Act 1.1 - The Silver Wood

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Oct 13, 2025 1:34 pm
Marbin stands ready with a throwing knife in hand, he stand behind the dwarf (N27) scanning the area for danger.

Rolls

Intuition - (2d10+1)

(55) + 1 = 11

Oct 13, 2025 1:51 pm
You notice that there are 8 goblins nearby that hiss and chatter with their guttural tongues as they crouch in the bushes and twisted tree roots surrounding the Tomb. They were trying to ambush you with their spears, but ⭐ thanks to Malfina and Shrike you're faster
OOC:
Every round, you can take four different actions: a main action, a move action, a maneuver and a triggered action.

We will handle the triggered action later (you don't start this tutorial with any abilities that grant them)

So, for now, please post your Main Action, Move, and Maneuver (or specify if you’re skipping any). You can also turn your main action into a move action or into a maneuver, so that your turn can alternatively consist of two move actions and a maneuver, or two maneuvers and a move action.

You can (should?) describe your actions cinematically if you like — in that case, use OOC for the actual mechanics.

Who’s up first? All PCs can post
Tutorial notes
[ +- ] Combat actions
[ +- ] Move action
[ +- ] Abilities
Battlemap
https://i.imgur.com/CR9xAwz.jpeg
Overlays in the map above
Orange: Difficult terrain (to prevent clutter, only the nearby squares are highlighted here. For the remaining areas, please see the tactical analysis, below)

Tutorial notes
[ +- ] Objects and terrain
[ +- ] Target: One Creature or Object
[ +- ] Difficult Terrain
[ +- ] Cover
[ +- ] Monster Labels on the Map
Tutorial: Tactical Analysis
[ +- ] Warning
The canopy has been stripped away on the map below, revealing the thick, gnarled trunks beneath. These trees broad bases offer Cover from ranged attacks coming from the opposite side. See the white arrows on the map below for an example of positioning that provides cover for the goblins

On the other hand, the uneven roots and fallen branches make the surrounding spots difficult terrain (highlighted in orange) to enter. There are no extra costs to exit them.

Higher ground, shaded in increasingly darker greens, rises in gentle slopes throughout the map. A sharp-eyed archer or spellcaster there gains a tactical advantage (Edge), firing down at anyone caught in the lower ground. See the black arrows on the map below for an example of positioning that provides Malfina with this edge

At the heart of the map looms the Delian Tomb, an ancient stone monument that completely blocks line of sight for anyone trying to target through it. Adventurers can climb to its roof, 3 squares above the ground, for commanding sightlines and elevated position, but the slick moss and crumbling edges make it a tricky perch—one wrong step could be costly. The map also reveals the Tomb’s interior: a dark, echoing chamber with a staircase leading downward into the earth. Though the entrance seems deceptively quiet, the stairs are the most natural entry point (or exit route) to whatever lies beneath.



New ability
Return to Formlessness
@Drgwen, Malfina is now gaining Return to Formlessness (see it under "Main actions", in your character sheet). If it makes tactical sense, you can burn, break, or reshape parts of the environment. As we progress, more abilities will come online, giving everyone even more tactical options — but even now, you can start thinking creatively about how to use what you’ve got.
Oct 13, 2025 4:40 pm
Shrike is going to Advance to H22, then Charge at W1.b, making a free strike when he reaches the Goblin; His shoulder drives i to the Goblin. He follows that up bu a double palm thrust making a knockback maneuver to slam the goblin into the tree it is skulking under.
OOC:
Edit: Shrike's Free strike will do 7 damage and the Knockback will slide it 4 squares into the tree. Which should translate to 2+1=6 more damage (this calculation assumes a stability of 0) (Slamming Into Objects, pg 272).
Note: Since my discipline is 2 my Knockback gets +2, and since I am a Null I can use my INT instead of MIG.

Shrike Stamina: 27/27 Discipline: 2 Victories: 0
Last edited October 13, 2025 5:24 pm

Rolls

Free Strike - (2D10+2)

(67) + 2 = 15

Knockback - (2D10+2)

(57) + 2 = 14

Oct 13, 2025 5:58 pm
Shrike moves with the straight, unstoppable momentum of a man who’s spent a lifetime pushing through hardship. He surges forward and dirt sprays behind him as his boots pound the ground, the goblin barely managing a snarl before Shrike’s shoulder crashes into it like a battering ram. The impact cracks like thunder through the clearing.

The goblin’s breath bursts out in a wet grunt as it’s lifted clean off its feet. Shrike doesn’t pause. He plants his boots, shifts his weight, and thrusts both palms forward. A ripple of invisible force surges outward slamming into the creature like a huge hammer.

The goblin hurtles backward, limbs flailing, before smashing into the tree it had been lurking. The impact sends a sharp crack echoing through the wood as the trunk splinters. Bark and leaves explode outward, showering the ground. A goblin-sized hole, faintly shimmering with psionic energy, marks the spot where it struck.
OOC:
After 3 squares of movement, the goblin took 5 damage and hurled through the tree (pg 272) You can push it 1 more square or leave it where it is.

Suggestion: Slamming into the other goblin so both creatures take 1 damage.

Shrike, what do you do?
https://i.imgur.com/07ABP79.jpeg

Meanwhile, two goblins on the eastern flank keep moving. While Shrike’s devastating charge draws attention to the center of the clearing, the pair creep forward, spears held tight in their clawed hands.
OOC:
Next PC! What do you do?
Stamina lost:
W1.b: 12
Oct 13, 2025 8:16 pm
OOC:
Love the suggestion, yeah it keeps moving to hit the ither goblin.
Oct 13, 2025 8:30 pm
Naercalad was contemplating the ale, trying to decide if it was worth tasting when the woman burst in. Hearing her story he recognized opportunity. Of course he would help and in doing so, demonstrate his leadership skills. Glory awaits.
OOC:
once we at the Battle, he'd take a position on the left. I think I have
[ +- ] Mark
I'll mark the nearest goblin and move to attack.

Rolls

The roll from earlier - (2d20+3)

(619) + 3 = 28

Oct 13, 2025 8:31 pm
OOC:
PhoenixScientist says:
Love the suggestion, yeah it keeps moving to hit the ither goblin.
Great. =)
https://i.imgur.com/07ABP79.jpeg
OOC:
Next PC! What do you do?
Stamina lost:
W1.a: 1
W1.b: 13
Oct 13, 2025 9:19 pm
OOC:
Esidrix says:
once we at the Battle, he'd take a position on the left. I think I have Mark.

I'll mark the nearest goblin and move to attack.
Sure! I added Naercalad to the grid, but I will need more specific information for his turn.

https://i.imgur.com/3x6P1eC.jpeg

What goblin, exactly, are you marking? How are you going to move forward? Please gimme the identification of the enemy and your path using the grid coordinates, like PhoenixScientist did. What do you mean by "move to attack"? Is it a free ranged strike? So, mark is a maneuver. You also have a main and move action remaining. =)

There are a ton of details in Draw Steel, as this is a tactical RPG system, and those details can be the difference between victory and defeat. Unlike other games, you can't just say "I attack the nearest enemy" because there isn't a simple and effective "attack" ability. Moreover, terrain, objects, position and other stuff matters.

I am looking forward for what ability you gonna use. Any questions or help needed, just ask. =)
Oct 13, 2025 10:52 pm
Seeing the goblins planning their ambush, Malfina smirks and says, "Ah ah ah... You won't get the jump on us that easily, my green friends..." She then moves to her right, staying behind the tree, until she sees two goblins off to the right. Then, somehow, suddenly, she disappears, only to reappear a short distance away, up a hill to the northeast! she then points at the two goblins to her north, and two gouts of flame erupt from her hands and bathe the two goblins in fiery death!
OOC:
At the beginning of her turn in combat, she gains 2 Essence. Her Move is 5, so she moves to Q25. She uses the Practical Magic Maneuver to teleport 2 squares, plus she spends 1 Essence to teleport one more, taking her from Q25 to T22, which puts her up on the hill equal to the two goblins W4.a and W4.b. As her Actin, she then uses Bifurcated Incineration on those two! Power Roll for the bifurcated incineration... Each goblin takes six fire damage! And that means I gain 1 Essence.
Last edited October 13, 2025 10:54 pm

Rolls

Power Roll - (2d10+2)

(55) + 2 = 12

Oct 13, 2025 10:57 pm
OOC:
I'll mark W1.b and I'm still trying to understand the Free attacks. I'll move 5 north and if possible take my free ranged attack on W1.b with my Longbow.
[ +- ] Ranged Weapon Free Strike

Rolls

Attack - (2d20)

(176) = 23

GM edit: Ranged Weapon Free Strike - (2d10+2)

(38) + 2 = 13

Oct 13, 2025 11:33 pm
OOC:
Esidrix, now you got this! =)

PS: Oops, almost. =) I fixed the range in your ranged free strike (probably my fault) it should have been 12 squares, so, yes, you can definitely hit W1.b.

But the dice is 2d10 not 2d20. I added them for you now. With the correct dice, now we can see the results: You did ✅ 8 damage.

And that's it for your turn. =)

Quick recap:
Move = Advance to H21
Maneuver = Marked W1.b
Main = Ranged Weapon Free Strike: Hit with 15 (I forgot the +2 for the edge) Result: Tier 2 (✅) = 8 damage.

OOC:
Continues in my next post, for the goblins
Oct 13, 2025 11:49 pm
OOC:
Flawless description and tactics, Drgwen. =)
The two goblins barely have time to think before Malfina’s flames engulf them. Fire blossoms in twin jets, searing across the clearing. The creatures shriek — high, piercing cries that echo through the trees — as the blaze dances along their ragged leathers. They thrash and roll, slapping at the fire until it gutters out, leaving them smoldering and blackened but still alive, their eyes wide with terror and hate.
Meanwhile, Naercalad strides forward, bow already drawn, his voice sharp and commanding. "Focus on the wounded one! Drop their numbers!"
OOC:
I took the liberty of adding the cinematic description of the Mark skill above. I usually won't speak for your characters, so please consider this just part of the tutorial. Don't worry, they'll be rare and end soon. =)
He then draws and releases the arrow in a single fluid motion. It whistles through the air and finds its mark — straight through the throat of the goblin Shrike had previously sent flying. The creature jerks once, gurgles, and collapses lifelessly against the shattered tree.
https://i.imgur.com/fQwP0mi.jpeg
OOC:
Continues in my next post
Stamina lost:
W1.a: 1
W4.a: 6
W4.b: 6
Oct 13, 2025 11:57 pm
Two of the goblins, howling with renewed fury, advance and charge Shrike head-on. Their bare feet slap the earth as they lower their crude spears and rush him. The first drives its spear into his side, just beneath his ribs. Pain lances through him, hot and sharp. A heartbeat later the second goblin jabs from the opposite side, the point biting into his shoulder. Blood spatters the dirt. They snarl and circle like wolves, their positions nearly boxing him in.
[ +- ] Goblin Warrior's Spear Charge (Main)
OOC:
Shrike, take 8 damage! Be careful or they will flank you!
Across the clearing, two more goblins peel away from the treeline and close in on Naercalad. One sprints ahead with a guttural scream, lunging with its spear. The point scrapes against his armor, glancing off but close enough to make him step back. The other lags just behind, feet pounding the earth as it races to join the attack, ready to strike in the next round.
OOC:
Naercalad, take 4 damage
https://i.imgur.com/qX9KCkR.jpeg
OOC:
Next PC! What do you do?
Stamina lost:
W1.a: 1
W4.a: 6
W4.b: 6

Rolls

W2.a Spear Charge - (2d10+2)

(47) + 2 = 13

W2.b Spear Charge - (2d10+2)

(82) + 2 = 12

W3.a Spear Charge - (2d10+2)

(84) + 2 = 14

Oct 14, 2025 12:09 am
Obsidian seeing Shrike move forward and Malfina disappear will rush forward and assist Shrike bolting forward to L20 then charge to K14 using free strike to hit W1.a with my maul then spinning to thrust the end of the handle in the gut for a knockback maneuver.
OOC:
I hope I did this right. First timer. Free strike=4 dam/ Knock back= push 1. Was I suppose to roll for ferocity?
Last edited October 14, 2025 12:14 am

Rolls

Free strike - (2d10+2)

(54) + 2 = 11

Knock back - (2d10+2)

(51) + 2 = 8

Oct 14, 2025 12:13 am
OOC:
Quote:
I hope I did this right.
You certainly did =)
Obsidian, your maul swings up as you close the distance on the nearest goblin. With a roar, you drive the weapon down, the steel head slamming into the creature’s head with crushing force.

You don’t give it a chance to recover. Spinning on your heel, you ram the thick end of the maul’s haft into its gut. The goblin doubles over, choking and clutching its stomach, spittle flying from between its jagged teeth.
OOC:
For the next one, you should describe where you pushed the goblin. But this time it won't matter, as it's now their turn.
But the little brute still has some fight left. Snarling, it lunges forward in a reckless counterattack, spear darting low and fast. The tip bites into your side, drawing a shallow but stinging line of blood as it shoves itself back into the fray, refusing to fall.
OOC:
Obsidian, take 3 damage
https://i.imgur.com/YoxdUCn.jpeg
OOC:
Quote:
Was I suppose to roll for ferocity?
Please do. For now, it won't make any difference, I guess, but its good practice.

You also get another ferocity because the goblin hurt you. =)
Stamina lost:
W1.a: 5
W4.a: 6
W4.b: 6
OOC:
Vordokov, Marbin, what do you do?

Rolls

W1.a Spear Charge - (2d10+2)

(17) + 2 = 10

Oct 14, 2025 12:28 am
Ferocity

Rolls

Ferocity - (1d3)

(2) = 2

Oct 14, 2025 1:03 am
Shrike will parry the hit from a dead on strike to a glancing blow, a shimmer of psionic energy enhancing his movement as he activates Inertial Shield.
OOC:
Inertial shield halved the damage, Whichever attack is higher I will half.
Last edited October 15, 2025 5:02 am
Oct 14, 2025 8:06 am
OOC:
PhoenixScientist says:
Inertial shield halved the damage, Whichever attack is higher I will half.
Sorry, you don't have Inertial Shield (nor any triggered actions) yet. This is also part of the tutorial. We will have those in the next combat / thread and learn about standing orders.

In the meantime, please lose that Stamina. Don't worry, enemies are also weaker, balanced for these "incremental unlocks" of the tutorial.
Oct 14, 2025 2:05 pm
Marbin jumps forward and suddenly he disappears, leaving behind a puff of black ash. Mere moments later he steps out of the shadow of the closest tree.

He tosses the knife at the lone goblin across the other side of the tree (W3.b).
OOC:
Using Black Ash Teleport to get to J23, and as I am behind a tree I believe I can hide to gain a surge?

As I am hidden I can attack with Edge and therby negating the Bane from them having cover?

If the target has no allies adjacent to them, you gain 1 surge before the power roll. Could I then use 2 surges to increase the damage by 2? If so 8 damage, if not 6 damage.
Last edited October 14, 2025 2:06 pm

Rolls

Insight - (1d3)

(3) = 3

I Work Better Alone - (2d10+2)

(16) + 2 = 9

Oct 14, 2025 9:46 pm
OOC:
Furmyr says:
Using Black Ash Teleport to get to J23, and as I am behind a tree I believe I can hide to gain a surge?

As I am hidden I can attack with Edge and therby negating the Bane from them having cover?

If the target has no allies adjacent to them, you gain 1 surge before the power roll. Could I then use 2 surges to increase the damage by 2? If so 8 damage, if not 6 damage.
Yes to all questions. =) 10 damage it is.
[ +- ] Surges

Vordokov, what do you do?

After that, all creatures on both sides of the battle will have acted, the combat round ends, and a new combat round begins. So you can act twice, if you want =)
Stamina lost:
W1.a: 5
W3.b: 10
W4.a: 6
W4.b: 6
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