Beyond Fort Horizon (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

Valind cocks his head and considers
"Maybe the heads decompose or break, and they need more heads over time. Given how hard it was to climb down, I wonder if that means they live in here."

Apologies, Valind, for not answering your question the first time!

Before descending, Edren nods at Valind's question. "Yes, we found the bones of what appear to be some humans. Mixed among them were some bones we couldn't recognize, they may be long finger bones."

"The further in we go, the sooner we get to find out if they do, Valind. Personally, I wish I'd brought a better weapon for this. If we do run into more of those creatures, it will help to be able to crush them, instead of dinging our blades on their shells."

Intuition: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Edren listens to Jeannine as she describes the chambers. He strains to hear her when she begins whispering.

Day 3 |Turn 1 (time of day – 10:00am) | Chamber of Shafts. Tunnels of the Gorge

The party moves toward the large chamber ahead. There is scant light from the small lantern Lars carries.

Portia is listening to Jeannine explain the area ahead, but when Jeannine lowers her voice, Portia suddenly gets a bad feeling

If Portia warns the party about her feelings, you all get a +2 bonus to Initiative

As you enter the large chamber, a cold draft blows from behind you and sweeps through the chamber. Portia seems to be on edge. Before she can say anything, you all hear something large moving ahead of you. Lars moves to the front of the group and lifts the small lamp.

Suddenly, out of the darkness, comes a large creature that resembles a bloated caterpillar or some other kind of gigantic insect. It moves on short legs and the segments of its body are red and orange. The head of this monstrous thing is a terrible and grotesque sight. It has two front legs that seem to be arm and these limbs come up off of the ground and threaten you with sharp claws. Hundreds of small black, faceted eyes look in every direction, and the mouth is a huge vertical opening surrounded by moving teeth. A smell of acid fills the air as it approaches.

None of you have ever seen anything like this monster before, but there is a chance you’ve heard or read about it. A Successful Knowledge Nature Check, DC 14 will let your character know the following

Initiative of the Ankholgeg: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

I knew I got one, was just confused if I could do both given I wasn't sure how much "time" I had is all...also are we doing our own init?

Portia's gut starts to churn, as if something was going to happen. During mid-sentence, Portia interrupts Jeannine, Hey, guys I am getting a bad feeling. I feel as if we are being watched by someone or something. I can't explain it exactly, but my teacher always taught me to trust my instincts., she says in a hushed tone, just in case her gut was right.

Derrick cocks an eyebrow at Portia's comment, and grabs his sword as the beast appears before them.

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 2 = 10

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 2 = 8 Valind is stunned into immobility by the appearance of the unearthly abomination.

Sorry I needed to find my notes about Sithundan to see if he had Knowledge nature, but apparently not.

Initiative check: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 = 10
Apparently even with assistance the dice roller hates me.

Even with the early warning from Portia Sithundan is slow to react to this new enemy.

Since initiative isn't going so well anyone feel like they could charm the giant caterpillar thing?

init: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Edren hears Portia's warning, but it doesn't register until the beast apepars. He stares in awe at the size of the creature , his weapon momentarily forgotten. His soldier instincts kick in and he gathers himself quickly, though, settling into a fighting stance.

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 2 = 17

Day 3 |Turn 1 (time of day – 10:00am) | Chamber of Shafts. Tunnels of the Gorge

Initiative of NPC Group: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

The Monster shakes its body in a way that is obviously meant to be threatening, and rushes toward the party.

Round 1

Portia is up first! Then Edren,and then the Monster will move and attack.

Portia, stares at the large beast, showing signs of anger. Her instincts kick in, as she grabs for her sling and loads it. She just hopes that her companions can stay between her and the enemy.

Move action grab sling; move action load sling: end turn

Please correct me if I am wrong, but I should be able to move through an ally's space as long as I don't end my movement in it, correct?

Edren pushes his way forward to the front of the line, taking care not to trip anyone with his weapon.

Round 1 | Move Action 1 (-2,-A) | Move Action 2 (2, -A)

Day 3 |Turn 1 (time of day – 10:00am) | Chamber of Shafts. Tunnels of the Gorge

Round 1
Something rumbles in the dark ahead. The small lantern that Lars carries sheds sparse light in the confines of the narrow tunnel. In the shadowy darkness, from the back of the group, Portia voices a warning, and readies her sling, while Edren takes the opportunity to force his way to the front of the group.

Then, from out of the darkness it appears and comes straight for Edten who is now standing in front of Derrick.The two men are just standing at the edge of the light when it appears.

The front of the creature stands nearly seven feet tall and stretches back into the shadows. It is some kind of gigantic insect, and it looks hungry. It lunges at Edren and tries to grab him with its mandibles.

Melee Attack, Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
damage if >16: 2d6 + 4 + 1d4 ⇒ (3, 4) + 4 + (4) = 15

Edren is grabbed, pain tears through his body as he feels the acid burning his flesh and the squeeze of the powerful insect like jaws

Edren is now Grappled

Jeannine screams and rushes forward drawing her small knife as she goes. She runs to Edren's side but hesitates wondering how she can attack the monster.

Jeannine takes two move actions to end at A,2

Karl and Lars run after Jeannine, and when they come within sight of the monster, Karl is startled and backs away against the wall in fear, while Lars waves the lamp at the monster trying to force it to release Edren

Lars will aid another, this will give Edren a +2 to his next roll to break the grapple or to make an attack if he chooses as long as the roil beats AC 10. Karl ends his move at –C,1 while Lars ends his move at -B,1

Aid Another: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Derrick, Sithundan and Valind are now up

I can't seem to open the map

Link was wrong. Valind double moves to D5

Valind runs towards the creature, then quickly slinks around the walls.

Seeing the beast lunge forward and tear into Edren, Derrick narrows his eyes and takes a breath. Remember your training. You can do this. He then steps forward and lets out a yell as he draws his sword. Swift action to challenge, five-foot step, and finally the full-round iaijutsu strike with Power Attack and Furious Focus. I'm hoping I can five-foot step, anyway--Derrick would have moved to the front with Lars, and you said Edren moved to "in front of" me.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 + (4) = 15

I keep getting this error message whenever I try and open Encounter Map 02 "Error (404)
We can't find the page you're looking for. Check out our Help Center and forums for help, or head back to home." So I am unable to see the map.

Sithundan pulls out his chunk of steel and casts furious growth on it turning it into his Nine-ring broadsword and readies himself for battle.

Day 3 |Turn 1 (time of day – 10:00am) | Chamber of Shafts. Tunnels of the Gorge

Round 1 (wrap up)

Edren, AoO: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

You watch in horror as the huge insect races toward Edren, he swings out with his weapon in reaction to the oncoming monster, but his glaive is knocked to the side. You all watch in horror as the huge insect clamps down on the man and then it lifts him like a toy into the air. Edren muffles a groan as the jaws threaten to crush the life out of him.

I've adjusted the monster slightly as I was not paying close enough attention to what I was doing when I added a single HD to it and made it a bit too large

It is Round 2, Portia and Edren are up. Edren can attempt to break the grapple, or attack the monster with a light weapojn if he has one

Portia, seeing Edten in the clutches of the strange beast is taken aback. Unsure if to help him escape or attack the beast she decides that maybe a good thump on the head might make it reconsider.

move: load sling, standard: attack
sling: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 111d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Edren struggles to break the beasts grip.

Grapple: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

The beasts maw is too powerful, though, and Edren's struggles are in vain.

Day 3 |Turn 1 (time of day – 10:00am) | Chamber of Shafts. Tunnels of the Gorge

Round 2

Portia launches another stone (there are plenty on the ground here) but the rock flies past the monster harmlessly.

Edren struggles but cannot get free, and the monster takes this opportunity to slink backward, trying to escape. It seems as though the monster could crush Edren now, but for some reason it does not, but only tries to escape with its prey still alive.

[ooc[]The Monster moves backward ten feet in a straight line and then looks as if it is going to turn its body and head for one of the shafts. Something needs to be done quickly, or Edren might be lost![/ooc]

Jeannine lunges at the monster and tries to stab its head.
Melee Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Damage if >16: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

but she only cracks her knuckles against the armored head

Lars rushes forward and tries to get his hands on the monster’s pincers, maybe he can help free Edren
Grapple Attempt versus CMD 17: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

The small mountain climber leaps onto the monster and pulls with all of his might
Edren can add a bonus to his CM of +2 when he next tries to escape

Karl appears to be too frightened to do anything useful

Derrick, Sithundan, and Valind are now up

Sithundan moves to -B2 and attacks with his sword.
Attack roll: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Damage roll: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Derrick also steps forward after the creature, gripping his katana in both hands. He grunts as he brings the sword around to strike the beast again. Moving up--I don't think the creature's been moved yet, so not sure where to--and Power Attacking.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 3 + 2 = 14

Unfortunately, his attack goes wide, missing the monster. "Hold on, Edren!" the warrior shouts, hoping the other man won't disappear into the tunnels.

Valind runs past the creature, between it and the shafts. He moves so his friends are out of range and calls upon Valindor.
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5 selective channeling to ignore 4 allies. DC 15 will to halve

Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

It is now the top of round 3!

Portia curses as the sling bullets shatters, but she tries again to grab the attention of the beast.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 101d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Once more, Edren struggles against the creature's pincers.

Round 3 | Standard - Grapple

Grapple: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 2 = 22

With Lars help, he breaks free of the creature. Edren, wary of his wounds, backs away from the creature slowly, looking around for his weapon.

Round 3 | Move - 5' Step away from the Ankholgeg

I'm assuming I would have dropped my weapon, since it was a polearm and difficult to grapple, or escape a grapple, with?

With the five foot step Edren has taken, he can reach his dropped weapon!

I've got to decide if now is the right time for the monster to "spit" and escape, or go for another shot at "dinner for the brood" I'll try to be back soon! Now, could be a good time for you all to try, I don't know, talking to each other about what you are going to do next.

Portia would vote that if we survive the hungry beats to book the "F" outta here. Whatever is down here, she would feel is beyond their current capabilities. Maybe go hunting, work around town for a bit. Gain a better understanding of the things around us (aka. level up a bit) then come back? Unless there is an area we skipped over and just went to the wrong place at wrong time theory?

I'm thinking that's a good idea, Portia. We've found some interesting things out here, and also hit some tough enemies. It may be a good idea to head back to the Fort and let people know what's happening. Derrick especially would be in favor of contacting his current "liege" to update him on the situation.

Valind will push to follow the contract as written

Day 3 |Turn 1 (time of day – 10:00am) | Chamber of Shafts. Tunnels of the Gorge

Round 3

As the monster lumbers backward, a motion it appears is difficult for the creature, the group of explorers begin to move to the left and right slashing at the huge beast, shouting battle cries, throwing rocks, and channeling dark energy.

With one last effort Edren breaks free from the creature’s jaws. He pries with all his strength, and then suddenly,

*SNAP*

something is overcome and he falls to the ground scrambling backward, where he finds his dropped weapon.

Lars clings to the beast, and Jeannine yells out

”Lars, get off of there, are you insane!”

With a flip of its massive head the monster snaps at Lars

Melee Attack with Grab: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Damage if >13: 2d6 + 4 + 1d4 ⇒ (5, 5) + 4 + (1) = 15

The small Halfling reacts as if he is caught in a rockslide, scrambling up, and up and stays out of the monster’s reach. When he is on the top of the monster’s head he jumps to the back trying to get as far away as possible

Reflex Save vs DC 12: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

He lands hard, and twists his ankle as he rolls crying out in pain.

The monster backs up another five feet and begins to tremble.

Valind, Derrick, and Sithundan are up again.

Derrick steps up again and raises his katana with a roaring shout. The roar becomes a cry as he sharpens his voice with a downward slash from the blade. "KyAH!"

Power Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 3 + 2 = 19

Valind runs Move: to -A9 behind the creature longspear in hand. As he turns, rather than set his spear he calls again upon Valindor
Standard: Fire Rune Trap immediately behind creature. Believe Valind grants (unnecessarily apparently - wow Derrick) Flanking.

Derrick, your attack is a hit no matter what, but I have to admit that I can't follow the bonuses, could you break it down for me in he discussion thread so I can learn this finally?

Day 3 |Turn 1 (time of day – 10:00am) | Chamber of Shafts. Tunnels of the Gorge

As Valind darts around to the back of the monster he sees, off to the side, Lars, trying to scuttle back out of the way, holding his left ankle.

Suddenly, from where Valind can see, the monster rears up, lifting its massive head off of the ground and it lets out a low rumble.

At the other end of the creature, Derrick has stepped up and with all his strength drives his katana down, burying it deep in the monsters neck, causing the creature to rear up in a panic. It rumbles, and shakes all over in the throes of death and then with a loud crashing sound it falls to the floor and is still.

The monster is defeated, each character receives, 250 experience points

Jeannine takes one step closer to the monster now that it is dead. She is visibly shaken, and she turns toward Derrick, Edren and Sithundan and says,

”I had no idea, what, what am I doing? I’m going to get us all killed. We need a better plan. Karl, we’re going back, and we are going to rethink this before we go any further.”

Portia, while she is trained to be somewhat battle ready, this was more that what she could bear. She shakes, knowing that this..this..beast could have been the death of her and the rest of the party. She is unsure what to do next, then she snaps back to reality when Jeannine talks.

I..I agree. Whatever is down here, is beyond our current capabilities. We need to regroup. I don't object to coming back here, just not in our current state. I don't blame you Jeannine, lets head back as soon as we can. Heaven forbid that was a baby and we just ticked off mom.

With those final words, Portia will stow her weapons, and give Lars a shoulder to lean on to help get him back to the surface.

Derrick breathes heavily as the creature writhes in its last moments, grunting as he keeps the blade buried in its flesh and bone. When it finally dies, he heaves another grunt and pulls the katana from its neck. The warrior stands still for a few moments, his chest rising and falling with air, before he pulls a rag from his belt. He uses the cloth to wipe clean the blade of his weapon, tosses it onto the carcass, and sheathes his sword.

He turns to the others and bows his head. "Agreed, Jeannine. The danger present here is very threatening, and while it is the samurai's duty to face death, throwing one's life away goes against the purpose of our code."

I'll also be able to report what we've found to Major Finchly... and maybe see that Hana girl again. A small smile is all that betrays Derrick's thoughts as he joins the group on their return to the surface, retrieving his naginata on the way.

Sithundan dis-spells his sword and returns the shard to the pouch from whence it can. At the thought of leaving he gives a slight smile, but says nothing as he follows the others back towards the entrance of the cave.

"Well... I think we should honour the contract, but if the expedition leaders call for us to return I can accept that. Would you like me to draft an amendment?"

"Also, Portia, good point. I can try to work out its anatomy if you like. I imagine there are people better at that than me though."

"If we are returning then I might as well use up what healing power I have been granted immediately!"

"Bah, if that's the worst this cave can throw at us, we'll be fine." Edren says, blood running from his wounds and an excited, but slightly grimacing, smile on his face.

Day 3 |Turn 1 (time of day – 10:00am) | Chamber of Shafts. Tunnels of the Gorge

Jeannine looks around the room, and takes a step away from the dead monster. She smiles at Edren's enthusiasmn, and gives Derrick a thankful nod. When Portia joins the others, she visibly sighs with relief. Finally she looks curiously at Sithundan as he shrinks his weapon, and turns to Valind to say,

”I, I think we should at least examine these shafts before we go. I’m not saying we should climb down them, at least not until we have our expert climbers at a hundred percent, say where’s…”

At this moment, Lars comes limping around from the other side of the monster.

Valind, I’ll take you up on that offer of healing. You got any tight wrappings left? I think I knocked something out of place in my ankle.”

Meanwhile Karl approaches Sithundan and looks past him to see where Portia is. He looks up at the large stone man and says with a trembling voice, ”I think we’ve found something bigger than any of us realized.“ He steps away from Sithundan until he is standing between Edren and Derrick, and then he speaks to Valind.

”I consider our contract fulfilled in whole at this time, and welcome your suggestion to renegotiate, once we are safe back in Fort Horizon. We are going to need to buy armor, and weapons, and who knows what else, before we even consider exploring this any further. But one thing is certain.”

”I doubt we will ever find Pellido alive.”

When the players are satisfied that they have searched the Shafts, let’s call that the end of Chapter 2. There is a clue behind the closed doors of one of the shafts, we’ll examine that, and then we will move everyone back to Fort Horizon with a hand wave. It takes you the rest of Day 3 to find the clue and gather everything from the camp and get moving, and all of Day 4 to make it back. Any questions?

Sounds fine by me. I'm assuming no story XP reward or anything?

No sir! There will be an xp award, once we're sure we're all done here.

cool

healing for Lars: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
"Wow. You do not look good Edren. Isn't that bit" points "Supposed to be on the inside?"
healing for Edren: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
healing for Edren: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
"If you want to check out the shafts I think i'm the obvious choice; I'm by far the lightest. Tie a good rope - make it two - to me and lower me a bit. I'll make some light. If I scream in a high pitched voice Pull me up straight away. I figure with this many bigg... tall people around I'll be coming up faster than something can climb!"
heal. Not taking the time for a full heal, but can bind wounds and check for poison: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

When Valind suggest being lowered into a shaft, Karl suddenly becomes more assertive

"No! We aren't putting anyone else at risk anymore. We'll take a quick look down each shaft, for Pellido's sake, and then we are out of here." He makes a chopping motion with his hand to the side when he is finished talking.

"Okay."

Jeannine Takes the small lamp and one by one creeps close to each shaft, and then peers down.

She sees nothing in the deep darkness, but then she stands in the center of the chamber, turning around over and over again and counting the chambers, until…