Arien Keyne |
During this time, he asks around about the kobold lair they're about to look into ... seeing if the townsfolk have any helpful insights.
Gather Info, AA: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
I’ll likewise pick up the masterwork transformation for my Curved Blade, a scroll of CLW for the team, and the previously mentioned MW thieves tools.
DM Carbide |
You don't find out much about kobolds, but when word of your discovery of Hunclay's body gets around Xemne, the owner of the local apothecary (and a skilled alchemist) confides in you as you're buying up her stock of CLW potions, "That fellow always spooked me when he'd come around buying supplies. I heard he worshiped devils, and collected evil books."
The flooded quarry isn't far from the edge of town--only a quarter-mile or so. The Old Quarry Road hasn't been used since the quarry shut down, and it's largely overgrown. However, taking the tunnel from under the Witch Tower brings you out onto the shore of the flooded quarry. A fifty-foot wide strip of shore, apparently formed when part of the quarry wall collapsed years ago, stretches between the lake's edge and the remains of the quarry wall. Several large boulders stand among the rubble, up against the wall.
I'll get the map up tomorrow.
DM Carbide |
Map is updated, and I'll move things along shortly.
Master Temperance |
"His actions had consequences which shortened his life dramatically," says Master Temperance mildly to the apothecary, poking around to see if any of the snifters and boilers and dessicators could be put to gastronomic use. His new sword swings at his side as he strolls about the store.
Temperance eyes the boulders. "Kobolds like to hide, do they not? And they enjoy dropping things on people. Perhaps that is an entrance, or a trap. Or both."
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
DM Carbide |
Apologies for not posting sooner; it was a very busy weekend, compounded by getting over a cold and sleeping a lot. Incidentally, Huc, could you put your touch and flatfooted AC in your header?
Master Temperance peers into the shadows between the large boulders and sees movement. As a result, no one is surprised when a hail of sling stones flies out at the party! Huc takes a point, and Fynn takes 3 HP.
Round 1 (ongoing):
Initiative order
Kobolds-acted
Arien
Huc
Master Temperance
Oranna
Party up!
Huc Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Master Temperance Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Oranna Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Kobolds Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Sling to Huc: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Sling to Huc: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Sling to Huc: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Sling to Fynn: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Sling to Fynn: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Sling to Fynn: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Confirm on Huc: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Damage to Huc: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Damage to Fynn: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
Damage to Fynn: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
DM Carbide |
Thanks much. I'm not thrilled with the map for just that reason. According to the text there's plenty of room to go around, so go ahead.
Arien Keyne |
Arien gets behind Fynn for a clear shot, and flicks a dagger at the lead kobold.
Dagger, thrown: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
DM Carbide |
Round 1 (ongoing):
Initiative order
Kobolds-acted
Arien-acted
Huc
Master Temperance
Oranna
Arien tags one of the kobolds, but doesn't drop it.
Huc. |
”Fynn!” Huc shouts as he points to the far group, ”Get’em!”
Handle Animal, DC12: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Fynn rushes off, circling wide to close on the far three as Huc rushes the closest one.
Fynn has to double move to get to the other group, but Huc can make an attack this round (on the nearest one).
Mods: Power Attack.
Greataxe: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 - 1 = 18
damage: 1d12 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 3 = 14
DM Carbide |
Round 1 (ongoing):
Initiative order
Kobolds-acted
Arien-acted
Huc-acted
Master Temperance
Oranna
Huc drops his target!
Master Temperance and Oranna, you're up!
Oranna |
Chanting in a more insidious tone, Oranna casts a spell at one of the Kobolds.
DC 14 Save on one of the I Kobolds or is under Murderous Command
DM Carbide |
Round 1 (ongoing):
Initiative order
Kobolds-acted
Arien-acted
Huc-acted
Master Temperance
Oranna-acted
Somehow the weak-willed kobold finds it in herself to resist Oranna's supernatural blandishments and not try to run her neighbor through. Master Temperance?
Master Temperance |
Temperance jogs up and begins to offer soothing advice from the Sutra of the Everflowing Decanter of Wine. "Nothing truly matters," he says calmly, "But nevertheless, look both ways when crossing a street full of aurochs."
Inspire, +1 to hit/damage for next round
DM Carbide |
Round 2 (ongoing):
Initiative order
Kobolds-acted
Arien
Huc
Master Temperance
Oranna
The five remaining kobolds switch to using spears and stab at Fynn and Huc. Five rolls, only one over 10. Feh. Fynn takes 2 HP.
Party up!
Spear to dog w/flank: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 2 = 4
Spear to dog w/flank: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 1 + 2 = 22
Spear to Huc: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Spear to Huc: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Damage to Fynn: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
Huc. |
”Master Temp!” Huc grunts as he swings at their tiny attackers, ”Some day you’re gonna hafta explain what it is you’re saying’. But damn me if it don't help.”
Fynn snarls at another small cut, and presses the assault.
Huc attacks the one to his south (inspire and power attack)
Greateaxe: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 1 - 1 = 19
damage: 1d12 + 4 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 + 3 = 17
.
Fynn attacks the one to his east (inspire and power attack)
bite: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 1 - 1 = 17
damage: 1d4 + 4 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 + 3 = 12
Master Temperance |
Temperance glides up smoothly near Huc and strikes at a kobold with an open hand.
Unarmed Strike + Inspire: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
for + Inspire: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
and probably misses.
"Mmm," he says to himself and possibly Huc. "I may need more wine." "Aurochs," he says a little louder. "They make the street very messy."
DM Carbide |
Round 2 (ongoing):
Initiative order
Kobolds-acted
Arien
Huc-acted
Master Temperance-acted
Oranna
Huc and Fynn take down another two between them. Master Temperance is unable to tag his, though.
Arien and Oranna!
Oranna |
With a look of annoyance, Oranna casts the same spell again, this time on a different Kobold. She fills the the humanoid lizards mind with thoughts of the ill kind, voices in its head to kill their friends.
Cast Murderous Command again DC:14 Will
Arien Keyne |
Dashing toward the flanking pair of kobolds, Arien frees her elf-made sword and intervenes in their charge.
MW Elven Curve Blade, Power Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
DM Carbide |
Amazingly, the kobold manages to resist Oranna's spell again. Arien charges fleetly into battle, but the small creature ducks out of the way of what would otherwise have been a lethal stroke. Arien--sorry for the confusion. The two that are off the edge of the map are dead, and I should have moved them elsewhere.
Round 3 (ongoing):
Initiative order
Kobolds-acted
Arien
Huc
Master Temperance
Oranna
The three remaining kobolds run away, squirming between the boulders in their haste to escape from the dangerous pinkskins. As they run they shout in high-pitched voices.
Party up! You can pursue on combat time, or stop here and regroup.
DM Carbide |
Looks kind of dark in there, although half the party won't have any trouble.
Huc. |
Handle Animal, DC12: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Huc pulls up and gives a piercing whistle for Fynn, who growls but pads over. "I realize you guy's don't need it, but I don't think I'll be able to see much in there."
He takes a few moments to use one of the scrolls on Fynn, then whispers a heatless flame onto his axe.
Scroll of CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Casting Light, which he'll keep active on his axe until I say otherwise.
Frowning at the weakness of the scroll, Huc shrugs and looks back into the caves. "Welp, anyone think they're open to talking? Or should we just head in?"
He looks ready to just walk in.
DM Carbide |
There are two cave openings that you can see. I recommend that you split up and go in.
Arien Keyne |
Arien frowns as the others arrange their positions. “I don’t relish splitting up in any capacity, but those tunnels look narrow.” She glances at the half orc before continuing. “Oranna won’t need your light, but she’s not exactly the quiet type. It won’t help much if they hear us coming. Maybe I should take the far tunnel alone?”
Yeesh. I’ll go for whichever tunnel the kobolds didn’t take, or that the fewest did. Oranna can follow at a distance, or go with Huc and Temperance.
Oh, before I forget, is that dagger available for retrieval? If so, I’ll snatch it up again.
DM Carbide |
The comment about splitting up was a joke, btw.
Arien Keyne |
Huc looks at the caves warily. "You sure? What if they get you? How will you get out?"
Shrug.
Arien peers into the dark tunnel ahead. ”Not really.”
Arien Keyne |
The comment about splitting up was a joke, btw.
Ugh. The webs ate muh post! | I was trying to move stuff along, and didn’t catch the subtle nuance of Carbide’s stinging sarcasm. I’m happy to scout ahead for the whole party. We might want to spread out, so as not to make one big target, though.
Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29 +1 vs. traps
Once the group has gathered their gear and their courage, Arien pads forward silently through the dark cavern.
Huc. |
Huc nods at Arien's suggestion of spreading out. With a quick command, Fynn begins shadowing Oranna as Huc takes up a rear position, making sure the sneaky little gits don't get behind the group.
As the group progresses, the two do so alertly and stealthfully.
Perception, Huc: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Stealth, Huc: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Perception, Fynn: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Stealth, Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Arien Keyne |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Ooh, DOUBLE stealth. Fynn means business!
DM Carbide |
Two of the kobolds fled into the southern opening, while one fled into the northern opening. I'll get things moving tomorrow; was traveling today.
DM Carbide |
And traveling again today.
Arien, the ceilings in the lair are low enough to be inconvenient. Everyone but Master Temperance and Fynn, take a -2 penalty on attack rolls. The investigator doesn't notice any traps to start with, but she does smell a strong ammoniacal odor from up ahead where the passage widens.
Arien Keyne |
Arien flags down the rest of the party, gesturing to her nose and then ahead. Hoping they understand the message, she turns to move ahead again through the low tunnel.
DM Carbide |
As it happens, no one is surprised when five large rats come out of their reeking straw nests and attack the party!
Round 1 (ongoing):
Initiative order
Rats!-acted
Oranna
Arien
Huc/Fynn
Master Temperance
Three of the rats can reach the party; one bites at Fynn and misses, while the other two savage Arien for 7 HP, plus two DC 11 Fort saves.
Party up!
Huc Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Master Temperance Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Oranna Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Rat Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Rat bites dog: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Rat bites Arien: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Rat bites Arien: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Bite damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Bite damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Arien Keyne |
Fort 1 | DC11: 1d20 ⇒ 6
Fort 2 | DC11: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Arien tries to back away from the mass of rodents as she slashes wildly with her blade.
MW Elven Curve Blade, Combat Expertise, penalty: 1d20 + 5 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 5 - 1 - 2 = 13
Damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
I’m not sure if Fynn plans to advance, but if so, I’ll try to back up/swap with him - assuming that’s possible.
AC=17 this round
Master Temperance |
"Arien, fall back...Fynn and I can take the front line." Temperance begins to recite the Forgotten Cooking Recipes Of The Hungry Monk, which fills everyone with hunger...for battle.
Inspire, +1 to hit/damage. Temperance will move up if he can.
Huc. |
While quite boring, I think the best strategy here is to simply let Fynn tank in the spot he’s currently in. The rats can only come at him 2 at a time that way, and they have to hit his beefy AC while he power attacks away at them one at a time. If people don’t want to wait out that (slow) tactic, just let me know. Also, if we do maintain this tactic, don’t sweat wasting your Inspire on it, Master Temp. Inspire is best used when multiple people can benefit. :/
”Fynn! Defend me!” Huc yells as he looks over at the group’s outnumbered half-elf. ”Fall back, Arien!”
Huc commands Fynn, then draws and throws a dagger at the southernmost rat
Handle Animal, DC12: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
dagger throw, cover, into melee: 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 4 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 - 4 - 4 = 1; yah … not likely.
Fynn snarls, holding his ground, teeth at the ready.
Fynn will ready an action to bite the first rat to come into biting range (with Inspire and power attack)
bite: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 - 1 = 13
damage: 1d4 + 4 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 + 3 = 11
Arien Keyne |
”Fall back, Arien!”
”I’m TRYING!”
Yeah, I was hoping to do a sort of 5' step/castle maneuver with Fynn, but I don’t really have anywhere to go… I was supposed to be sneaking out ahead of the rest of the group, but that didn’t seem to happen.
DM Carbide |
Thought I'd posted something, but I probably navigated away after a Preview. I hate it when I do that.
Oranna opens with a bit of divine inspiration for the investigator. Arien is lining up to take her swing when a faintly unpleasant, hissing whisper seems to sound in her ears. In its wake the shape of the battle seems clearer, and her sword stroke severs a rodent's head. If Fynn isn't moving up, Arien can try to move south and squeeze against the tunnel wall. Master Temperance inspires the party, and Huc & Fynn both miss their targets.
Round 2 (ongoing):
Initiative order
Rats!-acted
Oranna-
Arien-
Huc/Fynn
Master Temperance
One rat scrabbles forward over the bleeding corpse of its fellow and snaps at Arien along with a second; the third bites at Fynn. All miss badly.
Party up!
Attack on Arien: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Attack on Arien: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Arien Keyne |
Abandoning her precarious position, Arien withdraws back down the narrow tunnel.
DM Carbide |
Round 2 (ongoing):
Initiative order
Rats!-acted
Oranna-
Arien-acted
Huc/Fynn
Master Temperance
The rat on Fynn snaps at Arien as she retreats, and misses.