DM Harpwizard’s Heroes of Elsir Vale (Inactive)

Game Master GM Harpwizard

Speaking in the harsh language of dragons, the central blue dragon calls to the others.

He then addresses the newcomer.

The Lower Fane of Tiamat

Good thing Bofus speaks Draconic!

In Common Bofus screams out NO, don't kill me!! and runs back up the hall--far enough to try hiding again after whispering here it starts men

stealth: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (17) + 26 = 43

Tom waits, as he can blink quickly down the hall at any time.

"We backing Mr. Brass Balls up!!"

Tom bows to the Wyrmlord.
"Maam, could you get us a respite from the dragons before they try to sizzle us with sky juice. They may respect you more."

Tom waits, as he can blink quickly down the hall at any time.

"We backing Mr. Brass Balls up!!"

Tom bows to the Wyrmlord.
"Maam, could you get us a respite from the dragons before they try to sizzle us with sky juice. They may respect you more."

"What do you suggest I say, my dear Tomkin? Please excuse us, we are just coming down to do some sightseeing?! Did I fail to mention that the High Wyrmlord does not like interruptions and that is why he put these five guards on duty. I'm just amazed that you all have the courage to go face them."

Tirion chuckles:
You don't need courage. You need cajones. Something you will notice all of us have.
He looks over at Tom. Some more than others.

"Well, then--let's go get em"

Tom waits for the others.

He plans to step through the ethereal plane as far as he can with his dog into one of the tunnels and behind one of the worms when the time is right.

Tirion chuckles:

You don't need courage. You need cajones. Something you will notice all of us have.
He looks over at Tom. Some more than others.

"I dare say, dark gnome, I have no idea what you mean by a cajone. Is that something you eat?"

Tirion grins and rolls his eyes playfully.
Don't worry, I am sure you will learn all about cajones soon if you keep hanging out with Tom.

Bofus doubles back into the cavern now that he's got his proper stealth groove on

"Have I evar toldja how I lost me leg in the war?" Said the seemingly two legged Mirrin.

Tom nods: "After an arrow to the knee, many adventurers have to resort to being a guardsman. I hope your story was different."

Ok, folks, let's get started. Kindly let me know if I am missing something.

Spells in Effect

Haste,
Prot from Evil,
Resist Electricity,
Bless.
Invisibility

Were these spells cast on everyone?

Initiative

Bofus Initiative: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
Rebel Red’s Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Tirion’s Initiative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Lorth’s Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Mirrin’s Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Tomkin’s Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Monster's Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Battlemat

Round 1

• Tirion
• Bofus
• Tomkin
• Blue Dragons
• Red
• Mirrin
• Lorth

Ok, folks, let's get started. Kindly let me know if I am missing something.

Spells in Effect

Haste,
Prot from Evil,
Resist Electricity,
Bless.
Invisibility

Were these spells cast on everyone?

all except invisibility--I did not get that.

Round 1
Being the first to react, and knowing that many of his spells will likely be ineffective against the dragons, Tirion reaches out and touches Mirrin.

That will make you light on your feet, and much quicker than most dwarves.

Cast Fly on Mirrin

/pending!

Tom and his dog pop out of existence as they dimensionally head to the end of the middle dragon cave (Ad22). Unable to attack fully, Tom prepares to smite the evil dragon as he acts with his glaive.
Move to AD 22, swift=smite vs dragon nearby, std=ready attack when dragon acts.

Appearing behind the dragon, Tom decides to await announcing his presence, as he wanted to take knightly virtues only so far.

Round 1

• Tirion casts Fly on Mirrin. Tirion, did you cast haste or not?
• Bofus (unresolved)
• Tomkin dimensionally appears at the back of the central dragon cave at AD 22 where he smites evil on the dragon and readies an attack on the dragon. May I have a stealth check. I am aware that you are invisible and staying still.

Battlemat

• Blue Dragons (coming after Bofus completes his action)
• Red
• Mirrin
• Lorth

Tom moves, but his armor is clinky.
stealth: 1d20 + 5 - 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 - 5 = 20
invisible bonus not applied

Haste was cast with the Rod of Extend immediately before entering the cavern. We should have 18 rounds of haste each.

round 1

Bofus heads back toward the cavern again, bow in hand...

stealth: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (19) + 26 = 45 <---BOOYAH!!!

...as quiet as death!

Will ready action to shoot whatever beastie Tom hits

Round 1

Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32
Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (16) + 18 = 34
Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32
Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30
Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 28

"I smell halfling! I doubt there is enough to go around, so finders keepers!"

The blue dragons begin stirring and posturing as they become aware of intruders in their lair. However, they do not yet attack.

"Come out, come out! Little creatures! We would like to meet you!"

Round 1

• Tirion casts Fly on Mirrin.
• Bofus moves further into the cavern. Bofus where do you wish to hide? Kindly give me the coordinates. The level with the pews is lower than the level with the statues.
• Tomkin dimensionally appears at the back of the central dragon cave at AD 22 where he smites evil on the dragon and readies an attack on the dragon. May I have a stealth check. I am aware that you are invisible and staying still.
• Blue Dragons awake. One flies down from his alcove to the lower level. The one in the central alcove turns around to sniff Tomkin.

Battlemat

• Red (unresolved)
• Mirrin
• Lorth

Stealth check #2: 1d20 + 5 - 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 - 5 = 7 Invisibility bonus not added -- if first stealth check not sufficient.

As the dragon turns to sniff, Tom smites him with his glaive.

std attack: 1d20 + 18 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 18 + 3 = 351d8 + 20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 20 + 18 = 39 I am assuming the +18 damage for an evil aligned dragon applies to my first attack

Red begins singing his most recent tune, something about a Red Dragon that was too proud and found itself a quick grave...

Inspire Courage +2

He then moves down towards the room (but not into it)

Poppy flies down (How high is the roof?)

"EVERYONE ON THE GROUND! I'VE GOT A MAN EATING LION BIRD AND I'M NOT AFRAID TO USE IT!"

Mirrin flies to AQ22 just above Bofus and takes a shot at the one in AL17.

1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 14 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 21 Attack
1d8 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 12 Damage

Bites rushes in with a screech hungry for meat and carnage.

Bites flies to AP-AQ, 20-21. He readies an action to attack the first dragon that gets within reach.

Bofus where do you wish to hide? Kindly give me the coordinates. The level with the pews is lower than the level with the statues.

Can I get to AQ 28 please?

Could I get a quick confirmation if the big blue beasties react to the smite and shot before I post action?

Round 1

• Tirion casts Fly on Mirrin.
• Bofus moves further into the cavern to AQ28.
• Tomkin dimensionally appears at the back of the central dragon cave at AD 22 where he smites evil on the dragon and readies an attack on the dragon.
• Blue Dragons awake. One flies down from his alcove to the lower level. The one in the central alcove turns around to sniff Tomkin.
• Tomkin's readied action activates and he delivers a surprise attack with his smite evil which reveals himself to the Blue Wyrm. With the power of his deity behind his blade, he delivers a deadly chop to the wyrm.
• Red moves closer down the hall and begins singing one of his most recent tunes to begin inspiring his comrades. (Inspire Courage +2)
• Mirrin flies to AQ22 and takes a shot at AL17. The bolt lodges itself into the beast and draws the creature's attention.

Battlemat

• Lorth (unresolved) Yes, Tomkin's smite evil affected the wyrm at AF23. I believe his smite evil affects only the one target.

Round 2

• Tirion (unresolved)
• Bofus (unresolved)
• Blue Dragons
• Tomkin
• Red
• Mirrin
• Lorth

"Now you've done it!" Ulwai declares. "You've stirred up a little hornet nest now! However, I think the sting of those wyverns will hurt you more than a hornet!"

Knowing that even with the cloak of shadow upon him, any attempt at stealth would be futile - Lorth instead welcomes the coming challenge, striding forthright and forwards, calling upon the Dawnflower as he does.

Move forward with no attempt at Stealth to AP,23.
Invoke Sacred Weapon for Holy on his scimitar
Invoke Sacred Armor (by using one Fervor) for additional +1 on his platemail.
Should still be invisible and ready attack against any dragon that moves into range.

Round 2
Deciding that now is as good a time as any with the dragons at least somewhat grouped together, Tirion calls on his arcane heritage and a second later a pea sized ball flies from his finger, shooting across the room before bursting into a ball of flames which burns into several of the dragons.

Standard: Cast Fireball centered at AI21/AJ22 (the left center of the circle in the center of the room, this should get the three center dragons, not the ones in, or from, the lower left and lower right alcoves)

Damage: 10d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 4, 5, 6, 4, 1, 4, 1, 3) = 31 <-- DC19 Reflex for 1/2

SR Check NW Alcove dragon: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 25 <-- spell penetration & greater spell penetration

SR Check N Alcove dragon: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 26

SR Check NE Alcove dragon: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 24 <-- hope those made it

The gnome then takes a step back up the steps to move out of the line of fire should any of the dragons decide that the party is all lined up for a breath weapon.

ROUND 1, readied action triggers

Bofus follows his new friends attack with one of his own as he shoots a dragon bane arrow from his concealed position

sneak attack!!: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (2) + 17 = 19 <--not a time to roll a 2. But no dex bonus for you, at least
damage: 1d6 + 3 + 2d6 + 5d6 ⇒ (2) + 3 + (1, 5) + (2, 1, 4, 1, 3) = 22 <--aaaand horrible damage to go with that miss

Round 2

• Tirion casts a fireball engulfing two of the dragons in fire. One is badly hurt and the other is a little scorched.
• Bofus lets loose a bane arrow at the unsuspecting wyrm fighting Tomkin. The arrow barely pierces its hide and the dragon screeches as it falls to the ground.
• Blue Dragons fly down and attack Bofus and Mirrin.

Please resolve your readied actions and then I will finish their attacks.

Battlemat

• Tomkin
• Red
• Mirrin
• Lorth

Round 2

Reflex Saving Throw AF 23: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Reflex Saving Throw AH 17: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

The wyrm at AM32 flies down to attack Bofus and he becomes clearly visible.

The beast mutters to Bofus as it attacks."You are nimble for such a small creature!"

Sting: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Bite: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 5) + 4 = 10

Wings: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Wings: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

"If you would just stay still! I would like to eat you!"

Three of the other wyrms move in to attack Mirrin.

The 20' radius of the fireball should have caught all three of the center dragons, not just two.

"If you would just stay still! I would like to eat you!"

I'm but a morsel! And rather bony at that. Why don't you munch on one of those daichini, or the dwarf? Much more meat on those bones...

The 20' radius of the fireball should have caught all three of the center dragons, not just two.

Tirion, this is always the problem with three dimensions. Two of the dragons were lower than the other two. I wounded the two who were up higher.

Ah, remember that the dragons are also three dimensional. If all were flying, then one would have had to have been flying more than 15' higher than the others since they really take up a 15'x15'x15' area. If there was no way to get all three in the area of effect, I understand.

This reminds me of the time back in college, when we were playing 1st edition (or was it 2nd??) and I convinced DMHW that a ground-burst fireball had a greater radius than an airburst fireball due to the same volume, and thus greater radius, of a semi-sphere vs. sphere. Since he's a math guy he couldn't argue the math...

That would make sense if the spell did not involve MAGIC. Since it is a burst, not a volume, the change in the dynamics of the area affected should not change the total area/volume. Essentially, the additional "burst" would be deflected but end up with the same total area encompassed. It would probably be slightly hotter, but not enough to change the damage.

Tom appears five feet from the dragon attacking Bonus and the one next to him on his dog. He flanks with Bonus on the dragon.
att: 1d20 + 23 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 23 + 2 = 401d8 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 29
The magic glaive comes down hard,

That would make sense if the spell did not involve MAGIC. Since it is a burst, not a volume, the change in the dynamics of the area affected should not change the total area/volume. Essentially, the additional "burst" would be deflected but end up with the same total area encompassed. It would probably be slightly hotter, but not enough to change the damage.

Last comment on this, as I'll never out-rules-lawyer a lawyer, but in 1e, it specifically said that a fireball would roughly conform to the area it's in, even travelling down a hallway, to fill it's total volume. You have to understand Gary Gygax's mind...

Tom appears five feet from the dragon attacking Bonus and the one next to him on his dog. He flanks with Bonus on the dragon.

don't you love autocorrect??

First Ed Fireballs were the perfect dungeon cleaner. That said, the bouncing lightning bolt could be a real crowd pleaser too!

I hated trying to aim that thing in the old D&D computer games

Go red! Go! Mirrin is hungry!

I rarely cast fireball, but dragons tend to have low reflex saves and I thought I could catch 3 of them in the area of effect.

The difference is that HP have greatly increased, while the damage from fireballs and similar evocation spells have stayed pretty much the same.

Uhuh, Fireball, Lightning, Magic Missile - all those old gems were boss when a giant had 60HP or something

In AD&D, I think that Demogorgon had 199hp, Asmodeus had 200, Tiamat had like 159 and Bahamut had 160, or something in that area. Now, a level 10 Bard like Red has 94hp, and a level 20 barbarian using PFS rules with say a 16 Con (belts, etc) and Toughness can easily have more than 220hp. Thus, the barbarian has 50 more hit points than many gods in AD&D.