GM Tyranius Giantslayer (Inactive)

Game Master Tyranius

Wren sits longer, his thoughts spurred by the words of the dwarves.

"Not sure the yaks are going to make it though that back entrance. It's a sewer, right?" Wren points out what might be obvious, like why he walked here rather than summon a freaking horse. "If we're going for a full frontal assault, then they'd be useful, I suppose."

Wren pulls out his waterskin and drinks.

"A full frontal assault, preferably stormclad, has its charms, sure, but might not be the best. Could be that we use the yak as bait. The herd might draw out a hunting party that we can dispatch and whittle down the numbers within."

"The palisade looks like it will be difficult for the yaks to climb, but I see an entrance over by the water. We could sneak through at night to make it to the sewer." Torgan reasons.

The dwarf subconsciously ruffles the bangs of his blonde yak. Taking the yellow one! "Ol' Malt can make it through the sewers just fine." he reassures Wren.

The stone slab by the water is the dam, blocking the water from refilling the moat. Is Wren going to adopt a yak by the end of this campaign? :)

"I'm thinking the sewers is still our best option." Van says, staring down at the dam. "I wonder if there weren't some way to rig that dam to blow. Be awful nice to have a way to delay pursuit if we need to beat a hasty escape."

"Be awful nice to have a way to delay pursuit if we need to beat a hasty escape."

Wren snorks.

"Yeah, if we only had a proven missile to shoot at the dam..." Wren looks at Kraygan. "Some sort of flying projectile...one that had been tested against city walls, say."

Wren settles in to watch the front gates.

"Might be if we watch who comes and goes, we might learn a bit. Besides, I'd like a few hours to set up some tricks that might be useful. I didn't expect to assault this place the first day in."

Wren will watch to see if anyone/anything uses the front gates while the team jaws and ponders. Wren has no intent on adopting a yak, but doesn't think its an impossibility. Who knows what would happen if Wren were drunk enough.

"Anyone feel like they could be sneakin in there to scout?" Kraygan asks, then looks to Wren. "Hey, what about that invisibility wand?"

"Hey, what about that invisibility wand?"

Wren smiles, please that the dwarf remembered that. Wren draws it from his 'sack.

"This, you mean? It had 4 charges or so left by my count," Wren sets the wand down. "Could it be used to scout? Oh definitely. Heck, I could put short lived wings on one of you and you could flit about to your content from above. It's somewhat short lived, both effects, but might prove useful."

Wren looks around.

"But again, there are but 4 charges there on that wand. We'll need to get all of us in there eventually, not sure about the yaks yet."

As the group continues to discuss their plan on how to assault the Fort Wren begins to watch everything going on around the massive complex.

Spending a few hours watching while the powerful dwarven minds formulate a plan Wren notices a few things from the slightly higher ground.

While the majority of the tents are functionally identical and drabe. One of the tents looks to have brighter dyes and strange animal fetishes swinging from it.

As the sun begins to set Wren notices that a large mass of orcs congregates atop the barbican as they look into a pit below. There must be well over 30 orcs on the massive platform.

Small fires begin to sprout up along the eastern tents while the north, south and western tents remain suspiciously dark.

Wren watches as several patrols enter and exit the Fort by the entrance. Though he is paying too much attention as an orc patrol led by a massive hill giant crashes out from behind a small outcropping of trees on the other side of the stream. Wren catches the movement out of the corner of his eye just in time to warn Vanderhoff and Jorgan

See. Me told you, me's hear things talking. The giant says in a deep booming voice as the orcs grab at their javelins.

Round 1
Wren
Vanderhoff
Jorgan
---------------------------
Orcs
---------------------------
Torgan
Kraygan
---------------------------
Hill Giant
--------------------------

Round 1, Init 16

Wren looks at the dwarves, his hand going to an elven *facepalm*.

"Really? None of us set watch!? NONE OF US!!?" Wren raises his voice, his fury equally upon the dwarveshorde and the giant. "Nevermind, let's handle this. Maybe we can get a prisoner or two."

Wren stands (move), draws his bow, and tries to move.

"WHY AM I SURROUNDED BY PIDDLESPOTTING YAKS!!? DO I LOOK LIKE I NEED TO DETECT YAKS RIGHT NOW!?" Wren grouses.

Unable to do much, Wren sets a quick trap for the orcs, covering part of the bridges in slickery grease. (DC15)

"A full frontal assault, preferably stormclad, has its charms, sure, but might not be the best. Could be that we use the yak as bait. The herd might draw out a hunting party that we can dispatch and whittle down the numbers within."

Jorgan nods in agreement with Wren's plan, despite the elf's probable thought that the yaks would serve as good fodder or shields.

---

Jorgan winces at Wren's anger. "Keep yer voice down, bloody elf! You want to wake the whole fort?" Jorgan backs away with Hops and starts summoning another animal ally into the fight.

Begin summon monster II

Vanderhoff stares at Wren with an indignant, shocked expression. "I thought you were keeping watch, while you ere sitting there shooting down every plan we came up with!"

"Balls!" Van curses, then calls down a blessing from Angraad as he and Hoof move out toward the front, Van drawing his hammer along the way.

bless

*I just realized yaks are Medium sized animals. All this time, I've been thinking I could use Hoof for a mount."

@Van: I think they become Large at 7th level and if you are going Mammoth Rider like Torg and I are at 10th level, we'll have huge yaks to ride around!

I brought up the size issue way back and Tyranius made an exception for Haggis (though his stats are still for a medium sized mount).

"And so the siege begins..." Torgan says grimly.

"I'll take the giant!" Kraygan calls.

Finally got off of work.

Quick on his feet Wren grabs his bow and begins to cover the bridge in a thick film of grease as Vanderhoff pleads with Angraad to bless the group.

Jorgan begins summoning more forest friends as the orcs rush onto the bridge.

The blue and green orc hurl their javelins across the bridge at Kraygan and Vanderhoof.

Blue javelin vs Kraygan AC FF 19: 1d20 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 1 - 2 = 5

Green javelin vs Vanderhoof AC 14: 1d20 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 1 - 2 = 3

Both javelins fall short as they land in the river with a small splash. The orc's glower at their poor aim and begin barking and shoving each other in anger.

Active Party Buffs
Bless

Round 1
Wren
Vanderhoff
Jorgan
---------------------------
Orcs
---------------------------
Torgan
Kraygan
---------------------------
Hill Giant
--------------------------

"Keep yer voice down, bloody elf! You want to wake the whole fort?"

Wren glares at Jorgan, then back at the onrushing orcs.

"Sorry! I get annoyed when we expect to be stealthy with a freakin' stomping tramplestorm of yaks following us. Do you think that they might have been seen? You know...they are indigenous to, you know, mountains and cold, not necessary lowland swamps? Or that giants and orcs might send out hunting parties...for you know...food?!"

Wren facepalms.

"And watch out for the wet spot on the bridge! There is a wet spot!"

"I think yer the only one who expected us to be stealthy." Kraygan replies to Wren.

Quick mount check: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23

Ignoring the Orc-thrown javelins, he grabs a strap on Haggis' new magical saddle and swiftly mounts the yak and guides it toward the bridge. As he rides he unlimbers his new bow and takes a shot at the orc in the yellow tabard.

Mwk comp longbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

AC 21 (25 vs Giants)

Riding out Kraygan fires his new bow with the precision of a young elf. The arrow soars through the air and slams into the yellow tabard orc, nearly knocking it to the ground.

Active Party Buffs
Bless

Round 1
Wren
Vanderhoff
Jorgan
---------------------------
Orcs (Yellow -9)
---------------------------
Torgan
Kraygan
---------------------------
Hill Giant
--------------------------

"And watch out for the wet spot on the bridge! There is a wet spot!"

Does 'bridge' mean 'pants' in elvish? I should probably learn his tongue one of these days....

Torgan draws Agrimmosh and Brinya's Love as he moves close to Vanderhoff. "Ready?" he asks as he watches the orcs try to cross the bridge.

Torgan awaits the oncoming orcs as the giant moves towards the stone bridge grabbing a loose stone.

The orcs begin to laugh. Jort, welcome them with rocks!

The giant sneers. I know how fight stooped orcs.

Jort heaves the rock at Torgan.

Rock vs Torgan AC 17: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

The rock hurtles through the air, sinking into the soft dirt next to Torgan's feet.

Active Party Buffs
Bless

Round 2
Wren
Vanderhoff
Jorgan
---------------------------
Orcs (Yellow -9)
---------------------------
Torgan
Kraygan
---------------------------
Hill Giant
--------------------------

Jorgan's summon calls forth a wolf onto the bridge to stop the orc's progress!

bite on yellow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Jorgan and Hops then move up to the bridge behind the grease spot to block the way across.

Torgan puts his boot on the boulder and points at the giant with Agrimmosh. "I'm coming fer ye, Jort!" Torgan threatens.

"Only one person can 'ave Jor in their name an' that's me brother!"

Round 2, Init 16

Wren 5' steps forward and tries to put an arrow in the yellow orc.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 to hit;
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 damage.

Wren has some choice words for the orcs.

Jorgan summons a wolf that leaps from the brush at the yellow orc. The wolf's sharp teeth tear into the orc's leg, tearing it's pants and leg wide open.

Wren takes advantage of the wolf to launch another arrow into the orc's shoulder, staggering the wounded warrior as he hurls insults.

The orc with the blue tabard's jaw drops in surprise.

Active Party Buffs
Bless

Round 2
Wren
Vanderhoff
Jorgan
---------------------------
Orcs (Yellow -25; staggered)
---------------------------
Torgan
Kraygan
---------------------------
Hill Giant
--------------------------

"What'ye know, we all aimed fer the same one! Har!"

Van slaps Hoof on the haunches as he moves closer to Jorgan. "Come on, we have to get closer before Jorgan gets himself into trouble."

Can't edit map. Van and Hoof will double move toward the bridge.

Vanderhoff smacks Vanderhoof on the haunch causing the yak to stir into a full run, kicking dust into the air. Vanderhoff takes off in a run after Vanderhoof in an attempt to corral the yak towards the bridge of orcs.

The orcs with the yellow and green tabard drop their javelins to the ground and grab their falchions as the wolf appeared in front of them.

The orc with the green tabard swings it's falchion at the wolf's neck.

Green Falchion vs Wolf Ac 14: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 - 1 = 13

The wolf nimbly dodges out of the sharp blades path as the remaining two orcs stick close to the side of the bridge to sneak past the wolf's snapping jaws. The orc with the blue tabard was paying too much attention to the wolf and not enough attention to where he was going as he runs right into Wren's pile of grease covering the bridge.

DC 15 Reflex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

The orcs slips all over the place but remains standing while a blade strikes out at Hops.

Falchion vs Hops AC 19: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 - 1 = 8

Hops' horns deflect the falchion from doing any real damage which just enrages the orc further.

Active Party Buffs
Bless

Round 2
Wren
Vanderhoff
Jorgan
---------------------------
Orcs (Yellow -25; staggered)
---------------------------
Torgan
Kraygan
---------------------------
Hill Giant
--------------------------

"Malt! Aid yer brother!" Torgan yells as he points at the orc with the crimson sash. The yak gallops over to Hops' side and readies himself for the ensuing combat.

As this happens, Torgan tosses Brinya's Love onto the ground near the bank of the river, making sure the blade sticks deeply into the dirt.

He moves 15' to the east before drawing his throwing axe and launching it at the orc with pretty aquamarine eyes. "Take this, ye blue-eyed Fabio of orcs!"

Maulaxe @ Blue Orc | Bless: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Seeing a clear shot at the giant, Kraygan pulls back hard on the string of his new bow and releases.

"Hey stupid, over here!"

Martial flexibility to pick up deadly aim for a minute.
Mwk comp longbow + bless/giantslayer - DA: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Torgan launches his maulaxe at the blue-eyed orc. The heftly blade spins end over end before if slams into the orc's side, crushing bone beneath it's weight.

having clear line of sight on the hill giant Kraygan releases an arrow. The arrow flies over the stream and sinks into the giants forearm.

Stoopid orcs, keep em busy. The giant snarls.

Worthless..... Get out of me way.Jort bellows as he pushes through the orcs and slams his club down at the wolf on his way to tear Kraygan in half.

Greatclub vs Wolf AC 14- power attack: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 14 - 2 = 20
Damage: 2d8 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (2, 1) + 10 + 4 = 17

The hill giant's club smashes down over the wolf's skull, ending it in a single blow. The resulting smash shakes the stone bridge slightly as pieces of wolf fly in a small burst radius.

Active Party Buffs
Bless

Round 3
Wren
Vanderhoff
Jorgan
---------------------------
Orcs (Yellow -25; staggered / blue -8)
---------------------------
Torgan
Kraygan
---------------------------
Hill Giant (-15)
--------------------------

Vanderhoff moves closer to Jorgan, while ordering Hoof into stampede formation. Praying to Angradd to show the giant and orcs the light of the Holy Flame, he casts a spell, creating a burst of radiant light around the giant and rear orcs.

burst of radiance DC 13 Ref blinded vs dazzled for 1d4 ⇒ 4 rounds.

Radient Damage (if evil): 5d4 ⇒ (2, 1, 1, 1, 4) = 9

Yellow orc Reflex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Green orc Reflex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Hill Giant Reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

The burst of blinding light erupts right in the middle of the orcs and hill giant catching them off guard. The spell bursts with a deafening bang as the yellow tabard orc and Jort begin clawing at their eyes.

What you orcs do now?

Active Party Buffs
Bless

Round 3
Wren
Vanderhoff
Jorgan
---------------------------
Orcs (Yellow -34; staggered; blind 4 rounds / blue -8 / green -9; dazzled 4 rounds)
---------------------------
Torgan
Kraygan
---------------------------
Hill Giant (-24; Blind 4 rounds)
--------------------------

Round 3, Init 16

Wren 5' steps forward and tries to put an arrow in the green orc.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 to hit;
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 damage.

"No witty saying or quip for that arrow?" Torgan says with a wry grin as Wren looses another fletched stick at the orcs. "I figured you'd really stick them with another insult. Something to the point."

Jorgan lets out a growl of anger as he watches his wolf friend be smashed by the giant. "That wasn't the right thing to do," he warns the giant as he hefts his blade up and down in his hands.

Cast lead blade. Is there space around the grease spot for Jorgan to walk around it without an Acrobatics check? If so he will engage the blue orc. If not, he shouts out, "Get rid of this damn grease spot! I need to get at that giant now!"

Hops rears his horns at the orc coming closer to him.

gore: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 1 = 16
damage: 1d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8

Wren launches an arrow into the green orc's leg while it is temporarily blinded by Vanderhoff's blinding light.

@Jorgan- The red orc is blocking the only way currently around it.

Jorgan pulls some magic into his axe, increasing the weight. Hefting the axe he feels for it's center to be able to balance his stance against the giant.

Hops begins to butt the red orc into the wall of the bridge. Hops repeatedly slams it's blunt horns into the orcs chest breaking rib after rib.

The orc with yellow eyes staggers forward blindly. It looks as if it is about to fall over at any moment as the blue and green orc continue to stumble around in the grease film covering the bridge.

Green Orc Reflex save DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Blue Orc Reflex save DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

The green orc seems to fair better and slashes at Jorgan with it's sharp blade. The blue orc attempts to take just one more step and ends up falling flat on his face.

Green falchion vs Jorgan AC 17- power attack; dazzled: 1d20 + 6 - 1 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 - 1 - 1 = 23
Confirm Crit: 1d20 + 6 - 1 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 - 1 - 1 = 19
Damage: 2d4 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 2) + 6 + 2 = 13
Crit damage: 2d4 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 3) + 6 + 2 = 13

Blue falchion vs Vanderhoff AC 18- power attack; prone: 1d20 + 6 - 1 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 6 - 1 - 4 = 8

Red falchion vs Hops AC 19- power attack: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 - 1 = 14

The orcs get tangled up in each other as they trip over the prone orcs sliding around in the grease but the green orc lands a lucky blow on the unsuspecting Jorgan as the falchions sharp edge cuts deep into a main artery, spraying blood all over the bridge.

Active Party Buffs
Bless

Round 3
Wren
Vanderhoff
Jorgan (22/48)
---------------------------
Orcs (Yellow -34; staggered; blind 3 rounds / blue -8 / green -11; dazzled 3 rounds / red -8)
---------------------------
Torgan
Kraygan
---------------------------
Hill Giant (-24; Blind 4 rounds)
--------------------------

"Don't worry Jorgan, he's comin to us! Ach, Torgan! Ye ok cousin?!"

Kraygan draws back on his bow again and fires another arrow at the giant.

Mwk comp longbow + bless/giantslayer - DA: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Kraygan calls to his cousins in dwarven.

Ouch. I should have put up barkskin instead.

"Ouch! I should have put bark on my skin instead...."

Bah. Mixed up Jorgan and Torgan again.

"Bah! I mixed ye two up again!"

Hehe. I have a feeling Vanderhoof and Vanderhoff are going to snag me up here also

Hehe. I have a feeling Vanderhoof and Vanderhoff are going to snag me up here also

Lol, but that is the funniest adventurer/animal name combo I have ever heard. I love it.

As Vanderhoff rolls away from the attack while prone, Torgan is reminded of his favorite song. "You are a true survivor, Vanderhoff!"

Torgan draws his last throwing axe and hurls at the green-sashed orc this time as the blue one has decided to take cover on the bridge. "I won't aim for the face! Just stand up, Fabio!" he yells to the blue-eyed orc.

Dwarven Maulaxe @ Green Orc: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 1 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

As Torgan is jesting with the orcs, Malt does as he is commanded and joins his brother, Hops, in an assault on the orc in front of him.

Gore @ Red Orc | Bless/Power Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 1 - 1 = 18
Damage | Power Attack: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 3 = 12

P.S. - Everyone should watch the best Kung Fu movie of the 21st century.

As Vanderhoff rolls away from the attack while prone, Torgan is reminded of his favorite song. [b]"You are a true survivor, Vanderhoff!

P.S. - Everyone should watch the best Kung Fu movie of the 21st century.

That's hilarious. Especially since I spent over a half an hour searching YouTube and Google Images, for something with The Hoff in armor!

I have never even heard of that before. I skipped to about halfway through and saw some guy cursing extinct laser-raptors. I am hooked haha.

Torgan's aim is about as good as one of the blind orcs as his axe sails into the stream below.

Malt seems to fair much better as he joins Hops in trampling the injured orc into the stone wall.

Kraygan fires an arrow at the giant. In the giants flailing about it ends up swatting the arrow right out of the air, breaking it into kindling.

The blind giant blindly stumbles forward into the edge of the greasy sludge.

Reflex DC 15: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

The giant slides into the orcs, falling on it's backside as it's club swings in a wide arc at Vanderhoff.

Greatclub vs Vanderhoff AC 18-prone- blinded: 1d20 + 14 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 14 - 4 - 2 = 19
Damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (3, 8) + 10 = 21
Blind Miss chance low misses: 1d100 ⇒ 5

The club swings all around but Vanderhoff is able to easily step out of it's deadly path.

Active Party Buffs
Bless

Round 4
Wren
Vanderhoff
Jorgan (22/48)
---------------------------
Orcs (Yellow -34; staggered; blind 3 rounds / blue -8; prone / green -11; dazzled 3 rounds / red -20)
---------------------------
Torgan
Kraygan
---------------------------
Hill Giant (-24; Blind 3 rounds; prone)
--------------------------

Is Yellow really still up?

Round 4, Init 16

Wren 5' steps forward and tries to put an arrow in the yellow orc if he's up, if not, then he will shoot at green.

1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 1 = 27 to hit; (PBS)
1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8 damage.

Wren has more choice words for the orcs.

An eerie grin crawls onto Van's face as he studies the prone and blinded foes. Calling on Angraad to charge his hammer with sacred might, Van raises it above his head, then swings hard at the prone giant! "Take that, ya git!"

Sacred Power Attack, Bless, FurFoc, Traits vs Giant: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 1 + 2 = 15
Damage: 1d12 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 6 = 16

Sacred weapon to make hammer +1

Also, due to Defensive Training, Van gets +4 Dodge bonus to AC vs the Giant subtype.

Is Yellow really still up?

Yes, These are Twisted Nail Orcs. Have a bit more Hp. I actually have not had to tweak anything in this book yet like I did the first one. He was anyways until your arrow. :)

Wren watches the yellow eyed orc stumbling around on the bridge and easily lands an arrow into the orcs throat, ending it's life

Vanderhoff dives into the orcs in an attempt to smash the giant with his hammer. The orcs push back at him and his hammer cracks one of the stones near the giant's head instead.

Active Party Buffs
Bless

Round 4
Wren
Vanderhoff
Jorgan (22/48)
---------------------------
Orcs (blue -8; prone / green -11; dazzled 3 rounds / red -20)
---------------------------
Torgan
Kraygan
---------------------------
Hill Giant (-24; Blind 3 rounds; prone)
--------------------------

"Bah! Son of a...." Vanderhoff grouses as he misses with his swing.