GM Tyranius Giantslayer (Inactive)

Game Master Tyranius

Kraygan listens with his arms planted firmly on his weapons.

Finally, a break in the case. Knew somethin was stinky about all this.

"Let's see that journal. Then maybe we'll check out the Plague House. Oh, and are you plannin on hidin here? We'll probably need you to talk to Rodrik's pa and brother at some point."

Katreza coughs once again as he looks to Sara. Could you please go get the book from my bag.

To be truthful, I don't think even he knew exactly what he was looking for. Rodrik had run afoul of a flood troll in the Plague House not long ago, and the poor fellow was convinced it was not just an isolated incident. He came to me seeking guidance, and his curiosity was piqued by my visions. I told him that flood trolls are native to Belkzen, but they rarely roam this far south of the flood road. Since learning of his investigation, though, I have had nightmares unlike any before, and I fear that some greater evil may be at play within Trunau's walls.

I have seen vision's of the Plague House many times these past few weeks, and though I can't say with any certainty what these divinations might mean, I believe there is more beneath the ashes of the Burned Church than soot and rubble.

Nothing can help me young dwarf. These afflictions and sores were caused during my time with the Empty Hand tribe. I spent time in the Brimstone Haruspex. It is an orc temple in the caldera of a smoking volcano in the Kodar Mountains. Though the caustic fumes granted be great insight into the future, it also maimed and scarred me. I soon left the barbaric orcs and sought sanctuary here in Trunau.

Sara returns with the book and sets it on the counter. Ah yes, here is the journal that Rodrik left me.

Rodrik's Journal

Wren reads the journal then offers it to the dwarvehorde and will be surprise if any take him up on the offer.

It's not like any of them can read more than a recipe or bathroom graffiti.

"Looks like we need to go to the Plague House," Wren notes. "Do any of you need to make preparations before we go? I have my bow...and arrows...and my mind. Do you all need to get drunk before we go?"

If they go drinking, I could sneak in alone. I do not fear such things.

When people are done with the journal and unless Katreza objects, Wren will pocket the journal.

* * *

What does Wren know of the Plague House as a resident?

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 Know (Local)

"Katreza, Sara...what do you know of the Plague House, either its current usage or past?"

Sara looks to the group of dwarves The Plague House was Trunau's original church to Iomedae. When orc raiders burned it down killing all of the priests within the church of Iomedae decided to build a new chapel within the city walls. The ruined church became known as the Plague House following a tragedy 50 years ago, when Trunau was afflicted with a plague. The town's authorities quickly rebuilt the structure and used it to quarantine the plague victims, but a mysterious fire consumed the building a few days later killing everyone inside-patients and healers-and leaving the infamous site once again in ruins. None have attempted to rebuild it since.

Kraygan tries to recall anything about flood trolls...

Knowledge Local (for flood trolls): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

...nope, nothing.

After Wren looks through the journal, Kraygan takes it and cracks it open. "Ooo, pictures!" Intrigued now, he squints at the words.

"Yup. Time to visit the Plague House." He nods, snapping the journal closed and handing it to a cousin. Looking to Wren, he scoffs. "I'm ready, elf. No need to get drunk first."

Though he's a bit offended, after a moment Kraygan chuckles to himself.

If Haggis still has that keg I can do it on the way.

Jorgan actually takes the journal from Wren and reads it over. You're not sure he got all of it the first time, as he then reads it a second time. "Well, if Rodrik seemed to think it was important, I think there's nothing left but to head there and inspect it ourselves. Seems we might expect undead there. Everyone ready?"

Jorgan leaves without a goodbye and starts getting Hops ready for the journey.

Vanderhoff peers over Jorgan's shoulder, reading the journal. "I agree. It seems our only lead is the Plague House. After, I think we should search for the blacksmith's apprentice."

The group quickly gathers their belongings as they leave Trunau through the main gate. Heading southwest around the large craggy cliffs the group soon reaches the burned down remains of the Plague House.

The Plague House's front doors sit three feet above the ground. Charred wooden beams and ash are all that remains of a small porch and stairs that once led to the entrance. The small windows flanking either side of the doorframe are broken, but a large stained glass window dominating the face of the building to the right remains in fine shape, and shows a varicolored image of Iomedae holding her sword aloft.

Map is posted above.

Wren surveys the doors of the Plague House.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 Perception

"I can't recall ever coming here before...but it's clear that I have not," Wren says while unlimbering his bow. He knocks an arrow and looks at the battlebeards.

"Do tell me you all are combat trained enough to stay out of the firing line of an elf and his target, right?" Wren asks, the last thing he wants is having to shoot through a scrum of dwarfmeat.

Wren will follow y'all in. Let you guys decide where to rampage first.

Vanderhoff moves up the stairs and peers into a broken window.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Jorgan insists on bringing Hops in with him. You are unsure if this is because he simply has a deep attachment to the animal or if he is afraid to leave the yak outside. "Aye, we'll stay outta yer way if we can Master Elf. But there be lots o' dwarf bodies and lots o' yak bodies and only one o' you."

Jorgan tries to peep in one of the windows (if he can see that high) before taking out his waraxe and following Vanderhoff in.

Hops will bring up the rear for now. Looks like it's going to be crowded. Lol, wait until all the yaks are huge at level 10....

Added a yak token for Hops next to Jorgan.

Vanderhoff climbs the partially collapsed stairs. The section of building to the northwest has completely collapsed on the ground level. A small portion of the second level is visibly by Vanderhoff but he is still too short to see much more that a dirt covered floor that has been open to the elements.

Hops seems intent on following Jorgan into the building and sticks close by him. Peeking through one of the broken windows flanking the doorframe Jorgan sees two rows of scorched wrought-iron bedframes that take up most of the space in the scorched chamber, resting between a fire-blackened altar to the southwest and the double doors to the northeast. A second set of double doors leads to the northwest and a single iron door exits the chamber to the southeast. Brightly colored holy figures stare down from stained glass windows built into the blackened stone walls, their visages noticeably less damaged than the rest of the room.

Not recognizing any of the holy figures, Jorgan just mumbles, "Well, no undead yet, but this place gives me the creeps. Lead the way, Vanderhoff."

Wren waits in front of the doors with arrow knocked. He waits for them to be opened.

Place ain't to explore itself.

Can Jorgan open doors? Seemed like a good chance to push there.

Yup! I just had to log back on. Had to go pick up groceries for the wife :)

The charred and weather-beaten heavy oaken doors swing open easily to a 40 foot long hallway that branches off to the north and south.

Though he rode Haggis out to the Plague House, Kraygan dismounts upon arrival. After lashing his lance to the beast, he pulls off a harness of javelins and straps it across his back, then marches toward while strapping a heavy shield to his arm.

"Don't worry yerself." He gives Wren a sideways glance as he edges past and enters the structure. "I trained in the Janderhoff army. We dwarves know 'bout tactics 'n teamwork. I'll give ye a shot, just don't put it in my arse."

Yeah, but it sounded like Vanderhoff was in front of Jorgan. All ready to go in!

Wren steps gingerly on the stairs, his old bones wary of falling under the weight of the dwavenhost.

Wren nods at the double doors. "I'll watch the hallway, let's check that room first."

Torgan ties off Malt outside. "Ye havn't been trained f'r combat yet!" he jovially states to the yak as he anchors the creature to a post.

Torgan catches up to the rest of them, axes at the ready and sees that it's door openin' time. He kicks open the old set of double doors to the south and steps inside.

"Whoa! Not without me, ye don't!" Kraygan hustles past Vanderhoff, trying to stay at the front of the group with Torgan.

Hmm I had this all typed up before. It seems that it did not stick.

Wren stands watch over the hallway as Torgan bursts through the double doors. The right door falls off of the hinges as it crashes to the floor with a bang. A small cloud of dust or ashes from human remains plumes into the air. Kraygan rushes right to his side.

Two rows of scorched wrought-iron bedframes that take up most of the space in the scorched chamber, resting between a fire-blackened altar to the southwest and the double doors to the northeast. A second set of double doors leads to the northwest and a single iron door exits the chamber to the southeast. Brightly colored holy figures stare down from stained glass windows built into the blackened stone walls, their visages noticeably less damaged than the rest of the room.

It looks as if a few belongings or valuables lie amongst the ash on the floor and a few items buried on some of the beds. Easily procured with a small bit of sifting through the remains.

"Place doesn't look like much." Kraygan wades through the debris of the room, pushing over a few beds and checking the altar. "Katreza said he thought somethin was beneath the ashes here. Think he meant beneath the ruins?" He stomps a foot on the floor, listening for any echoes.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Jorgan took Katreza's words more literally and kicks at the dust and ash as he moves in and opens the northern door after looking it over for obvious signs of traps.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Vanderhoff moves down the hall, quietly peering around. "It looks like there are some stairs over here. Perhaps we need to go down, under the structure."

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Wren moves in, following Vanderhoff and Jorgan.

"I think those stairs go up, dwarf."

They are moving quickly, that is good.

Wren's aged legs pad along, his eyes seeking traps or trouble.

Kraygan searches through the ashes from people long remembered and old charred furniture.

Kraygan perception: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Kraygan moves in between the blackened bedframes that burned corpses still lie upon. The dwarf bends down kicking up ash and flipping over a charred bunk. As he does so he looks up to see the burned corpses are now sitting straight up in their bedframes. The corpses let loose a horrific scream that resonates throughout Kraygan's body as their mouths begin to fill with fire and ash. BE GONE FROM HERE DWARF!

Kraygan I need a Dc 14 Will save or you fall under the effects of heightened scare for 3 rounds

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Jorgan moves to the northern door as he does a quick scan for any sign of tampering. Finding none he kicks the door in, following in Torgan's footsteps.
Peering in Torgan sees that most of this room is in shambles, The western wall has collapsed in a heap of rubble. A staircase to the northeast leads to a wooden loft upstairs; The area beneath the loft is filled with fallen beams, jumbled bricks and other debris.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Wren and Vanderhoff move further down the hall as they exit into a wider room.

On the northern end is a wooden staircase that once led to the upper story but has all but crumbled to ash. The northern wall has collapsed, and the floor beneath has sunk entirely, leaving a dark gaping hole in the ground surrounded by rubble. A single door exits the room to the northeast.

To the south are support walls and pillars that once connected the Plague House to the huge boulder behind it. Thugh they have burned and crumbled away, revealing nearly the entire face of the onolithic stone as well as much of the sky above. Jagged red runes have been painted onto the rock in long, broad strokes that reach from top to bottom. A cabinet on the southwest wall and a tall bookcase against the northeastern wall are all that remain of the room's furnishings.

All of the screaming and doors banging seems to attract a few unwelcome guests out of hiding as a few giant spiders come crawling out of the rubble from the north and south.

Wren
Vanderhoff
Torgan
Kraygan
-------------------------
Spiders
-------------------------
Jorgan

Round 1, Init 19

Wren, already jumpy from the yelling in the other room, reacts quickly to the spider onset. He wants to see what is happening in the next room, but deal with present threats first.

He shoots at the upper left spider first, raising his shortbow and arrow to skewer the threat.

1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 1 = 13 to hit (PBShot);
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 piercing damage.

Wren 5' steps after firing.

AC 13

Will: 1d20 ⇒ 19

"Har! Someone left an illusionary prank in here!" Kraygan calls from the room he's in. "Gave me a good case o' the goblies!*"

Moving to rejoin his cousins, and Wren, he finds Vanderhoff in the hall outside the far doors. "Hey Hoff, I found somethin funny..." He stops short upon seeing the arachnids of unusual size. "Torag's steel buttcheeks, those spiders are GIANT!"

Double move up next to Vanderhoff.

*The goblies: a sudden scary feeling, named for easily scared goblins.

Wren fires a quick arrow at one of the northern spiders. The arrow pierces the creatures soft flesh with the sound of a piece of celery cracking as Kraygan moves out into the hallway out of curiosity.

Round 1
Wren
Vanderhoff
Torgan
Kraygan
-------------------------
Spiders (#1-2 hp)
-------------------------
Jorgan

Vanderhoff quickly jumps into action at the sight of the spiders. Moving to the northeast, he pulls his hammer out and swings at the spider.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Damage: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Torgan runs to meet the rest of the dwarveswarm while drawing a second dwarven maulaxe. He yells to his brother "Duck!" and leapfrogs over the shorter dwarf while he throws his maulaxe at the blue spider in front of Vanderhoff.

Maulaxe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

The maulaxe nearly takes off Van's face as it embeds itself in the wall near him. "FIRE IN THE HOLE!"

Vanderhoff rushes into the room as he swings his mighty hammer at the spider. The hammer connects with a dull thud as a small portion of the spider's body caves in upon itself.

Torgan literally leaps into the room over his cousin, though h misjudges the distance as his leg clips his shoulder causing Torgan's axe to instead imbed itself into a wooden beam nearby.

The spider's begin to scurry around as they descend upon their closest prey and bite at the dwarves with venom dripping from their fangs.

Red Giant Spider vs Vanderhoff AC 18: 1d20 ⇒ 7
Blue Giant Spider vs Vanderhoff AC 18: 1d20 ⇒ 8
Green Giant Spider vs Kraygan AC 20: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

The spider's fangs scrap along the dwarves armor as they his and weave their bodies menacingly.

Where did you do the nice bordering at?

Round 2

Wren
Vanderhoff
Torgan
Kraygan
-------------------------
Spiders (Red-2 hp; Blue -14 hp)
-------------------------
Jorgan

When you click on an image there is a pencil symbol at the top for "line color" that lets you put a border around things. Is that what you meant?

"C'mon Hops!" Jorgan calls his yak buddy forward as he steps back and starts summoning a natural ally.

Move action for Hops. He can't really get into the room yet though and I don't think a yak would push through allies.

Start summon nature's ally I for Jorgan; finishes at the start of his next turn.

Round 2, Init 19

Wren bowpalms (yes, smashes his bow into his forehead) as Kraygan is between him and his prey. With a sigh, he waits for Kraygan move his bearded bulk out of the way.

When Kraygan moves, Wren will shoot the spider.

1d20 + 3 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 1 - 4 = 9 to hit (PBShot, combat);
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 piercing damage.

AC 13

Waraxe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Apparently things with eight legs give Kraygan the real goblies.

After taking a timid swipe at the spider before him, he steps around it, past Torgan, and calls out to the elf. "Shoot it! Shoot it!"

When Wren's arrow misses, he shouts again. "Gah! Shoot the spider!!"

Dropping his hammer, Vanderhoff grabs his axe and swings it at the spider in front of him.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Damage: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Sweat rolling down his forehead, he steals a glance behind him, wondering when the reinforcements will arrive.

Yes thanks! The more you know!

Hops begins to stampede forward as Jorgan begins to call forth some aid.

Vanderhoff drops his hammer onto the floor and swings at the spider with his axe. The axe bites deep into the spider's side as a leg falls to the ground. The spider jerks a few final times before becoming still.

Kraygan shifts around the spider swinging at it with his waraxe. His blade misses as it scraps across the floor. Once Kraygan is out of his line of sight Wren lets loose a second arrow which flies wide, shattering against the rock's face.

Round 2

Jorgan
Wren
Vanderhoff
Torgan
Kraygan
-------------------------
Spiders (Red-2 hp)
-------------------------

Torgan will draw his waraxe in his other hand and lash out at the spider next to him, however it seems that he has had a bit too much ale as his aim is completely off.

Waraxe: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Torgan unleashes his waraxe on the spider but is able to only strike the air around him.

The spiders arch back and bite at Vanderhoff and Kraygan.

Giant spider bite vs Vanderhoff AC 18: 1d20 ⇒ 13
Giant Spider bite vs Kraygan AC 20: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6 + poison

The spider sinks it's venomous fangs right into Kraygan's leg. He begins to feel a small trickle of pain shoot up his leg.

Round 3

Jorgan
Wren
Vanderhoff
Torgan
Kraygan (7/13 hp)
-------------------------
Spiders (Red-2 hp)
-------------------------

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Damage: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Shifting his stance, Vanderhoff reverses the swing of his axe and strikes at the other spider!

Torgan unleashes a barrage of attacks at the spider biting Kraygan. "Biting m'cousin!? NO TODAY!"

Dwarven Waraxe: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 - 2 = 8
Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Dwarven Maulaxe: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 - 2 = 8
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

"Maybe today..." Torgan states as his attacks clatter against the ground. "Why're there five spiders?!"

Vanderhoff shifts his axe quickly in the opposite direction, skimming the spider all along it's side.

Torgan continues to frantically flail about with his axes. Are his eyes open? :)

Round 3

Jorgan
Wren
Vanderhoff
Torgan
Kraygan (7/13 hp)
-------------------------
Spiders (Red-8 hp)
-------------------------

Fort vs Poison: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 2 = 17

Steelkeg beer must be a natural antidote, because Kraygan seems unaffected by the poison. With a battlecry he chops at the spider that bit him.

Waraxe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Seeing his companions having trouble, he calls out. "Damnation! Is everyone drunk this morning?"

Round 4

Wren moves for a clear shot at the green spider.

1d20 + 3 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 1 - 4 = 19 to hit; (PBS, combat)
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 damage.

Jorgan finishes his spell and a giant centipede joins the mix. "Don' kill tha' one! It's on our side!" he warns.

Near whatever spider is left (I have a feeling the green one is gone).

bite on green: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
damage: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3
DC 13 Fort save against poison or take 1d3 ⇒ 2 Dex damage

Jorgan then sends Hops in to assault spiders!

gore: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

And Jorgan also moves into the room, drawing his waraxe. Also drawing an AoO from green if it's still up.

Move action in, move action to draw weapon.

Blue died. Green is very much alive.

Jorgan conjures forth a giant centipede right next to the Giant spider. Feels like a 60's giant insect movie The centipede bites at the spider but it's skin seems to be a bit tougher than expected.

Hops slams into the giant spider, slightly wounded the creature. Jorgan moves past the spider towards the northern one.

Green Giant Spider AoO vs Jorgan AC 15: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

The spider lashes out at Jorgan but can't seem to get past all of the people surrounding it.

Wren fires an arrow into the soft lower body of the spider. It sinks in deep as the spider hunches down in pain.

Kraygan's body fights off the poison as he swings his axe once again at the nimble spider. The spider moves out of the way just in time as it bites back at Hops for wounding it. The red spider bites at Vanderhoff once again.

Green Giant Spider vs Hops AC 12: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6 + Poison

Red Giant Spider vs Vanderhoff AC 18: 1d20 ⇒ 13

The green spider bites right into Hop's shoulder. Green ichor drips from the wound as the spider backs up.

Round 4
Jorgan (Hops 9/15 HP)
Wren
Vanderhoff
Torgan
Kraygan (7/13 hp)
-------------------------
Spiders (Red-8 hp; green-12 hp)
-------------------------

Round 4, Init 19

Seeing the green spider surrounded, Wren moves to take a clean shot at the red spider, moving around Torgan and into position.

1d20 + 3 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 1 - 4 = 15 to hit (PBShot, combat);
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 piercing damage.

AC 13

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Damage: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Vanderhoff swings again, but slips on spider ichor while trying to avoid Wren's arrow, as it whizzes by his head.

Torgan goes crazy and wildly swings his axes when he steps forward to take down the spider, leading with his maulaxe and cleaving with his waraxe. "NOT TH' YAK!"

Dwarven Maulaxe: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 - 2 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Dwarven Waraxe: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 3 - 2 = 20
Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

"Die devil-bug!" Kraygan shouts and swings his axe again.

Kraygan's last in the initiative order, so apply this to the red spider if the green is dead.
Waraxe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9