Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
D&D 5e Into The (Keep on the) Borderlands (B1&2) #032 Monster Mash.
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Goonalan" data-source="post: 8418953" data-attributes="member: 16069"><p style="text-align: center"><strong>The Borderland Banditos Go Into The Borderlands.</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Session #003: Kobold Killers (& vice-versa).</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>PCs (in alphabetical order)</strong></p><p><strong>Estra Zo </strong>(Pete) Female Forest Gnome Rogue (Urchin) Level 1.</p><p><strong>Farned of the Leaf Lord </strong>(Dave) Male Wild Elf Cleric of Rillifane Rallithil (Acolyte) Level 1.</p><p><strong>Lappoy the Unexpected </strong>(Rob) Male High Elf Wizard (Sage) Level 1.</p><p></p><p><strong>Note, you can click on the pictures here to make them bigger (if you didn't know this already).</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Day 2: Being the 2nd Day of Mirtul, in the year 1493 by Dale Reckoning, known as the Year of the Purple Dragons, about 10-ish (after a lazy start to the day).</strong></p><p></p><p>Just before we start I wanted to make something clear, the Borderland Banditos didn't just escape the kobolds last session with their lives, they got a bunch of XP, and... treasure.</p><p></p><p>In total?</p><p></p><p>Fifty one silver pieces.</p><p></p><p>What a haul- that's 17sp each.</p><p></p><p>Remember the times when a hard day adventuring generated 1.7gp for each PC.</p><p></p><p>Made me smile.</p><p></p><p>Then, onwards...</p><p></p><p>The Banditos awake late and soon after depart the Fortune's Five camp, they make their way unimpeded back to their previous hiding place in the woods at the neck of the Caves of Chaos ravine. Then... they watch, for an hour or so, but there's no movement to be seen.</p><p></p><p>So, next stop the kobold cave, here we go-</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]144938[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Hullo! We're back again!</strong></p><p></p><p>Note, Lappoy has his Mage Armour on from the start for this one, he figures (correctly) it's probably going to get hairy in here.</p><p></p><p>But here's the thing, while Zo (as usual) is really sneaky her companions are (very) much less so, Stealth checks '1' & '2' for Farned and Lappoy respectively.</p><p></p><p>So, one of the kobold guards within the cavern spots the cleric- as the wild elf leans in to the opening to see, the dragon-thing yelps and then rushes at the priest.</p><p></p><p>But that doesn't work, Zo (from hiding) sinks an arrow into the rushing kobold's back as it exits the cavern, and that's enough to end the little bugger- dead.</p><p></p><p>Zo slinks back into hiding, briefly, while warning her compatriots that there are more guards within the cavern entrance, including one of the hefty (for a kobold) armoured fellows.</p><p></p><p>Meantime there's kobold confusion within the cavern- shouts and calls and the stomp of little feet.</p><p></p><p>Seconds later Zo scoots back out of hiding and into the cavern entrance again- surprise and then very high initiative, she ends another kobold guard with her bow.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]144939[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Zo is a killing machine.</strong></p><p></p><p>But then the rest of the kobolds come running, all four of the little buggers rush screeching out of their lair, they get as close as they can to Farned before throwing, or else stabbing, with whatever they have to hand.</p><p></p><p>Remarkably all four of the little buggers fail to hit the priest of the Leaf Lord.</p><p></p><p>Including the armoured fellow.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]144940[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Farned, in the wrong place and at the wrong time, and with a '1' for his Stealth.</strong></p><p></p><p>But the kobold guards keep on coming, spilling out of the cavern and straight at the cleric, the elite kobold (the kobold with the armour) is calling the shots, and he's got his comrades in arms real riled.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]144941[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Farned gets sliced by the elite kobold's handaxe.</strong></p><p></p><p>The Banditos' retribution is very swift, Lappoy blasts another kobold guard (explodes its head) dead with a Crit hit Fire Bolt, while Zo sinks an arrow into the elite kobold's back.</p><p></p><p>Seconds later Farned's Shillelagh thumps the big(-ish) kobold bastard dead.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]144942[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Elite kobold my ass.</strong></p><p></p><p>The last kobold standing suddenly realizes that all of its friends are gone, it flees and is also smashed into oblivion by the priest.</p><p></p><p>Success!</p><p></p><p>And as far as the Banditos know the alarm has not been raised.</p><p></p><p>This, of course, is absolutely not the case- one of the kobold guards departed to tell the rest of the tribe moments after the Banditos were initially spotted.</p><p></p><p>They're coming!</p><p></p><p>Zo, quietly creeps in to the cavern- easily leaping the pit trap (it's still there she ascertains) and then spies down a long and low-ish ceilinged packed-dirt passage. There are lights to the east, and stink to the west, but that was where the rats came from previously.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]144943[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>The coast is clear.</strong></p><p></p><p>Zo hushes her comrades forward.</p><p></p><p>But then, with wild squawks and shouts, a bunch more kobolds come rushing.</p><p></p><p>The other two Banditos jump across the unsprung pit and then scooch into cover, en route Farned fires Sacred Flames into the closest approaching kobold.</p><p></p><p>Which causes the rag-tag bunch to hesitate, but only for a moment.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]144944[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Incoming!</strong></p><p></p><p>There follows a brief but intense chat between the adventurers, to reiterate- kill as many as you can but if it all goes to naughty word then get out of here fast!</p><p></p><p>The Banditos have a plan, or else the players do- we need XP, we need to stay alive...</p><p></p><p>Lappoy Fire Bolts another of the approaching little bastards dead.</p><p></p><p>Zo ends another with her bow.</p><p></p><p>But the kobolds keep on coming- straight to the action, some are armed with spears, others javelins, a number just clutching daggers- but... there are a lot of 'em.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]144945[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Farned, he's the tough guy (he thinks), holds the line, but the little bastards keep on coming.</strong></p><p></p><p>The priest of the Leaf Lord is however starting to fret, and keep in mind he's been attacked over a dozen times in the last 3-4 turns, and with just one hit- he figures his luck is going to run out sooner rather than later.</p><p></p><p>Farned therefore adds a little Shield of Faith to his cause, I figure his AC now must be up to 20.</p><p></p><p>Nice work.</p><p></p><p>Lappoy Fire Bolts yet another kobold dead.</p><p></p><p>Zo, ends yet another with her bow.</p><p></p><p>The Banditos are winning.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]144946[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>But it just takes one, see that guy- Kobold #51, that little savage takes down Farned with a crudely made wooden spear and a natural '20'.</strong></p><p></p><p>But the screeching kobolds just don't stop, still they keep on coming.</p><p></p><p>Just to say when Zo spied the kobolds outside of the lair yesterday she was convinced that there were not too many of the little buggers left. In truth the lion's share of the tribe were still inside the cavern, tearfully extracting the bodies of their dead brothers and sisters from the pit trap.</p><p></p><p>Oh, and of course the only PC with any healing is/was the cleric.</p><p></p><p>But Farned passes his first death save, so there's that.</p><p></p><p>It's getting busy...</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]144947[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Lappoy spots a way out of this predicament, it's called Burning Hands. Shame that Farned is prone and unconscious within the compass of the spell.</strong></p><p></p><p>And then...</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]144948[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>That's the end of Farned.</strong></p><p></p><p>I'd like to say that Rob (playing Lappoy) wasn't aware that an unconscious & prone Farned would automatically fail his dexterity saving throw versus his Burning Hands spell.</p><p></p><p>I'd like to say that... but it wouldn't be true.</p><p></p><p>What is true is that there was an awful lot of giggling, particularly when you consider the fact that the average age of our little group is approx. 50, going on.</p><p></p><p>But in truth Dave, playing Farned, encouraged Rob to drop the bomb, as I say- there was lots of giggling.</p><p></p><p>But we do get a last line/scene, the prerogative of every dying PC/player.</p><p></p><p>So, head to your imaginerium and viddy this-</p><p></p><p>Farned clutches at the spear in his gut, slumps against the hard packed earth wall and slides down it to a sitting position. His magical (Shillelagh) club waving forlornly at the kobold before him.</p><p></p><p>He turns to Lappoy- “So cold, High Master? Warm me? Let me feel again the heat of the sun on my back...”</p><p></p><p>Alas the rest of Farned's final words are lost to history, scourged by the roar of Lappoy the Unexpected's carpet of roiling flames (Burning Hands).</p><p></p><p>However, three of the four kobolds that were about to savage the Banditos are also incinerated in an instant, the last kobold left standing is not looking too well either.</p><p></p><p>Lappoy shouts at Zo- “Run you tiny little fool! The Leaf Lord got burned”, and then the wizard sprints out of the cavern, dodging the staggering singed kobold's (opportunity) spear attack.</p><p></p><p>Zo guts the last kobold standing and then she too exits the cavern, again remembering to leap the still unsprung pit trap.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]144949[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>But, there are still more kobolds coming.</strong></p><p></p><p>Outside of the cavern lair Lappoy makes directly for the nearest patch of cover and then skids to a halt, the high elf wizard spins around to shoot one of the kobolds emerging from the lair with a Ray of Frost. Which also reduces the creature's move by ten feet for a turn, he's a smart fellow.</p><p></p><p>The affected kobold however survives long enough to stab at Zo, the gnome is, of course, much slower than the little dragon bastards. It misses.</p><p></p><p>The rogue stabs the kobold right back- dead with a Crit.</p><p></p><p>However, another chasing kobold manages to fling a javelin at the rogue (even at disadvantage in the sunlight).</p><p></p><p>It's a hit and Zo is bloodied in an instant.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]144950[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Run!</strong></p><p></p><p>Lappoy, the hero of the hour, hangs around long enough to shoot a second kobold down with yet another Fire Bolt.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]144951[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Lappoy's to hit and damage rolls are on fire (just ask Farned), I don't think he missed once all session.</strong></p><p></p><p>Then the high elf wizard lifts his robes and takes to his heels again.</p><p></p><p>There's a lot of fleeing going on, particularly as Zo shouts to warn that there are two more kobolds giving chase, and these two buggers are armed with slings.</p><p></p><p>But the kobold slingers are looking to close the distance first.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]144952[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>That's a good lead, they can't catch the gnome. Can they?</strong></p><p></p><p>Just so that you know, the rule in game here (99% of the time, unless I wanna run a chase) is if the PCs get off the map then they get away.</p><p></p><p>Lappoy is way off in the distance, sprinting like a terrified mad man.</p><p></p><p>Zo?</p><p></p><p>Not so much, her yapping kobold chasers- whirling slings in hand, are catching up with the bustling gnome.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]144953[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>See that square that Zo is standing in, that's the last square on the map.</strong></p><p></p><p>So, here's the deal- the closest chasing kobold skids to a halt and lets loose a sling stone.</p><p></p><p>Here's the (not very) contentious bit.</p><p></p><p>Disadvantage because the kobold is out in the sunlight.</p><p></p><p>Disadvantage because its at long range.</p><p></p><p>Which adds up to?</p><p></p><p>Disadvantage.</p><p></p><p>Well...</p><p></p><p>I rolled a '20' and a '19'. The sling stone hits Zo in the back of the head, I roll max damage and she falls.</p><p></p><p>Pete, playing Zo, goes very briefly apoplectic.</p><p></p><p>I swiftly cut a deal with him.</p><p></p><p>When the kobold chasers catch up with the fallen gnome- there are still two of them in the hunt, one of them will stab Zo to make sure that she's down for good (delivering one auto fail Death Save).</p><p></p><p>Then, providing Zo stabilises, they'll take her prisoner.</p><p></p><p>That seems fair.</p><p></p><p>Although, fair or not, that's what's happening.</p><p></p><p>What could go wrong?</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]144954[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>Zo rolls a '1' on her first Death Save, that's two automatic Death Save failures.</strong></p><p></p><p>Then the first kobold on the scene stabs her with its dagger.</p><p></p><p>Zo is dead.</p><p></p><p>Lappoy, of course, ran off the map two turns ago, he wasn't stopping.</p><p></p><p>But let's click to the cut scene-</p><p></p><p>Zo, her chest heaving, cries out to Lappoy- or at least the spot in the trees ahead she saw the leggy wizard rush into- “Hey... (HUH-HUH). Hey, Lappoy! (HUH-HUH) We got awa... CRACK.”</p><p></p><p>The fallen gnome does a brief spastic dance as her eyes roll back, and then thumping into her chest, like an eight year old late to a pile-on, comes the other chasing kobolds- dagger first.</p><p></p><p>The gnome is gone.</p><p></p><p>[Lots more kobolds killed 425 XP]</p><p></p><p>We take a moment to remember them.</p><p></p><p>And giggle.</p><p></p><p>In truth the raised voices and shouting lasted less than ten seconds, and it was only for effect.</p><p></p><p>Dave & Pete are swiftly on with fitting out their new Pre-Gen characters, and remember they get two PCs each this time, you'll get to meet them in the next session.</p><p></p><p>Lappoy however doesn't stop running (for nearly an hour).</p><p></p><p>All the way out of the ravine and back on to the road, although he's trying to stay in cover.</p><p></p><p>Note, every time a/the PCs venture onto the hex wilderness map I roll a random encounter check, I need a 1 on a 1d10.</p><p></p><p>I don't roll a '1', although both Pete and Dave are strangely keen for me to keep on trying.</p><p></p><p>Lappoy, exhausted, eventually makes it back to the Fortune's Five camp, he's still running (jogging)- and screaming and gabbling about his colleagues all being dead, as he charges up the hill.</p><p></p><p>He rolls a '20' on his Persuasion check.</p><p></p><p>A pair of guards from the encampment quickly move to aid him.</p><p></p><p>Safe.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]144955[/ATTACH]</p><p><strong>The High Elf gabbles out his story, and keep in mind he's still expecting Zo to catch up with him some time soon. He didn't see the gnome fall.</strong></p><p></p><p>But there's no-one else showing up.</p><p></p><p>It's Bandito (singular) from here on in.</p><p></p><p>The Wizard is fed and watered, and then after sulking (& skulking) for a good long while- “they should have listened to me!” He's allowed to spend the rest of the day and following night in camp. The Fortune's Five feel sorry for the wizard.</p><p></p><p>We move on...</p><p></p><p><strong>Day 3: Being the 3rd Day of Mirtul, in the year 1493 by Dale Reckoning, known as the Year of the Purple Dragons, about 7-ish (an early start).</strong></p><p></p><p>Lappoy awakes a level two wizard.</p><p></p><p>Then in the morning, and on his own- having failed to persuade any of the Fortune's Five leaders to lend him a guard, he heads back (in cover again) along the road to the Keep on the Borderlands.</p><p></p><p>It should take him about ninety minutes to return to the fortress.</p><p></p><p>Which necessitates, of course, another random encounter check.</p><p></p><p>I roll a '1'.</p><p></p><p>And remarkably the two players (Pete & Dave) that have been minding their own business for the last half-hour, quietly fitting out their two new PCs (each), are suddenly very interested again in the action.</p><p></p><p>And so...</p><p></p><p>The stumbling high elf wizard hears a noise behind him, something moving fast on the road- he has to make an immediate Stealth check.</p><p></p><p>Hey look- he rolls a '1' too, and so falls out of cover and directly into the road.</p><p></p><p>Rob (playing Lappoy) seems to be saying “No” a lot, actually it's more like- “NO!”</p><p></p><p>His friends- Pete and Dave, on the other hand are very much in favour of repeatedly yelling “YES!”</p><p></p><p>The drumbeat of horses and the gruff shouts and cries of fast approaching men cause the floundering wizard to tumble turn to spy his impending doom!</p><p></p><p>And that's where the heavily armoured outriders of the approaching caravan find him, cowering on the dusty road.</p><p></p><p>Dave & Pete are gutted.</p><p></p><p>Rob, on the other hand, is rather delighted.</p><p></p><p>The caravan is heading for the Keep too.</p><p></p><p>What luck.</p><p></p><p>Two pleasant hours later and Lappoy is deposited, and cheerily waved off, within the Keep on the Borderlands castle yard, having regaled his new travelling companions with his tales of high adventure.</p><p></p><p>Lappoy the Unexpected (2nd level) lives on. </p><p></p><p>That's all for this session, next time- five PCs in action.</p><p></p><p>Oh, and just to say the pot is up to £15.</p><p></p><p>Although... It's the weirdest party mix, random the guys are rolling at random for the Pre-Gens.</p><p></p><p>Stay safe and well you lovely people.</p><p></p><p>Cheers</p><p></p><p>The Borderland Banditos (all one of them) and goonalan.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Goonalan, post: 8418953, member: 16069"] [CENTER][B]The Borderland Banditos Go Into The Borderlands.[/B][/CENTER] [B]Session #003: Kobold Killers (& vice-versa). PCs (in alphabetical order) Estra Zo [/B](Pete) Female Forest Gnome Rogue (Urchin) Level 1. [B]Farned of the Leaf Lord [/B](Dave) Male Wild Elf Cleric of Rillifane Rallithil (Acolyte) Level 1. [B]Lappoy the Unexpected [/B](Rob) Male High Elf Wizard (Sage) Level 1. [B]Note, you can click on the pictures here to make them bigger (if you didn't know this already). Day 2: Being the 2nd Day of Mirtul, in the year 1493 by Dale Reckoning, known as the Year of the Purple Dragons, about 10-ish (after a lazy start to the day).[/B] Just before we start I wanted to make something clear, the Borderland Banditos didn't just escape the kobolds last session with their lives, they got a bunch of XP, and... treasure. In total? Fifty one silver pieces. What a haul- that's 17sp each. Remember the times when a hard day adventuring generated 1.7gp for each PC. Made me smile. Then, onwards... The Banditos awake late and soon after depart the Fortune's Five camp, they make their way unimpeded back to their previous hiding place in the woods at the neck of the Caves of Chaos ravine. Then... they watch, for an hour or so, but there's no movement to be seen. So, next stop the kobold cave, here we go- [ATTACH type="full" alt="301.jpg"]144938[/ATTACH] [B]Hullo! We're back again![/B] Note, Lappoy has his Mage Armour on from the start for this one, he figures (correctly) it's probably going to get hairy in here. But here's the thing, while Zo (as usual) is really sneaky her companions are (very) much less so, Stealth checks '1' & '2' for Farned and Lappoy respectively. So, one of the kobold guards within the cavern spots the cleric- as the wild elf leans in to the opening to see, the dragon-thing yelps and then rushes at the priest. But that doesn't work, Zo (from hiding) sinks an arrow into the rushing kobold's back as it exits the cavern, and that's enough to end the little bugger- dead. Zo slinks back into hiding, briefly, while warning her compatriots that there are more guards within the cavern entrance, including one of the hefty (for a kobold) armoured fellows. Meantime there's kobold confusion within the cavern- shouts and calls and the stomp of little feet. Seconds later Zo scoots back out of hiding and into the cavern entrance again- surprise and then very high initiative, she ends another kobold guard with her bow. [ATTACH type="full" alt="302.jpg"]144939[/ATTACH] [B]Zo is a killing machine.[/B] But then the rest of the kobolds come running, all four of the little buggers rush screeching out of their lair, they get as close as they can to Farned before throwing, or else stabbing, with whatever they have to hand. Remarkably all four of the little buggers fail to hit the priest of the Leaf Lord. Including the armoured fellow. [ATTACH type="full" alt="303.jpg"]144940[/ATTACH] [B]Farned, in the wrong place and at the wrong time, and with a '1' for his Stealth.[/B] But the kobold guards keep on coming, spilling out of the cavern and straight at the cleric, the elite kobold (the kobold with the armour) is calling the shots, and he's got his comrades in arms real riled. [ATTACH type="full" alt="304.jpg"]144941[/ATTACH] [B]Farned gets sliced by the elite kobold's handaxe.[/B] The Banditos' retribution is very swift, Lappoy blasts another kobold guard (explodes its head) dead with a Crit hit Fire Bolt, while Zo sinks an arrow into the elite kobold's back. Seconds later Farned's Shillelagh thumps the big(-ish) kobold bastard dead. [ATTACH type="full" alt="305.jpg"]144942[/ATTACH] [B]Elite kobold my ass.[/B] The last kobold standing suddenly realizes that all of its friends are gone, it flees and is also smashed into oblivion by the priest. Success! And as far as the Banditos know the alarm has not been raised. This, of course, is absolutely not the case- one of the kobold guards departed to tell the rest of the tribe moments after the Banditos were initially spotted. They're coming! Zo, quietly creeps in to the cavern- easily leaping the pit trap (it's still there she ascertains) and then spies down a long and low-ish ceilinged packed-dirt passage. There are lights to the east, and stink to the west, but that was where the rats came from previously. [ATTACH type="full" alt="306.jpg"]144943[/ATTACH] [B]The coast is clear.[/B] Zo hushes her comrades forward. But then, with wild squawks and shouts, a bunch more kobolds come rushing. The other two Banditos jump across the unsprung pit and then scooch into cover, en route Farned fires Sacred Flames into the closest approaching kobold. Which causes the rag-tag bunch to hesitate, but only for a moment. [ATTACH type="full" alt="307.jpg"]144944[/ATTACH] [B]Incoming![/B] There follows a brief but intense chat between the adventurers, to reiterate- kill as many as you can but if it all goes to naughty word then get out of here fast! The Banditos have a plan, or else the players do- we need XP, we need to stay alive... Lappoy Fire Bolts another of the approaching little bastards dead. Zo ends another with her bow. But the kobolds keep on coming- straight to the action, some are armed with spears, others javelins, a number just clutching daggers- but... there are a lot of 'em. [ATTACH type="full" alt="308.jpg"]144945[/ATTACH] [B]Farned, he's the tough guy (he thinks), holds the line, but the little bastards keep on coming.[/B] The priest of the Leaf Lord is however starting to fret, and keep in mind he's been attacked over a dozen times in the last 3-4 turns, and with just one hit- he figures his luck is going to run out sooner rather than later. Farned therefore adds a little Shield of Faith to his cause, I figure his AC now must be up to 20. Nice work. Lappoy Fire Bolts yet another kobold dead. Zo, ends yet another with her bow. The Banditos are winning. [ATTACH type="full" alt="309.jpg"]144946[/ATTACH] [B]But it just takes one, see that guy- Kobold #51, that little savage takes down Farned with a crudely made wooden spear and a natural '20'.[/B] But the screeching kobolds just don't stop, still they keep on coming. Just to say when Zo spied the kobolds outside of the lair yesterday she was convinced that there were not too many of the little buggers left. In truth the lion's share of the tribe were still inside the cavern, tearfully extracting the bodies of their dead brothers and sisters from the pit trap. Oh, and of course the only PC with any healing is/was the cleric. But Farned passes his first death save, so there's that. It's getting busy... [ATTACH type="full" alt="310.jpg"]144947[/ATTACH] [B]Lappoy spots a way out of this predicament, it's called Burning Hands. Shame that Farned is prone and unconscious within the compass of the spell.[/B] And then... [ATTACH type="full" alt="311.jpg"]144948[/ATTACH] [B]That's the end of Farned.[/B] I'd like to say that Rob (playing Lappoy) wasn't aware that an unconscious & prone Farned would automatically fail his dexterity saving throw versus his Burning Hands spell. I'd like to say that... but it wouldn't be true. What is true is that there was an awful lot of giggling, particularly when you consider the fact that the average age of our little group is approx. 50, going on. But in truth Dave, playing Farned, encouraged Rob to drop the bomb, as I say- there was lots of giggling. But we do get a last line/scene, the prerogative of every dying PC/player. So, head to your imaginerium and viddy this- Farned clutches at the spear in his gut, slumps against the hard packed earth wall and slides down it to a sitting position. His magical (Shillelagh) club waving forlornly at the kobold before him. He turns to Lappoy- “So cold, High Master? Warm me? Let me feel again the heat of the sun on my back...” Alas the rest of Farned's final words are lost to history, scourged by the roar of Lappoy the Unexpected's carpet of roiling flames (Burning Hands). However, three of the four kobolds that were about to savage the Banditos are also incinerated in an instant, the last kobold left standing is not looking too well either. Lappoy shouts at Zo- “Run you tiny little fool! The Leaf Lord got burned”, and then the wizard sprints out of the cavern, dodging the staggering singed kobold's (opportunity) spear attack. Zo guts the last kobold standing and then she too exits the cavern, again remembering to leap the still unsprung pit trap. [ATTACH type="full" alt="312.jpg"]144949[/ATTACH] [B]But, there are still more kobolds coming.[/B] Outside of the cavern lair Lappoy makes directly for the nearest patch of cover and then skids to a halt, the high elf wizard spins around to shoot one of the kobolds emerging from the lair with a Ray of Frost. Which also reduces the creature's move by ten feet for a turn, he's a smart fellow. The affected kobold however survives long enough to stab at Zo, the gnome is, of course, much slower than the little dragon bastards. It misses. The rogue stabs the kobold right back- dead with a Crit. However, another chasing kobold manages to fling a javelin at the rogue (even at disadvantage in the sunlight). It's a hit and Zo is bloodied in an instant. [ATTACH type="full" alt="313.jpg"]144950[/ATTACH] [B]Run![/B] Lappoy, the hero of the hour, hangs around long enough to shoot a second kobold down with yet another Fire Bolt. [ATTACH type="full" alt="314.jpg"]144951[/ATTACH] [B]Lappoy's to hit and damage rolls are on fire (just ask Farned), I don't think he missed once all session.[/B] Then the high elf wizard lifts his robes and takes to his heels again. There's a lot of fleeing going on, particularly as Zo shouts to warn that there are two more kobolds giving chase, and these two buggers are armed with slings. But the kobold slingers are looking to close the distance first. [ATTACH type="full" alt="315.jpg"]144952[/ATTACH] [B]That's a good lead, they can't catch the gnome. Can they?[/B] Just so that you know, the rule in game here (99% of the time, unless I wanna run a chase) is if the PCs get off the map then they get away. Lappoy is way off in the distance, sprinting like a terrified mad man. Zo? Not so much, her yapping kobold chasers- whirling slings in hand, are catching up with the bustling gnome. [ATTACH type="full" alt="316.jpg"]144953[/ATTACH] [B]See that square that Zo is standing in, that's the last square on the map.[/B] So, here's the deal- the closest chasing kobold skids to a halt and lets loose a sling stone. Here's the (not very) contentious bit. Disadvantage because the kobold is out in the sunlight. Disadvantage because its at long range. Which adds up to? Disadvantage. Well... I rolled a '20' and a '19'. The sling stone hits Zo in the back of the head, I roll max damage and she falls. Pete, playing Zo, goes very briefly apoplectic. I swiftly cut a deal with him. When the kobold chasers catch up with the fallen gnome- there are still two of them in the hunt, one of them will stab Zo to make sure that she's down for good (delivering one auto fail Death Save). Then, providing Zo stabilises, they'll take her prisoner. That seems fair. Although, fair or not, that's what's happening. What could go wrong? [ATTACH type="full" alt="317.jpg"]144954[/ATTACH] [B]Zo rolls a '1' on her first Death Save, that's two automatic Death Save failures.[/B] Then the first kobold on the scene stabs her with its dagger. Zo is dead. Lappoy, of course, ran off the map two turns ago, he wasn't stopping. But let's click to the cut scene- Zo, her chest heaving, cries out to Lappoy- or at least the spot in the trees ahead she saw the leggy wizard rush into- “Hey... (HUH-HUH). Hey, Lappoy! (HUH-HUH) We got awa... CRACK.” The fallen gnome does a brief spastic dance as her eyes roll back, and then thumping into her chest, like an eight year old late to a pile-on, comes the other chasing kobolds- dagger first. The gnome is gone. [Lots more kobolds killed 425 XP] We take a moment to remember them. And giggle. In truth the raised voices and shouting lasted less than ten seconds, and it was only for effect. Dave & Pete are swiftly on with fitting out their new Pre-Gen characters, and remember they get two PCs each this time, you'll get to meet them in the next session. Lappoy however doesn't stop running (for nearly an hour). All the way out of the ravine and back on to the road, although he's trying to stay in cover. Note, every time a/the PCs venture onto the hex wilderness map I roll a random encounter check, I need a 1 on a 1d10. I don't roll a '1', although both Pete and Dave are strangely keen for me to keep on trying. Lappoy, exhausted, eventually makes it back to the Fortune's Five camp, he's still running (jogging)- and screaming and gabbling about his colleagues all being dead, as he charges up the hill. He rolls a '20' on his Persuasion check. A pair of guards from the encampment quickly move to aid him. Safe. [ATTACH type="full" alt="318.jpg"]144955[/ATTACH] [B]The High Elf gabbles out his story, and keep in mind he's still expecting Zo to catch up with him some time soon. He didn't see the gnome fall.[/B] But there's no-one else showing up. It's Bandito (singular) from here on in. The Wizard is fed and watered, and then after sulking (& skulking) for a good long while- “they should have listened to me!” He's allowed to spend the rest of the day and following night in camp. The Fortune's Five feel sorry for the wizard. We move on... [B]Day 3: Being the 3rd Day of Mirtul, in the year 1493 by Dale Reckoning, known as the Year of the Purple Dragons, about 7-ish (an early start).[/B] Lappoy awakes a level two wizard. Then in the morning, and on his own- having failed to persuade any of the Fortune's Five leaders to lend him a guard, he heads back (in cover again) along the road to the Keep on the Borderlands. It should take him about ninety minutes to return to the fortress. Which necessitates, of course, another random encounter check. I roll a '1'. And remarkably the two players (Pete & Dave) that have been minding their own business for the last half-hour, quietly fitting out their two new PCs (each), are suddenly very interested again in the action. And so... The stumbling high elf wizard hears a noise behind him, something moving fast on the road- he has to make an immediate Stealth check. Hey look- he rolls a '1' too, and so falls out of cover and directly into the road. Rob (playing Lappoy) seems to be saying “No” a lot, actually it's more like- “NO!” His friends- Pete and Dave, on the other hand are very much in favour of repeatedly yelling “YES!” The drumbeat of horses and the gruff shouts and cries of fast approaching men cause the floundering wizard to tumble turn to spy his impending doom! And that's where the heavily armoured outriders of the approaching caravan find him, cowering on the dusty road. Dave & Pete are gutted. Rob, on the other hand, is rather delighted. The caravan is heading for the Keep too. What luck. Two pleasant hours later and Lappoy is deposited, and cheerily waved off, within the Keep on the Borderlands castle yard, having regaled his new travelling companions with his tales of high adventure. Lappoy the Unexpected (2nd level) lives on. That's all for this session, next time- five PCs in action. Oh, and just to say the pot is up to £15. Although... It's the weirdest party mix, random the guys are rolling at random for the Pre-Gens. Stay safe and well you lovely people. Cheers The Borderland Banditos (all one of them) and goonalan. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
D&D 5e Into The (Keep on the) Borderlands (B1&2) #032 Monster Mash.
Top