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

Game Master Chris Marsh

Nothing seems to have stirred, but you know that your luck won't hold forever.

The half-orc exhales. We're good for now. Must be quicker when we do this again.

He looks about, absently wiping off Gorum's Thorn and sheathing it. Ham, grab that one with Whistle Pig. Dox and I will grab this one. Prop them up so that they look like they're sleeping at a glance. The ruse won't last long, but may buy us a few moments before someone raises an alarm.

Do we have any of the orc equipment? Might be a good way to cast some more suspicion on them.

Vael chants quietly, filling his left hand with positive energy. He grasps Ushyle's wound, releasing the energy into the half-orc. The smell of hops fills the air briefly.
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

He then gestures to the western doors. "Quick, before me connection with tha called lightnin' fades."

WP stows his trusty sling staff and draws his short sword.

"We need to make sure these two asses are dead. They can't come to at any time."

The halfling makes sure they are dead, if they are holding onto any portion of their worthless lives, WP finishes them in the manner for the Northern Dire Wolves: quick and effectively.

After check the dead wastes of flesh, WP checks the western door for sounds and traps, then opens it if it's clear...

perception for sounds: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
perception for traps: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

"I don't hear or see anything of concern, let go!"
he then opens the door.

Whistle Pig clears the door and opens it into a short, and empty, hallway. There are a pair of doors.

Map up to date.

Vael gestures at the doors beyond the ones opened. To Whistle Pig again he says, "Check those ones?"

WP sneaks about this business. he looks for traps in the hall leading towards the door.
check for traps on floor: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

He takes a quick look at the door for trap
check for traps on door: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

He then checks for noises behind the door
check for noises: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

If locked, he tries the unlock it:
DD: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
DD: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
DD: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Whistle Pig checks the door, but beyond a foul smell, there seems to be little of interest. Opening it, the source of the smell becomes obvious. Alternating tiles of pale blue and white, several of which are cracked or missing, cover the walls and floor of this circular chamber. An open hole gapes in the center of the floor. It's the fort's cesspool.

Lovely decor, Ushyle says wryly, hastening back out. Let's try this other one before we try the middle.

Raen covers her mouth and nose with her sleeve (not that anyone can see). "Giant sh*t. Delightful."

Tactical map is up to date for both zoom in and sprite level.

Raen eyes the stair warily and gestures to the double doors, nodding to Whistle Pig. She forgets that no one can see her.

I think WP is up again.

WP gets down to business on the door. He's getting to think folks except him to check the doors and keep them safe. Even the lingering stench of giant turds can't push a small smile off the small one's face.
He quickly focuses on the task at hand: he checks the door fro traps

trapspotting: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

He checks the door for noises on the other side

perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

If it's all clear, and necessary, he pops the lock

DD: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
DD: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
DD: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

Whistle Pig opens the door...

A huge iron cage fills most of this circular chamber, with several
crates, chests, statues, paintings, and other art objects crammed between the cage and the walls of the room. Inside the cage, a large piece of furniture sits under a cloth drapery of some sort. Within the cage are a pair of creatures. These creatures have vaguely humanoid heads, the bodies of lions, and the wings of a dragon. Their tails end in long, sharp spikes. "Freedom!" one shouts. "Yes, please, free us!" the other begs...

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24 to identify
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6

Raen cannot get a good read on the manticores, but she does whisper invisibly to her companions. "Manticores. Be very careful. Why are they here?"

As she does so, she scans the cage for magic. Detect magic.

Raen doesn't find any magical auras.

The manticores continue, "Please two legs, free us. We seek escape not violence."

Ushyle will take 10 on Sense Motive for 23.

Ushyle eyes the creatures with suspicion, but it appears that their desire for freedom is genuine.

The half orc nods. I believe them, he says simply, moving to the cage and looking for the locking mechanism. If it's more complex than a peg holding a clasp, he'll defer to Whistle Pig.

WP looks around the room and thinks, "This room is just odd, furniture inside cages? why would someone do such a thing?"

He takes a look around the room. he's sure that a room with a cage in it will have more traps...

trapspotting: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

[/b]"why are you here? Who has taken away your freedom?"[/b]

There's no door, it's a matter of hoisting up the cage via the pulley system. Will give the party a bit to speak up first.

"I'm fer freein' them," Vael says, adding his vote.

"why are you here? Who has taken away your freedom?"

@ GM: typical alignment, defenses.

Raen waits for the reply in uneasy silence.

[spoiler=DM]
They're orderly, but evil. They have no real defenses aside from a tough hide. you also notice their wings have been clipped. They can't fly.[/ooc]

"That horrible witch of a giant, Grenseldek. She claims that we are the crowning part of her dowry offering."

"I beg you. Enough! I need to fly and hunt. I need to be gone from this place."

"Well, good news fer ye. Grendelsek be dead." Vael pulls out her head from a bag as proof. "But maybe ye ken tell us some thin's in exchange for freedom. Did ye ever see a dwarf named Umlo? He may have been with another dwarf named Ingrahild."

Holy poor syntax on my part Batman!

"That's not her! Don't play us for fools!" Indeed, the head you just pulled out is the hag Ewigga.

"We've not seen a dwarf."

"No we did. He didn't look like a dwarf. His mane was missing."

"Whatever! Just get us out of here!"

Oops, I'm mixing things up!

Vael has a funny feeling... Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

He shrugs, unable to get a read on the creatures.

I believe them, Ushyle repeats, uncertain as to why his companions are less convinced than is he.

"Agreed. Free them."

Raen's disembodied voice announces her presence. "Tell us of your encounter with the dwarf. What did you see? Who was he with?"

She continues in another tongue.

I'm actually okay with letting them go (attack us) if that's the consensus. Honestly not sure what to do with them otherwise. We need to get behind them anyway.

" he was chained with that giant."

"Dwarf isn't dowry. I think she's torturing him for some reason."

will open the cage and post the contents of the room when I have a free period.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Ushyle tugs hard on the chain, which winds its way through a series of pulleys. Once open the manticores each give a roar of triumph. Each walks calmly out of the cage and heads towards the massive double doors.

"NOW is as good a time as any to start hunting again, yes?"

"Yes."

Enemy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Raen: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Ushyle: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Vael: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Whistle Pig: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Doxon: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Hamilton: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

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

Of course they do, cos Larry Wilhelm can't resist any opportunity to let no good deed go unpunished. LOL

Damn it to hell...
at least they can't fly.

"Ye're fools for doin' this and nae choosin' ta hunt tha orcs instead. But so be it, fools."

Vael focuses the spiritual energy of the heavens. Sweat pops up on his brow as motes of starlight fly around Doxon. The warpriest dematerializes, only to appear on the opposite side of the manticores! Heaven's Leap on Doxon

He them draws the skeletal giant's spear and glances at Whistle Pig. "Stay behind me, little one. Ye're just about bite-sized for them."

"But it's in our nature" said the scorpion to the frog

Vael admonishes the pair as Doxon appears ready on the other side. The northern manticore unleashes a quartet of tail spikes, each targeting a different hero:

ATK Whistle Pig: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 for DMG: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
ATK Ushyle: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 MISS
ATK Hamilton: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26 for DMG: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
ATK Vael: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 MISS

The other manticore tries to maul Doxon:
Bite: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23 for DMG: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Left Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15 MISS
Right Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27 for DMG: 2d4 + 5 ⇒ (4, 1) + 5 = 10

Round 1:
Vael: Heaven's leap
Manticores: ATK
Whistle Pig: Go
Ushyle: Go
Doxon: Go
Hamilton: Go
Raen: Go

Ushyle curses silently inside. Who's the true fool? The one they call fool, or the one who pays attention? How many times did Katrezra tell me that...?

On the outside, however, he is the vision of a coldly efficient death machine, moving to the other side of Red with Gorum's Thorn. Betrayal to those who would free you, then. Well, at least you will die "free". And die you shall.

Gorum's Thorn, flanking, Power Attack/Furious Focus: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 2 = 22
Gorum's Thorn, Power Attack, sneak attack: 2d6 + 11 + 3d6 ⇒ (2, 6) + 11 + (5, 5, 1) = 30

"This halfling has a bite of his own!"

attacks red: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
damage?: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Whistle Pig's sling bullet goes wide, but Gorum's Thorn hits DEEP. The manticore cries in agony, it's resolve melting instantly as its wings flap uselessly.

Round 1:
Vael: Heaven's leap
Manticores: ATK
Whistle Pig: Miss
Ushyle: HIT
Doxon: Go
Hamilton: Go
Raen: Go

Doxon staggers under the combined attacks from the manticores. As the last claw strikes him in the side, Doxon girds himself, plants his feet, and calling on Torag's divine guidance goes on the offensive.

Torag, Father of Creation, here my prayers. I ask for your protection in bringing retribution to those who have transgressed against us.

Fervor: Swift cast Ironskin

I am the your Hammer against the anvil of Evil. Let the foes of your righteous supplicant feel the wrath of your judgement.

Agrimmosh, TWF: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 2 = 17
Damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (4, 1) + 5 = 10

I am the Fire of the Forge. May your fury burn through me to smelt those who would oppose your humble agent.

Pick, TWF: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 2 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

With muscle and koan, Doxon's weapons lay into the manticore. It's grim work, and the payoff is a dead beast at the dwarf's feet!

Round 1:
Vael: Heaven's leap
Manticores: ATK
Whistle Pig: Miss
Ushyle: HIT
Doxon: Kill shot
Hamilton: Go
Raen: Go

Raen lets out a deep sigh. "Evil, indeed."

Producing the wand again, she punches it in the manticore's direction. An orb of fire springs into existence. Still invisible.

Flaming Sphere: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 1) = 8 DC 13 Reflex negates

REF: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Raen brings flame into the mix as the ball bounces towards the manticore, but it rather easily twists away.

Round 1:
Vael: Heaven's leap
Manticores: ATK
Whistle Pig: Miss
Ushyle: HIT
Doxon: Kill shot
Hamilton: Go
Raen: Flaming Sphere.

Hamilton snaps to, and seems to come out of a dreamlike trance. One in which he may be reading messages posted to a tavern board, and using those to figure out where he is.

Betting (potentially, betting his very life) on this thing not having the reach, so he charges, and slides into a slash.

Have at thee!

Flaming Scimitar +1:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Damage on Hit:1d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 2 + (2) = 8

Hamilton's gambit pays off. The ranger charges in, slashing hard with the flaming blade. Boiling blood drips from the blade on the follow through!

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

Vael steps forward, trying to follow Hamilton's lead by stabbing at it with his spear. Attack w/Longspear +1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Vael's feeble attempt gets a snort of disdain from the monster. The counter attack is swift as it turns on Hamilton:

Bite: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 MISS
Left Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23 for DMG: 2d4 + 5 ⇒ (2, 2) + 5 = 9
Right Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26 for DMG: 2d4 + 5 ⇒ (1, 4) + 5 = 10

It savagely tears into the ranger!

Round 2:
Vael: Miss
Manticore: ATK
Whistle Pig: Go
Ushyle: Go
Doxon: Go
Hamilton: Go
Raen: Go

Ushyle considers a charge, but thinks better of it — better to secure the victory than chase the glory — and maneuvers past Ham to get on the far side of Doxon, attempting to distract the turncoat for Doxon.

Double move.