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

Game Master Chris Marsh

Assuming my last post happened pre-init... Hamilton steps into the house and defends himself.

Total Defense.

Ushyle feels the now-familiar sensation as he is relocated by Vael's spirits. He takes a moment to study the creature, then takes advantage of the positioning to strike at it!

Milani's Thorn, Power Attack/Furious Focus, studied target, flanking
attack: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 2 + 2 = 27
dmg: 2d6 + 11 + 2 + 3d6 ⇒ (1, 5) + 11 + 2 + (3, 6, 2) = 30

Vael sends Ushyle directly into harm's way as Hamilton steps inside the house defensively.

Ushyle's hit catches the troll very off guard and entrails spill all over the hut floor.

Raen: Glitterdust
Doxon: Hit
TROLL!: ATK
Vael: Bampf
Ushyle: ATK
Hamilton: Step up
Whistle Pig: Go

Pig rushes to try and get a clear shot through the doorway. It's going to be tough, but he thinks he can tread the needle.
(take an cover penalties off this as needed.)
attack on the troll: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24
damage: 1d6 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

"Eat that you over grown bastard!"

Whilt Pig sends a stone through the door and into the troll's temple! It's a wicked shot and the troll begins to waver just a bit.

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

FLAMING sword... In case that draws his attention from my companions.

The only meal you'll be having is my Hammer!

Agrimmosh, TWF: 1d20 + 10 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 19
Damage: 2d6 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (5, 1) + 8 + 3 = 17

And dessert!

Pick, TWF: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 26
Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 3 = 12

Doxon lays into the troll, and both hits knocking down. The wounds heal... until Hamilton brings the flame down.

The burning scimitar ends the troll!

For defeating the extra nasty troll, each hero receives 600 XP .

The party finds little, until the sharp-eared among you hears the sounds of a whimpering human infant! Hidden in what's left of the second floor, the child appears weak.

Unfortunately, there seems to be little else her either of value or identification.

You remember that there is a chance that this cottage is an outlier to a small village, perhaps ahead.

Doxon rushes over to the child and examines her.

Heal: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

He pulls out his waterskin and gently starts letting drops of water fall into its mouth.

He wraps her in a blanket.

If there is a town nearby, we should head for it. This baby is malnourished. We can hopefully find something and someone for her there.

Infant is a little vague. Can I ballpark the age?

"Aye, let's be about it," Vael agrees. He places the giant spear in a leather tube slung over his back, and grabs hold of the magical alpenstock the group had previously found. He feels a lightness in his step and begins to hustle.

The infant, just north of 6 months is too tired and hungry to cry. Vael grabs the alpenstock and hustles.

Desna smiles, for there IS a village just a half league up the road.

The village's name is "Shinnerman’s Fortune" according to the sign. Maybe under normal circumstances it's a nice place, but not today. Panicked villagers are scrambling about trying to organize and recover from something.. A small band of villagers quickly gathers to greet you, led by a stern-looking middle-aged woman with graying hair and a burly man with a salt-and-pepper beard wearing worn leather armor. The woman introduces herself as Alderwoman Straya Kraum and the burly man as Alderman Jerak Sneth. The two quickly inform you that you've have arrived in the wake of a savage giant attack on the village—a wandering band of giants passed through the region yesterday.

Straya describes the brutal raid: after bombarding the village with rocks, the giants rushed into the settlement, indiscriminately attacking those they encountered, maiming or killing a number of villagers. The giants eventually retreated back into the mountains, but only after seizing livestock and several more people as “tribute” and promising to return for more later...

When she sees the baby she gasps. "No!"

What Raen most wants to know is which way the giants went, but she stores the question for a more ripe opportunity. "You know the child?" she asks gently.

Straya looks at the baby, now visible to her. "My granddaughter! Abria!" She immediately bursts into tears of gratitude.

"She's an orphan now" finishes Jarek.

Straya's eyes well, but she keeps her composure. "We don't know that!" She immediately takes the infant into her home close by, but soon returns. "Take this, I insist." It's a small silver cloak clasp in the shape of an arrow.

She turns to you. "We pray that the giants have not yet eaten the captives and that at least some of them still live, but the threat these giants pose has left us feeling helpless. Few of the townsfolk are qualified to fight orcs, much less giants. We fear that the giants are going to return soon to exact more tribute..."

Her eyes lock on to each of you in turn. "PLEASE help find our missing kinfolk and put an end to the giant threat. You come armed and armored. Surely this is why you are here."

"Ye're nae wrong, Alderwoman. We knew we had ta brin' tha baby ta someone, as she needs care. But we're from Trunau, and have seen our own share of organized attacks. Tha giant problem be gettin' worse, and we're lookin' ta stop that. We've a map of sorts, and have a few days travel still, but I think yer giant problem be also our giant problem."

Depending on the time, Vael will propose hitting the road if it's still early in the day. If darkness approaches, he'll ask the Alderwoman about a place to stay for the night. Diplomacy, take 10 for 24

For saving and returning the baby, and for accepting the quest of Heroes, each party member receives an additional 600 XP.

"We don't have much, but we DO have warm beds and food. You'll need it, and there's not much light left. Please, join us before you leave in the morning."

"Which way did the monsters go?"

As soon as he gets a general direction he signals Ham to follow him.

"We'll be back in a moment. just going to find their trail."

survival take 10: 10 + 8 = 18

Doxon offers to help with any burials and to provide any prayers if no other holy person is in the village.

Whistle, yer doin' it wrong.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

That's not a giant track, it's a wolverine's.

Ushyle thinks a moment about setting out after the halfling, knowing the trouble that often finds him, but trusts Ham to help keep him safe.

His always-tender heart is touched by the care shown to human children, and it gladdens him to see the baby delivered to someone suited to care for it; he allows himself a genuine smile, though he is quick to hide it.

He then turns his attentions to the town, suggesting some makeshift defenses that he knows will do little more than slow down a dedicated assault, but might make a lone giant or a pair conclude that Shinnerman's Fortune isn't worth the effort.

The next morning, the 17th day of Calistril, the party heads out from the village.

After a few hours of gentle ribbing and alert eyes, the wait is over.

A pair of humanoid creatures come bursting forth from the thicket! You're under attack!!!!

....Phew. It's just a pair of villagers.

...but they're hauling towards you. Heeeeeeeeeeelp!"

What bursts from the thicket after them is the biggest giant you've ever seen. A single huge eye stares from the forehead of this nineteen foot-tall giant. Below this sole orb, an even larger mouth gapes like a cave. He wields a greataxe large enough to cut Applejack in twain with a single swing. Knowledge (Local) to ID.

Enemy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Raen: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Ushyle: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Vael: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Whistle Pig: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Doxon: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Hamilton: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13 (Extra +2 if Mountains/Hills)

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

Pig sees the threat and smiles just a little smile. "You die now!"

The shot is a bit of out his comfort zone but his rage at what this thing has done overtakes his better judgement to close the distance.

attack on one eyed jack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31
damage: 1d6 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17
attack on one eyed jack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
damage: 1d6 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

Wwhistle Pig opens with a pair of bullets, both right in the face, but only one hits! Blood oozes from the cyclops's eye!

The massive giant roars! Despite the horror that is his axe, he doesn't close with the party. Instead he steps up just a bit and unleashes a shockwave line of force from the oculus!

EVERYONE takes Force Damage: 10d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 3, 3, 1, 6, 1, 2, 3, 4) = 33 REF DC 20 for half

Round 1:
Whistle Pig: Hit
CYCLOPS: BLAST
Hamilton: Go
Ushyle: Go
Vael: Go
Raen: Go
Doxon: Go

Reflex:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Nuts.

Applejack:
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Hamilton Blinks through the pain and spurs Applejack, wounded herself, for a charge.

Charge:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24
Damage on Hit:1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 x 2 = 20!
Bane Damage:2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10

Toss it. Try for the grapple:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

What the crap is that? Screw you, Tim Hitchcock! LOL

DC 20 Refl: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
The half-orc takes the full brunt of the force blast. His ears still ringing, he stumbles over to the left of the clearing, trying to clear his head. He holds Milani's Thorn before him almost instinctively, and words float through his still-misty thoughts: Find your hidden strength. A rose-red glow washes over him as he touches his own arm, and his wounds heal somewhat.
cure moderate: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (3, 1) + 5 = 9

reflex: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

WP is nearly knocked to the ground by the blast. His resolve to kill this thing only increases.

Reflex save (Vael): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Reflex save (Tulia): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Vael is caught off guard and takes the full brunt of the blast. The pain is intense, but he's aware enough that more will come if he doesn't relinquish the links to his allies. He severs them quickly. Immediate action to drop Life Link on everyone

"Spread out! Vael shouts, moving forward. He chants, requesting the spirits of Life to aid him. Channel Positive Energy to Heal: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 6) = 14
Should get everyone except Hamilton and Applejack

Ref: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Doxon takes the full brunt of the lightning bolt. Undeterred, he lets out a mighty, high-pitched battle cry and charges forward, several of the burn marks quickly fading away.

Fervor to swift cast CMW: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (1, 7) + 6 = 14

Despite the awful power of the eye ray, Hamilton charges forth. His armor begins to fall and clatter to the ground as he approaches. The massive giant swings AoO: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23 for DMG: 4d6 + 13 ⇒ (2, 4, 5, 3) + 13 = 27 Hamilton's body and strikes the roughrider.

It doesn't stop him though as he spears the cyclops!

Ushyle rapidly moves to heal his wounds, as does Vael, getting almost everyone, as does Doxon.

Round 1:
Whistle Pig: Hit
CYCLOPS: BLAST
Hamilton: CHARGE!
Ushyle: Heal
Vael: Heal
Raen: Go + REF
Doxon: Heal

Armor Save:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Raen feels a pair of ribs crack under the force of the ocular projection. She struggles forward, biting back the pain, and seeks to bring the mammoth down to size.

Grease underneath the cyclops, DC 18 Reflex or fall.

"Stupid Giant, You moved closer. Thanks for making my shot easier." WP says to himself as he let two more bullet fly.

1st attack
attack on jack: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 2 = 31
1d6 + 9 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 2 + 3 = 18
2nd attack
attack on jack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 2 = 22
1d6 + 9 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 2 + 3 = 16

Raen fights through the pain to cast a spell on the monster REF: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9, bringing the massive giant down!

Whistle Pig takes aim at the prone cyclops, striking him once, but very hard.

The giant decides not to risk standing and facing Heartspit opting to strike up at Hamilton:
ATK 1: 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 17 - 4 = 14
ATK 2: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 12 - 4 = 11

And fortune favors the bold!

Round 2:
Whistle Pig: Hit
CYCLOPS: Stand and deliver!
Hamilton: Go
Ushyle: Go
Vael: Go
Raen: Go
Doxon: Go

Vael moves a bit closer as he pushes out more life energy to his friends. Channel Positive Energy to Heal: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 6) = 12

With a better view on the creature, Tulia tries to make sense of it. Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Tulia knows there's something EXTRA weird about this abnormally large cyclops. (Ask a question)

Vael heals some of the damage from the eye ray, but knows there's more violence to come.

Round 2:
Whistle Pig: Hit
CYCLOPS: Stand and deliver!
Hamilton: Go
Ushyle: Go
Vael: Channel
Raen: Go
Doxon: Go

Oh, right.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30
First question: what is extra weird about this cyclops?
Question two: how often can it do the eye-bolt thing?
Question three, if I get one: any other noteworthy weird abilities?

Raen keeps to the cover of the underbrush and flicks an orb of fire onto the prone behemoth.

Flaming Sphere: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 4) = 11 DC 13 Reflex negates

Already got a hint, but special attacks seems appropriate

Jotunblood! Gifted by the gods, these giants are EXTRA large and tough. It can use the eyebolt every 6-24 seconds. Additionally if it decides to throw a rock, it throws them with even MORE force than you'd expect in addition to its extra size and strength. Finally, it's increased insight grants it an almost preternatural insight to attacks, making it better at dodges.

REF: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21 Despite the situation, the giant rolls away from the sphere!

ound 2:
Whistle Pig: Hit
CYCLOPS: Stand and deliver!
Hamilton: Go
Ushyle: Go
Vael: Channel
Raen: Flaming Sphere
Doxon: Go

"Everyone should stay spread out. It can blast us with the force of it's sight.... soon, I think," Tulia advises, flapping her wings to stay perched on Vael's shoulder.

With another battle cry, Doxon charges forward.

Fervor to swift cast Divine Favor

Agrimmosh, charge: 1d20 + 12 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 3 + 1 + 1 = 34
Damage: 2d6 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (3, 5) + 8 + 3 = 19

Hamilton thrusts Heartspit at the prone goliath.

Heartspit:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25 and 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Damage on Hit:1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 plus Bane:2d6 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5

Hamilton drives Heartspit into the cyclops again!

Need to resolve Ushyle first before Doxon.

Round 2:
Whistle Pig: Hit
CYCLOPS: Stand and deliver!
Hamilton: hit
Ushyle: Go
Vael: Channel
Raen: Flaming Sphere
Doxon: Posted

Need to resolve Ushyle first before Doxon.

Yup, cos Ushyle is gonna provoke, which should clear the way for Doxon's charge.

Ushyle raises Milani's Thorn high as he charges in to engage! Ac 17 due to charge.

Assuming he's still up after the AoO, he'll activate bane so as not to spend a round unless it's able to be used) and attack.

Ushyle charges in. The prone, but still dangerous cyclops twirls the axe towards the half-orc AoO: 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 17 - 4 = 31 for DMG: 4d6 + 13 ⇒ (6, 3, 4, 5) + 13 = 31. Ushyle's blood sprays all over the field of battle. It's followed by even more cyclops blood.

When Doxon brings his weapon down there's a sickening crunch and pop. Cyclopean vitreous humor mixes with blood.

The massive axe drops, and the monster is undone.

For destroying the jotunblood cyclops, each character earns 1067 XP.

The escaped villagers shout in victory, but quickly add that another group of giants is up ahead, still moving downstream and dragging behind them a chain of at least half a dozen bound villagers.

Whistle Pig looks at the ground and determines that a blind man could follow the trail.

Vael gathers the injured around him to push out a third pulse of positive healing energy.
Channel Positive Energy: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 3) = 10

Knowing that the day will be long and full danger, the shaman pulls a much used wand from his backpack. The curative power is put to use on Ushyle and Hamilton.
Cure Light Wounds on Ushyle: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Cure Light Wounds on Ushyle: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Cure Light Wounds on Ushyle: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Cure Light Wounds on Hamilton: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Cure Light Wounds on Hamilton: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Cure Light Wounds on Hamilton: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Cure Light Wounds on Hamilton: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Cure Light Wounds on Hamilton: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Cure Light Wounds on Hamilton: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

He then renews his spiritual link to all of his friends (including Applejack)

Raen turns away from the growing pool of mixed giant and Trunauan blood. "How far?"

Do the villagers have a sense of how far to the other group of giants? Considering some buff spells if they are close.

Almost out of habit, she scans the jotunblood's gear for magical assets. Detect magic.

The cyclops had nothing magical on him.

The villagers say that if you hustle you can catch them before nightfall. three hours.