DM VoV - Throne of Night - Explorer's Adventure Path (Inactive)

Game Master Mark Sweetman

Take a surprise round action (Agna's is Haste) and then I'll break into normal initiative.

"Let's take it. Anybody bring salt?"

Padrym will cast a spell to make sure his first strike hits.

True Strike

"No, but here's what we can do instead...." In a practiced and clear voice, Hilde starts to provide useful advice on fighting giant slugs. Naturalist ability: everyone gets +2 AC, +2 to hit, and +2 on saves vs. (Ex), (Su), and SLAs used by the slug.

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Nar uses his bow and fires off a shot, hoping the arrows have more of an affect on the creature then his collection of blunt weapons.

Hasted Longbow attack with Naturalist: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 16 -4 to hit if anyone is in melee with it by the time I shoot
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Stali takes advantage of the moments before battle and casts lead blades, then gets ready to rush toward the slug.
Initiative 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

As words arcane and divine are put to tongue to bolster and gird a single arrow arcs through the dark from Nar's bow. His aim is true, but the missive bounces off the slug's thickened and gnarled hide. A chilling and guttural screech comes from the behemothic mollusc and it readies to surge towards the source of the projectile... it's slimy track making an indescribable sound of grating, sliding, grinding as it surges.

Action Tracker (Round 1): Stali, Padrym, Hilde, Agna, Nar, Da Slug

The tunnel is 15ft wide, and the slug is still 90ft ahead of the front liners.
No map yet - but it should be fairly simple to figure out.

Agna delays until the rest of the group takes their actions. Remember, you are all under the effects of Haste as you roll.

Action Tracker (Round 1): Stali, Padrym, Hilde, Nar, Agna, Da Slug

"I guess big ugly has spied us! Too far to get to 'im yet though!" Stáli rushes forward 20 feet and casts bull's strength.

Tis a bump for the others.
And a reminder to Stali that with haste he could charge 90ft if he wanted to.

Its ok, I'd like to have the bull's strength and with the reach weapon, Stáli would rather be back a little too.

Nar fires off a couple more shots before anyone else closes in with it.

Hasted Longbow attack with Naturalist: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 29
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Hasted Longbow attack with Naturalist: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Hasted Longbow attack with Naturalist: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 1 + 2 - 5 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Round 1:

Hilde maintains her advice, pausing only to cast a spell on Nar that bolsters his morale.

Casting heroism; +2 morale bonus to attack rolls, saves, and skill checks.

Stali steps to and girds his loins while Hilde forges resolve in Nar's breast. Nar's following triple volley of missiles sink deep into the slug's hide... but it is not yet clear if the beast is injured by them.

Action Tracker (Round 1): Stali, Padrym, Hilde, Nar, Agna, Da Slug

Round 1

Feeling quick, enlightened, heroic and focused, Padrym moves up next to Stali, then a little past him.

Moving up 25' and to the side so the slug (in theory) has to engage me first.

Waiting for the slug to advance, he prepares his axe.

Greataxe Haste Naturalist Heroism True Strike: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 20 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 20 = 36
Damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Sorry for my absence, between work and home tasks plus a sick kid I've not had a lot of free time this week(end).

Agna casts a. Magic Missile at the slug.

Damage 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 1, 2) + 3 = 7

Unfortunately, heroism only affects a single target.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Except for that lovely heroism aura that the heroism domain gets. Have that one on my PFS evangelist cleric of Shizuru :)

Padrym readies himself while Agna sends a trio of force missiles slamming into the slug.

It makes a noise akin to a screeching roar in response and tears itself forward, surging closer to Padrym before slowing slightly and seemingly locking in on the dwarf's location. The mollusc's forward section rears back before twitching forward. A globule of smoking phlegm is launched like a catapult at Padrym...
Acid Spit (Touch): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 for 10d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 2, 4, 4, 3, 3, 1, 6, 2) = 31 acid damage
...the gobbet catching him upon the shoulder and the sticky liquid etching and burning as it spreads to cover his skin.

Slug is 45ft in front of Padrym; Padrym is 5ft in front of Stali; and everyone else is 20ft behind Stali.

Action Tracker (Round 2): Stali, Padrym, Hilde, Nar, Agna, Da Slug

Agna uses her second first level spell of the day, firing out more Magic Missiles at the slug.

Damage 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3, 2) + 3 = 12

Hilde sends an arrow towards the giant mollusc while maintaining her running commentary.

Arrow to slug, incl. naturalist bonus: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 2 = 22
Arrow damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Sped onward by the spell and feeling his muscles surging with strength from his own spells, Stáli rushes ahead to attack the slug. "You say hit him right between the eyestalks, right Hilde?"
Attack 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28 includes charge, naturalist, bull's strength, haste
Damage 3d6 + 8 ⇒ (4, 4, 5) + 8 = 21
AC is 19, charge and naturalist cancel out, but haste puts me up 1

Round 2

Feeling worse for wear with the slugs acid eating into him, Padrym nonetheless moves to support Stáli.

Greataxe Haste Naturalist Charge: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 21
Damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

As Stali swarms forward the slug reacts and lunges towards him...
Tongue: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19 for 2d10 + 12 + 2d8 ⇒ (4, 3) + 12 + (6, 4) = 29 2d8 is acid
...a thick and fibrous tongue catching the dwarf across his face despite his best efforts to dodge. Stali feels like a hammer has struck him, and the slimy aftertaste left from the tongue's passage begins to hiss and burn.
I think that takes you to 0 HP? - but charge should still complete.
I know you have reach, but the slugs is 15ft.

With what ounces of strength remain Stali follows through, though his weapon seems to lose some of it's strength bouncing off the malleable hide.

Unbowed by acidic taint Padrym follows, and thanks the stars that the slug is less than nimble, his axe almost being turned before biting through the beast's hide.

Hilde's aim is affected by battle having been joined and her arrow is less ably directed, skimming off the slug's skin.

Agna summons another trio of force bearing missiles that thud home into the beast's skin.

Action Tracker (Round 2): Stali, Padrym, Hilde, Nar, Agna, Da Slug

It looks like Stáli has taken 29/39, so he's still up and swinging.

It looks like Stáli has taken 29/39, so he's still up and swinging.

Aye - tired eyes seeing a 2 where a 3 sits... please ignore and carry on.

With that slug hitting like that though, I'm probably not up much longer!

Nar discards his bow and takes advantage of the slug's distraction, moving up with hammer in hand. Can roll your own attack when you're online.

Roiling in pain the body of the slug shudders before it's maw and prehensile tongue seek the nearest target... who happens to be Padrym...
Tongue: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18
...though through minor miracle it's vile lick is defeated by the armor girding the dwarf's form.

Action Tracker (Round 3): Stali, Padrym, Hilde, Nar, Agna, Da Slug

I'm guessing full attacks should probably put paid to the wee mollusc.

Stáli hesitates for the briefest of moments, knowing that another acidic slurp might kill him, but looking around and realizing that some of his companions are in little better shape. When the slug misses Padrym, he sees an opening and strikes twice with his hammer, knowing that part of his energy will deflect off the rubbery hide.
Regular Attack 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Damage 3d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 1, 1) + 8 = 16
Hasted Attack 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Damage 3d6 + 8 ⇒ (2, 4, 2) + 8 = 16

Agna will delay until all her friends have acted, wanting to see if they could kill it before she had to use more magic. if not, she fires yet another magic missile.

Damage 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2, 4) + 3 = 13

Hilde draws her CLW wand and moves up towards the wounded, continuing her advice.

Round 3

Padrym unclenches his hairy dwarven buttocks as the slug misses, then swings as quickly as he can before the creature can attack further.

Swift action for Judgement of Justice, +2 to hit.

Greataxe Haste Naturalist Justice: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 31
Damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Greataxe Haste Naturalist Justice: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 19
Damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Nar: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14 for 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2) + 3 = 7
Nar: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14 for 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 4) + 3 = 11
Nar: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22 for 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3) + 3 = 10
Nar: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 for 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 3) + 3 = 8

As Agna's forceful bolts continue to slowly wear down the creature, Padrym adds another raking cut to it's belly hide. Nar flails with his hammer, but is unable to make a lasting impression through the rubbery mucus laden covering that girds the creature. Stali's foot is gripped temporarily by some of the sludge lining the tunnel and his own blows are glancing and ineffectual.

Though the giant slug is now laboring and it's movements are becoming slowed, it fights on... and even ill directed it's body is sizeable enough that even a glancing blow could be crushing. Sliding backwards slightly it lashes out again at the nearest threat... the one that continues to cut and bite at it's belly...
Tongue at Padrym: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17
...though again the posteriorally hirsute manages to slip it's caustic embrace.

Action Tracker (Round 4): Stali, Padrym, Hilde, Nar, Agna, Da Slug

Stáli twists his foot in the muck seeking a firmer purchase. Once again he swings his hammmer, listening to Hilde's suggestions on where best to strike the slimy menace.
Oy, think I've actually been leaving out naturalist. +4 BAB +1 Weapon +3 Reg Strength +2 Bull's Strength +1 Haste +2 Naturalist = +13
Regular Attack 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
Damage 3d6 + 8 ⇒ (2, 6, 4) + 8 = 20
Hasted Attack 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33
Damage 3d6 + 8 ⇒ (3, 1, 6) + 8 = 18
Confirm 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21
Extra Damage if confirmed 3d6 + 8 + 3d6 + 8 ⇒ (2, 3, 3) + 8 + (6, 6, 2) + 8 = 38

Hilde continues to observe the fight carefully, giving directions as needed. If the creature hasn't been slain by the time it's about to act again, she'll tag Padrym with her wand as he's the one getting targeted at the moment.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Round 4

Amazed at his continued existence, Padrym gives it his all.

"One last push boys!"

Greataxe Haste Naturalist Justice: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 24
Damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Greataxe Haste Naturalist Justice: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 16
Damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Padrym opens up another cut on the slug that is exploited by Stali's mighty hammer blow. The mollusc ruptures at the rent and it's life-ichor bleeds unto the cavern floor in a flood of viscera.

Regaining your sense of calm and working the worst of the acid from the nooks and crannies of your armor you continue to the slug's lair. Within it lies no gold or silver, but in a single mass are thirty giant slug eggs (each about a fragile slimy sphere about eight inches in diameter).

"Well look here. Seems everyone down here is ready to make babies. I don't suppose anyone knows if giant slug eggs are worth anything?" Stáli beseeches Torag for healing and after a few moments of prayer, the acid burns on his arms fade.
Convert summon monster III to cure serious wounds 3d8 + 6 ⇒ (8, 6, 7) + 6 = 27
hp now 37/39

WIth Lore Master, Hilde makes that check automatically.

"I don't know if the young could be trained. From the smell of those eggs, though, I think they're filled with the same acid mix it spits. They might do some damage if you threw them at someone."

Hilde checks if the mollusc flesh is corrosive, and if not cuts a few pieces for her bat.

"I certainly am not carrying around a bunch of slugs. Even I have my limits with nature," Agna grumbles as she casts Detect Magic and looks at the lair.

Hilde muses on the mollusc flesh and decides against feeding it to her infant bat. Too tough, and likely unlikely to be palatable with the aftertaste of acid.

Agna's investigations with detect magic find naught else within the lair.

Padrym leans slightly at the slug collapses.

"That...hurt..."

Using some of his divine healing, he closes a few of the rasping wounds caused by the acidic tongue of the giant mollusc.

CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

"Do you want to rest here? This thing has probably cleared out a lot of the creatures nearby, so we shouldn't be disturbed."

"That's a great point. I can't think of any creatures who would want to be next door neighbors to that thing..."

Musing on the surrounds you confirm that there does not seem to be any sign of other creatures nearby.

Resting?

"Mmmm, yes good thinking. I agree too. Might keep some of those eggs in case we need to throw them at anything."
Stáli will take five of the eggs.

Resting in the mucus covered lair of the once was giant slug you have a peaceful and unhindered sleep... well except for the stench, but after an hour or more you can't even smell it anymore. Wakened and refreshed you ready to step out.

Back out and along the original path you were taking afore the slug detour?

Sure, if everyone else is good with that.

Yeah! Let's go find more slug babies!