Into the Nightmare Rift [Playtest] (Inactive)

Game Master Michael Sumrall

Malakan could be invisible by himself and have a decent climb skill. As he have an adamantium weapon, he could take care of the first horn without breaking his invisibility and let you kill the other giant.

For that matter, I could give anyone who wants to scale the wall a Spider Climb for two hours.

Grim can fly and hit stuff from 120 ft away (more damage at 30' even more within 10') Plus he has a good stealth (probably on par with Arris) ... If we do silence next to the horns (x2) and get in nice and close, we'd probably be able to take 'em down quickly without worrying about backup picking up too badly

I'm fine with the plan save I don't think we need to Silence both towers. If one of us sunders the horn of the tower we are attacking, then we can save on spells.

"Grimm, how are the alarm horns attached? Cutting them from the tower may be more affective than destroying them outright."

"Good Idea! One second while I check." Says Grim'reon as he levitates up in the air.

Second look!: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31

Edit!"It Looks like they're about as long as the Giants are tall, and just resting there."

Grim decides to keep hovering this time in case anybody else has any questions

Horray Greater Self-telekinesis :D.

EDIT: Updated with GM Details :P

The horns are 10' long, stationary, and resting on stands.

Are the horns near the edge of the platform?

My thought is that - on the platform we attack - we can simply push the horn off the edge before the giant gets a chance to use it. The platform is tall enough that the fall will damage the horn beyond use so that anyone that may be on the ground still won't be able to call for help. Instead, they would be forced to climb the tower - meaning we would have the higher ground.

... or I do have the talent Foe Throw ... I can pick up one giant and use it as a b/p/s weapon vs the other giant... assuming the original doesn't make a fort save (dc 20) >_< (don't ask me how I turn a giant into a slashing weapon... it works) (and they both take the same 7d6+15 damage...)

edit: depending on the weight of the horns, I might also be able to use them to attack the giants... (75lb weight limit)

I'm fine with the plan save I don't think we need to Silence both towers. If one of us sunders the horn of the tower we are attacking, then we can save on spells.

The problem is getting up the tower to the horns before the giants have a chance to use them. I think we need Silence on both to make it work.

So, revised plan: Garris casts Silence on both towers, then he, Malakan, and Marckus rush one tower with Spider Climb/flight, while Grim'reon and I attack the other from the air at range. Any objections?

The best way to handle it IMO, is for an invisible Malakan to use disable device to subtlety rendering each horn ineffective before you all go.
He could use Spider Climb to facilitate his access to the horns.
What do you think ?

That's certainly a simpler plan. If you think you can make it, go for it. I'll be ready with my bow if something goes wrong.

Arris casts spider climb on Malakan, Garris, and Marckus.

Just realized that I didn't have an alignment. Filled in the blank as 'NG'.

Garris feels the spell take hold of his body. He looks towards the half-orc, "Do the thing, Malakan."

Malakan call for Zon-Khuton to make one with the shadows. As pain came through his body he began to fade in nothingness. Invisibility, 1 use on 3

Then, he moved to the tower.

Stealth (take 10 and add +20 for invisibility): 10 + 20 = 30

Right tower or left?

always right !

Can I take 10 on my roll ?, if not, the rolls :) :

Stealth (add +20 for invisibility): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (11) + 20 = 31
Disable Device (sabotage): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20

Marckus concentrates, turning himself invisible. "Coming as well, Garris?" he inquires. "I can make you disappear just the same."

Take 10 is fine as long as you're not in combat

Anyone who joins Malakan can read the spoiler.

"I'm coming. Don't rush me son." Garris says grumpily.

I hate climbing more than I do flying. Why can't we just go underground like normal adventurers...is that so much to ask?

Marckus vanishes Garris as well, following him (or what he thinks is him) towards the tower to assist Malak.

Garris catches up to Malakan and peers over the edge, trying his best to hide, forgetting that he is invisible. If anyone could see him, it would be a very comical sight.

Stealth, taking 10 = 29 stealth

or roll, if needed: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26

Marckus climbs with the ease of magic, expertly hiding his presence.
Stealth: 1d20 + 15 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 15 + 20 = 40

Everyone manages to move into position without alerting the guards. Everyone also notes the two giants inside the wall, standing near their mammoth mounts.

Surprise Round

Arris, Markus, Grim'reon, Malakan
---------------------------------------------
Giants
---------------------------------------------
Garris

I use block initiative. Everyone who goes before opponts/opponents/everyone else. First round is a surprise round, everyone can go.

Gate Map: feel free to arrange yourselves or tell me where your character is moving.

I'm assuming this is after Malak disabled both horns?

How far away are Grim'reon and I starting, since we didn't climb over the walls? I can fly 40 feet; if I'm close enough, I want to get above the height of the wall, within 100 feet or so of one of the guard towers.

I'm assuming this is after Malak disabled both horns?

Yes, when the group is ready.

How far away are Grim'reon and I starting, since we didn't climb over the walls? I can fly 40 feet; if I'm close enough, I want to get above the height of the wall, within 100 feet or so of one of the guard towers.

If not invisible, you can move within 100' before making stealth checks. I'll be taking 10 on most perception rolls to keep things simple and avoid using a barrage of dice to guarantee a high roll.

Not invisible

Grim'reon moves up as close as possible being stealthy

Stealthy Pants Grim'reon: 1d20 + 33 ⇒ (2) + 33 = 35

Getting within ??30?? feet, Grim'reon seeing the signal that the horns are disabled Grim'reon drops the cards from his hands, and shoots one off as bludgeoning damage at the Giant in the right tower.

Grim uses self-telekinesis & moving at 1/2 speed (30 ft flying) to get as close as possible

Once all his comrades were in place, Malakan used his invisibility to surprise the hill giant on the left tower. He took the time to study the hill giant on the tower and the two riding the mammoth before striking.

+1 Spiked Chain with studied target +3 (flatfooted) and power attack: 1d20 + 21 - 4 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 21 - 4 + 3 = 38
damages: 2d4 + 13 + 3 + 12 + 4d6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 13 + 3 + 12 + (1, 4, 5, 1) = 45
Free intimidate: 1d20 + 33 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 33 - 4 = 42
Swift action if intimidate successful (Hurtful) :
+1 Spiked Chain with studied target +3 (flatfooted) and power attack and Cruelty: 1d20 + 21 - 4 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 21 - 4 + 3 + 2 = 28
damages: 2d4 + 13 + 3 + 12 + 2 + 4d6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 13 + 3 + 12 + 2 + (5, 1, 4, 6) = 52

if I can't study my targets remove 3 to my attacks and damages

Malakan's opponent suffers grievous wounds as the spiked chain repeatedly tears into him, but somehow remains on his feet.

Grim'reon's opponent, though badly injured, fares somewhat better.

With a 35 stealth, you could have scaled the walls unseen. You easily manage to get within 30'

Garris sneaks around to provide flank with Malakan. He then lifts the heavy warhammer above his head and lets it come down with a powerful SMASH.

Swift action to cast Divine Favor

Attack 1 = +1 Adamantine Dwarven Longhammer of the Greyflame: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (11) + 19 = 30 damage: 2d6 + 27 ⇒ (5, 1) + 27 = 33

Attack 2 = +1 Adamantine Dwarven Longhammer of the Greyflame: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16 damage: 2d6 + 27 ⇒ (6, 4) + 27 = 37

Garris' first blow strikes true, toppling the already injured giant forward into the tower.

Marckus makes his way towards the other tower as the first giant is already slain.
Not sure how many moves it will take me to get there, but probably a few

we were able to position ourselves before the surprise round, so you'd probably be closer than you think :D

Edit: Still waiting for Arris to show me his magic :P

So I spent the surprise round getting into position. Are any of the enemies acting before we go into full rounds?

Everyone except Garris gets an action before the giants in the full round.

That's cuz I gots cleric initiative!

Malakan used his abilities to move twice as fast as usual slayer advance to be able to reach the second giant on the tower.

Then he strike

+1 Adamantine Spiked Chain (with power attack): 1d20 + 21 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 21 - 4 = 18

but he miss miserably ...

Not sure how much movement to get from the top of one tower to the top of the other.

Arris lets loose a flurry of arrows at the remaining giant sentry.

With Deadly Aim and Arcane Strike.
Attack: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37 (x2 with Manyshot)
Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6
Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 3 Total: 26
Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5
Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 3 Total: 25
Attack: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4
Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 4 Total: 25
Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4
Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 2 Total: 21

Not sure how much movement to get from the top of one tower to the top of the other.

80' if flying. About twice that if using spider climb and traveling along the top of the wall.

Grim'reon's blast goes wide, missing the giant as it lurches to one side. Arris has more luck, two arrows scoring solid hits while the other two lodge harmlessly in the giants thick furs.

The giant howls in pain and rage as it hurls a rock in Arris' general direction. Below, the other two giants realize they are under attack and mount their steeds, also bellowing.

Rock: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Everyone is up.

Grim'reon looks at Arris "This one's your's. There are two more inside of the gate, I'm going to head for those."

Grim'reon flies over to the gate and lands on it softly, looks at the two Giants on the other side and lets out a low whistle. Without moving his head, he says to Malakan, "I think I'm gonna need some help over here." Before he sends some detritus from the ground flying into one of the mammoth riders.

Attack on Right Mammoth Rider: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 20 = 33
Leaves and such with MIND POWERS!: 7d6 + 17 ⇒ (1, 3, 4, 2, 3, 3, 1) + 17 = 34

Arris fires another volley at the giant on the watchtower.

Arcane Strike and Deadly Aim
Attack: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27 (x2 with Manyshot)
Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4
Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 6 Total: 30
Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4
Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 1 Total: 19
Attack: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (17) + 18 = 35
Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9
Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 6 Total: 34
Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
Holy: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3
Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 1 Total: 18

After seeing the second giant fall Malakan moved to engage the two riders.

Stealth: 1d20 + 20 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 20 - 5 = 27
+1 Adamantine Spiked Chain (with power attack): 1d20 + 21 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 21 + 3 - 4 = 30
damages: 2d4 + 13 + 12 + 3 + 4d6 ⇒ (2, 3) + 13 + 12 + 3 + (3, 2, 5, 4) = 47 if stealth doesn't work remove the 4d6 damages
If hit, free intimidate: 1d20 + 33 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 33 - 2 = 38
If intimidate, swift action to attack (Hurful)
+1 Adamantine Spiked Chain (with power attack) flat-footed and Cruelty: 1d20 + 21 + 3 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 21 + 3 - 4 + 2 = 34
damages: 2d4 + 13 + 12 + 3 + 2 + 4d6 ⇒ (4, 3) + 13 + 12 + 3 + 2 + (2, 5, 1, 5) = 50

It takes >120' of movement for Malakan to reach the position you indicated. With Spider Climb it will take a double move to climb down the tower and reach the mammoth rider on the left. You won't have cover to hide behind approaching the mammoth rider.

Garris follows Malakan into battle, his short stubby legs lagging behind. When he reaches them, he takes his mighty hammer to cleave everything in his sight, starting with the giant that Malakan attacked.

Great Cleave to attack first giant and his mount

hammer 1st attack-rider: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (1) + 19 = 20 damage: 2d6 + 27 ⇒ (6, 4) + 27 = 37
hammer 2nd attack-mount: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (17) + 19 = 36 damage: 2d6 + 27 ⇒ (5, 4) + 27 = 36

and, if other giant/rider are adjacent to the first...

hammer 3rd attack-2nd giant: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26 damage: 2d6 + 27 ⇒ (4, 4) + 27 = 35
hammer 4th attack-2nd mount: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (19) + 19 = 38 damage: 2d6 + 27 ⇒ (2, 4) + 27 = 33

Marckus watches the ongoing assault and decides to approach the action but maintain his invisibility.
Stealth: 1d20 + 15 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 15 + 20 = 50
double move to get closer

Which one could I target with a single move ?

It will take a double move to climb down the tower and reach the nearest mammoth rider.

Markus' double move puts hit at the top of the wall, about 5' above the first mammoth rider

Garris flies down from the tower and smites the first giant and his mount, striking solid blows on each.

Forgot to mention that Garris uses a swift action to activate this Sacred Armor ability after he attacks. He gives a +2 to his AC and gains Fortification (light) ability to his armor.

So, current defenses are:
AC = 26
20% miss chance
25% fortification

This will last for 1min/level

@DM -- Where are we in init order?

In this case forgot my previous post GM :)

Malakan double move to be next the nearest giant.

in giant Pray the lord of Midnight as you will suffer pain

As Malakan closes with the nearest mammoth rider, both the giant and his mount take advantage of the opportunity to pummel the approaching half-orc.

Attacks of opportunity

Greatclub: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32
Damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (7, 8) + 10 = 25

Gore: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (17) + 19 = 36
Damge: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (4, 5) + 11 = 20

Everyone may go