DM Carbide's Giantslayer

Game Master John Woodford

Because stairs up are difficult terrain, Seamus can only reach the square between Haftor and Lokmorr in a single move action. Do you want to do that?

Even Invisible, no to that. He'll stay where he is.

With the door smashed down, Roshelle expected the party to move forward.

"What's the hold up?"

Delaying my initiative.

I'm going on leave tommorrow and my responses for the next few weeks will be thin. Bot Haftor if needed. It depends on what the baddie does, of course, but Haftor will probably take a swing at his opponent, then take a 5' step back to give his allies some maneuver room and get him out of AoO range so he can do healing/support as needed.

Thanks for the heads-up. Remember that the enemy has a reach weapon, so he's back from the door; Haftor would need to 5' step forward to be able to attack.

Round 1 (ongoing):

With the tactical situation unclear or disadvantageous, Seamus and Roshelle hold. Lokmorr takes a deep breath and releases an agonized wail that echoes through the tomb.

Everyone, DC 13 Will save or shaken as long as you're within 120 feet of him. In addition, Haftor needs to make a DC 13 Fort save or take 2 points STR drain, 3 points CON drain, and 4 points CHA drain

Everyone can act!

Lokmorr: AC? T ? FF ? HP taken:0

What are people doing?

I had been waiting for Inspire Courage or Haste or any other buffs, but I guess I'll go now.

Will DC 13, Shake it Off +3, Lastwall Phalanx +3: 1d20 + 3 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 3 + 3 = 20

Kronug moves into the room and attacks with Gorum's Thorn.
This provokes an AOO, but Kronug should be AC 28 against it (+2 sacred bonus to AC against evil foes with 1 ally adjacent).

Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30
Damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (5, 5) + 8 = 18
Confirm?: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
Crit Damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 1) + 8 = 15

Did I already ask if people can stand in those squares with the round things next to the door? I’d love to get Jarrek into the room if possible.

You asked if Seamus could do it, and since he couldn't reach them the answer didn't matter then. Now that it matters--no, the round things don't block the squares they're in.

Round 1 (ongoing):

Initiative order

Roshelle-delaying
Seamus-acted
Lokmorr-acted
Kronug-acted/pending
Haftor
Jarrek

Kronug, before resolving your attack please make a DC 13 Fort save or take 3 points STR drain, 2 points CON drain, and 4 points CHA drain at the sight of the dwarf. On the plus side, the AoO missed.

Fort DC 13, Shake it Off+2, Lastwall Phalanx+2: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 2 + 2 = 22

Round 1 (ongoing):

Initiative order

Roshelle-delaying
Seamus-acted
Lokmorr-acted
Kronug-acted
Haftor
Jarrek

Kronug lands a mighty blow on the dwarf, who shows no reaction to the damage he just took.

Roshelle, Haftor, Jarrek?

Lokmorr: AC21 T 11 FF 20 HP taken:28

Will save 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17 , +2 v. spell or spell-like ability
Fort save 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 , +2 v. spell or spell-like ability

Haftor holds his hammer high and intones Torag's name, channeling a wave of positive energy that washes out from him in all directions.

Harm undead, DC 16 for half damage 2d6 ⇒ (5, 6) = 11

If Haftor can take a 5' step diagonally into the room, he'll do it. If he can't, he'll take a 5' step toward Roshelle instead.

Round 1 (ongoing):

The wave of positive energy has no apparent effect on the enemy.

Haftor can't step diagonally into the room.

Still delaying till after Jarrek.

Will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Jarrek runs up the stairs to get into combat.

Double move: up the stairs, through Kronug's square then into the one south of Kronug.

Jarrek, don't forget about the DC 13 Will save to avoid being shaken, and when you see Lokmorr you'll need to make a DC 13 Fort save or take 1 point STR drain, 2 points CON drain, and 3 points CHA drain.

I shouldn't have assumed this guy was undead.

Knowledge (religion) to identify our enemy 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Will save 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Will save 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

The second one is a Fort save, if that helps.

The second one is a Fort save, if that helps.

With the caveat that having failed the first save, you're shaken and at -2 on the second save.

DM C, with your new house rule, Haftor's Kn: Religion total is 16.

DM Carbide wrote:

The second one is a Fort save, if that helps.

With the caveat that having failed the first save, you're shaken and at -2 on the second save.

Fort is actually worse, sadly.

DM Carbide wrote:

DM Carbide wrote:

The second one is a Fort save, if that helps.

With the caveat that having failed the first save, you're shaken and at -2 on the second save.

Fort is actually worse, sadly.

At least after this fight ends you should have a cleric who can cast restoration.

Will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Roshelle follow up the stairs right behind Jarrek. Just as she reaches the midpoint a piteous wail echoes down from above. Sounds of pain and grief and agony saturate the air as the wail washes over her. She can't help but empathize with this creature. Whatever he has done or whatever he has been, something has left deep scars on his soul. She continues to push up the stairs and past her comrades who are clogging up the top. She finds an open space, a few steps away from the wailing dwarf, and then gathers herself. What her friends need is hope. Stalwart encouragement to give them courage in the face of this malignant creature. She closes her eyes, takes a deep breathe, then encants in a sing song voice. Her hands move in fluid yet precise gestures.

A moment later each of her companions feel a warm glow inside them.

Cast Good Hope. +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls for 7 minutes.

Roshelle, you already made a Will save. Keep that one for your Fort save when/if you get up to the room.

Round 1 (ongoing):

Initiative order

Roshelle-acted
Seamus-acted
Lokmorr-acted
Kronug-acted
Haftor-acted
Jarrek

Haftor is still unable to recall anything of interest about the enemy.

Roshelle bolsters the party with Shelyn's magic.

Jarrek, even with the good hope you'll still fail both saves.

The half-orc rounds the corner and meets the mad dwarf's eyes. The agony that the Betrayer must feel crosses the gap between the two, unbelievable pain ripping through Jarrek's body and mind. In its wake he's left weakened, his normal ebullience drained by the experience.

Jarrek, you can still take an action.

"Aaargh!" Jarrek powers through the pain to get close enough to strike.

Continue his double move up the stairs, through Kronug's square then into the one south of Kronug.

As Jarrek advances, the dwarf stabs him for 20 HP (yes, he has Combat Reflexes).

The wound left by Gorum's Thorn begins to close.

Round 2:

Seamus can act!

Who wants to act for Seamus? I'm flying to England today for 5 days and I'm very short on time.

I'd have him throw a bomb but this turn in the stairs is really screwing us. How about he casts Invisibility on Haftor? Then Haftor can enter melee without taking an AoO.

Even with the infusion discovery, I think Haftor will still have to use an action to drink the extract.

That sounds good. Seamus hands the extract to Haftor; Haftor drinks and moves into the room on his turn.

Works for me.

Round 2 (ongoing):

Initiative order

Seamus-acted
Lokmorr-acted/pending
Kronug-
Haftor-
Jarrek-
Roshelle-

Seamus swiftly prepares an infused extract and hands it to Haftor.

Lokmorr takes a short step back and stabs at Jarrek, hitting him once for 28 HP.

Jarrek, I believe that puts you negative (20 HP from the AoO, 28 HP from Lokmorr's first attack this round, and you're currently at 41 maximum HP because of the CON drain). With ferocity you can stay up if you want, but he's got an iterative attack in the queue that you won't survive if he hits. Your choice. I won't resolve his second attack until you make the call.

Lokmorr: AC 21 T 11 FF 20 HP taken:18

Nah, Jarrek will go down. Good luck, team! This guy hits really hard.

OK, stay down, Jarrek. Haftor will turn invisible then move into melee, then Roshelle can come in and heal.

Round 2 (ongoing):

Initiative order

Seamus-acted
Lokmorr-acted
Kronug-
Haftor-
Jarrek-
Roshelle-

Jarrek goes down in a bloody heap, still breathing shallowly. Lokmorr cackles with insane glee and strikes Kronug for 22 HP. The Betrayer's laughter grows louder at the sight of more blood, and he actually begins to drool a little.

Kronug, Haftor, and Roshelle can act!

Kronug shifts position (5' step), uses Barroom Brawler to pick up Step Up, and strikes.

So the next time the dwarf tries a 5' step back to use his longspear, he will be in for a nasty surprise as Kronug will stick with him (and thereby not be in reach of the longspear).

Attack, PA, Good Hope: 1d20 + 13 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 13 - 2 + 2 = 25
Damage, PA, Good Hope: 2d6 + 8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 4) + 8 + 6 + 2 = 22

Kronug was at 66 HP when this fight started, so is now at 44/70. He is AC 26 when isolated, increasing by (# of allies +1) if allies get adjacent. Unconscious allies do not count, of course.

OK, I assumed that this guy was undead, and he wasn't. I'm not going to make the mistake of assuming he can't see invisible. In any case, drinking a potion is a standard action, so I'll do that first, while I'm out of his reach. Now Invisible, use Fervor to cast Ironskin as a swift action, for +4 to natural armor AC (total 26 AC against this guy).

Round 2 (ongoing):

Initiative order

Seamus-acted
Lokmorr-acted
Kronug-acted
Haftor-acted
Jarrek-down
Roshelle-

Kronug hits Lokmorr again, and again the dwarf seems to ignore the pain. Haftor vanishes and casts a defensive spell.

Rochelle?

Lokmorr: AC 21 T 11 FF 20 HP taken: 35

Roshelle gasps when she sees Jarrek go down. She races past her comrades to get right next to the bleeding half-orc. "No you don't, big guy. You don't die on me." She places a hand on his thigh then closes her eyes to concentrate. "Shelyn's grace flow to you!" She pulls her hand back and makes quick gesture in the air.

Casting CMW (replacing 2nd level spell Aid)

CMD: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (4, 5) + 7 = 16

If Roshelle waits to cast the spell until she's next to Jarrek, the angry dwarf with the reach weapon will get an AoO on her (granted, Kronug provides full cover, but the dwarf has managed to drop Jarrek and wound Kronug). However, I believe Roshelle can cast the spell on the stairs, hold the charge while moving up, and touch Jarrek without drawing an AoO.

If Roshelle waits to cast the spell until she's next to Jarrek, the angry dwarf with the reach weapon will get an AoO on her (granted, Kronug provides full cover, but the dwarf has managed to drop Jarrek and wound Kronug). However, I believe Roshelle can cast the spell on the stairs, hold the charge while moving up, and touch Jarrek without drawing an AoO.

You can’t execute an attack of opportunity against an opponent with cover relative to you.

Here

Roshelle doing as the GM suggests should also work, but cover blocking AOOs may matter if, for example, Jarrek wants to stand up on his turn.

Even better!

Roshelle advances and heals some of Jarrek's wounds.

Round 3:

Initiative order

Seamus-
Lokmorr-
Kronug-
Haftor-
Jarrek-
Roshelle-

Seamus is up! How is everyone with him advancing invisibly into the room, then throwing a bomb at Lokmorr?

Bombs away!

Should he go north or south?

I vote North. He can back into the hall if needed, or maybe set up a flank at some point.

Round 3 (ongoin):

Initiative order

Seamus-acted
Lokmorr-acted
Kronug-
Haftor-
Jarrek-
Roshelle-

Seamus slips around invisibly and throws a bomb at Lokmorr!

Since he was invisible until he attacked, Lokmorr won't get an AoO. However, Seamus still has to save against the howl and the gaze attack.

DC 13 Will save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
DC 13 Fort save, including good hope and shaken: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 - 2 = 21

RTA bomb, explosive, including shaken penalty and PBS: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 2 - 2 = 14
Bomb fire damage, including good hope and PBS: 3d6 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2, 1, 4) + 4 + 1 + 2 = 14

The bomb does a moderate amount of damage, but the angry dwarf is still up and fighting. He sizes up the tactical situation and sidesteps before attacking Roshelle, hitting her twice for 46 HP, which I think drops her.

Kronug, Haftor, and Jarrek can act!

Lokmorr: AC 21 T 11 FF 20 HP taken: 34

Jarrek slowly pushes himself to his feet. Seeing Roshelle down and the dwarf still standing- and remembering how hard he'd been hit- he reaches out to touch Kronug on the shoulder. "Watch yourself, big guy."

Stand from prone and cast Blur on Kronug. I'm pretty sure I'm out of his AoO range with those diagonals. If not I will try to cast defensively.

@Jarrek - PF changed it so that reach weapons do threaten the second diagonal (to prevent the exploit of people from avoiding reach AOOs by coming in diagonally), but Kronug provides you cover which does prevent AOOs. Otherwise you'd have provoked on standing from prone regardless of casting defensively.

Kronug continues to press the attack.

Attack, PA, Good Hope: 1d20 + 13 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 13 - 2 + 2 = 31
Damage: 2d6 + 8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 3) + 8 + 6 + 2 = 21
Confirm?: 1d20 + 13 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 13 - 2 + 2 = 17
Crit Damage: 2d6 + 8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 5) + 8 + 6 + 2 = 27

Iterative: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 - 2 + 2 = 12