[5e] GM Infinity's SKT [Chapter 5 Completed!] (Inactive)

Game Master mishima

Eh, I think I remember the name Yan-C-Bin from Baldur's gate II. Not sure what I have to roll to have the knowledge in character

Eh, who is going to awake Big Z?...Ah, Gloariana, that save me trouble.

Seth, did you miss my post?

Indeed. Editing my post

Arcana or History on the name. Getting ready to head home

Zephyros seems unresponsive at the moment, you can hear gentle snoring from up there.

Int, adv: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 41d20 - 2 ⇒ (18) - 2 = 16

Advantage if related to giants, otherwise ignore the second roll

So, can knowledge skill be rolled "untrained"?
Int: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

One of the hawk-masked riders points to the Sky Kris on Gloriana's belt "That one, there!"

Another follows his indication and intones "Sentry, we request audience with this fortress' master. Now let us pass, for we are tired of riding and seek camp."

The men, despite being ultra-slim, seem battle-hardened and most are carrying ornate scimitars. The one who just spoke, who is also carrying the oddly smiling bag, has his hand on a sheathed golden dagger.

Seth, yes all characters can use all skills.

edit: also...

Seth, you recall Yan-C-Bin being somehow related to the elemental planes. Something happened recently where he was mentioned but you can't quite place it.

Glor, you certainly know where the giant's chambers are, but how to reach them is another matter. There is a 20 ft hole in middle of the ceiling (which is 100 ft up) leading to a second floor that Zephyros typically levitates through...all this time you've been camping within the single huge office chamber.

On the map, you can see approximately where the hole in the ceiling is because its a bit lighter color circle. That reminds me, its hard to get up there but not impossible if your characters are interested in thievery or there is an emergency. You would just need a way to get up there.

The, uh, master of the tower is resting at this moment. How may I help you?

Gloriana glances at her companions for help, before turning back to the sky warriors. She takes a good long look at all of them, weighing each of them.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Glor, if it came down to it, you think you could take them. They are waif-like and seem to be tired. It's hard to judge their facial expressions because of the steel masks. You're not as sure when it comes to the 9 giant vultures they rode in on, but your position in the tower is defensible. Something about the bag with the smile is rubbing you the wrong way though, seems highly unnatural.

"Really? I said let us pass, sentry. We can wait inside and set up camp."

Seth moves near gloriana and replies

The owner of the fortress is being informed of your arrival, we are only his guests and don't have the permission to open the gates.

"Lies. That one..." pointing again at Gloriana "...wields the Sky Kris and thus controls the runed door."

Some of the others are whispering to each other...

One of the vultures squaks annoyingly.

GM: 1d3 ⇒ 1

You can see the shadow of a griffon cast on the cloud, seemingly perched rigidly atop the aerie.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Uh,lies?..., don't you know the difference between being able and to have permission?. Are you really telling us that you can't wait a couple of minutes until the Giant comes and receive you himself?

"Sure, we'll just stand here in this metaphysical vapour. I'm sure its safe." he stomps his foot.

Another snickers and folds his arms, perturbed. You catch a frustrated comment about hospitality, but it seems overall they are indeed willing to wait, stretching their backs and walking in place.

Seth turns to his companions

He have a point, we better hurry with the giant - CAn I send my companion to wake up the Giant?, it's a raven I'm not sure if Raven speaks in 5e.

Good idea, and I'm ok with the raven familiar speaking if you want it that way. If not, a few pecks to the forehead would work.

A surprised Zephyros pokes his head through the opening "What, visitors you say? Hmm, I will accept the Warden's counsel on this matter. If you think them trustworthy I will receive them at once."

Jysson pulls out his flute and makes a loud whistle sound in hopes of waking up the Giant.

Dang. Just a few minutes late.

So, what do you say guys?

Why the f**$ not? Jysson says, crudely. What's the worse that can happen?

Assuming others agree to move things on a bit, feel free to retcon objections

The nine mysterious riders are let into the office, and begin making a camp of their own. They brew an odd tea and sip together, not saying much, until finally one of them fishes an odd pouch out of a knapsack and holds it up with 2 hands ceremoniously to the cloud giant...

"Yan-C-Bin, Archomental of Air, offers to you, Cloud Runner, this pixie dust. In return we only ask you consider joining us to return the world to its primordial state, as it was at the dawn of history."

Zephyros raises an eyebrow in interest "Hmm, pixie dust is it? And a full kilo by its heft? This is a generous gift, indeed. Very well, I accept, and will consider your offer of allegiance...I shall consult my contacts beyond the planes and return word within hours. Eh...hopefully..." taking the little pouch, he rises up through the ceiling hole, and shortly you hear the castings of a ritual.

GM: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 shit XD
GM: 6d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 4, 2, 2, 4) = 20

A few minutes later you hear a little giggle from up in Zephyros' room, and don't think much of it. But then there it is again, and again....and yes, again. It sounds as if the old giant is completely cracking up. Next he pokes his head through the opening, his mouth frothing with foam, eyes wild and distant, speaking gibberish in a booming voice like thunder, a voice barely resembling the one you have known "14 ram's off the starboard?? No fault of mine!!! Just another drop in the bucket, another drop!" He bounces around the castle quite madly, and it is more than a little frightening.

The riders seem shocked "Wha-? What the hell is this? What kind of game-" another screams "Damnit, they're ambushing us!" some of them draw their weapons, looking at you all for answers.

Sohar mostly observes, though the comment about returning the world to its primordial form heightens his wariness. His suspicions are seemingly confirmed when Zephyeros goes bonkers.

Sohar draws his scimitar as he shouts, "Cultists! They gave Brother Zephyeros something to addle his mind!"

Arcana 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Arcana 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

WHat the hell did you give to him? - Seth Stands up ready to unleash eldritch fire at the first provocation.

Bah! All giants are insane! This wasn't them, this was the cloud giant showing his true nature! Why else would he pick us up?

Jysson's prejudice may actually lead them in a different direction than the situation seems to obviously call for.

Regardless of who they fight, he still readies his shield and flail.

Hell, he even agreed to return the world to it's primordial state, whatever that means! The thought barely brushes the surface of Jysson's mind.

"You! pointing at Seth and Sohar "I've had enough of your deception, our gift was not treacherous!!"

Battle seems imminent, but Jysson's point lingers on the air...

Jysson, how about a charisma persuasion check to see how that goes over on them

Charisma? Hahaha! Sure!

Charisma: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0

Yesss!

rofl, could've been worse I guess

1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5

One of them raises a gold dagger high "Enough insanity! We take the tower for the Howling Hatred!"

Initiative incoming. I'd like to try and run this combat without grid if possible. You're all cramped inside, so its quite close quarters, but the chair and table offer some elevation

Sohar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Pindleton: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Gloriana: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Seth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Jysson: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Howling Hatred Cultists: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Round One:::::
Sohar, Pindleton, Gloriana <----UP
Cultists
Seth, Jysson

Just to recap whats up with them, 2 carry golden daggers and seem to be the leaders. The rest (7) carry scimitars.

Damn. I have the highest init and I go last.
:(

Jysson isn't used to fighting creatures as small as he is, and as such is caught a bit off guard when they declare their attack.

Still, his flail was ready and he smiles as he holds up his shield.

I figure someone will attack me first, so I'll attack whoever that is. If no one attacks me, then I'll go for one of the leaders.

Jysson casts Hunter's Mark on his target (bonus action).

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 4 + (2) = 7

Extra Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + (6) = 16

If the target has taken damage, then add 1d8 ⇒ 5 to Attack 1 and 1d8 ⇒ 6 to Attack 2.

Jysson, do you have an ability that increases Hunter's Mark from 1d6 to 1d8? No need to reroll if not.

Edit: Oh I think I get it now, that was Hunter's Prey: Colossus Slayer ability, not Hunter's Mark spell.

Yeah, sorry for the confusion.

1d8+4 is from flail plus Strength.

1d6 is for the Hunter's Mark spell.

Then Colossus Slayer grants me an additional 1d8 damage if the target is less than Max HP.

Thanks, definitely a sweet combo. Will be 2 fatalities likely.

Sorry, was away for the weekend. Caught up now!

Arcana: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Arcana: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

"The insanity isn't coming from us! If anything, I'd say it was that pixie dust you brought. If you stand down, we can figure this out together! And if you won't listen to reason, maybe a nap will help."

Persuasion: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 Ah well, guess that won't convince them either.

Cast sleep.

Total hit points affected: 5d8 ⇒ (4, 6, 8, 3, 6) = 27

A group of the cultists draw back their scimitars, but find it hard to summon the strength to even keep upright. 3 of them collapse with a solid thud.

Round One:::::
Sohar, Pindleton, Gloriana <----UP
Cultists
Seth, Jysson

Regular cultists: 9 hp, 12 AC. Cult leaders: 33 hp, 13 AC.

4 conscious regulars and 2 leaders at the moment

Sohar quickly shifts into his wolf form, growling and snarling at the cultists, warning them.

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

Bonus: Wild Shape-Dire Wolf(p.321)
HP: 37 | AC: 14

Hold Action: Attack(Pack Tactics) if they move close:
Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Gloriana, just come in whenever you can. Going to keep it moving.

One of the leaders drops his smiling bag on the floor, opening it to reveal....nothing. A sick grin crosses his face as he stares at the nothing, and quietly and calmly he says "Kill them."

The other leader, astonished as most of his wing squadron hit the floor, shouts with a strong voice "Paralaxis cross entanglium!" pointing at Pindleton with a small straight piece of iron. The iron slowly evaporates, and as it does, the air about Pindleton appears to become more viscous...

Hold Person being cast on you. Wisdom save DC 11 every round until success

The remaining cultists swarm Sohar, Gloriana, and Jysson.

vs Sohar
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 hit
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 miss
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 damage to Sohar-bear

vs Jysson
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 miss

vs Gloriana
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 miss

Seth and Gloriana still to act this first round. You guys around?

edit: And of course Jysson's attacks resolve.

The elvish flail bursts a skull inside the birdlike steel helm of the cult rider instantly, while dealing a nearly fatal blow to another.

One dead, other 2/9 hp

Eldritch blast on the guy closest to me. If there are AoO involved, can I 5ft north?

Repelling Blast: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 121d10 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Seth, and if someone can correct me please do, but I think only moving out of a creatures reach (not space) provokes in 5e. With spells that use a ranged attack, you get disadvantage. So, you could move 10 feet and take an AoO to cast with one roll, or stay where you are or move 5 feet (still within reach) and cast with disadvantage. So you would need to make another attack roll with current stated actions.

If you had something that let you blast as a bonus action, you could disengage as your action, move, and cast on the same turn.

I take the disadvantage over the AoO

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Ok sorry it didnt work out, some bad luck there

Seth's blast negates the stone floor's inertia momentarily, sending a whirlwind of dust just past one of the hawkmen.

Round Two:::::
Sohar, Pindleton <---UP
Cultists
Seth, Jysson, Gloriana

Gloriana snaps out of her disbelief of the situation as the relations completely unravel, and she draws steel and attacks the nearest of the riders.

Longsword: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 251d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Longsword: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 161d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Gloriana quickly takes down 2 of the avian garbed attackers with a flip of her blade.

one cultist 2/9, 2 leaders full health, mysterious bag

edit: and sleepers still sleeping

Wis Save: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11 *whew!*

Pindleton looks at the scene and is tempted to try putting an arrow through the one that just cast at him, but the bag is really creeping him out. He reaches out in the direction of the bag, and muttering an incantation pulls his hand into a fist.

He tries to use Mage hand to shut the bag. The spell talks about opening things, but with the shape of the bag, I'm wondering whether a single hand could pull it shut or not.

Sure Pindleton, 10 lbf is enough to close the bag. :)

GM: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

"Muahaha...you're too late..." as the bag's owner goes on guard against you. It's still unclear exactly what he is referring to.

His warning unheeded, Sohar leaps at the injured cultist, biting down on his throat and viciously shaking, the man falling limply to the ground. Then, true to form, he begins circling around to flank the leaders.

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

Action: Attack(Pack Tactics):
Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 or Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Status: Wild Shape-Dire Wolf(p.321)
HP: 31/37 | AC: 14

Jysson shifts his Hunter's Mark to one of the leaders and goes after him.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + (5) = 13

Attack 2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + (5) = 11

If he's injured, add a d8 to appropriate attacks: 2d8 ⇒ (5, 1) = 6

Sohar quickly annihilates the rider who was clinging to life in a bloody mist, master of the hunt indeed.

Jysson quickly knocks the smirk off one leader's face with a massive blow to the abdomen, nearly raising the cultist off his feet.

Now he is injured, 20/33.

Then it happens.

Pindleton is beaten horribly from all directions by some unseen amalgam of hammers and clubs, perhaps magic, perhaps from air itself...its main bulk is wholly unseen, but it is undeniably present.

Slam w/ Advantage: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
DMG: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 3) + 3 = 11

Slam Multiattack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
DMG: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2) + 3 = 7

18 dmg to Montague. After the first attack, it remains invisible but is no longer hidden, ie targetable. Attacks have disadvantage against it. AC 14

enemies: 3 sleeping, 1 injured leader, 1 full leader, 1 invisible stalker

Round Two:::::
Sohar, Pindleton
Cultists
Seth, Jysson, Gloriana <---UP

Sohar and Pindleton can go also go ahead to start round 3

Are all PCs up, or just the ones at the top of the round?

Everyone, the enemies just went. Seth, Jysson, and Gloriana will end round 2 and then Sohar and Pindleton will start round 3. But you can all post now.