Giant Slayer PbP (Inactive)

Game Master Batpony

Are the ridges north and south of the map difficult terrain?

consider the first square of the ridges difficult terrain ( fallen rocks boulders ect) any deeper is sheer cliff (DC:20 climb)

Devko casts mirror image during the surprise round.

odd Harsk even Glaube: 1d2 ⇒ 2
One of the Smilondon's (red) Breaks into a trot and covers an amazing amount of ground in a few strides. And lunges at Glaube.
claw: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25dmg: 2d4 + 8 ⇒ (4, 3) + 8 = 15claw: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27dmg: 2d4 + 8 ⇒ (2, 2) + 8 = 12bite: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33dmg: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (3, 5) + 8 = 16 grab/grapple claw 1: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (2) + 23 = 25grab/grapple claw 2: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (17) + 23 = 40grab/grapple bite: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (10) + 23 = 33 A snarling ball of yellow fur engulfs Glaube scraping and biting him, The creature has a hold of the poor cleric and is foaming at the mouth in hunger.

R 1

Harsk
Smilondon (red)
Theodric
Glaube (-43 hp grappled)
Ettin
Smilondon (blue)
Brother Theo
Devko
Hill Giant

I always forget how it exactly works so I start most grapple-y fights with the following spoiler (in this case I think the smilodon is at -2 to AC and CMD while grappling due to dex penalty)

Theodric sees the beast pounce upon the priest and frowns, taking a quick sidestep towards it. His belt of giant strength flares with a reddish glow as the duelist's muscles suddenly burst into action.

The man unleashes a barrage of steel upon the animal, each movement the result of decades of practice, both in the training yards and in the field, and nowadays further enhanced through the enchantments that inhabit the tools of his trade.

Full Attack, Two-Weapon Fighting, Combat Expertise

Main Hand
+1 adamantine keen falcata, Heroes' Feast, Combat Expertise: 1d20 + 23 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (14) + 23 + 1 - 3 = 35 for 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17 adam.magic.slashing dmg.
+1 adamantine keen falcata, Heroes' Feast, Combat Expertise: 1d20 + 18 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (12) + 18 + 1 - 3 = 28 for 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19 adam.magic.slashing dmg.

"...aaaaaand BACK OFF, KITTY!" says Theodric through gritted teeth, as he attempts to shield slam the large cat away from the priest and send him flying into the cliff face!

Off Hand
bashing poison-resistant buckler +1, Shield Bash, Improved Shield Bash, Shield Slam, Heroes' Feast, Combat Expertise: 1d20 + 18 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (9) + 18 + 1 - 3 = 25 for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 magic.bludgeoning dmg PLUS free bull rush using attack roll number vs. smilodon's CMD; Opponents who cannot move back due to a wall or other surface are knocked prone after moving the maximum possible distance.

+3 dodge bonus to AC until next round

Theodric cuts several deep slashes across the cat and even clocks it soundly with his buckler. Unfortunately, he’s not able to knock the cat off the poor cleric just yet. you hit with all your attacks but the bulrush didn’t work.

Thanks for letting me know! I was hoping to knock it off Glaube... :( Did the shield bash beat AC and inflict damage though? it must be a tough kitty! with the -2 penalty to CMD due to grappled condition this means his CMD is at least 28! oh man!! I *knew* I shouldn't have used Combat Expertise! :(

Free Action: The almost-retiree sighs with disappointment. "Poor kitty," he thinks. "She doesn't deserve this."

"Don't worry my friend. I don't blame you for the poor direction you've received from your handlers." (He doesn't judge. Smilodons are neutral creatures. Clearly, this one has been poorly trained.)

Standard Action: Divine Presence. (This is a supernatural ability; it does not provoke. I don't even need to move. Any enemies that wish to attack our party must make a DC 23 will save. Since I'm activating this AFTER de LaMontagne attacked, he's covered.)

Move Action: The cleric pulls out some food from his pocket and drops it next to him. "Come on, honey. Be a good kitty and get up now, please. I need to go to work."
__________________________________________________

Cooooooooooool! AMAZING ability! let's just walk to the gates now! LOL!

Thanks! :) It's not guaranteed; they might roll really, really high will saves. *Shrug*

Neat trick if this works! Harsk has a decent bonus of +10...

will red cat: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 The large cat that has hold of Glaube suddenly releases him. It looks confused for a second then rubs up against Glaube's hip and starts to purr! Eventually it smells the meat on the ground and starts to lick at the bloodless carrion Glaube eats as food.

The other Smilondon and the Ettin on the wall seem to have been out of the range of effect of Glaube's call to peace. The Ettin grabs a pair of Javalins hurling one at Brother Theo and the other at Harsk. While the remaining cat charges Brother Theo

R 1

Harsk
Smilondon (red)(-48hp Sanctuary)
Theodric
Glaube (-43 hp)
Ettin
Smilondon (blue)(Sanctuary)
Brother Theo (-35hp *grappled*)
Devko

Both Javelins miss by plenty... the second (*edit*)
Smilondon .. Might have ripped into the party's second Cleric and grabbed hold, if not for Glaube's calming prayer!

Bold may go! ps bull rush failed and I've already indicated dmg got thru on the buckler (their CMD is in the mid-30's!) Both cats are under effect of Sanctuary..

When the blue smilodon enters my 30’ aura, it needs to make a will save. It’s an ongoing effect.

Devko starts dancing while moving towards the ettin, encouraging all his comrades to fight.

Inspire Courage: +3 competence bonus to attack and damages rolls, +3 moral bonus to will against fear and charm effects

Brother Theo said a prayer as the smilodon decided that the cleric was not a threat.

Cast Blessings of fervor. At the start of your turn you get to choose one of the following options:
Increase its speed by 30 feet.
Stand up as a swift action without provoking an attack of opportunity.
Make one extra attack as part of a full attack action, using its highest base attack bonus.
Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves.
Cast a single spell of 2nd level or lower as if it were an enlarged, extended, silent, or still spell.
if needed, please move me so I can get as many of the group as I can.

Harsk fires at the ettin.

those cats seem under control for now

I'll stop firing if it drops. extra 1d6 or 1d10 is fire damage. On crit just takes 1d10 of fire damage

1st shot with rapid shot and bardic music

attack: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (11) + 26 = 37

damage: 1d10 + 12 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 12 + (3) = 16

2nd shot with rapid shot bardic music

attack: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (17) + 26 = 43

damage: 1d10 + 12 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 12 + (5) = 18

confirming crit

attack: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (12) + 26 = 38

damage: 1d10 + 12 + 1d10 ⇒ (3) + 12 + (10) = 25

3rd shot

attack: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (2) + 21 = 23

damage: 1d10 + 12 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 12 + (3) = 16

4th shot

attack: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29

damage: 1d10 + 12 + 1d6 ⇒ (10) + 12 + (3) = 25

Thanks! :) It's not guaranteed; they might roll really, really high will saves. *Shrug*

If they roll high, my sword will be there! we're really cooking with gas with all these buffs! Harsk and Theodric are in heaven! :)

Once the ettin is down, what's the plan, everyone? We can keep the kitties at bay for a little while, but not forever.

Once the ettin is down, what's the plan, everyone? We can keep the kitties at bay for a little while, but not forever.

maybe we should "air walk"/Hide closer to the Forge?

Wind walk would be a good option if Glaube was level 12; I can make myself look like anything I want via hat of disguise (and if I add enlarge person, can look like a giant too for a short duration). Harsk can borrow my hat as he speaks giant; that way he can look like we're his prisoners or something...

Having not played part 1 and 2, I have no idea how to go about this adventure and I'm surprised that there might be no way around this for groups without stealth or wizards...

Harsk 3rd bolt drops the Ettin..for the next couple of rounds the Large cats seem to take a break even playing with each other! The female seems to start licking the wounds that the male endured from Theodric's falcata.
OK we'll call this encounter done. Let's say four rounds of the sanctuary effect went off from Glaube before your party either slaughtered the beast by catching them unaware, made friends via handle animal or spell, or simply fled the scene. You guys choice how you deal with the Saber tooth tigers and tell me the narrative. Also please tell me (or develop one) a standard operating procedure for looting the bodies after a battle, As for this battle I'll assume at least one of you has detect magic prepared and cast it and passed their spellcraft check.

After dealing with the cats you approach the gates cautiously and soon find out there are no more guards to worry about. You move through and /or over the barrier only stopping long enough to search the Ettin and Hill giant for intelligence paraphernalia or treasure. A belt the Ettin is wearing detects as magic and one of you identifies it as: a lesser belt of mighty hurling. Nothing else of true value is found.

What now? Keep moving down the valley?...Don't forget to heal if you need to!

Harsk throws some jerky to the tigers while Biter looks jealous.

animal empathy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

"You guys shoo..." He points away from the party.

"I should add catnip, chew-toys, and squeezie-toys to my adventuring gear," the Sarenite thinks to himself.

"Impressive Harsk... could you command these beasts??"

Harsk turns to Theodric. "Maybe but they'll just slow us down."

plus I already have Biter :)

While Harks handles the smilodons, and the party approaches the gate, Glaube pulls out his wand and applies its soothing aloe-and-neosporin-based magic to his wounds.

Folks, don't forget your +1 morale bonus on attack rolls from Heroes' Feast. It stacks with Devko's performance because he's giving a competence bonus. :)

Well done Harsk.

Says Devko, impressed by the dwarf performance with the tigers.

Lets move on.

Devko has detect magic and a decent spellcraft

Brother Theo gathered the injured near him and gave a blessing to help close of some of their wounds.

Channel Positive to heal: 5d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 2, 2, 1) = 10
Save some of the wand charges...not many however

Save some of the wand charges...not many however

Thanks! :-)

Upon feeling the healing warmth of the Dawnflower from Brother Theo, Glaube feels rejuvenated. "Ah! Thank you, Brother."

After defeating the guardians at the gates your party moves into the Minderhaul valley. Once the you pass through the outer gate, signs of the massive throng of giants camped outside the Cathedral of Minderhal are immediately evident. Harsk immediately spots many signs of various types of Giants moving through along the path you are currently on. It's apparent from the first hour you cross into the valley that, if you stay on the main path, it's just a matter of time before you run into a large group of giants.

So after an hour of walking down the main path your group moves to the slower moving scrub-land and light forest pathless track that is the predominant terrain in the wide Minderhaul valley. Another hour of marching reveals your getting closer to actual giant encampments. In the distance you can see the tell-tell signs of hundreds of campfires with thin trails of black and gray smoke wisping up into the clear cool Autumn sky. Harsk spots dozens more tracks of giant work crews and presumably patrols. The tracks are again from various races of giants.

All the activity and settlements seem to be concentrated towards the northwestern portion of the valley so your group starts moving as circumspectly as possible towards that area staying off obvious trails. Judging by the distance of the majority of smoke trails in the sky your 4-5 miles from the main giant encampment from your current position. you've traveled for about two hours since you passed through the gates and covered about three miles you estimate.

You've already avoided one large Ogre encampment about a mile back. Work crews have apparently plundered much of the area you already are in as many trees are cut down and you've come across the carcasses of several large pack animals apparently felled by giant boulders. These Carcasses are mostly Mammoths and mountain elk.Smaller game seems to have fled the valley completely. Your group has contemplated using spells to air walk for scouting purposes but each time you've thought of it...you notice several Draconic like creatures circling the skys of the valley. As if to emphasize the danger, you witness in the distance about a mile away perhaps 500ft off the ground..a large red scaled beast breathe fire in the midst of flight at two large cat like creatures with black wings that were flying through the valley. One of the Cat creatures folds it wings and falls to the ground while the other flees to the north. The Red scaled creature dives to the ground to claim it's hard fought and hunted prize.

Even after witnessing the hunt. The skies still remain dotted with reptilian looking hunters.

OK time to decide how you want to approach the giant encampment. It's 4-5 miles in front of you. I went on the assumption that you're all traveling together and therefore not moving faster than the slowest person. Your overland land speed while not on the main paths or trails that wind through this valley is 1.5 mph. Therefore you figure it's about 3 more hours travel before you reach the area where the main giant encampment is (though there's evidence of smaller encampments between your location and the main encampment.) Your group needs to decide the following things:
1. Who's scouting and how far out front is he?
2. How will you travel fly, walk, use stealth?
3. Overland marching order.

You'll also need to explain any other plan to me in detail that doesn't include options up above. Again, I am asking only how you intend to travel while approaching the Giant encampment the rest of the way. Please use the discussion thread not the game-play thread to discuss tactics. Also make all relevant rolls (such as fly checks or stealth checks) in the game-play thread. I will leave you to discuss this throughout the weekend. On Monday morn I will post again based on what the majority of your group decided what to do and we'll move onto the next section.

Ok fast forwarding , You navigate the valley like wraiths and soon the various encampments become more dense (now many are within sight of one another). You find troll hutches quite close to a group of Cave giants , Ogre encampments near a tribe of ettins, and several families of hill giants living within close proximity of one another. The valley has ‘T’ here and you are at the cross-section of the T. Higher on the plateau looming over the valley sits a massive Cathedral with giant sized stone steps leading a quarter mile up a sheer cliff to its base ( the bas of the Cathedral). It’s dark right now so you can’t see the Structure anymore but as you approached in the dusky afternoon you thought you observed some kind of palisade surrounding the Cathedral ( though you were still almost 2 miles away and a 1000 ft below it on the valley floor).

Now you’re practically in the main encampments. Harsk has taken several scouting forays and found that the stairs are almost always busy with giants ascensding or descending. He also discovered a switchback path near the stairs that work carts and wagons frequent presumably on their way to the Cathedral. Your current location is in a small corpse of trees ( one of the few cospse remaining in this side of the valley) . You are about 500 yards from the stairs and 1000 (yards) from the switch back path. The nearest Giant settlement is a group of ogres about 200 yards away a large group of hill Giants is a mere 300 yards away. Your group is quietly talking after Harsk has returned when someone hears a twig snap. perception and intitiative rolls if you would please. I’ll roll for those players that don’t get to it before tomorrow.

Harsk looks around. What was that?

Perception v giants +6: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (15) + 26 = 41

Int: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Initiative: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14

Harsk looks around. What was that?

"What was what?" the cleric thinks to himself.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14
Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

"Why am I hungry right now? that damned ioun stone must be on the fritz... muffins... I crave muffins..." the fighter thinks to himself.

Perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (3) + 19 = 22
Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

For now it was a peace of cake, thanks to Harsk mostly I must confess... this dwarf knows what to do.

Perception: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (3) + 23 = 26
Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 2

"hmmmm... now I'm picturing a peaceful boat trip up the Sellen while eating from a selection of fine wedding cakes... what is wrong with me..."

Harsk looks around. What was that?

"Why is Harsk looking around?" The cleric glance to the left.

"Is something happening?" The cleric glances to the right.

Seeing nothing, he glances down. "Nope. Nothing there."

Then he glances up. "Nothing there either."

He shrugs. "I don't know what's going on. But, I trust this ranger. I guess he must be taking in the terrain and considering our options. With all the enemies around us, however, I don't dare ask. I wouldn't want to give away our position."
__________________________________________________

"hmmmm... now I'm picturing a peaceful boat trip up the Sellen while eating from a selection of fine wedding cakes... what is wrong with me..."

"Why does Theodric seem so distracted? Does he see something, too?"

The almost-retiree hears the fighter's stomach rumble. "Oh. Maybe he's just hungry."

The avuncular Sarenite draws a handful of soft, chewy snacks from his pocket and wordlessly passes one to the fighter with a smile. Then he passes the rest of the snacks to the others in the party.

(I suppose that Glaube is part Italian grandmother? :) LOL! "Eat, eat. You look so thin!" ROFL!)

The avuncular Sarenite draws a handful of soft, chewy snacks from his pocket and wordlessly passes one to the fighter with a smile. Then he passes the rest of the snacks to the others in the party.

"...why?! how did he?!!? is our good Faaaajer here one of them occult types from Vudra I heard of??!?! ...how... *NOM*... oh.. that hits the spot! *NOM* *NOM* *NOW* oh!!! yes!... now must nod to Fâââââjer Glaub here while appearing to be still cool with a mouthful of that chewy glory!..."

The Right Hon. Earl of Ravensford, Lord Theodric De LaMontagne nods to Father Glaub in thanks, trying not to show the huge ball of candy in his mouth.

G Int: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
OK you guys were in a copse of trees with a nearby stream. Harsk has just gotten back from scouting and is finishing up his report. Please ignore the shaded areas..just a shoddy job with 'paint' the terrain is normal under the 'touched-up areas' it's night but there's a 3/4 moon and some star-light only partly cloudy..low light vision sees like day.

As Harsk is finishing up his report from his latest scouting mission, Harsk, Brother Theo, and Devko all hear a series of twigs snapping coming from the west. (the direction of the giant pawn)

Surprise round
Devko
Harsk
Brother Theo

R 1
Devko
Harsk
Giant
Glaube
Theodric
Brother Theo

Bold may act..(surprise round 1 action) which means Devko and Harsk will get 3 actions to act before the enemy can. Please remember you're under low-light conditions. FYI stream is shallow only difficult terrain.

Harsk fires at the giant. He whispers to the party and frowns. "We have to take him out before he sounds the alarm!"

I hope that priest stops stuffing his face and gets his head in the game

attack: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (20) + 25 = 45

damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

fire: 1d6 ⇒ 3

confirm crit

attack: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (14) + 25 = 39

damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

fire: 1d10 ⇒ 1

Harsk you did not have 'line of sight to the giant from where you are standing.Since you effectively get 3 actions before the Giant can act..I'm going to accept your shot..and move you to a position where you could have seen the giant[double move] (although he'd still have a cover bonus from the trees and bushes surrounding him.)

Harsk moves toward the sound his crossbow ready to fire. When he gets to the nearby felled trees he sees the cause of the noise. A large hill Giant with a spiked chain wrapped around his shoulder is attempting to move stealthily through the brush. Harsk immediately raises his bow and catches the Hill Giant completely unaware with a bolt landing deep in the chest of the, not so sneaky creature.

Surprise round
Devko
Harsk
Brother Theo

R 1
Devko
Harsk
Giant (-27hp)
Glaube
Theodric
Brother Theo

Devko start dancing, inspiring all his comrades to do greater things!

Inspire Courage: +3 compétence bonus to attack and damages, +3 moral bonus to will against fear and charm effects

Then he casts Heroism on himself while drawing his bow.

Then he casts Heroism on himself while drawing his bow.

Sorry Devko, I don't think you can draw your bow this round, I've always interpreted this rule to mean the move action that you get to draw the weapon as a free action to involve actual movement of the character. My interpretation is based of the quick draw verbiage I know it's been interpenetrated as any move action but I have never interpreted as such in my games; if there's a PFS rulling on this I'm un-aware of please provide a link. Otherwise, the only move actions you can use most involve the character actually moving (ie. move up to regular speed, climb, swim,fly,and even stand up from prone)

Brother Theo your turn (surprise round)

Saying a prayer, Brother Theo caused the area near the giant to grow quiet.

Cast Silence on the ground that the giant it standing on.

OK I think you all need to actually look at the map. (slide 7) Not one of you had 'line of effect' on the Giant to start the encounter. You just heard some twigs snapping. I wen ahead and moved Harsk cause it made the most sense regarding the action(s) he wanted to perform. Likewise, I will not move Brother Theo; instead I'll interpret his action to mean "I'll ready an action when I see the Giant to cast silence". Please remember it's also dark...Brother Theo has darkvision not low light vision. Even if the a large tree wasn't in the way the giant is nearly 90' from Brother Theo's location anything beyond 60' would be utter darkness to him no?

Brother Theo grabs his only symbol and prepares to silence the battlefield once the Giant reveals himself. Reveal himself he does as the giant breaks free of his cover acro jump: 10 = 10bounding across the shallow stream and then hoping up on the felled tree as he lashes out at Harsk with a great spiked chain. I am Kragmuld! I have tracked you here! You killed the guards at the gates! Let my pets Free! Now I will kill some of you and capture the rest for the fighting pits! spiked chain +pwr att: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23dmg: 2d6 + 23 ⇒ (5, 5) + 23 = 33 After missing with the chain the Hill giant says to Harsk, You quick little one...you fetch good price only hurt you bad not kill you...death come for you latter in the pits!

Brother Theo you may enter combat any time you like to cast 'silence' If you have line of effect (which you still don't unless you move first. Otherwise, you'll need to wait your turn.

R 1
Devko
Harsk
Giant (-27hp)
Glaube
Theodric
Brother Theo

bold may go

@GM sorry, I wasn't clear in my intentions.
Surprise Round : Devko start dancing.
Normal Round: Devko casts Heroism and moves while drawing his bow.

Theodric's eyes grow wide upon seeing the Hellknight do.... a jig?!? he begins to laugh heartily, and swings into battle eagerly!

He activates his Quick Runner's Shirt and speeds towards the giant, trying to dodge the giant's swipe on the way in!

Two move actions to get to giant; double cost on last square of movement due to Acrobatics (shown in blue)

Acrobatics to avoid AoO vs. giant's CMD: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33

Once right under the giant's nose, Theodric attempts to disarm the giant by locking his weapon with his buckler!

Buckler Catch, Greater Disarm, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 29 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 29 + 3 = 46

If disarm successful, weapon lands 15 feet away from its previous wielder, in a random direction ==> random direction; 1 is towards Theodric: 1d8 ⇒ 7

That's what I get for trying to post during my lunch break. Please move me where I can see the giant and I will cast Silence. Google Docs is slow here in the boonies when it comes to loading (if I don't drop the connection in the first place)

Standard Action: Activate Touch of Glory

Move Action: Move towards the sound of a giant grousing about something-or-other.

Free Action: "Wait. There are pits? For fighting?!? Oh, I volunteer!" The nearly retired Pathfinder raises his hand. "Pick me, please! Pick me! I'd love to have a chat with all these combatants about nonviolent alternatives to conflict resolution! We can all sit around in a drum circle. That way, everyone gets a turn to express their feelings in a safe and supportive environment. That's so much more exciting than combat, isn't it?" The human Sarenite positively beams at the thought.

Upon seeing the Hellknight begin a dance: "See? Devko gets it. I love interpretive dance. Express yourself, Devko!"

The human begins his own “dad dance” for no mechanical effect whatsoever. :)

I have moved myself on slide 7. I am following Theodric's route.

@GM: Is this the same day that we faced the kitties at the gate? I just want to make sure I'm expending resources appropriately.

@GM: Is this the same day that we faced the kitties at the gate? I just want to make sure I'm expending resources appropriately.

you faced the kitty's in the morning...it's about 8pm that same evening. will have a game-play post up tomorrow (Tuesday)