DM Blayde MacRonan's Giantslayer... The Strange Adventures of Team Ruby (Private Campaign) (Inactive)

Game Master Blayde MacRonan

Since Rohan's player is dealing with a family emergency at the moment, I'll bot him for now until his return to our campaign.

Rohan thought long and hard about Liesel-Marie's request. Then he got an excited look on his face and started rummaging through his gear until he produced a sheet that was part of his bedroll. The tall man went about the task of wrapping the sunrod until its illumination was reduced significantly to that of a soft glow.

The light from the sunrod has been reduced, dropping its range of 30 feet of bright illumination to 20 feet, instead of providing increased illumination 60 feet outside the bright range, it now only provides 40 feet. This makes the sunrod's effective ranges equal to those of a torch. As always, Nyym's low-light vision enables him to see at twice those ranges.

Nyym nod his agreement as he secured the long sword to his back. Speaking quietly...

Less traveled path it is.

Nyym proceeds to follow the less traveled at a slow pace in an effort to keep quiet. Nyym also watcha and listens for any sign of danger.

perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

stealth: 1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 10 - 1 = 27

I'll roll a Perception check for Rohan and Liesel-Marie as well.

Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Rohan: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7

After traveling some 20 feet down the hallway, the Erutaki notices the that hallway continues straight on (northwest), but that 5 feet ahead of her there was a passage that branched off to the left (area M on the map, southwest direction). In addition, though someone had done their best to camouflage a section of the floor, they didn't perform their job well enough to hide the fact that it had been trapped using a pressure plate, a trio of bear traps, and some wire rigging to create a clever mechanism capable of maiming and restraining up to three intruders at once. Stepping on the pressure plate (which was 15 feet into the side corridor) triggered the interlinked traps, affecting any creatures along that 15 foot section of the hallway (which included the square marked area M).

What now, Team Ruby? How are y'all going to handle this?

Nyym looks closer at the trap to determine the mechanics of the trap as well as look for any switches that might also activate or deactivate the trap.

perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

lore engineering: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Taking advantage of his knowledge in the field of engineering, Nyym was able to inspect the interlinked bear traps and offer up more information concerning them:

Stepping on the pressure plate (which was 15 feet into the side corridor) would trigger the sharp jaws of the traps, causing them to spring shut around the ankles to both maim and restrain any unfortunate enough to get caught by them. Fortunately, this trap was limited in scope. Given the location of triggering plate, the half-drow was able to determine that some sort of switch or handle would be needed to reset the trap manually, as there wasn't enough to allow for a mechanical reset. Such a mechanism wouldn't be placed within the reach of those caught, so it would stand to reason that the reset switch would be further down the branch-off passage, perhaps five feet from the trigger plate.

Looking further down, Nyym could also make out another chamber and a wooden door within that was 40 feet from their current position in the hallway. Ten feet beyond the first trapped section of the floor that led into the side passage, the hallway continued on for another 10 feet, then turned southwest, so it was possible avoid going down the trapped passage altogether without having to deal with the trap at all. Of course, the option to backtrack the way the group had come was another option they had available to them as well.

Listening to the scout's report of the nature of the trap, Liesel-Marie surmises, whispering, "A bell to let the one that set the trap know it had been sprung would be simple to include, would it not?"

She looks ahead in the dim light of the covered sunrod down each passage. "Someone is protecting something down this path. Would it be possible, do you think, for someone to jump over the trigger? And turn off the trap or intentionally and safely set it off?"

Rohan took in this new information, trying to gather his wits about a subject he knew very little of. He raised his hand up to his head and ran his fingers through his dark rough hair thinking of his options. His other hand held the sunrod dimly lit from the cloth encompassing​ it. Watching and listening to the words and actions of his partners.

I'm unsure passing the trap without setting it off. Perhaps turning here and avoiding it till we have dealt with the others that may be lurking about. Also there could be another route to the other side.

Rohan continued to think of more options but his mind was not as smart as the wizards so he stuck with more simple approaches. At the same time he held his position to avoid setting another trap off until nyym gave the all clear.

Listening to the scout's report of the nature of the trap, Liesel-Marie surmises, whispering, "A bell to let the one that set the trap know it had been sprung would be simple to include, would it not?"

Given the sadistic nature of the trap, I'd say that a bell isn't needed, because the screams of any caught by it would serve to alert the person who set it.

Nym was about to agree with his big companion when another thought entered his mind. Speaking at a whisper so as not to be heard beyond his friends. Nyym explains.

Actually Rohan you are the best choice to disarm this trap. While Liesel-Marie is up close and I can work at both ranges, you have ur connection to the earth. If you could trigger the plate with one of ur rock attacks. It would trigger the trap without anyone getting hurt and we will not have to worry about it on our way out if we have to leave in a hurry.

As he spoke another more sadistic thought entered his mind as visions of thier assassin enemy getting snagged in on his thoughts. It startled Nyym at the pleasure these dark thoughts brought to him. He briefly smiled at the thought of the screams of thier enemy and then quickly shook the thoughts away.

What are these dark thoughts and why am I so comfortable with them so suddenly. Was this how I was in my life before? So many questions and no time for answers.Now is not the time to worry on such things but I will need to touch on them later.

Not sure if his companions saw the bread smile or not, Nyym quickly pushed the thoughts to the back of his mind before whispering...

The choice is yours my friend.

"A great idea"

Rohan looks down on the ground where the trap is considered to be, a rather bold look upon his face. He adjust the collar around his neck where the cloak draped over and fastened to. His hands positioned in front of him with his palms out and fingers pointed up, joint together as he pulled back and pushed forward a long rock formed into what looked like a stalagmite launching forward to the trap floor panel to see if it would trigger at all. Stepping back after his attack was launched from his hands, to make sure he was not in the way.

"That should do it"

He calls out in a low whisper as the impact was of course much louder. Knowing full well if they didn't know they were there they certainly do now.

Strike at Floor: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Dmg if needed: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

While you technically didn't need to make an attack roll to hit the floor, since you did, I can honestly say you hit your target.

The impact of Rohan's missile hitting the pressure plate set off the trap, causing all of the interlinked bear traps to snap close simultaneously with a loud clang. The way to the chamber now lies open to the team.

But the trap was not the only danger that needed to be overcome. A figure stepped into the light of the tall man's shrouded sunrod. It was tall and gangly, dressed in steel armor. Its eyes narrowed into slits above the yellowed canines that protruded from its maw and it flexed large, powerful hands that end in wicked claws.

Everyone receives 150 XP for overcoming the trap, but you might want to get ready for what may very well be a brutal combat. Make your declarations for Round 1.

Battle Music - Final Fantasy VII: J-E-N-O-V-A (Rock Cover)

Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Flood Troll: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Antagonist: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Antagonist: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

The creature, obviously some kind of troll, ran down the corridor with alarming speed, and, when it drew close to Liesel-Marie, leapt through the air, its razor-sharp claws leading as it pounced at the Erutaki.

Claw: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17 +2 from charge included
Claw Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Claw: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17 +2 from charge included
Claw Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

The creature is a flood troll, and it took a full-round action to charge Liesel-Marie. As such it has a -2 penalty to its AC until the start of its turn next round. Assuming of course it survives that long.

Rohan watches as his eyes respond to the horror that just took place from a beast in steel armor dashes towards Liesel. His timing couldn't have been worse, as the trap sprung could of been used to slice at his feet, but it was already to late. He attempts to refocus on the target his hands waving in a martial Tai chi flow as he sends yet another stalagmite barreling towards the beast.

Onslaught Blast on Troll: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 4 = 15 "Sadly troll is now in combat so that prevents me from avoiding the in combat penalty for range.
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

The strike looked as though it may hit, though it was hard to get a good read on the creature in such close quarters with Liesel. He Took yet another step back, keeping the beast in view surely putting his back against the cold stone walls of the basement of the church. He recalled that his skills with close combat was very limited now that his development with the earth changed him in ways he has yet to discover.

Rohan prepared for the troll beast and was already making plans for his next strike should he get closer to him.

"Back down before you are put down" Common
"Back down before you are put down" Elven
"Back down before you are put down" Giant

Rohan calls out to the troll in the 3 languages that he knows back to back, trying to establish a serious threat, or force the creature to fall back. Little knowledge of weather it will work.

Knowledge Any: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16Attempts to identify the beast language

Trolls are kin to giants, and thus speak the Giant language.

Nyym, startled by the speed and brutality of the attack, did not hesitate in his act. As he moves in to assist, something, a voice? A thought? Maybe even a sudden Memory? Regardless, the message was the same.

Remember your training.

While still unsure of his full ability and aware there is much he still much of his memory missing. Regardless Nyym went for his close in weapon of choice, the Kinetic Katana.

I hope this works.

attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 - 1 = 7

trip7: 3d10 ⇒ (8, 6, 8) = 22

attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 - 1 = 10

trip7: 3d10 ⇒ (6, 1, 1) = 8

damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Nyym blinks following his attack and thought one word as he did so.. Vanish.

Nyym burns 1 point of his kye pool to perform Vanish trick.

Following his vanish trick Nyym makes a swift tuck and roll to come up behind the troll but in such a way as to watch both ways should more opponents follow.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 - 1 = 22

With the realization of this newly realized ability, Nyym smiles at the new possibilities open to him.

with this move it sets up a flank and places Nyym behind the troll and invisible to the naked eye.

While it's not perfect, this is what I came up with to show everyone's position in hallway intersection of the lower level of the Plague House:

——|X|
XNTL |
——|R|

T = Troll
L = Liesel-Marie
R = Rohan
N = Nyym
X = 5-foot Square

On the map, Liesel-Marie is where the first (or third, depending on perspective) bear trap is (marked M on the map). The troll is where the second trap would be, while the 5-foot square behind her is where Nyym and the third (or first) bear trap would be. The 5-foot square behind Nyym is the location of the trigger plate. Beyond that is the chamber that the flood troll came from. I'm not considering the traps as obstacles since they've been activated, which is why the troll was able to charge down the hallway and pounce on LM (sorry about that). On the plus side, next round sees the Erutaki with a +2 to hit due to the flank established by the half-drow. However, due to the damage dished out by the troll, Liesel-Marie is at the Wounded threshold and takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC until she receives enough healing to take her out of that particular threshold. As this hasn't come up before, I will rule that in this instance, when she enters her bloodrage, the 6 temporary hit points she gains will put Liesel-Marie into the Grazed threshold until they are depleted. This will give her only a –1 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC. Since entering bloodrage is a free action, she can do that, activate her elemental defense (immediate action), and attack (standard action) all in the same round.

Apologies for my absence. It's been a rough few days. Liesel-Marie does indeed want to rage, initiate her elemental defense, and attack. Here's hoping that fire is the way through a flood troll's regeneration - not that the girl warrior knows anything about that sort of thing.

"Ah! Who needs traps with a guard like this?" Not expecting the attack, the girl doesn't try for the overwhelming wind-up and focuses on the hit.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 2 = 29

Damage: 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Confirmation: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 2 = 28 If the crit confirms, +12 damage

Edit: Sorry, failed to account for Grazed in the above rolls. Please subtract one.

Bear with me people... I'm putting it all together in this one post and I'm doing from LM's perspective just to make it interesting.

Ah! Who needs traps with a guard like this?

If there was more Liesel-Marie meant to say, she didn't get the chance to do so, as the creature, obviously some kind of troll, ran down the corridor with alarming speed, and, when it drew close to Liesel-Marie, leapt through the air, its razor-sharp claws leading as it pounced at the Erutaki.

After weathering the armored troll's initial assault, the Erutaki glanced down only for a moment at the bleeding crisscrossing gashes on her chest. Not long, just enough for to confirm with her eyes what the warrior already knew. The monster had hurt Liesel-Marie and it had hurt her pretty badly. She didn't register Rohan's attack or his attempt warn the creature off in three different languages. The only thing on her mind was the need, the desire, to make this insolent beast pay for daring to think it could harm her with impunity.

When Liesel-Marie raised those eyes to regard the enemy standing before her, they glittered with an inner light, like sunlight dancing on shards of ice. The sight caused the flood troll to nearly back up a step, as though something in its primitive brain made it understand, if only for a moment, that it had erred in attacking this human.

Oyu kile Grache.
For those that speak Giant: You like Grache.

They were the only words the flood troll managed to utter in its native tongue before the Erutaki lashed out with an attack of her own, as Liesel-Marie brought her bearded axe across from right to left, striking it in the creature's stomach. The troll doubled up in pain, and the warrior pulled her weapon clean with one more sweep, allowing it to slump forward to the floor at Liesel-Marie's feet in a pool of its own blood.

But even as one enemy fell, another stood framed in the chamber's entrance. The powerfully built orc lifted the broad bladed curved sword it held in one hand, leveling it at the Erutaki even as it grunted something unintelligible at her.

For those of you that speak Orc: Grache will kill you puny humans, starting with you.

The orc then backed away, motioning with his free hand to come at it.

End of Round 1. Make your declarations for Round 2. Liesel-Marie is currently at the Grazed threshold, giving her a –1 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC until she transitions to either Healthy or Wounded. The flood troll looks to be down for the count, but will it stay that way? The orc backed up 10 feet into the chamber, placing it almost in the room's center. I'm also thinking about the possibility of rerolling initiative each round, to give the feel of combat being more fluid. But we can discuss that in the discussion thread.

Battle Music - Final Fantasy VII: 'Speed Limit' [Crazy Motorcycle Remix]

Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Flood Troll (?): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Orc: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Antagonist: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Rohan watched in amazement yet again as Liesel single handedly took down the troll beast with her mighty blows. He was feeling the since of being under achieved compared to her skill, which left a bit of doubt in his mind as he experimented with his next attack. He touched the wall behind him and pulling for like a sling shot from the wall a rock which launched across into the room at the orc that stood there out of combat. The square shaped rock flopped through the air as though it was flung out of control.

Attack against Orc: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Rohan was still trying to identify his form of attack, how to muster the strength of his strike to appear more deadly, and give the essence of power as his strike was demonstrated as though he was severely lacking in his skills, undeveloped.

"I must maintain focus, gather myself and my mind and focus my strikes into a stable form to strike my opponents."

His steady thought arose as he tried to settle himself for his next attack, concentrating on his form, he brought his hands together as though he was starting to pray lowering his head down, though keeping his vision alert to the surroundings. The ground around him cracked a little as his feet sunk into the stone and his mind eased.

Nyym deftly moves in through the opening and around to get in behind the large Orc. Taking in as much as he can during the move, Nyym checks for others that might be is the room as well. Nyym smiles at the prospect of moving about without being seen..

perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Nyym will hold his attack till he has fully evaluated the situation in the room.

As the half-drow moved stealthily into the chamber, several things became clear to him. Embedded into the floor of was a ten-foot-diameter granite emblem of a faded gold and white longsword. Four passages led out of the chamber in different directions. A portcullis blocked the southern exit, and an open wooden door led west. A ladder in the southern corner of the room led upward, and a small chest and decrepit bookshelf faced one
another from opposite walls.

The wooden portcullis is closed; a lever on the wall adjacent to it looks to be capable of raising or lowering it.

Did Liesel-Marie's searing defense have an effect on the flood troll, as far as she can tell? I'm thinking that the others might have felt the heat radiate off of her as her body responded to the attack.

Liesel-Marie grins fiercely at the orc, but even though the rage runs through her blood, she knows the troll's demise was a lucky shot. And she knows that trolls don't always die like they are supposed to. She puts her axe in one hand and manifests her flame blade with the other, striking the troll in an effort to finish the beast off with her blood's fire.

Maintain the rage and attempt to coup d'grace the troll. I'm not sure what the damage would be, but base damage is 1d6, so Fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Did Liesel-Marie's searing defense have an effect on the flood troll, as far as she can tell? I'm thinking that the others might have felt the heat radiate off of her as her body responded to the attack.

Given that the flood troll attacked before Liesel-Marie could enter her bloodrage, it would not have been affected by her searing flesh defense wild talent. However, you are correct in that the others (especially Nyym) would have felt the radiant heat and quite possibly even see heat shimmering around her body. I'll definitely make a note of that with regard to future posts.

A coup de grace is essentially an automatic hit on a helpless opponent (the flood troll qualifies) that scores a critcal without the need for a confirmation roll. Kinetic blasts have a critical multiplier of x2, so her kinetic blade would as well. Liesel-Marie would only get an additional +3 points of damage on the crit from the coup de grace. Doesn't seem like much, but remember that's +3 per die, so as her kinetic blast gains more damage dice, her critical damage will increase by +3 with each additional die that she gains.

So Liesel-Marie would have done a total of 8 points of damage with her kinetic fire blade coup de grace attack: 5 from the fire damage and 3 from the critical.

If it didn't kill it, it's more damage. And damage that it may not be able to heal via regeneration. I will take it.

She dismisses the flame from her hand, takes the axe back into both hands and looks at the orc.

Casually, she says, "Rohan, I'm hurt bad. We're going to have to hit him hard and fast or you will be fighting him alone. I have faith in you. Are you ready?"

"I have already sent a stone flying in its direction. This fight should be quick. They have caused harm to our city and shell pay for their crimes. Stand back, and heal up some. Take from from my pouch the potion of healing, I have one left."

Rohan calls back to Liesel, knowing full well his attacks are mere pebbles compared to her massive strikes that she wields within her hands. Though he could feel the power of the earth establishing it connection closer to him with each passing day. His mind clears from his solace in his mind grows stronger to wade through the seas of stress. Working on the forming his next attack one that will be just, one that will instill power of the earth in the connection between the two.

Unknowingly his powers drawing from the Elemental Genie kin, and the Giant Blood coursing through his hard rocky surface of his skin. The essence of both deepened as his mind remained calm, his strike forming in his mind as he stared at the orc beast before him.

"Die you fowl beast of evil" "Giant"

The twisted tongue of the giants sprung forth as he gained focus and maintained his vision on his target the Orc.

As the stone flipped through the air, both Nyym and Rohan watched as the orc calmly placed his free hand on the grip of his falchion. When it drew close, Grache performed a left to right slash that diagonally bisected the missile and caused each half to land on either side of him.

Taking no chances on the flood troll rising to its feet to menace the team once again, Liesel-Marie put her axe in one hand and manifested her flame blade with the other, striking the troll in an effort to finish the beast off with her blood's fire and was rewarded with the creature's head rolling away from the seared stump of its neck. Satisfied with her work, the Erutaki dismissed the flame from her hand, took the axe back into both hands and eyed the orc in the chamber.

Round 2 has come to an end. Declare your actions for Round 3. Liesel-Marie is still currently at the Grazed threshold, giving her a –1 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC until she transitions to either Healthy (no penalty) or Wounded (-2 penalty). Nyym is set to flank with LM once enters she the chamber, and Rohan is taking aim at the orc once again. I'll take this as an opportunity to re-roll initiative.

Battle Music - Final Fantasy VII: 'Speed Limit' [Crazy Motorcycle Remix]

Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Grache (orc): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Antagonist: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Rohans reaction to the Orc splitting his Onslaught attack like it was nothing drawing deep into his soul that he had little chance of defeating the foe. Already in the battle field, his doubt nearly grew to the point of fleeting, though he wouldn't leave his companions, his aid was the only thing he could find within him, his inner ability to strike. His focus became blurred as he tried to form another attack.

The sand and dirt within the room formed a cloud that seemed to straighten, originating from the ground at his feet. At first it looked like a ray arching forward like a ribbon of sand, at the end was a five fingered hand, palm out as it attempted to strike the Orc, with the hand of mother earth, becoming as hard as stone as it clashed at the Orc.

Hand of Mother Earth Strike (Onslaught Blast): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 -4 if the group gets into combat before strike makes landfall
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

The hand of mother earth aim was near perfection, and all Rohan could do was hope that his strike would pass the Orcs Massive ability to strike down blows.

Liesel-Marie calmly reaches into Rohan's pack at his behest and takes the last potion. "I have some in my pack, but they are hard to reach while I'm wearing it."

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Move action to retrieve, standard action to consume? If so, her hit points are at 23 and she is down another round of rage. Not the best use of resources, but she can ill afford to be fatigued for the next ten rounds.

Liesel-Marie calmly reaches into Rohan's pack at his behest and takes the last potion. "I have some in my pack, but they are hard to reach while I'm wearing it."

[dice=CLW]1d8 + 1

Move action to retrieve, standard action to consume? If so, her hit points are at 23 and she is down another round of rage. Not the best use of resources, but she can ill afford to be fatigued for the next ten rounds.

Pretty much... but she's transitioned from the Grazed threshold back to Healthy, which means Liesel-Marie is no longer suffering from a penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC due to hit point loss. But I see your point about the bloodrage.

As Liesel-Marie downed the last of the potion, she began to notice the faint, tell-tale traces of a silver haze rising from the floor of the hallway around her. But that was not all, in the midst of this familiar fog, the Erutaki could hear the voices of women....

I will learn the weight of my sword. Without my heart to guide it, it is worthless — my strength is not in my sword, but in my heart. If I lose my sword, I have lost a tool. If I betray my heart, I have died.

I am the first into battle, and the last to leave it.

I will never refuse a challenge from an equal. I will give honor to worthy enemies, and contempt to the rest.

I will have faith in the Inheritor. I will channel her strength through my body. I will shine in her legion, and I will not tarnish her glory through base actions.

A surge strength flooded Liesel-Marie's being, causing her blood to sing in her ears.

"You are a mighty fighter, but in the end, you are only a selfish creature while heroes … heroes have an infinite capacity for stupidity! Thus are legends born!" - The Mighty Thor

The goddess of valor, rulership, justice, and honor is pleased with Liesel-Marie's acts of valor within her temple and has thusly rewarded the Erutaki: she receives an additional three rounds of bloodrage, giving her a total of four.

I thought I was keeping up with my rage uses, but I trust your bookkeeping more than mine. Her actions for this round are all spent.

Potion consumed, Liesel-Marie carefully sets the vial on the rubbery corpse at her feet before taking up the axe in both hands once more and grinning fiercely at the orc.

She mutters to herself, "I will never refuse a challenge from an equal. I will give honor to worthy enemies, and contempt to the rest."

"I have an infinite capacity for stupidity!"

Nyym waits, a sly grin on his face as he remains safely hidden behind the orc. Watching and waiting to see just where he will need to strike..

Liesil-Marie is smiling as though a the orcs challenge has been excepted. Let's see where this goes.

Nyym holds his attack to counter the orc or any other threat that may show. By doing so he keeps his flanking position with the orc.

Stealth check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 I need a Perception check from Rohan and Liesel-Marie. The DC is the result of the Stealth check.

Perception Check: 1d20 ⇒ 18

"Hahahaha, barely made it. Hows this round going to turn out is scaring Rohan specially after deflecting his last attack like it was nothing."

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

The girl is focused on the org and the voices. Nothing else matters right now...

The singing of the Erutaki's raging blood centered the entirety of her focus on Grache, the hulking orc in the chamber just down the corridor. Fortunately, Rohan was alert enough for the both of them as he caught sight of someone making their way down the hallway from the direction the team had come from. As the person drew closer, he could tell that it was an older looking half-orc, middle-aged, and dressed in studded leathers similar to those worn by the two from Freedom Town that had been encountered by them previously on the floor above. In one hand he carried a bulging waterskin, while the other held a cylindrical metal object.

End of Round 3. Make your declarations for Round 4. Liesel-Marie has 4 rounds of divinely inspired bloodrage at her disposal. Rohan has spotted a new opponent and Nyym is waiting for that optimal moment to strike at the orc. This cold war just got hot! Time to get it on!

Upon laying eyes on Rohan, Liesel-Marie, and the decapitated head of the troll lying on the floor, the half-orc spoke not a word, but dropped the leather bag, which burst open on impact. He then brought his now free hand up and pointed it the taller human. Rohan could just make out a mechanism on the half-orc's wrist moments before he squeezed his hand into a fist.

Wrist Launcher Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Wrist Launcher Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

The tiny bolt launched from the half-orc's wrist with an audible twang, similar to a miniature crossbow being fired, and punched into Rohan's right shoulder. Even as the missile struck, the older opponent's raised hand dropped to a pouch at his waist, form which he produced a small clay sphere that was then slammed on the floor at his feet. From the point of where it shattered, a cloud of yellow smoke billowed out, obscuring the half-orc from Rohan's view.

The half-orc's square is filled with smoke, granting him concealment (20% miss chance) since Rohan is only 5 feet away.

Battle Music - Vengeance (Instrumental)

Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Grache (orc): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Middle-aged half-orc: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Rohan spotted this new half Orc with the bare luck of his focus, though slightly surprised as the Orc got the jump on him and shot some type of range bolt at him from his wrist impacting his right shoulder, the hard thud ringed off his hard stone like skin. The harden skin deflected some of the damage, as the bolt barely penetrated his toughened hide. Damage 4 -2 = 2 points of dmg

Rohan still shaken up by the previous Orc ability to deflect his attack with a breeze that he decided to give a little distance from this other Orc, even though they were spaced some distance for the Orc to get off a range attack, but Rohan new that the Orc may attempt to close ground.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

With a fair amount of grace though not as smoothly, Rohan did a double flip backwards down the hall some to the north, putting another 10 feet between the Orc and him. Insuring that the space between them would allow for Rohan to keep his ability to range attack this other Orc.

Once landing on his feet some 10 feet down the hall, the ground rose up as a pile of sand formed at his feet, lashing out like a whip as a ribbon formed and cracked in the Orc Direction, attempting to hit him. The moment the Whip like attack would strike it harden into stone like the form of a blade at the end of a whip.

Onslaught blast attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 8
Dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

The lashing sand whip, failed to penetrate the mist that obscured the vision that the Orc threw down. Loosing sight of the Half Orc, though adding some distance may make the Half orc come out to play, out of his mist. Perhaps the mist would impose a chance that he would fail to hit Rohan if he remained in the Smoke.

"We have company, in the hall, another Orc. I will handle this one, both of you handle the one in the room."

Not worried of his voice echoing as the sound of combat was already louder then the words, he calls out in his deep voice to the others.

HP: 17-2 = 15

What is the distance to my personal challenge?

If I am lookilooking at the map right I would say 25ft. 5ft per square.

Nyym is correct. A straight distance of 25 feet.

Oh, the urge to be impetuous here just screams in the back of my mind. Let's see if we can rock and roll here. Nyym, I hope you gut him when he strikes me down...

Liesel-Marie nods a salute at the orc stinking up the far chamber before she follows the troll's example and charges forward at considerable speed, bringing her greataxe to bear with all her strength.

Charging attack, enraged: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 2 = 27

Damage: 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Here's the part I hate: AC 13 for the next round. 3 rds of rage remaining.

Edit: Good heavens, I hope that got his attention.

Liesel-Marie gains an additional +2 bonus due to the flank provided by Nyym's invisible presence, boosting her attack roll to 29. Since the half drow has been holding his action, he can go just before Liesel-Marie, which would put his order in the initiative at 17. Otherwise, he will go at his normal initiative of 11.

Grache stood his ground and met the Erutaki's swift attack with an eager toothy grin as he brought his falchion up to meet the overhead swing of her bearded axe. The sound of the two weapons making contact reverberated throughout the chamber and sparks flew up from the hit. For a moment, the two stood there, eyes locked on one another as they held that pose. The sheer amount of hatred reflected in the red orbs of the snarling orc startled her, even in the throes of the bloodrage, and proved to be enough of a difference to allow him to straighten out his arms and leverage his blade against the haft of Liesel-Marie's axe to create separation between the two. His weapon now freed, the orc slashed diagonally from left to right at the human warrior.

Grache's falchion attack: 1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 10 - 1 = 25 -1 due to wound threshold
Falchion damage: 2d4 + 8 ⇒ (2, 1) + 8 = 11

Liesel-Marie's finely honed instincts enabled her to lean back and avoid the worst of Grache's vicious blow, the edge of his blade sliding against the parallel plates of her lamellar armor. Even so, the power behind that swing had left a visible line in the hardened leather, marking the orc's attempt at bisecting her.

Grache seemed to savor the moment as he lifted the falchion with both hands to a horizontal position above his head and growled. Liesel-Marie's elemental bloodrage had met its match in the burly orc's hateful rage.

Waiting on Nyym's post before we end the current round and move on to Round 5.

"Holy BEEEEEEEEP, Boys and girls I think we need to haul A** and get out of here before we die. We may have meet a challenge we can not defeat at our current skill level. Personally next round, it might be best to RUN like "HE double hockey sticks" and get out before we meet our doom"

Nyym watchs in awe and even blinks at the shear power and resolve of the Erutaki Warrior as she engaged her opponent. Smiling at the thought that she would cleave this Orc in 2.

I shall not dishonor her by attacking her opponent. Rohan needs my Assistance more as he is not equipped for such close quarters combat.

Nyym takes his leave of the room through the open door to his rear in an effort to catch his opponent before he has a chance to close on Rohan. Entering the new room Nyym quickly moves to the next door to circle back toward Rohan and his opponent.

As Nyym exited the chamber, he passed a lightly colored stone statue depicting a burning chariot wheel on his right in the northwest corner of the room and found himself in a room where the walls were pocked with skull-sized cubbyholes, each containing a single brass or clay urn — some long since shattered or dented, others still intact. Continuing on through on an iron door, the half-drow soon was back at the base of a stone staircase in a familiar looking chamber.

On the map, Nyym is passing through room J. Once he goes through the iron door, he will be back in room K. I'm also giving him the benefit of the doubt and assuming he went on 17 rather than 11.

And that will bring an end to round 4. Make your declarations for Round 5. Liesel-Marie is currently at 12 hit points, which puts her back at the Wounded threshold and gives her a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC. This means that her AC will be 13 for the duration of her fight against Grache. Rohan has put a little more distance between himself and the middle-aged half-orc, and Nyym is hustling to help out his taller teammate. I don't know about y'all, but I'm definitely enjoying this combat. Also something to keep in mind is that hit points are an abstraction of both "Plot Armor", "Heroic Resolve", and actual "health vs. injury". In other words, as your HP drops, it's basically your talent or luck at dodging, deflecting and absorbing the worst blows dropping as you get more tired and desperate, until you actually get hurt badly enough to be out of combat. All I'm doing is using that knowledge to make the combats seem as awesome as possible. Which is why the wound threshold option has been so important, because it lends more to the simulation than the normal means of just losing hit points means trading hits back and forth.

Battle Music - Vengeance (Instrumental)

Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Grache (orc): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Middle-aged half-orc: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

The yellow smoke cleared in the wake of the middle-aged half orc as he came at Rohan in a graceful whirl, bearing a two-bladed sword.

Two-Bladed Sword Attack 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Two-Bladed Sword Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Two-Bladed Sword Attack 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Two-Bladed Sword Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

As the older half-orc came on, Rohan threw himself backward, arms flying out wide to either side. As he tumbled down, falling at a nearly horizontal angle, the half-orc's blades passed above his thighs and abdomen. Then, with a phenomenal display of leg strength and agility, the human kipped up back to a vertical base. However, the effort left his muscles twitching uncontrollably.

See what I did with Rohan? Sure, he got hit twice by his opponent, and while I could have gone into detail describing each blow, it kind of takes away from the character's agency to assume that he would just stand there and take those two hits. So he didn't, but the effort of avoiding them has left him in a bad situation (which would be represented by his loss of 7 hit points [11 minus 4 due to his DR] and having 8 hit points left, which puts him at the Wounded threshold, giving Rohan a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, ability checks, and AC. He's just 4 hp away from being at the Critical threshold and having a -3 penalty). So, I hope you guys have a better understanding to my thought process with regard to hit points and my "cinematic storytelling style" as it relates to combat.

Nyym smiles again at this new advantage and the surprise the half orc was in for. The half orc was about to discover a whole new fight on his hands once Nyym sprung in to the fight. Entering the room and passing through the yellow cloud to close the distance. Nyym startled himself at the enjoyment he was suddenly having being able to sneak about unseen as well as being in the dark confines of the church basment where he could still see where others could not. Again pushing that though to the side as he entered into melee combat with a suddenly surprised half-orc.

attack kinetic Katana: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 2 = 23

damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 1 + (3) = 9

"Thank you DM for displaying such amazing feats of combat, and being clear that the attacks are being engaged with combat which drains our health. Leading to a good cinematic approach."

"Based on positioning I believe Nyym you are flanking the Orc now, and may have another +2 to your attack before I move after your attack" I believe that you indeed standing where the M is marked on the floor as my back is pressed against the wall with the Orc enthralled between us.

Rohan felt the stress of his muscles quaking in the throws of combat. He bared to fight this Orc whom was on him like a pouncing tiger, unable to avoid his blows. He felt a bit happier as he stood to watch Nyym arrival in the rear of this Orc, however that left him very concerned that no one was to protect Lady Liesel, which gave into worry that the beast of an Orc in the room just around the corner was a match against Liesel that Rohan had never seen before.

acrobatics roll: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Rohan knew very well that close quarter combat was not going to work with his new found adaptation to the forces of earth. He darted forth as though he was going to rush the orc, quickling dropping back words, nimble as he could stretching his arms and back to the ground as low as he could to glide gracefully across the floor below the strike of the Orc. Once passing the Orc and Nyym he turned the corner with a kick off the wall and tumble right into the hall to gain sight of both Nyym and Liesel. "Ideally should be the square right next to the M on the map"

Rohan caught the corner of wall to break his tumble and come to a quick stance, spinning around to delivery another Onslaught blast in the direction of the Orc adjacent to him. The sand ribbon lashed out from his feet and in the direction of the Orc, harding yet again into the stone tipped blade as it attempted to strike the fowl Half Orc.

Onslaught Blast: 1d20 + 7 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 7 - 2 - 4 = 20 "-2 from being wounded, -4 for ranged in combat. And if DM decided the corner of the wall provides partial cover another -2 needs to be added"
Dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

The un-obscured Half orc looked to be a easy target as the ribbon of sand flew near, perhaps even cutting into his armor if it was so lucky.

17 points of damage and he's only got a negative 1 to his attacks? Metagame info, but I think I am in a world of hurt here.

The Erutaki growls back at the orc, refusing to back down, and attacks again. Note: this assumes she did hit with her previous attack. If not, I think even in her rage she would recognize this as a foe beyond her ability and withdraw.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 - 2 = 22 -2 due to damage incurred

Damage: 1d12 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 - 2 = 9 -2 due to damage incurred

Yes, Liesel-Marie, you did hit.... and the -2 doesn't apply to the damage roll, so you did 11 points of damage. As for his being at -1, well, there's a reason why he was only at -1 (though thanks to your hit this round he's now at -2).

Rohan doesn't have to worry about partial cover. Being at -6 due to a combination of injuries and firing into melee is more than sufficient at this point in your character's adventuring career.

Caught fully in the grip of her bloodrage, the Erutaki leapt forward at the orc and aimed her axe in a great diagonal slash at her foe. Grache leaped back as well, and for a moment Liesel-Marie believed that he must have somehow backed out of range of the sweeping cut. Even in her current state, the warrior knew that wasn't possible, but the orc still stood before her and delivered a sword stroke of his own.

Falchion Attack: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 10 - 2 = 22
Falchion Damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 6 = 12

Liesel-Marie's rage-fueled mind began to race as confusion set in.

Had the attack actually missed?

It wasn't possible. It couldn't have.

Unwilling to give an inch, Liesel-Marie glared at Grache, who wore a perplexed look.

The falchion had not missed; the powerful cut had slashed through the Erutaki's armor and down and across, from left to right. Still staring, blood erupted from her wound. Only sheer willpower kept Liesel-Marie on her feet. That, and the resolve to end the life of the orc that stood in front of her.

End of Round 5. Make your declarations for Round 6. Liesel-Marie is currently at 0 hit points, which puts her at both the Critical threshold (which gives her a –3 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC), and Disabled. This means she may take a single move action or standard action each round (but not both, nor can she take full-round actions, but she can still take swift, immediate, and free actions). Liesel-Marie moves at half speed. Taking move actions doesn’t risk further injury, but performing any standard action (or any other action that I, as DM, deem strenuous) deals 1 point of damage after the completion of the act. She only starts dying once she reaches -2 hit points. Though her armor is damaged, it is not broken, so it still functions at full capacity. If you want, she can make a DC 20 Perception check to gain a hunch about the situation with regard to the orc you're facing, but unfortuantely it is at a -3 penalty due to her Critical condition.

Battle Music - All Along the Watchtower (Battlestar Galactica Broadcast Version)

Liesel-Marie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Nyym: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Rohan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Grache (orc): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Middle-aged half-orc: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Meanwhile, out in the hallway...

The middle-aged half-orc quickly, calmly assessed his current situation, coming to the conclusion that the half-elf presented a more clear and present danger to him than the tall human. With a sneer, his hands moved the two-bladed sword in graceful flourish as he turned his attention to the newly arrived combatant.

Two-Bladed Sword Attack 1: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 5 - 2 = 20
Two-Bladed Sword Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Two-Bladed Sword Attack 2: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 5 - 2 = 8
Two-Bladed Sword Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

The half-orc delivered a one-two combination that began with a downward diagonal strike with the right blade, followed by a sweeping slash at the half-drow's legs with the left. Only Nyym's drow-born reflexes enabled him to manifest his lightning blade fast enough to intercept both attacks, each accompanied with a flicker of light. The half-orc raised an eyebrow, somewhat impressed by his adversary's skill. With a satisfied look, the half-orc settled down to the business at hand and faced the half-drow, positioning his feet so that they were a little wider than shoulder width apart, with one foot in front of the other. There was twinkle in his eyes as, with a twist of his hands and a loud click, he brought them apart so that now each held a short blade.

Rohan still has 8 hit points left, leaving him at the Wounded threshold with a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, ability checks, and AC. At 10 hp, Nyym is also at the Wounded threshold with a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, ability checks, and AC. Reacting quickly enough to "block" each swing, in this instance, was what drained his "hit points".

Nyym smiles siniterly at his opponent following thier exchange. Not wanting to give his opponent time rest, Nyym steps back into his attack.

kinetic katana: 1d20 + 5 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 2 - 2 = 15

damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Liesel-Marie, blood on her teeth and staining her armor, glares at the orc and growls, "Figure it out yet? You die today. In Iomedae's name, so I swear."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (11) + 2 - 3 = 10 Bravado for the win!?

Perception: 1d20 + 5 - 3 ⇒ (9) + 5 - 3 = 11 Hunches? I have a hunch I should be thinking about a replacement character.

With what may be the last act she performs on the mortal coil, the girl feints another attack like the previous two powerful strokes, but swiftly reverses the bearded axe and makes an uppercut at the orc's exposed off-hand side.

Greataxe attack: 1d20 + 7 - 3 ⇒ (16) + 7 - 3 = 20
Damage: 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Grache's confusion only grew at Liesel-Marie's words, though whether it was simply from being unable to understand what she was saying or it was the volume in which she conveyed them was hard to tell. Regardless, the Erutaki took advantage of the orc's confusion and launched her attack, feinting to his left then suddenly changing direction to swing at his right side, slashing through Grache's collarbone and up and across to come out on the other side of the orc's neck. Still staring, he just fell apart, his head and part of his torso lifted away in the wake of the axe swing, his legs buckling beneath him.

And so the battle between the ragers comes to a close. Liesel-Marie takes 1 point of damage, putting her at -1. She's still at the Critical threshold and Disabled, which means she's still conscious (at least until she hits -2, at which point she is dying).

Understanding that the half-orc was simply trying to feel out exactly how skilled he was, Nyym wasted no time in going after this warrior, manifesting the lightning blade once again in both hands and took three steps forward and pivoted left while slashing at the half-orc's torso. His opponent brought up one of the shorter blades, flipping it around in a reverse grip to block, and felt a slight jolt from the point of contact with the energy weapon. Nyym completed the move by bringing his right foot back and positioning himself so that his lightning blade was held out in front of him, pointing at the waist of his foe.

Now we're just waiting on Rohan to post his action so that we can see where this goes.