Giants of Autumn Twilight (Inactive)

Game Master Jubal Breakbottle

Crom follows behind Lys muttering, "I'd prefer ale and wenches, but I'll take some more giant killin' with a side of orc bashing - hold the undead please."

Nox shrugs. "Probably a dragon's nest, full of angry wyrmlings and a tribe of kobold nannies." He glances around. "What? Best expect the worst, then I can be happy when it's not as bad as I thought."

Wulfrum shakes his head at the others "Fine, if we're talking about the worst then you've got it all wrong. It's gonna be a bunch of dwarves all down there mining and smithing with poor ventilation. Honestly, reason I left was cause my nose was gonna fall off." he says as he keeps walking.

NORTH OF THE SOUTH FORK OF THE RIVER ESK - 1:05 pm, DAY 18

The group returns to where they began in the slaughterhouse of giants and manticores and take the other set of double doors. It opens into a hallway with another set of double doors and winding stairs down. Opening the new set of double doors, you find the top of the well where Lys fell through the hole.

Down the winding stairs, it lands in a 10-ft square hallway with another set of double doors.

I've labelled where you've gone with a blue arrow on the map. Who's opening the door? What's the marching order?

Hill giant AC 21, touch 8, flat-footed 21

Crom = AC 21 (v. giants 25) & 66/90
Lys = AC 21 (v. giants 23) & 66/66
Nerak = AC 14 & 48/48
Nox = AC 19 (v. giants 27 with DR 2/-) & 84/84
Gwenhyfar = AC 23 & 27/27
Wulfrum = AC 22 (v. giants 26) & 60/60
Zekel = AC 19 & 59/59

"Lets get this done with folks. Hopefully no more of those...... hands."

Zeakal will position himself after the melee folks bow at the ready.

Thanks for the way finding GM

Wulfrum looks at the others "I've got the door, you lot be prepared to defend against whatever's behind it."

Crom stands behind Wulfrum with his axe ready. "Aye Wulfrum, let's do this."

NORTH OF THE SOUTH FORK OF THE RIVER ESK - 1:05 pm, DAY 18

Opening the double-doors to the cellar reveals rows of decrepit, mildew-covered wooden shelves line this storeroom. Ancient bloodstains soil the floor beneath piles of filthy bedding, which is size and numbers of dozen ogres, which is the source of pungent, sour stench that fills the air.

A large cast-iron cauldron lies on its side in the northwest corner of the room under a thick layer of dust, undisturbed except for a single large hand-print in the grime.

You're up. Crom, are you really down 24 HP?

Hill giant AC 21, touch 8, flat-footed 21

Crom = AC 21 (v. giants 25) & 66/90
Lys = AC 21 (v. giants 23) & 66/66
Nerak = AC 14 & 48/48
Nox = AC 19 (v. giants 27 with DR 2/-) & 84/84
Gwenhyfar = AC 23 & 27/27
Wulfrum = AC 22 (v. giants 26) & 60/60
Zekel = AC 19 & 59/59

GM Jubal, Zekal's AC is up from what is in your notes since he put on the breastplate we found.

Right. The murder basement..., thinks Lys. Whispering, she leans towards the dwarves. "Where there's ogres, there's cannibalism.", Lys shrugs, raising her crossbow. Suddenly, her hand impacts her forehead with surprising might. "Oh, Hells...", she blurts out, with the expression of gears rotating in her head. "That's what Knight Calrianne was telling us about... The castelan being a horrible person, and her great-grandfather not wanting to speak about it...That was her great-great-grandfather in the chapel...", she mumbles. "Well, that's one more reason to free the spirit. Can't let nepotism die." Can't believe I didn't think of that earlier..., she shakes her head. Pulling out her waraxe, she gives it an apologetic look, as she moves next to the wall, and taps twice with the back of the blade, continuing the motion all the way along the side.

NORTH OF THE SOUTH FORK OF THE RIVER ESK - 1:05 pm, DAY 18

And big points for Lys! Yes, Knight Calrianne's last name was Blix and had a map that showed the secret entrances into the fort... if you had discussed with her where you were going, she would have given you the map...

You're up. Crom, are you really down 24 HP?

Hill giant AC 21, touch 8, flat-footed 21

Crom = AC 21 (v. giants 25) & 66/90
Lys = AC 21 (v. giants 23) & 66/66
Nerak = AC 14 & 48/48
Nox = AC 19 (v. giants 27 with DR 2/-) & 84/84
Gwenhyfar = AC 23 & 27/27
Wulfrum = AC 22 (v. giants 26) & 60/60
Zekel = AC 21 & 59/59

Wulfrum raises a brow "Aye, you're probably right" he said as he began searching as well. He starts with the cauldron before he moves on to the stones themselves, eyeing both the floor and the walls.

Perception+Stonecunning: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 2 = 26

Yes, I believe Crom's HP are correct.

Crom moves in and searches the area.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

NORTH OF THE SOUTH FORK OF THE RIVER ESK - 1:05 pm, DAY 18

When Wulfrum brushes up against the cauldron while searching, the cauldron instantly rights itself and fills with a thick, steaming stew containing recognizable chunks of human flesh (ears, fingers, feet, hands, etc.). Everyone sees themselves start gorging on the horrific meal and are filled with such profound remorse at the cannibalistic act.

Start saving and potentially harming yourselves. Just eat the damage until you save. Nothing can stop it, but you can buff someone else for higher Will saves if you've saved.

Hill giant AC 21, touch 8, flat-footed 21

Crom = AC 21 (v. giants 25) & 66/90
Lys = AC 21 (v. giants 23) & 66/66
Nerak = AC 14 & 48/48
Nox = AC 19 (v. giants 27 with DR 2/-) & 84/84
Gwenhyfar = AC 23 & 27/27
Wulfrum = AC 22 (v. giants 26) & 60/60
Zekel = AC 21 & 59/59

Will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2
Will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6
Will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7
Will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

"Noo... not again. Not again!"

Zekal fights as best he can but cannot contain himself taking some time to get control.

3 Fails 15 Damage

As soon as he can contain himself attempts to kick over the cursed pot.

Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Overcome by grief at his terrible actions, Nox smacks himself with his longaxe.

Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
After a moment, he comes to his senses.

Willpower: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Wulfrum stares at the Caldron and shakes his head "God damned wizardy whoo doo" he says as he swirls around and see the others starting to self mutilate.

"Oh for Torag's sake, stop flagellating yourself and get a grip" he said stomping up to the young cleric and grappling him.

Grapple check to hold him still: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Will DC 20: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

A wave of illusion comes over him and he fights it as best he can. Their was something to be said for the well ordered mind of a wizard, he throws off the curse while only being momentarily gripped by it. Still recovering he corrects the dwarf.

"Wrong side of the street Wulfrum, this is more related to godly magic."

Wizards didn't punish the living in general for the acts of one. Gods were the sort that did that unproportional form of punishment or allowed it.

Lys stares at herself, her nails longer, her clothing mangled and torn, as she digs deep into the cauldron. No, no, no, not after all this time!, she things, as she throws the axe on the ground and, pulling a silver bolt from her boot, begins stabbing herself. I'll be one of them, no, no, no!, she begins whimpering, as the silver draws on her flesh.

Almost half a minute later, she slows down, staring at the blood on her hands. No, it's not real..., she groans, staring at her multiple stab wounds. Groaning, both in pain and annoyance, she shudders. "Whoever's responsible for this, I sincerely hope their ass grows tastebuds.", she spits out. "Let's break this thing. Someone give me a crowbar." Picking off her axe from the ground, she moves closer to the cauldron and begins flailing at it, with a lot more vigour than actual effect.

Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Crom punches himself in the face.

damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

NORTH OF THE SOUTH FORK OF THE RIVER ESK - 1:05 pm, DAY 18

Crom Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Crom damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Crom Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Wulfrum pins Zekel preventing the last of his self-flagellation.

You beat yourselves up. Then, you look around as the haunting passes. Zekel kicks over the cauldron, but it has no effect.

Now what? Wulfrum, it takes you two rounds to pin Zekel. Zekel misses the third round of damage.

Hill giant AC 21, touch 8, flat-footed 21

Crom = AC 21 (v. giants 25) & 66-24=42/90
Lys = AC 21 (v. giants 23) & 66-14=52/66
Nerak = AC 14 & 48/48
Nox = AC 19 (v. giants 27 with DR 2/-) & 84-11=73/84
Gwenhyfar = AC 23 & 27/27
Wulfrum = AC 22 (v. giants 26) & 60/60
Zekel = AC 21 & 59-15=51/59

Wulfrum feels Zekal calm down under him after a few moments and gives him a rough slap across the face "Get yer wits about you boy." he says shaking his head before standing up and finishing his look around the room.

If needed I'll post another perception if the first is considered interrupted and another is needed

Perception+Stonecunning: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 2 = 16

Little RP ret-con here given what has happened. God I hope this does not turn into a theme!

"Nooo... I am unclean an eater of flesh!." Zekal flails in Wulfrums arms for a moment and then goes slack...

He smiles weekly "It happened again? This culdron. It.... Eartsil? I have been good for you, protected what I can, why do you not aid me?"

His foot lashes out to no effect at the cooking vessle.

Lys backs down, her hair frazzled, from fruitlessly bashing the cauldron. Giving it a kick with for a good measure, the arbalest picks back her crossbow and takes a deep breath. "This place can rot. Let's find that castelan.", she laconically states, joining Wulfrum in tapping on the walls.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Crom grunts as the spell wears off. "Need some healin' here."

He then kicks aside all of the bedding and assists Lys in her search.

Perception aid other: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Wulfrum looked around "Yea, I reckon we can do a little healing. Dust getting in my eyes anyways." he says annoyed and takes a need amidst the group and does a small prayer.

Channel Pos: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4
Channel Pos: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3

He lets out a pulse of healing, not once but twice...and tries for a third but his power dwindles. "Aye, sorry looks like my divine favor is tapped out."

Assuming the caludron has been dealt with which might be a big assumption.

Zekal nods and smiles as Wulfrum heals them. Seeing Crom is still pretty beat up he lays his hands on the dwarf and whispers a short prayer.

CLW: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Looking at the dwarf he frowns and call on the power of Eartsil one more time.

CLW: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 burnt Forbid Action

"Thank you are ok for now? I have some heals for the group if it comes to that but I would prefer to hold some power in reserve."

NORTH OF THE SOUTH FORK OF THE RIVER ESK - 1:05 pm, DAY 18

You heal.

Now what?

Hill giant AC 21, touch 8, flat-footed 21

Crom = AC 21 (v. giants 25) & 42+7+9+5=63/90
Lys = AC 21 (v. giants 23) & 52+7=59/66
Nerak = AC 14 & 48/48
Nox = AC 19 (v. giants 27 with DR 2/-) & 73+7=80/84
Gwenhyfar = AC 23 & 27/27
Wulfrum = AC 22 (v. giants 26) & 60/60
Zekel = AC 21 & 59-15=51+7=58/59

Frustrated, Crom shrugs his shoulders, "Ain't nothing in this room. Where to now?"

If Lys's perception check ain't found the differences in stone to note where someone probably entombed his bones in the floor or walls...then I don't know what else, I'd say Wulfrum will use Detect Magic as well while he searches, even going as far as to take 20 if necessary to try and find the entombed bones in the building but my assumption was they were down here somewhere.

"There are those doors behind us. Hopefully no more of this cannibal stuff."

There are double doors just north of us but Zekal is not going to go first.

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

Nox takes a look around the room as well. I'll use that to aid Lys if possible.

Yes,, there are double-doors. Thick oak double doors. The only area in the fort that remains unexplored. Who's opening?

Wulfrum will open the doors...because of tradition!

Crom follows Wulfrum in with his axe ready.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

NORTH OF THE SOUTH FORK OF THE RIVER ESK - 1:08 pm, DAY 18

Wulfrum opens the unlocked and untrapped double-doors. Rows of barren shelves, empty weapon racks, and vacant armor stands skirt the perimeter of this chamber, lit by numerous candles. In the center of the room, a headless skeleton lies in the middle of a large oval sand pit, surrounded by several arcane symbols and strange, jagged runes etched into the sand. A large, life-sized painting of an obese man hangs on the wall at the far end of the room, its eerily realistic glare boring into the chamber.

The fort’s arms and armor were stored in this armory, and the sand pit provided the soldiers stationed here a place to spar and train. The candles provide dim light in the room. The skeleton in the sand pit is missing its skull, but is dressed in the same clothes depicted on the man in the portrait.

Three ogres are conducting a ritual in this room. The Gorb family patriarch—“Pappy” Gutterunch Gorb, an obese ogre with an immense, overhanging belly inscribed with Abyssal runes—leads the ritual with a guttural chant. Two of his current favorites, Lurp and Sister Slobber, pregnant females clad in soiled rags far too small for their immense girths, trace symbols in the sand.

Three ogrekin, the half-human bastard spawn of Pappy Gutterunch, watch their father perform the ritual. Due to their muddied bloodlines,
the three Gorb ogrekin are cursed with a variety of deformities, and though all of them are siblings, these degenerate halfbreeds bear little resemblance to one another.

You're up. Roll20 is accurate.

Ogrekin = AC 18, touch 12, flat-footed 16

Female ogres = AC 17, touch 8, flat-footed 17
Pappy Gorb = AC 19, touch 12, flat-footed 18

Crom = AC 21 (v. giants 25) & 42+7+9+5=63/90
Lys = AC 21 (v. giants 23) & 52+7=59/66
Nerak = AC 14 & 48/48
Nox = AC 19 (v. giants 27 with DR 2/-) & 73+7=80/84
Gwenhyfar = AC 23 & 27/27
Wulfrum = AC 22 (v. giants 26) & 60/60
Zekel = AC 21 & 59-15=51+7=58/59

Wulfrum stares at the...horrendous sight in shock. A few seconds pass before he whispers behind him "What am I looking at, besides the very thing of nightmares that makes me want to go blind." he said quietly.

Sigh, nothing for Know Religon

"No idea but safe to say it is nothing good."

He drops back a few steps.

"Lets try and pull them out of the small room if we can."

Crom yells at the ogres, "Hey meat heads, come here and get some!"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

He moves back to allow space for Wulfrum to egress.

"Dead things walking, that's what." Nox says, raising his longaxe as hatred for these foul creatures rising in his heart.

Knowledge (Local) DC 13: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
Knowledge (Arcana) DC 20: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
Knowledge (Planes) DC 20: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

"I could tell you what all this is about. But I think we should deal with the monsters before the lecture."

Nerak cast a spell before retreating to put some more room and bodies between him and the giant's.

Fireball (Ref DC 17): 6d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 1, 2, 5, 6) = 21

Cast Fireball, if they save then half damage. Also thanks to my mod I know at least one of the knowledge checks without fail.

readied action: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Damage if hit: 3d6 + 10 ⇒ (5, 2, 1) + 10 = 18

Wulfrum plants his feet and prepares for the first strike as the fireball explodes in the room.

NORTH OF THE SOUTH FORK OF THE RIVER ESK - 1:08 pm, DAY 18

Round 1

Ogrekin: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Ogrekin: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Ogrekin: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Ogre: 1d20 ⇒ 20
Ogre: 1d20 ⇒ 11
Pappy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

After the fireball, Wulfrum drops the middle ogrekin. The other two scream in pain, step on their stepbrother, and attack the giant dwarf with their ogre hooks.
Wulfrum: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
Wulfrum: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

The two female ogres screech and close on Wulfrum, but only one can reach with her greatclub
Wulfrum: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

The obese patriarch whips out a scroll and trigger it causing five images of himself crowd the back of the room.
images: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

You're up. Roll20 is accurate.

Ogrekin = AC 18, touch 12, flat-footed 16 & 21, 10 damage

Female ogres = AC 17, touch 8, flat-footed 17 & 10, 21 damage
Pappy Gorb = AC 19, touch 12, flat-footed 18 & 10 damage

Crom = AC 21 (v. giants 25) & 63/90
Lys = AC 21 (v. giants 23) & 59/66
Nerak = AC 14 & 48/48
Nox = AC 19 (v. giants 27 with DR 2/-) & 80/84
Gwenhyfar = AC 23 & 27/27
Wulfrum = AC 22 (v. giants 26) & 60/60
Zekel = AC 21 & 58/59

Wulfrum backs up out of the doorframe a bit and readies another attack.

Readied Strike: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Damage if hit: 3d6 + 10 ⇒ (4, 5, 4) + 10 = 23

I'm trying to give you guys some room to step in. This fort isn't big enough for really anyone! Also, AoO on my dwarven behind.

Nerak was not going to let that old trick work for the giant. He felt a little annoyed that the brute had wasted a scroll he could have taken from his corpse as well. He cast another spell, once more striking the whole enemy group and it's short lived images.

Stone Call: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12

"Bye bye illusions."

He says a little smugly.

Zekal is impressed by his friends arcane power. I guess that is what happens when you focus on one craft.

"Most impressive Nerak."

He takes a small step and fires two arrows at one of the attackers.

Longbow @ Green 1: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 1 - 2 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 + (2) = 6
Longbow @ Green 2: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 1 - 2 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 + (1) = 8

Favored enemy, point blank, orphaned by giants, rapid shot

Heedless of the danger presented by the hideous ogrekin, Nox steps forward and attacks. attacking green

Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 5 = 16
Damage: 1d12 + 13 + 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 13 + (1, 5) + 5 = 31

Lys frowns. "Drop down your weapons, and we'll spare you!", she shouts at the two concubines. "Or leave, that works too.", she adds a moment later as she lifts the crossbow towards the patriarch. "You don't get that deal, sunshine.", she squeezes out, the crossbow firing towards the massive ogre. Ugh. Why do the ogres have to be pregnant!, a thought crosses her mind.

Crom

Crom follows Nox in and power attacks green.

Attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31
Damage: 1d10 + 12 + 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 12 + (5) + 4 = 27; vital strike and power attack