DnD Next Playtest

Game Master Sai Ling

At this point, you hear a big noise, of many giant feet pounding the floor. A pack of dire wolves charges around the corner, snarling and snapping as they spot you.

The nearest is 90 feet away when you spot them.

Elwe and Malaki, you guys are up.

History check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

I rolled higher than Malaki? Is that right? Just checking...

Elwë will move in front of Olden and ready to attack the first enemy that comes within range.

"It would seem that our enemy has brought the party to us."

Just to clarify, I am assuming we are attempting to block the front door, and that is where Elwe moved to?

Malaki dashes forward, swapping weapons to favor his bow as he does. Firing on the run he then dashes up the wall above the door to the Great Hall, hiding in the shadows there ready to spring upon the unsuspecting Hill Giants when they make it into the room.

Assassinate Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 1 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 7 = 14
2nd Assassinate Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 1 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 1 + 7 = 19

Assassinate Longbow Attack Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
2nd Assassinate Longbow Attack with Sneak Attack Damage: 1d8 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24

Essentially what I am doing is using my Action to use Extra Attack to attack the Wolves twice. I go before them in Initiative, so I get my Assassinate feature. As the Giants are not in sight yet, I am assuming I can run up the wall with my move, and then use Cunning Action to Hide. Is that correct DM? In my head I am picturing us gathered around the Southern Doorway leading into the Feasting Hall, with me standing above it on the wall.

Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Olden ... I don't know where my brain was, but yes, you're up as well.

Malaki ... You're actually gathered around the eastern door, and it's long since time that I updated the map. Good thing we're still waiting on Olden to take his turn. As for whether your strategy will work, I'd say there's a good chance that it won't because the wolves will see you. They can't communicate to the giants, but they will not be ignoring you. Especially since you've been shooting them. tldr: Make your stealth roll with disadvantage.

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

Stealth will be a 17, and I believe im 20ft off the ground?

Good deal

Map

You're in the great hall, just east of the firepit. The wolves are coming through the east door. The same one the ogres left through. The stone giants and the 2 hill giants that fled left through the south door.

Your feet are about 25 feet up (you could just reach the 18 foot tall cloud giant's head) which will put the hill giants out of your melee range. They have long arms and big clubs, though.

Olden will attempt to shoot two times as the wolves enter, using his training aid Oskar.

attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Oskar gets advantage next attack

Luthia waits in the open, ready to rip in to the wolves. She saves her hand axes for any incoming giants.

The wolves rush in, howling.

Malaki fires, wounding a wolf, and drops a second with his second arrow. The wounded wolf falls to Olden's first arrow, the second thumping uselessly into the fallen beast.

Wolves 2/14

Elwe gets his readied attack.

1d5 ⇒ 2

Two of the vicious beasts charge the barbarian, snarling and snapping.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
1d10 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

The first bites, grabbing his ankle and shaking viciously, but the other misses.

1d4 ⇒ 3
Three more rush at Luthia.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
1d10 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

1d4 ⇒ 2
Two charge Olden

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

1d4 ⇒ 3
Three attack Oskar.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

The remainder snarl and bark on the floor below Malaki.

Elwe -5 hps, Luthia -10

Luthia and Oskar are up

Swift Action: Cast Divine Favour.
Battle Axe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Battle Axe (Adv): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Dmg: 1d8 + 4 + 1d8 ⇒ (5) + 4 + (7) = 16

Hand Axe: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Dmg w/ Divine Strike: 1d6 + 1d8 + 1d8 ⇒ (4) + (1) + (4) = 9

Oskar's axes flash with divine power as he strikes at two of the wolves in front of him.

Elwë lashes out at the worg as it comes in to bite him.

Eh, let's give it a shot.

Readied Greatsword Attack: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 8 - 5 = 19
Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 5 + 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 2) + 5 + (6, 1) + 4 = 23

Oskar wounds two of the wolves attacking him, while Elwe brings his sword down on one, neatly crushing its spine.

Sorry to bug, but I can't tell half of what is going on with all these bonuses rolled into one in people's posts. What, if any, buffs are current?

My current buff only effects me. So no buffs from me ATM

Thx Oskar

Luthia staggers under the weight of the three wolves' attacks, then jumps on one and wails on it with all her own feral might.

Flurry 1: 1d20 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 3 = 18 [Str., Prof.]
Flurry 2: 1d20 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 3 = 18 [Str., Prof.]
Flurry 3: 1d20 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 2 + 3 = 16 [Str., Prof.]

KIK: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
POK: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
WAP: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Luthia punches a wolf until it collapses.

At that moment, hill giants come around the corner. Lots of them, with a rabble of ogres following. There are 18 warriors, as well as what seems like an officer and a single woman, probably pretty by giant standards.

They are led by a fourteen foot tall brute with an ill-fitting crown of clumsily hammered gold, who holds his club in one hand, and a chain in the other. The chain serves as leash to a ten foot tall cave bear....

"Innrásarmaður! Drepa þá!" the chief roars, and lets loose the bear.

Most of the giants and ogres rush towards you in a furious mob, coming within 15 feet of the front line (Luthia, Elwe, Oskar). A half dozen giants stop 50 feet away and hurl stones with brutal accuracy.

1d4 ⇒ 4 Oskar 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (9, 1) + 5 = 15
1d4 ⇒ 3 Olden 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (9, 3) + 5 = 17
1d4 ⇒ 1 Elwe 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (4, 8) + 5 = 17
1d4 ⇒ 4 Oskar 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (1, 5) + 5 = 11
1d4 ⇒ 2 Luthia 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 2d10 + 5 ⇒ (3, 2) + 5 = 10
1d4 ⇒ 4 Oskar 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 Misses Oskar.

Oskar is hit for 26 pts of damage, Olden and Elwe for 17 each, and Luthia for 10

With a vicious growl, Elwë would allow his anger to take over. This time, unlike before, his wounds would start too reknit themselves together as he lashes out at the remaining wolf in front of him.

Spend to Hit Dice to heal upon entering rage: 2d12 + 12 ⇒ (11, 10) + 12 = 33

1st Greatsword Attack with Advantage: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (17) + 8 - 5 = 20
1st Greatsword Attack with Advantage: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (9) + 8 - 5 = 12

2nd Greatsword Attack with Advantage: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (8) + 8 - 5 = 11
2nd Greatsword Attack with Advantage: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (8) + 8 - 5 = 11

1st Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 5 + 2 + 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 2) + 5 + 2 + (2, 3) + 4 = 24
2nd Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 5 + 2 + 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 3) + 5 + 2 + (5, 1) + 4 = 25

Do you still provoke upon moving into a creature's melee range? I believe that hit drops the wolf, which gives Elwë an extra attack.

Elwe, only when leaving a creatures range.

If his attack drops the last wolf on him, he'll move to attack one of the wolves still attacking Luthia.

3rd Greatsword Attack with Advantage: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (13) + 8 - 5 = 16
3rd Greatsword Attack with Advantage: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (3) + 8 - 5 = 6

3rd Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 5 + 2 + 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 4) + 5 + 2 + (4, 4) + 4 = 25

Stop making my wolves into confetti, dammit!

Two more wolves are slain as Elwe limbers up.

Oh, yeah. Malaki and Olden, you guys are up as well

The less attackers, the better. By my count that brings us just under 30 enemies left...

Make that just under 40.

Olden will walk back, attempting to work his way towards the main doors that lead to the entrance. Not sure if we are pulling back or not but I'll be honest that Olden is a bit overwhelmed...

Olden continues to fire and uses his training to grant Luthia advantage on her next attack. Shoot at the smallest closest things I can

attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Olden's arrows wound one of the wolves that is harrying him.

Malaki at bat

Be about 4 hours, away from computer. Dmpc me if necessary, will drop and shoot arrows at Nosra, hopefully with Sneak Attack.

@ Malaki: We'll wait for your return. I don't like to dmpc unless absolutely necessary.

Grinning with the thrill of the hunt coursing through his blood, Malaki moves down the wall and stands upside down, looking through the throng of Giants to single out Nosra. Drawing his bow as he moves, he quickly sends two arrows flying through the air at the unsuspecting Chieftain.

DM, im assuming my Stealth was successful, as you never rolled or indicated otherwise? I will roll 2 sets of attacks just in case.

Stealth Bow Attack with Advantage: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Stealth Bow Attack with Advantage: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

2nd Stealth Bow Attack with Advantage: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
2nd Stealth Bow Attack with Advantage: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

1st Bow Attack with Sneak Attack Damage: 1d8 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + (4) + 4 = 12
2nd Bow Attack: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

OR

Bow Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
2nd Bow Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

1st Bow Attack Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
2nd Bow Attack Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Malaki finishes his move by dropping down into the Melee, dropping his Bow and drawing his blades as he finishes. Standing in the doorway, he beckons with his blades at the Chieftain, taunting him as he calls out in their tongue.

Very sorry, Malaki. The stealth did succeed. I was sure I had said so, but ... anyway.

Malaki puts a few arrows in the chief, startling the big fellow. Nosnra -18hps

One wolf snaps at Olden,
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 missing, and two more try to bring down Luthia,
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 261d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

1d10 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 10 + 2 = 21 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10savaging her viciously (for 31 hps)

The other five wolves flee, having seen a half dozen of their number drop in a matter of seconds.

The bear, set loose now, follows the chief's pointing arm and charges Malaki, 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 = 9 snapping at him (for 9)

Oskar and Luthia, you're up

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So I think Luthia is down?

Cure wounds: 8d8 + 2 ⇒ (6, 6, 8, 8, 4, 5, 7, 3) + 2 = 49 From a 4th Lvl slot (0/2.)

Oskar prays to Clangeddin for extra strength as he does he moves to Luthia's side and channels that strength to her with a touch to her brow

Still concentrating on Divine Power for now

I had 27 HP, then took 31, so I was on -4.

With Oskar's 49 am I on 45 now? If so, then:

Luthia falls to the voracious wolves, enduring no longer. When healed by Oskar, she rises defiant, and strikes the bear attacking Malaki, attempting to draw it away from the doughty warrior.

Flurry 1: 1d20 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 3 = 7 [Str., Prof.]
Flurry 2: 1d20 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 2 + 3 = 22 [Str., Prof.]
Flurry 3: 1d20 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 3 = 11[Str., Prof.]

SMAK: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
KRAK: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
POW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Luthia you are at 49. There are no neg HP in Next.

Thx Mal

What are the requirements for dieing in Next?

Very hard actually. The first is if an attack drops you to 0, and then does enough damage in one hit to do neg your total hp. Example, you have 85 hp. To kill you outright, id have to drop you to 0, and still have enough leftover dam to do 85 more points.

The othet way is when u hit 0, you are dieing. At the start of each of your turns you make a death roll. 3 successes and you stabilize, 3 failures you do. They stack, so you can have 2 failures and 1 success at the same time. Any damage you take at 0 gives you an automatic failure. Any healing resets it and puts you at positive.

What does the death roll consist of?

Pretty sure its a d20, no modifiers. 1-10 fail, 11-20 pass

So if you have 0 HP and are hit three times in a round that's three failures and you are dead? That's way easier than doing neg total HP. I'm down with that.

The first "total neg HP" is very "heroes don't die", and doesn't feel like enough risk.

So if you have 0 HP and are hit three times in a round that's three failures and you are dead? That's way easier than doing neg total HP. I'm down with that.

The first "total neg HP" is very "heroes don't die", and doesn't feel like enough risk.

And it lets a villain kick a hero while they are down to convey evil intent but doesn't risk accidental overkill. I appreciate the cinematic nod.

Not just 3 in one round, 3 hits period. Lets say I hit 0 but its not enough to kill me outright. I am now dying.

Nosra has his bear maul me on its turn. I now have 1 fail. On my turn I roll and pass. 1 fail 1 pass.

But then another giant hits me on its turn. I now habe 2 fails.

And finally on my turn I roll and fail. 3 fails1 pass, so I die.

Luthia climbs to her feet and smacks a giant twice.

This is going to be ugly.

As the giants and ogres ruch in, they each choose a target with no sense of order, jostling and shoving to reach whichever of the attackers they see fit to attack.

Luthia and Oskar draw the most attention, with four giants surrounding the dwarf, and several ogres and a giant unable to reach him, and another giant likewise prevented from attacking Luthia. Both half-orc and dwarf are struck twice. for 27 hps on Luthia and 35 on Oskar.

The chief rushes at Olden, along with a couple of other giants and an ogre, possibly trying to cut off his escape. Only one manages to land a blow. for 12 hps

Malaki draws the wrath of the chief's wife, who apparently doesn't like sneaky archers talking trash about her husband. She lands a solid blow, nearly crushing him, and an ogre adds to his pain. 43 hps worth of pain

For some reason, the giants leave Elwe to the ogres, who swing and manage to batter him for 27 hps

Malaki, Olden and Elwe are up

Elwë would let out a primal scream at the ogres while lashing out at them with his greatsword. He'll focus on one at a time. If he manages to drop one, he'll move to the next.

1st Greatsword Attack with Advantage: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (14) + 8 - 5 = 17
1st Greatsword Attack with Advantage: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (8) + 8 - 5 = 11

2nd Greatsword Attack with Advantage: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (13) + 8 - 5 = 16
2nd Greatsword Attack with Advantage: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 5 = 10

1st Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 5 + 2 + 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2) + 5 + 2 + (4, 6) + 4 = 27
2nd Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 5 + 2 + 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 4) + 5 + 2 + (3, 5) + 4 = 25

Cleric Down!

Sensing the peril of the group, and knowing that the they needed the cleric to reasonably escape Olden does his best to back away from the giant chief and sing a word of healing at the dwarf.

Cast Healing word w/ level 2 slot at Oskar.2d8 + 2 ⇒ (7, 4) + 2 = 13

So the group we send in to recover our smashed corpses, I want to play a wizard LOL!

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A wizard probably would have been good here. Olden Healing word is a swift action spell. So you can still take your normal attacks if you want to... Or more sensibly run...

Is it? Does that mean I could move, do that and then cast another spell? Because Invisibility is looking pretty darn good about now...

Unfortunately you can't cast another spell :( you could move and attack, or disengage and move. The rules for swift spells are on page 26 of the how to play document. You basically cast the spell while your doing something else but because your casting the swift spell you can't be casting another spell at the same time.

Malaki grimaces in pain as the Chieftain's Wife and Ogre comrades bruise and batter him. Looking the Wife square in the eye, he grins savagely and spits blood into her eyes as he brings his blades to reap their crimson due.

Scimitar Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
2nd Scimitar Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
3rd Scimitar Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Malaki draws upon his warrior training, using his Trip Manuever and Spring Away Manuever to fall back if possible!
Trip(1d6, if higher than opponents Str Mod, knock Target Prone. Otherwise, add roll to Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Spring Away(1d6, if higher than opponents Dex Mod, move half speed away from Target, provokes no opportunity attack. Otherwise, add roll to Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

1st Scimitar Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
2nd Scimitar Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
3rd Scimitar Damage on a Crit: 1d6 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Assuming she is still standing, he uses Action Surge and begins a blinding barrage of strikes against her!

Scimitar Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
2nd Scimitar Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
3rd Scimitar Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

1st Scimitar Attack Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
2nd Scimitar Attack Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
3rd Scimitar Attack Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

If his Spring Away Manuever works, he will use his free move to fall back from the enemy, back towards the exit from the Hall. He uses Cunning Action to Hustle, and his regular move as well. In total, he moves 85 Feet towards the exit.

If his Spring Away Manuever does not work, he uses Cunning Action to Disengage, and then uses his Move to fall back. In total, he moves 45 Feet away, falling back towards the Exit from the Hall.

Fall back! Retreat, and let us strike another day. We have struck them a deadly wound, and we shall return to finish this! Fall back, but cover each other!

I believe I did this correctly. Essentially, I attack, Use Action Surge to Attack again, then Cunning Action to either retreat without being attacked, or fall back even further. We have killed a good number of Giants, so at this point Malaki belives we should retreat, rest up, and strike again.