GM WhtKnt's Open Water - A Skull & Shackles Adventure Path

Game Master WhtKnt

Chumtooth hurls his harpoon, catches it on the return, and hurls it again.

First throw: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25

Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Second Throw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Chumtooth's harpoon stabs into the triceratops' flesh, but his second attack merely bounces off its hide.

Faengrim and Dantes also have actions available.

STATUS
Triceratops 1: Unharmed
Triceratops 2: -46 hp
Chumtooth: -4 hp
Dantes: Unharmed
Faengrim: -60 hp

Change Shape: Land
Con +2 (+10 hp, +1 fort); Ferocity; Swim 30'; Bite +13 1d6+3

He knows he can't stop in spite of the pain of the wound that the beast delivered.

Mwk Greatsword: mwk
To Hit: 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 13 + 1 = 16 To Hurt: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 5) + 3 = 11

Mwk Greatsword: mwk
To Hit: 1d20 + 13 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 13 + 1 - 5 = 11 To Hurt: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2) + 3 = 9

Bite: magic, silver
To Hit: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24 To Hurt: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Seeing that one of the beasts is well wounded, Dantes draws a wand and tries to finish it off.

Wand of magic missiles at the wounded tri, damage 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 = 8

Again, Faengrim tries to put his opponent to the sword, and again, only his bite succeeds in getting past the beast's armor. Dantes throws a trio of magic missiles at the beast, the magical bolts slamming home. The beast does seem to be weakening, but it remains dangerous.

The first triceratops charges at Chumtooth now, having closed the distance. It hits the captain with the force of a runaway carriage, inflicting 39 points of damage! Meanwhile, the other beast continues its attack on Faengrim, hoping to finish off the warrior. It manages to slash the ranger with its horn for 21 points.

The party is up!

Trike vs. Chumtooth: 1d10 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 17 + 2 = 27 Damage: 4d10 + 16 ⇒ (1, 9, 9, 4) + 16 = 39
Trike vs. Faengrim: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23 Damage: 2d10 + 12 ⇒ (2, 7) + 12 = 21

Triceratops 1: Unharmed
Triceratops 2: -60 hp
Chumtooth: -43 hp
Dantes: Unharmed
Faengrim: -81 hp

Change Shape: Land
Con +2 (+10 hp, +1 fort); Ferocity; Swim 30'; Bite +13 1d6+3

Faengrim was filled with so much ouch, but he couldn't stop now. He continues his offense as best he can.

Mwk Greatsword: mwk
To Hit: 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 13 + 1 = 19 To Hurt: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 3) + 3 = 11

Mwk Greatsword: mwk
To Hit: 1d20 + 13 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 1 - 5 = 10 To Hurt: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 2) + 3 = 11

Bite: magic, silver
To Hit: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22 To Hurt: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Dantes points his wand at the uninjured triceratops, but does not utter the command word. Instead, he recites a spell, using the wand to guide it. A stream of sparkling dust streams at the dinosaur, blasting in a sphere when it hits.

Casting glitterdust at the uninjured trike. DC 16 will save or blinded.

Dantes tells his captain "I'll try to keep this one distracted. Help Faengrim take down his."

Chumtooth moves around behind the beast attacking Faengrim, and hurls his harpoon at close range.

Returning Harpoon, flanking: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 15 + 2 = 24

Damage, flanking: 1d8 + 8 + 4d6 ⇒ (6) + 8 + (2, 2, 6, 1) = 25

Second Throw, flanking: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 2 = 27

Damage, flanking: 1d8 + 8 + 4d6 ⇒ (3) + 8 + (6, 4, 3, 4) = 28

Between Faengrim and Chumtooth, the second beast is brought down. It squeals once, a piercing sound that threatens to deafen you, but then sinks to the ground and remains still. Meanwhile, Dantes blinds the other triceratops, which attempts to rub its face on the ground, trying to clear its eyes.

Trike Will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Sorry, the party is up again!

Change Shape: Land
Con +2 (+10 hp, +1 fort); Ferocity; Swim 30'; Bite +13 1d6+3

In a seeming fury, Faengrim runs over to the remaining dinosaur and swipes at it.

Mwk Greatsword: power attack, vital strike
To Hit: 1d20 + 13 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (18) + 13 + 1 - 3 = 29 To Hurt: 2d6 + 4 + 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 1) + 4 + (6, 4) + 6 = 23

Once Faengrim engages the beast, Chumtooth moves to the other side of it, and hurls his harpoon.

Returning Harpoon, flanking: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 15 + 2 = 19

Second Throw, flanking: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 10 + 2 = 13

Dantes keeps his wand pointed at the blinded trike, this time he uses it for its intended purpose, discharging more magic missiles at the beast.

Magic missiles, damage 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 3) + 2 = 9

Faengrim's greatsword finally manages to find purchase and slashes through the leathery hide of the beast. Dantes' magic missiles do their job effectively enough, however, Chumtooth's harpoon bounces off. The frightened triceratops continues to rub its face against the ground, trying to clear its eyes.

The party is up!

Trike Will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

STATUS
Triceratops 1: -32 hp
[color=red]Triceratops 2: Dead[/color]
Chumtooth: -4 hp
Dantes: Unharmed
Faengrim: -60 hp

Chumtooth hurls his harpoon again, and again.

Returning Harpoon, flanking: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 15 + 2 = 26

Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 4d6 ⇒ (8) + 8 + (2, 4, 5, 5) = 32

Second Throw: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 2 = 15

Change Shape: Land
Con +2 (+10 hp, +1 fort); Ferocity; Swim 30'; Bite +13 1d6+3

Faengrim continues to go after the dinosaur.

Mwk Greatsword: power attack, vital strike
To Hit: 1d20 + 1 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 1 + 1 - 3 = 19 To Hurt: 2d6 + 4 + 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 4) + 4 + (5, 1) + 6 = 21

confirm crit Mwk Greatsword: power attack, vital strike
To Hit: 1d20 + 1 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (12) + 1 + 1 - 3 = 11 To Hurt: 2d6 + 4 + 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 6) + 4 + (2, 3) + 6 = 22

Dantes continues to pummel the beast with arcane darts.

Damage 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1) + 2 = 7

The assault on the dino continues. The dinosaur, still blinded, lashes out at Faengrim, hitting like a freight train.

The party is up!

Trike Will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Trike attacks (1=Chumtooth, 2=Faengrim): 1d2 ⇒ 2
Miss chance (high is a miss): 1d100 ⇒ 33
Attack: 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 17 - 4 = 23 Damage: 2d10 + 12 ⇒ (9, 1) + 12 = 22

STATUS
Triceratops 1: -81 hp
Triceratops 2: Dead
Chumtooth: -4 hp
Dantes: Unharmed
Faengrim: -88 hp

Chumtooth continues to circle and strike with short throws of his harpoon.

Returning harpoon, flanking: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 15 + 2 = 24

Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 4d6 ⇒ (3) + 8 + (3, 4, 2, 5) = 25

Second throw: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 2 = 18

(Pretty sure that second one misses.)

Change Shape: Land
Con +2 (+10 hp, +1 fort); Ferocity; Swim 30'; Bite +13 1d6+3

"Blood and fury!"

Mwk Greatsword: power attack
To Hit: 1d20 + 13 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 1 - 3 = 12 To Hurt: 2d6 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (2, 6) + 4 + 6 = 18

Mwk Greatsword: power attack
To Hit: 1d20 + 13 + 1 - 3 - 5 ⇒ (18) + 13 + 1 - 3 - 5 = 24 To Hurt: 2d6 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (6, 6) + 4 + 6 = 22

Bite: magic, silver, power attack
To Hit: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (14) + 13 - 3 = 24 To Hurt: 1d6 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 6 = 12

Again the harpoon strikes and the beast roars in pain. Then, Faengrim manages to slash it deeply before getting beneath it to tear its throat out! With a sound like air escaping a bellows, it expires.

Combat over!

When my tabletop group encountered these two, the monk grabbed a chain and hopped over the head of one and onto its back. He then used the chain as a bridle and "broke" the triceratops after riding it all over the field (after several Handle Animal and Ride rolls).

Chumtooth give an approving nod to Faengrim's slaying of the last beast.

He then moves over to the first beast, draws his kukri, and proceeds to remove the creature's heart.

Holding it in his hands, he take a bite of the raw flesh, relishing the taste of the animal's heart's blood.

Faengrim follows his leader's example and bites into the beast. That, after all, is why he first wanted to attack them.

Faengrim takes some healing potions in case there's more bits of excitement today.

Cure Light Wounds: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (5, 4) + 2 = 11
Cure Moderate Wounds: 4d8 + 6 ⇒ (5, 7, 8, 6) + 6 = 32

Potion of Cure Serious Wounds: 3d8 + 5 ⇒ (7, 8, 6) + 5 = 26

Potion of Cure Serious Wounds: 3d8 + 5 ⇒ (5, 6, 3) + 5 = 19

After allowing for everyone to catch their breath, Chumtooth says, "Let us go to the great stairs, and see where they lead."

Two immense stairways in the sheer cliffs of the island’s central plateau. Each one leads to an overgrown highway made of quarried flagstones that head north deeper into the island. The stairs wind 500 feet to the top and waymarkers carved with ancient glyphs denote each 100 feet of elevation. Climb checks are not required to scale the giant steps, but any Medium creature climbing the steps must succeed at a DC 15 Fortitude save or be fatigued when it reaches the top.

Fort Save, DC 15: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Chumtooth takes a look at the immense staircase, grunts in acknowledgment, and begins climbing.

Faengrim allows his captain to go first, covering him with his bow. He then climbs up too.
Fort: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Fort save 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

From the top of the massive stairs, you get a clear view of the fort, your vessel to the south, and a road winding northward. In the distance, it splits, going east and west. West leads to a cliffside and what appears to be two gigantic statues. East leads into a mountainous region.

"Statues must be carved. If some people do not live that way, some people once did," Chumtooth says. "People who might possess the Stone the spirit wants."

Dantes keeps his eyes trained on the statues as they approach. He is trying to determine who they depict, who made them, or both. Knowledge (history) 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

Faengrim continues to lead the troop along.

Take 10 on Survival for 21.

"Captain, I suggest we return to the ship. Gather some reinforcements for a continued foray inland. We should be well prepared for whatever we find here. Plus, we can take some of that meat we just made back to the crew for a treat."

Chumtooth nods in agreement. "We need more than us three. When we return, we will choose two from the crew to come with us. The rest will enjoy the roast meat from the beasts."

The trio returns to the boat, collects the two newcomers, then heads back to the statues. A tall stone tower topped with battlements rises along the cliffs here. Two eyeless cyclops statues rise above these defenses, gazing sightlessly over the western sea. Above them, the spire continues upward, tapering into a giant crystal shard of pink quartz. At ground level, immense double doors, decorated in ancient glyphs, form the tower’s only entrance.

Chumooth addresses the newly promoted members of the crew, Riori and Rogar.

"Speak if you have thoughts about anything you see. You do not need to ask permission. We have already seen battle twice since setting foot on this island. You have been chosen for your skills. Use them to find the Stone and to ensure we all return with it alive."

Change Shape: Land
Con +2 (+10 hp, +1 fort); Ferocity; Swim 30'; Bite +13 1d6+3

Faengrim looks at the newly promoted pair, "You've already been chosen. No need to try to prove yourselves by taking stupid risks. It's time to show up not to show out."

"Didn't get to where I am by showin' off," Riori states, adding a beat later, "Sir."

She adds, a little more abashedly. "And forgive me, but I've been workin' on my charts, and bein' still fairly new to the crew, I've not been in on your previous meetings. Would you mind remindin' me what we're lookin' for exactly?"

When they get to the tower, she eyes the statues and the doors warily, both for pertinent dangers as well as to assess any religious or historical significance of the statues, based on tales she's gathered from fellow travelers through the Shackles.

Cast detect magic to look for magical auras around the door and statues.

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33

"We're lookin' fer plunder 'n' booze, lass. What else there to find?" Rogar grunts, stopping to take a couple of sips from his many bottles and take a look at the tower.

Use Alchemical allocation -> Barkskin
Use Alchemical allocation -> Heroism

"Capn' here mention'd a Stone... Wha'ever that is. But guess, it'll be th' plunder part. Sure ain't soundin' like drink."

Riori smirks. "Well, that part I didn't need reminding of. I assume we'll know this stone when we see it?"

"We were told as much," nodding in acknowledgement of Riori's assumption regarding the Stone.

"The island is ours. Anything on it is ours. If there is plunder to take, we will take it," he adds, nodding to Rogar.

"You heard the cap'n. Let's get to that plunder."

The glyphs on the door are ancient, from a time long ago. You are considering the best way to proceed when a quartet of crossbow bolts strikes the midst of the group! A bolt is stopped by Rogar's armor and Riori is missed, but Chumtooth is hit for 15 points of damage and Dantes is hit for 9 points of damage. Looking up, you see four nine-foot-tall humanoids charging at you with greataxes! Each has a single eye and a gaping maw beneath!

Crossbow 1 victim: 1d5 ⇒ 3
Crossbow 2 victim: 1d5 ⇒ 4
Crossbow 3 victim: 1d5 ⇒ 1
Crossbow 4 victim: 1d5 ⇒ 5
1=Chumtooth, 2=Faegrim, 3=Rogar, 4= Riori, 5=Dantes

Crossbow vs. Rogar: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 Damage: 2d8 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12
Crossbow vs. Riori: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 Damage: 2d8 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12
Crossbow vs. Chumtooth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 Damage: 2d8 ⇒ (8, 7) = 15
Crossbow vs. Dantes: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 Damage: 2d8 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9

The cyclopes are 50 feet away and will close to 20 feet at the end of this round! They will be on you next round! Dantes, Rogar, and Faengrim are up!

INITATIVE
Dantes
Rogar
Faengrim
Cyclops 2
Riori
Cyclops 3
Cyclops 1
Chumtooth
Cyclops 4

Chumtooth init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Faengrim init: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Rogar init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Riori init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Dantes init: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Cyclops 1 init: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5
Cyclops 2 init: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15
Cyclops 3 init: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9
Cyclops 4 init: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

STATUS
Chumtooth: 96/111 hp
Faengrim: Unharmed
Rogar: Unharmed
Riori: unharmed
Dantes: 56/65 hp

Cyclops 1: Unharmed (AC 19)
Cyclops 2: Unharmed (AC 19)
Cyclops 3: Unharmed (AC 19)
Cyclops 4: Unharmed (AC 19)

GM, any results to my skill checks before combat started?

Change Shape: Land
Con +2 (+10 hp, +1 fort); Ferocity; Swim 30'; Bite +13 1d6+3

Faengrim casts Lead Blades upon his Greatsword as he waits for the giants to rush in.

Dantes is filled with joy bordering on maniacal glee! "Cyclopes! The stories are true! True!" Then he promptly disappears.

Dantes casts invisibility on himself and moves behind his captain.

"Ugly buggers!" is the only remark Rogar comes up with. He's not sure what stories Dantes is referring to, but perhaps the time for that is after the cyclops are dealt with.

He hopes the rest of the team will handle the enemies once they close in, but now it's perfect time for some bombing. With the help of his bombchucker, the munitions should carry nicely to such big targets.

Sand Bomb vs. touch AC, heroism, 1 range increment: 1d20 + 11 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 - 2 = 26 @cyclops #1
fire damage: 5d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 6, 6, 3, 1) + 6 = 24 ref save dc 21 or blinded for 1 round
Sand Bomb vs. touch AC, heroism, 1 range increment: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 2 - 2 = 20 @cyclops #3
fire damage: 5d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 5, 3, 4, 6) + 6 = 30 ref save dc 21 or blinded for 1 round

We're not using maps, right? Not sure if any cyclops are adjacent to the bombed ones. But if they are they would take 11 points of splash damage (dc 21 ref for half), and need a ref save or blinded
Also, Rogar takes a 5ft step to stand behind Faengrim or Chumtooth if possible

No maps for this skirmish, though I will bring them up later on the page linked in my profile if we need them.

More to follow when I have time tomorrow.