GM Arkwright's Curse of the Trimmed Sky

Game Master Arkwright

Mmm; let me see.
Round 1 (Readied Actions)
Senna- Dimdoor
Authion- Shoot
Tathlan- Shoot
Haldern-

Round 1
First enemy- Cone of Cold
Senna- Spell
Haldern- Whack
Tathlan- Shoot
Authion-

Yep, my bad. Haldern, need your readied action, Authion your shot this round.

Senna's fire snake blasts through the frigid mountain top air, scorching the frost giant, though it remains standing. The ice devil is unharmed. Immune to cold
FG 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

You got me just fine. My readied action was just to move up a little

Save vs Cold: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

Something is wrong. I hit the giant last round. So, even if it took a 5 ft step I should be able to full attack it. Or I should have gotten an attack of opportunity as it moved more than 5 feet. Since you said charged I assume the latter? Actually, the map just looks wrong since the giant couldn't cleave us without something strange going on

Free action: I call Jensal to come down beside me and, once I am on him, to ride up towards Bluey

Swift action: Lay on hands
Lay on Hands: 6d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 5, 6, 6, 4, 3) + 6 = 31

If I'm right and I got an AoO

AoO: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25 for damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

If it is still up I step forward (provoking) and attack it again

Attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33 for damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

If it was NOT still up I hold an action to mount Jensal when he is adjacent to me OR to switch to my lance when mounted. Jensal will then take his second move action to fly up into the air.

This is a weird edge case. Fast mount is a free action if I succeed on a ride check (not quite auto succeed, unfortunately) or a move action. So, if it is free I should be able to ready to switch to my lance. But if it is a move I can't switch to lance. So not sure if above is legal. If not, I'll just mount the damned thing :-)

You said you moved up to hit it but didn't charge; impossible with a standard action. If you want to change that into a charge, go ahead and move yourself up to the giant, then full-attack this round. Jensel will appear at the start of the next round.

And yeah, I moved him back from cleaving after I realized I messed up actions.

Seeing that the ice insect's chitinous skin easily deflects his single crossbow bolt, Tathlan decides it might be more efficient to kill the giant. With Authion's knowledge of how to hunt them, Tathlan reasons that a combined volley will take the Frost Giant down.

He lets loose a flurry of crossbow bolts at the giant.

Full attack on the giant with Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, and full use of Deadly Aim coming into play. If it's a nonstandard giant Cluster Shot might overcome its DR.

I am now completely confused. Sorry.

What I thought happened:

Round 1 (surprise) I took my single action to move up towards the giant and devils. Ended about 20 feet away IIRC
Round 2 : we beat the giant in initiative and I moved up to him and swung my sword. I was now beside the giant.
Round 2, giant attacked us all. Still not sure from where and how much reach it has.
Round 3: current round.

Where do we disagree?

Note, I'm NOT trying to argue, I just need to understand what the situation actually is.

Here's what happened.

Round 1: Everyone lets off their readied actions from round 0
Round 1: Everyone has their normal round actions, ID winning initiative

Thus far, we don't have enough actions to complete those two rounds. My mistake was thinking that we did have enough actions, in which case I ran through actions for the two enemies and entered round 2. I was wrong, we are still in round 1.

Ah, ok. So, you're not waiting for me right now AND I haven't yet taken the second bit of cold damage.

Right. Now I understand.

Edit: Moved Haldern to be adjacent to the Giant since I did that round 1.

Round 1: Readied action -move
Round 1: Move and attack (not charge).

Just waiting on Authion

Authion shifts to the north and fires a barrage of arrows at the giant.

1d20 + 21 ⇒ (14) + 21 = 35 2d8 + 2d6 + 30 ⇒ (1, 6) + (4, 4) + 30 = 45
1d20 + 21 ⇒ (7) + 21 = 28 1d8 + 1d6 + 15 ⇒ (6) + (2) + 15 = 23
1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19 1d8 + 1d6 + 15 ⇒ (2) + (5) + 15 = 22
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13 1d8 + 1d6 + 15 ⇒ (2) + (3) + 15 = 20

Teeth bared in fury, Authion cries "FALL, GIANT!" as he launches a barrage at the giant, bringing it low.

Commence round 2

Moving forward though still on the ceiling, the insect creature bares its teeth and raises a limb to launch another blast of cold.

DC 20 reflex to halve 13d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 6, 3, 4, 3, 4, 4, 3, 1, 1, 2, 4) = 38 cold damage please

Not sure if that leaves Senna unconscious, but if it doesn't-

Senna fires back a terrifying blast of acid at the devil, seeking to melts its chitin clean off its body.

Reflex 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

Its face crinkles into a sickly smile as it dodges the worst of the acid.

Go everyone.

I'm assuming that I just use the previous rolls for save and lay on hands. Copied here for convenience
Save vs Cold: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Swift action: Lay on hands
Lay on Hands: 6d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 5, 6, 6, 4, 3) + 6 = 31

I think that the following is all legal.

Swift Action: Lay on Hands
Free Action: Call Jensal to my side, tell him to get me then fly into the air
I then delay to after Jensal comes.

Jensal comes down, Readies to fly off.
I come off delay.
Hopefully free action : Quick mount
ride: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34
Move Action : Sheathe sword
Standard Action: Wield Lance

Jensal's ready then goes off and we fly off into the air.

I've positioned Jensal and I where I think we are at the end of all this. 20 feet into the air.

I realized that I should have done something slightly different. If you'all let me, change to

Standard : channel for 25 (the +6 only applies to me)
Free : drop sword
Move: wield lance.

So, everything same except sword dropped as opposed to sheathed and my allies get 25 pts of healing

Stepping back to create as much space between himself and his allies as possible, Tathlan fires his crossbow again at the flying ice insect. Though his training as a soldier has taken over, at the back of his mind he can hardly believe he is in a battle against such a fantastic foe.

Full attack on the Gelugon. Cluster Shot should come into effect.

No one's made the knowledge check so no one knows it's a Gelugon, no peeking.

One arrow pierces the creature's armor. I presume your weapon doesn't count as Good not all of the damage goes through.

So, with Authion downing the giant, I was still conscious through IC's second blast. The third blast staggered me (0 HP) but between Heldren's channel and my Infernal Healing - if I've done the math right - I'm back in the positives. Since I wasn't sure if I survived the giant's bash, I didn't move Senna before. I have updated her position to reflect her move last round as well as this round.

Reflex Save v (IC 3rd) DC20: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26 Success - 19 DAM

With Haldern's divine intervention, Senna is still standing... for the moment. But she quickly realises that if the creature turns its full attention on her, she won't last long. Can't do something smart, do something useful. She casts a spell that fills her allies - though sadly not herself - with furious energy. Then she retreats further across the room. Let's see you handle these boys now, ya big cricket.

~ Round 3 ~
STAND: Cast Haste (on a central spot between the guys)
MOVE: Move (on Map)

Haldern, Authion, Tath, Wolf, and Griffon receive Haste for 10 Rnds

• Extra Attack on FULL ATTACK ACTION
• +1 ATT Rolls
• +1 Reflex Saves
• +1 Dodge AC
• +30' Move

dot

Alright. Still trying to get my bearings. I don’t think Dwin is with me (not DD’d in), and I’m also not sure what resources Authion has used so far. Regardless…

Without pause, Authion swivels smoothly to continue his barrage on the bug-thing.

Full attack (Rapid shot, Deadly Aim, Haste)

Authion lets out a fluffy of shots. All of them either miss or clatter off the creature's scales.

You failed to hit on a 19, and you need a 20 for an automatic hit.

Deciding to enter the fray, the creature lets loose another wordless snarl and lunges at Authion with a spear.

1d20 + 21 ⇒ (11) + 21 = 32 2d6 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 6) + 10 + (1) = 21
DC 23 Fort please or be affected by Slow for 1d6 ⇒ 2 rounds

Fort, DC 23: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
The Slow effect suppresses Senna's Haste effect for 2 rounds? And does this bug thing look to have a 10 foot reach?

I think that the PCs are now all up.

"In the name of the Inheritor, die you foul beast"

Sir Haldern and Jensal charge. Jensal uses lunge to get extra reach. Note that Sir Haldern smote it earlier.

To hit assumes the monster is evil

Since this thing may have reach and be smart enough to aim for the griffon I'm going to make my mounted combat ride check

Ride: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17

Jensal: (pounce and rake)
Bite: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 2 + 1 = 20 (charge, haste) for Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Claw: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 2 + 1 = 21 (charge, haste) for Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Claw: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 2 + 1 = 20 (charge, haste) for Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Rake: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 11 + 2 + 1 = 33 (charge, haste) for Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Rake: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 11 + 2 + 1 = 17 (charge, haste) for Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Haldern:
Lance: 1d20 + 20 - 3 + 2 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 20 - 3 + 2 + 5 + 1 = 40 (power attack, charge, smite, haste) for
Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 9 = 25
+11 if evil, +22 if an evil outsider (which I think it is). All trebled because of the charge.

So, if I'm right and it is a devil that is 47 * 3 = 141 points of damage. If it is evil but not a devil 108 points. Ignoring DR.

The combination of the giant insect's chitin, dexterity, and ability to fly seems to Tathlan to make firing a flurry of bolts to be wasteful. Instead he takes careful aim, preparing to shoot the the monster as soon as it moves.

Readied action to shoot the monster as soon as it does anything. Deadshot bonus will come into effect.

Daaaaaaaaaamn... This dude is seriously armored if Auth's 19 missed.

Senna takes stock of their opponent's strengths and lack of weaknesses before hurling a ball of acid between her allies into the creature's face.

~ Round 4 ~
STAND: Cast Burning Arc (in Acid)

Adding togehter the misses, the DR, your mount not getting smite...

The shining paladin's charge pierces the creature's guard, landing a deep wound tearing it up from within. It manages to batter away the worst of Jensel's blows however, and Senna's power ricochets off of its magical protections.

Authion yes it does look like it has reach. You're up.

Authion staggers from the thing's attack, feeling the icy touch of its spear warring with Senna's magic. Luckily, Heldern's charge buys him a half-second, and Authion dives backwards, looking to create some space. As he rolls to his feet, he grabs a unique arrow from his quiver, nocks it, and draws it to his cheek, sighting down its shaft at the ice-bug's center-mass.

"So it's a slowing game, huh?" he mutters as he releases.

Move 20 feet directly up/left (I can't update the map right now, can someone move Authion?), tumbling the first 10 to try to avoid AoO's. Then fire a Tangleshot arrow at it (ranged touch)
Acro vs CMD: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32
Longbow, touch AC: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24
Success = Entangled for 2d4 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4 rounds; and it needs to make a Reflex DC 10 or be glued in place for that duration. If glued, it can make a DC 12 Strength check or deal 10 points of slashing damage to break free (though it remains Entangled).

The creature lets Authion cartwheel away. Weighing up its wounds, it hovers back a step and then disappears before your eyes, a crackle of teleportation energy obscuring his form and a single, waving hand-like limb.

Combat over

"Live to die another day, eh, bug?" the spire elf mutters with grudging respect, as his eyes scan the surrounding area with caution. "I can appreciate that."

Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (10) + 21 = 31

He gives the group a half-grin. "That's one smart ice cockroach." He pulls a wand from his double bandolier, using it on the spear wound. "Everyone alright?"

Wand of CLW, 4 charges: 4d8 + 4 ⇒ (6, 3, 4, 6) + 4 = 23

As he works at the wound, he lets out a shrill whistle, calling Dwin.

"Bah. Cowardly scum to flee the righteous wrath of Ioemedae. Smart of it, though"

Haldern descends to where his sword was dropped and picks it up and sheathes it. He then uses his wand to heal the last of his wounds

CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Nice rolls. I like this wand :-)

"Does anybody require any healing?. If not, I suggest that we head up to the centre of the castle and find the Giant"

Haldern stays on Jensal as the group heads upstairs.

I should have known better than to get off Jensal. I am FAR more effective on him than off him. I won't make that mistake again

I'm down 28 HP after my Infernal Healing finishes. I could use some 'wanding'.

Senna lets out a relieved sigh, glad for the Paladin's presence as she imagined a rather different outcome from that battle. She glances around the room, not sure if the demon cricket was, in fact, gone.

"Well, search the giant for any clues to it's origin and then see if we can find the main hall where our host is holding off the main force?" She offers.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 Able to see invisible and ethereal things.

Ark, FWIW, I have See Invisibility on for the next 1 hr 40 min in case that bugger has got a trick up it's sleeve.

Seeing that Haldern is available to heal Senna, Authion walks over to the dead giant, patting Dwin when the big ice wolf pads up. The elf gives the giant a cursory look before drawing out his blade and beheading it with a cold practicality.

CDG
damage: 2d10 + 32 ⇒ (10, 1) + 32 = 43
If that doesn't kill it, Fort save DC 53 or it dies.

Then he cleans his blade and gives the massive body a thorough search.

Perception, taking 10: 10 + 21 = 31

I wan't trying to be bossy on the heals .. you're welcome to use Authion's wand. Go ahead and roll the heals, Senna.

I didn't read that as bossy. Since I don't have CLW on my list, having you do the wanding instead of me (and having to do UMD rolls) just makes sense. If we can forego that nonsense since we are out of battle...

I'll cast a second Infernal Healing to save charges...

Heal: 3d8 + 3 ⇒ (2, 8, 4) + 3 = 17 3 charges used

The frost giant's soul disappears from this plane. Searching his mortal shell, Authion discovers nothing beyond plain giant leathers and a massive non-magical greataxe.

"So," the hunter says as he stands from fruitlessly searching the giant's body, "we're off to see the wizard?"

Did we get more instructions other than 'stop them at the base'?

"Indeed. Since the shaking from the demon's assault has stopped and I expect it will inform its allies what happened... I think we can assume they will be ready for us."

Zoarth's familiar didn't give us much to go on. If we're lucky, he'll send another message but otherwise we'll just have to look for trouble and the main hall.

"I'll take a few hits from those wands if you don't mind," Tathlan says, raising his hand as he walks back to rejoin the group. "That was certainly the strangest enemy I've even encountered. Anyone know what it was?"

"If I remember correctly the commander of this castle had a cat act as his herald. If we can spot one it might be a sign that our host already knows of our success," he says once the last of the lingering frostbite has been driven out of his fingers by the healing magic.

He nods at Senna and Authion. "Yes. Let's get this operation mopped up. And keep your eye out for house cats."

Haldern is going to take a moment to scan the room for evil. Then he'll try and take point as we all head upstairs

Moving up the castle's cavernous stairs, you eventually find a small cluster of cats sitting on a balustrade, gazing upwards into an empty roof. One of them turns. "Quickly! Come, help me, please!"

Senna follows the cats' eyes upwards before turning to the speaking cat. "We're coming."

So is there some obvious path to follow or do we need to fly?
Haldern, you wanna fly up and check things out?

Authion shakes his head once more at the strange cat-messenger. But with nothing else to do, he climbs into Dwin's saddle to await an answer.

Stairs. Next post soon.

Tathlan stares skeptically at the talking cats.

I guess I don't know much about giants, but if the owner of this castle really is one, each of these cats is- what? The size of one of his fingers? Bizarre.

Without further thought he begins to clime the stairs as the cat indicated.

This vast chamber of white stone feels like a cavern. Surrounded by a colonnade and an upper gallery, a massive sculpture dominates the room. It appears to be the head and upper torso of a man with an arm raised above his head, palm held aloft. This sculpture is forty feet high and sixty feet long. A giant, eighteen feet tall himself, in white and blue robes, with a long white beard and a silver circlet, stands on the sculpture’s palm casting spells down upon invading giants; the enemy giants are throwing boulders at him or attempting to climb the stone figure to get at him. A few giants already lie dead upon the tiled marble floor. Nearest to the entrance to this hall is a female giant in plate armor harness riding a three-horned beast with a bony crest atop its head. Its horns and feet are shod in spiked iron, and chain barding drapes across its bulging body.

At the sight of you, the female giant calls out a sequence of foreign words "The wizard conjured more aid- I will take them!" to those who speak giant.

Init
Tathlan 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Authion 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Senna 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Haldern 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Enemies 1d20 ⇒ 2
Zoarth 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Order
Zoarth
Party
Enemies

Map has been updated, mount yourselfs up and position yourselves near the right doorway as desired.

The mighty cloud wizard muttes a word and weaves a transmutation; he attempts to throttle down the speed of his enemies, slowing their movements. He succeeds.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Go party

At airport so I won't be posting for quite some time... So I will Haste the Team in round 1

"Zoarth!" Authion says as he takes a step forward, drawing an arrow to his cheek. "Good to see you alive!" Four arrows streak across the hall, seeking giant blood. "Falling back to us might be prudent!"

As he fires, he gives a low elvish command to Dwin, who moves to stand between Senna and the giants.

5' steep forward, then full attack the Giants on the north side of the room. Starting with the closer one, then, if he falls, sending the remaining arrows at the one farther back. Shots include Haste, Favored Enemy +6, Rapid Shot, and Deadly Aim.
Dwin is commanded to Guard Senna. He moves in front of her and readies a bite against the first opponent who moves into melee.

Haldern will delay for the haste and then charge the giant to the south.

"In the name of the Inheritor, you foul beasts will not see another day"

Charge attack. Jensal lunges to get 10 foot reach. Haldern hits while 10 feet away (20 feet in the air). Using Ride by attack both continue on after the charge. Both Jensal and Haldern power attack. No AoO against either Haldern or Jensal.

Haldern attempts a ride check to avoid one of the giants blows at Jensal
Ride: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23

Power attack, charge, haste
Haldern Charge attack: 1d20 + 20 - 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 20 - 3 + 2 + 1 = 38
for damage: 1d8 + 12 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 9 = 28 x3 = 84 points of damage

Jensal charges with power attack
Jensal Bite: 1d20 + 11 + 2 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 - 2 + 1 = 27 for damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

I suspect the total is 97 points of damage.

Tathlan steps forward and, with military discipline, loads and fires his crossbow multiple times at the southeastern most giant.

Full attack with Rapid Shot, Haste, and full deadly aim on the giant in the named position.

The shining knight charges by; a giant attempts to smite him with its greatclub along his path. It fails to land its strike.
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24 2d8 + 16 ⇒ (5, 3) + 16 = 24

Senna's magics sprinkle forth, granting her team incredible alacrity. The knight's charge carries through and he downs a giant with a single, terrible blow. His comrade Authion's barrage downs another, and instils terrible pinpricks in another, leaving it grasping at its face and roaring in pain. The elven crossbowman Tathlan cleans the hallway of another giant in a flurry of bolts.

Enemies and Zoarth's turn

The female giant atop her dinosaur mount roars a challenge and makes her own charge towards Sir Haldern. His defences shaken by the efforts of his charge, Haldern is struck twice.
1d20 + 23 ⇒ (3) + 23 = 26 3d6 + 16 ⇒ (2, 3, 3) + 16 = 24
1d20 + 20 ⇒ (6) + 20 = 26 4d10 + 16 ⇒ (8, 1, 7, 7) + 16 = 39

The giants move up to face the newcomers, greatclubs ready.

The vengeful wizard summons a blue fireball and launches it at the giants, calling out "Allies! My cats told me you were coming... whoever you are, thank you!" He badly scorches two of the giants, stinging another.

6d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 5, 6, 5, 6) = 27
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Party's turn

In a blink, Authion's bow is on the ground, and the elf is flowing from one elvish blade form to the next, carving the much bigger attacker into so much meat.

Drop bow, quickdraw curved blade, full attack the giant in melee (Haste, Favored Enemy +6, Power Attack).

Tathlan stares grimly at the misshapen giant as it lumbers up to him. Thankfully his years of experience with the crossbow in his hands make him just as prepared to shoot it in close quarters as at a distance.

Full attack on the giant in front of Tathlan. Deadly Aim, Point-Blank Shot, Haste, and Rapid shot will all be used.

I don't understand how I got hit twice. Even if she has enough reach on top of the dinosaur to hit me when 25 feet up surely she had to take at least a move action to reach me and would only get a single attack? Or does she have some weird shenanigans type thing? Or the dinosaur is huge with a 10 foot reach? Ah, that latter makes most sense doesn't it?

Uh oh. Those things hit a lot harder than I expected. I'm in serious trouble right now

How far up is the upper gallery? And do I know how much reach the Triceratops and Giant have?

She attacked and her dinosaur attacked. Both have 10ft reach.