I would have used a boon to cast Heroism at character level (11) before the test started. Also, no one ever answered me about charging my armor spikes... Since it appears no one can cast Frigid Touch, I would have had one of the psychic casters use Touch of Idiocy instead.
Jackson charges the beast, empty-handed.
If it has Combat Reflexes it can AoO me, so I'm going to try acrobatics, however, I am moving at full speed and take the associated penalty.
Acrobatics:1d20 + 20 ⇒ (7) + 20 = 27
Assuming I survive to reach it, I ram into it with my Armor Spikes. I'm going to assume it is flat-footed, if not there will be no sneak attack damage.
As Jackson approaches the powerful wolf-like being snatches Jackson by the leg and whips him into the air, flipping through the sky before slamming his body into ground. Even within the chaos Jackson is able deliver his attack as the world spins around him.
Grab Jackson:1d20 + 37 ⇒ (13) + 37 = 50 Trip Jackson:1d20 + 29 ⇒ (13) + 29 = 42 I believe the Grab attempt barely succeeds what I know the Jackson's CMD to be. I also believe the trip beats his as well.
There is no SR, it is affected by the spell
The powerful creature yowls in pain and slams Jackson into the ground once more for good measure.
Move action maintain grapple for damage:1d20 + 37 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 37 + 5 = 48 Bite Damage B/S/P:4d6 + 18 ⇒ (2, 2, 4, 5) + 18 = 31 Let me know if this passes. In either case he is dropping Jackson.
Kicking Jackson's body the teacher continues, "Lesson 2: Attack from where they least expect."
Looking at the party the wolf slams down the powerful jaws on thin air. At least, it appears that way until Adsal is hit with a sudden wave of pain as he is wrenched into the air and slammed into the ground by an invisible force. Meanwhile the creature now holds a shadowy mirror of Adsal in it's jaws, mimiking the spellcaster in every regard.
Despite being 65~ feet away the Wolf is grappling Adsal.
Round 1/2
Mystic Wolf (25 damage, -1 Men stat penalty, grappled)
Adsal (31 damage, grappled, prone)
Keela
Qatala
Theritis
Chaine
==============
Jackson (32 or 63 damage, prone)
Reminder that you are on a new map marked "Test of Might". Wolf is currently grappling Adsal. I don't know how long this fight might be, but it might be important to know your AC and CMD (vs grapple and trip). I don't want to try to be more definitive on what happens on the enemies turn, especially in something that might be fast paced like this.
hp 82/82 AC 18|T 14 |FF 15, F +9|R +9|W +9, Init +3, Per +20
Adsals ac and cmd is simple. No 1 it hits
Adsal feeling the pain he concentrates and casts dimension door and steps behind the last of his comrades.
Dimension door is just vocal, no need for concentration
Male CG Human (Shoanti/Varisian) Cavalier (Strategist) 11 - Init +2, Senses: Normal Vision, Perception +1, Lookout Perception +11, AC 30/ touch 12/ ff 28; hp 92/92, F+10, R+6 W+5, Speed 20 ft.; Challenge 3/4; Tactician (60') 4/4. Continuous Auras: 30 feet: +6 morale bonus on saves vs. fear; 60 feet: +3 morale bonus on saves vs. fear and +2 morale bonus on charge attacks. BUFFS:
Along the forest path Chaine used his Drill Instructor ability to grant the Lastwall Phalanx feat to Theritis, Jackson, Keela and Qatala (duration 15min); also, in addition to two protection from evil potions, Chaine will renew feather step on Silvermane based on the time that has elapsed. I will assume haste has been enabled by Adsal in the moments before the fight due to our repeated tactics throughout this module; if not, assume attacks in this post are at -1 and final AC has been broken down at the end of the post.
Upon seeing the gigantic wolf ahead, Chaine issues a challenge, and proceeds to spur Silvermane on a wheeling charge!
+6 AC vs. Challenged opponent (+4 dodge, +2 sacred) Lastwall Phalanx Current: +3 sacred bonus to AC and saves, Chaine/Silvermane/Jackson/Theritis
Total Chaine: 35 AC, 36 if hasted; CMD 32, 33 if hasted
Total Silvermane: 34 AC, 35 if hasted; CMD 31, 32 if hasted, 36 vs. trip
Chaine Continuous Auras: 60 feet: +2 morale bonus on charge attacks.
"I implore your lessons, but let me teach you some of my own. Teaching #43, never underestimate your opponents." - Keela growls at the creature and takes a step forward, disappearing into the mist. Her voice still piercing the battleground she continues - "Teaching #16, there is strength in numbers."
She spends 2 ki pool points (5/8 remaining) to dimention door behind the wolf. Haste as a free action (29 AC) … not going to help much but let's see.
Her chains brush up against the wolf's fur as she growls - "Teaching #8, never turn your back to the enemy."
She positions herself to hopefully provide a flank to the party...
Jackson takes both hits. My CMD vs grapple is nowhere near as boosted as my CMB for grapple. However, the instant he grappled me my Shirt of Immolation would have fired.
Fire damage:1d6 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
"Lesson number SHUT UP!"
Feeling crazy, Jackson rolls over slightly and tries to wrap himself around the mighty beast's leg.
There was mention of Haste being cast earlier, but I'm not sure if it actually was so I won't add a +1 for it.
Modifiers: -4 Prone, +2 Heroism, I think I have a flank +2. If Adsal D-doored away then it's no longer grappled.
Grapple:1d20 + 32 ⇒ (6) + 32 = 38
I don't like that roll and I don't think I've used my folio reroll yet. So, I reroll at +5 for stars.
While longer buffs, like barkskin or spells lasting 6+ minutes or more might have been able to cast prior to this fight, this start of this was abrupt enough to not allow for the shorter duration buffs like from the wand of shield or haste.
The wolf-like creature releases Adsal's soul after he teleports focusing more on the incoming damage as the Chaine charges forward dealing a grievous wound to the powerful being.
Adding to the pain Jackson's fire leaves lingering burns on the wolf even as he is unable to establish a hold on the massive creature.
As it is rapidly surrounded the bloodied creature snaps at Qatala as she weaves into range and it attempts to slam down with a powerful bite put and end to her. Both attacks miss the skilled fighter.
Looking about the party it gives a dark laugh, "Lesson three, always finish your kill. Else it will finish you." It gives a pointed stare at the heavily wounded Adsal and Jackson while licking it's chops.
Male CG Human (Shoanti/Varisian) Cavalier (Strategist) 11 - Init +2, Senses: Normal Vision, Perception +1, Lookout Perception +11, AC 30/ touch 12/ ff 28; hp 92/92, F+10, R+6 W+5, Speed 20 ft.; Challenge 3/4; Tactician (60') 4/4. Continuous Auras: 30 feet: +6 morale bonus on saves vs. fear; 60 feet: +3 morale bonus on saves vs. fear and +2 morale bonus on charge attacks. BUFFS:
But we looooove haste! ;)
Chaine appeals to everyone's desire for democracy and yells, "For freedom!" For The King (swift, once per combat only, +4 competence bonus on all attacks and damage to all allies within 30 feet for 1 round)
+6 AC vs. Challenged opponent (+4 dodge, +2 sacred)
Lastwall Phalanx Current: sacred bonus to AC and saves, Chaine+2/Silvermane+2/Jackson+1/Theritis+3
Total Chaine: 34 AC; CMD 32
Total Silvermane: 33 AC; CMD 30, 34 vs. trip
Chaine Continuous Auras: 60 feet: +2 morale bonus on charge attacks.
Keela smiles, as she delivers her flurry of blows into the wolves behind. "You took the words right out of my mouth, Wolf. You made an honourable opponent. Thank you for your keen wisdom."
She grins at Jackson, musing at his impatience.
Keela's Attacks:
The bonuses on the first flurry and secondary flurry are from Body Wraps of Mighty Strikes. The Dragon Style feat line gives me x1.5+0.5 str on first attack, and then x1.5 str on everything else. Always power attacking. Gaining a total bonus of +1 to hit, +3 to damage from champion spirit. If damage is non-lethal, then +1 damage from Silver Crusade boon.
Note! -- I reserve the right to boost one attack with Spirit Surge (1/rd up to 3/day) +1d6 to an attack roll. Attention! -- All damage will be: Non-Lethal!
Flurry #1:1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30 vs (monster) first flurry attack Additionally -- This attack will have Enforcer and Stunning Fist (DC18 Fort) keyed to it. Enforcer:1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 18 - 4 = 27 -- intimidate to demorolise target and make them shaken, penalty for large included DMG Flurry #1:1d10 + 20 ⇒ (1) + 20 = 21 -- magical, cold iron, silver, bludg DMG Cold:1d6 ⇒ 1 -- cold damage from AoMF
Note! -- Ignore this if Flying Kick - Ki Strike is used instead! Elbow Smash - Ki Strike:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 vs (monster) ki strike elbow smash if first hits DMG Flurry #1:1d10 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27 -- magical, cold iron, silver, bludg DMG Cold:1d6 ⇒ 6
There is swift and abrupt spectacle of pain put forth with the tainted mystical wolf at the center. It is utterly crushed under the weight of your combined blows. A creeping darkness and malignant evil creeps from the wounds and evaporates onto the air with the creatures last dying breathes. "Thank you."
Grimpkin ambles out from the woods inspecting the beast and nods with a reasonable amount of approval.
"Well I can't say you would give a good show in the fighting ring here, but I'm not all about the long and drawn out fights. I sometimes enjoy when they are quick and messy."
"Still," he says as he waves his arms and the trees swaying at his call just enough to get a clear view of the sun for a brief moment, "You all are a bit ahead of schedule. All your other friends are still wandering the forest, fighting bears, elk and probably some excitable moss. If I lead you to the main attraction now, well, you would be out there alone and I'm gonna be honest, it will be just a mess of the whole of the blight just falls upon you eight."
"I prefer my mass battles to be a bit more evenly matched. So I have an offer. I'll give you a bit more of a reward if you also go in on the test of speed. Be careful though, might take a bit longer than six seconds for you to settle."
He holds up a mug appealing to you all, "What do you say?"
I'm going to start setting up the test of speed. The encounter of this isn't open yet. The other option is listening to Grimpkin banter for the next few days. You can feel free to heal as well.
Keela nods, and starts to stretch as if only just waking up. He arms lean, they stretch up into the air, reaching for something invisible in the sky. Her scars showing my distinctly now, she shys away from exposing herself any further and swiftly starts bouncing up and down on her toes.
"I like going to a run after my morning training." - she visibly approves of this next challenge.
Settle what you want for anything you did following the battle with the giant wolf (Amarok) prior to this second test. I am a bit more worried for moving too fast, but I also don't want to linger too long. If there is any confusion let me know.
He nodes as he hops to a nearby mossy rock and flings the contents of his mug into the air. Before it lands it the fizzing ale tranforms into bird and takes flight into the woods leaving a faintly sparkling trail. Grimpfkin himself has a look of surprised approval from the sight before clapping his hands at you. "Well? What are you waiting for? Catch it and the prize for you and the other adventurers is yours."
He holds a for a moment as you begin the chase, "Just, ah, no flying or teleporting." He gives a bemused smile explaining, "It's a challenge, remember?"
So for this scene you will be chasing a magical bird made up of ale through the forest. Grimpfkin has told you not to fly or teleport as part of this challenge.
I will be describing an obstacle and you all are free to decide how you will attempt to get through it. Any of your abilities (including magic), attacks, saves, skills, etc. are viable options. Your ideas might make your check easier or maybe even lower the difficulty for the entire party if the idea makes it easier for the entire group.
Aside from some cases of automatic success I will expect a check of some sort from every PC (skill, attack roll, or saving throw).
Racing ahead you quickly arrive at the first obstacle as the glittering trail leads across a wide ravine that cuts through the forest. Powerful winds blow through the area tearing through loose leaves and branches and casting far into the distance. There are some old logs set across the length, barely holding on against the heavy wind and below is a fast running river running along the bottom.
Relaxing on a tree branch despite the malevolent weather is Grimpfkin relaxing as he watches your approach while snacking on a fruit. "About time you got here. Was getting a bit sleepy waiting here. I must admit I gave the wind a little nudge here to add a bit more of a challenge. All in the name of good fun I assure you!"
The Ravine Adsal Chaine Keela Theritis Qatala Jackson
That will be a reasonable check from Chaine, but as far as carrying the entire party, it will likely not be viable or at least need more checks as finding a log that will survive a single person will be different than surviving even just Silvermane's weight.
Grimpfkin raises an eyebrow from his position on the other side of the ravine looking at the plan develop. "That seems quite unfair to let one shoulder all the burdens for you although I do see a stoic dignity in him. I wonder what he must think about this?"
His dialogue turns into brays, neighs and whinnies directed toward Silvermane.
Silvermane:
"How do you tolerate such boofenry? Do you know that your rider plans to pile all his companions on top of you? Have you ever thought about having him carry you for a change?"
Companion to Chaine "The Butcher" Alazario | Male N Horse Animal Companion | HD 9| Class Level 11th | HP76/76 | AC 33 T 14 FF 30| CMD 28 (34 vs. Overrun) | F +12 R +11 W +6 (incl. pro vs. evil)| Init +3| Low Light Vision, Scent, Perception +5 | Speed 80 ft | Buffs: Feather Step
"Hey Qatala, well that was really cool, any chance you could hold those logs steady for the rest of us?" - Keela looks visibly shaken by the hight of this drop. For the first time, the party can see she is unsure of herself.
"Hey Qatala, well that was really cool, any chance you could hold those logs steady for the rest of us?" - Keela looks visibly shaken by the hight of this drop. For the first time, the party can see she is unsure of herself.
While you holding for a moment, holding the logs while the others travel might be a CMB check if you wished to attempt that before you cross yourself.
Chaine and Silvermane get across the gap as the log they are traversing buckles and snaps underneath their combines weight. "Well, I guess if you spend enough time around someone you tend to think alike. You two belong with one another."
Grimpfkin applauds as Qatala leaps over giving a laugh and jokingly saying, "Hey! I said no flying! Haha!"
His laughter slows and he slowly transitions to an attentive pose holding his hand to chin as he watches Adsal cast his magic and then slowly fly over the gap. He hops out the tree before Adsal. Jackson also clears the gap and Grimpfkin gives a polite golf clap to the impressive display from the brawler.
Looking toward Adsal, Grimpfkin points back to the other side and says, "Go back. End the spell. Walk." He silently waits for Adsal to reverse and return to to the start before returning to his perch.
Adsal has used his fly spell, it will need to be dismissed, he will be able to cross this gap but not at a rapid pace.
Theritis is able to slowly traverse the distance, but the logs break and crack under his weight and hamper him being able rapidly cross the distance.
The Ravine
Adsal (Auto-Failed)
Chaine (Raced across)
Keela
Theritis (crossed slowly)
Qatala (leapt across)
Jackson (leapt across)
Seeing her allies holding the log together, she pauses for a moment, and asks, "Hey Chaine, you think you'd be able to carry Adsal with you next time?". As she look down at the ravine in front of her, she pauses, and tugs on her chains around her. Under her breath, she manages a whisper, "This is not my time, the Master of Chains will not have me yet...". She carefully and slowly moves across the log, taking advantage of her allies assisting.
Acrobatics+Assist from Qatala and Jackson?:1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 2 = 26 -- Keela really isn't good with skill checks hehehe
"You charge at an amarok that has the soul of your companion in it's jaws, but you hesitate with looking upon a fall? I would have predicted the reactions to be reversed."
The party is able to cross the gap in a relatively short time and Grimpfkin gives a bit of a wave as you continue following the trail over for a minute.
It leads you to a tall cliff that splits the forest, with the glittering trail leading up the rock face. Several thick vines descend from above, but the vines themselves bear long and wicked thorns. At the sitting on the top eating an apple is Grimpfkin and gives a another wave as you come in sight.
"Alright, I got to see how well you move across. Lets see how quickly you can get up!"
And giving a pointed look at Adsal he adds, "Without flying or teleporting."
The Cliff Adsal
Chaine
Keela
Theritis
Qatala
Jackson
Another reminder this doesn't need to be skills. If the description of what you are doing involves saving throws are attack rolls, go for it. For example, it someone spent their entire turn making a grapple check on the log to hold it still while others got across, I would count that as a success as it would represent everyone else getting across that much faster.
Male CG Human (Shoanti/Varisian) Cavalier (Strategist) 11 - Init +2, Senses: Normal Vision, Perception +1, Lookout Perception +11, AC 30/ touch 12/ ff 28; hp 92/92, F+10, R+6 W+5, Speed 20 ft.; Challenge 3/4; Tactician (60') 4/4. Continuous Auras: 30 feet: +6 morale bonus on saves vs. fear; 60 feet: +3 morale bonus on saves vs. fear and +2 morale bonus on charge attacks. BUFFS:
Keela wrote:
"Hey Chaine, you think you'd be able to carry Adsal with you next time?".
"I offered, but he would have none of it!"
After I proposed to put the whole party on my 1,500 pounds capacity horse, the GM said you need to come up with a solution yourself, either via skill, spell (except fly or teleportation effects) or one-shot magic item. I'll gladly bring Adsal along if it's ok with the GM. Maybe Adsal can attempt to assist my Ride check with a DC 10?
Male CG Human (Shoanti/Varisian) Cavalier (Strategist) 11 - Init +2, Senses: Normal Vision, Perception +1, Lookout Perception +11, AC 30/ touch 12/ ff 28; hp 92/92, F+10, R+6 W+5, Speed 20 ft.; Challenge 3/4; Tactician (60') 4/4. Continuous Auras: 30 feet: +6 morale bonus on saves vs. fear; 60 feet: +3 morale bonus on saves vs. fear and +2 morale bonus on charge attacks. BUFFS:
Chaine offers a ride to Adsal and spurs Silvermane to charge up the hill, dodging brambles and jumping over obstacles!
Ride check from Chaine; Feather Step spell and Narrow Frame feat on Silvermane; the Banner ability helps with charges, if that funky encounter allows such a boost!:1d20 + 22 ⇒ (1) + 22 = 23only using Chaine's ride modifier; +2 if Adsal assists from the back of the saddle!
Keela collectively pulls out 100ft of rope from her back, ties some quick knots in them and combines them together. She pulls out a potion, and presents it to Chaine.
"I think Silvermaine will need this more than I will." - as she hands the cavalier a potion of monkey fishpotion of spider climb.
She begins to climb the face of the mountain. She looks better at this than she did traversing the log.
Climb:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25 -- Keela climbs the mountain with her climbers kit, afterwards, releasing the rope, and holding it for everyone to assist their climb checks.
Let me know if the hight of the mountain is higher than 100 ft, we will need some more rope, which i am sure we have in the party. Otherwise, if you have anothe way of getting your horse up, Chaine, feel free to give the potion back. Or ask Adsal to cast it on you if he has prepared it.
After I proposed to put the whole party on my 1,500 pounds capacity horse, the GM said you need to come up with a solution yourself, either via skill, spell (except fly or teleportation effects) or one-shot magic item. I'll gladly bring Adsal along if it's ok with the GM. Maybe Adsal can attempt to assist my Ride check with a DC 10?
More specifically, you can't choose not to make a skill check and still count towards the successes here. While Adsal (or anyone else) can ride with you they will still need to be making checks that make sense within the context of that action. For example a short list of things that I would have accepted on the ravine would have included, but not been limited to, making a nature/survival/perception check to locate a more stable path through, a ride check to quickly get in Silvermane without losing time, a CMB check to hold onto Silvermane he made it across the cliff. Not all skill checks might be applicable at all times, but I will look more favorably on more varied checks from the same person.
To emphasize, I would have even allowed fly to be cast in the prior encounter if Asdal (or whomever he cast it on) had paired it with a good Bluff, Stealth or even Perform check.
Chaine "The Butcher" Alazario wrote:
Chaine offers a ride to Adsal and spurs Silvermane to charge up the hill, dodging brambles and jumping over obstacles!
This is a sheer cliff and it will be difficult/impossible to ride straight up. You will need to find another method to get yourself (and presumably Silvermane up) or move forward alone and have Silvermane take a longer path separate from you..
Keela is up the cliff and lowering ropes for the rest of the party. Meanwhile Theritis is having a harder time scaling the mountain quickly, but is still making forward progress.
"Do you try to ride across all your problems?" the fey asks ask Chaine appraises the cliffside.
The Cliff Adsal Chaine (can't ride the cliff straight up)
Keela (up the cliff, lowering ropes)
Theritis (climbing up the cliff slowly)
Qatala Jackson
Companion to Chaine "The Butcher" Alazario | Male N Horse Animal Companion | HD 9| Class Level 11th | HP76/76 | AC 33 T 14 FF 30| CMD 28 (34 vs. Overrun) | F +12 R +11 W +6 (incl. pro vs. evil)| Init +3| Low Light Vision, Scent, Perception +5 | Speed 80 ft | Buffs: Feather Step
Keela wrote:
Awkward moment when you get the spell wrong. I meant Spider Climb sorry...
Oh, wow! well then... offer accepted!
Silvermane eagerly absorbs the potion offered to him. The horse is becoming a real potion glutton lately, getting a taste for them...
Once Adsal is firm in the saddle, Chaine steers Silvermane towards the cliff face... and the horse begins its ascent!
