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

Game Master Chris Marsh

Tulia flies up as high as she can, striving to bring herself as close to the stars as she can even though they're below ground. She begins a lengthy communion with Desna, searching for answers to the mystery that is Ushyle and Milani's Thorn.

After ten minutes the azata feels the mental wall between her and Desna thin. Projecting her mind through the weave of the Dark Tapestry, she begins her questions.

"Great Dreamer, my friend Ushyle worships Milani and bears a weapon that sheds ashen petals in battle. Is this a sign of Milani's displeasure at him?"
Question 1 of 6. The others will be contingent on this one, I think.

When Ushyle emerges, Tulia flies off and the shaman walks over to the Milanite. "If you'll allow it, I can channel the energy of the heavens into your blade, bolstering it for about half a day. It should last up until we break for the day. May I?" Vael asks, holding a hand out for Milani's Thorn.

Ushyle hands Milani's Thorn over without hesitation. I...I had never considered enhancing it beyond its already potent magicks, the half-elf says, clearly thinking about it now. That could be quite a boon.

When the l]blade is returned to him, Ushyle can hardly believe its might. Eyes wide, he turns to Vael excitedly. Show me how the spell works. I must learn it.

The Heroes of Trunau ascend to the Forge. Raen breathes in deep; the smell reminds her of Morninghawk's Fine Steel back in Trunau, and of Doxon working the forge at their shared home. Still, there is something decidedly sinister to the air here. She twitches her nose and calls a halt at the first intersection. Weaving a spell, she sends an magical sensor along the corridors ahead, moving quickly to get a sense of the complex.

Arcane Eye. The sensor is invisible and can travel up to 3900 feet over 13 minutes before expiring. I will send the sensor ahead, favoring left-hand turns, to explore as much of the complex as I am able.

With her first question coming back in the affirmative, the azata continues her questions to Desna. Or, at least, a Desnan proxy of some sort.

"Oh Lady Luck, does Milani's displeasure have anything to do with a group of Orc slaves that we freed?" Tulia asks.
No

She ponders this for a moment, then asks, "Queen of the North Star, does Milani's displeasure at Ushyle have anything to do with the weapon he wields?"
No

"Dear Starsong, does Milani's displeasure have anything to do with the form he has taken?" she asks this question, a hint of doubt in her voice. It can't be, but best to be sure.
No

She's relieved, and surprises herself with a deep exhale. Then she asks, "Tender of Dreams, does Ushyle know the reason for Milani's displeasure?"
Yes

"Mother Moon, will a magical Atonement redeem Ushyle?" Tulia finishes, feeling the connection begin to fade.
Yes

The spell ends, and Tulia's face looks grim. "I need to talk to Vael."

=====================================

The azata does indeed talk with the dwarf, who suggests that she bring this topic up with the Milanite. The two call Ushyle aside, to speak with him in private.

"Hi, uh, Ushyle," Tulia says, uncharacteristically uncertain. "Look, I think we've all noticed that something's up with your bond to the Everbloom. I asked Desna a couple questions and, in her inifinite patience, she answered. But I can tell you it's hard when you don't know what the right questions to ask are. So let me explain,"

The azata flits over to Ushyle and places a delicate hand on his shoulder. "I know that Milani is... not necessarily angry, but perhaps disappointed. It has nothing to do with the orc slaves we freed, with the blade you wield, or with this new form that Vael gave you. But I know that you know why the goddess is disappointed. She still listens to you, and answers your prayers but it's possible that atonement in some form is needed. Now, if you really want, Vael can take us to Elysium. We can perhaps find a priestess within Milani's Garden who can perform an atonement. If you want."

Before Ushyle can even get a word in, the fast-talking lyrakien azata adds, "And I'm really sorry, but I'm dying to know, to understand... what could possibly have disappointed Milani? It's not from any action of yours that I've seen."

Ushyle is quiet a long while — long enough that Tulia wonders if he has not heard her at all. Perhaps he has even gone deaf!

Finally, the half-elf speaks in a quiet tone. Yes. I know why I have caused Milani vexation. And you are correct that it is not from any action of mine that you — or any living soul — has seen.

You and my fellow townspersons here have seen nothing but the reaping my folly has sown, her admonishment and its aftermath, and the impact of her judgment. He cannot meet the azata's eyes as he continues. A simple spell will not suffice in this, I fear. I cannot undo what I have done in anger, so my actions, and my heart behind them, are the only thing that can change the distaste The Everbloom has of me.

She...she has nothing to say to me right now. Perhaps she will not for some time to come.

"Yes, but it's still not clear what you did or did not do. Now it's fine if you're not interested in telling that tale. I respect privacy, but if your intention is to atone then the ritual will indeed help you. Desna has told me so," Tulia says, convinction in every word. "Please, do not treat this as some kind of irreversible punishment. Let us help you on that path, and take you to see a priest or priestess who will hear your story and let you atone. Not today, but this is important so perhaps tomorrow. We are all behind you."

Finally, she picks up on something he said. "Wait, what you mean by 'any living soul'?"

I mean that no one alive — still alive — saw it, he says simply. At a time when I should have let the past remain where it was, rather than bubble it back to the surface...I was not wise enough to do so.

The half-elf sighs. If you say that Desna has told you so, I cannot disbelieve that. She and Milani share hope as a cause, and I know they are friendly. I have my doubts that an atonement will suffice. Ushyle gives Tulia a weary smile. But then, my doubts are not anything new either.

"It will help, I'm sure of it," her enthusiasm takes over and she hugs the half-elf. "We can either speak with Raen about finding a priest of Milani in Golarion, or Vael can take us to Milani's Garden in Elysium. I'm sure there is someone there who will perform the ritual."

Tulia looks to Vael, and adds, "I am so proud of your growth. The pull of the heavens is so strong in you. Desna and the spirits of Heaven have truly favoured you. And one day, hopefully soon, you can take me home. There's so much I'd love to show you!"

Raen returns from her trance and interrupts. "The leftmost passage arrives at a well-furnished room, presently occupied by three giants: two lieutenants and a captain. The room bears four doors, closed..."

Remainder of report waiting on map reveal.

Map revealed.

"...and all to the south. I discern these to be likely bedchambers. We must needs be prepared for the arrival of reinforcements, if unarmored."

She pauses. "Shall we proceed? I offer to transport Hamilton, Samantha, Doxon, and Ushyle into close range." Aka, Dimension Door. I can also cast Haste if desired.

Let's go. Taking out a few officers is too good to ignore.

Pig doesn't need any other reason to move forward. He mounts the broom, kicks off the grounds and moves forward. He moves quickly down the tunnel as he winks out of sight. activates invis

The others follow down the tunnel. When they near the turn to the giants' quarters, Raen telepathically recalls Whistle Pig (via Message) and, once weapons are in hand and armor cinches buckled, weaves speed into her companions. Casting Haste at the position marked on the map. WP needs to rejoin the group or go without Haste.

I'm going with... he doesn't come back.

This large chamber is furnished with tables and chairs for tenfoot-
tall inhabitants. Though the chamber is mostly natural, someone went to the trouble of decorating the room for comfort. Four large wooden doors lead out of the room. When the party enters the area, The captain and two lieutenants jump up from the table to grab arms!

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

Enemy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Raen: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 2 = 24
Ushyle: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 = 12
Vael: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 2 = 19
Whistle Pig: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 2 = 8
Doxon: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 2 = 10
Hamilton: 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 2 + 2 = 19

Raen floats down to the armored knights, disappearing from sight as she comes. Quickened Invisibility. She reaches out to pull them together, and pulls the fabric of reality together, too. The four find themselves across the chamber, within striking distance of the captain.

Dimension Door. All should be within a 5' step of the captain, and Hamilton has a charge lane.

Seeing the three giants close together, Vael calls upon the spirits of nature. Finishing his chant, he gestures at a giant and a bolt of electricity arcs from his fingers and into the giant! The blast then leaps out to the other two!
Chain Lightning: 13d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 4, 1, 3, 4, 2, 5, 5, 2, 2, 1, 6) = 39
DC 23 Reflex for Unbearded Yellow Giant, DC 21 for the other 2

Hamilton and Sammi charge forth and past their target [Yellow]

Power Attack Charge:1d20 + 27 ⇒ (1) + 27 = 28... Argh. But the giant ducks under it.

Raen brings the party into quick melee, sparing Doxon's legs and lungs.

Unfortunately Hamilton's charge to join is foiled by an uncharacteristic fumble of the spear.

Yellow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 PASS
Red: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 FAIL
Orange: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 FAIL

The two giants on the left side of the table jump up and close distance to targets. The captain is close enough to stand and swing its sword!

ATK v. Ushyle: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (1) + 30 = 31 and misses!

Round 1:
Raen: Bampf
Hamilton: Miss
Vael: Magic
Giants: ATK
Ushyle: Go
Doxon: Go
Whistle Pig: Go

Ushyle shakes off the jolt of the transference and settles in to be the best at what he does...even if what he does isn't very nice.

He pauses an eyelash to study his opponents (gets all three giants), then steps immediately south of the captain before letting loose with Milani's Thorn.

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

primary: 1d20 + 17 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 17 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 42 crit threat
confirm?: 1d20 + 17 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 17 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 30
primary dmg: 2d6 + 19 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3, 3) + 19 + 5 + 2 = 32
plus if confirmed: 2d6 + 19 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (2, 5) + 19 + 5 + 2 = 33

secondary: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 33 crit threat
confirm?: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 26
secondary dmg: 2d6 + 19 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (5, 5) + 19 + 5 + 2 = 36
plus if confirmed: 2d6 + 19 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (1, 2) + 19 + 5 + 2 = 29

haste attack: 1d20 + 17 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 17 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 29
haste attack dmg: 2d6 + 19 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (6, 6) + 19 + 5 + 2 = 38

Ushyle's violence is stunning. Thrice he cuts deep. The blade's poisoned petals drift to the ground amid the soup of the giant's blood and viscera, but it still stands.

Round 1:
Raen: Bampf
Hamilton: Miss
Vael: Magic
Giants: ATK
Ushyle: Scary violence
Doxon: Go
Whistle Pig: Go

Tulia fires her crossbow at the giant initially struck by Vael's spell. She then reloads her weapon.
Crossbow vs Yellow (no beard): 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (19) + 21 = 40
Damage (P): 1d4 + 5 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 5 + (3, 6) = 17
Crit Confirmation (no beard): 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (10) + 21 = 31
Damage (P): 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Tulia scores a solid hit with her bolt!

Round 1:
Raen: Bampf
Hamilton: Miss
Vael: Magic
Giants: ATK
Ushyle: Scary violence
Doxon: Go
Whistle Pig: Go

WP kicks his brook to move away from the giant. He angles upward to get 5' from the ceiling.

He winks into existence and immediately fires at the giant harassing Ham.
attack (on orange): 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (16) + 25 = 41
damage?: 1d6 + 21 ⇒ (5) + 21 = 26

Whistle Pig retreats back from the giant and lets fly with a well placed sling stone.

Round 1:
Raen: Bampf
Hamilton: Miss
Vael: Magic
Giants: ATK
Ushyle: Scary violence
Doxon: Go
Whistle Pig: Hit

Doxon steps in and lays into the giant with hammer and sword.

Agrimmosh, TWF: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 15 + 2 = 24
Damage: 3d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 5, 3) + 9 = 18

Agrimmosh, Haste: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 15 + 2 = 36
Damage: 3d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 4, 4) + 9 = 23

Agrimmosh, Confirm Crit: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 15 + 2 + 4 = 39
Damage: 6d6 + 18 ⇒ (4, 5, 4, 4, 5, 2) + 18 = 42
DC 23 Fortitude save or shrink by one size category, as by heightened reduce person

Agrimmosh, TWF: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 2 = 20
Damage: 3d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 1, 4) + 9 = 15

Deathdealer, TWF: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 16 + 2 = 21
Damage: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Deathdealer, TWF: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 11 + 2 = 15
Damage: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Rend: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Doxon's masterful flurry brings the captain down after one massive strike with Agrimmosh!

Round 2:
Raen: Go
Hamilton: Go
Vael: Go
Giants: TBD
Ushyle: TBD
Doxon: TBD
Whistle Pig: TBD

Hamilton and Sammi, backs to the wall, turn towards the approaching giant. Ham kicks Sammi forward and... Up. Sammi flaps her wings furiously and the pair charge through and over the giant, tilting at it as they move skyward.

The pair ends the move 20' up. Unless I need to do some geometry.

Power Attack Charge:1d20 + 28 ⇒ (2) + 28 = 30, Damage on Hit:3d8 + 72 + 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 5) + 72 + (4, 5) = 94

Hamilton's confidence fighting fire giants shows. Even the officers are easy pickings for him! The wound is severe, though this giant doesn't fall despite its severity!

Round 2:
Raen: Go
Hamilton: Hit!
Vael: Go
Giants: TBD
Ushyle: TBD
Doxon: TBD
Whistle Pig: TBD

Appearing from nowhere, Raen sends a quintet of force bolts to hasten the nearest living giant's demise.

Magic Missile @ Orange: 5d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 2, 2, 1, 2) + 4 = 13

Hoping its enough, Raen levels a quintet of missiles into the giant, but she still stands!

Round 2:
Raen: MM
Hamilton: Hit!
Vael: Go
Giants: TBD
Ushyle: TBD
Doxon: TBD
Whistle Pig: TBD

Vael flies up towards Whistle Pig (15ft up) and opts to call upon the spirits of Fortune. These allies of Desna instill the halfling with luck, which he hopes helps the slinger succeed at bringing foes down.
Fortune on Whistle Pig. For 2 rounds, on a single d20 roll per round you can opt to roll twice and take the better result.

Tulia fires her crossbow at the nearest giant, then takes flight to get well beyond the range of the foe.
Giant-Bane Crossbow +1 vs Red: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (14) + 21 = 35
Damage (P): 1d4 + 5 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 5 + (1, 1) = 10

Vael gives fortune to the party as Tulia lands light hit on the other giant.

Round 3:
Raen: Go
Hamilton: Go
Vael: Go
Giants: TBD
Ushyle: TBD
Doxon: TBD
Whistle Pig: TBD

Both remaining giants rush in the same direction. The severely wounded one takes aim at Ushyle:

ATK: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (5) + 26 = 31 for DMG: 3d6 + 19 ⇒ (5, 1, 6) + 19 = 31

the other giant runs to the table and snatches up all the papers!

Round 2:
Raen: MM
Hamilton: Hit!
Vael: Fortune
Giants: ATK and Flee
Ushyle: Go
Doxon: Go
Whistle Pig: Go

"Don't let those papers get away!!
WP tries to take the giant with the papers down before he can escape...

1st attack
attack: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (5) + 25 = 30
1d6 + 21 ⇒ (1) + 21 = 22
2nd attack
attack: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (2) + 25 = 27
1d6 + 21 ⇒ (4) + 21 = 25
3rd attack
attack: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 20 = 29<---fortune goes here
1d6 + 21 ⇒ (1) + 21 = 22
4th attack
attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27
1d6 + 21 ⇒ (6) + 21 = 27
hasted attack
attack: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (19) + 25 = 44
1d6 + 21 ⇒ (1) + 21 = 22
fortune roll
attack: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 20 = 28
1d6 + 21 ⇒ (6) + 21 = 27

It takes every last shot from Whistle Pig, but he brings the giant down! The only remaining giant looks around, terrified. Nevertheless, she keeps fighting.

Round 2:
Raen: MM
Hamilton: Hit!
Vael: Fortune
Giants: ATK and Flee
Ushyle: Go
Doxon: Go
Whistle Pig: Kill

Seeing the fear in her eyes, Doxon closes in and swings.

Agrimmosh: 1d20 + 17 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 17 + 1 + 2 = 29
Damage: 3d6 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (3, 6, 1) + 9 + 2 = 21

The giant tries to make a desperate swing at the dwarf: AoO: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (18) + 26 = 44 for DMG: 3d6 + 19 ⇒ (2, 4, 5) + 19 = 30

The strike gets through, but Doxon gives in kind. The counter-blow from the dwarf is nearly enough to topple the giant.

Round 2:
Raen: MM
Hamilton: Hit!
Vael: Fortune
Giants: ATK and Flee
Ushyle: Go
Doxon: Hit
Whistle Pig: Kill

Ushyle's hesitation to strike down the frightened foe evaporates when she lands a blow on Doxon as he moves in, her triumphant growl all he needs to shake the second thoughts from his mind and try to finish her. He narrows his eyes in anger and steps in.

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

primary: 1d20 + 17 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 17 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 27
primary dmg: 2d6 + 19 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (2, 5) + 19 + 5 + 2 = 33

secondary: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 26
secondary dmg: 2d6 + 19 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (5, 5) + 19 + 5 + 2 = 36

haste attack: 1d20 + 17 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 17 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 32
haste attack dmg: 2d6 + 19 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3, 5) + 19 + 5 + 2 = 34

Ushyle's blade is more than up to the task. With a single swing of Milani's Thorn he ends the final giant's life.

For your triumph over the trio of officers, each hero earns 12,800 XP.

Raen alights on the table, remarking to herself at becoming so accustomed to the stink of death. She takes care to pluck the scattered papers away from any pooling blood, and gathers them for a quick read while Vael attends to the others' wounds.

Any check needed here for the papers?

She also looks over the three bodies and the room for valuables. T10 Perception: 10 + 13 = 23 plus Detect Magic.

The paperwork on the table includes orders (written in Giant) are from a "King Tytarian" about food and equipment requisitions—supplies for a number of giants living in Ironcloud Keep. Many of these requisitions are generic, but a few directly name the commanders who report directly to the Storm Tyrant. A cloud giant named Nalbur has requisitioned special food for his roc mount, and the ash giant Ulkraf has requested hundreds of feet of stout chains from Ashpeak’s forges. Also mentioned are a taiga giant commander named Cirdassa and Nalbia, the twin sister of Nalbur.

For uncovering these plans, each hero earns an additional 1,600 XP.

The party checks each of the chambers in the area, but nothing of interest or value is found within.

WP pockets one of the healing potions. WP eyes one of the rings as well, but hesitates and with a sigh and a look at Raen, put its back.

Raen distributes the potions, one to each of the others. As she does so, she ponders what she knows of cloud, ash, and taiga giants.

Cloud: Know (Local): 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (2) + 28 = 30
Ash: Know (Local): 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (18) + 28 = 46
Taiga: Know (Local): 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (7) + 28 = 35

Feel free to look up their bestiary entries :-)

Ham snakes another potion of cure serious wounds

Doxon sheathes Deathdealer and stows Agrimmosh. He winces at the movement where the giant's blade connected with his side. He sees Ushyle moving a little tenderly as well. He walks over the warrior and lays a hand on his shoulder. The warmth of the Forge flows from Doxon to Ushyle.

CSW: 3d8 + 13 ⇒ (1, 1, 8) + 13 = 23

He calls on the Forge to heal his own wounds.

CSW: 3d8 + 13 ⇒ (8, 2, 5) + 13 = 28

Seeing that Vael is occupied reading the papers on the table, Raen politely asks to borrow his wand for a moment. She taps Ushyle with it to finish off his healing.

DC 20 UMD: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (17) + 18 = 35 SUCCESS

CLW @ Ushyle: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

She hands the wand back to Vael and announces, "The westward passage continues a great length. I suggest we address the other intersections before proceeding that way." She leads the Giantslayers north. Map updated.