As Vincent swoops closer to the horses he confirms that they are lying motionless on their sides and also that they have saddles on and numerous black arrows protruding from them. He also catches a glimpse of a goblin lounging lazily under a tree just to the north of the road beyond the top of a steep embankment. (G2)
Tarja's wolf nose does catch a subtle waft of a familiar stench on the air, although not nearly as potent as the previous evening. As she and Zeke approach through brush and trees north of the road a startled voice calls out what seems like a brief sentence in a low, somewhat hushed tone. It does not take a great intellect to surmise from the voice or the unfamiliar words spoken that they may have been from a goblin speaking in the language of the same name. (G1)
Finnan and Farnin nod and get out their bows, deciding to huddle together on the front wagon. "You got it boss."
As Arvel turns away he hears them discussing quietly "where in the nine hells does he think we're runnin' to?" "We got lots of options dear brother. There's the dragon's maw, the goblin camp, the spider's lair, the wolve's den, oh and I'm sure there's a hungry owlbear out here somewhere looking for a halfling sized snack.""This Rockslinger guy's payin' me double when we get to Phandalin, I tell ya that!" "Hey, still better options than the bed of that bugbear you ran off with the other night, Finnan." "Jealousy still don't look good on ya, brother."
Tarja looks up at Zeke, points a paw at the location of the goblin, and prepares to pounce on it.
Initiative: 16
Or can I just pounce on it and start this encounter?
Since I'm in wolf form I can't exactly share with the party what I'm sensing or what I'm doing, and can't really coordinate with Zeke. Hopefully he has the same idea.
I can't even retort to the stupid halflings that running to a wolves' den would be a great idea, what's wrong with running to a wolves den, geez, I'm *right here* and can hear them.
I'm assuming my previous stealth and perception rolls are enough to adjudicate the start of this encounter, any surprise or anything, and I don't need more? I don't think I'd do any more walking around or looking for things, it's bitin' time.
Also, question - how high is the embankment? (Just trying to get a gauge of whether it's in possible to jump down it safely or climb up it, in case it comes up in the fight)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Zeke sees Tarja's nose twitch and her paw go up and point into the woods. He drops even lower into the brush and begins creeping forward, ready to follow his friend the wolf's next move. He carefully switches out his large heavy blade for one of the two hatchets he keeps strapped to his huge thighs, ready to fling the light axe the minute he spots whatever has drawn Tarja's interest
Stealth 9
Investigation (?) to spot the Goblin 10
Perception (?) to spot the Goblin 19
Held action, throw a tomahawk at Goblin as soon as Zeke spots it, either from the rolls above, Tarja's action or if the Goblin breaks cover.
Attack: 22 Damage: 9
OOC: and those rolls sum Zeke up perfectly - he need some to point and aim him and then he'll destroy whatever comes his way.
(You guys didn't necessarily get the jump on the goblins, but your initiative is far superior so you should still get to have your fun. Let's start things off with...)
Zeke steps out from behind a thicket and spots the goblin Tarja had been pointing towards. With one swift motion and a whoosh the goblin is lying on the ground dead, Zeke's handaxe buried in the side of his skull.
INITIATIVE 21 Zeke 20 Arvel 18 Fae 16 Tarja 11 Elra & Vincent 9 Ethan 6 Goblins / F&F
Well, with that strike by zeke, I don't know who to target! I suspect waiting until my actual initiative turn to declare what I'm doing won't change much, since I'm going before the goblins. I'm still going to leave my action here since I might not be able to check back and post for part of the day.
With the nearby visible goblin axed by Zeke, Tarja only knows of the goblin that Vincent pointed out, far on the other side of the encampment. Suspecting that there are more hidden goblins or other enemies, she prowls the trees, trying to locate them and be ready to point them out with a howl.
Huh, I was trying to find how to do this, and apparently 5e has a Search action, which is probably appropriate here. Takes my action though.
Search/Perception: 25
So I guess my Action is to Search, and then my Move to go towards the nearest goblin I find and howl when I get there so my allies know where to look! If it matters which direction I'm searching in, I'm headed southeast in the direction of the escarpment, but really I'm just following where the wolf senses lead me.
(edit: Well, if there's at least one more to be found near me, pretty sure I found one! AWOO!)
Tarja in her wolf form follows Zeke through the underbrush and, as she rounds the large tiefling, catches a glimpse of a second goblin nearby. It is hidden well in a dense patch of brambles and is staring in shock at the axe that struck the head of its companion just seconds before.
(Tarja can still take an action and any remaining movement.)
I'll probably rarely make some skills such as Perception, Arcana, or anything else that just takes a single second of thought or observation take a full action in combat, but appreciate the effort in looking into it. I'll probably save burning an Action for a skill check while on initiative for things that really quite obviously take time and effort, like kneeling over a fallen friend to take their pulse or check a wound (Medicine), hurriedly checking through contents of drawers or other containers (Investigation), or choosing to pick someone's pocket (Sleight of Hand).
Indeed after Zeke's turn my thought was also "what is everyone else going to do" because, if there are more goblins, you hadn't found many yet.
Good thing for Vincent and the rest on watch, at least, as this encounter could be a very different one if you just tried driving your wagons on through the pass. ;)
As Elra warns everyone about the horses, and Zeke joins Tarja and heads into the forest, Ethan scrambles to put away his tools.
"It looks like I may get to test the shield out."
After putting away the tools, Ethan presses his thumb to a cut stone on the gauntlet, and the half extended shield, fully extends and the the bottom flaps rotate out and lock into place.
The two top flaps, Ethan manually rotates and locks into place by hand, not have fully finished infusing the automatic mechanism.
Ethan jumps down from the second wagon and walks forward to the first.
Taking out his Fire Caster, Ethan looks up at Arvel.
"See anything?"
Ethan peers into the forest, in the direction that Zeke and Tarja headed.
Perception check to see anything, from the first wagon: 9
Unfortunately for the rest, only Tarja has found another goblin near G1 (although she will likely reveal its location to Zeke quickly) and only Vincent can see the other from his location. Arvel is welcome to hold that EB as a Readied Action and possibly move and even do a Perception check as well, if you like.
(Did I ever answer the question about the height of the embankment along the road? Let's say 8ft. People should be able to jump down without too much trouble but climbing it would take some effort.)
Tarja dashes past Zeke in a flash and lunges at the goblin just as it looks up at her with a horrified expression. Moments later the tiny creature's throat has been torn out and it lies motionless on the forest floor next to the first goblin, both bearing the pointy, filed teeth of the goblin the party killed the evening before.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Zeke triggers his Battle Trance and moves forward towards the second Goblin (trying to get a line on G2) and looses his second hatchet at the miserable little creature.
With help from Elra and Vicent's eyes and her approach to the north granting a view atop the hill there Fae is able to blast the lounging goblin (G2) with a long ranged firebolt. It yelps and jumps up in confusion, diving into the underbrush and emerging again with a bow, looking for a target.
Arvel is in no position to see the goblins in the forest to the north but remains patient as Ethan moves up at his side, scanning either side of the road ahead. He is rewarded when more goblins emerge south of the road and the sharpshooting man with the mouth unleashes a bolt that strikes one dead before it can even get a shot off with its bow (G6).
Elra advances to try to inspect he horses but they are still a good ways up the road and she is met with goblin arrows for her efforts. One sails wide and another high while the last clangs off of the cleric's shield.
The goblin Fae blasted with fire gathers itself and unleashes and arrow that catches the wizard in the arm, another emerging next to the first and firing a bolt that pierces her abdomen just above her right hip. 10 damage to Fae
Ethan and the rest now see several goblins, three to the south of the road and the two just north of the horses on the hill.
Top of the order for next round starting with resolving what Zeke already posted.
Sorry for any confusion I may have caused here. We've got another widespread battlefield since you didn't fall for the ambush and have a chance to approach in your own fashion from the west.
-Going to keep Arvel's EB as a readied action for the round in case he finds a target or one reveals itself (which is about to happen as I build this post.)
-Gave Elra the benefit of the doubt that her shield was equipped. (Most often going to go with whatever is on your character sheet at the time unless otherwise specified in a recent post, team, but no reason not to be nice about it when I can, such as when you haven't used two hands for anything else recently.)
Arvel speaks to Finnan and Farnin.
"Alright, lads. Time to get those crossbows out again. If this does turn out to be a situation, don't be afraid to cut and run."
Walking stick raised, he moves to stand in front of the wagons. Covering his companions as they investigate.
DCI: 3319125026
As Vincent swoops closer to the horses he confirms that they are lying motionless on their sides and also that they have saddles on and numerous black arrows protruding from them. He also catches a glimpse of a goblin lounging lazily under a tree just to the north of the road beyond the top of a steep embankment. (G2)
Tarja's wolf nose does catch a subtle waft of a familiar stench on the air, although not nearly as potent as the previous evening. As she and Zeke approach through brush and trees north of the road a startled voice calls out what seems like a brief sentence in a low, somewhat hushed tone. It does not take a great intellect to surmise from the voice or the unfamiliar words spoken that they may have been from a goblin speaking in the language of the same name. (G1)
Finnan and Farnin nod and get out their bows, deciding to huddle together on the front wagon. "You got it boss."
As Arvel turns away he hears them discussing quietly "where in the nine hells does he think we're runnin' to?" "We got lots of options dear brother. There's the dragon's maw, the goblin camp, the spider's lair, the wolve's den, oh and I'm sure there's a hungry owlbear out here somewhere looking for a halfling sized snack." "This Rockslinger guy's payin' me double when we get to Phandalin, I tell ya that!" "Hey, still better options than the bed of that bugbear you ran off with the other night, Finnan." "Jealousy still don't look good on ya, brother."
Fae would move to take cover by the trees. She’d listen for her comrades and the goblin(s).
Move: 3 squares east, 2 squares north from northern ox.
Stealth: 7
just an unstable unicorn.
Tarja looks up at Zeke, points a paw at the location of the goblin, and prepares to pounce on it.
Initiative: 16
Or can I just pounce on it and start this encounter?
Since I'm in wolf form I can't exactly share with the party what I'm sensing or what I'm doing, and can't really coordinate with Zeke. Hopefully he has the same idea.
I can't even retort to the stupid halflings that running to a wolves' den would be a great idea, what's wrong with running to a wolves den, geez, I'm *right here* and can hear them.
I'm assuming my previous stealth and perception rolls are enough to adjudicate the start of this encounter, any surprise or anything, and I don't need more? I don't think I'd do any more walking around or looking for things, it's bitin' time.
Also, question - how high is the embankment? (Just trying to get a gauge of whether it's in possible to jump down it safely or climb up it, in case it comes up in the fight)
Zeke sees Tarja's nose twitch and her paw go up and point into the woods. He drops even lower into the brush and begins creeping forward, ready to follow his friend the wolf's next move. He carefully switches out his large heavy blade for one of the two hatchets he keeps strapped to his huge thighs, ready to fling the light axe the minute he spots whatever has drawn Tarja's interest
Stealth 9
Investigation (?) to spot the Goblin 10
Perception (?) to spot the Goblin 19
Held action, throw a tomahawk at Goblin as soon as Zeke spots it, either from the rolls above, Tarja's action or if the Goblin breaks cover.
Attack: 22 Damage: 9
OOC: and those rolls sum Zeke up perfectly - he need some to point and aim him and then he'll destroy whatever comes his way.
(You guys didn't necessarily get the jump on the goblins, but your initiative is far superior so you should still get to have your fun. Let's start things off with...)
Zeke steps out from behind a thicket and spots the goblin Tarja had been pointing towards. With one swift motion and a whoosh the goblin is lying on the ground dead, Zeke's handaxe buried in the side of his skull.
INITIATIVE
21 Zeke
20 Arvel
18 Fae
16 Tarja
11 Elra & Vincent
9 Ethan
6 Goblins / F&F
With the nearby visible goblin axed by Zeke, Tarja only knows of the goblin that Vincent pointed out, far on the other side of the encampment. Suspecting that there are more hidden goblins or other enemies, she prowls the trees, trying to locate them and be ready to point them out with a howl.
Huh, I was trying to find how to do this, and apparently 5e has a Search action, which is probably appropriate here. Takes my action though.
Search/Perception: 25
So I guess my Action is to Search, and then my Move to go towards the nearest goblin I find and howl when I get there so my allies know where to look! If it matters which direction I'm searching in, I'm headed southeast in the direction of the escarpment, but really I'm just following where the wolf senses lead me.(edit: Well, if there's at least one more to be found near me, pretty sure I found one! AWOO!)
Tarja in her wolf form follows Zeke through the underbrush and, as she rounds the large tiefling, catches a glimpse of a second goblin nearby. It is hidden well in a dense patch of brambles and is staring in shock at the axe that struck the head of its companion just seconds before.
(Tarja can still take an action and any remaining movement.)
I'll probably rarely make some skills such as Perception, Arcana, or anything else that just takes a single second of thought or observation take a full action in combat, but appreciate the effort in looking into it. I'll probably save burning an Action for a skill check while on initiative for things that really quite obviously take time and effort, like kneeling over a fallen friend to take their pulse or check a wound (Medicine), hurriedly checking through contents of drawers or other containers (Investigation), or choosing to pick someone's pocket (Sleight of Hand).
Indeed after Zeke's turn my thought was also "what is everyone else going to do" because, if there are more goblins, you hadn't found many yet.
Good thing for Vincent and the rest on watch, at least, as this encounter could be a very different one if you just tried driving your wagons on through the pass. ;)
Fae would watch from her position in the tree line. She'd keep her comrades in her peripherals and the Goblin in sight ahead.
(For when it's my turn, after Zeke and Arvel... if there's anything left of it ;) )
Fae would step out from the trees for a clear line of sight to the Goblin (G2) and try her hand at the days first Fire Bolt.
Attack: 24 Damage: 3
just an unstable unicorn.
(OOC: Can Arvel see G2? If so...)"Keihäs!"Eldritch Blast: 15, Damage: 8DCI: 3319125026
As Elra warns everyone about the horses, and Zeke joins Tarja and heads into the forest, Ethan scrambles to put away his tools.
"It looks like I may get to test the shield out."
After putting away the tools, Ethan presses his thumb to a cut stone on the gauntlet, and the half extended shield, fully extends and the the bottom flaps rotate out and lock into place.
The two top flaps, Ethan manually rotates and locks into place by hand, not have fully finished infusing the automatic mechanism.
Ethan jumps down from the second wagon and walks forward to the first.
Taking out his Fire Caster, Ethan looks up at Arvel.
"See anything?"
Ethan peers into the forest, in the direction that Zeke and Tarja headed.
Perception check to see anything, from the first wagon: 9
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Unfortunately for the rest, only Tarja has found another goblin near G1 (although she will likely reveal its location to Zeke quickly) and only Vincent can see the other from his location. Arvel is welcome to hold that EB as a Readied Action and possibly move and even do a Perception check as well, if you like.
(Did I ever answer the question about the height of the embankment along the road? Let's say 8ft. People should be able to jump down without too much trouble but climbing it would take some effort.)
Since Tarja notices the goblin with movement to spare, she gives a howl and pounces!
Bite Attack: 23 Damage: 8
Tarja dashes past Zeke in a flash and lunges at the goblin just as it looks up at her with a horrified expression. Moments later the tiny creature's throat has been torn out and it lies motionless on the forest floor next to the first goblin, both bearing the pointy, filed teeth of the goblin the party killed the evening before.
"What was that? Do you think that was Tarja?"
Ethan keeps scanning the forest to either side of the front wagon, shield up and Fire Caster aimed where he is looking.
Perception check to spot anything from the first wagon: 4
(edit: woo! the dice love me :P)
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Zeke triggers his Battle Trance and moves forward towards the second Goblin (trying to get a line on G2) and looses his second hatchet at the miserable little creature.
Attack: 25 Damage: 9
Updated: Attack: 17 Damage: 10
Elra decides to get closer to inspect the horses, getting all she could from Victor.
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
With help from Elra and Vicent's eyes and her approach to the north granting a view atop the hill there Fae is able to blast the lounging goblin (G2) with a long ranged firebolt. It yelps and jumps up in confusion, diving into the underbrush and emerging again with a bow, looking for a target.
Arvel is in no position to see the goblins in the forest to the north but remains patient as Ethan moves up at his side, scanning either side of the road ahead. He is rewarded when more goblins emerge south of the road and the sharpshooting man with the mouth unleashes a bolt that strikes one dead before it can even get a shot off with its bow (G6).
Elra advances to try to inspect he horses but they are still a good ways up the road and she is met with goblin arrows for her efforts. One sails wide and another high while the last clangs off of the cleric's shield.
The goblin Fae blasted with fire gathers itself and unleashes and arrow that catches the wizard in the arm, another emerging next to the first and firing a bolt that pierces her abdomen just above her right hip. 10 damage to Fae
Ethan and the rest now see several goblins, three to the south of the road and the two just north of the horses on the hill.
Top of the order for next round starting with resolving what Zeke already posted.
Sorry for any confusion I may have caused here. We've got another widespread battlefield since you didn't fall for the ambush and have a chance to approach in your own fashion from the west.
-Going to keep Arvel's EB as a readied action for the round in case he finds a target or one reveals itself (which is about to happen as I build this post.)
-Gave Elra the benefit of the doubt that her shield was equipped. (Most often going to go with whatever is on your character sheet at the time unless otherwise specified in a recent post, team, but no reason not to be nice about it when I can, such as when you haven't used two hands for anything else recently.)