DM Kaavek’s Scales of War (Inactive)

Game Master Kaavek

Rhona makes herself get inline towards the front. She was not accustomed to being left out of scouting duties but since they did save her she kinda felt a little obligated to let them run the show. She was ready to bury axe into whatever thought to pop its ugly head in their direction.

Jathal follows the others, keeping an eye out for ambush.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Cecilia had only meant to check this area for enemies, but as she entered the small room full of beds, the bard noticed the spiral staircase leading down into the darkness. Remembering that Sertanian had mentioned just such a staircase, she called out to the others. "I believe this is the correct path. Follow me."

She begins walking down the staircase, her crimson whip in hand, the Dancing Light spell still following along beside her.

The group files past the furs and bedrolls of the sleeping nook, carefully making their way past the sacks and rucksacks leaned against the walls.

As Cecilia leads them down the wrought iron staircase described by Sertanian, they descend from the alcove into what appears to be another crypt.
Carved into the walls, repeating again and again are the following words.
“Here lie the Rivenroars until the Day of the Black Sun. If you seek their monument, look at the lands around you.”

The room below is dark, but a lantern at the base of the stairs lights the way and casts a dim glow across the rest of the crypt. Two hobgoblins stand amid four stone sarcophagi, as goblins dart between the shadows at the sound of approaching footsteps and the sudden brightness brought on by the bard's light spell.
A side chamber to the east holds two marble altars lit by flickering candles. A hole in the floor in the northeast corner emits a stench fouler than even the undead in the room before.

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Dayana follows the group in silence, her mismatched eyes slowly roving over the features of the catacombs as they delve ever-deeper into the depths. She wrinkles her nose and grimaces at the stench wafting from the crypt.

I only have a +3 on Knowledge Religion, so can't make that roll.

Zalindra hangs back a little to loot the bags and sacks and see if there is anything valuable before moving to follow.

Morgrym carefully brings up the rear. Idly he wonders at what the carvings say, but hesitates before interrupting Rhona from her scouting.

Jathal looks around, at the sight of the Hobgoblins and vermin she slips into the shadows, ready for when the fight starts.
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 Or not.

No Knowledge Religion here.

Cecilia glances around the crypt. She doesn't understand the meaning of the inscriptions, but just like the dead order of knights in the previous room, she mentally reminds herself to investigate the words later.

Seeing hobgoblins and goblins, the bard immediatly tightens her grip on her weapon. Were these creatures conducting some sort of profane ritual down here? The smell alone was enough to make her sick.

"I am Cecilia of the Crimson Lash!" The human announces as she steps down into the chamber. "Me and my companions have come here to rescue the men and women taken from Brindol. Tell us where they are, or we shall come to blows."

The bard cracks her whip, ignoring the fact that these creatures might not even be able to understand her. But while her words are for the whole room, Cecilia is sure to lock eyes with one of the hobgoblins (whichever one is bigger), angling her body towards him.

Intimidate (Influence Opponent's Attitude): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

I understand that this might not work, since it requires that 1) the hobgoblin can understand Cecilia 2) the goblins allow Cecilia 1 minute of conversation. Still I figured I might as well give it a try ^_^

RHona helps scout ahead trying to be stealthy.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Seeing the Goblins she glowers and twirls her axe.

COMBAT ROUND 1
Battle Map

Zalindra manages to unearth some truly bizarre and disgusting possessions from beneath the goblin's bedding, the highlight being A beer stein large enough to serve as a goblin's helmet, complete with gouged out eye holes and a large, well‐groomed and heavily waxed
mustache affixed with an old brass nail. Some scraps of skin still cling to the back.

As the rogue sorts the junk from the trash, Jathal and Rhona stumble down the stairs behind Cecilia, ensuring that all in the crypt below are well aware of the coming threat.

Fortunately, although Cecilia is unable to convince the hobgoblin soldier to cooperate with the group, the bard's booming voice and the crack of her whip are enough to fill the soldier in the purple with an ounce of doubt. As the rest of the goblins ready their weapons, the largest one stands his ground, eyes wide.

Active Effects:
The party’s various light sources, in combination with the goblin's lantern are enough to fill the crypt with bright light.
The hobgoblin with the purple scarf is shaken for 3 rounds.

Zalindra is quite surprised by the creativity of the beer stein helmet, but nothing here looks valuable, so, reassured when she sees her grandfather moving closer, she moves after the main group. She slips past Morgrym and finds a lot of people up at the top of the stairs, so she decides to wait until there is space to walk rather than trying to squeeze through.

Dayana works her way to the front of the crowd, looking over the ugly creatures scattered throughout the room, as well as the tragically ugly goblin dog. Finally, her gaze settles on the goblin in the red scarf.

Will Save vs. Evil Eye: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14 • Save passed! Goblin (Red) takes a -2 penalty to AC for just 1 round!

The Day of the Black Sun. Well, that didn't sound good. Was it some sort of prophecy? Was it why the crypts were infested with goblins? He didn't know. Maybe Sertanian could shed some light on it, when they were out of here - he seemed quite learned.

Unable to see what the others did at the bottom of the stairs, Aelion was nevertheless forewarned by Cecilia's ringing words to ready himself to move and shoot at the first opportunity. The undead's bite still sent jagged flashes of pain through his neck, and he chided himself for having stepped away from his training so readily.

I'm back! Aelion will ready an action to move after the others once they clear the stairs. Depending on the situation then, he'll either ready another action to shoot, or just start shooting.

Jathal slips around to one side and takes aim at the hideous Goblin dog.
Bow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Rhona moves in and around the column stopping short to not get in reach of the hobgoblin letting the thing come to her.

The crowd moves a little and Zalindra sees a chance to slip forward. She shoots at the goblin dog as well.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + (6) = 9 (sneak)

Cecilia was not surprised to see her words fall on deaf ears. It had been only fair to offer these creatures a chance to surrender, even if none of them had seized such an opportunity.

Moving forward, the bard ran past the dog that Jathal and Zalindra were perforating with arrows. With a shout she struck out with her crimson whip, attempting to trip up one of the goblins crouching next to the sarcophagi.

Trip Attempt Vs Goblin (Red) CMD 12: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

The lash wraps around the goblin's legs, and with only a little difficulty Cecilia sends the small creature tumbling to the floor. There is a dazzling smile upon her face as she fights, happy to be leading the charge.

Move Action: Move 20 Feet , Standard Action: Trip Combat Maneuver against Goblin (Red)

Morgrym grunts in frustration as the group clogs the stair. Rather than try to force his way down - and risk costing someone in combat their balance - he contents himself with keeping watch at the rear.
Ready to charge anything turning up at the top

COMBAT ROUND 2
Battle Map

Dayana tries her best to hex one of the goblins, and although the creature manages to resist the witch’s power, it leaves itself open to Cecilia’s crimson lash, and is promptly brought to the floor.

Meanwhile, Jathal and Zalindra leave the goblin’s hideous hound no chance to pounce, as they bring an end to the unfortunate creature’s life just as swiftly.

Rhona steps up to confront the purple clad goblin, who is still visibly shaken from Cecilia’s words. As Ingra and JAvos file down the stairwell and into the crypt, clearing the way for those behind them.

The hobgoblin with the purple scarf stands its ground against Rhona, assuming a defensive stance.

As Javos manages to position himself between Cecilia and the goblins to the east, the cavalier draws the attention of the yellow-capped goblin, while the bard takes a hit from the goblin in brown (4 damage).

In the south east corner, the green-clad hob and his goblin offsider both raise their bows and fire at Jathal, the elf taking a hit from the smaller monster's arrow (4 damage).

Active Effects:
The party’s various light sources are enough to fill the chamber with bright light.
The Red Goblin‘s AC is reduced to 14 for 1 round
The hobgoblin with the purple scarf is shaken for 2 rounds.

Where one succeeds, perhaps the next shall fail? Dayana turns a baneful look onto the purple-scarved hobgoblin.

Hobgoblin (Purple) Will save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 • Purple Hobgoblin is now taking a -2 penalty to AC for the next 7 rounds!

Wincing as she's hit Jathal slips behind one of the sarcophagi and shoots back at the turd colored Goblin (Brown)
Bow + PBS: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 = 24
Damage + PBS: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

As soon as the way is relatively clear Morgrym bolts down the stairs, dodging allies, more afraid on missing out than taking damage.
Double move down stairs. Accounted for double movement on occupied spaces

Cecilia clutches at her right shoulder, the goblin's arrow having penetrated her chain shirt. It turns out she was not untouchable after all. Biting down hard on her lip, the bard glanced at the wound. It hurt like the devil, but it wasn't serious. She'd have to clean it after the battle was over.

Determined to win this battle quickly, Cecilia once again struck out with her whip, targeting the hobgoblin this time.

Trip Attempt Vs Hobgoblin (Purple) CMD 15: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Her second attack is just as successful as the first, the hobgoblin collapsing to the floor in a heap. With a flourish of her brilliant red cape Cecilia nods in the direction of Rhona. "He's all yours, Miss Copperhair."

Standard Action: Trip Combat Maneuver against Hobgoblin (Purple)

Zalindra moves forward looking for another target and spots the yellow goblin around the next corner. She shoots.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (6) = 7 (sneak)

Aelion ran nimbly down the stairs with Morgrym as the way cleared, taking in the situation at a glance. He ducked behind a sarcophagi, then popped up to shoot over it at the hobgoblin on the far side of the room (The hobgoblin with the green scarf.).

*Hopefully that will give it pause,* he thought, anger bubbling under the surface of his calm once more.

shortbow flurry 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
shortbow dmg 1: 1d6 ⇒ 2

shortbow flurry 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
shortbow dmg 2: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Rhona strikes at the Hobgoblin with all her might seeking to cut clean through the vile creature before her.

attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 1 + 2 = 15
damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Seizing the opportunity, Ingra also moves to attack the downed hobgoblin. Drawing her greatsword, she swings at the creature.

Attack Roll Vs Hobgoblin (Purple): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Damage Roll: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 1) + 3 = 6

The dwarf's blade easily finds the hobgoblin lying upon the floor. Blood flows from the monster's chest, slowly dying from the wound inflicted upon it.

Following Ingra's example, Javos draws his masterwork longsword and attacks the nearest goblin with a roar.

Attack Roll Vs Goblin (Red): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

But despite being being down on all fours, the creature easily evades the calavier's attacks, rolling to the side to avoid his weapon.

Ingra Stormstone
Move Action: Unsheathe weapon (Greatsword), Free Action: Take 5-Foot Step , Standard Action: Successfully Attack Hobgoblin (Purple) with Greatsword

Javos Kincade
Move Action: Move 10 Feet and Unsheathe Weapon (Masterwork Longsword) , Standard Action: Unsuccessfully Attack Goblin (Red) with Longsword

COMBAT ROUND 3
Battle Map

Dayana puts a hex on the purple clad hob and Cecilia brings the brute to the floor with her whip where the two dwarven women deliver a series of brutal blows.

Aelion’s arrow grazes the shoulder of the hobgoblin in green as Jathal sends an arrow through the eye of the brown capped goblin. Zalindra tries her best to the drop on the yellow goblin near the garbage chute, but the nimble creature dodges her shot.

Returning fire, the yellow goblinoid draws and looses an arrow at Zalindra, striking the bard in her left calf (2 Damage) while the goblin in the blue rags targets Cecilia and the green hob aims his arrow at the dwarf in the middle of the room. Both of these goblins miss their targets though, as does the red cap, who swings his sword helplessly at Javos' feet.

Active Effects:
The party’s various light sources are enough to fill the chamber with bright light.
The Purple Hobgoblin‘s AC is reduced to 14 for 7 rounds
The Purple Hobgoblin is shaken for 1 round.

Trying to ignore the pain from multiple injuries, Zalindra shoots back at yellow.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

For the first time in ages, Aelion felt the calm of centering, despite the chaos around him - or maybe because of it. Pushing all thought from his mind, he focused - took aim - breathed - released his arrows in swift succession at the hobgoblin in green.

shortbow flurry 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
dmg 1: 1d6 ⇒ 6

shortbow flurry 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
dmg 2: 1d6 ⇒ 3

The pleasant emptiness didn't leave him even as his arrows struck true. Nonchalantly, he nocked another arrow, waiting for another opportunity.

Rhona moves down to attack the goblin Jathal was attacking and strikes it.

attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 + 2 = 10
damage: 1d10 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 2 = 13

'Clear the field so the main threats are alone!" Jathal recites mentally as she aims now at the Brown capped Goblin.
attack + PBS: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10

He skip of pain as Zalindra wounds him saves him from her arrow.

Dayana puffs out a sigh and comes up along Jathal, weaving a hex onto the yellow-capped goblin.

Will Save vs. Evil Eye: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1 • Yellow Goblin is now taking a -2 penalty to AC for the next 7 rounds!

Somewhat embarrassed that he had to rely on Rhona to finish off that rather troublesome goblin, Javos turns his attention to the hobgoblin with the green scarf. He charges the monster, attacking with his masterwork longsword.

Attack Roll Vs Hobgoblin (Green): 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 2 = 21 (Power Attack) (Charge)
Damage Roll: 1d8 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 3 = 9

Javos succeeds in slashing the hobgoblin, finishing the job that Aelion had started. With several arrows in its chest and a blade cutting into its neck, the creature collapses to the floor.

Ingra also rushes forward. And while the dwarf doesn't have enough space for a charge like the human just did, she is able to position herself so that the goblin with the yellow cap can't get in a free shot on Javos.

Continuing to make use of her father's weapon, Cecilia dashes forward. With a flick of her wrist she attempts to topple another one of the goblins, just like she had the others.

Trip Attempt Vs Goblin (Yellow) CMD: 12: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Her whip hits the monster right in the eyes, causing it to panic and trip over its own legs. Very pleased with herself, the bard couldn't help but strike a pose. "That's three for three!" She calls out, looking back at the rest of the party.

Javos Kincade
Full Round Action: Charge Hobgoblin (Green) and Successfully Attack with Masterwork Longsword

Ingra Stormstone
Double Move Action: Move 35 Feet

Cecilia Hawthorne
Move Action: Move 15 Feet , Standard Action: Successful Trip Attempt Vs Goblin (Yellow) using Whip

Morgrym steps forward, striking out at the closest hobgoblin. The first real foe he'd fought - not including the disastrous attempt to save the old man. Long taught drills struggled to the fore of his mind, and he did a passable job with his ceremonial warhammer.

warhammer + flanking: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 + 2 = 15 damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

COMBAT ROUND 4
Battle Map

Zalindra shoots the goblin in yellow, as the witch Dayana puts a hex on the poor creature.
As Aelion and Javos work together to bring down the hobgoblin in green, Cecilia brings the yellow goblin to the floor with a crack of her whip.

Rhona swings and misses at the red clad goblin, but Morgrym steps up and crushes the creature’s skull beneath his powerful hammer.

As the party closes in, the yellow and blue goblins by the alter drop their bows and draw swords, the yellow one managing to deliver an impressive cut to Ingra's thigh from his place on the floor (4 Damage).

Active Effects:
The party’s various light sources are enough to fill the chamber with bright light.
The Yellow Goblin‘s AC is reduced to 14 for 7 rounds

Zalindra shoots at Yellow.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Ouch. Almost shot herself on that one.

Jathal makes blue her Studied Target and takes aim at him.
Bow + PBS + ST: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 26
Bow + PBS + ST Crit confirm?: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 16
Crit damage + PBS + ST: 3d8 + 6 ⇒ (5, 7, 6) + 6 = 24

"Nearly there, keep pressing them." She calls, feeling better despite her wound.

Aelion stepped forward, around the sarcophagus. Stubbornly as the last goblins clung to life and fighting, Aelion was equally determined that they be put down. Those near him could hear him singing an elven dirge under his breath, barely a whisper.

He took aim at the one straight ahead of him, no one present to give it cover. Yellow goblin, I believe.

shortbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Rhona stomps towards the battle, seeking to get her ax wet with the blood of goblins

Spitting goblin blood from his mouth and vowing to wash his beard as soon as the fight was over, Morgrym charges one of the remaining goblins. No prayer on his lip this time, he'd learnt his lesson from the other goblin, and kept his mouth shut. Later he would wonder if that was why his blow was so disastrous.

Dayana loosely folds her arms across her chest, fairly confident that the goblins in the room were thoroughly handled.

The Tiri Kitor archers make short work of the remaining goblins, and the battle is won.

As the sound of battle fades, Kra'el and Sertainian cautiously make their way downstairs, joining the others among the antique alters and cold stone sarcophagi.

Sertainian stops to examine a section of the repeating text devoted to the Rivenroar family, as the dragonborn keeps a close eye on the old man.

There is a doorway leading out of the crypt directly south of the spiral stairs, and a corridor leads west, before also turning south.

With the goblins defeated, Cecilia lowers her crimson whip. Examining her right shoulder, the bard gathers up all of her courage, and then swiftly rips out the arrow that had penetrated her chain shirt.

Forcing herself to appear calm despite the pain, Cecilia quickly cleans the area around her wound with a Prestidigitation spell, before following up with a Mending spell to repair her shirt and jacket. It still hurt, but that would not stop her from continuing the fight.

Ignoring the crypt's terrible smell as best she could, the bard walks over to her friend, Sertainian. Noticing his study of the inscriptions, she speaks up.

"Do these words mean anything to you, Mr Freston? I understand only half of it myself."

Aid Another (Knowledge: Religion): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Nonetheless, Cecilia shares what little knowledge she has of religious matters.

If Sertainian or anyone else in the party attempts to make a Knowledge (Religion) Skill Check to identify these writings, Cecilia will add a +3 to their roll through the use of the Aid Another Action.

Zalindra checks the southern door for traps.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Aelion didn't have in-depth knowledge of any religions, but he had picked up a bit of trivia here and there in his travels for the Council. He surmised what he could from that, joining Sertanian and Cecilia in puzzling over the inscriptions.

Aid another - Knowledge:religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Unfortunately, his trivia proved trivial.

Are there any arrows Aelion can claim?

"Where now, I mean I would love to fight more goblins but I will head back to town" She says her axe out as she looks over to Zalindra.

"What are you doing lass? Are you looking for traps?" She says walking over to look at this door.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

"Always thought I'd be a great tunnel rat"

"Here lie the Rivenroars until the Day of the Black Sun. If you seek their monument, look at the lands around you."

As Sertainian, Cecilia and Aelion ponder the inscription, Rhona and Zalindra make certain that the doorway leading south is not trapped.

"The Day of the Black Sun... I've read those words before, I think. If I recall, it's an old way of saying 'forever', or 'until the end of days'."

The old man's musings jog Dayana's memory, and she suddenly realizes what was on the tip of her tongue before the fighting broke out.

With the help of Cecilia and Sertainian, Dayana's earlier Knowledge roll will have passed.

As Aelion finds himself less useful to the historians than he had hoped, he instead moves to loot some arrows from the goblin archers.
The elf is able to gather 51 arrows in total.

Zalindra responds to Rhona

Yes. I assumed we would be continuing to try to find more prisoners... but if we're sure we rescued everyone we could, going back to town is also a good idea.

Grandfather, do you know what they did with the artifacts from the museum?