Among taunts and insults from the ruffians, Claus steps to help the fallen drunk to his feet -- with effort, as he kept stumbling and falling.
"What you helping the drunk for, puppy?" one of them spat at Claus. Another ruffian suddenly stepped forwards and gave the drunk man a shove, sending him sprawling once again. Two thugs begin to kick the downed drunk as the other three slowly step towards Claus threateningly.
"Scared, little puppies? Why don't you help us practice our fists?" the ruffian swaggers towards Claus, and suddenly takes a swing with his fist.
***
Claus has an AC of 14, and the ruffian has a +0 without a weapon. There is no surprise, as an attack is expected.
Ruffian: 10
***
Claus dodges, and the clumsy swing misses. The ruffian suddenly follows up with a second swing --
***
Ruffian: 20
Ouch. Only 1 damage, but he hit your head hard enough to render you immobile. You will skip the first round of combat.
***
Claus staggers from the blow to the head, and trips over the drunk man's leg, sending Claus stumbling and falling onto the ground.
***
Battle! Initiative time (it's been a while!):
Bartholomeo: 1 - 1 = 0
Veit: 7 - 1 = 6
Dalo: 18 - 1 = 17
Portia: 5 + 3 = 8
Syllin: 16 + 2 = 18
Claus: 13 + 3 = 16
Ruffian 1: 9 + 2 = 11
Ruffian 2: 3 + 2 = 5
Ruffian 3: 9 + 2 = 11
Ruffian 4: 10 + 2 = 12
Ruffian 5: 18 + 2 = 20
Tie-breaker:
Ruffian 1: 18 + 2 = 20
Ruffian 3: 6 + 2 = 8
So the order is: Ruffian 5, Syllin, Dalo, Claus, Ruffian 4, Ruffian 1, Ruffian 3, Portia, Veit, Ruffian 2, Batholomeo.
***
The thug behind the attacker rushes up to the fallen Claus, drawing his shortsword. Swinging at Claus --
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The shortsword gives the ruffian +4 to attack, and the ruffian can attack twice per round, so:
Ruffian: 4 + 18
Ruffian: 4 + 8
One hit, one miss.
The shortsword is 1x6 + 2, so:
Ruffian: 6
8 damage to Claus, leaving him with 8 HP!
***
-- the shortsword hits Claus in the shoulder, drawing blood. The ruffian spins the sword going for another hit, but fortunately for Claus, this swing bounces off his armor harmlessly.
@Scepticalscribe your turn!
*** I'm going out of town tomorrow, and will be back Friday night. Just a heads up!