DM Puppet Master's Humble Bundle Welcome Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master Anon A Mouse

"We are lucky here; this door seems unlocked. Let me know when you are all ready and I'll open it. And try to not make much noise."

Artair successfully manages to join Jaed without incident, though it is beginning to get a little cramped in the small space between the statue's swords and the exit.

Whilst wrapping the sword with the blanket, Etam replies "Master Zandorias, believe me, I deeply share your frustration with this place, but, respect towards it aside, I am not sure our weapons would survive demolishing a statue made of solid rock. The dwarves might have more insight on this matter."

Instead of jumping over the blades, can I instead climb the statue and strafe laterally? I imagine it could be possible since the blades are on ground level? Feel free to use my roll for acrobatics (-2) instead, though.

Once Artair has passed to the other side, Etam tries climbing the statue using Kassen's head and shoulders to raise himself above the stone blades and then lowering himself slowly to the other side, relying more on his muscles than on his limited nimbleness inside a suit of heavy armour.

Climb: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

After he gets to the other side safely or not, he tries to move silently as instructed by Jaed.

Stealth: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1

Finnrick marvels at the construction of the statues I've never seen such craftsmanship by man. I'm sure it pales in comparison to that of the dwarves but still these statues are quite impressive.

I guess it's now or never I'm on my way.Finnrick says to the others in a hushed voice as he makes his way down the hall.

Acrobatics: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (9) - 2 = 7

Millsy follows with more grace than her master.

Escape Artist: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

These are the rolls I get for being MIA for so long sorry about that y'all.

Since there isn't actually room on the other side of the stone sword blockade, people stand in various states of progress getting across. It's mostly without incident except for Finnrick slipping and cutting himself.

Finnrick damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Jaed looks back at the line that has formed behind him, prepares his crossbow and raises his hand to let his companions know that he his ready to open the door.

We are in a very disadvantageous position. If there are any foes in that room we all have to get in there as fast as we can.

Trying to make the less noise possible he opens the door.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Runvald has not moved yet but I suppose he will be in the line behind Finnrick, guarding out back so I will go on and open the door.

I'll roll Runvald's check once I get home and look up his acrobatics modifier.

One half of this lofty chamber has a lowered floor, with stairs on either side to reach the bottom. Standing opposite the door is a tall wooden statue of Kassen grasping a gigantic wooden shield in each hand. One of the shields is inscribed with the word "home," while the other reads "family."

To the East on this level you see a set of stairs going upwards. On the lower level you see one door to the South.

Statue has been marked on the map. The red line signifies that there's a 15 ft drop from one side to the next.

Runvald Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

With a drunken lurch, Runvald trips and falls only to roll neatly past the first pair of statues and then jump up to do a flip over the second pair. He loses his balance slightly on the landing and ends up half walking half falling backwards in a circle before being caught by strong arms. Squinting, he turns around to see that he had managed to catch himself on one of the statues' arms. In a salute, he pulls out some whiskey and raises his flask to the still form. "Much obliiigge*hic*."

Can I examine the statue from above or do I need to go down to examine it?

You can examine it from where you are, but you'll get a slight distance penalties (it's a +1 DC per 10ft) and will obviously be limited to things you can see from where you're standing (AKA if there was a "Kick me" sign on its back, you couldn't see it).

"What a peculiar room." Like most of the rooms in this crypt.

Jaed moves closer to the western stairs (but he does not step in them) and from there he examines the other half of the room.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12+1 to find traps

"I would recommend that half of us go to take a closer look at the statue while the others stay in the higher half of the room. At least until we are sure there are no traps around."

"I will join you, master Zandorias.", Etam says, spear in hand and moving to Jaed's side. He looks over the ledge, trying to see if there is anything suspicious on the floor, particularly around the statue.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
i will join you too!

Millsy and I will stay here and keep watch. Finnrick and Millsy watch as the group gets closer to the statue. Finnrick scans the room and examines the statue from afar.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27

Am I in position now to see if there is a kick me sign on its back?

According to the map, you're not even in the same room as the statue, so no. You would need to go down the stairs and move behind the statue to see its back.

In case it's unclear, I'm currently waiting for someone to do something. So if you were waiting on me to tell you something first, you should speak up. :-)

Ok, I'll take this one for the team :-)

"That's a big statue and two impressive wooden shields."

Jaed carefully descends the stairs and gets closer to the statue fearing that something will happen based on his previous experiences in the crypt. I just hope that statue does not start moving.

In case I get close enough to the statue without nothing happening I'll take 20 for the perception check to examine it.

I will closely follow. And do the same. Is it stone?

Standing opposite the door is a tall wooden statue of Kassen

As soon as Jaed reaches the bottom of the stairs, the wooden statue begins to move, stepping forward and releasing the pressure plate it was standing on. The stairs suddenly rotate 45 degrees, turning in to a slide.

Artair acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Though he's following closely behind, Artairs is taken off guard when the stairs shift under him. He tumbles, landing unhurt but prone at the bottom of what is now a slide.

Init
1d20 ⇒ 14
Etam: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Finnrick: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Jaed: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Runvald: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Artair: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Everybody except Artiar acts before the statue.

If you end up adjacent to the statue, you can attempt to make one perception check and read any spoilers you beat the DC of.

Remember that the floor above is 15 ft above the lower level, so you would not be able to hit the statue with a melee weapon from up there. You can move down the slide like normal, but climbing back up will require a DC 10 climb check (DC 15 to climb the wall). If you want to jump to the lower floor, read this.

"Zandorias! Artair!!" Etam yells. Spear in hand, he moves to the east and jumps off the ledge:

Acrobatics: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (16) - 2 = 14
NLD: 1d6 ⇒ 1

He falls with a heavy thud, but manages to stay upright. 'This is going to hurt later.' He lowers his spear below his waist, takes a step south and strikes at the statue from below.

Spear attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Piercing damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

In the middle of the movement, he sees the hole in the statue's back. "Men! There is a keyhole behind the statue's back! I will try to fit the key we found on the pool!"

If I recall correctly, Etam was holding all the keys. He will try to put the only key that did not open any doors so far, which I think is the magic key we got in the pool.

The statue would be actively struggling if you try to put the key in. As such, you would first need to make a grapple check to hold on to the statue followed by another the next round to actually insert the key.

Since the perception check would have come before the attack, if you wish, you can change your action this round to attempt to grapple the statue.

...and it moved ಠ_ಠ

"I'll try to distract it while you jump on his back!"

Jaed takes a step towards the statue and knocks his sword against one of the shields hoping that the noise would be enough to draw its attention away from Etam.

Aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Etam gets a +2 bonus to that grappling check (or whatever is his next attack).

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Does the keyhole have a kick me sign on it :)

I dont act until after it does...

Ok, changing my action, then!

Upon seeing the keyhole and shouting, Etam slides his spear to the ground in the general direction of the statue and runs towards it with a scream, jumping to tackle it to the ground.

Grapple: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 2 = 24

@Artair: If the statue escapes my grapple or if I was not successful, you can try and grapple it again without any attacks of opportunity, since I believe the monster can only do one of of those per turn.

Not sure of how much he can help from his current position Finnick loads and fires a sling bullet at the statue that Etam and Jaed are struggling to take down.

Sling Attack: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (11) - 2 = 9
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"Get in there and help them take that thing down,"Finnrick yells to Millsy.

Millsy runs to aid Etam leaping over anything that gets in her way.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

When she gets there she bites at the statues legs attempting to trip him.

Bite Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Trip: 1d20 ⇒ 13

I wasnt sure if she needed an acrobatics check but I went ahead and made one anyway. Also if it looks as though Millsy would put Etam and Jaed into danger by triping the statue ill not attempt that. Im not sure exactly whats going on during my action.

Does the keyhole have a kick me sign on it :)

If you were able to shrink yourself to be reallllyyyy tiny, you would see that the inside of the key hole has that inscribed around it. But alas, since you can't, you will never know. :-P

Also, to Etam, AoO reset on your turn. So if the statue only has 1 AoO, since Artair goes after it, he could provoke again.

AoO vs Etam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

The statue swings its shield at Etam, but the blow glances off the man's armor. It then turns its attention to unusually noisy Jaed on its other side. While its attention is diverted, Etam gives a flying leap and jumps on to the statue's back.

Runvald attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Finnrick's shot goes wide as Runvald and Millsy move to surround the construct. Millsy bites at the creature's leg and attempts to trip it but is merely shaken off by the wooden creature. The movement causes Runvald's whack with his staff to miss, clacking harmlessly into the stone ground.

Statue break grapple: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Twisting left and right, the statue manages to throw Etam off of its back.

Everybody is up. The statue is currently upright and ungrappled, and Artair is prone.

@DM: Ah, sorry, I thought it would be till our turn came up. It makes more sense this way, though. Thanks for clarifying!

'It will be hard to keep this thing still for long enough. Perhaps if we knock it down it will be easier?'

"Master Finnrick! Throw me your rope! If we can take this thing down it will be easier to slide in the key!"

@Teammates: my idea is that we trip this thing by holding two ends of a rope and spin it around its legs or just use it as a tripwire-kind-of-thing. If you don't see the point, @Finnrick, ignore my call and act regularly and Etam will just try to grapple it again.

Will using the rope give us any advantage over a trip combat maneuver? If not it may be more effective that one tries to trip the statue while the others help giving several +2 bonuses. Or Jaed can try to feint if that gives us even better bonuses.

Not sure…I thought circling the enemy would not provoke AoO. It's also possible that the rope will break almost immediately, depending on this thing's strength. You are probably right…if I initiate and Jaed, Artair and Runvald all try to grapple it we get a +6 (+8 if Millsy joins in on the fun!), together with my +5 takes it to a +11. I'll try initiating the grapple again. Also, I think this statue might be mindless, meaning feinting is not possible?

"Blast it, nevermind the rope! Men! All together on my command!" Etam yells and throws himself at the statue again, trying to immobilise the creature for good. "Now! Grab it in whatever way you can! Let us bring this thing down!"

Grapple: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 (possibly +6 to 23 or +8 to 25)

I can't hit with my sling to save my life anyway, and I like the idea.

Ahh, a solid plan Etam.

Finnrick take the rope from the side of his pouch and throws it to Etam.

Throw: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Not sure what to use for the throw so I just rolled a d20

'I was careless before and I could have died and with me gone who would be there to take care of Finn'

Millsy failed to take out the statue on her first attempt and therefore attacks the statue with all her gusto attempting to make her master proud. She lets out a roar as she bites at the statue and slashes out with her claws.

Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Claw 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Claw 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Bite Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Trip: 1d20 ⇒ 19
Claw 1 Damage: 1d2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Claw 2 Damage: 1d2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"Let's all help Etam getting on this thing!"

Following Etam's command Jaed pulls one of the statues' shields intending to give him some advantage while he jumps on it.

Aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

I suppose that if Etam successfully grapples the statue he can use his second action to put the key in the keyhole, right?

If by "second action" you mean his move action, then no. It takes another grapple check to stick the key in, which is another standard action.

AoO vs Etam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Shield slam: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

As Etam attempt to hurl himself at the statue once more, it manages to bash the warrior with its shield, knocking the wind out of him. Millsy takes the statue's distraction as a chance to bite and claw at the creature, and with a loud CRASH it goes tumbling to the floor. Jaed holds down one of the statue's arms, allowing Etam to lunge and start wrestling with the now prone opponent. Meanwhile Finnrick tosses a rope down that both Etam and Jaed ignore.

Statue is now prone and grappled. Artair is also prone. Artair and (if he happens to come back while we're waiting on Artair) Runvald still have actions.

@DM: Can Runvald/Artair pin or tie up the statue, or do I need to do that as the grapple initiator?

@Teammembers: It will be absolutely beautiful if the key doesn't do anything and I just got more than half my HP in damage for nothing.

Artair stands up and moves to assist as much as possible in teeing up the golem.

@DM: Can Runvald/Artair pin or tie up the statue, or do I need to do that as the grapple initiator?

You would need to try to tie it up. Or else Runvald/Artair would need to first grapple the statue before trying to tie it up, so it still doesn't happen any faster.

+4 from attacking prone enemy.
Runvald Flurry 1: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 1 + 4 = 24
Runvald Flurry 2: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 1 + 4 = 16
Quarterstaff 1: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Quarterstaff 2: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Runvald takes the opportunity to pummel the fallen statue with his quarterstaff, landing several blows on the creature.

With a creeaaak the statue attempts to stand.

AoO Runvald: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 2 + 4 = 20
AoO Jaed: 1d20 + 5 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 4 + 2 = 26
AoO Millsy: 1d20 + 6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 4 + 2 = 24
I believe Etam's spear is 2 handed, so he would not get an AoO. If I've misremembered, feel free to take an AoO.
Runvald: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Jaed: 1d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 2 + (5) = 10
Millsy: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Millsy Trip: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Somewhat unsteadily, the statue manages to stand as everybody lays in on it. Once again it attempts to throw Etam off of its back.

Escape Grapple: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

And once again it shakes off the young warrior.

Everybody is up once again. Statue is both standing and ungrappled.

the first person to attack in the round provokes the AoO, correct?

@DM: Ok, I though using the key was a move action. So we need two consecutive and successful grapples in consecutive turns and the statue failing its escape grapple check. One question, if several individuals grapple the statue, does it need an individual check to escape each grapple or is it just one check for all? Just trying to look for the most "mathematical" effective way of doing things.

@Etam: Yep, I don't know why they call it the crypt of the everflame instead of the crypt of the keys. So long, no flames, many keys :)

@Team: How do we want to proceed? Seems that the grappling approach is not working. Maybe we could try all to grapple the statue or start hitting it until it brakes or disarm it so its AoO are less dangerous without the shields or, well, just run away.

Just looked up the grapple rules. It looks like multiple people grappling is the same as aiding, which means technically Jaed would also have been grappled and his aiding would have been grapple checks, not attack rolls. Here are the relevant disarming rules. Mechanically, it's pretty similar to grappling but with a different effect.

@Artair: Attacking doesn't provoke an AoO; grappling does (unless you have the Improved Grapple feat).

Then I am going to hit it again, maybe it will break.

waraxe: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

TIME TO CHOP A TREE!!!!

@Jaed: mate, let's just burn the place to the ground.

@Team: I think grappling is becoming a bit dangerous. We can all be one-hitted by this thing now and I was actually hoping that to escape the grapple it would be Etam's CMD + 2 from each person aiding it. As it stands, I think it has a bit more than 50% chance to escape the grapple anyway. I say we just smack it senseless and then put the key in afterwards.

After being forced to jump away from the statue, Etam uses his spear to land safely and immediately thrusts it towards the statue's torso. 'Sorry, people of Kassen, we tried but you will have to rebuild this thing.'

Spear attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 = 13
Piercing damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Both Artair and Etam land solid blows on the statue. Suddenly, the statue jerks, standing straight up as it drops both its shields. It steps backwards, returning to the position it was originally in, before ceasing to move.

You're all out of combat. The shields function as poorly designed tower shields, meaning that in addition to the benefits/drawbacks of using one, you're considered flat-footed while wielding it. They weigh 60 pounds each.

"Well, it looks like it's true that there is no problem that cannot be solved using violence. That reaffirms my idea of tearing apart this crypt if that helps increasing our survival chances."

Jaed turns to the fighter:

"Are you ok, Etam? That shield blow looked serious."

Not waiting for an answer Jaed approaches the now motionless statue and carefully examines it and its shields. These shields may come handy in the future but they seem too heavy to carry around. At least for me.

I'll take 20 on the perception check on the statue and the shields.

"Now it should be easier to use that key."

I suppose we are going to need those things for something worse. That thing could have destroyed any of us. Who is best fit to carry those monsters though? And there are two.

We have a door to the south and stairs that look like they may go up and over back to the other side, or we could backtrack across the swords and try the other door. What are people thinking for our next move? Do we want to continue to the south through that door?

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 or should I just take 20...

Artair examines the door to the south.

Etam stops, slightly in awe, as the statue returns to its designated place. Still feeling the weight of the statue's blow, he takes a moment to regain his breath.

"I am still a bit dizzy, but fine otherwise, master Zandorias. Your interest is appreciated." And then, looking at Finnrick: "Master Finnrick, I am afraid I got carried away when I requested your rope. Thank you for the assistance, nevertheless."

He approaches the statue from behind and investigates the keyhole.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Etam might need glasses

He asks his companions: "So, should we try the key? I suppose it is not as "fun" as when the statue is trying to break my ribs, but it might still be useful in some not yet revealed way."

Whilst waiting for his companions' opinions, he quaffs one of his healing potions.
Cure light wounds potion: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

How does everyone else sit on health? I am down to 6HP with 4NLD. Finn and Millsy are both wounded, but not terribly. Etam is back to normal, Jaed is at 11HP witch is full, but has 4STD and 3NLD. How is the rest of the party?