a fight with goblins that are twice maybe three times our number? It is us that may perish here, Nut.” The elf growls. If the Goblins begin to move toward them she will cast her sleep spell to cause maximum effect being sure not to target any of her comrades in it’s wake.

"They're climbing up now," Butternut replies in Elvish, as she backs up a few steps toward Flare. "Plus, Kendall is right here, and Lucyus is coming this way; they can easily join us before the goblins can make their way around to us. Why are you so afraid? If you're not skilled enough to take out a half dozen pathetic goblins, you shouldn't be here."

Just then, Butternut notices that Wimzy is heading the other way. Switching back to Cynalonian, her voice conveys her surprise and bafflement. "Wait. Where's Wimzy going?" Without the light, she cannot see her targets to shoot them...

Behind her, she can hear Vernar conversing with the dwarf that they just rescued, but none of it seems that interesting or important right now. Suddenly, Wimzy begins shouting that the golem is chasing the goblins up the other side of the pit. Soon, they will have no option but to flee this way. Butternut can hear there cries of fear and pain, and it is music to her ears.

Erisciana and Lucyus quickly discuss their options, with Lucyus suggesting a barrier of fire. Unfortunately, they seem to be dependent on Vernar to make a decision, and Vernar's still focused on the other dwarf.

"I can spare a vial of oil," he calls back to Lucyus.

"Bring it, Vardra!" Butternut shouts back to the soldier. "Let's get this done while we can! Who's got fire to light it?!" From what was said earlier, the enchanted torch won't work.

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa

"They're climbing up now," Butternut replies in Elvish, as she backs up a few steps toward Flare. "Plus, Kendall is right here, and Lucyus is coming this way; they can easily join us before the goblins can make their way around to us. Why are you so afraid? If you're not skilled enough to take out a half dozen pathetic goblins, you shouldn't be here."

“I am not afraid of a dozen goblins.” She says back, “I am afraid of the countless others that escaped the golem! Your overconfidence outweighs your reason.” She says simply even though she hears the screams and sounds of goblins getting smashed in the distance.
Wimzy soon calls out that they are in danger as the goblins are moving their way.

She hears the call for oil and Varda’s and Butternut’s reply. “A vial of oil will not burn long or be enough to dislodge them from their course,” she reasons. “If these Goblins are running for their lives, Let us move from their view. That Hallway there we can defend ourselves without being flanked and the goblins should flee to the exit if they wish to be rid of our stone ally.”
Kaylessa will move back toward Lucyus and Eri. "If you wish to set your fire line do it there. Between our weapons and the heat they may think twice to come our way!"

(Kay is not afraid, she just knows their orders and wishes to flee especially cause she heard about how many goblins there were at the beginning of their endeavor.)

[Vernar]

Vernar -

This dwarf, Sann, is not a resident. It is unlikely there have been any dwarves calling this home for quite some time. That means they will have to move to make their own way out. It is likely that the main hallway is a good choice. However, it seems that the stone dwarf has turned the far corner and is making its way back towards the goblins on the other side, and there was quite a bit more hidden over there than originally thought.

Vernar is there was well, retrieving the axe he threw at the worg earlier. As he does so, Vernar came make out that there are goblins all along the far side of the pit! Many more than could be immediately seen!

"They're climbing up now," Butternut replies in Elvish, as she backs up a few steps toward Flare. "Plus, Kendall is right here, and Lucyus is coming this way; they can easily join us before the goblins can make their way around to us. Why are you so afraid? If you're not skilled enough to take out a half dozen pathetic goblins, you shouldn't be here."

"Nay, not a mere half dozen," Vernar reveals after the quick conversation with Sann. "Maybe a hundred o' more cower in the shadows."

Vernar will add his flask of oil into the ones collected. "Set a burnin' wall o' fire there an' let us make our way out," he says, indicating the narrowest part that will allow the goblins passage. Pulling up the rope behind them, Vernar will add, "They will burn, fall, or be crushed beneath the stone guardian. If any want t' put a few arrows into their number, I jus' say do not linger."

Vernar will start to make his way to the hallway, making sure Sann can manage on his own. "You know the most direct way outta 'ere?" he inquires. Vernar will have his axe and sword ready should any random goblins with courage still be lingering about.

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

Lucyus suggests using some oil set alight to discourage the fleeing goblins from reaching them. His alternative is to return to the stone golem's room and hunker down. "That does not get us any closer to our escape from this complex and may give them time to recover. The flaming oil may prove an effective deterrent however." When Wimzy indicates the number of goblins she sees that remain and that they are being driven potentially right at the group, it is clear they do not have time to waste.

"I can spare a vial of oil," he calls back to Lucyus. Still keeping his eyes down the hallway before him, Vardra begins to back up toward the others.

"Bring it, Vardra!" Butternut shouts back to the soldier. "Let's get this done while we can! Who's got fire to light it?!" From what was said earlier, the enchanted torch won't work.

Seeing that this plan is beginning to take form on its own, Erisciana will offer some suggestions. "We will need to light one of the torches in the hallway. Sorvani! Can you light a torch with Vardra's lantern and bring it and the oil up this way?" The priestess will place her hand on Lucyus' shoulder. "If we are going down the hall, it is likely best to have you and Vardra lead the way. The fire should be enough to dissuade the goblins from following us in their panic."

Vernar will add his flask of oil into the ones collected. "Set a burnin' wall o' fire there an' let us make our way out," he says, indicating the narrowest part that will allow the goblins passage. Pulling up the rope behind them, Vernar will add, "They will burn, fall, or be crushed beneath the stone guardian. If any want t' put a few arrows into their number, I jus' say do not linger."

"Yes! Quickly! Everyone down the hall! Vardra and Lucyus are leading the way!" Seeing that Vernar is helping the wounded dwarf, she will say to Kendall, "Protect our side as we pass that opening." She will point out the area near the red 2 on the altered map. "Archers can cover our rear as we depart, but as Vernar said, 'do not linger'. We can place the fire wall as a deterrent once we are all in the hall."

Ideally, they will place the oil and light it at the red 2, but if necessary due to time at the red 1. Of course, after everyone has passed. This will give the goblins a route to funnel away from them toward the top of the map if they try to escape the golem. If we block the hall completely they will just file further down the arena and remain a threat.

graystone020a.jpg (184.92 KiB) Viewed 8384 times

[Kendell]

Kendell:

Kendell's voice makes it through the din. Vardra suspects that he may not be as far away as some of the others. "Got a handful of gobs approaching. Sorvani and I should be able to handle it."

“Okay!” Kendell calls out. He keeps a tight grip on his sword and shield as he waits for an enemy to approach.

More talking his heard all around Kendell, but from his position he cannot see any one. A beast was slain, a dwarf rescued. The more goblins are coming.

"Yes! Quickly! Everyone down the hall! Vardra and Lucyus are leading the way!" Seeing that Vernar is helping the wounded dwarf, she will say to Kendall, "Protect our side as we pass that opening." She will point out the area near the red 2 on the altered map. "Archers can cover our rear as we depart, but as Vernar said, 'do not linger'. We can place the fire wall as a deterrent once we are all in the hall."

“Uhm, okay!” Kendell calls out. Kendell moves forwards, down to where the Archer and halfling Priestess are out, but then turns right towards to the hallway. He then turns and keeps watch back the way he came.

[Sorvani]

Sorvani:

Footsteps approach from behind Vardra, which are Sorvani confirms are his. "I won't. Watch my right flank along the wall, and I'll cover the left side." Vardra adjusts his own position as necessary to make room for Sorvani.”

“Got it!” Sorvani cries out.

Vardra strikes the first goblin that reaches him with his bastard sword ending its miserable life! Sorvani is soon there and tries to stab a goblin with his longsword, but misses. Vardra strikes again and downs another goblin. The goblins counterattack, but none are able to break Vardra's defenses.

Sorvani attempts to stab one of the goblins with his longsword, but misses. Maybe he should have spent more time practicing with the weapon than fishing?

Nearby, Lucyus has joined Vardra and Sorvani in their battle against the goblins. Lucyus moves along side Vardra as Sorvani is content to be behind. The paladins battle axe lashes out and downs the goblin before him. Vardra's next attack is devastating as he cleaves a goblin in half! The few goblins in this area turn and run away once more after seeing that!

Seeing and hearing Lucyus join us, Sorvani steps back and off to the side so that the paladin can join the front line. More goblins fall before them and Vardra splits one in half!

“Remind me to never make you mad,” Sorvani notes to Vardra.

“Sorry I’m late.”he says to Sorvani and Vardra as he brings his Battle axe to bare causing a goblin to fall to the floor unmoving. He makes ready his axe again as he sees Vardra cleave a goblin in half! The goblins turn and flee as the goblin’s life blood still pools beneath their comrade.

“Just in time as far as I am concerned,” Sorvani says.

“Well fought!” he calls out as the goblins flee. “Are you well?” he asks the others as he looks them over.

“Vardra kept them at bay,” Sorvani reports. “No wounds here.”

She steps back to the hall carefully, faint light showing the doorway. She yells down the hall to the three there. "The wounded dwarf has been rescued! We look to be on the move soon."

"Got it!" Vardra calls back. Stowing his shield, he picks up his lantern from behind him and uses it to get a good look further down the hall for any sign of additional goblins. While he's doing that, Lucyus steps back the way he came.

“Okay!” Sorvani calls out feeling he has to say something. More talk is heard from behind, but Sorvani keeps his gaze fixed up ahead. It seems as if a plan is coming together.

Seeing that this plan is beginning to take form on its own, Erisciana will offer some suggestions. "We will need to light one of the torches in the hallway. Sorvani! Can you light a torch with Vardra's lantern and bring it and the oil up this way?" The priestess will place her hand on Lucyus' shoulder. "If we are going down the hall, it is likely best to have you and Vardra lead the way. The fire should be enough to dissuade the goblins from following us in their panic."

“On it!” Sorvani calls out. He grabs one of the unlit torches from a wall sconce that were noted earlier and attempts to light it using the hooded lantern. After lighting the torch and accepting the oil, Sorvani rushes back to the others. “Here it is! Now what?”

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

People start moving and Sorvani comes up with the lit torch and the vial of oil. The priestess will take the one Vernar offered and if Ren adds one to the mix. Otherwise, she will take the one Sorvani has.

After lighting the torch and accepting the oil, Sorvani rushes back to the others. “Here it is! Now what?”

"Stay close to me," the priestess says. "We are going to create a flaming barrier to cover our departure."

Vernar moves into the hall with the rescued dwarf and Kaylessa seems ready to withdraw. Kendall also moves into position.

"Let us move with haste!" she will say to everyone in general.

If Ren and Butternut do not tarry, then the can all move down the hall to position 2 and beyond. From that position, the third opening to the arena can be seen. Hopefully there are no more goblins in this area, but with Lucyus and Vardra leading the way, they can deal with any stragglers.

Ideally Kendall and any archers will be the last to pass. Once everyone is past, she will quickly pour the vials across the hall (if there are more than two, then put some part way up the wall) and motion for Sorvani to light the oil with the torch. (If anyone doesn't withdraw, then we'll have to adjust the plan perhaps.)

[Lucyus]

Lucyus

"Yes! Quickly! Everyone down the hall! Vardra and Lucyus are leading the way!" Seeing that Vernar is helping the wounded dwarf, she will say to Kendall, "Protect our side as we pass that opening." She will point out the area near the red 2 on the altered map. "Archers can cover our rear as we depart, but as Vernar said, 'do not linger'. We can place the fire wall as a deterrent once we are all in the hall."

Hearing the call of the war priestess, Lucyus readies his axe and shield. “We will cut a path if need to be.” He says simply his voice muffled off his helmet.
Lucyus will be ready to move along side Varda with axe and shield ready.

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa

"Yes! Quickly! Everyone down the hall! Vardra and Lucyus are leading the way!" Seeing that Vernar is helping the wounded dwarf, she will say to Kendall, "Protect our side as we pass that opening." She will point out the area near the red 2 on the altered map. "Archers can cover our rear as we depart, but as Vernar said, 'do not linger'. We can place the fire wall as a deterrent once we are all in the hall."


"Let us move with haste!" she will say to everyone in general.

Kaylessa listens and hears the words of those around here a plan is coming together as more vials of oil are put forth. It would seem that she spoke to soon on how long the oil will burn.
“Way ahead of you.” Kaylessa says falling behind the soldier and paladin. “I can see further than your latern( I think) . I will direct you the best I can!” she says evenly her voice iron.

[Vardra]

Vardra Marcus, PFC:

“Remind me to never make you mad,” Sorvani notes to Vardra.

"Okay," Vardra says, "though I'm not really the type to 'get even'. Besides, I prefer to avoid those with access to magic."

"Bring it, Vardra!" Butternut shouts back to the soldier. "Let's get this done while we can! Who's got fire to light it?!" From what was said earlier, the enchanted torch won't work.

Hearing the halfling warrior, Vardra steps toward Solvani and hands him the vial before turning to head back the other way.

She hears the call for oil and Varda’s and Butternut’s reply. “A vial of oil will not burn long or be enough to dislodge them from their course,” she reasons. “If these Goblins are running for their lives, Let us move from their view. That Hallway there we can defend ourselves without being flanked and the goblins should flee to the exit if they wish to be rid of our stone ally.”

Seeing that this plan is beginning to take form on its own, Erisciana will offer some suggestions. "We will need to light one of the torches in the hallway. Sorvani! Can you light a torch with Vardra's lantern and bring it and the oil up this way?" The priestess will place her hand on Lucyus' shoulder. "If we are going down the hall, it is likely best to have you and Vardra lead the way. The fire should be enough to dissuade the goblins from following us in their panic."

More ideas are shouted from various directions. At least Eri's idea of using the lantern to light a torch seems to make some sense, so Vardra pauses and lets Sorvani do as instructed.

“On it!” Sorvani calls out. He grabs one of the unlit torches from a wall sconce that were noted earlier and attempts to light it using the hooded lantern. After lighting the torch and accepting the oil, Sorvani rushes back to the others. “Here it is! Now what?”

"Yes! Quickly! Everyone down the hall! Vardra and Lucyus are leading the way!" Seeing that Vernar is helping the wounded dwarf, she will say to Kendall, "Protect our side as we pass that opening." She will point out the area near the red 2 on the altered map. "Archers can cover our rear as we depart, but as Vernar said, 'do not linger'. We can place the fire wall as a deterrent once we are all in the hall."

Vernar queries the other dwarf about the best way out, but not everyone is willing to wait for the answer. While the priestess' plan seems like it may lead to them being caught between those that already fled down the hall and those being chased by the stone dwarf, at least it provides some organized response. The worst option would be to dither about and not take action. Thus, Vardra turns and heads down the hall, hoping that Lucyus will catch up and join him.

Hearing the call of the war priestess, Lucyus readies his axe and shield. “We will cut a path if need to be.” He says simply his voice muffled off his helmet.

It doesn't take long for the paladin to catch up, so Vardra strides forward down the hall with his sword in one hand and the lantern in the other. When he senses others following behind, he looks back over his shoulder. "Can someone take this lantern so I can ready my shield?"

“Way ahead of you.” Kaylessa says falling behind the soldier and paladin. “I can see further than your latern( I think) . I will direct you the best I can!” she says evenly her voice iron.

From what he has heard during his training, torches or lanterns can interfere with the special vision of some of the other races. "Perhaps you should go in front, then, Kaylessa. Otherwise the lantern may ruin your view."
________________________________________________________________________
If the fire wall doesn't go all the way to the edge of the pit, the goblins can just go around it.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

“I am not afraid of a dozen goblins.” She says back, “I am afraid of the countless others that escaped the golem! Your overconfidence outweighs your reason.” She says simply even though she hears the screams and sounds of goblins getting smashed in the distance.

Butternut hawks and spits on the floor. "Bah! The couple dozen goblins over yonder," she replies in Elvish, gesturing toward the corner, "should be little challenge for half a dozen of us."

“Yikes!” Wimzy cries out as she dashes towards the nearest rope and rapidly climbs out of the pit near Flare. “Rocky is chasing the goblins on the other side of the pit now! They'll be rushing us to get away from him!”

"Nay, not a mere half dozen," Vernar reveals after the quick conversation with Sann. "Maybe a hundred o' more cower in the shadows."

The halfing ranger's eyes go wide at this news; she's surprised and impressed that Vernar speaks Elvish well enough to have understood her conversation with Kaylessa, but that is far overwhelmed by the thought of that many goblins fleeing in their direction. "A hundred?! Okay, that's an entirely different matter. Let's go!"

Vernar will add his flask of oil into the ones collected. "Set a burnin' wall o' fire there an' let us make our way out," he says, indicating the narrowest part that will allow the goblins passage. Pulling up the rope behind them, Vernar will add, "They will burn, fall, or be crushed beneath the stone guardian. If any want t' put a few arrows into their number, I jus' say do not linger."

"Yes! Quickly! Everyone down the hall! Vardra and Lucyus are leading the way!" Seeing that Vernar is helping the wounded dwarf, she will say to Kendall, "Protect our side as we pass that opening." She will point out the area near the red 2 on the altered map. "Archers can cover our rear as we depart, but as Vernar said, 'do not linger'. We can place the fire wall as a deterrent once we are all in the hall."

"Come on, Ren! Time for some target practice." Not one to pass up any opportunity to turn goblins into pincushions, but not wanting to be left out here by herself, Butternut scrambles to just past where it seems Eri intends to put the oil, then turns and readies her crossbow. She will fire at the first goblin that comes into view.

________________________________________________________________________________
It's a bit hard to keep track of the exact order of conversations and events. I'm trying to post as best I can based on what I think Butternut knows/believes at any particular point. She may be a bit foolhardy and stubborn, not to mention having a burning hatred for goblins that would melt stone, but she's not stupid.

Also, since Vardra and Vernar are both using greenish colors, I switched to brown for Butternut. Probably a better fit for her anyway.

[Flare Nightstorm]

Flare Nightstorm-

"Shall we join the others?" Flare asks Wimzy, rhetorically.

They make their way to the section of hall where the others are gathering.

Flare positions himself as close to Ren & Butternut as possible, just below the intended fire line (2). He makes sure his daggers are within reach (just in case), then readies his bow.

The plan seems solid, but he is ** somewhat concerned that goblins will work their way around the fire line if it doesn't stretch all the way to the arena. Hopefully the beautiful Erisciana has taken this into consideration, knowing the qualitative and quantitative limitations of their oil rations and flames. The fire wall will act as a visual deterrent to a panicked crowd of goblins. Hopefully the majority of them will see the fire and reactively turn about-face and run northward.

He'll shoot through the fire line if goblins get too close. He doesn't want to shoot babies or unarmed fleeing adults. He'd rather they keep running. But if a goblin attacks his companions, armed or unarmed, Flare will not tolerate them.

____________________________________________________________
** like Gordon

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

(OOC -Erisci is unaware of the third exit from the arena into the hall, as she cannot see it and no one mentioned it. She could see the second one because of Vardra's lantern. Therefore Kendall was entrusted with covering that opening. She could probably see it also with the torch Wimzy has from that side. The player has a plan for adjusting as the third opening gets revealed.)

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The Dwarven, Sann Silverbeard, has been rescued from the combat pit! While Wimzy went to check on his companions, she could hear and see the Stone Dwarf attacking the throng of goblins on the other side of the pit. Its only a matter of time before the goblins kept at bay near Butternut's position start to stampede!

Nearby Vernar speaks to the rescued dwarf about what he knows about this ancient lair.

Vernar will start to make his way to the hallway, making sure Sann can manage on his own. "You know the most direct way outta 'ere?" he inquires. Vernar will have his axe and sword ready should any random goblins with courage still be lingering about.

Sann looks about as if gauging his location. “It be that way!”, the dwarf points towards the bottom left of this large room (as you are looking at it on the map). “The way out is that way!”

As Vernar and Sann move back into the hallway and start down it, the call goes out for oil and fire. Vardra fishes through his pack to find his last flask of oil. While that is going on, Sorvani grabs one of the unlit torches in holders along the wall and uses Vardra's lantern to light it. The mage then starts to move back up the hallway, pausing only to lit another torch on the wall along the way.

Ren is suddenly beside Erisciana and produces a pair of flasks of oil. “And a surprise!”, the gnome notes with a wicked grin as he shows two other flasks.

The call goes out to move back into the hallway and the group complies. Butternut fires a crossbow bolt into the throng of goblins just on the edge of her vision but cannot be sure what damage her attack did. The others make their way out of the combat arena and into the hallway that runs along side of it.

As Erisciana is moving with the oil to get it placed, it happens! The goblins break ranks and begin to run for their lives! That rush forward with reckless abandon heading towards the group!

“Keep back!” Ren calls out as he throws one of his flasks of Alchemists Fire on the ground in the hallway in front of Butternut. “The torch! Throw the torch to light it!”

Sorvani hears this and can just barely see the area indicated. He throws the torch he is carrying forwards as Ren and Butternut scramble to get out of the way. Those looking that direction can see goblins getting closer. Several run into the area where the Alchemists Fire was spilled as the torch sails in.

There is a tremendous WHOOSH as the Alchemists Fire erupts into flames! The force and heat of the fire forces Butternut and Ren away from it while avoiding splashing fire. Those goblins caught in its effects erupt in flames! Several keep moving into the hallway before they collapse in death, their bodies still burning!

The Alchemists Fire barrier seems to be doing its job as any other goblins avoid that area. Some go north, back the way the group came and into the room with the gold and dice. No one attempts to go through the closed door at the end of that hallway.

Instead the main stampede of goblins rushes towards the southwest corner of the combat arena! Towards the same area that Sann indicated earlier! There are those who even jumped down into the combat pit who are rushing towards its southern end to escape.

Kendell, Lucyus and Vardra take up positions in the middle of the large openings going into the combat arena as the horde of goblins start to rush past. Most keep going to the south, but more than a few try to break through the Squad's line!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Best laid plans and all that. There were questions asked and conversation held out of the game that helped influence this post. Clarifications and pointing out somethings that folks were not focusing on. No, things did not go exactly according to plan, but with a group of mostly strangers they are not a well-oil unit, at least not yet.

Here's the updated map:

graystone021.jpg (90.76 KiB) Viewed 8276 times

Players locations are best guesses. In the future I think I will try to go with 5' squares maps as the letters marking the players locations are so much bigger it makes the area look smaller and crowded.

The fire is the area where the Alchemists Fire was thrown. This fire will burn for a total of 2 rounds before it is spent, so it is only a temporary solution. Likewise, regular lamp oil would only burn a few rounds and not as spectacularly as the Alchemists Fire does.

The orange is the horde of goblins. They are moving very fast as they are, literally, running for their lives. Some are tripping, falling and then being trampled by their own kind. Some of the horde is going back the way you came, but most seem to be going the same direction that you want to go in. The fleeing goblin are sprinting, which is triple their normal movement rate or a speed of 18.

A few of them are trying to break through your ranks. There are plenty of Attacks of Opportunity as they are more concerned with fleeing that fighting. An Attack of Opportunity does not count towards your normal allotted attacks as the enemy is not making any effort to defend themselves.

Lastly, no one mentioned anything about picking up the coin with the Light spell on it, so it was left on the ground. As usual, the yellow areas on the map indicate the light sources. Being in the yellow area ruins infravision, so you need to be away from that area to see properly. That's why I had those with infravision outside the yellow areas on the earlier maps.

Now what?

[Vardra]

Vardra Marcus, PFC:

Tactics seem to go every which-away, which seems like the result of the lack of an effective command structure from the soldier's point of view. Something that desperately needs to be addressed soon. Doing his best to contribute effectively, Vardra sets his lantern down where it will illuminate the gap clearly, then readies his shield as he joins Kendell and Lucyus. Fortunately, at least the rescued dwarf confirms that they are headed in the right direction to escape this pit.

It is no more than a few moments before the goblin tide flows in their direction. While maybe as many as a third of them turn and head out through the game room, the others flee toward the south exit. Wielding his sword and shield, Vardra does his best to repulse any that try to push through their line. As opportunity allows, he'll also carve into those running past, knowing that any foes they kill now won't have to be fought later.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

Since she has a quarrel loaded, Butternut fires it toward the dimly-lit mass of goblins before scrambling behind the line of oil that is even now being prepared. Sorvani ignites it with a roar just as she jumps clear. The goblin horde breaks at almost the same moment and come racing in their direction.

The heat of the flames force her and Ren to retreat another couple of steps even as a few of the goblins get caught in the blaze and pay with their lives. By now, Butternut can see that the horde is splitting, with some fleeing north and others streaming past the other opening. Reloading and firing as fast as she can, she continues to shoot over the flames at the goblins that are making an effort to escape through the room with the dice.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Though not marked, I assume that the fire is generating some light in the area. If not, Butternut's infravision should reach far enough to let her find plenty of targets among the fleeing goblins.

[Lucyus]

Lucyus
Lucyus hears Wimzy’s cry of warning then Eri’s call to form up. Tightening his grip upon his axe and shield, Lucyus moves alongside Varda and Kendell. As the cries and pounding of feet can be heard rattling his helm and his nerves.
Taking a a deep breath he raises his shield before him looking over his shield, his axe held loosely yet firmly in his hand. As the goblins panic and run a few of their number tries to rush past them Lucyus pushes back with his shield then will bring is axe to bare on any that try to breach their line.
“Hold true! They mean to breach our line!”he calls out to the others. “Are all our flanks guarded?”he calls over the stamping of feet and the calls of the goblins.

[Vardra]

Vardra Marcus, PFC:

“Hold true! They mean to breach our line!”he calls out to the others. “Are all our flanks guarded?”he calls over the stamping of feet and the calls of the goblins.

"I think Wimzy is holding the right flank by herself," Vardra calls back over the din. "Someone should join her to shore up that end. I recommend one of us with a shield, then Vernar or Eri fill in here."

[Erisciana]

Erisciana -

(So much for the plan, stupid gobbos...)

As the oil is collected and they actually have 4 flasks of oil, everything falls into Nergal's lap. The priestess can hear the crowd of goblins rush forward, their feet stamping the hard stone floor and their shrieks and cries of woe cascading at the group like a wave. Before she can get to the desired opening to pour the oil, the goblins stampede.

Ren throws his fire bomb to cover their rear and Sorvani ignites it with a thrown torch. It is effective and manages to funnel some of the goblins to the hall away from them, but there are apparently too many humanoids and the hall is too narrow to allow them all to pass easily and so many of them continue to break, parallel to the hallway that the adventurers are in. Erisci sees that there is another opening into the arena further along the hallway. "This is not good," she thinks to herself. "Three openings may be too many to hold them all off."

Up ahead Wimzy is leading the way. The goblins will be turning the corner right at the end of that hall. Meanwhile, Vardra and Lucyus join Kendall in the side hall to block the wide opening there. Those goblins who try to break through that way are easily cut down by the fighters.

“Hold true! They mean to breach our line!” Lucyus calls out to the others. “Are all our flanks guarded?” he calls over the stamping of feet and the calls of the goblins.

"I think Wimzy is holding the right flank by herself," Vardra calls back over the din. "Someone should join her to shore up that end. I recommend one of us with a shield, then Vernar or Eri fill in here."

"Kaylessa can move to the end of the hall. And I can take one place there amongst you, so that you can join her," she says to the trio of Kendall, Lucyus and Vardra. Erisci will pass one of the flasks of oil to Sorvani, so that he has two. "Make the flame barrier at the end of this hall but do not block the goblins from passing by. If necessary, place the oil behind our fighters and let them retreat before lighting it," she says in case the goblins try and force their way north up their hall. She will place the other two flasks against the nearby wall and join in the defense of the side opening. Hopefully the stone golem will follow the goblins and not turn its attention them, she thinks solemnly.

[Kaylessa]

Kaylessa

Erisci sees that there is another opening into the arena further along the hallway. "This is not good," she thinks to herself. "Three openings may be too many to hold them all off."

“Burn what we can to keep the fires going! Anyone have a bed roll,Feed them to the fire!” She calls out as she is watching the goblins try to climb over our fighters to get away from the stone guardian. If they don’t get out of this they will not need them anyway!

"Kaylessa can move to the end of the hall. And I can take one place there amongst you, so that you can join her," she says to the trio of Kendall, Lucyus and Vardra. Erisci will pass one of the flasks of oil to Sorvani, so that he has two. "Make the flame barrier at the end of this hall but do not block the goblins from passing by. If necessary, place the oil behind our fighters and let them retreat before lighting it," she says in case the goblins try and force their way north up their hall. She will place the other two flasks against the nearby wall and join in the defense of the side opening. Hopefully the stone golem will follow the goblins and not turn its attention them, she thinks solemnly.

Kaylessa hears the plan as she readies her blades, She begins to move to lower flank, “Kendell! Care to help a lady?” she chuckles to herself as she is only that in name. Kaylessa will take up position to maximize her fighting style until her help arrives.

[Vernar]

Vernar -

Ahh, the chaos of battle, Vernar thinks to himself. It was a good plan. Probably too good. One flask of oil is lit with spectacular results before the goblins ruin everything. At least Sann confirmed what Vernar hoped, which was we are heading in the right direction.

Readying his axe and sword for the coming messy melee, Vernar hears a few calling out to shore up where the goblins can attack us from. The oil behind us will last, but certainly not for long. They need to keep moving.

"Press forward," Vernar says, trying to rally the effort. Even though his infravision is messed up from the light, he can see the hallway with the openings clearly enough. "Once clear o' this openin', form a rear guard 'n walk backwards. Drop oil once we get further down the hallway, but save some fer it seems another side passage be ahead."

Vernar will change places with Sann and be ready to press forward past Flare to help lead the push out. He will use axe and sword on any goblins fool enough to face him.

[Kendell]

Kendell:

Grasping his sword and shield, Kendell takes his defensive position. Much is happening behind him and the words are being drowned out by all the noise. The paladin shouts something and then goblins start to run past us! Kendell is content to just shove those who get to close to him aside with his shield. They are not looking to fight, but to flee!

"Kaylessa can move to the end of the hall. And I can take one place there amongst you, so that you can join her," she says to the trio of Kendall, Lucyus and Vardra.

Being much closer now, Kendell can hear the leather priestess speak. The lady elf calls out immediately.

Kaylessa hears the plan as she readies her blades, She begins to move to lower flank, “Kendell! Care to help a lady?” she chuckles to herself as she is only that in name. Kaylessa will take up position to maximize her fighting style until her help arrives.

“Always!” Kendell shouts. I step back while keeping my weapons at the ready as the leather priestess takes my place. Once clear, Kendell turns and follows the lady elf to where the archer and the halfling priestess are at, passing the dwarves along the way. Kendell takes a position close to the halfling priestess on the map.

[Sorvani]

Sorvani:

The first battle with the goblins has ended with one being cut in half!

"Okay," Vardra says, "though I'm not really the type to 'get even'. Besides, I prefer to avoid those with access to magic."

“I have no magic that would counter that!” Sorvani calls out while pointing at the split body.

"Stay close to me," the priestess says. "We are going to create a flaming barrier to cover our departure."

“Okay!” Sorvani calls out in response.

As Erisciana is moving with the oil to get it placed, it happens! The goblins break ranks and begin to run for their lives! That rush forward with reckless abandon heading towards the group!

“Keep back!” Ren calls out as he throws one of his flasks of Alchemists Fire on the ground in the hallway in front of Butternut. “The torch! Throw the torch to light it!”

Its hard to keep track with what is going on as Sorvani can only see so far thanks to the torch. But from the loud wave of noise that is approaching it seems the goblins are running for it. Ren calls out that he needs the torch thrown where he broke a flask of oil.

Sorvani hears this and can just barely see the area indicated. He throws the torch he is carrying forwards as Ren and Butternut scramble to get out of the way. Those looking that direction can see goblins getting closer. Several run into the area where the Alchemists Fire was spilled as the torch sails in.

“Look out!” Sorvani calls out as he throws the torch forward.

There is a tremendous WHOOSH as the Alchemists Fire erupts into flames! The force and heat of the fire forces Butternut and Ren away from it while avoiding splashing fire. Those goblins caught in its effects erupt in flames! Several keep moving into the hallway before they collapse in death, their bodies still burning!

Part of the corridor erupts into flames! Sorvani is momentarily stunned from this and watches in horror as goblins are caught in the fire and set ablaze. He stares as they move closer only fall and continue to burn.

Erisci will pass one of the flasks of oil to Sorvani, so that he has two. "Make the flame barrier at the end of this hall but do not block the goblins from passing by. If necessary, place the oil behind our fighters and let them retreat before lighting it," she says in case the goblins try and force their way north up their hall.

“Oh-- okay,” Sorvani manages to say, his eyes not straying from the burning bodies. After a pause, he forces himself to look away and move further south as the priestess indicated.

[Flare Nightstorm]

Flare Nightstorm-

Flare had intended to assist Ren & Butternut in defense of the northern end of the hallway, but in the mad confusion of the rushing goblins, Flare and Wimzy end up being the only line of defense at the southern end of the hallway!

Wimzy knows how to handle herself. This is obvious. Nonetheless, Flare is thankful to be joined by Kaylessa and the (shield-bearing) Kendell, and gleefully declares: "Ah, yes! The more, the merrier!"

Flare will await - and cover - Sorvani, as the mage prepares the next round of oil firing.

"May this oil-&-fire line protect our southern flank and thin the goblins out even more," he thinks.

Flare hopes Erisciana has an equal amount of luck sealing off the eastern side of their hallway.

Flare hears Sorvani's oil flasks clatter in the dark... clink-clink..

Flare pulls his bow taut; arrow loaded, waiting.

You can hear the creaking tension in his weapon. Potential energy wishing to become kinetic.

He will protect Sorvani.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed