Dungeon Master S's "Giantslayer" AP (Inactive)

Game Master Chris Marsh

Ushyle listens to Ham's words, then slowly nods. Pain is in the history of our home, he says, whether born or adopted. We all have it. And it spreads out before us like the blood that drenched the earth in the Battle of Trunau. He pokes at the red coals with a small smile as Ham digs for some distracting game.

Can't help with the sport, he says, pulling out a wineskin, but I'll share the bit of wine I have with you. Ushyle takes a pull and hands it over.

Vael watches Raen weave her spell, remodeling the stone to provide a nook for her to take shelter. As Raen enters the space she sees Vael's raised eyebrow, denoting a kind of curious surprise. Though the eyes shine with sadness.

Nonetheless, he turns away before Raen finishes closing her door.

"pain can do odd things to people." WP says quietly as he enters the ring of light created by the magic fire. "Pain made me misjudge our wizard. Her actions were viewed through the pain of my people's enslavement." Pig's voice trails off for a moment."I thought she didn't feel anything, but know I understand that she feels intensely. SO much so that she hides her feelings so they won't overwhelm her." WP's expression is calm but there is sadness in his eyes."I deal with my pain by expressing my emotions for all to see. Raen is opposite of the same coin. She holds it in and leaves nothing to disturb her clam and cold exterior. I just hope what she holds inside doesn't explode like my Gram's pressure cooker. She will damage more than herself if that happens."

The next morning Vael rises early. As others stir they find him working through a complex and lengthy chant. When he finishes, the once-empty table in the middle of the dimensional space fills with platter upon platter of savory dishes.

Gone is the bland but nutritional gruel, having been replaced by delicious, dwarven fare. At one end of the table is a large of creamy mushroom soup, followed by a charcuterie board of sharp cheeses and spicy meats, a large loaf of very nutty bread with several different spreads, a roast boar, its meat pre-sliced... the list goes on. Each item leans toward savory over sweet, pleasingly textured, and has a complex flavour. For Doxon and anyone who has lived among dwarves, it takes like home. It's a full four course meal, and of course there's beer!
Replaced Create Food with Bountiful Banquet.

"Ye've got an hour to eat your fill, so make the most of it. Tuck in!" Vael says to the others before stepping out of the conjured hideaway. He pokes his head out long enough to knock on Raen's door and shout, "I know ye don't eat, but if you want to taste real food you should come now!"

He then eats his fill, doesn't over-indulge on the drink, and finishes the rest of his daily preparations.

Pig's eyes nearly pop out of his skull when he sees the feast and tears into it.
"since it's first breakfast, i'll only have two pints of beer." WP says as Vael raises his eyebrow as the halfling reaches for the pitcher.

Raen glances up at the knock and quietly closes her spellbook. She casts her last spell of the morning and emerges into the tunnel.

False Life: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

She waits a long while outside the sylvan door. Eventually, she lets out a deep sigh, one that she had not realized she was holding in, and enters the hideaway.

She walks silently to occupy an empty seat, leaving at least one seat between her and the next table-mate. She sits for a few minutes, listening to the chatter but not contributing, and pecks abstemiously at a few bits of bread and cheese. When she feels that she has fulfilled her obligation, she thanks Vael quietly and returns to the tunnel outside, where she stands vigil until the others have had their fill.

As Raen leaves the table and exits WP raises his eyebrows and cocks his head to the side. A nonverbal "See?!? I was right."

Pig finishes his breakfast, finds a honey muffin and steps away from the table."Thank you gents, we should do this again tomorrow!" He leaves with a big smile on his face, but as he turns away from the group, he signs and his shoulders fall a bit. He takes another breath, straightens his back and moves to the door. He activates his ring and steps outside using all the stealth he can muster...

He finds Raen about 20 feet away sitting on a rock. WP slips up behinder her and places the muffin on the rock next to here and moves away. He finds a perch a few yards away and just listens to the wind through the cave.

21th Sarenith 4715 AR

The party wakes up. The peace brings the most tension. It's in the struggle of life and death that things seem clear.

It's obvious to all that more struggle lies ahead.

Where to?

After several minutes, Raen takes the muffin and places it in a pocket. She returns to gazing down the tunnel, past her illusion.

When the others finally emerge, Raen recommends they proceed west, then turn north. Before they depart, however, she casts a spell to allow her to conduct whispered conversation at a distance. Cast Message on the group. I will renew whenever it expires. I changed out Ghost Sound for this cantrip.

Current position is Blue; recommend we go to White. Raen will concentrate on Detect Magic during travel.

WP takes point and moves to scout under invisibility.
stealth: 1d20 + 22 + 20 ⇒ (2) + 22 + 20 = 44
stealth: 1d20 + 22 + 20 ⇒ (19) + 22 + 20 = 61
stealth: 1d20 + 22 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 22 + 20 = 57
stealth: 1d20 + 22 + 20 ⇒ (19) + 22 + 20 = 61

perception: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (18) + 23 = 41
perception: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (20) + 23 = 43
perception: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (3) + 23 = 26
perception: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (18) + 23 = 41

While they travel Vael walks beside Ushyle. "Couldn't help but notice the magic of your blade. It seems... different. Do ye mind if I study it?"

Of course, Ushyle says, carefully drawing forth the dull-red blade with stylized thorns on the hilt. It should not hurt, they're not sharp.

Whistle Pig leads the party forth. Eventually he takes the group on what must surely be the way out. Unfortunately, it's another dead end. Returning to the intersection he turns eastward once more. Before long he arrives at another large cavern. This one a bit stranger than the rest. He returns to report...

This wide chamber is partially walled off by mortared stone barriers. The passage turns to follow the natural wall. The floor is covered with a layer of pulverized volcanic stone. No noise comes from the chamber, but this is clearly more than a hallway...

Vael takes the blade gingerly and with a hint of reverence. And though it is stylized in a way that is reflective of Milani, he hasn't forgotten that it was once Gorum's Thorn. And it has shed a lot of blood.

He whispers a brief chant that reveals the magical auras within the weapon. With a studious look the dwarf studies every nook and cranny on the weapon.
Spellcraft, Take 20: 20 + 15 + 1 = 36

Vael determines that Milani's Thorn is a a red steel bladed +1 Keen Longsword which has the additional benefit of tripping giants if the wielder is a dedicated and true follower of Milani. There seems to be a conjuration spell within the blade. Actual, true, rose petals fall from the blade whenever a true follower of Milani and they strike a telling blow.

"I do believe that this is the 'maze' you alluded to. A moment," Raen murmurs, floating a few feet off the ground. She reaches her mind into the weave, pulling parts of the tapestry close to her eye.

Arcane Eye. Will proceed through the hallway first, then continue along any passages behind, favoring left-hand turns at intersections. Invisible sensor can see invisible and can travel 3600 feet before expiring.

After several moments, Raen's scrying eye enters a black darkness. Pausing its advance, Raen retrieves a potion from her haversack and drinks it. Her pupils dilate substantially, and the irises turn a deep grey.

Drink potion of darkvision before continuing. I have crossed it off my sheet; if Vael has capacity to brew me another, that would be much appreciated.

Resuming her concentration on the arcane eye, the Varisian slows her pace, taking the time to investigate walls and even ceiling as well as the layout. Only for within the maze; max travel 1190 feet. Once beyond, resume to 30 ft/round, maximum range 3570 ft.

Raen's arcan eye moves slowly through the "maze" It really isn't much of one. One thing that catches her attention though is a series of well hidden blades in the maze. It appears like a room designed to launch spring loaded blades. Dealing with it is beyond the illusionist's ken. On the other side she spies a strategic set up. the room is set up to be a killing field for giants. A lone pair of fire giants guard the exit out of here. Raen's eye travels past them but blinks out before coming to another chamber. Room map revealed, Grinder map expanded slightly.

"The way ahead is trapped," Raen announces solemnly. "Beyond, two giants stand guard above open ground. A killing field. We must prepare to be swift."

"trapped you say?" WP smiles and wiggles his fingers.[b]"let me deal with those and then the giants..."[b] WP preps to move into the mine field.
DM: WP will be casting longstrider on himself daily. Right now that's 7 hours. it's going to be a pain to track. it's ALMOST a full day.

We tend to have a rough idea of the "end of the day" WP, so no worries.

Whistle Pig sets about his business.... Roll Perception, stealth, Disable Device and all that.

Pig sets to work. He moves off whiping out his flying broom and activates his ring.
he floats without a sound and without being seen...
stealth: 1d20 + 22 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 22 + 20 = 47
stealth: 1d20 + 22 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 22 + 20 = 58
stealth: 1d20 + 22 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 22 + 20 = 51
stealth: 1d20 + 22 + 20 ⇒ (7) + 22 + 20 = 49

He keeps his eye open for traps and giants. until it get's too dark and then he comes back.
perception +5 for trap spotting: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (10) + 29 = 39
perception +5 for trap spotting: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (13) + 29 = 42
perception +5 for trap spotting: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (10) + 29 = 39
perception +5 for trap spotting: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (7) + 29 = 36

when he finds a trap, be dismounts and deals with it the best he can.
DD: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (11) + 25 = 36
DD: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (14) + 25 = 39
DD: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (18) + 25 = 43
DD: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (2) + 25 = 27

Whistle Pig inches forth through the rather basic maze. He gets to the trapped room and gets to work. It takes some time to disarm the room as there are multiple pressure plates with cascading activation. Before long though, he's confident that he's disarmed it.

For disarming the Chamber of Blades trap, each hero earns 1,600 XP.

as he glads through the maze he pauses a moment to activate his cloak and enter the shadow world. he pauses for a moment to let the new reality sink in and then moves to the last room.

Pig makes a quick check of the area staying 5 ft from the ceiling. he checks out the northern approach before he head back to report.

Whistle Pig makes a complete trip, discovering a trio of extremely dangerous pit traps! Marked on map.

Raen listens carefully to the halfling's report. "I shall cover our progress through the maze with a glamer. At the mouth of the field, I shall spring the three of you--" she nods towards Hamilton, Doxon, and Ushyle, "--forward to strike the first blows."

Barring objections: invisibility sphere to move through the maze, then dimension door to move Ham/Sammi/Doxon/Ushyle/Raen into position. Vael and WP are both flying and can engage from range.

She pauses for a moment, awaiting any counterpoint, then, hearing none, casts her spell and proceeds.

I have updated the map to reflect the post-DD jump. S, let me know if we need to back up a step or three.

The giants roar as all of a sudden a group of intruders miraculously appear among them!

Enemy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10
Raen: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Ushyle: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Vael: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Whistle Pig: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Doxon: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Hamilton: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 = 10

Surprise:
Whistle Pig: Go
Vael: Go
Ushyle: Go
Hamilton: Go
Raen: Go
Doxon: Go

Round 1:
Whistle Pig: Go
Vael: Go
Ushyle: Go
Hamilton: Go
Giants: TBD
Raen: TBD
Doxon: TBD

Raen's magic is very different from Vael's — the latter warm and subtle, the former jarring and unsettling. Still, it beats running to get in the giants' face and risking a vicious blow in the process.

Milani's Thorn, Power Attack/Furious Focus, hunter's blessing, bane.

hack: 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 17 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 34

slash: 2d6 + 19 + 4d6 ⇒ (5, 6) + 19 + (4, 3, 4, 5) = 46
plus sneak attack if flat-footed: 5d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 4, 6, 5) = 26

Surprise round: five-foot step, swift action to bane, attack.

Milani's Thorn, Power Attack/Furious Focus, studied target/Seething Hatred, hunter's blessing, bane.

hack: 1d20 + 17 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 17 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 44 CRIT THREAT
confirm?: 1d20 + 17 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 17 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 32

slash: 2d6 + 19 + 5 + 4d6 ⇒ (6, 2) + 19 + 5 + (3, 4, 4, 3) = 46
plus sneak attack if flat-footed: 5d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 3, 4, 4) = 16
plus if confirmed: 2d6 + 19 + 5 ⇒ (2, 6) + 19 + 5 = 32

hack: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 23

slash: 2d6 + 19 + 5 + 4d6 ⇒ (3, 6) + 19 + 5 + (4, 4, 5, 2) = 48
plus sneak attack if flat-footed: 5d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 3, 1, 6) = 16

Round 1: swift action to study targets, five-foot step, full attack.

With two swings of the blade, Ushyle takes one of the giant's heads! The worrisome petals fall to the ground and sizzle as they hit the giant's body!

Surprise:
Whistle Pig: Go
Vael: Go
Hamilton: Go
Raen: Go
Doxon: Go

Round 1:
Whistle Pig: Go
Vael: Go
Ushyle: Crit giant kill
Hamilton: Go
Giants: TBD
Raen: TBD
Doxon: TBD

SURPRISE ROUND
With the power of flight, Vael takes off to the north, looking to get line of sight on the giant problem before them. Move

ROUND 1
He then takes care to fly around the traps that Whistle Pig cleverly spotted, hearing the sound of battle as he approaches. Double move

SURPRISE ROUND
With lightning speed Tulia zips forward, flying high enough and moving around the traps to stay safe.

ROUND 1
With a clear shot the azata loads her crossbow, takes aim, and fires!
Giant Bane Crossbow +1: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (17) + 20 = 37 Add +2 if GMW is in place
Damage (P): 1d4 + 5 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 5 + (5, 6) = 19 Add +2 if GMW is in place

surprise round: WP tries out his broom in battle and pushes it forward

round 1: He follows the Shaman and keeps an eye on him while the rest of the party takes out the first giant. WP knows he's get his chance...

GMW is in place Vael and Tulia play catch up, though Tulia scores a solid hit. Whistle Pig stays with the shaman, ready to get in, assuming any foes remain.

Surprise:
Hamilton: Go
Raen: Go
Doxon: Go

Round 1:
Whistle Pig: Move
Vael: Move
Ushyle: Crit giant kill
Hamilton: Go
Giants: TBD
Raen: TBD
Doxon: TBD

Raen's DD was the surprise

Surprise:
Hamilton: Go
Doxon: Go

Round 1:
Whistle Pig: Move
Vael: Move
Ushyle: Crit giant kill
Hamilton: Go
Giants: TBD
Raen: TBD
Doxon: TBD

Doxon take the brief moment of surprise to close with the giant.

Uh... Charge.

Surprise Round: Heartspit Power Attack Charge:1d20 + 25 ⇒ (12) + 25 = 37, Damage on Hit:3d8 + 60 + 2d6 ⇒ (4, 7, 3) + 60 + (1, 6) = 81

Round 1 Full Attack:

Heartspit Power Attack:1d20 + 25 ⇒ (6) + 25 = 31, Damage on Hit:1d8 + 20 + 2d6 ⇒ (7) + 20 + (6, 1) = 34
Heartspit Power Attack:1d20 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 20 = 33, Damage on Hit:1d8 + 20 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 20 + (3, 2) = 31
Heartspit Power Attack:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32, Damage on Hit:1d8 + 20 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 20 + (4, 5) = 34

Hamilton's battle-harden technique is completely lethal. The giant never stood a chance!

For defeating the two guards, as well as doing it without having to navigate the three pit traps, each hero earns 12,800 XP.

Grateful for the efficiency of her comrades and glad to conserve her magic, Raen descends to walk bodily along the stone landing. She inspects the two giants for anything of value.

Detect Magic, plus T10 Perception: 10 + 12 = 22

If they have nothing, I recommend me continue northeast and turn RIGHT at the fork.

These giants have little of value on them. Raen prompts the party to head one way and then the other. Eventually the path leads them to a dead end.

WP heads in the new direction flying on his broom and invisible:
stealth: 1d20 + 22 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 22 + 20 = 50
stealth: 1d20 + 22 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 22 + 20 = 51
stealth: 1d20 + 22 + 20 ⇒ (19) + 22 + 20 = 61
stealth: 1d20 + 22 + 20 ⇒ (1) + 22 + 20 = 43

While looking for bad things along the way.
perception (+5 for trap spotting): 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (10) + 32 = 42
perception (+5 for trap spotting): 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (7) + 32 = 39
perception (+5 for trap spotting): 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (3) + 32 = 35
perception (+5 for trap spotting): 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (4) + 32 = 36

The party stops at a point where they spot a sign written in Giantish. It simply says "Training in session."

Whistle Pig slinks forward.

WP flies back and reports on what he has seen:
"These giants are practicing storming and defending some sort of castle. Three fire giants. two attacking and 1 defending."

Raen follows the halfing back to the "castle." Just before they turn the corner, Raen quickens the weave to accelerate her companions. Cast Haste just before entering the room.

Eager to be through with the giants here, Raen casts a spell of haste! The giants are unaware of you, but the last time we used round/level buffs, it got complicated, so let's do this. They're STILL unaware, which means no surprise yet. You'll just catch them flatfooted.

Round 1:
Hamilton: Go
Ushyle: Go
Raen: Go
Whistle Pig: Go
Doxon: Go
Vael: Go
Giants: Not yet.

Enemy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Raen: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 2 = 21
Ushyle: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 2 = 21
Vael: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 2 = 13
Whistle Pig: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 2 = 19
Doxon: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 1 + 2 = 18
Hamilton: 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 + 2 + 2 = 23

Raen flies high into the chamber (enough to over the walls if possible) and readies a spell to block the giants' flight should they choose to run.

Ready Wall of Ice at the back of the cavern if any fire giant approaches.