Roundup
Log Info
- Title: Roundup
- Emitter: Alice
- Characters: Cressida Level 4, Orion level 4, Smythly level 3, Silvana level 2, Lorien level 5
- Place: Farmlands
- Time: May 28, 2014
- Summary: A near by farmer has asked for some help to protect his cattle as he brings them to town. Recently a lot of cows have been going missing and he isn't sure if it is due to bandits or monsters but he is paying adventurers to ensure the cattle safty!
- APL: 4.4
- Encounter 1: 3 Goblins, 1 goblin dog, 2 bison(bulls), 1 auroch(cow) CR 7
A local farmer has sent word that he needed some people to protect his cattle, since cows have been disappearing recently, especially during the evenings. The group arrives at the farm, and there is a huge fenced in area with hundreds of cows, and near by is a farmhouse with an older gentlemen waiting for the group.
Silvana makes her way towards the older gentleman as she walks either besides Orion or just slightly behind him.
Lorien arrives with the procession of adventurers, his hand looped about the strap to his firearm. He walks onwards, the black-crimson silks of his fit his form along with the cloak that has a Hawk on the back that he pulls about him, the crest displayed as he follows the others, "If it's bandits, we should be a bit careful to take them alive," he says to those about. As he notices the gentleman, he begins to make his way that direction.
Magnus shows up on his own, a big bear of a man with a bow. He nods to the older man, then waits.
Orion walks in with Silvana, he looks Lorien way, "I am willing to try to keep them alive as long as it does not come at the risk of the lives of the people here." He goes to the older genttemen, "We heard about your situation, is there any additional information you can give us."
Cressida arrives alongside Orion, heading towards the older gentleman as well, presumably their employer. She looks to Lorien and gives a nod. "We should certainly make the attempt, at least. But, if a fight breaks out, it is most important to survive and protect the cattle."
The man looks the group over a little bit, then nods his head slightly. "I have not had too much trouble but a lot of my neighbors have been losing cattle recently. I been keeping an extra close watch, but I am taking half my cattle into town, so I need someone to stay here and watch the rest while I am away."
On the other hand, Smythly is a tiny goblin with a great big hammer!
"And you do not want it to happen to you. I understand. We, brave warriors in the name of the Gods, will wat ch over your flock for you. Should an attack happen, I swear onto you that we will stop it, or die in the attempt."
Magnus nods. "Alright. There any rumours about what's taking them?"
Silvana stands besides Orion bowing her head as the others agree to take the job.
The man shrugs slightly as he scratches his head "I don't know. It was only a couple taken at first, and someone said they thought it was just some kids playing a prank, but then it happened a few more times, and then one day someone said they saw some kind of strange monster running around near some farms. But then, another farmer found an old knife where some fencing was cut, so thought maybe it was a bandit or something."
"I won't allow it to come to that," Lorien speaks towards Smythly. He notices Cressida, an idly familiar presence, as he dips a nod towards her, and then relaxes his stance a little, "That sounds like a plan, how long should the trip be?" he inquires, as he folds his arms under his chest, gloved fingers stretching a bit, as he sighs. Orion, a nod also, "Good to see ya again, Sunblade Orion." Beat, "Hrm, a curious rumor."
Magnus nods. "Alright." He scratches his beard.
The man looks over towards Lorien, "I will be gone about three or four days."
Orion looks back to Lorien, "Good to see you again as well." He looks to the others, "Shall we look for the best to keep an eye out for the cattle. And seeing how this might take a few days, perhaps setup who shall be taking watch while the others rest."
Cressida crosses her arms, giving a slight nod to Lorien in return, then looking back to the old man. "That sounds like a lot of different rumors. But, we can simply keep guard over the cattle and make sure whatever it is, it doesn't become a problem."
Magnus asks: "Where do they range? Are there further fields we need to know about?" "One can hope, good sir, that /we/ do not allow it to come to that." Smyhtly replies, gently, to Lorien.
"Yes. We will go and watch these cattle."
Silvana looks over the others "We can set up some kind of alarm system if someone comes close to the cattle"
Lorien adjusts the belt on his hips as he pats the scabbard about on the right side. He then shifts his stance a little, "I don't think we have the time for systems such as that unless you've the Magic," he says, and sniffs thoughtfully, as he considers Cressida, and Orion, "I might be able and keep a vantage but we shouldn't spread ourselves too thin, anyone here besides me good with a bow or firearm?" he asks. He looks at Smythly and Magnus curiously.
The man looks to Magnus, "We have other fields but we are keeping them close to the house while we are gone, so it should be a little easier for you. I got work to do though, so I will see you all when I get back." He then turns to head off and a few other farm hands help him with the cattle that they are taking to town. The field is pretty big itself and the cattle are spread out across it, though it is small enough that one can just make out the wooden fence that is surrounds the field on all sides, at least during the day.
Magnus nods. "I can shoot this bow." He looks around. "We should get the watches set up now, since we'll need to stay alert."
Orion says to Lorien, "Most of these attacks happen during the night it is not night time yet. Silvana has time to setup some type of alarm system. I can handle a bow if needed."
Silvana leans to whisper something to Orion before she raises her hand at Lorien's question "i'm good with a crossbow"
Cressida looks to Lorien. "I'm passible with a crossbow and I've a few ranged spells. By most effective ones are fairly close range, though. And, unfortunately, I don't do alarm spells."
"I... have a pistol?" says Smythly, helpfully, lifting his dragonspitter.
GAME: Lorien rolls craft/artifice: (8)+9: 17
GAME: Silvana rolls Craft/Trapmaking: (16)+7: 23
GAME: Lorien rolls trapmaking: (5)+trapmaking: 5
Magnus gets up onto the roof of the barn, and starts making a bir of a nest for himself. A place to rest, a place to lay out arrows for quick shooting. Given a little time, he tries to get hay bales passed up to him for some cover, as well.
Silvana looks out at the fields and heads out to try to make a trap that will be the first alarm system that way if anyone comes in or tries to get to the cows lots of noise will be heard and they will know they have company
Lorien gives Orion a shrug at the words, and nods, as he shifts his attention towards the field, "Well if we have the skill we can take points about that give us vantage over whatever comes," he says, and then folds his arms a bit. He nods, and sets onwards. First thing first, he takes a few pieces of artifice he has and, whatever he assists with it. Makeshift. That said, it might be useful, it might not. Artifice requires a bit more ingenuity so really after that all he does is make it back to take vantage and watch.
GAME: Lorien rolls climb: (17)+-1: 16
Smythly is just keeping watch with his Earthbreaker Sledgehammer over his shoulder and his pistol in the other. Seems like a good plan to him.
Lorien scrambles towards the tree and climbs it. He rustles up a bit as he gives a thumbs up towards wherevr his companions may be. As he settles about at the top to gain vantage, he unlatches the weapon from his belt, his Ray, and places it at his lap, leaning back a bit to wait.
Night comes around, and the fields are much darker as there isn't much in the way of light sources. Though there are some stars out tonight though that gives some light. Suddenly there is a ringing of a bell but it only lasts a second or two then stops. That is also when Lorien notices some shadowy figures moving about on the far side of the field, near the fence.
Lorien watches on with curiosity as he takes to the vantage. That is when he notices the shadows. He quirks up a brow and stands from his position atop the branches and nape of the tree. He then points his fingers forward and four lights flicker into existence in the shape of will o' wisps. He then focuses and has them travel towards the direction of the intrusion and rining with enough speed they can lock location.
Smythly is on guard! He is so on guard htat he doesn't notice anything. Really. that's about it.
Orion is on guard from with in the barn, while he does not notice the shadows he does notice Lorien's dancing lights, he wakes up Silvana and Cressida then heads towards the direction of the dancing lights.
Magnus isn't on guard. He's resting after a day's watch. It takes a moment, but he wakes up, and peers into the darkness from his vantage point.
Silvana gets woken up and rolls over to get ready for whatever is going on this better be worth being awoken.
Some cows start to moo loudly, especially a few that are near the fence line.
GAME: Smythly rolls initiative: Roll: 5 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 6
GAME: Orion rolls initiative: Roll: 5 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 6
GAME: Silvana rolls initiative: Roll: 17 + Bonus: 8 = Total: 25
GAME: Lorien rolls initiative: Roll: 19 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 21
Cressida wakes up without making too much noise, rising and making her way to the doorway of the barn to look out at what the lights might have revealed.
GAME: Cressida rolls initiative: Roll: 2 + Bonus: 6 = Total: 8
GAME: You roll initiative for goblin 1: Roll: 16 + Bonus: +6 = Total: 22
GAME: You roll initiative for goblin 2: Roll: 19 + Bonus: +6 = Total: 25
GAME: You roll initiative for goblin 3: Roll: 11 + Bonus: +6 = Total: 17
GAME: You roll initiative for goblin dog : Roll: 19 + Bonus: +2 = Total: 21
GAME: You roll initiative for cow : Roll: 2 + Bonus: +0 = Total: 2
GAME: You roll initiative for bull 1 : Roll: 7 + Bonus: +0 = Total: 7
GAME: You roll initiative for bull 2 : Roll: 9 + Bonus: +0 = Total: 9
When the lights gets closer and the party moves in they can see a bunch of goblins, and an ugly looking goblin dog that is barking as it runs around, and they are trying to steal some of the cows!
The goblin standing out in the open just happens to be the fastest on his feet. He lets out an eep as he notices people coming and he fires an arrow at the scary paladin then runs to hide behind a large bull, who seems to be really annoyed by what is going on.
GAME: Silvana rolls weapon2-4: (6)+6+-4: 8
GAME: Alice rolls 1d20+4: (5)+4: 9
One of the goblin takes careful aim and fires! He misses big time. The goblin dog, that looks almost more like a rat than a dog snarls and suddenly jumps up and bites into one of the large bulls which outs a loud cry of pain.
Silvana tries to shoot at the goblin that just took a pot shot at Orion but misses, hey at least she didn't hit the bull.
GAME: Lorien rolls acrobatics: (3)+0: 3
GAME: Alice rolls 1d6: (1): 1
<OOC> Alice says, "you take one nonlethal"
Lorien looks at the lights and notes they may need it more, even through the approach. So, he backs up a little, and then takes a leap of faith forward which sends him flying through the air. As he hits the ground he winces at the impact, but he manages and hold on, as he then begins and take off towards the group, while the lights try and gain vantage on the goblins for the party's benefit.
GAME: Alice rolls 1d20+4: (13)+4: 17
One of the goblins fires an arrow back at the party but misses. Just then the bull cries out and starts to run from the goblin dog. It slams into the cow and nearly knocks her over before turning and running towards the south.
Cressida ducks down and lifts up her buckler as she starts to move closer. She chants an incantation under her breath as she moves, covering herself in a protective force to help keep those arrows flying her way from hitting.
The huge bull suddenly starts to go charging down the field away from the goblins. Some how Cressida leaps out of the way but the bull slams into Silvana then turns and tramples over Orion and is heading straight towards Smythly but doesn't quite make it.
GAME: Orion rolls reflex: (6)+6: 12
GAME: Silvana rolls reflex: (4)+7: 11
GAME: Cressida rolls reflex: (19)+3: 22
GAME: Alice rolls 2d6+12: (7)+12: 19
GAME: You damaged Orion for 19 points. 26 remaining.
GAME: You damaged Silvana for 9 points. 7 remaining.
GAME: You damaged Cressida for 9 points. 14 remaining.
"Gyah! Go on! Get outta here!" shrill goblin cries into the night. Smythly moves to the side, not wanting to get MURDERED, and fires his dragonspitter off into the air at a slight angle in a plume of flame and spark.
<OOC> Orion says, "Want to move closer to the goblins but want to stay in range of Cress and Silvana for my channel to heal them."
GAME: Orion rolls 2d6: (10): 10
GAME: You damaged Orion for -10 points. 36 remaining.
GAME: You damaged Cressida for -10 points. 23 remaining.
GAME: You damaged Silvana for -10 points. 16 remaining.
After getting hit hard by the charging bull Orion presses on. He knows that Cressida and Silvana were also hit by the bull so he does a channels heal all three of them.
GAME: Orion rolls reflex: (2)+6: 8
GAME: Cressida rolls reflex: (15)+3: 18
GAME: Alice rolls 2d6+9: (5)+9: 14
The cow is a little smaller than the bulls but it is still a lot larger than a person! She follows after the bulls in a stampede but the sudden bang cause the cow to turn and start to peel off to the side, away from the sound though not before slamming into Orion and Cressida on it's way.
GAME: Alice rolls 1d20+4: (3)+4: 7
The goblin notices he doesn't have any cover anymore and takes a quick shot at Cressida but misses!
GAME: Silvana rolls weapon2: (6)+6: 12
Silvana did move up closer and shoot at the pesky one that keeps shooting back but at last she missed.
GAME: Alice rolls 1d20+4: (3)+4: 7
GAME: Alice rolls +2: (1)++2: 3
The goblin quickly fires a shot at Cressida, and then the goblin dog comes charging towards Cressida! He leaps up and tries to bite her, but seems distracted by the beef running around and misses big time.
GAME: Lorien rolls intimidate: (15)+6: 21
Lorien takes off and continues his sprint, until he reaches the place with which he is within range. He notices all the goblins, and calls out towards them, his Ray hefted about on the back of his shoulders as he speaks, making use of their goblin talk, "Listen here, I know you thinkyou can take us, but what do you think will happen when the ruckus brings more? We're not weak and we haven't begun to fight, the only think keeping us from destroying you is that we don't wish to kill you, so I suggest that you give up before we take this to another level!"
GAME: Alice rolls 1d20+4: (12)+4: 16
GAME: Alice rolls 1d20+10: (11)+10: 21
The goblin looks scared but he isn't crazy enough to turn himself in. He shoots an arrow at the bull then starts to run for the fence. The bull gets hit in the butt but it's hard hide keeps the arrow from drawing blood. However it makes him really upset! He turns around and tries to gore Orion, his huge horns just barely miss.
GAME: Cressida casts Burning Hands. Caster Level: 4 DC: 17
GAME: Cressida rolls 4d4+4: (12)+4: 16
GAME: Alice rolls 1d20+4: (8)+4: 12
GAME: Alice rolls 1d20+2: (19)+2: 21
GAME: Alice rolls 1d6+3: (3)+3: 6
GAME: Cressida rolls 1d20+4+6: (3)+4+6: 13
GAME: Cressida rolls fort: (8)+2: 10
<OOC> Alice says, "you are -2 to charisma and dex from an itchy rash."
GAME: Smythly rolls ref: (18)+4: 22
GAME: Alice rolls 2d6+12: (8)+12: 20
The cow is scared by the suddenly shot going off in it's face and so runs as fast as it can away from the sound! However it is also really fat and slow to turn around so it runs over top of Smythly before turning to run back towards the fence.
"Hold on! I'm coming!" Smyhtly's hammer is across his back at the moment. He takes the time to reload his dragonspitter, as it seems to've helped with the cows and bulls, and is making his way closer. He gives Lorien a quick nod.
GAME: Orion rolls weapon5-2: (7)+7+-2: 12
The cow continues to charge away from the loud sound but ends up going in a big circle and starts coming back towards where the goblins were. One of the goblin rushes over and hides behind it and he yells at the cow, "Go charge back that way, at them!" Then he pokes it in the butt with an arrow.
GAME: Silvana rolls weapon2: (14)+6: 20
GAME: Silvana rolls 1d8: (5): 5
GAME: Alice rolls 1d20+4: (13)+4: 17
GAME: Alice rolls 1d20+2: (9)+2: 11
The goblin fires another arrow at Orion but it bounces off his heavy armor. He then turns to run away along with the others as the dog continues to try and chew on Cressida.
GAME: Lorien rolls ranged+PBS+2: (3)+5+1+2: 11
Lorien makes his way forward for a moment and takes his weapon from his shoulder, before he points it towards the goblin dog. It seems he doesn't have the best vantage, and trying not and hit his friends the shot goes a bit wide, "I think we should chase the goblins," he says.
The goblin hops the fence and keeps running but before he does he pause for a brief moment to get a long ranged shot at Cressida, and nails her!
GAME: Alice rolls 1d20+10: (8)+10: 18
The bull swings its head at Orion and tries to stab him with his large horns but misses once again.
GAME: Cressida casts Magic Missile. Caster Level: 4 DC: 17
GAME: Cressida rolls 2d4+2: (6)+2: 8
Cressida ducks between Silvana and Lorien, putting some space between her and that neigh unstoppable dog. "You're right, Lorien. We should stop them." She refocuses her attention and starts to chant, gesturing towards one of the far off goblins as she finishes. Two bolts of magic fly out of her hand, arching over the landscape and strike the goblin, knocking him to the ground. "Yeah! Take that, bitch! Where's your dog now!"
The big bull that ran off starts to circle back around, but begins to slow down a little bit as it starts to move back, and doesn't seem like it will charge, at least for the moment.
GAME: Orion rolls weapon5: (17)+7: 24
GAME: Orion rolls 2d6+3: (7)+3: 10
With the guard dog already badly damage Orion decides a basic attack should be enough to finish it off. A simple swing of his greatsword strikes and kills the dog.
GAME: Alice rolls 2d6+9: (8)+9: 17
GAME: Silvana rolls Reflex: (5)+7: 12
GAME: Lorien rolls reflex: (10)+7: 17
GAME: Orion rolls reflex: (10)+6: 16
GAME: Smythly rolls ref: (15)+4: 19
GAME: You damaged Orion for 16 points. 6 remaining.
GAME: You damaged Silvana for 8 points. 8 remaining.
GAME: You damaged Lorien for 8 points. 29 remaining.
GAME: You damaged Smythly for 8 points. 13 remaining.
The smaller cow doesn't want to be all alone, so it runs back across to the field to get protection from the bull, it just so happens there is a bunch of people between her and the bull. So she runs them all over, expecting they would move out of the way, before stopping near the bull.
GAME: Silvana rolls weapond2-2: (8)+0+-2: 6
The goblins keep running away now, especially when one of their friends get blown up by magic missile! The cows finally seem to start to calm down, and stop running around.
<OOC> Lorien says, "I WISH TO MAKE USE OF HEAVENLY FIRE ON CRESSIDA."
GAME: Lorien rolls 1d4: (2): 2
GAME: You damaged Cressida for -2 points. 8 remaining.
The goblins keep running away now, especially when one of their friends get blown up by magic missile! The cows finally seem to start to calm down, and stop running around.
GAME: Cressida casts Magic Missile. Caster Level: 4 DC: 17
GAME: Cressida rolls 2d4+2: (4)+2: 6
Lorien begins to make his way along, though he turns his attentions towards those of the group most hurt. He looks pointdly at Cressida and lifts up his fingers as he splays his palms towards her, and speaks with the divine Celestial language, echoing like a melody with his voice, "May the powers of the divine bring to you peace!" he exclaims. A wash of a divine ray flows towards her and surrounds her with a semblance of white and silver flames when it touches, as it mends her wounds. Then he turns towards Orion and Smythly, "Let's finish this!" he exclaims, as he taps his Ray at his shoulder and turns towards the goblins that flee.
Cressida lets out a slightly surprised yelp as she's bathed in the healing flames, smiling as she starts to chase after the goblins as well. She chants onve more as she moves, bringing her hand up as two more magic missiles fly from her hand, once again arcing to strike the nearer of the goblins trying to escape, knocking him to the ground. "That's right! And if you or any of your friends come back, or even think about it, you'll get even more of this!"
GAME: Lorien rolls heal: (8)+0: 8
GAME: Lorien rolls heal: (16)+0: 16
GAME: Orion rolls weapon4-2: (9)+6+-2: 13
GAME: Cressida rolls weapon1-2: (8)+4+-2: 10
GAME: Lorien rolls ranged+PBS+2: (1)+5+1+2: 9
GAME: Orion rolls weapon4-4: (8)+6+-4: 10
GAME: Orion rolls weapon4-6: (3)+6+-6: 3
GAME: Lorien rolls ranged+PBS+2-16: (6)+5+1+2+-16: -2
Truthfully, Smyhtly dare not fire the gun again. It's too loud and it might cause another stampede, and those cows have already trampled him enough today.
"Ow, ow, ow," he mutters as he moves forward. "So glad I bought thr armor." His plate clanks noisily.
Lorien gives Cressida a nod as she begins to chase, that is when he pauses, and then alters his course and heads towards the one that got struck by magic missiles. His own Ray comes up and takes a wild pot shot which just hits the air because he isn't really trying. Then he shoots another which hits like, more air! He then kneels about to his knee and begins to tend to saving the life of this one. He whispers up a prayer as he does so, and hopefully, after a try and two against magical wounds, manages and stabalize.
Cressida fires her crossbow at what is, to her, a fleeting shadow in the darkness. She doesn't seem to be having blind luck, but that doesn't stop her from shouting after him. "In fact, if your your friends ever come near any of these farms again, we'll be there to take you down! So, you better run! And just keep running!"
GAME: Cressida rolls intimidate: (1)+11: 12
Lorien takes out a bit of spidersilk rope and ties up the goblin, "We have ourselves a prisoner! We can learn more," he says. And look, he saved a life. Full of win.
Orion has been gored and trampled many times taking a bit of the fight out of him, "We at least saved these cattle despite the fact they were a bigger danger to us then the goblins. I doubt that other goblins will be coming back any time soon. Not a complete success but we did ok." Orion will later on cure Cressida of the rash that the goblin dog gave her.
Cressida brushes her cloak off, no doubt leaving it with a hoofprint. "Well, I didn't really think getting trampled by cows would be fun. Maybe, next time we should run around the outside of the pen and surroung them. The goblins, I mean."
Lorien holds up his hand and flickers out the dancing lights, "Right," he says, and chuckles, as he moves about onwards.
The rest of the time at the farm is uneventful, and it turns out it was the goblins stealing the other cows too, and when questioned the goblin admits it all. Everyone gets paid, and all is well.