Expedition to the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk [3.5 D&D]

Game Master Stiehle

As the priest who just slashed him turns to confront the new arrivals, Zeux again thrusts his hand forward and sends 5 less brightly coloured darts at the fellow!

Magic Missile: 5d4 + 10 ⇒ (4, 2, 2, 2, 4) + 10 = 24

"By the light of Pelor! I will banish you back to the hell you came from."
As Verdan is about to rush in and smash his mace on a Iuz priest head. He seeing the fallen prisoner, Verdan moves to heal him.

"May Pelor's light heal your wounds."
Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13 x1.5 = 19 Hit points cured to Razel.

Godsday (Vernal Equinox), 4th day of Growfest, 594 C.Y.
About an hour spent underground.
Current time is about two hours after midday.

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Glorb moves to help the fallen prisoner, kneeling near the man as he pulls a potion from his satchel as Zeux steps away from his attackers and uses his own magic to deal with the acolyte that injured him, the bolts slamming into the Iuzite’s chest and dropping him! With spittle flying from his lips, the sole surviving acolyte shrieks praises to his evil god and steps forward to end the life of their former prisoner forever! Zeux is unable to avoid the blow entirely [13 damage], but he does manage to fend the blade off with his arm, avoiding taking the blow to his unprotected neck! Still, he is very badly wounded now and barely staying on his feet.

Morrow swiftly catches up with his allies after fighting his way free of the stinking cloud, and thanks to his enhanced speed is able to move up behind the remaining acolyte, raising his sword to strike! Reonnyn’s eldritch bolt strikes true, despite the big folk between him and his target, but still the Iuzite is standing even as Verdan heals the fallen Razel, restoring consciousness to the former prisoner of the evil clerics.

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Combat Map - Slide #3

Morrow, you can take an attack action for Round 9, since you needed 60’ of movement exactly to get within striking range of the acoloyte! Zeux, be sure to let me know if you are taking actions to avoid those nasty AoOs when casting your spells! I presumed you took a 5’ step into that open space on the dais, but in the future I’d like for the players to post their actions (whether 5’ step, if possible or casting defensively), otherwise I’ll go ahead with an AoO if the situation deems it. Thanks! Everyone is now on the map, and Round 10 begins with Glorb’s action at the top of the round.

Reonnyn prepares to send another eldritch bolt at the wounded Iuz priest, exulting in the rush of power flowing in his veins.

If the others can dispatch the priest then Reonnyn will move to heal the wounded. Otherwise he attacks. Eldritch Bolt, Ranged Touch vs Blue Acolyte: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18;
Magical damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8, subject to SR.

End of round 9 attack on the acolyte:
Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25 BAB+8, STR+3, Sword+1
damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 6) + 5 = 16

Morrow moves up swiftly behind the evil acolyte, who turns too late to block the duskblade's blow! The Iuzite falls dead even as Razel stirs, his eyes blinking awake and the worst of his injuries healed magically, the two wounded prisoners are able to meet their rescuers...

Battle is over! Feel free to RP a bit and meet each other in-character. I'll have a new post up in the next few days with your post-battle actions - which I presume will include looking over the fallen enemies for loot!

Morrow cleans his large blade on the fallen enemy, then sheaths it and draws his long sword, commanding it to flame for extra light. "Thanks for assisting against these demon lovers. We are searching the ruins looking for bandits that have attacked caravans and apparently hauled their loot back here, also stolen was a family heirloom sword from Ricard Damaris, known as the Blade of Chaos."

"While initially seeking this we recovered a priest of Boccob, brother Altamaic. He was being held prisoner, drugged into a stupor although he didn't know why. He provided us directions back into the ruins with direction to find someone called 'The General'."

"Following what we believe was the right track we descended an elevator, had to destroy a flesh golem at the bottom of that lift, then continued on a second lift. We encountered a force of hobgoblins and chased them into a lair with half human woman, half snake creature called Sassinal. The leader called on it for aid referring to himself as the General's servant. The snake creature, or naga, was a powerful sorceress and it took a great deal to finish her."

"We continued into this cavern and started the battle with some gargoyles. But then an alarm sounded and the little demons joined the melee with their stench, blubbery hide and claws. And apparently the demon masters were over here with you."

Searching bodies of the fallen enemy for anything of value.

As Morrow finishes Reonnyn carefully watches the two newcomers for any signs of deception in their replies, as he scans the bodies for any magical auras. Detect Magic He keeps quiet for the moment as yet un-trusting of these newcomers.

Glorb thanks his Companions and assures them that the newcomers were prisoners of the Iuz-priests. He then joins Morrow in the inspection of the fallen foes.

Again, sorry for my absence, should be back on track now

Moving over to his wounded friend, Zeuxidamos seems relieved, but also upset.

"What were you thinking you old fool...going toe to toe with that priest! Your lucky that nice Pelorite was here to put you back together, you thick-headed Cuthbertian!"

Now that he had castigated his friend for nearly dying, the wizard looks to the rest of the newcomers.

"Errr...yes, well hello and thank-you. I am Zeuxidamios, wizard of the Argent Spell, and this crazy bastard is my friend Razel, priest of St. Cuthbert. We were drawn here by Razel's insistence and to be honest, my curiosity. Unfortunately, we were taken by these evil priests after a particularly harrowing battle. I shudder to think of what unholy plans they had for us!"

Looking down at his wounds, the wizard realizes that he too has been badly wounded.

"Umm, might you still have a little healing you could pass my way...please!"

Reonnyn looks over the gray elf wizard with a jaundiced eye, "So we have you to thank for keeping the Head Priest from assaulting us? I suppose thanks are in order." He then proceeds to tap Zeux with his healing wand.

Take 10 on UMD.
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Zeuxidamios gains 20 hp. Wand of CLW down to 42 charges.

When Zeuxidamos (wow! that's a mouthful!) identifies himself as a wizard Morrow smiles and digs a clear gem out of his belt pouch. "A wizard? Great! If we have time later I'd like you to examine this crystal that we found. Magical, but I couldn't quite figure it out when we found it. It's nagging me 'cause I think I should know what it is. I'm Morrow, Duskblade and Abjurant Champion so not a true wizard."

20 on Spellcraft wasn't good enough to identify it so it might be something good....

"Cuthbertian? I'm sure you and Verdan can have some long discussions about religion then. Things like whether or not these creatures could be redeemed instead of killed and such. But if they're attacking I just assume the gods can sort out their souls, after we've chopped up their bodies to stop their attacks!" He smiles as he is speaking so maybe he isn't quite as grim as his words.

"Ah, that is much better. Thank you my good hobniz...I feel much restored. Now then, this gem you have found... let's have a look shall we."

Zeux examines the gem using his magic and mundane skills.

Detect Magic to discover type of magic..will concentrate fully to get as much info as possible

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32

Godsday (Vernal Equinox), 4th day of Growfest, 594 C.Y.
About an hour spent underground.
Current time is about two hours after midday.

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As Reonnyn uses the magic of his wand to heal Zeux, the wizard looks over the small clear gem carried by Morrow. Its magic is immediately apparent, and Zeux identifies it readily as an Elemental Gem (Air), a magical item that, when it is crushed or broken, will summon a large air elemental that is compelled to act as the destroyer of the gem desires for a short period of time.

The bodies of the dead priests are found to possess a good deal of magical gear a well, mostly of the protective or offensive kind with regard to their weapons and armor. Their devotion to the dread cambion Iuz is also verified by the unholy symbols they each wear. The floor of the chamber is partially shattered, as though by an earthquake that happened sometime in the past, and littered with debris making footing treacherous in that particular area. A large stone altar covered in black wax, blood and bones stands against the far wall. A golden bowl rests atop the altar, flanked by a pair of large black candles, with a ceremonial dagger resting inside. Above the altar is a crude painting of a screaming white skull.

Zeuxidamos and Razel gather up their gear from a chest in which their equipment had been stored (along with a few other ‘evil priest’ type of stuff), and although the most severe injuries inflicted upon the adventurers have been dealt with through magical healing, still everyone is beaten up and wounded to some degree, especially the two ex-prisoners.

Elemental Gem (Air)
Magical Full Plate Armor +1
Magical Greatsword +1
Magical Ring of Protection +1
2 Masterwork Greatswords
2 Splint Mail Armor
3 Light Crossbows
30 Crossbow Bolts
3 Silver Unholy Symbols of Iuz (20gp value each)
3 Cleric Vestments
Golden Bowl (25gp value)
Ceremonial Dagger (5gp value)

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Combat Map - Slide #1

Welcome back, Glorb! The magic items you found are all pretty basic, between Morrow and Zeux I didn’t bother rolling Spellcraft checks. If/when you find something a bit more compelling I’ll ask for a roll. Let me know what you’re doing now, especially with regards to any further healing.

"Well there you go, an elemental gem! I hope you don't mind if we take some time to rest. Razel and I need to replenish our magical, as well as mundane energy if we are to continue."

Looking for a nights rest and study time if possible

Reonnyn glances nervously about him, "I am in complete agreement about retreating here as we must be getting close to the General now. While we did bloody his nose some, I fear he will send more forces down to wipe us out!" He turns to face his companions, "Should we retreat all the way back to the lift room?" Area C1 on the map.

Morrow nods at the information about the gem. "That should probably be held be someone that won't be mixing it up directly with whatever we encounter. Maybe Glorb? or Reonnyn? Definitely not me." They continue checking the other equipment. When the magical full plate is identified he shakes his head. "Valuable but heavy. I can't use heavy armor and barely would have the capacity to carry it in my haversack. I'll pack it unless someone actually wants it?"

Hearing mention of retreating and rest Morrow just nods. They had expended most of the healing magics and were burning wands. "Might be safer if we take the first lift up and see if we can lock the lifts on the platform. If we can't lock them we might need to go all the way up and find a defensible location. If the General knows that we are here but can't find us he might think we've run."

If nobody wants to claim it Morrow will adjust the load in his haversack to pack the +1 Full Plate in the central part. Can someone carry the +1 Greatsword? I don't see any reason to take the non-magical weapons or armor.

Would anyone object to my taking the Ring of Protection? I don't have one and unless I'm mistaken the +1 should stack with my armor and shield for AC. It gives a +1 Deflection bonus to AC, correct?

I have a haversack as well...which is mostly empty, so I can store some items in there. As for the ring, fine by me :-)

"Well wherever it is, let's get a move on. I feel almost naked without my spells!"

Reonnyn's eyes gleam as he stares at the valuable gem. "I would be more than happy to carry that gem." He quickly snatches the gem and drops it into his pouch. Once Morrow has finished packing up the armor he motions to the corpses, "Okay let's get out of here. Should we drop these corpses into the ravine? That way they cannot be used against us."

Reonnyn is okay with retreating past the lift and also Morrow feel free to use the Ring.

A little streak of anger and envy can maybe be glimpsed in Glorb's eyes as Reonnyn pockets the valuable Gem, but soon he lights up, and returns to his merry self. "Rest and ring are fine with me!" he assures.

With no argument from the team Morrow slips the ring onto his finger and packs the armor into his haversack. They should get a fairly good price for it and could possibly buy another healing wand with the coin.

When Reonnyn mentions tossing the corpses into the ravine he grins and starts doing so, "Unless a mage might have a use for demon flesh? Maybe a spell component? But yeah, let the bones smash from the fall and our enemy can't reuse them."

Sorry for the long delay, it was not showing that there was any new posts on my end.

"Before we go anywhere let me heal some wounds. And steps over to Marrow." And places a hand on the Marrow's wound.
"Pelor let you guiding light heal this one in need.
CLW: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 X 1.5= 16 HP cured Divine Favor-Converted
Then uses a wand on Marrow
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
One wand at 50 charges, One at 49 charges

Verdan then uses the wand on Zeux
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
One wand at 50 charges, One at 48 charges

Then the wand on Repnnyn
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
One wand at 50 charges, One at 48 charges

"You Sir Razel may Pelor's light shine to have your wounds healed with out upsetting St. Cuthbert." prays Verdan and he places his hand on Razel.
Cure Serious Wounds: 3d8 + 14 ⇒ (1, 3, 4) + 14 = 22X1.5=33 Hp. cured Converted-Remove Blindness/Deafness
And finishes Sir Razel with the wand.
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
One wand at 50 charges, One at 45 charges

Verdan seeing that all member of his party and the two new comers are healed he uses the wand on himself.
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
One wand at 50 charges, One at 43 charges

I could use the extra protection of that magic armor if no one else has a use for it. Verdan will not put on the armor if it has some profane god symbol on it, He would need to have it removed first.

If Verdan gets the magical armor, I'll pack his old armor for now....

Waterday, 5th day of Growfest, 594 C.Y.
A full day and night spent underground.
Current time is estimated to be around dawn.

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The group retreats back up the elevators so as to take some rest before confronting The General, hoping that their foe does not track them down. Verdan heals the others and himself, and whether due to divine intervention or a weakening of their enemy’s resolve the group is able to take a much-needed rest, recovering their health and their magic.

Razel decides to head back to Greyhawk with the others that had lingered further back by the elevator, leaving five intrepid souls to continue onward. The party retraces their steps back to the foul cavern inhabited by the Iuzite priests as they consider where to go next. The door on the far side of the rift seems the likeliest choice, unless there are other hidden exits the party hasn’t found.

Elemental Gem (Air) [Claimed by Reonnyn]
Magical Full Plate Armor +1 [Claimed by Verdan]
Magical Greatsword +1 [Stored in Handy Haversack]
Magical Ring of Protection +1 [Claimed by Morrow]
Golden Bowl (25gp value) [Stored in Handy Haversack]
Ceremonial Dagger (5gp value) [Stored in Handy Haversack]

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Ruins of Castle Greyhawk Map - Slide #1

Sorry for the horrific delay on my part! Verdan’s armor is masterwork full plate, and it seemed that the magical greatsword was more valuable, so I figured that you wouldn’t want the weight of the mundane armor to take up space in your extra-dimensional bag of loot! But if you want to keep the MW plate, I’ll add it in and you can figure out who will carry the sword (and the other stuff you’re sure to find as you continue onward.) I’ve written out everyone but the five of you active players, so let’s get things back on track! You are all fully rested now and in perfect health! Let me know if you are changing up your spell selection and how you wish to proceed onward.

"'Tis a good thing this General did not press his advantage here. He could have easily wiped us out!" Reonnyn comments as he makes sure the air gem is safely stowed away. After his customary ritual of calling on the dark powers to grant him his magical sight and devil's influence, he points off to the as-yet unexplored door on the other side of the rift. "That looks to be our next destination, yet perhaps there is a back door into the General's domain. I am sure this way will be heavily defended!"

Verdan will keep his spell list unless there is a request for him to have.
And yes he would like to keep the armor if possible, it's worth 1650 gp which is more that some magic armors and shields.

Who is this General? do we have an idea on race that he /she could be?

Verdan checks the fit of his new armor. Readjusting the straps for a better fit.

"Is anyone skilled in finding secret passages? My eye are not sharp enough for such work."

Refreshed and ready to press on Morrow considers Reonnyn's words. "Perhaps the 'General' was more concerned with the troops he was losing and didn't want to risk scouts trying to find us. So far he seems to be defending his holdings rather than expanding. I'd say we need to be wary of traps that may have been added as we advance. The last thing we need is to get caught in a bottle-neck and face wide area explosive magics."

Don't know about secret doors, but I think we need whoever is best at detecting traps leading. Is that Glorb? Or does anyone have any magical detections available? I'll take second with flaming sword and shield. No stealth to speak of but I'm human and need to see....

Can we leave the MW Full Plate at the top of the elevator with intent to pick it up on the way out? Cover it up with some junk, but I don't think we should be weighed down with it going in to battle. I don't remember but is there a group treasure page somewhere?

That's should would with hiding the armor to be picked up later

Waterday, 5th day of Growfest, 594 C.Y.
A full day and night spent underground.
Current time is estimated to be around dawn.

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The party discusses tactics in their advance and speculates why this General hasn’t yet come after them. Deciding that searching for a hidden door might be problematic and waste time, the group figures that their wily gnome can search for traps as they advance upon the unexplored door they located near the Iuzite cultists. With Glorb and Morrow in the lead, the latter with his magical sword aflame, followed by Reonnyn and Verdan (whose shield also sheds light thanks to the sconce for the magical torch) and Zeux bringing up the rear, the party presses onward, encountering no resistance.

Finally reaching the door that is their goal, Glorb announces it as untrapped and Morrow opens it as the party readies themselves. Beyond is a narrow corridor only some five feet wide, with a cross-passage bisecting the corridor five feet in front of them, and stairs rising up to either side are glimpsed. Straight ahead, the short hallway appears to open into a much larger chamber, though it is not possible to see any details without advancing further along the passage. Torches are set along the walls illuminating the room – which appears to be circular and maybe 50’ or so in diameter, with most of its center area sunken down beneath floor level. The sounds of combat, including shouts, the sounds of blades biting into flesh and inhuman snarling, can clearly be heard coming from the chamber – though the source of the sounds cannot be seen, apparently emanating from the area that lies below their line of sight.

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Ruins of Castle Greyhawk Map - Slide #2

OK, hopefully back on track with my posting rate!

Hearing what appears to be the sounds of battle Morrow moves ahead quickly. He calls back to the party following "Sounds like battle ahead. Be as ready as you can."

I moved up to what I think is the edge of the room and to the left. If that area isn't clear please move me back to the center. I didn't want to block the party....

"We should hold our ground here," Reonnyn observes, "Just because there is in-fighting among the General's forces doesn't mean they would not join together against us!"

"It could be another group of adventurers, or escaping prisoners. We won't know until we move forward....

"I agree with Morrow, but with caution. Those of you who are quiet should scout ahead and the rest of us will be ready to assist you if something happens."

Reonnyn sighs in irritation before he shrugs, gripping his rapier tightly. "Okay, I'll be right here..." as he creeps closer to the chamber...

Move Silently: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Hide: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

OK. I'll stay back and let the quieter ones scout ahead.... So who's our sneaky folks?

Not it, heavy armor

Waterday, 5th day of Growfest, 594 C.Y.
A full day and night spent underground.
Current time is estimated to be around dawn.

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Morrow slips into the side passage, seeing a staircase leading up to a single door at the landing above as he notes that the hallway across from him is set up in the same manner. Reonnyn moves into the hallway to scout ahead, the halfling filled with reservations about doing so – and with good cause, as it turns out…

Reonnyn can see that the large chamber at the end of the hallway is an arena, with a sand-covered floor some 10 feet below the level of the walkway surrounding it. The sounds of combat are coming from below, where two human men armed with short swords and torches are squaring off against a savage troll. Three other humans lie slain or mortally wounded on the floor of the arena, their blood soaking into the sand as the survivors fight desperately to defeat the wounded monster.

The halfling can see that a pair of tunnels lead off the arena floor, their gates standing open to the west and directly ahead to the north. Two torch-lit balconies dominate the south side of the viewing chamber in which he is standing, with three risers climbing up into the shadows where the doors at the top of the steps likely lead. In the northeast corner of the room is a large gallery that is also lit up by a torch, with a single throne looking out onto the bloodstained sand below. A heavily muscled human with dark hair and beard, clad in breastplate armor and with a longsword strapped to his back sits in the throne, but his eyes are not fixed on the life-and-death struggle in the arena below, but are instead fixed upon Reonnyn, his expression is one of outraged anger. “So! The intruder dares to show his face before General At-Ur Rehmat?! You and your friends shall see what comes of defying the will of Mighty Iuz!” The General stands up, drawing his sword as sudden movement catches the halfing’s eyes. A nightmarish beast flies out of the northern tunnel and swoops up toward the balcony in front of Reonnyn. The battle between man and troll pauses as all eyes fix upon the blue-scaled dragon, its horns black and twisted, lightning crackling from its fanged mouth that opens wide as it prepares to breathe!

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Ruins of Castle Greyhawk Map - Slide #2

Big battle here!! The dragon used its action to double move out into the chamber and is about 30’ above the sandy floor of the arena and 20’ above the walkway floor (i.e. where you’re all standing.)

Well, the "sneaky" idea was good while it lasted....

Hearing the words Morrow charges in drawing his flaming sword. He enters the room and steps to the left to not block any magic or missiles from those behind him, then notices the dragon and immediately mouths a few choice curses and a protective spell.

Moving in to the room and to the left of the doorway. Hoping the flaming sword will make me a target for the dragon. Casting Resist Energy (electricity) on myself. DR20 to electrical attacks for 80 minutes.

Seeing the Dragon hovering over the group, Zeuxidamos takes aim and fires off several force missiles at the beast.

5 missiles maximized damage for 30 hp damage.

Reonnyn fights back a feeling of terror as he quickly retreats outside of the line of fire, taking a position to the opposite side of Morrow.

Moved on map. If Reonnyn has a clear shot at the dragon here, he will take it.
Eldritch Bolt, Ranged Touch vs Blue Dragon: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22;
Magical damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5, subject to SR.

Verdan moves into the chamber. Fear creeps over him. A dragon, why a dragon.
But Verdan's faith has never let him down, today will not be that day. And it will serve his party well.
"Minion of Iuz, you false faith will not serve you, for a faithful of Pelor shall light the way and burn out your darkness."

Verdan cast Bless on the party

Waterday, 5th day of Growfest, 594 C.Y.
A full day and night spent underground.
Current time is estimated to be around dawn.

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Glorb reacts swiftly, his voice strong and uplifting as he begins a battle song that raises the spirits of his companions even as he draws a wand and takes whatever cover the door has to offer. Reonnyn moves up the stairs and opens the door, finding himself elevated above the arena and about five feet under the dragon’s elevation. The halfling uses his warlock magic to send an eldritch bolt at the wyrm, which is struck along its leg – though it doesn’t appear to feel it at all! Verdan brings the blessings of Pelor to himself and his allies while Morrow strides forward confidently and casts a spell that will protect himself from the dragon’s electrical breath weapon. Zeux sends a barrage of powerful bolts at the wyrm, which smash across the dragon’s chest, eliciting a roar of anger and pain!

The General glares at the intruders, then strides through the door behind him and disappears from view, apparently leaving the dragon to deal with them. The blue dragon complies, a cone-shaped burst of electricity engulfing both Morrow and Verdan! The wyrm swoops around and over Morrow’s head, landing heavily on the first bench riser just behind the duskblade.

Reonnyn’s Caster Level Check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 = Failure!
Zeux’ Caster Level Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 = Success!

Breath Weapon: 6d8 ⇒ (4, 6, 8, 4, 2, 2) = 26 electricity damage

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Ruins of Castle Greyhawk Map - Slide #2

The General can no longer be seen, I placed him on the map beyond the door through which he exited. I need Reflex saves from both Morrow and Verdan. Those that cast spells against the dragon should roll Caster Level checks (unless you’d rather have me do it for you – which is ok with me if that’s what you prefer!)

Reflex: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 1 = 23

Verdan twists out of the way of some of the lighting from the dragon breath. And moves into the chamber and to the right to give the warriors room to fight.

"May the light of Pelor burn this evil beast back to the hell that spat it out." Casting Searing Light at the Blue Dargon
Range touch attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 1 = 21
Damage: 4d8 + 1 ⇒ (6, 2, 2, 1) + 1 = 12
Caster level Check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
What a waste of damage

Verdan then glances down into the pit to see who or what was fighting down there.

Reonnyn takes advantage of his boots movement to hustle to the other side of the stairwell and sends another bolt of dark energy at the dragon!

Moved on map.
Eldritch Bolt, Ranged Touch vs Blue Dragon, Bless: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 1 = 19;
Magical damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 6) = 7
Caster Level check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Zeuixdamos send another wave of force missiles at the dragon.

5 missiles maximized damage for 30 hp damage.
Zeux’ Caster Level Check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Morrow feels the blast of lightning, but his magic protects him from most of it.
Reflex Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
He follows the track of the dragon and turns to move and attack.... "I'd say face me like a man, but you're just a worm! So instead, just feel the burn of my sword!"

Melee attack: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 1 = 29
Damage?: 1d8 + 3 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + (6) + 1 = 18

If I get full attack?

Melee attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 1 = 19
Damage?: 1d8 + 3 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (4) + 1 = 11

I am using my shield so AC20. It might accidentally miss me....

Waterday, 5th day of Growfest, 594 C.Y.
A full day and night spent underground.
Current time is estimated to be around dawn.

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Glorb casts a spell and disappears from view, though his stirring song lingers in the minds of his comrades. Reonnyn sends another eldritch bolt streaking toward the dragon, but again his warlock magic fails to penetrate the wyrm’s defeneses! Verdan has better luck with his ray of searing light, though it is but a glancing blow. Morrow shifts his stance to face the dragon, which isn’t as large as some of the legends tell of such creatures, though still its fierce countenance and perch on the riser gives it a menacing appearance as the duskblade meets the wyrm in battle, challenging it with a defiant yell! His first strike scores a solid hit, though the fire appears to do no harm at all to the dragon, and his second blow glances harmlessly off the thick armored scales of the wyrm! Zeux sends another barrage of magic missiles at the dragon, but like Reonnyn his own arcane bolts fail to harm the monster this time.

The dragon rears up and strikes savagely at Morrow, roaring in anger and hatred! The wyrm’s teeth sink into the duskblade’s bicep, and he feels a jolt of dark energy course through his body even as the fangs rend his flesh badly. He is also struck by a claw and one of the great wings of the dragon slams into him unexpectedly (36 HP damage total), but still he stands defiantly – though now seriously wounded. And where is the General the party wonders?

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Ruins of Castle Greyhawk Map - Slide #2

I’m probably going to write out Glorb very soon, as I’ve not heard from the player in quite some time. I might have another player (a fighter type) that I knew from my old board interested in joining. If not, I can try to recruit another player to join you and write him or her in easily using the situation in the gladiator pit. But you have to survive the encounter with the General and his pet dragon first!

Morrow feels the very hard bite of the dragon, and the claws and wing buffet, and knows he won't last long against the worm. Feeling a bit desperate he drops his shield and calls on his magic and martial powers to try for a faster ending of the battle. "Ouch! You've got bad breath worm!"

Free action: Drop shield. Quick action: 1/day Quick cast a spell (True Strike). Standard Action: Full Attack?

Full attack/2-handed Power Attack

Attack: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (16) + 24 = 40 (BAB+8, Power Attack-8, STR+2, Sword+1, Bard+1, True Strike+20)
Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 3 + 1 + 1d6 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 3 + 1 + (2) + 16 = 29 (Sword + 2-H STR + Bard + Flaming + 2H Power Attack)
I guess 27 damage if the fire still does nothing?

Attack: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (9) - 2 = 7 (BAB+3, Power Attack-8, STR+2, Sword+1, Bard+1)
Oh well.... AC without the shield is 18.

Hope your new fighter type isn't taking my place.... But if he is, it was a good death!

Reonnyn fingers the elemental gem in his pouch wondering whether it was needed at this point. If I cannot wound the dragon this time...

He sends another Eldritch bolt at the dragon...

Eldritch Bolt, Ranged Touch vs Blue Dragon, Bless, melee: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 1 - 4 = 24
Magical damage: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6
Caster Level check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Seeing Morrow take a vicious bite from the dragon. Verdan casts Cure Serious wounds "Pelor grant me the gift of healing of you glory." and moves up next to Morrow delivering the spell to Morrrow.

Cure Serious Wounds: 3d8 + 14 ⇒ (1, 4, 7) + 14 = 26 X 1.5 = 39 hit points cured