GM Doom 'n Gloom's Gameday VI Master of the Fallen Fortress CORE (Inactive)

Game Master TriShadow

"Yes,good job, all of you." Hob says with a serious, yet sincere tone.

As the group suggests left, he suddenly voices his choice, "Left it is." and he moves to take the left entrance. As he turns to face the fortress once more, the faint line of a smile peeks through his stoic countenance, but it is gone before anyone can be sure it was ever really there.

He pauses at the doorway, looks the frame over and then peers past the opening. perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

"I can't make anything out in there. Best be safe and get a second pair of eyes on it." he says motioning for a second person to look.

Perhaps moving forward it would be best to use map/compass directions to ensure no confusion. In an effort to keep things moving, when two or more agree, I will take that as consensus.

It is soon apparent that the collapse of the eastern wing has caved in much of tower’s first level as well. The southern wing is entirely filled with rubble, leaving only the northern wing accessible.

Assuming then you head to the Northern wing...

The northern wing of the tower seems to have escaped the worst effects of the collapse, but rubble still litters the floor and everything is covered in a thick layer of stone dust. Thick cobwebs cloak the ceiling and hang down the walls like gossamer tapestries. A single archway stands open in the southwest wall.

The rubble makes the entire floor difficult terrain.

I will allow you to place yourselves before we move forward.

Again, Hob moves to the available entrance, but fails to see much inside. He calls for a second set of eyes to check for dangerous footing, loose debris or some other danger, before moving forward.

"Watch your step with all the rubble. This place could come down around us if we aren't careful."

Avasir joins Hob and peers into the entrance, surveying the interior of the Northern wing...

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

GM: I presume we shouldn't arrange ourselves in the Northern wing until you uncover it?

Also, let me know when 1 hour has passed in game time since Mage Armor was cast (beginning of combat with the dogs).

Correct, I am looking for a marching order into the room.

I will let you know when an hour is nigh.

Avasir peers in for a moment and then backs up a bit to make way for the heavy hitters.

Iladora looks at her axe in disbelief. How could I have missed? It was just a hungry dog! Have my reflexes gone the way of so much else? Not wanting to be left behind, she hurries after as the others approach the ruined east side of the tower.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

"Looks clear!"

-Posted with Wayfinder

Alright Dolgarth. You're up. You have better sight than I do and you missed out last time. Get in there, and I will be right behind you." Hob says with a serious tone to match his serious face.

"Sounds like a plan," Dolgarth grins as he moves into position, sword and shield at the ready. "Not going to be relieving any dogs or other wild animals of their weapons, so this seems a better choice than my flail. Let's do this!"

Iladora and Selfi notice a dog-sized shape near the ceiling moving about the cobwebs. Unless otherwise noted, ceilings are 15' high. Don't forget, the floor is considered difficult terrain.

Round 1 Bold may act
Arindel
Selfi
Avasir
Hob
Iladora
Dolgarth
??

Avasir glides into the room and skirts along the edge with his back to the wall. All the while he keeps his eyes fixed on the spider (so he assumes, as it moves about cobwebs) as he draws his crossbow.

Movement (based on 2 squares needed to enter dense rubble), draw light crossbow.

Hob moves over the rubble, but with his short legs doesn't get very far past the door way.

Sigh... Difficult terrain and a move of 20. This is going to be a challenge.

Arindel moves to try to get a better look at what is in the room.
perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
He decides to bring his bow out as the webs all around the room make him a bit nervous.
If I can move and draw at the same time I will end by shooting the spider
archery: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 51d6 ⇒ 4
Oh no not another game where the dice roller is broken again....

"Well, except for that." Iladora slides her axe across her back, and with practiced quickness, draws her bow and fires.

Longbow vs creature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1
Seriously!?

-Posted with Wayfinder

Selfi waits until there is space to see what all the commotion is about and reconsiders her decision not to have a position closer to the front. ;)

Dolgarth hurries in, preparing to strike should the creature get close. "We're not leaving on your account, bug. But you could, had you any sense of self-preservation."

If my action triggers, my AC will be 20/12/18 due to Combat Expertise.

The is minor movement as arrows are fired up into the darkness. When Arindel takes the lead into the room, a line of silk lances out from the giant arachnid, almost as if she were waiting for someone to enter. The web traps the bard in place as the spider scuttles along the ceiling over to its captured prey.

DC 12 Escape Artist or STR check {-4 if in web}
Web (Ex) Creatures with the web ability can use webs to support themselves and up to one additional creature of the same size. In addition, such creatures can throw a web up to eight times per day. This is similar to an attack with a net but has a maximum range of 50 feet, with a range increment of 10 feet, and is effective against targets up to one size category larger than the web spinner. An entangled creature can escape with a successful Escape Artist check or burst the web with a Strength check. Both are standard actions with a DC equal to 10 + 1/2 creature’s HD + creature’s Con modifier. Attempts to burst a web by those caught in it suffer a –4 penalty.

@ Dolgarth, sorry, no readied action yet as the spider is 15' up. You can change your action.

Spider's readied action went off, moving it's order in initiative.

Round 1 (cont) bold may post
Arindel Moved and attacked
Scaleback Attacked
Selfi
Avasir Moved and drew weapon
Hob Double move
Iladora Attacked
Dolgarth

Round 2 starts here
Arindel
Scaleback
Selfi
Avasir
Hob
Iladora
Dolgarth

Looks like I have another shot at the spider.[ooc]
archery: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 41d6 ⇒ 3
[ooc] Here we go again...dice roller is giving me hell

I knew the spider was on the ceiling, I was just thinking it might come down. Ranged combat is not Dolgarth's preference unless necessary, which it might now be.

Dolgarth retires his sword for a throwing axe and chucks it with all his might. "Come down here! Or are you pining for a slower death? Takes all kinds, I suppose...."

Throwing Axe: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

@Arindel, you are trapped in the web, like a net. Need a DC 12 Escape Artist or Strength check (actually, you are -4 to the roll as you are inside.)

-Posted with Wayfinder

Pre-emptive question for my next turn: Since the spider is up in its web, would I be able to shoot over Dolgarth at it?

Arindel tries to bring his bow to bear but finds he must try to escape the web first.
escape artist: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Ahh yes! The computer auto dice rolling gods are with me again!
" Oh I can't believe I am saying this. Save me from this most dire situation. I am trapped. I can't seem to even fight myself out of this paper bag."

Dolgarth retires his sword for a throwing axe and chucks it with all his might. "Come down here! Or are you pining for a slower death? Takes all kinds, I suppose...."

"'All kinds'?"

" Oh I can't believe I am saying this. Save me from this most dire situation. I am trapped. I can't seem to even fight myself out of this paper bag."

"'Paper'?"

knowledge (nature, probably): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

"Oh."

Shonne, finally probably seeing the creature which she realizes it is not a fairie dragon, probably goes to one knee in solidarity with others oppressed by a biased--sometimes violently so--law enforcement system nocks an arrow and fires it off at the 'bug' over Cottonleaf's head.

"Do not move Cot-On-Leaf."

longbow (thru cover, maybe): 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 - 4 = 14 damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

@ Avasir: Yes, from your position you can fire over Dolgarth without penalty.

Round 2 (continued) bold may post
Selfi
Avasir
Hob
Iladora
Dolgarth

Round 3 starts here
Arindel Encased-need DC 12 Escape Artist or STR check (at -4)
Scaleback

Selfi moves to a point wherever within her movement range that she can get a clear shot and fires.

longbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Avasir looks over at his web covered ally and decides not to move around too much and avoid drawing attention to himself immediately. I really should have spent more time training with the local soldiers guild...

He loads his crossbow and fires at the web slinger....

Shoot light crossbow at spider: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Bolt damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Iladora moves in, bow at the ready. Is the whole area webbed, or is it only at specific targets?

Longbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Confirm crit?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Extra damage: 2d8 ⇒ (6, 1) = 7

Hob sees that the group is doing well versus the giant arachnid, so moves to help Arindel. "I will try and free you minstrel!" he cries as he works to free the half-elf from his encasement.

Str check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"Ugh! It's just not budging. I'm sorry my friend. I will keep trying."

With a series of twangs and clacks, the furry arachnid falls to the ground. Eight legs twitching before curling in, creating an image of a shriveled, blackend fist.

Combat over

The team spends a few moments liberating Arindel from the webs before continuing your exploration. In the west chamber, you find a door, but it refuses to open. After a few minutes of hacking away, it become apparent that this is the bottom of a stairwell leading to the upper levels of the tower. Unfortunately, debris has fallen and collected here at the bottom. Even Hob is unable to squeeze through the rubble. If this tower is to be searched in full, you will have to find another way up to the higher floors.

After explaining in great detail what sort of spider they have just brought down Selfi begins the process of cleaning it.

"Friends! We shall eat well tonight!" she says pulling out a big leaf-shaped knife. After a moment she adds: "If the sight of food preparation is unappealing to you, perhaps you should investigate the southern chamber?"

Later, she suggests perhaps that her rope and grappling hook might help in scaling the tower. When they are ready she tries to hook the grapnel to a space near a wall for people to brace against. At which point she takes 10 twice for 14 and scales wall slowly (7.5 ft/move action). Otherwise:

climb: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
climb: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Scaling the tower? Iladora looks up uncertainly, scratching her shoulder blades in dismay. "Isn't there, like, a spell that will get us up there?"

-Posted with Wayfinder

”Nothing so easy as that...” Avasir admits.

"Certainly no spell accessible to starting field agents," Dolgarth confirms. "My mentor taught me that much. I might be able to do so if I took off my armor, but Selfi is likely faring better. A rope should make it much easier for those who come after."

Avasir wanders through the far entryway into the next room to look around for other ideas and in general.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Avasir searches the rest of the bottom floor, but finds no other way up. As you assess your options, you know that the debris field at the base of the tower is from the collapsed wall sections from the eastern side of the Fortress. This has left part of the first four floors with differing degrees of exposure (and accessibility). With her grappling hook and rope, Selfi easily scales the fifteen feet to the second floor. She sees two doors, presumably leading to the north and south sides of the tower.

Unfortunately, there is no profile view of the tower to show you, but the openings on the east side would have been evident from the start.

To reach the second floor via rope, you will need two DC 15 climb checks. If you choose the brace against the outside wall, you receive a +5 bonus to the roll. Because there is a risk of failure (and injury), you may not 'Take 10' on your rolls.

climb check, braced: 1d20 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 5 = 26
climb check, braced: 1d20 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 5 = 23

Hob climbs up, looks down at the others below and offers, ”We can pull you up if your worried about climbing. Just tie the rope around you.”

Unless that’s not an option. I’m thinking maybe we can aid other that way..

"Come. A child of 25 in my tribe could make this ascent."

[/b]"Ahh well done my friends. That rope will do nicely. You made that look easy Mr Cottonleaf. I will endeavor to do the same."[/b]
Arindel takes hold of the rope and braces his feet against the wall so get the best possible purchase.
climb: 1d20 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 1 + 5 = 19
climb: 1d20 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 5 = 12
climb: 1d20 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 1 + 5 = 26

Avasir abandons his side search and follows the others on the rope...

Climb check, braced: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Climb check, braced: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Climb check, braced: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Taking the rope and silently cursing, Iladora makes the climb.

Climb + wall: 1d20 + 5 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 5 = 11
Climb + wall: 1d20 + 5 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 5 = 30
Climb + wall: 1d20 + 5 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 5 = 20

"Most children didn't live to 25 in my tribe," Dolgarth calls up as he climbs. "Nor did they really learn to scale things. We grew up in the Mushfens of Varisia, where most drown or are eaten by plants and small dragons. My old folks weren't much for half-breeds, either, so all the better I got out when I did."

Climb: 1d20 - 1 + 5 ⇒ (12) - 1 + 5 = 16
Climb: 1d20 - 1 + 5 ⇒ (16) - 1 + 5 = 20

So, which door (or both simultaneously)? Please be certain to place yourselves on the map.

West door looks like it's the first one we come to. I say that one.

-Posted with Wayfinder

perception to check for traps on the south western door: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
perception to check for traps on the north western door: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"Both doors seem clear to me" Hob offers. "Let's try this south western door first, since there doesn't seem to be any difference from here."

He stands at the ready to open it for the faster moving people and ranged folk.

"We have any light? In case it's dark in there, it's better if we got that ready now."

@ Iladora: There is a door to the Northwest and the Southwest.

1 vote for the South west. I will wait for two others to make a consensus. Otherwise we will go SW if I hear/see no other opinions by tomorrow.

"Agreed. Let's try the southwest door."

Avasir looks over the door for traps or any other details of interest.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 welp...

Arindel takes a look himself. Making sure that the north door is Ok to pass for now Arindel looks at that one first before deciding to go with the others to the south door.
perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25 North door
perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 South door
"I am sure we will be searching the other door in time anyway. I am fine with the south door." Unless my search of the north door shows anything interesting.

@ Arindel ~ At the North door you notice something akin to ...dripping?

This octagonal room is covered in a fine layer of dust. It’s clearly been abandoned for a long time.

As you begin to search the room, both the ranger and barbarian notice a trap near the northwest door.

Survival: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Whatever that's for, nope

Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

"Light, I have covered." Dolgarth takes what appears to be a flaming mouth-bandana from his backpack. He puts it on, giving him a slightly fiendish but undeniably interesting look. "I paid for a spell to be cast on this thing after my first mission. Provides light with no need for fuel, air, or a hand to hold it in. Plus it was just too cool to pass up."

The half-elf then enters the room, weapon out. "If there's a trap here, perhaps we should go through the northern door first? We can come to this one later, unless someone has a way to disarm it."