I'm assuming that with the entire party between him and the group any shots may be tricky.
You’re bringing up an interesting point.
The rules say that a creature can provide cover for another creature.
There are different levels of cover: half, three-quarters, and full. The benefits to the target with cover translate to an armor class bonus:
Half Cover: +2 AC
Three-Quarters Cover: +5 AC
Full Cover: Target can’t be hit
We could say you have a chance to hit the cover if your attack roll is high enough to hit the target normally, but doesn’t overcome the AC bonus provided by the cover.
For example, if you’re taking aim with your bow at a goblin (AC 13), but Pagan is providing half cover for the goblin (because he’s in melee with it and directly between you and the goblin), an attack roll of 15 or higher hits the goblin, a 13-14 hits Pagan, and anything lower is a miss. (Maybe a natural 1 could have dramatic consequences, including hitting Pagan as well.)
I just need to communicate whether a target has cover and what (or who) is providing it.
I agree with this approach. He'll try and pick targets that aren't behind cover, but if Pagan should get an arrow in the butt on accident... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
LOL! Don't taze me bro!
I would think the AC bonus should apply to those seeking active cover. In a melee the "cover" from a moving adversary would be spotty at best. I envision Markus holding his fire for the perfect moment to strike. (While Pagan moves in and out of the target sites.)
Now if the Goblin was smart (not likely) he could intentionally attempt to keep Pagan between himself and Markus's bow- actively seeking cover.
Hmm in that stray arrow scenario it would be hard for the characters to tell the difference between accidental and intentional....
Rick if you just give your take on where cover is should be fine. We can ask for clarification if needed. Aren't goblins about 3 feet tall?
Fratricide aside...Amar will change up based on his epiphany. I think the snake has run its course. Startling the goblins is probably done. Amar will cast a minor illusion right in front of the two nearest goblins of a chest of gold with spider atop. One image, the observant should be able to see the legs turn into chest. Hopefully Ogre will attack the illusion .Rick if you feel this is too complex then Amar will just cast a chest of gold.
I was waiting for someone to make a “cave troll” reference. ;)
Back to the friendly fire issue, I think thinkingmage is right. You have to be actively using cover. That makes sense to me. Maybe getting struck by friendly fire could still happen on a nat 1–but then only if it advanced the story in an interesting way.
Regarding Amar’s trickery, I would say everyone has common knowledge about ogres and how stupid they are and how easily distracted they are by shiny things.
Lastly, I’ve awarded everyone inspiration for the gameplay so far. Remember you have to say when you use it, and since I’ve been doing all the rolling That might mean you just tell me after a roll... but not too long after so we don’t have to redo too much.
Regarding further inspiration awards I’d like to open it up to the players. If you feel like someone else should earn it, then make a case for it. It should be for heroic acts of risk taking or good role playing based on personality traits, bonds, idesls, and flaws.
Pagan moves forward to flank Brumdal, and steps past Amar. He spins his short sword slowly in his hand. It comes to rest crossing the torch in his other hand and he strikes a defensive pose- readying an attack.
<2000 badass points>
You take up position next to Brumdal.
I'm assuming you are holding your action until something comes close enough for you to attack with your shortsword followed up by your unarmed strike.
I will try to combine both of Markus's moves: he'll move to the stairs to cover them, if there's no danger on the stairs he'll switch to his bow and proceed to attack the group of goblins/ogre. I'm assuming that with the entire party between him and the group any shots may be tricky.
Markus falls back to the foot of the stairs and sees that it slopes upwards 20 feet to a landing that exits to the west. Feeling no danger, he notches an arrow in his longbow and takes aim at the largest target...
Zerys will sheath her scimitar and once again cast Produce Flame. She'll move forward, and toss the ball of flame at either the nearest goblin or the ogre.
Zerys turns toward the new threat, sizes up the distance between her and the biggest target and decides the ogre is out of range. With that she turns her attention to the nearest goblin while remaining behind Brumdal and Pagan for protection.
Zerys casts Produce Flame and hurls the flame at Goblin 9: 24
The goblin shrieks "it burns! it burns!" (in Goblin of course) and looks not too well.
Goblin 9 is bloodied (meaning has less than half his max hit points) and his life hangs from a thread (meaning he has less than 2 hp, but more than 0 hp).
I think the snake has run its course. Startling the goblins is probably done. Amar will cast a minor illusion right in front of the two nearest goblins of a chest of gold with spider atop. One image, the observant should be able to see the legs turn into chest. Hopefully Ogre will attack the illusion .
The open chest of glittering gold materializes where the snake illusion just once was, a largish spider is perched atop it. You all see this as a static image, but does that dumb ogre see it that way? Time will tell.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Goblins
The goblin (#9) subjected to Zerys's magic flees back the way he came shrieking "BREE-YARK!" and "it burns!" His pathetic cries echo off into the caves and you loose sight of him.
The goblins (#7 and #10) leading the ogre charge forth to attack Pagan ... who is ready for them.
You’re bringing up an interesting point.
The rules say that a creature can provide cover for another creature.
There are different levels of cover: half, three-quarters, and full. The benefits to the target with cover translate to an armor class bonus:
Half Cover: +2 AC
Three-Quarters Cover: +5 AC
Full Cover: Target can’t be hit
We could say you have a chance to hit the cover if your attack roll is high enough to hit the target normally, but doesn’t overcome the AC bonus provided by the cover.
For example, if you’re taking aim with your bow at a goblin (AC 13), but Pagan is providing half cover for the goblin (because he’s in melee with it and directly between you and the goblin), an attack roll of 15 or higher hits the goblin, a 13-14 hits Pagan, and anything lower is a miss. (Maybe a natural 1 could have dramatic consequences, including hitting Pagan as well.)
I just need to communicate whether a target has cover and what (or who) is providing it.
Any thoughts about that (from anyone)?
I agree with this approach. He'll try and pick targets that aren't behind cover, but if Pagan should get an arrow in the butt on accident... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
LOL! Don't taze me bro!
I would think the AC bonus should apply to those seeking active cover. In a melee the "cover" from a moving adversary would be spotty at best. I envision Markus holding his fire for the perfect moment to strike. (While Pagan moves in and out of the target sites.)
Now if the Goblin was smart (not likely) he could intentionally attempt to keep Pagan between himself and Markus's bow- actively seeking cover.
Hmm in that stray arrow scenario it would be hard for the characters to tell the difference between accidental and intentional....
Rick if you just give your take on where cover is should be fine. We can ask for clarification if needed. Aren't goblins about 3 feet tall?
Fratricide aside...Amar will change up based on his epiphany. I think the snake has run its course. Startling the goblins is probably done. Amar will cast a minor illusion right in front of the two nearest goblins of a chest of gold with spider atop. One image, the observant should be able to see the legs turn into chest. Hopefully Ogre will attack the illusion .Rick if you feel this is too complex then Amar will just cast a chest of gold.
Btw anyone that speaks Elvish should be able to understand what the hell Pagan keeps blurting out during battle.
In this case "They have a Cave Ogre."
:)
I was waiting for someone to make a “cave troll” reference. ;)
Back to the friendly fire issue, I think thinkingmage is right. You have to be actively using cover. That makes sense to me. Maybe getting struck by friendly fire could still happen on a nat 1–but then only if it advanced the story in an interesting way.
Regarding Amar’s trickery, I would say everyone has common knowledge about ogres and how stupid they are and how easily distracted they are by shiny things.
Lastly, I’ve awarded everyone inspiration for the gameplay so far. Remember you have to say when you use it, and since I’ve been doing all the rolling That might mean you just tell me after a roll... but not too long after so we don’t have to redo too much.
Regarding further inspiration awards I’d like to open it up to the players. If you feel like someone else should earn it, then make a case for it. It should be for heroic acts of risk taking or good role playing based on personality traits, bonds, idesls, and flaws.
Brumdal
Brumdal's Javelin Throw: 11
(Brumdal now has two javelins left in his inventory...)
Hit!
Damage: 6
Pagan
You take up position next to Brumdal.
I'm assuming you are holding your action until something comes close enough for you to attack with your shortsword followed up by your unarmed strike.
Markus
Markus falls back to the foot of the stairs and sees that it slopes upwards 20 feet to a landing that exits to the west. Feeling no danger, he notches an arrow in his longbow and takes aim at the largest target...
Markus's Ranged Attack with the longbow: 22
Hit!
Damage: 11
Zerys
Zerys turns toward the new threat, sizes up the distance between her and the biggest target and decides the ogre is out of range. With that she turns her attention to the nearest goblin while remaining behind Brumdal and Pagan for protection.
Zerys casts Produce Flame and hurls the flame at Goblin 9: 24
Hit!
Damage:2
Goblin 9 is bloodied (meaning has less than half his max hit points) and his life hangs from a thread (meaning he has less than 2 hp, but more than 0 hp).
Amar
The open chest of glittering gold materializes where the snake illusion just once was, a largish spider is perched atop it. You all see this as a static image, but does that dumb ogre see it that way? Time will tell.
Round 5
Initiative Order
19 Horde 2 of Goblins
17 an Ogre
15 Brumdal
12 Pagan
11 Markus
9 Zerys
5 Amar
All PCs have inspiration which means they can spend it to give themselves advantage on one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw.
Goblins
Pagan's Shortsword vs. Goblin 7: 14
Critical Miss!
(It seems the luck of the dice is running out...)
Pagan uses his unarmed strike (bonus action) for a second go at the same goblin: 18
No dice. (Literally.)
Goblin 7 thrusts his spear at Pagan: 3
Goblin 10 thrusts his spear at Pagan: 10