Dungeon World PBP play (Inactive)

Game Master Elsine

"Form up, eyes sharp. Keep Tom safe until we can take care of whatever's wrong with him.", Belym commands the soldiers. She turns to study the gap in the walkway. Her gaze falls upon the fallen serpent demon, and she kneels down, casting through the memories of the swamp... Strength to move.

Summon Forceful Elemental: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 6) + 2 = 13
Control: 1d4 ⇒ 1

A vaguely humanoid mass of stones, low slung with massive arms, emerges from the swamp. With a twitch, Belym commands it to lift the great serpent's head, and drag it to the gap in the pathway.

Command Forceful Elemental: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 5) + 2 = 9

And with only one control, the elemental is now free. Easy come, easy go!

Tom

The steeple rises almost 20 meters, ending in a small room. you recognize this style of church through your brief experience in the northlands, at the top isn't just a steeple, it's a belltower. the inhabitant can alert everyone in the area to a threat if they wish. looking around, you see that the churches pews face an altar, unlike any other you've seen, made of stone and carved with indecipherable script, and oceanic iconography. There are also torches around, and this is a simple wood and thatch church, setting it alight would not be difficult. What do you do?

Belym

The behemoth heave the skull into place, as an excellent makeshift bridge. quickly, as your leash breaks, he moves down the corpse, toward a section of enormous rib-bones. Meanwhile, Conwall and Ron battle an enormous demons, and the portal flares and contracts, completely unstable (You feel, within you, each flare as a spike of pain/pressure, and each contraction as relief). What do you do?

" Stay here, keep your guard up. Yell if anything comes from anywhere other than that portal," Belym commands the militia. She grits her teeth against the throbbing in her head as she runs towards the portal, making her way down the colossus' body.

As she runs, she opens her conduit, allowing unformed earth to trail from her hands as she tries to draw power in counterpoint to the rhythms of the portal.

If this isn't feasible, then scratch that last sentence, but ... I think I'm trying to trigger Discern by seeing if the portal reacts at all to my channeling - figure out if I'd be able to either stabilize it or accelerate its collapse if the need arises.

" Stay here, keep your guard up. Yell if anything comes from anywhere other than that portal," Belym commands the militia. She grits her teeth against the throbbing in her head as she runs towards the portal, making her way down the colossus' body.

As she runs, she opens her conduit, allowing unformed earth to trail from her hands as she tries to draw power in counterpoint to the rhythms of the portal.

If this isn't feasible, then scratch that last sentence, but ... I think I'm trying to trigger Discern by seeing if the portal reacts at all to my channeling - figure out if I'd be able to either stabilize it or accelerate its collapse if the need arises.

** spoiler omitted **

That sounds less like DR than like DD, probably with Con, or Wis

If the die roll in the spoiler stands, that's a 6-, regardless of stat.

Tom will set the church on fire, and then attempt to sneak back to the portal. This way the dragon will be drawn to its master...

Defy Danger(DEX): 2d6 + 0 + 2 ⇒ (3, 6) + 0 + 2 = 11

Belym

Okay, gonna keep you on the ron/Conwall timeline (And not forget this time)

Tom

well..., you actually set it on fire

Torches to thatch and the building burns. as you flee, the bells chime, and the dragon wakes, springing into action, you almost don't get behind the house in time. any other cultists or monsters will be here soon, what do you do?

Ron

You disappear, and pull the creature down, which gets torn apart by the creatures claws. as the last crystal-man shatters, the portal starts to flare and flash, growing unstable. meanwhile, that damned-fool Elf gets himself grabbed by the demon, what do you do?

Conwall

you leap toward the demon, a real brute, standing 6 meters tall, built like an ox, with an enormous muzzle overflowing with twisted, serrated teeth. On the end of the beasts muscular arms end in vicious curved talons, talons which seem to not be slowed in the least by the crystal skin of the man holding Ron. You almost falter, but steady at the last moment, and deliver a blow spot-on. however, it does not seem to affect the creature over-much, it grasps you in one of it's taloned hands (Pinning your arms to your sides as well), and opens it's mouth, roaring. what do you do?

Roll your damage to the demon, and roll some damage for yourself (best of [2d8]+4, 4 piercing).

From beneath the demon, Ron immediately realizes the tactical benefits of the elven hug-thy-enemy strategy. Remorse pierces upwards into the demon's groin.

H&S Reckless + Bless: 2d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1, 4) + 2 + 2 = 9

Spend gambit to make that a 10.

Damage (Pierce 4): 1d8 + 1d4 ⇒ (4) + (2) = 6

OK, I got that far... Can I try to grab a cultist and take his robes? I could roll the DD(DEX) into a something else that way instead of trying the same thing again.

demon damage+4: 2d8 ⇒ (2, 1) = 32+4=6
glorious damage of the demon slayer: 1d10 + 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + (1) + 1 = 5 Maybe not so glorious

I get back slightly worse than I give, still off balance from that fall. I press the issue and attack again, keeping low and safe.

hack and slash: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 5) + 2 = 10
OK but this time glorious damage of the demon slayer: 1d10 + 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + (1) + 1 = 3I need to stop saying that...

Side note, I can't help but notice that ever since I got that shiny new armor every baddie has had piercing that exceeds my armor...

Tom

Well, there aren't any cultists yet, and you can get back to Lydus pretty well. the question is really what you do next

Conwall

1, the thing grabbed you, pinning your arms to your side. you'll have to deal with that before you can H&S and 2, I swear to Pelnor I'm not targeting you, you guys have just been damaged by a grand total of 2 enemies since you got the armour.

Tom hurries back to Lydus to see if the dragon has moved away from the portal.

Oh, I missed that part.

I strain with all my might to break his grapple
defy danger str: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5

COME ON!

Belym

You open and close your conduit, noticing definite resonance. unfortunately, the portal is less effected by your conduit that your conduit is by the portal. you open it wide as the portal surges, and your conduit goes wild. either shut it until the portal is closed, or use your body as a dam and take 3d4 damage. what do you do?

Tom

You reach Lydus, still hiding behind the house. the dragon is gone, but he hasn't moved. he hangs his head. I should have said something sooner.... what do you do?

Ron

Remorse bites deep-ish, drawing a spray of hot black bood on your face. the beast, enraged (More so, you think), slams its foot down, just missing your head. it throws Conwall aside and swipes at you again, what do you do?

Conwall

You struggle, almost wriggling free, but not fast enough. the beast is about to rip your neck open with it's teeth when Ron stabs it. instead, it chooses to roughly fling you aside. you land hard, bashing your head on an outcrop of crystal. mark the stunned and Confused debilities, what do you do?

Ron rolls away from the direction Conwall was tossed, hoping to give the elf time to regain himself, and to regain his feet to continue the fight.

Defy Danger Dex (Bless): 2d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2, 3) + 2 + 2 = 9

Spending a gambit because I don't feel creative enough to come up with a good complication here!

Dumb beast! Ron yells as he regains his feet. He waits for another swipe from the creature and attempts to sever the wrist tendons with Remorse.

H&S Bless: 2d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1) + 2 + 2 = 9

Damage to beast Reckless Pierce 4: 1d8 + 1d4 ⇒ (1) + (1) = 2

Damage back at me, best of:

Roll 1: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Roll 2: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Plus reckless damage back at me: 1d4 ⇒ 4

10 damage to me, love the snake eyes damage roll ...

Out with it, then.

My Body is a Battered Dam: 3d4 ⇒ (1, 1, 3) = 5 I'm assuming that ignores armor.

The burst of energy, and the backlash of keeping it confined, sends Belym sprawling along the serpent's spine. Since I'm down here anyway - are there any shards of the serpent's crystal/ore core that look intact enough to be useful, or did Conwall reduce it to a fine powder? She gets back up on her feet, and races down the walkway towards the portal.

Let me know when I get to Near range. p.s. Ron, remember that the counterattack on a 7-9 isn't necessarily damage!

Oh yeah! I should have waited to see my fate. Volsung, let me know if you choose something else.

I shake my head, trying to figure out which of the two monsters that are swirling about are the real one. I'm no good to anyone in this shape. I take a deep swig of healing potion until I'm no longer stunned.

Ron

Your blow goes high of it's mark, bruising the beasts collarbone, it's claws dig deeper, but you still dance away. what do you do?

Conwall

the world comes back into focus as you down the potion, and you watch Ron tangle with the Asmodian. best be quick, or he may pull ahead in he count!

Belym

Sounds like DR to me! and as soon as you come out from cover under the serpent's spine, you are in near range.

Tom

The cultists... they killed my body, multilated it. I can't go through the portal, unless You agree to take me with you, to let me cohabit with you, until you can find me a vessel. His eyes turn downward, and he mumbles I know it's a lot to ask, but it's my only hope of escaping this hellhole. Please, I need your help. what do you do?

I thought ye mentioned that already. I've got a plan, let's hurry.

Tom pushes Lydus along and into the portal. Snapping back to reality, Tom uses his magic to provide Lydus a temporary mortal vessel.

Cast a Spell(Trap Soul): 2d6 + 3 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (2, 2) + 3 + 2 - 1 = 8 Draw attention

Tom draws Lydus into the gem planned for Einora, where he will be safe but can be contacted as needed. Tom could figure out restoring his body later.

As Belym picks herself up off the serpent's skeleton, she sweeps any shards of the creature's core off herself, and glances at the remains around her.

Discern Realities: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 3) + 1 = 9

What here is useful or valuable to me?

I lash out at the monster before Ron can slay it, hitting it high and from behind so it can't retaliate.

h&s: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 6) + 2 = 10
damage: 1d10 + 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (10) + (1) + 1 = 12

Ron continues rolling backwards to gain some ground, before standing. He launches Remorse at the demon's head, timed to collide right when Conwall hits from behind.

Cast Magic Missile (Bless): 2d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2, 6) + 3 + 2 = 13

Damage (Pierce 2): 2d4 + 1d4 ⇒ (1, 2) + (3) = 6

Tom

Lydus disappears into the gem, with a flash of power, a literal flash. The dragon clearly noticed, and makes this apparent by setting the house you're hiding behind on fire. what do you do?

Belym

From your landing below the beast's plating, you see a glimmer of gold... divine ore. The gemstone on it is shattered into useless dust, but the ore itself is still there, in two half-spheres. what do u do?

Conwall & Ron

A strong blow to the demon staggers it, and Remorse burys itself into the beasts chest. The demon bellows and tears up a chunk of crystal in each hand, sending them flying at both of you. What do you do?

Roshan

Jump in any time, you can either have stayed with Tom, or have advanced with Belym

Tom runs for it, holding the gem awkwardly in front of him while he runs for the portal!

Defy Danger DEX: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 4) + 2 = 12

From the gaping sinkhole at Belym's feet, a thin, curved blade breaks the surface. Dropping the blade on the walkway, one grime-coated hand grips the splintered surface and hauls, corded muscles shifting. In short order, Roshan extricates first herself, then an unconcious Francis from the mire.

A lone shieldmaiden jogs to the templar's side and helps to check the archer's vitals.

The fire in Roshan's eyes is guttering. The skin peeking out from the mud is an indistinguishable grey. One sleeve of her chainmail hangs by mere links over a bloodless gash. Roshan's sluggish gaze spots the single blond braid tied to the shieldmaiden's pommel, and her knife is out of her belt.
Penance x2: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4
18/24 hp

When she's picked up and drawn her blades, her blood runs down their length.

She regards Belym with a steely look, stunted emotion behind surging wrath. Behind it all, a question. Have we ground left to fight on? Have we a purpose which wrath can assail? Her eyes pass to the portal.

As the demon takes aim, Ron ducks behind the portal, hoping the chunk of crystal will sail off into hell and leave the battlemaster be.

Defy Danger Dex (Bless): 2d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1, 4) + 2 + 2 = 9

I'll use my last gambit to make that a 10.

defy danger dex: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 5) + 2 = 11

I drop low in perfect, flawless splits as the crystals fly harmlessly past my head, then kip up, ready to tackle the next threat.

That one was my kill and you know it. You were aiming for his head, you hit his chest. Don't think I didn't see that.

Making note of the ore for later, Belym scrambles up and rushes towards the portal. Seeing the demon readying an assault with conjured crystal, she mutters " That's my move" under her breath as she launches an assault of her own at the demon's back.

Channel Giant's Sharpened Stones: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 4) + 2 = 11
Damage, forceful, 2 piercing, Overchannel: 1d6 + 1d4 ⇒ (5) + (4) = 9

Tom

You dive through, dramatically escaping a jet of flame, and pass briefly into a swirling vortex of black and brilliant blue.

Then you are back in your own body, the stench of the Ghostmoor in your nostrils, the sounds of growling and battle in the distance. you still feel our sword at our hips, but your shield is gone. What do you do?

Roshan

Relieved of sin, and freed from the mire, you stretch you neck over the lip of the body. the portal is still there, but horribly unstable, and Conwall & Sir Bucanero are embattled, engaging a demon, perhaps 40 meters away. What do you do?

Conwall & Ron

You both nimbly evade the brute's assault, but to your great surprise, it remains standing, and even lunges toward Conwall. Meanwhile, the shard of crystal that flew into the portal seems to only have exacerbated it;s already precarious state... perhaps getting away would be wise.

Belym

the stone soars toward the demon, impacting hard, but only staggering it Okay, the hp bonus for huge size is a kinda insane

what do you do?

Tom searches for the gem which is likely in a different spot than his hands, and tries to reach out to Lydus to see if the plan worked at all, Lydus... Lydus let me know if this worked.

Ron's eyes widen in surprise as bright golden light illuminates the demon's back. Potential hand and footholds glow with invitation. Ron doesn't hesitate. He sprints towards the demon and begins climbing its back

Defy Danger Dex (Bless): 2d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5, 3) + 2 + 2 = 12

As he crests the shoulders, Ron drives Remorse in deeply into the back of the demon's neck.

H&S (Bless): 2d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5, 5) + 2 + 2 = 14

Damage (Pierce 4): 1d8 + 1d4 ⇒ (6) + (3) = 9

As he holds on for dear life, Ron shouts down at Conwall. Never took ye fer one to start yapping afore the job is done!

Roshan leaves her two remaining followers and heads toward the demon. She starts at a stalking pace, but each footfall builds her speed. Belym's boulder sails past as the templar closes the distance, dragging a blade against the rough stone in a shower of sparks, and beginning the dance of blades.

I'm guessing 40 meters is too far to immediately H&S, but I think it's turned toward Conwall and away from Bellym, so I don't think it's DD. Are the divine blowdarts ready for use? If so, Roshan only needs to get within Near range.

I thought that said BLOWS UP. Poor reading comprehension

I see Ron take a diving blow towards the monster and figure I'm better off waiting to attack when he's dealing with Ron. I dive out of the way of his charge...
defy danger dex: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 1) + 2 = 9

and time it poorly. I roll out of the way at the nick of time, but lose my grip on Catastrophe...

So much for my plans to kill steal...

No longer able to get a clear shot, Belym moves up to the very edge of the island, kneels, and plants her hands in the mud, feeling for the earth at the base of the portal. Once she's got a connection to the earth there, she raises her gaze to the battle in front of her.

Bender of the Elements: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 5) + 2 = 11

3 hold. Standing ready to raise an earthen wall ("move to a new location within range") to try and deflect any blasts as the portal closes. Feels like there might be either a Discern or Defy involved in trying to get the timing right, thoughts?

Ron plants his feet and twists Remorse, hoping to buy some time for Conwall.

Aid (Bless): 2d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1, 2) + 1 + 2 = 6

Tee hee!

Tom

You find the gem in your pocket, glowing with a faint purple aura Yes Tom, I'm fine, thank you. far away, the demon Ron & Conwall faced keels over, slain by Ron. what do you do?

Roshan

The demon dies before you can reach the island, but you reach it moments later. the portal is beginning it's final throes, as it's foothold is completely removed, what do you do?

Ron & Conwall

Ron's spear plenges into the beast, black blood running free from half a dozen wounds, it keels over, beaten. it begins to dissolve, and the Portal begins its final collapse, what do you do?

No danger to defy, so ignore that 7-9, and no xp for Ron

Belym

Yes, I do agree. Seems like quick thinking, to close up the portal at the right moment, do you agree?

I feel like my only choice is to do this because I've been trapped in a world in my own head for a while.

Tom looks out down the walkways and in the battle to get his bearings, storing Lydus back into his pack.

Discern Realities: 2d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4, 4) + 3 + 2 = 13

Sounds good to me. As a minor note, I'm just trying to put a wall up in front of the portal, not actually interfere with it directly.

Defy Danger Int: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 6) + 2 = 14

Ron stops to grab any gem that the demon may have left behind, and then begins sprinting away from the portal.

I too make haste away from the portal, getting on the other side of Belym and her wall.

Roshan turns as the creature falls, looks at the portal and tenses as if to run toward it, then sees that everyone else has quite a different idea of what should be done about the unstable gate.

Rather than dive through or run away, however, Roshan makes a run for the injured and incapacitated. Interposing herself and turning from the portal, she helps to get Francis and Tom on their feet and moving away from the blast.
Defend the injured: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 5) + 2 = 10
There isn't anything to consecrate the ground for, mechanically, but I'd like to do it for dramatic effect. Let me know if I should spend the Wrath.
In the seconds before the portal falls, a burgundy smoke rises around Roshan, enveloping the group like wings of blood.

Everyone

Belyms shield protects you from the blast, and subsequent implosion of the portal, the island is just an island, made of corrupt gemstone and covered in the detritus of battle, but not the epicentre of a planar invasion. the soldiers who survived (all 5 of them, plus Larune, Malachi, and baldur Like, 80% sure I got in the general vicinity of right there) draw gasping breath, and nurse small wounds.

A shriek echoes around the Marsh, a shout of impotent anger, not mental like most of Einora's communication. It would seem you have upset the Lady. What do you do?

Tom

What happened here recently? Someone burned some of your herbs, three of the soldiers were slain, judging be the wounds, by an axe or large sword. and the guardian was slain.

Who is really in control here? Ummm... let Ron and Conwall duke that one out. (You guys, more generally)

What here isn't as it seems? Well, that slightly quivering bush conceals Istvar the serpent, Lord of Betrayal, Chief deceiver, the almighty ruler of the realm of Esaxemor, and lieutenant of the dark god Kelos.

What do you do?

Istvar is the god we freed from Einora, right?

Istvar is the god we freed from Einora, right?

Yep

Well stop changing his name then :p

Seeing things are under control despite his vacancy, Tom walks to Istvar and tries to pull him from the bushes, It's basically over you coward. Let's get over to the others.

Tom will attempt to count his remaining herbs walking to the rest of the group.

Roshan will awkwardly shadow Tom like she's a little girl waiting for permission to ask for permission. Her eyes sweep and scan everywhere but where the fallen Godling sits.

Ron stands, nursing the deep gashes in his side, and drinks another healing potion. He approaches Conwall. How in seven hells did ye drop that snake? I'll give ye two fer that one.

He eventually makes his way back to where he left his armor and suits up. I'll not be doing that again.

Belym falls in beside Conwall and Ron as they regroup, pausing to pick up the bisected sphere of divine ore. For reference, how big is it? She tosses one half to the elf. " Nice work, that. I wouldn't have guessed Catastrophe would be able to even dent this stuff, let alone make such a clean cut!" As they reach the rest of the group, Belym breaks out the bandages, tending first to her own wounds then those of Tom and the soldiers. Are we going to make camp? If not, Belym will also drink a healing potion.