GM Tarondor's Ptolus Campaign

Game Master Tarondor

Did we lose Garwrick?

Maybe, would you like orders for Garwick?

Crap. No. Let's move on without him.

Nekht, all cantrips are automatically heightened to half your level, but they remain cantrips. You're just better at them. This way, cantrips remain viable spells throughout your career.

Tilver stabs one spider, seriously injuring it, whilee Nekh-Muft summons strange energies and hurls a large piece of rubble that slices into a second spider!

Spider Bite v. Tilver: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 171d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 = 8 plus venom

The injured spider screeches and tries to bite Tilver, but the sturdy half-elf thrusts aside the attack with his slender blade.

Just then, another creature appears from mid-air! The air in front of Nekh-Muft glows and from the glow charges a wild boar! Surprised, the sorcerer nonetheless leaps out of the charging beast's way.

Boar Tusk v. Nekh-Muft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 192d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 = 10
Boar Tusk v. Nekh-Muft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 62d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 = 10

STATUS
Tilver
Garwrick
Nekh-Muft
GREEN - 22 damage.
Summoner -
Boar -
Dain
Silas
Sauklas
BLUE
ORANGE - 23 damage
RED

Dain, Silas, Sauklas, go!

Sauklas is surprised by the spiders’ stealth. Luckily he is prepared to fight by having his weapons ready. He pivots on his right foot to spin behind the spider menacing Dain. Light on his feet, he attacks with the hand crossbow and axe. He inhales deeply. From years of practice he coordinates his next axe attack with reloading his hand crossbow.

Round 1
2 actions: Drifter’s Juke [Step, Strike (hand crossbow), forego next Step, and Strike (axe)]
1 action: Reloading Strike

+1 Striking Hand Crossbow vs BLUE: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (10) + 19 = 29
Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4, 2) + 3 + 1 = 10
Boarding Axe vs BLUE: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 36
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Damage (critical hit): 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Boarding Axe vs BLUE: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

That's quite a combination. With three actions, a gunslinger can fire a weapon, reload, strike twice and move twice. Six actions for the cost of three.

The crossbow shot was a Crit, so it did 20 points of damage. The next strike was also a crit (we just double the damage, not roll again), doing 18 damage. That was more than enough to bring the spider down, so I'm applying the effects of the last strike to RED.

Sauklas fires point blank at one of the spiders, the bolt burying itself deep in the monster's carapace. Sauklas then slams down his axe into the creature's head, killing it instantly. Pivoting, he slices the same axe across the thorax of the spider behind him!

STATUS
Tilver
Garwrick
Nekh-Muft
GREEN - 22 damage.
Summoner -
Boar -
Dain
Silas
Sauklas
ORANGE - 23 damage
RED - 8 damage

Dain, Silas, go!

Silas rages and attacks the spider next to him.

Rage, Strike, Strike. I get 8 Temp HPS.

First Strike w/ +1 Striking Fearsome Falchion: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31

First Damage w/ +1 Striking Fearsome Falchion: 2d10 + 4 + 2 + 8 ⇒ (9, 8) + 4 + 2 + 8 = 31

Second Strike w/ +1 Striking Fearsome Falchion: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

Second Damage w/ +1 Striking Fearsome Falchion: 2d10 + 4 + 2 + 8 ⇒ (3, 9) + 4 + 2 + 8 = 26

If either or both hit and it survives, then the spider gets Frightened 1 with no save.

Dain's first reaction to the attack is to turn and attack the spider engaged with Tilver. But once he stabs at it and the boar appears from nowhere, he waves and calls to the spirits to grant him the sight to see hidden creatures.

◆ Strike GREEN with +1 striking spear
◆◆ Cast See Invisibility

Spear attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
Piercing damage: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 3) + 2 = 8

Silas tears his spider opponent into pieces while Dain finishes off the spider attacking him. Dain looks around with eldritch sight but sees no invisible creatures.

Red spider v. Sauklas: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 251d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 plus venom

One of the spiders bites at Sauklas, but can't get through the gunslinger's armor.

STATUS
Tilver
Garwrick
Nekh-Muft
Summoner -
Boar -
Dain
Silas +8 temp hp
Sauklas
RED - 8 damage

Tilver, Garwrick (hoping) and Nekh-Muft, go!

”That was a mistake, creature.” Intoned Nekht as he took a step backwards.
He formed his bandaged hands into an open claw and intoned a word that sounded like a death knell.
He casts Grim Tendrils, heightened to 4th level.
Tendrils of darkness curl out from his bandaged fingertips and swarm out in a 30 foot line, enveloping the boar along the way.
It has to make a fort save DC26 or take 8d4 ⇒ (2, 3, 4, 1, 4, 3, 1, 3) = 21 negative damage and take 4 persistent bleed damage.
Nekht arched his back and appeared to take pleasure in the spells effect, as if he were feeding off the energy of the boar drawn away.

I forgot to account for the MAP correctly! I’m sorry about that. The second hit should have a -4 to attack (but still a Crit since a 20 was rolled), and the third attack (2nd axe attack) should be -10 to attack… so a 10 total to hit. Now a miss.

Stratagem: 1d20 ⇒ 15

Tilver rushes up to the last spider, spotting a likely weak point in its carapace. He slashes up with his elven blade, trying to catch it under one of its legs. "Sauklas, hit it to the left of that leg!"

Attack: 15 + 17 = 32
Strategic Strike Damage: 2d8 + 6 + 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) + 6 + (3, 3) = 22

◆ Stratagem
◆ Move
◆ Strike + Shared Stratagem (Spider is flatfooted to Sauklas' next attack)

I forgot to account for the MAP correctly! I’m sorry about that. The second hit should have a -4 to attack (but still a Crit since a 20 was rolled), and the third attack (2nd axe attack) should be -10 to attack… so a 10 total to hit. Now a miss.

Thanks for letting me know. Let's just play on.

Boar Fort save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27 That was unexpected! Half Damage and no Persistent Bleed.

The boar squeals as Nekh-Mutf attempts to drink its life essence, but is made of sterner stuff than the Osiriani counted on!

Tilver rapidly analyzes the spider's actions, runs up, holds his blade in two hands and slices down, pinning the spider's head to the stone, killing it in an instant.

At the same time, the door in the south opens, revealing a filth dwarf with wild hair but dressed in full dwarven plate armor with a shield and axe. He screams "Imminentize the Eschaton!" and charges Sauklas. He hits the gunslinger with his axe and flings him back ten feet!

Shielded Charge: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 331d8 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Shove v. Sauklas (DC 24): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35

To the north, Nekh-Mutf is facing an angry, injured boar, which gores his leg!

Tusk v. Nekh-Mutf: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 272d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 2) + 4 = 11
Tusk v. Nekh-Mutf: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 112d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 3) + 4 = 13
Tusk v. Nekh-Mutf: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 72d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 = 8

STATUS
Tilver
Garwrick
Nekh-Mutf - 57/68 hp
Summoner -
Boar - 10 damage
Dain
Silas +8 temp hp
Sauklas - 83/96 hp

Everyone, go!

"ARRRRRRR" Silas screams in rage as he charges across the room to attack the dwarf.

Sudden Charge x2, Strike.

First Strike w/ +1 Striking Fearsome Falchion: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17

First Damage w/ +1 Striking Fearsome Falchion: 2d10 + 4 + 2 + 8 ⇒ (1, 1) + 4 + 2 + 8 = 16

Second Strike w/ +1 Striking Fearsome Falchion: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

Second Damage w/ +1 Striking Fearsome Falchion: 2d10 + 4 + 2 + 8 ⇒ (7, 9) + 4 + 2 + 8 = 30

Tilver blinks at the sudden appearance of the dwarf and then the spirited charge by Silas. Not completely sure of how to attack the dwarf, he steps opposite Silas to flank the summoner. Then he delivers a swift kick to the dwarf's knee as just he shifts his weight onto it.

Stratagem: 1d20 ⇒ 2 +Recall Knowledge

Trip vs Reflex DC: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 36

◆ Stratagem +Recall Knowledge (Occultism +16, Chaos Cult Lore +18, Arcana +14)
◆ Step
◆ Trip Summoner

Dain calls for spirits to help Master Nekht-Muft. Several answer and merge together to form a glowing spear which strikes at the boar.

◆◆ Cast Spiritual Weapon at boar.
◆ Stride: N,N

Spell attack vs boar: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23
Force damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Gored in his leg, Nekht limped back, and his back suddenly encountered the back wall.
<> He 5' stepped.
Not liking the ease the boar shrugged off his tendrils, he decided it was time to exert himself a little.
<>>He cast Crashing Wave.
A crashing wave of sand sweeps away from him. It deals 6d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 2, 4, 5, 1) = 17 bludgeoning damage to creatures in the 30' cone area. Basic Ref save DC26.

As Silas rages and runs past him, the dwarf lashes out with his battle axe but Silas brushes it aside. However, the exchange throws the litorian off his balance and his own attacks are tentative at best. But then Tilver steps in and uses the confusion to smash the dwarf's well-armored knee and send him sprawling heavily across the floor!

Dwarf AoO v. Silas: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 251d8 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Trip bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Meanwhile, Dain summons spirits who attack the summoned boar, slashing at its hindquarters! A moment later and Nekh-Mutf holds out his hands, ejecting a stream of water that crashes down on the boar. When the water subsides a second later, the boar is gone, washed back to its own plane of existence!

Board Reflex Save (DC 26): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 Critical Failure.

STATUS
Tilver
Garwrick
Nekh-Mutf - 57/68 hp
Dwarf - 5 damage, prone
Dain
Silas +8 temp hp
Sauklas - 83/96 hp

Sauklas, go!

GM, did Tilver learn anything from his Recall Knowledge on the dwarf? I'd take info on 'Imminentize the Eschaton!' if nothing else.

Sorry for the delay!

Sauklas reels from the impact. He feels lucky he isn’t lying on the ground and dying. He takes a steadying breath and fires his crossbow at the dwarf. After reloading his crossbow, Sauklas searches his memory for any information that might help him defeat this foe.

1 action: Crossbow attack
1 action: Interact (reload crossbow)
1 action: Recall knowledge (society)

+1 Striking Hand Crossbow vs Dwarf: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 33
Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5, 3) + 3 + 1 = 12

GM, did Tilver learn anything from his Recall Knowledge on the dwarf? I'd take info on 'Imminentize the Eschaton!' if nothing else.

Well he appears pretty much a standard dwarf, despite being filthy and screaming. Pretty standard stuff, given that you've been fighting crazy chaos cultists. Tilver is a genius and knows that "The Eschaton" is a reference to the ending of the world. Possibly a reference to the Night of Dissolution?

Real-world definition of "Immanentize the Eschaton." I was thinking particularly of Wilson and Shea's Illuminatus! Trilogy (which I don't recommend, but every pretentious/horny 16 year old was reading in 1980).

Sauklas's crossbow bolt slams into the dwarf's heavily armored thigh, eliciting a grunt of pain.

The dwarf's wild eyes and ragged beard are all you can see of him behind the tarnished but still impressive dwarf-mask of his armor. The dwarf stands, raises his shield and attacks Silas like a master axe-dwarf, cutting the litorian's side and shoving him back in the process. The dwarf pursues him.

"Ya buncha snot-nosed sniveling cowards! Afraid a' change and afeared ya might see somethin' a' the truth! Tha' Natharl'nacna'll tear tha' scales from yer eyes!"

Shielded Advance v. Silas: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 291d8 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
Shove v. Silas (DC 22): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22

STATUS
Tilver
Garwrick
Nekh-Mutf - 57/68 hp
Dwarf - 17 damage, prone
Dain
Silas - 116/124 hp
Sauklas - 83/96 hp

Everyone, go!

Silas snarls as he attacks the crazed dwarf and then lets the rage wash away some of the pain the dwarf managed to cause.

Strike, Strike, Refresh 8 Temp Hps.

Silas snarls as he attacks the crazed dwarf and then lets the rage wash away some of the pain the dwarf managed to cause.

Strike, Strike, Renewed Vigor which gives 11 Temp Hps.

First Strike w/ +1 Striking Fearsome Falchion: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19

First Damage w/ +1 Striking Fearsome Falchion: 2d10 + 4 + 2 + 8 ⇒ (10, 5) + 4 + 2 + 8 = 29

Second Strike w/ +1 Striking Fearsome Falchion: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

Second Damage w/ +1 Striking Fearsome Falchion: 2d10 + 4 + 2 + 8 ⇒ (4, 8) + 4 + 2 + 8 = 26

Weak.

Stratagem: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Tilver still can't see an opening in the dwarfs defenses, so he just tries to keep up the pressure and kicks the back of his knee again.

Trip vs Reflex DC: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26

◆ Stratagem
◆ Step to flank
◆ Trip

Dain waves his hands about while calling out to the spirits in their sing-song language. The glowing spear responds by zipping across the room to strike at the dwarf. Another spirit floats in front of Dain, gathering dark energy, then shoots into the dwarf.

◆ Sustain spell: Spiritual Weapon
◆◆ Cast Harm(H+2) at dwarf

Spell attack vs dwarf: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27
Force damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Negative damage: 3d8 ⇒ (1, 7, 1) = 9
Basic Fortitude save, DC=26

Limping slightly, Nekht moved 30' out into the cavern, closer to his companions.
Since they clearly had the Dwarf in hand, Nekht made the sign of the Eye of Horus in front of his masked face and looked around. Suspecting an invisible caster, he cast Detect Magic.

Wincing in pain Sauklas aims his crossbow and fires at the dwarf. Hands reload the crossbow while his eyes focus on where he is going to shoot next. Extending his arm, he breathes out and pulls the trigger.

1 action: Crossbow attack
1 action: Interact
1 action: Crossbow attack; Crossbow Crack Shot in effect (increases damage)

+1 Striking Hand Crossbow vs Dwarf: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28
Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1, 1) + 3 + 1 = 6

+1 Striking Hand Crossbow vs Dwarf: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26
Damage: 2d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5, 2) + 3 + 2 = 12

While the dwarf has his hands full fending off the furry fury that is Silas, Tilver again hits him in the knees and causes the dwarf to fall on his face. That causes Dain's spiritual weapon to miss the dwarf. One of Sauklas's crossbow bolts likewise misses, ringing off his shield, but the other hits solidly.

Prone gives you a +4 circumstance bonus to AC against ranged attacks, but you are still flat-footed.

Dwarf Fort save (DC 26): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

The doughty warrior barely notices Dain's spirits trying to draw away his life energy.

STATUS
Tilver
Garwrick
Nekh-Mutf - 57/68 hp
Dwarf - 27 damage, prone
Dain
Silas - 116/124 hp
Sauklas - 83/96 hp

Sauklas, can you please walk me through that +19 to hit? Seems high.

Thanks for asking. I’m happy to explain. It helps me make sure I’m playing correctly. At fifth level, Gunslingers get Weapon Mastery (+14 to attack at level 8), Dex +4, with a +1 Weapon Potency Rune adds up to 19. Did I make a mistake by giving a Potency +1 Rune and a Weapon Striking Rune to the same weapon?

Nope. That all checks out. Okay. Never mind!

Oh, and Nekh-Mutf doesn't see anyone hiding invisibly.

"Right! That's enough of that my lad! The Night of Dissolution can wait until I've thoroughly kicked your ass!"

The dwarf stands up, raises his shield and squares off with Tilver, furious. He swings his axes through a wide arc that connects with great power, bruising the half-elf.

Battle Axe v. Tilver: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (16) + 18 = 341d8 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19 slashing damage - Tilver has 3 defense.

STATUS
Tilver - 80/96 hp
Garwrick
Nekh-Mutf - 57/68 hp
Dwarf - 27 damage, shield raised
Dain
Silas - 116/124 hp
Sauklas - 83/96 hp

Everyone, go!

I have 10 temps should it matter.

Silas continues to attack the crazed dwarf.

First Strike w/ +1 Striking Fearsome Falchion: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29

First Damage w/ +1 Striking Fearsome Falchion: 2d10 + 4 + 2 + 8 ⇒ (10, 9) + 4 + 2 + 8 = 33

Second Strike w/ +1 Striking Fearsome Falchion: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

Second Damage w/ +1 Striking Fearsome Falchion: 2d10 + 4 + 2 + 8 ⇒ (6, 10) + 4 + 2 + 8 = 30

Third Strike w/ +1 Striking Fearsome Falchion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Third Damage w/ +1 Striking Fearsome Falchion: 2d10 + 4 + 2 + 8 ⇒ (7, 8) + 4 + 2 + 8 = 29

With the Crit he gets Frightened 1 with no save.

Nekht turned from a fruitless effort to find an invisible caster that apparently didn't exist. He looked upon the Dwarf coldly.
"You waste our time creature. Be still." He declaimed, then made a series of bandaged finger movements before intoning..

Daze
You cloud the target's mind and daze it with a mental jolt. The jolt deals mental damage equal to your spellcasting ability modifier; (4) the target must attempt a basic Will save. If the target critically fails the save, it is also stunned 1.

Basic Will Save, DC26

Sauklas takes a few steps towards the dwarf while his fingers slip around a bolt and reload the crossbow. A few more steps and he is standing besides Tilver facing their foe. Point-blank range, he fires at the dwarf. Remembering how he used to cut trees after his shipwreck, he slashes the axe towards the dwarf’s legs.

1 action: Running Reloading (Stride and Interact to reload)
2 actions: Crossbow attack and Melee attack; Sword and Pistol (successful ranged strike leaves enemy flat-footed to next melee attack with a one-handed melee weapon).

+1 Striking Hand Crossbow vs dwarf: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (18) + 19 = 37
Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2, 6) + 3 + 1 = 12
Boarding Axe vs dwarf: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Stratagem: 1d20 ⇒ 2
Ok, that's the third 2 on Tilver's Stratagem rolls...

Tilver grits his teeth as the axe slams into him, though he was able to use his armor to take some of the cutting impact away. He still can't see a good opening, so he kicks the dwarf's knee again, wondering how much punishment it can keep taking. Thankfully if he can keep the dwarf busy, Sauklas and Silas can finish him off.

Trip vs Reflex DC: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21

Trip vs Reflex DC: 1d20 + 16 - 5 ⇒ (10) + 16 - 5 = 21

◆ Stratagem
◆ Trip
◆ Trip

As more spirits are drawn to the fight, Dain calls to them for assistance. Then he shouts encouragement to the glowing spear, which responds with a jab at the dwarf's side.

◆◆ Cast Bless.
◆ Sustain Spiritual Weapon

Spell attack + Bless: 1d20 + 16 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 16 + 1 = 36
Force damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Bless is currently a 5' emanation. Any ally within the emanation gets a +1 status bonus to attack rolls.

Silas reaches out and strikes the dwarf three solid blows. One hits him in the arm, another deflects off his shield but the third cleaves the dwarf's helm asunder and buries itself in his brain. With a low moan the dwarf slides to the ground, dead.

Sauklas breathes a sigh of relief when the dwarf hits the ground, apparently dead. ”Well done everyone,” Sauklas says stepping away from the dwarf. He puts his weapons at his feet while inspecting his wounds. ”It could have been much worse. He was a good opponent.” Picking up his weapons, he turns to the corpse and kneels to search it.

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26

”Oh look at this!” Sauklas takes a key from the dwarf’s boot. He passes it to Tilver. ”Have you come upon a locked door?”

Tilver looks around, trying to think if a locked door they weren't able to open. "There were some that were locked, but we got them open." He points to where the dwarf came out. "But there's probably doors in there."

"Let's rest a moment and then we can check out what's behind the door." Tilver goes to check his wounds.

Treat Wounds (DC20): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16

Ugh, does anyone else have Medicine? We can do 20-30 minutes of healing/checking the area.

Silas comes out of his rage and examines his wounds. "Agreed, who knows how large this place is. That key may be handy for a while."

Medicine is not my forte. I am not sure how much time we have but we can try and heal with Medicine if people want. I think everyone knows we are here and are preparing for us.

”I could use a bandage or two,” Sauklas says rummaging in his backpack. He stops, looks in his sleeves, then returns to his backpack, grumbling under his breath. After about thirty more seconds of looking, he sits back and sighs.

”My nephew...” the human groans. ”No, it’s my fault for not checking first. He took out my medicine kit and healing potions as he sometimes does without telling me. I was in such a hurry to get here, I assumed my gear was all accounted for. It was last time I looked in the backpack. Well I have some basic training in treating battle injuries, if anyone needs help.”

Sauklas has Medicine +12.
I updated Sauklas’ character sheet. It was an earlier edition, back when he was using the Way of the Sniper and focused on alchemical shots. I’m not sure why I didn’t notice until now. Sorry if this is causing you a headache GM.

Dain moves to Tilver's side and takes a look at his wounds. "This doesn't look t-too bad."

Medicine(T) +12

Treat Wounds + Expanded Healer's Tools: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 1 = 17
Damage healed for Tilver: 2d8 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8

Nekht breathed a sigh of relief as Dain treated his injury. He nodded his appreciation.

"Is the door that dwarf came out of the only one exiting this chamber?"

No. There is the hidden door to the south (not shown on the map) and the obvious door to the east, in the tower.

"I think we see where the dwarf came from. Secret doors are more fun to go through." Silas opines as he heads over to examine the door.

Perception for Traps and any sounds on the other side.: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19