PH Dungeon's Hyborian Campaign

Game Master P.H. Dungeon

The party sets forth into the labyrinth. Ardeth does his best to move stealthily just ahead of the torchlight, Bran and Temur come next, followed by Xanos and Juma bringing up the rear.

At least that's about what I've gathered from your posts

You wander the maze for some some time. With each passing minute the torch burns a little lower. You do your best to monitor the direction of the flame, as per Juma's suggestion. At first it doesn't seem to offer much insight, but as your get further in it starts to subtly direct your movements.

You attempt to monitor the noises as well, and after several minutes you hear a mewling that is getting progressively louder. Perhaps the beast has caught your sent. Then, from darkness of passageway up ahead you hear a terrible cry- a cry filled with both pain and bloodlust. The beast is approaching fast. In seconds you expect it to reach Ardeth and the edge of your torchlight.

What do you do?

Normally improvised weapons falls under the brawling skill. For those of you who have a bone weapon (ie. Ardeth and Juma), I'll allow you to use your melee weapons skill in a fight instead of brawling if you spend a hero point. Otherwise you guys are stuck with your brawling skill until you acquire proper weapons. I'll award hero points from time to time, and they will also refresh now and again, but refreshes will only occur when you accomplish about the equivalent to a face to face session. You can expect to earn a hero point or 2 during a "session." In fact, I'll give each player an extra hero point right now to account for me not letting you start with any gear. However, when your hero points refresh they will refresh at 5 not 6.

How wide is the passage way here?

(If wide enough)
"Quickly! Form a line so we can all attack the beast at once!"

(or if not)
"Quickly! Up against the walls so we can surround the beast!"

Juma himself fearlessly remains in the middle of the tunnel, ready to meet the beast head on, club poised to smash his foe with all his might. Just before the creature reaches them, Juma lets out a near deafening, ululating war-cry, known to give even the fiercest of enemies pause, and to bolster his allies might.

Temur falls back just behind Juma, up by the left wall.

As soon as the beast comes into the light, he'll throw one of the rocks. It should be within range at that point.

Ardeth will hold his breath and attempt to squish himself invisibly up against the wall, hoping that whatever is coming will focus its attention on noisy Juma or light bearing Bran. He will bide his time hoping for an opening to bury his bone dagger in whatever fleshy opening the beast's turned back provides.

Spend my hero point to use melee skill. I will attempt to stealth/hide right where I am, and then backstab whatever creature if it runs past me.

Spell of One (Paralyze), Focuses: Gesture, Speech, Prepared (tattoo)

Spellcasting, Mind+Magician: 2d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5, 1) + 4 + 2 = 12

Xanos extends his hand in a gripping motion and says something undecipherable.

"বন্ধ করা"

The passage way is about 7' wide, which makes it a little tough for 2 to fight side by side, but still possible.

Ardeth pulls up against the left wall in the shadows.

Stealth: 2d6+agility+assassin 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (2, 1) + 5 = 8

Bran squeezes next to Juma in the passage, torch at the ready.
Can I use a Hero Point to wield the torch as a weapon without it going out?

Bran squeezes next to Juma in the passage, torch at the ready.

Can I use a Hero Point to wield the torch as a weapon without it going out?

Yes, though that won't fully guarantee it doesn't go out, but you won't have to worry about smacking your enemy and it going out. If you roll a critical failure something like that it might still happen.

Suddenly the beast surges to the edge of the torchlight by Ardeth. The creature before you is a hulking brute that stands about 8' tall. It is humanoid, but it's flesh is white, completely hairless and covered with sores. It has strong but spindly limbs that end in clawed fingers and toes. It's back is hunched, and the foul thing has not lips, leaving its sharp, yellowed teeth exposed. The creatures yellow eyes burn with hatred, rage and agony.

Ardeth had moved himself up against the left wall, hoping the monstrosity wouldn't notice him, so that he could move past creature and presumably stab it in the back. At least I think that was his plan . Unfortunately, the creature seems to notice him and lashes out. At the same time Juma unleashes a war cry, startling the thing and causing it to briefly falter.

Attack: 3d6+str+brawling 3d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 3, 3) + 7 = 15 dropping the highest due to the Juma's war cry equals a 12. note a normal roll is 2d6, but Juma's war cry means 3d6 are rolled and the lowest two die are used .

The blow potentially hits, but I'm going to assume that Ardeth does not want to get hit by this nasty and will forfeit his first attack to dodge. This means that Ardeth's defence doubles 9+4= 13, and thus the beast's clawed arm just misses him

Ardeth's quick reflexes pay off, and he ducks low avoiding a blow that could take a man's head off.

Temur hurls his rock: 3d6 (take the highest two due to Juma's war cry) + agility (1) + ranged (2) -1 because of companions in front of him.

3d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 2, 5) + 2 = 13 the final result is 11 which hits. He does 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 damage.

The rock hits the thing in the head, causing it howl in pain, and resulting in blood streaming down its face. It is a tough thing, shaking off the hit quickly, and flying into a savage rage.

Everyone but Ardeth (since he had to duck to save his hide) and Temur are now free to act in round 1.

Cool! Ok, let's try this.

Charging forward, roaring in his own battle rage, Juma swing his club at the monstrosity's head, hoping to cave it in like a ripe melon.

Attack 3d6+str+melee+(2 for gladiator? and/or +1 for barbarian and/or mercenary?) Can we only include one career at a time, even if they could apply to the same skill?: 3d6 + 3 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2, 4, 2) + 3 + 2 + 2 = 15

(Seems like that would be a hit at 13 even without the other two careers. But not sure what damage the bone club does)

Cool! Ok, let's try this.

Charging forward, roaring in his own battle rage, Juma swing his club at the monstrosity's head, hoping to cave it in like a ripe melon.

Attack 3d6+str+melee+(2 for gladiator? and/or +1 for barbarian and/or mercenary?) Can we only include one career at a time, even if they could apply to the same skill?: 3d6+3+2+2

(Seems like that would be a hit at 13 even without the other two careers. But not sure what damage the bone club does)

Careers are not normally applied to attack rolls. In certain circumstances I may allow a career bonus to be applied to damage rolls. For instance, if you took a nasty hit, then the next round I may allow your barbarian bonus to apply for damage due to "rage."

When rolling 3d6 you are just taking your highest two dice. So you end up with 6+5= 11. However that still connects.

For 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 damage

Juma you land a solid blow on the beast's should with your bone club, though its tough, rubbery hide seems to absorb some of the impact. It staggers back a couple of steps, but it is still standing.

Bran surges forward, swinging the lit torch at the pitiful wretch.
So, using a Hero Point to wield the torch and accepting that it may go out if I roll a fumble.
3d6+ Str + Brawling?
3d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2, 1, 5) + 2 + 1 = 11
So with the war cry, that yields a 10.

Xanos you are at the back of the party. Ardeth and Juma are up front with the beast; Bran and Temur are just ahead of you.

As you go through the routines needed to channel your sorcery, you hear a noise behind you. It sounds as though a second creature is coming up on you from behind.

You haven't launched your spell yet, so if you wish you can turn and try to get it on the one coming up on you. Otherwise you can still cast at the one ahead of you.

Bran surges forward, swinging the lit torch at the pitiful wretch.

So, using a Hero Point to wield the torch and accepting that it may go out if I roll a fumble.
3d6+ Str + Brawling?
3d6+2+1
So with the war cry, that yields a 10.

With the war cry it is a 10. Given that you have Juma engaged with it beside you I'd give you a +1 gang up bonus. However, because of the tight tunnel you have a -1 fighting beside Juma, so the two cancel out.

Bran moves in and jabs his torch at the beast's face trying to burn out its eyes. Its reflexes are quick, and its arm comes up smacking his wrist and knocking it aside before he can land the thrust. The force of its parry nearly knocks the torch from Bran's hand, but he manages to hang onto it.

If you guys make an attack and want to spend a hero point if you miss. Let me know in your post. If the first roll hits, I'll obviously ignore the reroll and the hero point won't be spent. If the first roll misses you spend the hero point and I'll do a reroll for you apply the results accordingly.

Feel free to roll damage with your attacks, and I'll apply them if the attack hits. Melee weapons are normally: weapon damage + Str. Ranged attacks with hurled weapons will be weapon damage + Str, but Ranged Attacks with things like bows will be weapon damage + agility.

Club is 1d6+Str
Improvised Dagger is 1d4+Str
Flaming Torch is 1d8 fire damage (no mods to damage)
A sizeable Rock is 1d4+strength

You haven't launched your spell yet, so if you wish you can turn and try to get it on the one coming up on you.

That sounds fine. Do I need to roll anything else?

P.H. Dungeon wrote:

You haven't launched your spell yet, so if you wish you can turn and try to get it on the one coming up on you.

That sounds fine. Do I need to roll anything else?

I'm giving this spell a #TN 10. You cast the spell. With the focuses you used, you are able to cast it for 2 SP.

Given the potential potency of a paralyze effect and the fact the paralyzation targets the body, I'm giving the creature a strength test to resist the spell with a TN equal to your casting result. If it fails it is paralyzed and won't be able to take actions on its turn. Each round it will get a new test to shrug off the effects. With a cumulative +1 bonus each round until it is no longer paralyzed.

2d6 + 5 ⇒ (4, 4) + 5 = 13

Xanos your are a little unlucky on your first spell attempt. The creature made its resistance test, and you just spent 2 SP.

Temur- Bran, Ardeth and Juma are up front taking care of the first creature. After hurling your rock, you hear noise behind you, and you turn your head to see Xanos try to cast his spell on the beast coming at him from behind. In Bran's torchlight both you and Xanos can see the thing clearly. It looks much like the first one. For a moment its body seems to seize up, but it manages to keep on lurching forward. It reaches out with long, clawed white arms to grab at Xanos.

Attack: 2d6+str+brawling-2 for almost being paralyzed by the spell 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (3, 6) + 5 = 14

The thing grabs Xanos with both its clawed hands, pinning them to his side. He then lifts the tall, tattooed man off the ground. It looks like its on the verge of taking a big bite at poor Xanos's face. He could probably use a hand.

Xanos, no damage this round, but you are currently pinned by the creature, and it can try to chomp you next round if you don't escape.

That ends round #1. There are now 2 of the foul creatures in the fight. Ardeth, Juma and Bran are engaged with the first one. Xanos is being grappled by the second, and Temur is somewhere in the middle. Hopefully about to give Xanos a hand. Feel free to take your round #2 actions. We'll handle them in whatever order people happen to post in.

Ardeth, because the creature is distracted by Bran and Juma, on your turn if you wish, you can attempt to move in behind it so that you can use you assassin career rank to gain a backstab bonus to damage. A bonus to damage from a career will generally be a 1 per encounter type thing. To get this advantage you need to roll a Agility+Assassin test (#TN 9) to tumble into position behind it. If you succeed you can get your assassin bonus to damage and a +1 to hit. If you fail you can still get behind the thing, but won't gain any bonuses this round.

The Cimmerian recovers, swatting the torch at the beast's chest.
2d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2, 4) + 2 + 1 = 9
Spending a hero point- down to four.
2d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5, 5) + 2 + 1 = 131d8 ⇒ 8

Jaw set grimly, Bran sets upon the beast's midsection with the brand. It nearly swats him aside once more, but the Cimmerian rolls under its long arms and sears its flesh with the torch.

Ardeth, barely having dodged the creature's first blow curses under his breath as he launches into a roll to get behind the creature.
Tumble behind creature2d6 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (6, 3) + 2 + 3 = 14

Coming up in a crouch he brings his dagger down with both hands in an over head stab aimed at the creature's kidney (assuming it has one).
I will use another hero point if needed.
Attack (str, melee, gang up, backstab)2d6 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3, 4) + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 11
Damage (str, assn)1d4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 2 = 6

Ardeth smiles at the satisfying feeling of his bone implement tearing through tissues.

So if he attacks me again, I can dodge but will lose my next attack. Correct?

The thing howls from Ardeth's dagger and Bran's torch. Though the dagger certainly hurts, it seems much more pained/angered by the Torch, and it takes mighty, raging slash at Bran with a clawed hand.

2d6 + 7 ⇒ (6, 3) + 7 = 16

Potential damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

That hurts. Bran is sent staggering, as it claws him across the chest, leaving a nasty bleeding gash.

However, due to the last couple of attacks on it, the thing seems pretty badly wounded.

Bran if you wish that nasty wound can send Bran into a bit of rage, which will mean that you can add your barbarian rank to your next damage roll.

Yes, I'll take anything I can get!

Temur sees the second thing grab the wizard and lunges for it with a shout, hoping to bash its skull in with his rock, or at least distract it from eating Xanos.

Brawling:2d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 1) + 3 = 6
Using a hero point to reroll: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 4) + 3 = 13
Rock damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Edit: Forgot I could burn a hero point to reroll.

Ardeth will stab at the creature's back again, seeking to enlarge the hole from his first strike.

I will use hero point if I miss
Attack (Str, Melee, Gang Up) 2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3, 2) + 1 + 1 = 7 (Miss)
Hero Point Reroll 2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1, 6) + 1 + 1 = 9 (Sadly still a miss)

His pitiful improvised dagger proves no match for the beast's foul rubbery hide. Even after gritting his teeth and surging down on the thrust with all his weight, he succeeds only in releasing a torrent of pus and ichor from one of the open sores. Cursed demon! What foul god has sent me to this place of horrors? Seeing the creatures' vicious blow against Bran, and picking up the sorcerer like a ragdoll, Ardeth does not bother to hide the fear on his face. If only I had my bow!

Hey sorry, didn't get a chance to look through all of this (but yikes! it's moving Fast!) and wanted to let you know will likely not be able to post this weekend-going away, in 30 min and have to finish getting ready!-so please DMPC Juma as necessary. Have a good one all!

Allow me.

Very well.

"You will release me, creature." Xanos rumbles, surprisingly calm given the circumstances. His voice was changing, as if his usual speech were overlaid by something creating words by bending metal and rattling chains.

A reflective chrome bleeds into his eyes from the center, spreading across them until they were mirrored orbs in the torchlight. The runes on his skin raised and split, glinting silver beneath.

Xanos' hands came forward grabbing at it's maw, the sorcerous energy wafting off his hands surged forth, driving deep into the beast's skull.

Spell of Two, Enslavement/Domination. Same Focuses as before. Spending a Hero point as well.

3d6 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4, 6, 4) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 21

Taking the highest two gives me a total of 17

The creature attempts to resist the effects of the spell, but given its relatively weak will...

2d6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 6) + 2 = 10

It fails to resist Xanos's magic and releases its grip on him. Its burning eyes glaze over and it stands still as if waiting for a command.

Xanos you can see burning hatred somewhere deep in the back of its yellow eyes, and you are certain that it is attempting to fight off the sorcery you've used against it.

Xanos. I'm not sure which magnitude you are casting this spell at. Magnitude #1, would be fine for a suggestion/command type affect. You would need to Magnitude #2 spell to do something equivalent to dominate/enslave.

I'm using D&D as my reference point here. Charm, Suggestion, Command are fairly low level spells (ie. magnitude #1). Dominate Monster is a really high level spell (definitely magnitude #2).

How long do you see the effects of such a spell lasting?

Spell of Two=Second Magnitude. It's terminology from Ridfle of Steel that I always get mixed up with BoL's casting system.

Duration is probably based on Intelligence/willpower and Spell Magnitude. In the storys Enchantments tended to be fairly long-lasting. On an average person, maybe a few days. Hours or less for someone with a strong mind. For an animal it might very well be permanent. What do you think?

Temur's blow with the rock connects a split second before Xanos casts his spell, though the rock causes the beats some pain it is not enough to make him drop Xanos.

Temur sees the second thing grab the wizard and lunges for it with a shout, hoping to bash its skull in with his rock, or at least distract it from eating Xanos.

Brawling:2d6+3
Using a hero point to reroll: 2d6+3
Rock damage: d4+3

Edit: Forgot I could burn a hero point to reroll.

That marks the end of round #2. I'll just have Juma chilling out in the background for now (fight ineffectually). The first beast is currently terribly injured. The second one is at least temporarily in Xanos' thrall. I think Ardeth might have accidently made an extra attack that round, but since it ended up wiffing I'm not going to worry about it. Everyone is now free to post their actions for round #3.

Vision clouding with red fury, Bran rebounds against the creature with a snarl and a brutal attack.
Torch w/barbarian level added to damage for rage: 2d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4, 6) + 2 + 1 = 131d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

The beast obeys, setting the big man down gently, ignoring it's wounds. Xanos looks to the second creature and he's new pet charges without hesitation.

GM, will you do the honors for our new friend?

Xanos ignores the fight for a moment, looking to the Cimmurian that had come to his aid. Something within him struggled.

What are you doing?

Being polite.

Worthless mortal sentimate. He was doing his duty as a lesser creature.

I doubt he sees it the same way you do.

You assume his opinion is relevant at all. He was born to serve, then die.

Said the one bound to me.

and so I serve. It is the natural way of things.

In that case, quiet yourself and do not question me again.

Yes, Master.

The chrome retreated back into his eyes and he nodded.

"You have my thanks."

Xanos, a minor clarification- Bran is cimmerian and Temur is Hyrakanian. It Temur who came to your aid.

Bran- filled with rage from your terrible wound, you make a final thrust with your torch. You inflict another scalding burn on the beast. It lets on final mewling of agony and collapses to the ground.

The second beast stands before Xanos, it hideous head slightly bowed, as if awaiting a command. It is quite unsettling, and you can't help but wonder how long the mysterious sorcerer's magic will keep such a creature in check. You also can't help but wonder if this man would think twice about using such magic on your own minds.

I'd say this combat is over for the moment. You can proceed as you wish

Assuming that Bran wants to take a short rest to tend to his wounds, he can recover 4 LB.

As the creature lowers Xanos, Temur steps back keeping his guard up. After a moment, realizing what must have happened he eyes the strange man with scarcely less concern that the monster.

"You are welcome. Though it seems you needed little aid."

"Quiet for a moment. Can anyone hear more of them?"

By the way Xanos, I believe that the second spell you cast costs you 4 SP, so you've spent 6 altogether. Remember you recover 4 SP each day either at noon or midnight. You seem more like a midnight sort.

Bran leans against the wall, catching his breath while the blood flowing from his chest slows.
"No end to the unnatural things festering in the dark- the pale beastmen being the least of them! Cut the damn thing's throat or send it away, by Crom!"

By the way, I like how Bran has all his important stats posted with his character name. I find that helpful when gming, hint, hint.

Juma seems relieved that one of the beasts is dead on the ground, but seems clearly agitated by the presence of the second creature who is still standing before Xanos, clearly in the tattooed man's thrall.

What dark sorcery is this that can put such a horror at ease?

"Are you familiar with more than one kind of dark sorcery? I doubt the distinctions would be relevant to you. For now, let's just call this kind a Binding. It is particularly effective on beasts. Something akin to training a wild animal, only faster. If you wish it dead, then kill it. I had thought it may be of some aid, for a time at least."

Xanos seems at ease despite the tension in the air.

"None of you need fear me. I am not your enemy."

The attack that missed would have been my round 3 action. I just posted it ahead of time since we weren't following a set initiative and I didn't want to get skipped.

Ardeth asks, "Can you make it kill itself? I think I ruined my 'dagger' during the fight." He looks down at the splintered stump of bone still clenched tightly in his fist. "One way or another somebody kill the demon, and lets be off. This place makes my skin crawl." He backs away from the corpse of the monster and trains his senses on the tunnel ahead, hoping that they don't have friends coming.

Ardeth things are pretty quiet at least initially. Then from somewhere deep in the labyrinth you think for a moment that you hear a faint mewling, but you can't be sure. Maybe it is just your imagination.

Bran the few moments rest helps, though you are bloodied up, you had managed to roll with the attack and the claw wound isn't near as bad as it might have been. However, such a wound will take some time to fully heal.

Fluff justifying your recovery.

You do notice that your torch is starting to sputter and burn a little low. It won't be much longer before you are stuck in complete darkness.

"I think I heard another one. We need to get moving, and have a method for navigating this labyrinth." Ardeth says.

Remember guys, I awarded a bonus hero point at the start of the session. It isn't permanent; once your hero points refresh you will begin at 5 again. I gave it to account for the disadvantage you started the game in. So Ardeth you are at 5 of 6, not 4 of 5.

But I spent two...I mean you're the boss. I'll fix it.