DM Jesse's Temple of Elemental Evil PbP, Pathfinder style

Game Master Jesse Heinig

Well if Rufus is going to have the moathouse repair, Fezzik, I think it'd be best if we pitched in maybe by protecting those workmen!

Montaaaage

You pick up your delivery from Verbobonc without further problems (be sure to update your stat bars if those changed!). After returning to Nulb you rest a bit and then set out for the Temple once more.

Sneaking down the stairs, you eliminate a lone ghoul in the rooms where you fought waves of them before, then catch a hobgoblin ambling down a hallway and eliminate her as well. You sneak back into the rooms where the ogres resided...

Where did you want to go from the ogre lairs?

What all was in the Verbobonc care package? Anyone remember?

It's listed near the end of the Swag Bag linked at the top of the page, but the big two are a +1 heavy mace for Bat and a +1 shortbow for Avendryl.

Shall we then proceed?

I'll second Tronar's suggestion from a while back--the door in room 126. After SOP has been followed (trapfinding, detect magic, etc.), Bat will open that door.

Fixed the map, I think.

After careful searching you head into the room beyond the door southeast of you. This enters a small L-shaped room. The fireplace on the west wall of this room shows that special folk were housed here. Three battered old chairs are still in place, by a broken bed of large size. A wooden box stands near the bed, with a small keg nearby. Several old cloaks hang from wall hooks.

There is another door exiting from the northeast side.

proceed on! Next door.

Avendryl walks over to the box and keg. "What do we have here?" he says investigating both containers.

Seeing Tronar heading for the door, he says, "Hold on just a second, let me check that thing for traps first."

Taking 20 on the searches. (29 Total).

Fezzik starts to follow into the next room but then pauses when he sees the size of it. He waits for the others to finish searching it before moving on to the next door.

Pauses and tries to detect any evil

Avendryl finds no traps. The box is empty; the keg holds some kind of sour-smelling mash liquor (pretty bad stuff).

Domeric doesn't sense any supernatural evil nearby.

Listening at the door, Avendryl hears guttural and inhuman voices talking in an unrecognized language.

You may wanna rearrange before opening the door, as it will be tight and Fezzik may not get into the front if you're not organized!

Taking note of the tight quarters, Avendryl backs up to make room for Fezzik and encourages Domeric to do the same.

Zinnath hops onto Fezzik’s shoulder.

Fezzik waits for Domeric to move then takes a position in front of the door. With his great sword drawn, he lets everyone else get into position before opening the door.

Let's fezzik move ahead.

Fezzik bashes the door open with his huge shoulder.

(128) This room stinks of dog fur. Perhaps this was once a reception room or minor council chamber. Bits of wall coverings still dangle here and there, and a once fine hardwood sideboard is centered along the north wall. Atop it are various dirty dishes, a cask of beer, and bits of stale bread and dried meat. The entire length of the west wall is lined with piles of bedding, divided into eight pallets. A small wall font still trickles a sulphurous smelling water into a stone basin in the northwest corner. A stack of wood lies by the south door, possibly for use in some nearby fireplace. A five foot-wide alcove can be seen in the east wall, near the northeast corner.

Huddled near the font are a number of hulking gnolls, and one tremendous bugbear among them. The gnoll over in the small alcove (#4) hoists a platform that is on a swiveling mount attached to the floor, looking out a low window in the wall; the mount has a heavy quadruple crossbow assembly atop it! Other gnolls snarl and bark at each other, but are quick to turn to their defense as you arrive!

ROUND 1
Battle order
Tronar, Bataleigha <--
Bugbear
Domeric, Fezzik, Zinnath
Gnolls
Avendryl

"Get'em big man!"

delay until there is space to maneuver and not get in Fezzik's way

Bat casts sound burst, trying to target the 5 gnolls closest to the southeast corner in the area of effect. I think Bat can see the right square intersection to get 'em all with the door now open.

sound burst sonic damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6 (Fort DC 14 save or stunned 1 round in addition to damage.)

Bataleigha lets forth a cacophonous sound like angry angels. Several of the gnolls are startled, and one (#7) even drops his weapon.

The bugbear spins around and rushes the door, trying to get to Fezzik before the big man can get on his toes - but to his horror discovers that Fezzik is always on his toes.

Normally he'd rush in while Fezzik is flat-footed, but thanks to his Combat Reflexes, Fezzik gets to take an AoO anyway with his reach.

The bugbear comes in under Fezzik's sweeping swing, but his morningstar crashes harmlessly against Fezzik's armor.

ROUND 1
Battle order
Tronar, Bataleigha
Bugbear
Domeric, Fezzik, Zinnath <--
Gnolls
Avendryl

Moves in and attacks the bugbear.

power attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 1 = 17
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9

Zinnath hurls a snowball against the gnoll to his north...

Snowball To Hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 vs touch (and flatfooted)
Snowball Damage: 3d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 6) + (4) = 15

Frustrated about the cramped quarters and unable to attack the bugbear next to him, Fezzik waits to attack any gnolls moving to attack Domeric. Also still has 2 AoO left.

Attack(readied): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Damage: 3d6 + 7 ⇒ (6, 1, 4) + 7 = 18

Anyone know of a feat that would allow me to attack an adjacent square?

You have a greatsword, you can attack adjacent creatures.. it isn't a reach weapon, neither is the halbred. Being big and having 10' reach doesn't mean you can't attack adjacent, that is only the reach weapon. If you had a reach weapon, you'd be able to attack out to 15' feet.

https://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat/space-reach-threatened-area-t emplates/

Ah, I see. Oops. Thanks for the clarification. In that case I'll attack the bugbear.

Right! You have 10' natural reach, which is way better than using a 10' reach weapon!

Battle is joined in earnest as Fezzik pulls back his tremendous sword and drives it at the bugbear. The bugbear deflects it, barely, but in the process has his morningstar battered out of position by Domeric. He barely recovers in time to get his guard back up.

Fezzik missed; Domeric hit.

Zinnath zips up into the air, blasts one of the gnolls (#8) from his hidden spot with a snowball, and then sips back into hiding. The gnoll falls over, its muzzle frosted over and its eyes exploded from the sudden cold.

Egged on by the bugbear and by their greater numbers, the gnolls mob the doorway, trying to lay hits on Fezzik and Domeric.

Two of the gnolls edge in closer, moving cautiously (5' steps). One jabs at Domeric, who easily sidesteps the spear, but Fezzik takes a hit to the abdomen. His armor deflects the worst of the blow but it leaves a bruise. Fezzik takes 6 damage.

The gnoll in the corner with the quadruple crossbow turns it toward the door and waits for an opening as you start cutting through his fellows!

Several others keep their spears held ready, unable to get through the mob in the doorway.

ROUND 1
Battle order
Tronar, Bataleigha
Bugbear
Domeric, Fezzik, Zinnath
Gnolls
Avendryl <--

Avendryl, then round 2 and Tronar and Bat.

Without being able to see what lies in the next room, let alone get into the fray, Avendryl begins his song, hoping to inspire his more martially inclined companions to greater feats.

Inspire Courage - +1 competence bonus to attack and damage, +1 morale bonus vs. fear and charm.

Top of Round 2

Bataleigha steps up next to Fezzik and casts shield of faith on the big battler.

(+2 deflection bonus to AC for 3 minutes)

TRONAAAAAR!

I take it that I left myself logged in again on the Roll 20 sheet. :)

Tronar moves forward hoping that there may be a space to squeeze off a fire blast. But seeing none, he changes tactics and decides to blast the thing that looks different....The bugbear.

Arcane Reservoir Magic Missile Damage: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 3, 1) + 3 = 9

Tronar blasts the bugbear with arcane force and sends it reeling. It collapses to the stone floor, its morningstar clattering away.

ROUND 2
Battle order
Tronar, Bataleigha
Bugbear
Domeric, Fezzik, Zinnath <--
Gnolls
Avendryl

Zinnath fires a ray of cold at the nearest gnoll...

Ray of Cold To Hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 vs touch
Ray of Cold Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

With no place to move, Fezzik takes a swing at the gnoll that was behind the bugbear.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 1 = 13
Damage: 3d6 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (2, 6, 6) + 7 + 1 = 22

Attacks the gnoll to the north of him.

power attack, inspire: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 25
damage, inspire: 1d8 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 13

If the gnoll is defeated, I'll take a 5' step into its space... heck if Ferrous defeats his, I'll do the move action to move up towards the gnolls at the north end of the room

There's a soft "pfff" as Zinnath's ray strikes but does not fell one of the gnolls. Neither Domeric nor Fezzik are able to push forward or make gains against the foes.

Three form up around Domeric to try ganging up on one foe. Meanwhile, the one in the back nook tilts its quadruple crossbow assembly up and fires it at Fezzik! Meanwhile, a fusillade of javelins arcs over toward the front line.

Thanks to a positively amazingly bad series of rolls, the gnolls' attacks prove ineffective. Nothing over a 13 on d20.

ROUND 2
Battle order
Tronar, Bataleigha
Bugbear
Domeric, Fezzik, Zinnath
Gnolls
Avendryl <--

Avendryl is up, then round 3 with Tronar and Bat!

With few other options, Avendryl steps up and grants Fezzik a bit of guidance while he continues his song.

Tronar and Bat, round 3!

Taking her cue from Avendryl, Bataleigha likewise casts guidance on the White Wonder Lizard (aka Zinnath).

Tronar steps forward to peer into the room and sees an open corner that might help clear the log jam.

And upon arriving in the corner, lets out a blast of fire the help clear the body blockers.

Arcane Reservoir (damage) Burning Hands : 5d4 ⇒ (2, 1, 3, 1, 3) = 10 DC 15 reflex save for half

"Hopefully you all are now free to enter the room by getting the wounded out of the way...or have I just made a too gutsy of a move?"

Tronar's blast has the intended effect of causing real problems for the gnolls.

[spoiler=Behind the DM screen]
Gnoll #6 Ref save: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Gnolls #6, 7, and 9 all go down in flames! Smells like burning dog hair.

ROUND 2
Battle order
Tronar, Bataleigha
Bugbear
Domeric, Fezzik, Zinnath <--
Gnolls
Avendryl

Since the bugbear is out, it's time for Domeric, Fezzik, and Zinnath. Just get the one in the door (#10) and you can rush the rest of the room!

Attacks the gnoll near him, hoping to clear it out to free up the big man.

power attack, inspire: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 19
damage, inspire: 1d8 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 7

Moves north towards the other group.

Zinnath fires a ray of cold at the door blocker.

Ray of Cold To Hit: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 1 = 28 vs touch
Ray of Cold Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Botting Fezzik.

Zinnath injures the gnoll blocking the door, while Fezzik takes a heavy swing and completely obliterates it, sending bits of matted mangy bloody fur flying all over the doorway.

Domeric moves in an smashes against the defenses of one of the other gnolls, rocking it back on its heels.

The gnolls in back move to surround Domeric while one advances on Tronar. Weapons clash against shields and one manages to sneak its swing low under Domeric's guard as he's blocking the strike of another.

Domeric takes 7 damage.

ROUND 2
Battle order
Tronar, Bataleigha
Bugbear
Domeric, Fezzik, Zinnath
Gnolls
Avendryl <--

Avendryl, then round 3 with Tronar and Bat.

Avendryl, while continuing his song, moves into the room and takes aim at one the gnolls closest to Avendryl swarming Domeric with a bolt of fire.

Firebolt: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 10 (PBS, Inspire, Into melee vs. touch AC)
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4 (PBS, Inspire)

Once things open up, Bat moves forward with purpose, trusty mace at the ready.

"Now, now boys--didn't your mommas ever tell you it's impolite to swarm?"

Gritting her teeth, she swings the mace at the head of one of the mangy beastmen.

+1 heavy mace (IC): 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 1 = 14 for bludgeoning, magic damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 = 11

"Well that worked better than expected. I take it that we can mop this up quickly?"

Tronar places both hands on his long spear and attempts to repel his challenger.

Longspear to hit: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16 10'reach
Longspear Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Tronar, you'll need to step back to get to 10', since you can't use a normal reach weapon vs. an adjacent foe. Since it would be more than a 5' step, this would provoke an AoO. Do you want to do that or do something different?

Bat smites one of the gnolls and Avendry blasts another with his fire bolt! Both of them stagger, badly injured, and prepare to flee!

Domeric, Fezzik, Zinnath!

for the sake of speed, you can assume my last round was "total defense" and I will figure out what I'm going to do in the corner for next round.

Attacks the unstaggered gnoll.

power attack, inspire: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 12
damage, inspire: 1d8 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 7