The companions were startled, but none were caught flat-footed as shapes suddenly appeared at the top of the steep embankment. Their flesh was greyish-blue of color, that of death, and none wore much clothing, if any at all. Two leapt from the heights down towards Gumbo and Bornoge, the others scrambling down the main road like a pack of wild, rabid dogs scurrying to get a plate.
An awful fear rose in the belly of each of the party as they realized that the creatures they faced had white, lifeless eyes and nasty, sharp remnants of teeth - all blackened from rot and foul food.
Turmarth and Caranmîr knew them at once - mewlips... ghouls. Terrible spirits that were bound to the bodies of dead men. Little intelligence crossed their faces, only the awful look of an animal wanting to feast!
[OOC:] Okay, first of all I want to explain that I give all my undead creatures the special ability Terror. I think by nature, any undead creature would be horrific when encountered. So, I will need you all to resist the Fear, and also give me initiatives (unless we want to consider initiative a mundane roll that you guys want me to roll for you). I will also be posting, tomorrow, the situational mods and any other info you need to conduct these rounds of combat.
But first, the Terror roll you need to oppose with a Willpower test:
Terror
(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif) TN n/a Intimidate (Fear) +3, Specialty +2, Number mod +2 / 2= +4
-------------------------
Roll(2d6)+4: 2,5,+4 Total:11
OOC: I see both the rolls as mundane since no one can go until everyone makes the requested rolls.
[OOC: I see it much the same way, as Telcontar, but will give you my Willpower test here. Initiative is surely something, you should just roll for us, if you're okay with the trouble ;)
On another note, is Caranmîr as an Elf actually endagered to "fear", or does the "Ghostly Scorn" ability not apply to undead as well? Just a question]
WP test TN 11: 2d6+2
Roll(2d6)+2:
1,1,+2
Total:4 -2 = 2 GM Note: there is a double 1's house rule that you can read in that thread.
[Once more a complete catastrophy. Might wanna ask Doug, if he could do all my rolls...]
Caranmîr had expected a lot of possibilities of what might have lurked in that pass. Never had the Elf confronted an undead creature. He had read about them in the libraries of his mentors, but he had hoped never to encounter one. He could not imagine what his reactions to something as unnatural as an undead would be.
Now, as he faced them beside his companions, he had his answer. He was grapped by a fear, as unnatural as the monsters themselves, and froze. He leaned heavily on the quarterstaff he had in hand, seemingly unable to move or defend himself, the staff was no more a weapon in his hands, but a tool that helped the Elf to remain standing upright.
[OOC: While Caranmîr is startled he tries to come up with something to stop the onslaught. Is it already dark? Maybe a spell of Create Light would inspire fear in the Ghuls... ]
{OOC} Note that Turumarth has made his Resist Fear spell an innate ability through extra spell picks. Per tomcat's ruling it provides a base +1 bonus to companion's Fear checks when within 2' per point of Bearing (16'). It is stronger when 'activated', but I believe the +1 bonus will apply to anyone near Turumarth.
Foulness indeed! Turumarth's skin tingles as he fights to remain calm in the face of the approaching horrors. With a deep breath and a firmer grasp on his staff he struggles to take in the whole scene while his mind fights his urge to run. "I will stand fast!"
------------------
Willpower test vs. TN 11
Willpower +5, Resist Fear +1 = +6
Roll 2d6 +6 = 5,3 +6 = 14 success
{OOC} edit: I'm fine with you rolling init, Doug.
As soon as he saw the figure leap out Bornoge's hand went straight to his sword. But as he saw the creature better his hand stopped....
Willpower test
Roll(2d6)+2:
2,4,+2
Total:8
...and rested on the sword, fear paralyzing him.
Roll(2d6)+2:
3,5,+2
Total:10
If Gumbo is within turumarth's range he passed. If not I'll spend a courage point so as to not soil my drawers.
Gumbo saw the creatures as he prepared to flush out the ambush. He was not prepared for this, but while the color flushed out of his cheeks he grimly gripped his spear and prepared to engage this new foe.
TN 11 Willpower - Roll(2d6)+2: 6,1,+2 Total:9 + 3 Courage = 12
Nori leaps to his feet, axe in hand as it is never far from his reach. "Foul demons, my blade shall end your slavering thirst!" and he charges down the nearest ghoul.
EDIT:
Charge, AC: Axes (Battle-axe) - Roll(2d6)+12: 4,3,+12 Total:19 +2 charge bonus = 21
Damage: Roll(3d6)+6: 3,6,4,+6 Total:19 * 1.5 = 28.5 or 28
Strength TN for knock-down = base +2 = 11+2=13
Terror Test (TN 11), Vári Willpower +0
Roll(2d6)+0:5,2,+0 Total:7 - FAIL
***
Vári froze at the sight of the clattering undead; he had never seen such foul things before and an icy grip took hold near his heart. Though he clutched his axe, he held it fast to his chest as if it could somehow protect him and he struggled to keep from closing his eyes in fear.
***
Initiative (not including Fear penalty):
Roll(2d6)+2:6,3,+2 Total:11
[OOC:] I am digging everyone's responses here based on your test results, but remember, a Failure does not mean complete panic. It comes down to the DOS (or failure in this matter) as to how your PC reacts. I have posted the Fear charts below so that you all will be able to compare your rolls and take any applicable Fear penalty if failed. When you look at the chart, the ghouls' roll is considered the attacker, so the level of DOS is based on that.
Also, I will have the situational modifiers up in the AM along with initiative and attack rolls.
(http://www.geocities.com/djoos5/LotR/fear.gif)
Situation: The Company is attacked by a pack of mewlips (ghouls)
Situational Modifiers: Mewlips have Terror effect each round.
Caranmîr [Elves do not suffer the effect of Terror from mewlips, though and actual Intimidate (Fear) action must be opposed. Good thing with that bad roll there Nico! ;) ]
Turumarth - Passed [auto Resist Fear ability extends a +1 to all characters within 16' of the mage]
Bornoge - Failed with a 9; Panicked -2 penalty on ALL tests
Gumbo - Passed with an 11
Nori - Passed with a 12 (courage has been marked off)
Kori - Failed with a 9; Panicked -2 penalty on ALL tests
Vári - Failed with a 8; Panicked -2 penalty on ALL tests
Creatures are standard hit points and levels.
Physical Modifiers: None
Initiative:
Caranmîr - 11
Nori - 10
Gumbo - 9
Bornoge - 9
Vari - 9
Mewlips - 8
Kori - 6
Turumarth - 6
Nori charged the mewlip that landed on the ground before Gumbo. The halfling drew back repulsed, but ready to strike when the dwarf bull-rushed into the undead creature.
Mewlip attempts to parry the attack:
(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif) TN 21 Armed Combat (Claws) +6, Specialty +2, Ferocity +3
-------------------------
Action 1- Roll(2d6)+11: 2,5,+11 Total:18 FAILED [takes 29 dmg (full damage due to magic nature of weapon), reduced Wounded (8) -5 penalty]
Mewlip Strength test to avoid being knocked prone:
(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif) TN 13 Strength +1
-------------------------
Roll(2d6)+1: 4,5,+1 Total:10 FAILED [knocked prone, must spend one action to stand or suffer all penalties]
I'll wait for the init order to go, and then resolve the mewlips responses and Kori's attack. Give me your actions too, Don, and I will just place them in the proper sequence (unless you want to wait for everyone to finish and then go after my mewlip actions; your choice).
"I am no coward but I am a hunter of creatures not of these evil spirits!"
Bornoge turns and runs back to the main group and draws one of his javelins.
Just in time the Elf caught control of his mind and thoughts and shook free of the fright that had befallen him. Seeing some of his comrades freeze in panic, Caranmîr shouts out encoureging words in Silvan language. Calling upon the Light of the Vala.
[OOC: Trying to inspire my comrades here: Inspire test 2d6 +2 coming up as Roll(2d6)+2:
5,6,+2
Total:13 Wow!]
With that he concentrated on the attacking undead. Not sure if a Spell of creating light would stop their approach he thought about something that most likely would: He dropped his Staff, pulled an arrow from his quiver and shot it at the nearest enemy that was closing on them.
2d6 +8 (+2 Nim. + 3 ranks + 3 spec. Short Bow)
Roll(2d6)+8:
3,4,+8
Total:15
[Thanks, Tomcat, for clearing that up. Saved me a bit there, with the snake-eyes...]
Gumbo saw the Dwarf barrel past him and knock the creature to the ground before him. He doubted any in the party would give him any trouble for taking advantage of this opponent and had at him with his spear.
"May this rest do ye better than the first one you got!"
Roll(2d6)+12:
4,3,+12+1(AC rank pick)
Total:20 (plus for being in an advantageous position...)
DmgRoll(2d6)+3:
4,1,+3
Total:8
OOC: If this does not dispatch the creature Gumbo will attack twice more if required. Let me know Tomcat and I'll roll it out or spend the actions moving if it plays out that way.
OOC: Doug, sorry about this... when I rolled my action i didn't have my book to consult the Charge rules... the damage actually done is 1.5 * roll result, so it would be 28 total.
[OOC:] Cool Matt, I corrected my post above.
Telcontar, you may want to jab the monster a couple times. They have Undead Stamina which reduces all natural damage by half, so your spear only did 4 points. I require either an enchanted blade or masterwork to overcome this natural ability with Mewlips.
Also, your +1 bonus mod comes when you use a Combat Maneuver of your choosing with that particular weapon (i.e. Defensive attack, or Sweep, etc.)
Lastly, if you want to send me the pic of your character avatar, I can resize it so it looks clearer on the boards.
OOC: Can't I take the pluse one to Basic attack or does it have to be one of the others? Its listed with them so I thought that applied. (How do I send the avatar?)
Gumbo seeing that the spear was not doing as much damage as it should began to jab at the fallen creature until it ceased to move.
Attack Roll2 (2d6)+12:
1,3,+12+2 (target prone)
Total:18
DMGRoll(2d6)+3:
4,6,+3
Total:13
Attack Roll3 (2d6)+12:
6,2,+12+2 (target prone)
Total:22
DMG Roll(2d6)+3:
4,5,+3
Total:12
Quote from: Telcontar on Aug 18, 2008, 06:33 PM
OOC: Can't I take the pluse one to Basic attack or does it have to be one of the others? Its listed with them so I thought that applied. (How do I send the avatar?)
[OOC:] It is listed there... seems logical that you could take the bonus to it. Works for me, I will allow it. As far as the avatar, do you have the image on your PC? If so, e-mail it to me and I will get you all set up.
[OOC]For when Turumarth's action comes up...unless the mewlips get to him first
Turumarth sees his companions arrayed to fight and chokes back the fear that arises from these Shadowspawn. Such foulness requires a strong hand.
Turumarth steps in front of the cart, trying to shield the pack horses from the approaching horror. He raises his staff in both hands over his head and begins to spin it slowly in a flat plane. His voice again takes on an otherworldly tone, deep and resonating with power...
The Gates of Morning will bathe you in their light,
Flee from the power of the Wise,
Auta i lóme! Aurë entuluva! (The night is passing! Day shall come again!)
Turumarth casts Flame of Anor TN 10, Casting time - 2 actions
Weariness Test: +5 Willpower, +2 Secret Fire spell, +2 charm = +9
2d6+9 = 3,4 +9 = 16 Superior Success
A ball of light forms on the end of Turmarth's staff as the spinning slows. Brilliant and intense, it pushes back the night. He raises the staff high in two hands and brings it down sharply toward his target (closest mewlip, not engaged with a companion - please modify test result for range...and range increments?)
An intense beam streaks toward the target, cutting the night air.
Ranged Attack, +1 vs. TN ?
2d6+1 = 3,5 +1 = 9 (+ a Courage point or 2 to get a hit(?))
If hit, damage 5d6+5
5d6+5 = 6,3,1,3,3,+5 =21
Laying on its back, the mewlip before Gumbo thrashed in an attempt to knock the halfling's spear attacks away. From above, two more of the mewlips leapt down to attack Nori and Gumbo.
Across the road, another of the ghouls charged towards the wagon. Bornoge had run to take up a position before the wain, while Caranmîr and Turumarth brought the attack to the foul creature.
An arrow flew from the Sylvan Elf's bow and struck the mewlip with apparently little effect. But then, a brilliant flash of light flared across the glade and knocked the undead backwards. It lay there, scrabbling at the air, its chest smoking from the magic.
Mewlip 1 attempts to parry Gumbo:
(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif) TN 20, 18, 22 Armed Combat (Claws) +6, Specialty +2, Ferocity +3, Wounded -5, (MAP -5,-10)
-------------------------
Action 2: Roll(2d6)+6: 4,5,+6 Total:15 FAILURE [8 damage /2 = 4... Wounded (4) -5]
Action 3: Roll(2d6)+1: 4,4,+1 Total:9 COMPLETE FAILURE [13 /2 = 7... Incapacitated (6) -7]
Action 4: Roll(2d6)-6: 2,2,-6 Total:-2 DISASTROUS FAILURE [12 /2 = 6... Near Death (9) -9]
Mewlip 4 attempts to dodge Caranmîr and Turumarth:
(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif) TN 15, 12 Dodge +3
-------------------------
Roll(2d6)+3: 4,5,+3 Total:12 FAILED [7 /2 = 4... Healthy (5)]
Roll(2d6)+3: 2,5,+3 Total:10 FAILED [21 damage... Injured (2) -3]
Mewlip 2 attacks Gumbo:
(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif) TN 12 Armed Combat (Claws) +6, Specialty +2, Ferocity +3
-------------------------
Only giving 1 Action this round, due to move: Roll(2d6)+11: 3,2,+11 Total:16 SUCCESS [Damage if not parried, Roll(1d6)+3: 5,+3 Total:8]
Mewlip 3 attacks Nori:
(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif) TN 12 Armed Combat (Claws) +6, Specialty +2, Ferocity +3
-------------------------
Only giving 1 Action this round, due to move: Roll(2d6)+11: 6,4,+11 Total:21 SUCCESS [Damage if not parried, Roll(1d6)+3: 4,+3 Total:7]
Just waiting on Nori's actions, but I will start the new round thread.
Gumbo attempts to dodge out of the way of the attack
Roll(3d6)+0:
6,6 (evasion best 2 of 3) +3 swiftness, +3 (dodge feat), -5 action penalty, +3 (extra sucess d6)
Total:16
OOC: damn. I'm going to use a point of courage to beat this. For futrue reference does a dodge count as a physical action?
Vári swallowed hard and followed his comrades into combat with the terrifying ghouls.
***
Vári's AC (Axe) skill+mods = +14, -2 Fear penalty = +12 total
OOC: Under normal circumstances, Vári would likely Charge, but given his fear, I'm going to be more tentative as he runs up to take some hacks.
ACTION 1: Close to AC range with mewlips.
ACTION 2: Attack closest mewlip.
Roll(2d6)+12:2,4,+12 Total:18
Damage if successful: Roll(2d6)+10:2,6,+10 Total:18
ACTION 3 (via Swift Strike Edge): Attack closest mewlip.
Roll(2d6)+12:1,1,+12 Total:14
OOC: Uh-oh...
Next Round Initiative: Roll(2d6)+2:4,3,+2 Total:9, minus 2 Fear = 7
Nori's great attack propelled him with too much momentum and he wasn't able to bring himself around to counter the attack by the ghoul. Fortunately, his dwarf mail withstood the attack but his dwarf clothes didn't so much.
Quote from: Telcontar on Aug 21, 2008, 07:38 AMOOC: damn. I'm going to use a point of courage to beat this. For futrue reference does a dodge count as a physical action?
[OOC:] Hey Tom, dodging does count as a physical action and does cost 1 action to perform. The only variance I have to game rules, is you do not have to declare your dodges at the beginning of any combat round. If you are struck by an opponent, you may then decide to Dodge, Block, or Parry. Mulitple Action Penalties will apply, but the results of the Dodge will still increase your static Defence to the better of the two for the rest of that round.
Any questions, give me a shout. I have marked your character sheet for the Courage point used.
Mewlip 3 attempts to parry Vári:(http://roleplay.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice.gif)
TN 18 Armed Combat (Claws) +6, Specialty +2, Ferocity +3, MAP -5-------------------------
Action 3: Roll(2d6)+6: 5,2,+6 Total:13
FAILURE [
18 damage /2 = 9... Healthy (0) -0]
The second attack from Vári failed due to the double 1's penalty, which I rolled a 5 and brought the attack down to a 9.
Quote from: tomcat on Aug 23, 2008, 09:14 PM
The second attack from Vári failed due to the double 1's penalty, which I rolled a 5 and brought the attack down to a 9.[/color]
OOC: Oh, right. Forgot about that. Thanks.