Giant Slayer PbP (Inactive)

Game Master Batpony

I'm unclear whether or not there's a silence spell going on at the moment.
Non-Action: 5-foot-step
Move Action: Draw sling
Standard Action: Ready to attack if/when the enemy casts another spell. Sling: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 , Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Glaube check out the Roll20 map: only Theodric and the giant are the in silence zone

Click here for a current snapshot of the Roll20 map; at a height of 20 feet the silence is shown by the reddish (big) circle; at ground level the silence only touches the squares shown in the black (small) circle.

Glaube check out the Roll20 map: only Theodric and the giant are the in silence zone

Sorry, Theodric; you misunderstand me. Glaube was among the first people into the tent because our tactic was to engage in diplomacy. Yet, somehow he wasn't part of the surprise round despite the fact that he strode into the tent and started yapping in this post. So, I'm very unclear what happened.

Looking back on our thread, I thought that: (1) Harsk listened and heard giant mumbling. (2) Theodric told Glaube to use diplomacy. (3) Glaube went in and said stuff. Given that it is dim light, he still would have said something because he can't see well.

All of this was posted before the GM posted about surprise actions. Therefore, Glaube should have been targeted by the bolt, and possibly nobody else given the position of the marsh giant so high above him.

It doesn't make sense to me that (A) he wasn't targeted and (B) he has been positioned at the edge of the tent on the map. I'm unclear on a lot.

I'm unclear about a lot as well. Our plan was to do diplomacy via Glaube, with Theodric on standby with a silence spell in his mouth. However the GM rolled initiative and perceptions and a bunch of stuff and reordered the entire sequence. Therefore, I'm assuming we are now going with the GM's retcon at this point. If the GM is ok with restarting the whole thing with Glaube's parley, I'm ok with Theodric staying outside the tent with a ready action in case things go south. @GM: feel free to give us hints - if this is a meaningless encounter vs. an important NPC we should talk to, etc.

let's take this over to the discussion thread.

So here's the situation...I imagined Theodric and Devko sneaking in the tent at first because at one point those were the only 2 players in the tent (on the map) But looking back at the post.."that's not what I wrote" So instead of ret-coning the lighting bolt...I'm going to push the action along...and just say the lighting bolt only targeted the 2 people I indicated. Harsk is up(and in the tent, as is everyone but u should be near the entrance only theodric should be up in it's face)....Glaube has a readied action...Devko owes me a reflex save..FYI your air walk will last through this encounter then expire alright?

Theodric walks up the air and grapples the hideous marsh Giant..Glaube stands ready to fire his sling but the giant takes a swipe at with it's ugly fist (reach) as he approaches and as he engages in the grapple (combat reflexes) 1st AoO: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30dmg: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 112nd AoO: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29dmg: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

R 1

Harsk
Glaube
Theodric (-28hp) (grappled cond. [controller])
Giant (grappled)
Brother Theo
Devko (dmg need ref sav)

OK we'll wait for Harsk to go...Theodric...I 99% everything is fine cause your profile looks like it's bbc code from herolab..however I couldn't track down the defelection bonus part of your AC...was there a ring of deflection I missed?

No one can hear the metallic sound of Theodric's mithral fullplate as the giant's fist crashes into it, but the look of surprise on the giant's face is priceless, as his target is not the fancy-looking, noble's outfit-wearing dandy she thought he was.

Via hat of disguise Theodric currently looks like he's wearing an expensive, gold-filligreed coat! :) PS: combat reflex doesn't allow her to hit twice for the same movement that triggered the AoO. However, she would get additional AoOs on other characters closing in on her. I've updated the Roll20 map to show the giant's reach; note that at ground level, silence is not present unless directly under Theodric; note also that the giant is 25' up, and her reach extends only to 10 feet, so PCs should be safe at ground level.

Also, I think some of the miscommunication we've had is due to Roll20. I don't dare sign into Roll20 from my workplace, and I assume this is the same for most of you; therefore, from now on, you'll see, right under Theodric's name - right above his avatar pic - a link to Google Slides Battlemaps which you can all simply click, open and edit your character location. I will keep Roll20 just for my purpose as it's great to keep the main cathedral map in one place, but when we DO fight, I'll provide a zoomed in view in Google Slides for you all.

Reflex: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 14 + 2 = 22

Devko dodges part of the blast!

Harsk fires at the giant.

hope it doesn't raise the alarm

attack rapid shot: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (15) + 22 = 37

damage: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

fire: 1d6 ⇒ 4

attack rapid shot: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (18) + 22 = 40

damage: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

fire: 1d6 ⇒ 5

crit confirm: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (7) + 22 = 29

damage: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

in confirms then just fire: 1d10 ⇒ 6

attack rapid shot: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (6) + 22 = 28

damage: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

fire: 1d6 ⇒ 2

first iterative

attack rapid shot: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30

damage: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

fire: 1d6 ⇒ 3

last shot

attack rapid shot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

damage: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

fire: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Harsk kills the giant when she slams on the table below she turns into her true form an Orge Magi..

Combat Over
106+...dmg from a full attack! are you tracking your bolts Harsk?! please make sure we self police....

"Very effective shooting, Harsk!"

Quite impressive indeed!

Devko starts looking around while detecting magic to find any interesting things.

Perception: 1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 19 + 2 = 36

After the others are done inspecting the loot, Theodric changes his appearance to match that of the dead marsh giant female using the magic of his hat of disguise, then draws a potion of enlarge person, before addressing the group, "Ok, I don't talk giant, so I'll stay somewhat quiet for the next part. When you're all ready, let's go to the next tent... I'll drink my potion of enlarge just before we step in. You'll be my prisoners ok? there... puts your hands together and I'll loop this loosely around your wrists..."

Theodric throws hands a rope to his fellow Pathfinders.

"Glaube, I'll shove you forward roughly - to make it look legit - and I'll grunt at you as a signal to start speaking and to explain yourself to those other giants... sounds good?"

"Might want to conceal your weapons and make ourselves look like prisoners. We all have rescued people before, so you should have a good idea what they look like." Brother Theo said as he stepped outside and started rubbing handfuls of dirt on his face and clothes.

Do you think that your disguise will last long enough?

I'm good at bluffing, if needed.

hat of disguise lasts 3 minutes but can simply be reactivated at will as a standard action so no problem

OK fly is off..and so is silence...

Sun is just starting to crest over the mountains. After searching the 1st tent and coming up with some interesting items you move towards the next tent. (Theodric the Marsh Giant in the lead)

As you approach the next tent you hear cursing in Giant and a the sound of chopping and a gruesome *sawing sound*.

OK Devko and probably Glaube's..spellcraft is high enough that *taking 10* will be enough to identify all the potions..however there are several non magical vials that require a DC:21 Alchemy check to identify..or perception (which is a sip of the potion)

PS place all characters just outside Tent Z1

Theodric will take these:
Elixir of Hiding
Elixir Fire Breathe
potion of pass without a trace.

Map is ready, with link right in Theodric's avatar i.e. Google Slide Battlemaps

The female marsh giant that is Theodric in disguise wordlessly shoves the 'prisoners' into the tent and smiles at the other female giant, nodding towards the drying meat around the room.

So that we're not posting out of turn, what do we see? Theodric (Marsh Giant) has pushed us into the tent.

As you enter the tent you're greeted by a most gruesome sight..A large obviously pregnant female hill Giant stands over a human torso...she was obviously in the process of butchering the carcass as you all pushed into the tent. She seems relatively un-surprised at your arrival. She looks at you her eyes narrow as she shouts, Imbecil Ogres! They forgot to disarm the meat! She immediately hurls a huge bloody meat cleaver at Harsk.

cleaver thrown against FF: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19dmg: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

The sicking *thump!* of the axe catching the off guard Harsk in the shoulder is enough to let you all know...deception is not an option ...This Giant thinks of you only as something to be served for dinner!

Giant gets a surprise round..Theodric isn't in the tent yet but is not hindered in movement as the flap is tied open.

R 1

Glaube
Prego Giant
Harsk
Devko
Brother theo
Theodric

Standard Action: Glaube uses the Antagonize feat.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27, This is almost certainly a success to give me an additional bonus

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 31 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 31 + 3 = 51, This is a success unless the enemy has a combined HD+Wisdom modifier in the 40's.

For the next minute, the target takes a –2 penalty on all attacks rolls made against creatures other than Glaube and has a 10% spell failure chance on all spells that do not target Glaube or that have him within their area of effect.
__________

Move Action: Glaube moves away from his allies so they are as clear as possible from any collateral damage.
__________

The Ugly pregnant hill giant moves towards Glaube using it's immense reach to keep 5' distance and comes down with a hard slam on the cleric..slam: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31dmg: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15 I Rotter Bloodfeckle! Says the gruesome oversized hillbilly woman... You nothing but live squirming dinner! I squash you and make meat paste of you all!

R 1

Glaube glaube were u already down 13hp that you hand't healed? (-15hp from slam+ any other previous dmg)
Prego Giant
Harsk (-15hp)
Devko
Brother theo
Theodric

Devko starts dancing and tries to intimidate the pregnant giant!

We will open your belly to see if there is something in it or if you're naturally that ugly!

Initmidate: 1d20 + 20 + 2 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 20 + 2 + 2 - 4 = 37

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

Theodric's chuckles again at the Hellknight's jig, and swings into battle to protect Glaube!

Acrobatics to avoid AoO vs. giant's CMD, enlarge: 1d20 + 17 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 17 - 1 = 36

Once right under the giant's nose, Theodric attempts to disarm the giant by locking his weapon with his buckler! If she's not armed I'll edit this post to trip her instead

Buckler Catch, Greater Disarm, Inspire Courage, Enlarge: 1d20 + 29 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 29 + 3 + 2 = 51

If disarm successful, weapon lands 15 feet away from its previous wielder, in a random direction ==> random direction; 1 is towards Theodric: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Glaube glaube were u already down 13hp that you hand't healed? (-15hp from slam+ any other previous dmg)

OK. HP updated. -13 and -15 is -28. +13 temp hp means he is now 65/80.

Theodric she used a slam attack (remember she threw her clever) so she is unarmed.

After clobbering Glaube with her meaty fist, Devko hurls some threats at the ugly fat female giant that seemingly shake her a bit. Theodric then leaps forward with a leg sweep to take out one of her knees and cause the brute of a beast to topple to the ground prone.
Still brother Theo and Harsk to act.

R 1

Glaube (-15hp)
Prego Giant (prone and shaken)
Harsk (-15hp)
Devko
Brother theo
Theodric

Ok thanks - I went for a trip instead then. She may take an AoO against Theodric in this case. My trip result is CMD 48.

Saying a quick prayer, a burst of bright light struck the Giant, causing her pain.

BoR: 5d4 ⇒ (4, 3, 3, 3, 2) = 15
Blind or dazzled: 1d4 ⇒ 2
cast Burst of Radiance. DC 19 reflex

Harsk uses his axe on the giant. He drops his crossbow.

attack w/ fav enemy bonus: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 20 = 24

1d12 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

I don't feel good about this

reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Harsk blabbers something about, "saving the life of her unborn"...even while sinking his axe into the flesh of the pregnant Giant. She sneers at his request and attempts to stand from the floor whence Theodric tripped her. She grabs at her eyes as Brother Theo's magic burns her with divine power. When she takes away her hand she appears to still have sight.

harsk AoO: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 20 = 24 dmg: 1d12 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Theodric has an AoO coming too...I didn't take it for him, as his character has a bunch of options. Will wait for the result of Theodric's AoO, to resolve Bloodfeckle's remaining action. PS. Glaube may go. Technically Bloddfeckle, doesn't start to rise, until Glaube acts (she will also be prone, when Glaube acts, unless he delays).

R 2

Glaube (-15hp)
Prego Giant (prone and shaken: -45hp)
Harsk (-15hp)
Devko
Brother theo
Theodric (single AoO action)

As the giantess tries to rise, Theodric grabs his falcata with both hands, reverses grips to strike with the dull end, and attempts to knock her out!

AoO:
Two-handed enlarged +1 adamantine Keen Falcata, Inspire Courage, Enlarge, Size, vs. Prone, nonlethal penalty: 1d20 + 24 + 3 + 1 - 1 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 24 + 3 + 1 - 1 + 4 - 4 = 32 for 2d6 + 18 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (3, 1) + 18 + 2 + 3 = 27 nonlethal dmg.

"Please, madame. Get a hold of yourself. We can work this out."

Diplomacy (Antagonize Feat): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (11) + 20 = 31

Alright, let's continue this! I'm going to move the adventure in a way that makes sense to me, from a story perspective that hopefully does justice to the book enough to give you an appreciation of it. I'm also going to end combat here as I'm not keen on starting mid combat.

After a few rounds of back and forth attacks, it seems very evident that the pregnant hill giant is in no mood for nonviolent confrontation leaving you no choice but to knock her out. (Or kill her?, let me know what you plan to do with the body.)

After a heavy battle, the tent looks to be no more of a mess than it already was with bloodstains from butchered carcasses littered about.

Immediately as it quiets down, giant handmaid, no larger than the one you fought steps into the tent. Her eyes hold a look of both determination and detachment and her skin a rusty colour. She doesn't act alarmed or surprised but rather relieved at the sight of the group. In perfect common, she speaks, "Oh, what relief I have found you! Lady Etena was right all along! The prophecy is true! You must come with me for she awaits you!"

What do you do?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
Brother Theo observed the new arrival, wondering if this was the next part of a carefully laid plan but realized that she was there for a purpose like the adventurers. "What she says is true. Lets us quickly get out of here before others might arrive." he said.

Theodric only used nonlethal techniques to leave both mother and baby unarmed. Despite the gruesome nature of the giantess and her activities, the Taldan warrior could not bring himself to harm the innocent. Relieved to see the new, more communicative female giant arrive on the scene, Theodric drops his magical disguise, no longer appearing like the marsh giant female they defeated earlier.

"Well met. Who is this Lady Etena? and forgive my ignorance, but you appear different than the two giant ladies we've encountered thus far..."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 2 = 15

Devko, still suspicious toward the newcomer says.

Yes, who's this "Lady Etena", and what's this prophecy you speak of? I'm intrigued.

Just going to put it out there, Kn. Local to identify any giants at any time. I'll inform you otherwise if it is a different knowledge check for any other creatures.

She responds hastily, "I am a slag giant, born of fire and rock giant ancestry. Lady Etena is the oracle who lives in the forgeheart. She speaks of the small people that will come to liberate the forge, take it away from the unworthy giants who walk among us."

"If you would follow me, I would lead you to her, it will be safe in the forgeheart, Urathash leaves Etena alone after she has fallen out of his favour. Do not stay to close to me, if my treachery were to be known, I will not be able to aid you any further. Do you have a way to safely follow me? There are still many giants roaming the halls at this time." So far she shows no hostility, but is very eager to move from the tent, and looks over her shoulders every now and then worryingly.

Theodric enlarged at the moment.

"I can put my companions here in a large sack and carry them on my shoulders," says Theodric. "As for my appearance, my hat of disguise can make me appear like any other giant in this keep. Should I look like a slag giant, or like a marsh giant or hill giant?"

Do you have any small servants, orc or anything like that? I can pass for a young giant or any medium humanoid creature for a few minutes.

a schism inside the giants, that's an opportunity to take!

"A slag giant would be conspicuous as there are very few of us in this encampment, a hill giant would be the most common of the giant kind."

If everyone is ok with Theodric's plan, and to follow the slag giant, then we'll go with it!

Sounds like everyone is ok with it.

Assuming everyone is OK with it... Also I missed answering Devko, but anything smaller than a large sized creature would be out of the ordinary. This is a war camp, children are not known to be moving about, especially into the cathedral which we are about to head towards.

"Very well, we'll have time for introductions later, follow me."

Everyone stuffs themselves hastily into Theodric's large sack, for the most part, you feel uncomfortable but relatively safe as the slag giant handmaid assures you this late in the night, most giants are resting save a few night patrols that you can easily avoid. A large sack though could possibly be questioned during the course of the day. Throughout most of the journey, most of you hear relative silence, with a few soft chattering in the giant language at the distance.

You hear a soft rumble, as if stone is being dragged across the floor for a few moments. "We should be safe now." The slag giants tells.

Immediately following, a harsh, creaking elderly female voice from around the corner softly speaks, but enough for it to be audible to everyone. "Yes... Yess... The time foretold is now...come in... heroes of Minderhal..."

After crossing the secret door threshold, Theodric waits for the door to close back behind them before gently returning his fellow Pathfinders to the floor. He carefully opens the large canvass sack and lets the others out. He bows to the elderly giant and her younger counterpart, and follows them into the underground passage.

Elderly giant is actually around the corner, so you have not seen her. I'll update into the handouts the room layout/and even the NPC potrait after I get home from work. But I take it that everyone walks into the room non-confrontational at this point? no weapons/no prep... etc.

Entering into the chamber, you are immediately greeted by the sight of an elderly slag giant, one who's skin withers from old age, and eyes has seen a lifetime of change. She sits by a desk, eagering waiting to speak.

The broad oval chamber is covered with dust all over the floor, and cobwebs drape the walls. Near the center of the room stands a pillar of cemented soot-blackened stones illuminated by the waxy lumps of crude candles and surrounded by a ring of mystic symbols fashioned out of metallic dust sprinkled on the floor. To the south stand a large chair and a table laid with a single place setting, a clay bowl, a pitcher of water, and pot of gruel. A large framed box filled with straw and covered with a couple of heavy quilts and a few oversized pillows lies farther east beyond the pillar.

Map is up, please place yourself as you appropriate as the slag giant speaks.

She continues and waste no time in telling her tale, "I see you've all met Ferrin, my follower, she is obedient but has much to learn, she has not seen... seen what my eyes have seen. In times now lost, my ancestors built the sacred forge in the cathedral above to honor He Who Makes and Unmakes. Minderhal’s Forge is a repository of awesome power, but long have its fires lain cold."

“I, Etena, am Keeper of the Forge. I inherited my position from those who walked this world before me, and those before them. I am the guardian of the sacred forge, but I am not its creator. Were that the case, I would have long ago renewed its fire, but this task is beyond my ability. You, however—you have the power to relight the forge. But first, you must learn its history and what must be done.”

Know. (religion): 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 2 = 16

@GM where is the map? I don't see it under your profil.

Giants! so pathetic creatures, but for now, we must be careful, this old wrinklier creature could be our only ally, better to be good with her.
Devko nods to Etena.
Thanks you, Keeper of the Forge, for meeting with us. We were hoping to find allies on this camp and we were lucky or fate make us to meet your follower at the right time.
I don't know the god you're talking about, but if our goal could match, I'm ready to listen to your proposal.
I'm Devko Obradev, Hellknight of the Order of the Rack.

"You called us 'Heroes of Minderhal'... O, Keeper of the Forge, tell us more about what is happening in this cathedral and how we fit into all this! our own wiseman, Elder Glaube here, would like to discuss matters of wisdom with you. I am but a simple warrior with no sacred knowledge. I would do you dishonor if I open my mouth further and speak of things I do not know about."

Enlarge Person expires - Theodric returns to puny humanzzzz size!

Map is on Theodric's header and on the top of the page. I'll try to get it on my header in the next 24 hours.