It's been a rough month for Sandpoint.

After a day full of fun, food, and games at the Swallowtail Festival in honor of Desna, as the consecration of the new Cathedral was to take place, a large pack of goblins raided the small town. The town guard and a fair amount of capable travellers were able to repel goblins, but not before a number of lives were lost. In the days since, Sandpoints troubles have only continued.

After discovering the raid had been a cover for the unexplained theft of the remains of the town's previous religious leader, Father Ezakien Tobyn, the town was hounded by further troubles: stray goblins remaining from the raid, news of goblin tribes banding together to form an army, and the abduction of the popular local bartender Ameiko Kaijitsu. After tracking Ameiko's abductor, her own half-brother Tsuto Kaijitsu, to the town's glassworks, a plot involving the raising of a goblin army to burn Sandpoint to the ground as an offering to the monster goddess Lamashtu was revealed. Nualia Tobyn, Father Tobyn's adopted aasimar daughter long thought to have died in the fire with the priest, seeks to raze Sandpoint to the ground to appease her goddess and transform into a full-fledged demon--a process only partially completed by the offering of her father's remains.

Now, a party of adventurers have come together to strike at Nualia and the Thistletop tribe of goblins at the center of the forming army in hopes of breaking up the goblin threat. Thistletop, a prized lair among the goblins, is known to be a strange island off the shore of the Nettlewoods and connected to the mainland by a rope bridge six miles up the coast from Sandpoint.

After an hour and a half of travelling by the road between Shank's Wood and Tickwood, the party must decide: Do they take the path along the coast and make the dangerous climb up the cliffs near Thistletop, or do they try to find their way through the thick stinging nettles and goblinberry bushes of the Nettlewoods?

21:13, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 25 using 1d20+9.  Know Local Sly.
Everyone was aware of these possibilities at the start of the day when they prepared spells and gear. Finalize those selections and place them in OOC or your Private Thread.

Bane sits high astride his warhorse, Hunter. The pair of them both heavily armored and ready to bring battle to the goblins. He considers their options. "I don't fancy digging through the Nettlewood much more than I think I would like the Tick Wood. I say we go up the cliffs. If anyone isn't a passable climber we can always lower a rope down to you to make it a bit easier."

Despite the obvious problems with the plan Bane doesn't seem bothered. Hunter whinnies and paws the ground with his hoof.

Oslynne fastidiously checks her gear, running through the list in her mind and marking off each expected item.  "The cliffs will be a challenge - word is, they tend to be slick from the ocean spray, and it's about eighty feet of climbing." She ties her pack shut, slips it over her shoulders as she stands, threads belts through buckles and pulls everything tight.  As if to mark it done, she snaps a finger.  "But the Nettlewood is no better.  It's slow work at the best of times, and even experienced woodsman have never returned from it.  I'm inclined to agree with Bane - the cliffs might be the better option."

Elenia considered the bevy of bad options. She didn't like the idea of forcing her way through Needlewoods but marching down the coast didn't seem like a better option due to the potential goblin army forming.

"Hmmm, I don't think that traveling the Needlewoods or, ehem the Nettlewoods would be particularly fun or enjoyable but marching up the coast, mmm-I just don't know about that option. Is there a way that we could perhaps evade ourselves being spotted?

"Not much of a climber. Not interested in itchy pokies either... Maybe I'll just hang out here and keep lookout. You lot can shout if there's trouble." Aldern drawled. He shrugged at the questioning looks of his companions. At mention of the rope he sighed, seemingly resigned to some unsavory chore.

"Very well. If that's where the coach carries me, I'll not strangle the Coachman..." His voice cracked a little and he coughed and made appearance of tending to his scant gear.

Bane nods at the concerns "I expect they won't be as attentive to the coast because they have a cliff guarding that approach. They are goblins, not a disciplined military so I expect if we aren't blowing horns and waving banners we have a decent chance of not being seen." he surreptitiously slides his warhorn into his saddle bags and begins carefully folding his banner.

OOC: I didn't have a warhorn before but I sort of want one now. It falls in free gear, right?

Vorin's gaze swept across the road ahead of them as his companions voices their options. He turned back and his eyes rested on Bane with a raised eyebrow. "Others I understand but shying away from some woods? Really?" He sounded a bit dismissive of the danger posed by some thorns and bushes. "I guess I'm outvoted, but I also don't think Hunter can use a rope if we are going by the cliffs."
_{Edit: Changed Color}
This message was last edited by the player at 17:14, Fri 26 Apr.

"He's a good horse of fine highland stock, used to rough terrain. If we have the option to take a back way rather than a foot bridge that's what I'm for. They might not have a cliff guarded well. But they for sure have sentries watching the only bridge to their territory." A hint of a smile crosses Bane's otherwise rock-stern expression.

Opting for the quicker, less prickly route, the party makes their way north, bypassing the old Paupers' Graves and heading to the coast. The journey east isn't easy; the sandy beaches are tiring to march through and riddled by the craggy coastal cliffs of many of Varisia's shores which often force detours from the water and lead to dead ends. Finally, after passing through a narrow path cut between two cliff faces, Oslynne announces their arrival at the Thistletop camp. Ahead of the party, to the east, a break at the base of the cliffs leads into dark caves with rough waters as the sea churns through them. To the north, the cliff face of the goblin camp bulges out before turning east and out of sight--from their position the party can only see out to sea, but around that cliff, to the north, should be the Thistletop lair on its own island crag. Above the party, atop the tall, slick cliffs which surround them are the Nettlewoods--as thick and impenetrable as the locals say.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:32, Fri 26 Apr.

Oslynne cranes her neck up at the cliffs to the north, shielding her brow with one hand.  They'd have to be careful - no sense proceeding rashly.

[OOC: Is there enough space along the bottom of those cliffs to sidle northwest-wise, or is it a straight wall into the drink?]

Aldern shaded his eyes as he peered upwards. "No rope ladders that I can see. Rude. Maybe they don't know we're coming?" He couldn't be serious, but his tone of voice and facial expressions seemed to indicate surprise.

He proceeded to the water's edge, right where the distance between the beach and the cliff face was the narrowest. Placing his hands on his hips, he gazed to see if there might be any vegetation or outcroppings which might be strong enough to support his weight, at least enough to swing across to the other side.

OOC: Will look for something that looks whip-worthy (15') at the narrow point just north of where the party is currently.)

Appraising the cliff face, Aldern doesn't find anything jutting out to catch with his whip, but the gap between beach and cliff is narrow enough that he should be able to hop across and grab the cliff face without getting his shoes wet.

Aldern ran a hand through his hair. The dark mass was generally unkempt, but didn't appear unruly. "There's a few places to climb up. Hopefully out of sight of any lookouts up top. I don't really fancy walking around wet the rest of the day, but that cave looks very interesting."

He began to look for some driftwood logs they could use as extra floatation should they decide the cave really was interesting to the point of risking soggy socks.

OOC: Intent is to find something or fashion something to lower that Swim DC a little... :-P

Vorin traversed the shoreline with a deliberate pace. His sharp eyes were fixed towards the north, where the island loomed. He paused, evaluating the distance and the climb, then turned to Bane. Stroking his clean-shaven chin thoughtfully, he asked, "Do you think Hunter can carry two?"

OOC: I'm mostly looking at how rough the climb would be at the island directly, assuming Swimming was trivialized. I also assume isn't that far in the distance, but I might be wrong.

Elenia thought for a moment, "If one of us could make it across we could throw a rope back to aid the others in crossing. Do we think that would work?" Elenia said looking at the somewhat choppy water.

Bane surveys the cliff "ya that shouldn't be a problem. The rest of you can manage with a rope to help?" Despite the slippery high cliff Bane seems confident as usual.

He looks to Vorin "I don't think he can carry two while wearing his armor. But it would probably be a good idea to take it off him anyway if he needs to be athletic" Hunter whinnies in response.

OOC: ok so Hunter can easily cross that narrow section also? Then we are on the cliffs and that leads to where we need to be? Is this just bypassing the woods so we can cross the bridge or does this bypass the rope bridge?

Vorin heads up the rocky shore to try to get a better view of what lies beyond the northern cliff, moving slowly and cautiously to try not to draw attention. From his new vantage, Thistletop comes into view--an island crag as tall as the cliffs surrounding the party now, but strangely of a lighter color than the cliff walls and offshoots the party has been passing the last half hour and with a much smoother face. It also has a narrower base in than in the rest of its height, and with a squint of the eyes could almost look like massive head. The top of the island seem to be spotted with the same trees as the nettlewood, but built among them appears to be a makeshift wall or stockade of some kind--or perhaps of the best craftsmanship goblins have to offer. The nearest end of the stockade stands taller than the rest and appears to be some kind of lookout tower, though from his low vantage Vorin can't tell if anyone is manning it. Climbing the northern face of these cliffs could be a risk in plain view of the tower, and climbing the smooth, initially outwardly sloped face of Thistletop itself would be particularly difficult.

23:26, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 6,21 using d20+5,d20+2.  Vorin Perception, Stealth.

Vorin grunts briefly as he tries to judge the distance and how scalable the island's cliffs look. Then he walks back with the same unhurried gait. "I may pray to guide our stride upon the water towards the island. Thistletop presents a harsh climb, and its watchtower could be manned - the goblins' short stature leaves uncertainty. We could explore the far side with this blessing, though I can't cover us all, and even then, the cliffs there might still prove too daunting to scale."

Bane listens intently and hops off of Hunter "We seem fairly obscured here assuming nothing is lurking in that cave. Someone help me with this armor if the cliff is as daunting as Vorin says, then We won't make it up with the restricted movement." He proceeds to starts unbuckling Hunter's heavy spiked armor and stowing it in saddle bags.

Elenia helped Bane with Hunter's armor. She watched Bane and followed his led. She was a quick study as she unbuckled and removed the barding. "I am sorry guys, I feel so useless..."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:24, Sun 28 Apr.

"Nonsense, Elenia." Oslynne scanned part of the north shore, judging the distance over the inlet.  She swings her arms as if practicing a jump.  Her yellows eyes shine in the sunlight.  "I am confident you will get the opportunity to exercise your expertise soon enough." She glances over. "Besides, you are being quite efficient assisting with the armor."

"If I can cross the inlet gap, I believe I have a scroll that will allow me to swim the gap the Thistletop, and scale the rock.  If we double-square knot some of our ropes, I can take the length with me and drop it down for easier scaling."

"I get the idea that the goblin gang would cut that bridge if we tried to cross. So while I don't fancy the climb, I think keeping them from being alert to our assault would be our best bet."

Aldern helped where he could, mostly by keeping a lookout and trying to observe anything they'd missed or which might give them some small advantage.

"How many do you think you could snipe if we found you a good spot?" Aldern asked Vorin.

Vorin eyes the terrain on top of the cliffs, fingers brushing over the fletching of arrows in his quiver. A confident nod precedes his words,  "From a favorable vantage point, Many." he muses, pausing as his eyes narrow, considering potential swarms of goblins. "Might still not be enough."

"Unfortunately a "good spot" is probably that tower at the top of the cliffs there. Or a tree on this side of the bridge. I think walking on the water and then attempting the climb is a good plan. We will look and see if the north side is less guarded. I would appreciate an opportunity to put Hunter's armor back on once we cross if possible. He's a good horse and it would be a shame to see him hurt."

He pats Hunter affectionately as he continues unbuckling the numerous straps holding on the metal plates.

"If only Hunter could grow wings..." Aldern mused.

"We should have something of a distraction." He continued a search for driftwood which might be crudely lashed together with vines growing near the cliffs. While rituals were being prepared and a large horse was being denuded, Aldern sought to fashion a floating bonfire, with drier material on the outside and wetter stuff inside, which could be lit and set afloat when everyone was in position to make the climb. Flames and smoke might catch someone's attention. "If we set this afloat in the right spot, the current might take it away from us and focus lookout attention where we're not."

Bane peered at the assembled wood "I expect their attention is already away from the water, that's why they have a fort surrounded by impassable cliffs. Unless we can tell that their are sentries watching the cliffs I'd rather avoid drawing attention."

Aldern finished off his floating masterpiece with some subtle artistic arrangements and then shrugged. "You're the expert. It'll be here if we decide we need it. Or maybe it'll be used to keep future skinny-dippers warm."

After everyone has prepared--stowing away bulky armor and gear, praying to Erastil for his blessings, and making a floating bonfire--Vorin bestows the blessing of Waterwalking on himself, Aldern, Elenia, and the large horse Hunter. After Bane gives Oslynne a hand up onto his great steed, the party head out to Thistletop ... walking casually, and for some uncertainly, across the top of the great Varisian Bay. Watching the shores and clifftops carefully as the move, the party sees no signs of goblins and no alarm being raised at the sight of them, but they do see another cave opening in the cliffs to the south--possibly linked the caves they has seen before.

Now seeing Thistletop up close, it is clearly something is amiss with the stone. It shows signs of erosion running down its length as if from rain, but not the messy, jagged erosion seen in the cliffs long beaten by the sea to the south which provide ample handholds. The smoothness and the sloped overhand would make climbing here an impossible task for most. (DC 30 Climb for the first 15 feet, DC 25 for the next 65. No fall damage for the first 30 feet.)

Bane tries twice to stay mounted atop Hunter as the apparently highly trained "Mountain Horse" seems to scale the nearly inverted slope of the cliff. Both times Bane came splashing down into the water, barely slipping from the saddle "Erastil damn these cliffs! I knew I should have sprung for the Military Saddle before we left town. Let me give it another go, maybe further to the north unless the splashing has drawn any attention." he kept his voice down despite his growing performance anxiety.

OOC: 12:54, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 18 using 1d20+8.  Ride again. – 18

12:53, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 36 using 1d20+19.  Climb again . – 36

12:50, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 13 using 1d20+8.  Ride. – 13

12:50, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 33 using 1d20+19.  Climb. – 33

As Vorin helps Bane back on the saddle from the water for the second time, he comments "Perhaps Erastil damned these cliffs to test our resolve, eh?" After Bane is reseated he continues "Perhaps another prayer is needed. Let the Old Deadeye's watchful eyes lead your ascent." he murmurs and traces an outline of an arrow on both Bane's and Hunter's forehead.

He then turns to Oslynne and asks "Got that size-changing wand with you, Sly? Might help Bane keep to his saddle."

OOC: Casting Guidance on both Bane and Hunter

"I think I have an idea." Elenia said. "I could levitate someone up, pretty high." She looked up the cliff face. "I am not sure that we could get to the top but perhaps we could. Even if we can't get all the way up if someone has those climbing spikes, pitons or whatever, perhaps those would help?"

Aldern watched the efforts to scale the cliff with a mild amusement. After several failed attempts, he could see that there was certainly no way he'd be able to climb if his more skilled and stronger companions weren't able to do so. He quietly made his way along the base of the cliff to take a quick glance into the cave. An idea of using dwarven sappers was bouncing around in his mind. He knew that even if such a troupe could be found, it'd be costly beyond reckoning, but the idea of seeing the fortress topple into the sea made him smile even more than watching Bane tumble into the waves time after time after time.

OOC: Just a looksie, not going in, just a recon of the entrance and trying to get an idea if entry into the cave is even possible.

The elf tries to keep on top of the climbing horse as they attempt the assent, struggling with a scroll case as she does.  Eventually, (and after a few mouthfuls of salt water, bleeuck!) she manages to announce the necessary components of the spell.  The scroll shrivels to ash in her newly strengthened fingers, and she hangs into the back of the saddle as Bane and Hunter make the climb.
OOC: Rolls Attempts -20, then 24

Bane accepts the belssings and redistributes some gear so that Hunter will have the easiest time climbing "Oslynne, can you wait and climb the rope we drop down? I want this to be as easy for Hunter as possible. If he isn't weighted down by the two of us it will be easy for us to get up."

He lashes himself to the saddle so he doesn't fall off, leaving plenty of rope trailing behind so the party can come up after. Then he moves up the coast a bit to be closer to the rear of the stronghold once they are at the top "Wish me luck, start climbing up once we reach the top. Hunter should be able to act as a solid support for climbing." Then hunter begins climbing the wall. With the power of their deity empowering them Hunter can make the climb with ease.

OOC: Hunter takes 10 three times in a row to reach the top of the cliff.

Oslynne nods, releasing the saddle and staying close to the face of the cliff in the water.  "Understood.  I'll wait for the rope drop with the rest.  Take care on the climb, and see you in a minute."

While the others concern themselves with mounting the impossible cliffs, Aldern wanders into the small straight to get a better look a the cave to the south, but all he can tell is that after a short distance the tunnel submerges and the party would need to swim--and not walk--to get in by this route.

After strategizing and offloading most of Hunter's saddlebags onto Vorin and leaving Oslynne treading water with the aid of Elenia, Bane and Hunter begin to make their climb. In an extraordinary and disturbing show, the great warhorse approaches the daunting cliff and rears up to press its hooves against the smooth stone. It then spreads its forelegs wide in a manner which would be impossible for any unaltered horse of Golarion so as to press its chest and center of gravity closer to the smooth stone and even seems to mold its hooves to match the form of the smallest grooves of the clifface. It then pulls its hind legs up and spreads them impossibly wide as well before shimmying along the overhanging stone at an impressive speed ... only for Bane's feet to slip from the overturned stirrups and send the half-orc splashing down into the water below.

The warrior is rescued from his struggles against the sea's currents between the rocky shores by the aid of the others and, once the warhorse has awkwardly and grotesquely shimmied back down and onto the water, he mounts the steed to make another attempt. Once more the horse splays itself on the surface of the rock and begins to climb, once more Bane falls into the turbulent water, weighed down by his armor, and once more the horse slides back down to pick up the fallen inquisitor. The steed hooves at the sea in annoyance with its rider, but for his last attempt Bane takes some of the rope and ties himself firmly to the saddle so that gravity could not win again.

Again, a frightening show of limb mobility in the horse, but this time Bane cannot fall and after a short time the horse's splayed limbs and rapid shimmying take the pair to the top of the cliffs. Thistletop's top isn't a ledge so much as a rounded edge, but after some climbing the warhorse is able to shift its strange legs back beneath it and Bane is once again on top of his horse rather than hanging from it. But such an impressive achievement has not gone unnoticed. A group of goblins and their companion goblin dogs stood to the north, one holding a length of twine with a frantic seagull at the other end while the others took turns throwing rocks at the unfortunate bird ... but now they stand flabbergasted by the sight of a horse climbing the unclimbable cliff to their island fortress.

Once the shock has worn off, the goblins almost in unison point at the horse and rider and begin shouting warnings and commands in goblin as they draw their shortbows and move in to attack the intruder--loosing a volley of arrows at the pair. Most of the arrows get lost in the bushes between them, but one manages to stick into Hunter's unarmored and unprepared shoulder(-4 HP). Soon after the goblins' ugly goblin dogs close in and begin hissing and yipping at the great beast.


Goblins won initiative against Bane, everyone may act now.
Bane is tied to Hunter, and Hunter is trailing rope for others to climb. Should anyone climb the rope, Hunter will be Entangled while they do.

I won't always include rolls, but I didn't catch some of them were secret.

01:36, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 2,4,1 using d4,d4,d4.  Goblin Bow Damage. (Forgot to add Cover to Hunter's AC, so only the 23 hit)
01:35, Today: Secret Roll: Dungeon Master rolled 18,23,7,16 using d20+4,d20+4,d20+4,d20+4.  Goblin Shortbows.
01:05, Today: Secret Roll: Dungeon Master rolled 22 using 1d20+4.  Init Enemies.
01:04, Today: Secret Roll: Dungeon Master rolled 23,9,9,26,24 using d20+4,d20+1,d20+2,d20+7,d20+4.  Initiative Aldern, Bane, Elenia, Sly, Vorin.
00:36, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 10,1 using d20-2,d20-4.  Stealth Hunter, Bane.

Bane Draws his massive stone hammer and waves it above his head "DEATH HAS COME FOR YOU, YA NEEDLE TOOTHED VERMIN. TELL YOUR ANCESTORS BANE FIREHEART SENT YOU OFF TO SEE THEM!"

Hunter follows up Bane's threats by taking a few swipes at the goblin dogs with his hooves and teeth but the mighty horse is tired from the climb and con only manage a cursory effort.

OOC:
Move: Draw Weapon
Standard: Dazzling Display
02:08, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 23 using 1d20+17 with rolls of 6.  Dazzling Display.
Size bonus not included, If they are shaken for 2 rounds then they are shaken for 3 rounds.

Free: Fight with a combat trained Mount (penalty included)
02:10, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 10 using 1d20+3 ((7)).
02:12, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 12,8,13 using 1d20+7,1d20+7,1d20+7 ((5,1,6)).
02:13, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 6,8,7 using 1d4+4,1d6+4,1d6+4 with rolls of 2,4,3.  Bite, Hoof, Hoof

As soon as the trailing rope becomes available, Oslynne climbs. She twists a loop around her wrist, braces her boots against the cliff face, and uses as much as it left of the scroll's spell to help her scramble up the rocks as quickly as possible.

[OOC: Oslynne probably can't hear Bane's shout considering the distance and the roar of the ocean, but she was concerned about leaving Bane and Hunter without backup anyway so her urgency makes sense.  With the rope and MonkeyFish still active, she'll move double as much as shecan to scamper up the cliff.]

Aldern shrugged, a little disappointed but not surprised that the cave submerged. He was still thrilled by the ability to be able to lightly tread across the water. He almost had a boyish skip in his step as he explored. He turned back just in time to see the strange sight of a warhorse scratching over and disappearing behind the lip of the island top. Then he heard commotion and saw scrambling among those below. In a rush, he scampered across the water toward them!

Dash, sprint, double move whatever, should get me next to Elenia.

Elenia grabs the rope when it is available and starts to climb up stumbling trying to find a good stragedy for surmounting the cliff face.


OOC: Action
06:30, Today: Elenia Dalca rolled 7 using 1d20 with rolls of 7.  Climb. – 7

Atop Thistletop, Bane roars in threat and anger at the attacking goblin dogs, and they briefly tuck tail and wince at the shouting, but continue to attack the great horse. Hunter rears, kicks, and nips at the dogs but fails to strike any of them.

Meanwhile, at sea level, Oslynne moves to the hanging rope and with supernatural grip begins to move up it with ease, followed by Elenia who begins to make the climb more cautiously. Aldern sprints back to rejoin Vorin at the base of the dangling rope.

With a natural instinct for pack fighting, the goblindogs begin to fan out and surround the horse and rider, each biting at Hunter as the horse begins to struggle under the awkward weight and one getting a bit of flesh from his(or her?) foreleg. (-5 HP, DC 12 Fort Save v Allergic Reaction) The goblins form a sort of firing line well behind the goblin dogs as they shout between each other in Goblin.


This message was last edited by the GM at 05:04, Sat 11 May.

Hand over hand, Oslynne pulls her way up the rope as quickly as her arms can carry her.  The faint clamor of battle urges her onwards.

[OOC: More climbing! A double move up the rope, taking 10 for both checks.]

Bane needed to close on the goblins to be more effective but with his allies climbing behind him he needed to keep Hunter as still as possible. So he readied himself to bear more abuse from the goblins and kept up his bellowing "I'VE COLLECTED BOUNTIES ON RATS BIGGER THAN YOU LOT! THIS IS JUST HUNTING FOR SPORT!"

Despite his arm waving and bluster he still guides Hunter into attacking the dogs. His attacks strike true clobbering one of the Goblin Dogs.

OOC
22:04, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 21 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 18.  Ride.
Fight with Hunter

22:05, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 29 using 1d20+17 with rolls of 12.  Dazzling Display.
Send the hounds packing at least...

Hunter
22:07, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 13 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 6.  confirm.
22:06, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 24,23,27 using 1d20+7,1d20+7,1d20+7 with rolls of 17,16,20.  Bite, Hoof, Hoof

Surely 3 hits but no crit

22:08, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 8,8,6 using 1d4+4,1d6+4,1d6+4 with rolls of 4,4,2.  Bite, Hoof, Hoof.

Probably killing one of the dogs.

02:11, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 21 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 14.  Hunter Fort.

This message was last edited by the player at 06:14, Sat 11 May.

Aldern looked at Vorin and shrugged. "Age before beauty? Nah. I'll let you bring up the rear..." He snagged the end of the rope and made ready to ascend as soon as he deemed it likely to make progress without pulling the warhorse over the edge or breaking the rope!

OOC: Delaying until it's reasonable, then taking 10 if possible for climbing...

Although Elenia didn't make it far up the rope, she concentrated attempting to climb methodically.
"Its okay..." Elenia said as her muscles began to burn. "Slow and steady wins the race."


OOC: 11:39, Today: Elenia Dalca rolled 13 using 1d20 with rolls of 13.  Climb Check. – 13

A rough grunt was Vorin's response to Aldern. Then he quickly dashed away from the cliff to find an angle where he could have some kind of line of sight to the action above.

OOC: Run action (120ft) to a position where he can at least see a goblin.

Hunter lays into the attacking goblin dogs, nearly crushing one with a hoof while stunning another with the other then biting it and tossing its limp body from the cliff--but almost instantly the horse begins to balk at the foul taste of the dog's hide(Allergic Reaction). Bane shouts menacingly again, causing the goblin dogs to flee(1 AoO each from Hunter and Bane vs. eastern goblin dog), but the fearsome display is cut short as an unexpected rain of pickles splashes down on the warrior's head from the lookout tower above--two more goblins are joining in repelling the attackers. Flabbergasted by the rain of pickles, the warrior and his steed barely notices the volley of arrows from the goblins to their north as the missiles snap and scatter among the trees.

As Sly, Elenia, and now Aldern climb up the dangling rope, an impressive load to be carried by the warhorse above, the sound of battle above grows and the body of a goblin dog plummets past them--surely dead from its impact with the water below if not before it fell. Vorin, meanwhile, rushes west and out to sea to where he can see the edge of the goblins' firing line as well as now two goblins exposing themselves in the stockade's lookout tower.

---

After dashing out across the water's surface, Vorin turned to spot two goblins manning the tower. With practiced speed, he nocked and released two arrows in quick succession. However, both arrows whistled past the goblins, missing their marks and disappearing into the distance behind the tower, frustration flickering across his features.

OOC: Full Attack with Rapid Shot, Deadly Aim and assuming 2nd range increment. I don't think 7,11 hits.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:42, Tue 14 May.

The pitched squeals of the plummeting hound only makes Sly pause for a moment, her yellows eyes wide as she groks the situation, before continuing at pace. She hauls out the last leg of the climb, rolling over the top lip of the cliff and drawing her longbow from around her shoulders.  Two goblins shriek from the eastern tower, commanding a height advantage.  She nocks an arrow, arm quivering only slightly, before letting the shaft fly.

[OOC: Taking 10 with Monkeyfish to climb the last 20ft to the top. Oslynne will draw her bow as a free action during the last moment of her movement since her BAB is over +1. Targeting Tower Goblin 1, with a -1 to the attack due to attacking from lower ground.
Attack Roll: 22
Damage Roll: 4 ]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:10, Tue 14 May.

"How did I get myself into --" Aldern started to bemoan when suddenly a goblin fell past him from above! He gulped and reached and tried to use his legs in order to ascend the rope further. If not for the falling bodies and the din of heated battle above, he might have enjoyed dangling precariously quite a bit more!

Climb: Aldern Foxglove rolled 14 using 1d20+4 ((10)).

Both and Hunter strike at the fleeing goblin dogs, the steed managing to catch one in the hindquarters for good measure. (-6 HP)

Evidently not prepared for ranged combat and with Hunter holding the rope for the others to climb by, Bane begins to franticly tug at the knots keeping him tied into the saddle.

Mounting the cliff and freeing her longbow from her shoulder with every ounce of elven speed and skill, Oslynne steps out from behind Hunter and looses an arrow at the pickle-throwers--taking an ear off the leftmost goblin but barely missing its eye. (-4 HP) Two more arrows come in, whistling with great speed and slamming into the sides of the stockade with all the force of Vorin's orcish greatbow.

Undeterred by the new arrival and ranged support, the northern goblins fire another volley through the trees and shrubs, one arrow grazing Hunter's foreleg(-3 HP), and the pickle-throwers begin to throw down javelins instead, one cutting across Hunter's flank(-4 HP). Whether strategy or pure hatred for the beast, the goblins seem to be focused on taking out the horse--and those unfortunate enough to hanging from it should it fall.

---

Undeterred by his previous misses, Vorin quickly readied two more arrows. Steadying his breath, he aimed with greater focus and let them fly. One of the shots felt particularly satisfying, his form and release adjusting to stabilizing on water. He allowed himself a brief smile.

OOC: Full Attack with Rapid Shot and Deadly Aim against Tower Goblins. Attack: 18,5 If 18 hits, the undamaged goblin takes 8 damage.

Bane frowns at the arrows striking his faithful companion and then at the rope holding his allies he urges Hunter to move him just a bit closer, going slowly to avoid jostling the rope. He shouts to the goblins "PICKLES!? I'LL PICKLE YOUR RANCID HIDES AND FEED THEM TO MY HORSE YOU LOT OF VIRMINOUS FILTH!"

OOC
Note, Hunter has 35HP at full

Free, control mount
10:43, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 23 using 1d20+3 ((20)).

Hunter Move, 5ft step forward

Standard, Dazzling Display
10:45, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 33 using 1d20+17 ((16)).
Some of the firing line and the tower crew come in range?

Aldern felt the rope lurch as he did his best to hang on! Whatever was happening up top was not making climbing any easier. As he tried desperately to keep his grip, he sought for any small outcroppings or seaside vegetation for a lifeline should the warhorse falter!


Climb: Aldern Foxglove rolled 11 using 1d20+4 ((7)). Does that just barely make the DC for this round?

Elenia cling tightly to the rope as it began to move. She let out a yelp as she tried to maintain her grip.


OOC: Elenia Dalca rolled 5 using 1d20 ((5)).

"Aim with thy breath and the draw of the wind..." She murmurs to herself against the string of the longbow as Oslynne pulls back another shot, her nose wrinkling at the sudden tang of vinegar souring the air from the pickle-barrels. She looses; the arrow fires towards her previous target with a thin thwip!

[OOC:
Attack Roll against the same Goblin: 24
Damage: 4 ]

While Elenia and Aldern precariously above the water and slowly make their way up, the rope begins to jerk and move as the battle raging above continues--though not so much as to make the climb any more difficult. Now closer to the firing line, Bane unleashes another raging tirade against goblinkind. The goblins hesitate for a moment, but soon chatter amongst themselves in the goblin tongue before releasing another unsuccessful volley at the great horse and pulling back to put some more distance between them and the scary longshank.

In the lookout tower, more of Vorin's great arrows sail in as if from nowhere. One flies wide, missing even the stockade, while the other lands squarely in the stained wooden bowl serving as the goblin's pauldron. The goblin pauses for a moment, but soon breaks into laughter, turning to his friend to show off the arrow only to watch as his friend take Oslynne's arrow to the neck and slumps to the ground(-4 HP). Shocked and enraged, the luckier of the two tower goblin leans over his battlement and flings another javelin at the horse below--this time sticking between the ribs of the great beast(-4 HP).

---

Oslynne chances a look at Hunter's wounds before firing off her next arrow, and curses fiercely as it sails past her target.
"Why didn't I bring alchemist's fires?" she mutters to herself.

[OOC:
Attack Roll against the Tower Goblin: 13 ]

Vorin's heart sank as he saw his arrow deflected by the goblin's armor. Gritting his teeth, he nocked two more arrows and fired again, each shot with the same precision as before. Frustratingly, both arrows struck true but were once again thwarted by the goblin's resilient armor, leaving Vorin to quickly reconsider his strategy.

OOC: Full Attack with Rapid Shot and Deadly Aim against Tower Goblin, 18,18 attack rolls don't hit.

Aldern realized that his commitment to this fool idea was growing firmer with every foot he ascended! "I don't suppose you could speed things up?!" he clambered from below, not being witness to the battle going on above.

Aldern Foxglove rolled 13,19 using d20+4,d20+4 ((9,15)). [Climbing rolls if needed]

This was all taking too long and the goblins were keeping their distance, being understandably scared if him and his mount. Bane digs into the knots holding him onto Hunter again and finally frees himself. He patted the animal, hoping that he hadn't led his steed to it's death at the hands of these little green vermin. He shouts to Sly, "Try to keep them off Hunter until I can scare them away!"

OOC
Full round, Finish untying.

Elenia focused on climbing up the rope.


OOC: 18:42, Wed 22 May: Elenia Dalca rolled 4 using 1d20 with rolls of 4.  Climb Check. – 4

Elenia's foot slips as she climbs, stealing away precious time as she dangles precariously above a painful drop, but with a steady hand from Aldern just beneath her she is soon on her way once again.

While Sly's arrow flies wide, Vorin's excessively large arrows are consistent--aggravating the tower goblin greatly as it continues to be pelted by the projectiles.

Below the tower Bane tugs at a few more knots, eventually freeing himself to move about in, and from, his saddle.

The goblins continue their constant volley, another javelin stickin in the ground and another four arrows cutting through the brush--one of which nicks Hunter across the bridge of his nose--the loyal steed beginning to look much worse for wear.

"As much as I enjoy the view Miss Elenia, I'm not sure I can spend much more time doing so! Let's get up top, shall we?" Aldern teased as he tried to keep the woman from taking him out on her way down.

Aldern Foxglove rolled 11,17 using d20+4,d20+4 ((7,13)). [Climbing rolls if needed]

Bane orders Hunter to take a defensive posture in hopes that the beast will survive the remaining onslaught.

The ropes briefly ensnare him and it takes hi a touch of extra time to dismount, preventing him from pushing forward towards the goblins. However he still hauls off with a spew of unrepeatable orcish invective as he trudges forward "@#%*$)*@%^(@^&^ 2(#&@^!(@^#@**()$"

OOC
Free: Fight with Hunter
Hunter Total Defense

00:18, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 16 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 8.  Ride Fast Dismount
Fail, damn
Move: Dismount to forward position
Free: 5ft Step forward

With growing frustration, Vorin nocked two more arrows and took aim. This time, his shots went wildly astray—one arrow veering off course entirely, while the other barely left the bowstring before dropping into the water. "Blast it all!" he cursed under his breath, knowing he needed to regain his focus quickly.

OOC: Full Attack with Rapid Shot and Deadly Aim against Tower Goblin, 6,5...

Seeing reinforcements on the horizon, Oslynne sets her teeth.  Another arrows she draws back against the bowstring, lining up the shot as her companions struggle behind her.  "Come on, come on..."

She looses - a flash of hope lights her yellow eyes - That looks...! - but knows she cannot count on it and draws another arrow from her hip quiver.  Shuffling quickly along the tower edge, she tries to gain a better position upon which to fight from two sides if it comes down to it.

[OOC:
Attack Roll against the Tower Goblin: 21
Damage (If that's a hit!): 6
Oslynne will move 5ft NE and 5ft N afterwards to be next to Hunter/Bane.]

Elenia focuses on the rope, concentrating on bring one hand up and over the other. Her muscles were burning and battle fell to a low whine as Elenia pushed herself to keep moving.


19:23, Today: Elenia Dalca rolled 17 using 1d20 with rolls of 17.  Climb Check. – 17

As Elenia and Aldern continue to press forward through sore limbs and rope-burned hands, Oslynne and Vorin continue to send arrows at the tower goblin, well-fortified in his tower.

Bane, finally free from the mount, slips out and between Hunter and the goblin forces--commanding the horse to defend itself as he does. The half-orc devil is then quickly beset by the returning goblin dogs, snapping at his shins but not finding any chinks in his armor.

The goblins continue their volleys at the great steed, but Hunter's new focus on defense and the big guy now coming to deal with them has them doubting their strategy.

Seeing the dog coursing closer, Oslynne abandons her bow and rushes to assist Hunter from the sides.  She leaps over the snapping jaws of one of the hounds, drawing her daggers in motion and making swift, precise cuts as she lands by the makeshift walls of the fortress.  In her mind, she holds out hope that the next volley from Vorin flies true.

[OOC:
Free Action: Drop Longbow.
Move 5ft N and 5ft NE - Acrobatics Check to Avoid Attack of Opportunity from the Goblin Dog: 20
Free Action: Draw Daggers during Movement
Flanking Attack on Goblin Dog: 16
Sneak Attack Damage: 16 ]

Vorin took a deep breath and whispered a swift prayer. "Old Deadeye, guide my aim." He felt a calm settle over him, steadying his hand and sharpening his focus. He nocked two more arrows and aimed once again. This time, the divine guidance ensured both arrows fly with precision and force. Vorin felt a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing his prayer had been answered.

OOC:
  Swift: Expend Fervor to cast divine favor.
  Full-Round: Full Attack with Rapid Shot against Tower Goblin, 26,26 should hit. Dealing 11,13 magical piercing damage.

"Up ya go, we're almost there..." he hoped as he encouraged Elenia toward the crest. He could now hear the sounds of commotion over the wash of the waves far below. "Sounds like they started the party without us!"


Aldern Foxglove rolled 16,20 using d20+4,d20+4 ((12,16)). [Climbing rolls if needed]

Not willing to be dragged down by the dogs as he tried to close with the goblins, especially lacking his armor. Bane swings down at one of the dogs with his massive stone-headed Hammer. His blow laying the beast out like a sack of meat. "I need to get a little closer to those damn goblins!" he shouted to his companions. Not that there were that many around to hear him.

OOC
Standard: Attack Straight ahead
01:52, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 21 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 12.  Attack.
01:53, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 15 using 2d6+6 with rolls of 5,4.  Damage.

Hunter: Total Defense

A great orcish arrow peels through the air, catching the tower goblin in the neck and ripping through all its vitals. The goblin panics for a moment, trying to stymie the loss if his lifeblood, but soon hunches over and slips over the battlements--only to be struck once again through the back as he falls and pinned to the outer wall of the stockades.

In equally lethal shows of force the lithe elf drops her bow to dance quickly behind one of the attacking goblin dogs and thrust a slender blade down between its shoulder blades and into its heart while the loud and brash half-orc brings his great, stone hammer down to crush another of the litter.

Aldern and Elenia continue to climb while Hunter anchors their rope.

The last goblin dog hisses angrily and nips at Bane but is easily side-stepped. The goblins firing line looses another volley, though only one arrows makes it through the shrubbery and breaks futilely on Bane's armor. After a few barks in goblin, the line falls back behind the stockade--not looking to face the brute toe-to-toe.

She keeps her momentum and continues to duck and tumble around the last of the goblin hounds, agilely exposing a weak spot on its flank and driving her dagger home.  On reflex Sly flicks the blood from the blade and turns, ready to take on the rest of the charging goblins...

...who seem to have beat a hasty retreat.

"Well, say one thing: they know what's good for them."

[OOC:
Oslynne's position isn't update in the new map, so I'm assuming she's moving from 10ft N, 5ft E from the shown position.
She'll move 10ft N moving half speed, making two Acrobatics Checks to avoid AoOs (16, 30)
Attack Roll vs Goblin Dog: 26
Sneak Attack Damage: 17 ]

Bane swings his hammer down once more and finishes whatever Goblin Dog remained twitching. He looks to Sly "They will have something else planned. They can be surprisingly cunning when it comes to traps."

He goes to Hunter and starts tending to the horse, soothing him and getting him ready to receive magical healing once whoever had their party wand showed up.

OOC
Just in case
00:42, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 22 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 13.  Attack.
00:46, Today: Bane Fireheart rolled 14 using 2d6+6 with rolls of 6,2.  Damage.

With the immediate danger concluded, the elf slips her weapons back into their leather sheaths and trots to retrieve her bow.  With everything secured, she hustles over to the sturdy horse (A brave and stalwart steed, she thinks) and begins to pull at the rope to assist her companions in their ascent.

Sly isn't much use at pulling hundreds of pounds of people and gear up by a rope, but she is able to signal for Vorin to come join them and help Aldern and Elenia up over the curving ledge. While the party regroups and re-equips, activity can be heard within the stockade including conversation and warnings in Goblin, doors being dragged open and shut, footsteps climbing stairs in the nearby flimsy tower, and even some threats made in common from the tower, "Go 'way, longshanks! Go 'way or we's feed you t'the howlin' hole!"