OOC (out-of-character)

[reefwood]

Information on the next adventure has been posted but don't look at it until your PC stats have been finalized, corrected, and approved.

There are choices for the players to make in regard to their soldiers and supplies. I don't expect these variables to be vital, and it's more to just give players a chance to pick some of their options. So, if there isn't time for everyone to look over these options before the session, the decisions can be made by the players who have read it, or default amounts can be used.

[reefwood]

Just a reminder that we will be playing War Stories at 7pm this evening.

And people are welcome to come by as early as 6pm to work on characters and get a look at the battlefield.

[Rabbit]

Feb 23, 2010 11:00:39 GMT -5 reefwood said:

Just a reminder that we will be playing War Stories at 7pm this evening.

And people are welcome to come by as early as 6pm to work on characters and get a look at the battlefield.

woo! I'm looking foward to trying this mission out!

[icnivad]

Hey. I have Sir Grolton updated. I don't have time to transcribe him to the board but I'll bring his character sheet a little early so you can look him over.

Some questions about the seige:
Do we know what the enemy forces are made up of?
has a siege attack been attempted yet, if so, what happened? How did the enemy respond. Do they come out into the field? or stay behind their walls.
What is the ground made up of? Dirt? grass? Bushes? (specifically in relationship to entangle)
Any trees around?
Do we have any time the previous day to prepare anything? (like casting fire trap on the hatches of the tower)
Is there a main gate? What is it made of? Any other entrances?
what is the weather like?

[reefwood]

Good questions!

First, real quick... ranks remain the same for returning PCs. New PCs will be Specialists, so like, Specialist Lo, and they will sort of be outside the standard rank & file. Privates are expected to listen to Specialists, and Specialists are supposed to listen to ranking officers but do have a little more freedom to act on their own.

Getting back to the scene and timeline...

Those returning from Longtree rejoined the army around noon on Day 15. The siege of Verdas begins on Day 16. There aren't any free days in between, and it is unlikely that soldiers fleeing from zombies prepared spells that would be specifically useful for a siege. And in fact, I believe Grolton, Brion, and Nero were moving as quickly as possible and not stopping to prepare new spells anyway.

The basic overview of the battle is that Verdas has soldiers on the ground (with a few dire beasts and constructs too) outside the wall, in addition to defenders on the wall. As your army breaks through the ground defenses, siege towers are rolled into those weak points to tackle the defenses on the wall. The defense also has riders on winged mounts. I like to leave the specifics vague until they need to be filled in (i.e. affect your specific unit).

This is going to be another huge battle like Storming the Beach, and just like that one, we will only focus on your small sliver. One difference, however, is that there will be combat going on in your "screen" that you won't see and won't affect you but is part of the story. For example, as your siege tower is pushed to the wall, there will be soldiers still fighting on the ground all around and others rushing to bring ladders to the wall, but those aren't things that we will bother worrying about. Additionally, there is the Chaos of War factor which could be seen as "off screen" enemies attacking your drivers, but this should be a rare occurrence, if it happens at all, and there is nothing you can do to defend against it. For the most part, the only things you need to worry about are figures represented on the board... so another example is, you don't have to worry about the soldiers bringing ladders to the wall, but once the order is given for a ladder to be raised, it gets put on the grid, and then you do have to worry about keeping it in play.

As to the questions...

Do we know what the enemy forces are made up of?

You can expect the majority of the forces to mimic the soldiers encountered in previous assignments.

has a siege attack been attempted yet, if so, what happened? How did the enemy respond. Do they come out into the field? or stay behind their walls.

Nope, this is day one. The defenses that can be expected against the siege tower are arrows, fire, and magic. Which isn't to say other things can't come your way, but that is what is mainly expected.

What is the ground made up of? Dirt? grass? Bushes? (specifically in relationship to entangle)

Any trees around?

The area outside the wall was mostly farmland, and all that was torched before your army arrived. No trees remained in the valley, and the nearest ones outside the valley were chopped down to build the towers. By the time your siege tower gets within range of the wall, whatever vegetation may have survived will be trampled and destroyed. So, pretty much just dirt.

Do we have any time the previous day to prepare anything? (like casting fire trap on the hatches of the tower)

From the way things played out, it doesn't seem like this would be possible for returning PCs, but income pool may be used to purchase scrolls or wands to do something like this.

Is there a main gate? What is it made of? Any other entrances?

You won't be anywhere near the main gate, so this isn't something to bother thinking about. Although, you will be going in at the corner of the wall, and there is a tower at the corner.

what is the weather like?

I just rolled randomly for it, and the weather is normal. A nice spring day

[reefwood]

Post Game (Siege of Verdas)

*Made a couple edits, and they are in RED*

Good job everyone with breaking through the defenses and gaining a foothold on the wall. I was definitely not expecting:

1) Your unit to have so many archers.* The cover provided by the wall helped protect the defenders a lot, which I wasn't expecting to be so effective either, but with so many arrows coming at the defenders, you definitely whittled their numbers faster and with using less resources than I had anticipated (figured it would take up more of your spells if you wanted to attack them from a distance). Also, if you had started with less archers (like 5 or 10), I was thinking the first 10 rounds would go much quicker since it would mostly be just the PCs acting on your side until the siege engine reached the wall, and then the rounds would get longer as melee broke out
* Originally, you were going to start out with 15-20 swordsmen and 5 archers and only be able to select for the remaining 5-10 spots.

2) Melee combat to break out on the wall so quickly. That definitely mucked up the defense and took out the spellcasters quicker than I expected. Although, I also thought a lot more of their spells would be dispelled, so overall, they still got to do some damage to your side.

3) Defenders to be cut off from one side of the wall. But that was more my fault. Originally, there was a tower at each end of your wall section, and additional defenders were going out come out of both towers, but then I thought 2 towers being that close together just didn't make sense. However, even after it was cut down to 1 tower, I was still going to have more defenders appear out of the open end, but then I forgot about it for a while. By the time I remembered, several ladders were already up, and I didn't feel fair by having more defenders just appear there suddenly when they hadn't at all yet.

Figuring out the point system was a little tricky too. Especially since I didn't want to tell you what tasks gave you points or how many because I didn't want to box in your thinking. And you guys definitely thought outside the box I had in mind! I am going to retool the values in the point system a bit for this one, but you guys do awesome with either version of it. I'll post all that info later today or tomorrow and am curious to see what you think of both versions and if you think other things should have earned or lost points. Things that earned you points were 1) reaching the wall, 2) keeping soldiers alive until reaching the wall, 3) dispelling magic, 4) keeping the ladders safe until there were secure. Points were lost from 1) PCs dying and 2) ladders being pushed off the wall. I also thought about having lost drivers reduce 5 points lost, so if you had lost 20 points but lost 2 drivers, if would reduce the penalty down to only 10 points lost.

And if you have any feedback on this one, I'd love to hear it. What you liked or didn't or anything else that you would have wanted to see (For your side or the enemy). One of my main concerns (besides having it drag on and get boring) was that it might be too similar to Storming the Beach, but I think this one definitely had a different feel, and in part to this being a higher level challenge.

---

Wealth

I would like everyone to add up your total wealth. Including scrolls of dispel magic (375 gp each) and the wand of create water (7.5 gp per charge). I know that Sir Grolton is above everyone else, and I do like that to be the case for returning PCs, but I want to see exactly how far ahead he is, and I am wondering where Brion Shaw is at because I think he might be behind everyone else.

---

Next Session

Before I post anything in the story thread or spoils or etc, I want to see what you guys want to do. There are 3 options for the next session:

1) Take the Tower: the tower at the corner of the wall extends another 30 ft high (70 ft from ground). Defending archers are still shooting from inside the tower at your troops on the wall. On the roof of the tower are multiple anti-siege weapons and mages who are raining attacks down at ground troops. Your objective is to take out the archers, but more importantly, the roof defenses. This assignment will start 1 minute after the last one ended, so basically it will be Round 30. PCs will have that 1 minute (10 rounds) to heal or loot bodies or anything else. This will all be done online. Also, it means that spells casting before and during the last session may still be in effect. This assignment will not have a time limit, but the sooner you complete it, the better.

2) Spill into the City: the corner of the wall has been taken (other bad asses took care of the tower and claimed those spoils), and it's time to push into the city. You will start at the base of the tower (or can climb down side). Combat may take place on the streets or in buildings, so basically, urban warfare. This assignment will start 3 minutes after the last one ended, so basically it will be Round 50. This will give you 25 rounds to heal or loot bodies or anything else (it's going to take 5 rounds to reach the bottom of the tower), and I won't worry to much about keeping exact tabs on time (unless you want to check every body or something else very time consuming). Any spells that last more than 5 minutes will still be in effect. No time limit on this one.

3) Fend Off the Backlash: a foothold has been established in the city, but the defenders are not going to let you keep it. Soldiers and mages were not able to do the job, so now the defenders are going to send in brute squads and special ops to retake it. Regular soldiers don't stand a chance, so it's up to you guys. This assignment will take place 2 hours after the last one. Priests will bring your PCs up to 75% hit points at no cost to you, and you'll have all the time needed to loot or do anything else. Spells that last more than 2 hours will still be in effect. I don't think there will be time limits on this one, but faster may be better.

The 1st assignment will be the hardest in terms of limiting your time to prepare, but still having spells in effect will also be a greater boon. It also has the greatest risk but also the best spoils. The 2nd and 3rd assignments fall in line after the 1st.

And if people want to do different ones, we'll just vote. Also, it is possible to do all 3 of these over time if people really like all these ideas. It may even be possible to do a couple of these in 1 session. Of course, if all these sound like terrible ideas, let me know, and I'll brainstorm something else. Anything else would take place the next day, so you'll have time to rest on top of the 75% healing and prepare new spells, so yeah, I guess this is option #4 if you like the sound of that.

[icnivad]

I really enjoyed this last session. I think it offered a lot more room for strategy, which is something that I've always enjoyed. I think that we handled ourselves and our troops really well in this mission, as well, and most importantly, we worked well as a team. We had a plan, and stuck with it, which is something that we did not do too well in the previous mission.

Pats on the back, all around!

As far as next mission, I like the idea of something that "has the greatest risk but also the best spoils." Feeling pretty good about the last mission, Sir Grolton would be eager to keep pushing forward. I like the idea of keeping our buffs as well.

Sir Grolton's total value is 21,604 gp

[Rabbit]

Post Game (Siege of Verdas)

Good job everyone with breaking through the defenses and gaining a foothold on the wall. I was definitely not expecting:

1) Your unit to have so many archers.*

Yeah, this was not my original thinking but it did work out really well. Along with the PCs able to get to the wall before the tower was really effective.

3) Defenders to be cut off from one side of the wall.

Yeah, I was wondering about the other side of the map and if guys would show up, but what you said makes sense. Once we assume we are clear a precedent was set.

And if you have any feedback on this one, I'd love to hear it. What you liked or didn't or anything else that you would have wanted to see (For your side or the enemy). One of my main concerns (besides having it drag on and get boring) was that it might be too similar to Storming the Beach, but I think this one definitely had a different feel, and in part to this being a higher level challenge.

I really liked this one. The rounds were long and the whole thing did take a while, but there was enough going on and changes per round to keep it interesting. I liked the element of having many NPCs to manage, and still have my PC to play, too. Battle tactics are fun.

Next Session

Before I post anything in the story thread or spoils or etc, I want to see what you guys want to do. There are 3 options for the next session:

I think Take the Tower and Spill into the City peak my interest the most. Taking the Tower seems a prudent thing since we are right there and it is a part of securing our segment of the tower.

But I really like the idea of urban warfare with Spill into the City. This sounds like lots of fun and also fits into my concept of my character goals; we have secured the wall so let the grunts hold it while we plunge into the city before its defenders have a chance to adjust (possibley trying to prevent something like Fend the Backlash from even happening.)

EDIT: Lo's wealth 9,983gp 8silver. [this is subtracted things used up and it also includes the wand of create water 50 charges and 3 scrolls of dispel magic]

[Rabbit]

Feb 24, 2010 16:13:53 GMT -5 reefwood said:

Wealth

I would like everyone to add up your total wealth. Including scrolls of dispel magic (375 gp each) and the wand of create water (7.5 gp per charge). I know that Sir Grolton is above everyone else, and I do like that to be the case for returning PCs, but I want to see exactly how far ahead he is, and I am wondering where Brion Shaw is at because I think he might be behind everyone else.

Should we subtract anything used up? like scrolls or wands where the charges are used up?

[reefwood]

Feb 24, 2010 17:58:04 GMT -5 Rabbit said:

Feb 24, 2010 16:13:53 GMT -5 reefwood said:

Wealth

I would like everyone to add up your total wealth. Including scrolls of dispel magic (375 gp each) and the wand of create water (7.5 gp per charge). I know that Sir Grolton is above everyone else, and I do like that to be the case for returning PCs, but I want to see exactly how far ahead he is, and I am wondering where Brion Shaw is at because I think he might be behind everyone else.

Should we subtract anything used up? like scrolls or wands where the charges are used up?

YES. Just add up your current wealth, including mission items but excluding anything used up in the battle. Also, the wealth amounts may change if anything is taken from the bodies, but that is still up in the air, and either way, it'll be easy enough for me to see the changes based on who takes what, if anything.

[Rabbit]

Here is a little blurb I wrote regarding Lo's 'big picture' backstory. I kept it pretty general on purpose.

Back story: The elven trade empire of Hark Rest has existed in one form or another for hundreds of years. Part sovereign nation, part merchant guild the elves are at odds with the current rulers of Vallest. Hark Rest claims Vallest is hording valuable trade routes for themselves and refusing to share them with the world community. Or at least, they are charging too much for the use of their ports.

Hark Rest has aligned itself with Nemedor’s campaign to ‘liberate’ Vallest from its current rulers. The agreement being that Hark Rest’s support with blood and treasure will be repaid with open trade routes and business friendly government. (Hark Rest and Nemedor have been on good trade terms for many years prior to the war.)

That work?

[reefwood]

Feb 24, 2010 20:13:49 GMT -5 Rabbit said:

Here is a little blurb I wrote regarding Lo's 'big picture' backstory. I kept it pretty general on purpose.

Back story: The elven trade empire of Hark Rest has existed in one form or another for hundreds of years. Part sovereign nation, part merchant guild the elves are at odds with the current rulers of Vallest. Hark Rest claims Vallest is hording valuable trade routes for themselves and refusing to share them with the world community. Or at least, they are charging too much for the use of their ports.

Hark Rest has aligned itself with Nemedor’s campaign to ‘liberate’ Vallest from its current rulers. The agreement being that Hark Rest’s support with blood and treasure will be repaid with open trade routes and business friendly government. (Hark Rest and Nemedor have been on good trade terms for many years prior to the war.)

That work?

That is perfect!

[reefwood]

Next Session (voting)

Since there are multiple options, I've decided to set up a voting system. Everyone gets 3 points. You can put all your points into one option or spread them out over multiple options in any way you see fit (1, 1, 1, or 2, 1). If there is a tie, there will be a second vote to break the tie. If there is still a tie after the second vote, a random die roll with determine the winner.

Send your vote via PM to me by the end of Friday.

1) Take the Tower: the tower at the corner of the wall extends another 30 ft high (70 ft from ground). Defending archers are still shooting from inside the tower at your troops on the wall. On the roof of the tower are multiple anti-siege weapons and mages who are raining attacks down at ground troops. Your objective is to take out the archers, but more importantly, the roof defenses. This assignment will start 1 minute after the last one ended, so basically it will be Round 30. PCs will have that 1 minute (10 rounds) to heal or loot bodies or anything else. This will all be done online. Also, it means that spells casting before and during the last session may still be in effect. This assignment will not have a time limit, but the sooner you complete it, the better.

2) Spill into the City: the corner of the wall has been taken (other bad asses took care of the tower and claimed those spoils), and it's time to push into the city. You will start at the base of the tower (or can climb down side). Combat may take place on the streets or in buildings, so basically, urban warfare. This assignment will start 3 minutes after the last one ended, so basically it will be Round 50. This will give you 25 rounds to heal or loot bodies or anything else (it's going to take 5 rounds to reach the bottom of the tower), and I won't worry to much about keeping exact tabs on time (unless you want to check every body or something else very time consuming). Any spells that last more than 5 minutes will still be in effect. No time limit on this one.

3) Fend Off the Backlash: a foothold has been established in the city, but the defenders are not going to let you keep it. Soldiers and mages were not able to do the job, so now the defenders are going to send in brute squads and special ops to retake it. Regular soldiers don't stand a chance, so it's up to you guys. This assignment will take place 2 hours after the last one. Priests will bring your PCs up to 75% hit points at no cost to you, and you'll have all the time needed to loot or do anything else. Spells that last more than 2 hours will still be in effect. I don't think there will be time limits on this one, but faster may be better.

4) The Next Day: the first day of the siege comes to a close at dusk. A foothold has been established in one corner of the city, but the fighting is far from over. Both sides rest and recoup during the night in preparation for another day of bloody battle. PCs will have all the time needed to do a thorough search of the bodies and identification of items. Priests will bring hit points up to 75%, there will be 1 night of rest (with long-term care, if desired), and new spells may be prepared in the morning.

[michael]

Brion's total value is 6890.2 gold, and that includes 5 scrolls of dispel magic.

[Enric]

My vote is one point for Take the Tower and two for Spill Into the City, but they all sound pretty good.