Hollow's Last Hope (Inactive)

Game Master nilesr

"You said we've got to break this thing's chain to kill it, right? Well, here's hoping!

Michael steps forward and swings, aiming to break the creature's chain with his hammer.

Swift action, Challenge the Forge-Spurned. +3 to my damage vs it, +1 to hit for all allies. -2 to my AC vs anything but the Forge-Spurned.

Challenging, Inspired Power Attack Sunder chain: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 - 1 = 26
Damage: 1d12 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 11

Confirmation: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 - 1 = 21
Damage: 1d12 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 13

WOO! Let's take this thing DOWN! Too bad my damage rolls were s**#.

Sorry folks, Christmas time is always nuts.

Lucanor mutters a soft but surprisingly harsh sounding prayer.
Casting Judgement of Smiting as a Swift action. "The inquisitor's weapons count as magic for the purposes of bypassing damage reduction"

Then he fires an arrow at the undead, hopefully before the melee fellows close on it.

To hit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Dmg, Smite Judgement: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Since I'm going first, I don't think I get the bard bonus this round? Adjust above as needed if I'm wrong.

Correct you don't, unless you defer.

Ok, to sunder the chain you have to use the Sunder combat maneuver.

I'll use your rolls, which is 20+ BAB+ STR = 26 beats the Forgespurned's CMD of 20.

Unfortunately you can't crit on a sunder. The Chain has hardness 8 and 25hp. So, you do 3hp to the chain. You also provoke an AoO. 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27 2d4 + 7 ⇒ (3, 1) + 7 = 11

Round 1
Lucanor fires a smiting arrow, which strikes the undead monstrosity squarely, dealing 8 damage.
Silas inspires allies.
Baldur casts Summon Nature's Ally 2.
FS laughs darkly and snatches the arrow from his chest, you notice the wound closes slightly. Lucanor you know that the Forgespurned heal from their wounds rapidly The forgespurned then bears down upon Michael, striking with his Adamantine Hammer, attempting to destroy Michael's weapon! Sunder: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15 but Michael deftly moves his weapon out of reach!
Michael you can use your rolls above, but now the Forgespurned is in melee with you, you may revise your actions.
Hecktor

It would be awesome if you guys had an Adamantine weapon with which to sunder the chain.....

"By the gods, you are one ugly mothaf4cka...."
Anyone got the reference?

Hecktor takes a firm grip on his scythe. But seeing as the chained abomination heals quickly, he decides to something different than a normal attack.

Standard: Move up next to Michael
Attack
Called shot to the hand dwarf wields his hammer in.: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (19) + 8 - 5 = 22
Niles, i'll let you roll for how long the spurne will suffer the effect.

Called shot to hand

The GM shakes his head in dismay...

I still need Michael to revise his actions a bit, the FS is in melee range.

Round 2: Silas will continue inspire 9/12 and will aid another on Hecktor's sunder attempt.

Aid Another: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 1 = 16
@Hecktor you have +3 to hit and +1 damage from Silas for round 2.

Did I get an action before they closed into melee range? If they closed into melee range before my action this turn, then I wouldn't have been able to sunder and they wouldn't have gotten the AoO chance yet.

No, it went before you in initiative.
Round 1
Lucanor fires a smiting arrow, which strikes the undead monstrosity squarely, dealing 8 damage.
Silas inspires allies.
Baldur casts Summon Nature's Ally 2.
FS laughs darkly and snatches the arrow from his chest, you notice the wound closes slightly. Lucanor you know that the Forgespurned heal from their wounds rapidly The forgespurned then bears down upon Michael, striking with his Adamantine Hammer, attempting to destroy Michael's weapon! Sunder: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15 but Michael deftly moves his weapon out of reach!
Michael I used your earlier critical roll. Michael moves around the forgespurned and deals a mighty blow to the creature.
Hecktor strike the FS in the hand and it is at -2 to attacks and damage for 1d4 ⇒ 4 rounds.

Round 2
Lucanor
Silas
Baldur
FS
Michael
Hecktor

Round 2
Michael steps away from the creature to give himself some space and attacks with his hammer. 5ft step away

Inspired, Challenging, Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 1 - 1 = 19
Damage: 1d12 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 13

"I may not be able to kill you without breaking that chain, but let's see if I can still put you to sleep."

Nice, 4 rounds penalty...

Hecktor remembers the special weapon they found on the cultist's corpse. It seemed an exquisite piece, quite sharp.
Hmm, maybe i should put it to the test

Standard: Switch weapon to Adamantine sickle.
Attack the chain, attempting sunder
Slash the chain.: 1d20 + 8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 3 + 1 = 16
Dmg: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9

The CMD is 20 so Hecktor would need an additional two Aid Another's to hit this round

I'm going to go with trying to knock the thing out, then sundering the chain. No provoking AoO's, massively reduced CMD, and, if the rest of the party just keeps stabbing it while Hecktor slices the chain, hopefully no way for it to wake up until the chain is destroyed. Kinda like the Tarrasque, but this one can actually die eventually.

Lucanor fires at the Forgespurned once more, the judgement still empowered. The creature is engaged in melee, and that makes the shot trickier but still, with the bard's inspiration, he may yet make it.

To hit, -4 for it being in melee, +1 for bard already counted in 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
dmg, bard inspiration included 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Round 2
Lucanor fires but misses
Silas aids another on hecktor
Baldur finishes his spell and a Wolf emerges to savage the Forgespurned it snarls and snaps at the undead creatures legs 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 but its teeth cannot find purchase.
FS You will not stop me from fulfilling my purpose! The creature screams in Common. It lashes out at Hecktor with its hammer. 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 and hits him for 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10. The chain that wraps his body bursts into flame as it comes alive and snaps out to engulf the Wolf. 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27 4d4 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 2, 2) + 10 + (2) = 22 The wolf whimpers pitifully as it dies.
Michael steps aside and smacks the creature for 13
Hecktor attempts to sunder but fails, provoking an AoO from the creature. 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 Baldur then uses his readied action to cast CLW from his wand healing Hecktor for 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Hecktor at 13/32 HP I'll continue to have Baldur ready his actions to provide healing.

Michael, at your feet lay Jurin Kreed. He is stirring fitfully.

Round 3
Lucanor
Silas
Baldur
FS
Michael
Hecktor

Come again.....such a big drop of HP.....
I'm feeling a withdraw action is in order, but the FS is faster than i am.

"Hecktor, don't be trying that again just yet. All it's doing is opening you up to attacks. Let's see if we can knock this thing out first."

Michael will keep up his assault.
Inspired, Challenging, Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 1 - 1 = 16
Damage: 1d12 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 14

"Michael, try and flank him!", shouts Silas as he summons some healing energy onto Hecktor.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Free action: Inspire Courage 10/12 rounds.
Standard action: Heal Hecktor - I need to count up the number of charges used since the wand is under half charge by now.

"Anvil's in the way. Kinda hard to do right now."

"Ah that's what it is! Hard to see in this gloom... Perhaps Baldur can summon some allies that can help us flank?"

"Hang on, boy," Lucanor calls to Kreed's son, and fires again.

Same as before
To hit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Dmg (Judgement removes DR) 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
I forgot to add 1 to the dmg, but doesn't matter with a roll to hit like that :(

Round 3
Lucanor fires, misses.
Silas heals Hecktor for 5 18/32
Baldur readies an action to heal whoever the FS hits.
FS I will have your souls! The Forgespurned's chain erupts in an attack aimed at Michael 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13 but Michael deftly moves out of the way! The Forgespurned then exhales a sooty breath aimed at Hecktor and Silas.

Hecktor can post round 3, everyone else Round 4!

Round 4
Lucanor
Silas
Baldur
FS
Michael
Hecktor

Wow...a natural 1, good thing i had the 1 on ref saves.... oO'

Round 3

"Uch..uch...*cough*....
Damnit....can't see a thing."

Since a move would trigger an AoO, Hecktor uses withdraw to get to the square above Silas. That "should" be safe.

Round 4:

If the FS hasn't been killed before Hecktor gets his turn:
Standard: move up to FS, switching to Scythe.
Attack:
Swing scythe: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Dmg: 2d4 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 4) + 6 + 1 = 14

(Round 4)
Stuff like that is why I keep my distance
"Our souls belong to the gods we serve and swear by! and the ones you have chained will soon be free if I have anything to say about it,"
Lucanor fires once more

Penalty bonus included
To hit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Dmg: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Finally. With the judgement going, that might actually hurt it :)

Round 4
Michael will keep up his assault in silence.

Inspired, Challenging, Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 1 - 1 = 18
Damage: 1d12 + 4 + 3 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 3 + 3 + 1 = 17

Silas wields the wand with a determined glint in his eye and bites back a curse when the hot acrid cloud billows over him and the others.

"Looks like you're hurting it bad, one last push and its done for!", crows Silas

Free action maintain inspire: 11/12 rounds
Standard Action heal hecktor Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Round 4
Lucanor fires his bow with great effect, staggering the creature!
Silas heals Hecktor 28/32
Baldur readies his wand to heal anyone struck.
FS NOOOOO! The chains strike at Michael again. 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25 the Chains hit Michael for 2d4 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 2) + 7 + (5) = 16 this triggers Baldur to wave his wand furiously healing for 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4. The Forgespurned attacks Hecktor with his Hammer 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17 missing.
Michael strikes a mighty blow, crushing the Forgespurned's head and the entire undead monstrosity dissolves into cindery, sooty smoke, leaving behind the hammer and chain.
Hecktor

Combat Over.

A search of the room reveals

Baldur rushes to Jurin and waves the wand over him, the boy pops up and begins looking around wide eyed. Where is Hollin! Where is he! He was just with me! He cries...

Kibbo and Jarrdreg rush into the room chattering in Draconic

Search: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Silas says in a hoarse whisper to the party, "We should probably search this room, but I can't see properly with all this smoke! Lets smash that chain, if we, can real quick."

He then walks over to Jurin and asks, "In which room did you last see Hollin? We haven't explored everywhere, there's several places he could be..."

"If the sickle is so fine and durable, maybe it can cut even the chain? "
That said, he takes out the sickle and examines it one more time.
Hecktor proceeds to attempt to cut the chain.....

"We need to smash that chain quickly. I don't want to take the risk of having that thing reform."

Power Attack Sunder attempt: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 1 = 17
Damage: 1d12 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 3 = 17

The 19 was for the room, not the DC for the search. You find what was in the forge.

The chain is sundered easily enough and explodes with a scream and foul wind.

The party feels as though the air has somehow gotten lighter. However, you may have angered the dark god Droskar with your slaying of his servant. Be vigilant.

Jurin responds and points further down into the cave. We came from there, that is where the Kobolds kept us...I was with the elf and then it got all fuzzy, and then I was here with the.....thing. Where are my friends?!

Kibbo and Jarrdreg notice Jurin's pointing and pipe up with some helpful advice.

Michael kneels down by Jurin after helping Hecktor smash the chain.

"Boy, you're lucky to be alive. Let this serve as a lesson about charging foolishly into these woods. Not only do you put yourself in danger, but also everyone who's come with you and everyone who comes looking for you."

Standing up, he continues.
"Your friends are fine. You all got lucky that we caught wind of you wandering off. As for the elf, that remains to be seen. But you're not coming with us to find out. We're taking you to where we've got the rest of the children hiding."

Lucanor smiles as the chain is shattered. Let the dark god come for him if he wants. He knows where his soul is going.

He looks to the lad, "Jurin, Michael is right. Your friends no doubt need you."

You will rescue Hollin? Jurin says cautiously, his eyes begin to well with tears He's my best friend...please help him!

Kibbo and Jarrdreg continue to fuss over Michael, cleaning his weapon taking any opportunity to touch him or clean his armor in some way.

Kerrdremak makes an appearance also and speaks to Silas

Done a search and so far Silas has used 20/50 charges on that wand. That's less than I'd thought, time to use some more...

Silas brandishes the wand and before long a sheen of heat rises again from it, and when he's done, Silas gingerly puts it away.
CLW x4 on Michael: 4d8 + 4 ⇒ (3, 1, 4, 5) + 4 = 17
CLW x1 on Hecktor: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
CLW x1 on Silas: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

In a hoarse whisper Silas says, "I mislike the way that one was eyeing Michael's wounds, I suggest we find Hollin and get out of here! It seems we have to go down that hole however..."

That's 26/50 charges now and Michael -> 31 hp, Hecktor -> 32 hp & Silas -> 20 hp

The climb downward would be fairly easy, it isn't steep and there are plenty of handholds. No check is required unless in combat.

Assuming you decide to go downwards, Kibbo and Jarrdreg volunteer to lead the way.

The floor of this yawning cavern is filled with
gigantic stalagmites, some standing six feet
in height.

It is very quiet down here, eerily so....

Current map updated in profile.

You will rescue Hollin? Jurin says cautiously, his eyes begin to well with tears He's my best friend...please help him!

"We'll definitely do all we can to rescue Hollin" He thinks on it, The boy seemed to be too much like his father in town, but he's loyal to his friends. Good. "We need you to be brave for the others, you ken me?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

.......
When they move on Lucanor tries to take a look around slowly to see if something, or someone, is hidden
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

"This doesn't seem to steep, we should be fine climbing down this part.
The sooner we get our dealings here done, the better."

"Agreed. Let's get going. We've got two more people to rescue and drag out of here, unless my count's wrong. I'll take point again."

Refer to the current map but I'll reveal more here.

Kibbo and Jarrdreg lead you into another cave which looks as if it has been vacated recently. Small crudely made mining picks scatter the floor, Baldur would know that the area contains iron ore.

Kibbo explains that this is where the slaves would work, but he isn't sure why they aren't here now. Maybe because Smashey Bashey keeps killing Truescales?

Jarrdreg, who had served the king as a jester and knows the cavern a little better says that north lies the slurk caves, Slurks are big lizards that bite, and west lies the elevator to the upper level. If you recall a kobold escaped combat by going down the elevator.

North or West?

I say we should go West. Follow that bugger that escaped and smash his face in too.

"I wonder if there are any tracks?"
Survival : find tracks: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

Because its a bit dark Silas hums a spritly tune and summons a glowing light but rather than finding any tracks he manages to stumble on a rock and kick up a load of dust from the workings. Silas is briefly overcome by a coughing fit but laughs, dusts himself off and asks Kibbo a question in draconic:

Kibbo and Jarrdreg respond that the system of caverns and tunnels make an oval shape and the King's chambers are are the far end from this cavern. Jekkajek's sacrificial altar is near the king's chambers also.

"if there's a sacrifice, that means they're likely to take one of the Children for that very purpose," Lucanor advises. There's an angry glint in his eye

Silas translates for the party and says, "We've been lucky so far. With Jurin in Gared's care, that just leaves Hollin to rescue. We'd better assume this Merlokrep knows we're coming."

I think we should cast any minute duration buffs we might have when we get close.

"And we'd better assume a welcoming comittee matching it is prepared for us...."

"I say we head towards that makeshift elevator-well. That one kobold got away, and where he went we know there's going to be more. I'd rather deal with a bunch of them than some lizards that we don't know anything about."

Agreed on that, Silas. I burned through my only challenge with that forgespurned, so I'm down to just my aid-another bonuses. If we get into combat, I want at least one of you to stay adjacent me. That way I can help keep people from getting hurt by boosting their AC.

Area 20

The shaft drops down into a large, mostly
square chamber. A doorway opens in one wall,
while two other walls have been broken through
from the outside. Cramped, narrow tunnels
beckon from beyond the breached walls.

The room is also devoid of movement. The elevator looks damaged, as if it fell some feet instead of being gently lowered. There is what looks like fresh blood leading into room 21.

Into room 21 or north through the tunnel into area 24? or something else?

"There's the blood trail from that little bastard. I say we follow it."