GM Tyranius Giantslayer (Inactive)

Game Master Tyranius

Wren shrugs, having nothing to offer. He thinks about chasing the giants, but is fine with them doing all they want to prepare. While they flee and scatter, Wren plots.

He waits for the yakkenhorde to catch up so that they can move on.

Anyone else or ready to move north?

Ready to move north. I'm along for the ride though.

The group gives a short chase as they carefully bypass the trapped room. The short tunnel only lasts for a hundred feet or so before opening up to a great staircase.

This cavern has three successive elevated tiers. A set of giant-sized stairs leads to each level, topped by a low iron gate. The sloping front face of each rise is carved with representations of a diabolical armored giant stomping, choking, and cleaving lesser creatures.

Not only is this chamber intended as a display of fire giant racial might, it serves as the fallback defensive point for the entire Grinder level. The main passage to the north exits to the upper level of the complex. In an active invasion, all soldiers in the lower levels report here and create a wall of flesh and steel between the intruders and the upper levels.

The sloped ceiling in this chamber is 40 feet high in most places. Each tier stands 10 feet higher than the last, and the walls of each tier are sloped at an angle that prevents creatures on the lower levels from using them as cover from those above.

A massive iron door blocks the northern tunnel. Three fire giant soldiers stand guard here at all times alongside a guard captain and his massive rhinoceros mount. Another pair of winded fire giants stand below the Fire Giant Captain offering a quick salute as you enter the chamber.

Dangling chains cover the riveted iron body of this massive rhinoceros like thick, woolly fur. Its hollow eyes glow—windows into a mighty furnace—and smoke that smells suspiciously like burning flesh billows from its smokestack horns. DC 21 Knowledge Arcana

The Fire Giant Captain looks down as the group barrels in behind.

Round 1
Farin (+3 Dueling 14/35-broken)
Wren
----------------------
Rhino
----------------------
Jorgan
----------------------
Fire Giant Captain
----------------------
Kraygan (DR/3; 143/162)
Rogzul (91/114)
----------------------
Fire Giants
----------------------

Round 1, Init 21

Autocheck the know religion roll, +26.

Wren wrinkles his nose at the images reflected in the carving, knowing all about them at a glance. "These carvings are fake carvings. Carvings made by the fake giantal media. Fake. They can't tell the truth. SAD!" Wren kvetches. "See here? The scenes carved on the cliffs depict the fire giant god Zursvaater defeating common giant foes such as dwarves and humans, as well as angels, silver dragons, and other powerful good creatures...which is ridiculous." Wren waves his hand at the giants trying to stop them. "These giants are nothing compared to my magics...and the might of dwarf and yak."

Wren takes a moment to give an old man stink eye at the battlements. He thinks for a moment.

"Magic yourselves up for a moment. Stay close and I will bless you with the gift of speed. I shall summon allies for this fight."

Begin casting SMVII while cowering behind Squats.

Knowledge, religion: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Knowledge, arcane: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

"Did you hear that, Wren? We just have to kill these ones, and then we get the King!"

Farin drinks a potion of invisibility (not one from the vest, as I figure I will need that later).

It's gonna be HUGE!"

Farin downs a potion, vanishing from sight while Wren works on the end game, summoning more aid.

The fire giant captain releases the chains on the metal rhinoceros and it slowly thunders down the stairs. Snorting smoke and flames the rhino scrapes at the floor, leaving deep ruts.

Round 1
Farin (+3 Dueling 14/35-broken)
Wren
----------------------
Rhino
----------------------
Jorgan
----------------------
Fire Giant Captain
----------------------
Kraygan (DR/3; 143/162)
Rogzul (91/114)
----------------------
Fire Giants
----------------------

"They got one big two-horned giant flaming hippo-thomas!" Kraygan points and laughs.

Link!

Just wait til it eats one of you. It will look like Chloe Kardashian (Link) giving birth.

"Poor beast," Jorgan mutters at the sight of the metallic rhino. "But I won't make you save this one," Jorgan notes to the others.

Not wanting to charge in alone, he takes a cue from Wren and starts summoning even more help.

Start summon nature's ally IV.

Jorgan syncs up with Wren and begins to align another plane of existence to merge in within this one.

The fire giant Captain stomps calmly to the edge of the stairs to over look his battlefield. He points down at Kraygan.

Round 1
Farin (+3 Dueling 14/35-broken)
Wren
----------------------
Rhino
----------------------
Jorgan
----------------------
Fire Giant Captain
----------------------
Kraygan (DR/3; 143/162)
Rogzul (91/114)
----------------------
Fire Giants
----------------------

"You're both female!?" Rog asks, eyeing Kraygan with a raised eyebrow. He shakes his head and focuses his attention on the metal rhino, summoning a column of divine flame to crash down around it.

Flamestrike: 14d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 3, 5, 5, 2, 1, 4, 3, 6, 4, 4, 4, 6) = 50
DC 20 reflex for half. Half damage is fire, rest is divine.

"Har!" Kraygan laughs at Rogzul's reaction to the giant's words. "Cannae ye not tell th' dif'rence?"

Still laughing he digs into his giant bag and pulls out a potion to drink.

Cure Serious Wounds: 3d8 + 5 ⇒ (7, 2, 4) + 5 = 18

He then tightens the straps on his saddle, preparing Haggis for a large rider.

Retrieve potion, drink, swift action to pick up Oversized Mount for a minute.

Kraygan drinks one of the many, many potions as Rogzul works his ancestors magic. A crack forms in the ceiling as fire and lava pour down onto the metal rhino.

DC 20 reflex: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

The metal exterior protects the Rhino as it is immune to fire. Though Rogzul's divine ancestors makes sure a small hole is burned into the exterior before the lava cools, sealing the crack in the ceiling once again.

The fire giant captain laughs.

The fire giants each pick up a stone and hurls them down the battlement at Kraygan.

Rocks vs Kraygan AC 35; distance: 5d20 ⇒ (18, 2, 13, 4, 1) = 38

Focusing fire the rocks all fall short in Kraygan's path.

Round 2
Farin (+3 Dueling 14/35-broken)
Wren
----------------------
Rhino (-12)
----------------------
Jorgan
----------------------
Fire Giant Captain
----------------------
Kraygan (DR/3; 161/162)
Rogzul (91/114)
----------------------
Fire Giants
----------------------

Great fire giant dialogue, Tyr. +1

Round 2, Init 21

Wren finishes his spell, calling forth the elemental whose 15' reach is good against the pathetically short-armed giants.

"Welcome back, warrior of air," Wren greets the elemental. "We have more giants for you to enjoy killing. They think their fire is stronger than your air. As if they could fly like us."

Wren casts Haste, getting the elemental in the effect.

"Now help us destroy them...but stay out of reach of their weapons. They may throw rocks, but that is because they suck."

Wren moves up 40' up into the air, intending to use his magics to separate and isolate the enemies from afar. The elemental awaits at the gate 20' up.

Haste (round 1/14): +1 to hit, AC, reflex, attx, yadayadayada.

Thanks! Will DMPC Farin this afternoon if nothing by then.

Farin, still on the yak-ride, pulls out a potion of fly and gulps it down.

Is Rogzul's fly spell still up on Haggis? Seems we didn't go too far after it was cast.

@Kraygan- Yes, it should be.

Farin pulls out a potion and quickly downs the contents as Wren's spell completes, summoning the same air elder once again in such short notice.

The metallic rhino lumbers further down the stairs around the rock hurling fire giants.

Round 2
Farin (+3 Dueling 14/35-broken)
Wren
----------------------
Rhino (-12)
----------------------
Jorgan
----------------------
Fire Giant Captain
----------------------
Kraygan (DR/3; 161/162)
Rogzul (91/114)
----------------------
Fire Giants
----------------------

Jorgan summons another yak to the party, in line with Wren's air elemental. Correct me if you wanted a different creature. the yak grunts and snorts as Jorgan moves further in, increasing the density of his blades. Lead Blades.

The fire giant Captain stands his post.

Round 2
Farin (+3 Dueling 14/35-broken)
Wren
----------------------
Rhino (-12)
----------------------
Jorgan
----------------------
Fire Giant Captain
----------------------
Kraygan (DR/3; 161/162)
Rogzul (91/114)
----------------------
Fire Giants
----------------------

Rogzul floats forward ignoring the giants heckling and readies himself for the oncoming giants.

Kraygan watches the giant commander organize his giant underlings and decides to get organized himself and wait to coordinate with his companions.

Delay to go with Farin and Wren.

Yak is fine, thanks! First round of parent-teacher conferences were this week. I survived! But Biology is the hardest class for most freshman and apparently I'm the hardest biology teacher so I had a lot of concerned parents, haha....

You would think most parents would want harder teachers. I mean as a kid I sure didn't but I know I would have appreciated it more later on in life.

Kraygan hangs back waiting to see what the Captain is up to while Rogzul prepares a spell of his own.

The fire giants continue to rain rocks down on the group as they stay in the kill zone. Seeing Kraygan as a harder target to strike they aim instead for the air elemental blocking their target.

Fire Giants Rocks vs Air Elemental AC 26: 5d20 ⇒ (2, 5, 19, 16, 6) = 48
Damage 2 Rocks: 2d8 + 30 ⇒ (2, 5) + 30 = 37
Fire Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8

Two rocks batter the air elemental, though the large gusts of wind slow the rocks down enough that they don't harm it too much.

Round 3
Farin (+3 Dueling 14/35-broken)
Wren (Air elemental 124/149)
Kraygan (DR/3; 161/162)
----------------------
Rhino (-12)
----------------------
Jorgan
----------------------
Fire Giant Captain
----------------------
Rogzul (91/114)
----------------------
Fire Giants
----------------------

+1 GM Ty for remembering DR!

Round 3, Init 21

"If you stay here, I will soften them up for you. They are cowering like dogs behind a fence, barking at their betters," Wren grumps happily.

He casts Freezing Sphere in the midst of the giant hordes, giving them as much time as they need to hide and cower behind walls. With a 40' radius (and long range), Wren can drop it where he pleases. Will put the centerpoint about 5' from orange guy, which should get them all.

14d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 2, 5, 1, 2, 5, 4, 5, 2, 2, 5, 5, 2) = 45 cold damage vs. DC 23 reflex for half

Wren will ask the air elemental to hold its position, taking total defense. AC 30 for the round.

Wren will float back, hiding behind others for the round. Will move on map shortly, but definitely hiding out of range.

Haste (round 2/14): +1 to hit, AC, reflex, attx, yadayadayada.

Delaying for Kraygan, since I am still on the yak.

Kraygan rides up next to Rogzul and slams his hand into his breastplate, activating the righteous powers that be.

Righteous Might 1/5

After getting a ride part way, Farin hops off the yak and heads for the gate, looking to unlock it.

I think I need a move action to dismount, and another gets me to the gate. Farin is still invisible, and with haste has plenty of movement to be stealthy. Not sure any of these rolls are relevant for this round, but just in case.
Stealth: 1d20 + 31 + 20 ⇒ (11) + 31 + 20 = 62
Perception, traps?: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (16) + 27 = 43
Disable Device, lock: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (18) + 29 = 47

As Kraygan leaps forward Farin quickly dismounts to remain invisible. From his vantage point he doesn't see any traps. The gate that is locked is the one at the very end of the map.

Wren heads off the assault as a streak of ice leaps across the air, exploding in the mass of giants.

Fire Giants: 5d20 ⇒ (15, 10, 2, 15, 19) = 61
Fire Giant Captain: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Iron Rhino: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

The entire group is battered though the fire giant captain looks to resist a small portion of the damage.

The fire giant Captain bellows with a small bit of fear in his voice.

The rhino snorts and scrapes at the ground as the ice slows it's joints down slightly. It sets up to charge, those climbing the stairs.

Round 3
Farin (+3 Dueling 14/35-broken)
Wren (Air elemental 124/149)
Kraygan (DR/3; 161/162; Righteous might)
----------------------
Rhino (-57)
----------------------
Jorgan
----------------------
Fire Giant Captain (-57)
----------------------
Rogzul (91/114)
----------------------
Fire Giants (Yellow -67)(Maroon -67)(Orange -67)(Blue -67)(Green -33)
----------------------

"Watch out, Wren! They're gunning for you!" Farin shouts, and then clamps his invisible hand over his mouth, forgetting he was trying to be stealthy.

”Jorgan, Rogzul! Hold the line!” Kraygan calls to his companions. ”Let’s take ‘em together!”

Lets all get in the same initiative.

"Guns!? Are they Alkenstar Giants!?" Wren worries, having heard stories of guns and they damage they can wreak. He seems worried, but also grumpy, so he has that going for him.

"Got it, good idea Kray!"

Delay for ease of combat.

Jorgan hangs back as the Fire Giant Captain picks up a rock of his own.

Rock vs Wren AC 18; distance: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 13 - 2 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 19 ⇒ (1) + 19 = 20
Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

The rock falls short as it bursts well below Wren's feet. The fire giant Captain looks a bit embarrassed but stands firm in front of his troops nonetheless.

Round 3
Jorgan
Farin (+3 Dueling 14/35-broken)
Wren (Air elemental 124/149)
Kraygan (DR/3; 161/162; Righteous might)
----------------------
Rhino (-57)
Fire Giant Captain (-57)
----------------------
Rogzul (91/114)
----------------------
Fire Giants (Yellow -67)(Maroon -67)(Orange -67)(Blue -67)(Green -33)
----------------------

"Well move your asses and get up here then!" Rog growls as Kraygan asks him to wait.

Delay to join the rest in Init. Sorry Wren, aside from moving in front of you, I have nothing to give you cover this round.

The Trunau forces get better in sync, though it takes some time as the giants focus their combined might on the lone elf.

Yellow Rock vs Wren AC 18: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Damage: 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23
Fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Maroon Rock vs Wren AC 18: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16
Fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Orange Rock vs Wren AC 18; distance: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 10 - 2 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19
Fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Blue Rock vs Wren AC 18; distance: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 10 - 2 = 12

Green Rock vs Wren AC 18; distance: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 10 - 2 = 12

Rock after rock slams into Wren as he nearly falls from the sky. A boulder careens into his knee, shattering the already sore bone within. Wren's body smolders as the embers burn at his skin.

The Captain's demeanor seems to change.

Round 4
[b]Rogzul (91/114)
Jorgan
Farin (+3 Dueling 14/35-broken)
Wren (7/79)(Air elemental 124/149)
Kraygan (DR/3; 161/162; Righteous might)
----------------------
Rhino (-57)
Fire Giant Captain (-57)
Fire Giants (Yellow -67)(Maroon -67)(Orange -67)(Blue -67)(Green -33)
----------------------

Taking only 39 as Wren has Resist 5 Fire and AC19 with haste.

Round 3, Init 21

"OW!" Wren grumps unhappily. I suppose I deserved that.

"I can do this all day. Hold positions if you want!"

He twists his iron ring, recalling magics from his book and again casts Freezing Sphere in the midst of the giant hordes, giving them as much time as they need to hide and cower behind walls. With a 40' radius (and long range), Wren can drop it where he pleases. Will put the centerpoint about 5' from orange guy, which should everyone but the steam hog.

14d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 1, 4, 4, 2, 6, 4, 5, 3, 6, 5, 6, 6) = 56 cold damage vs. DC 23 reflex for half

Wren will ask the air elemental to hold its position, taking total defense. AC 30 for the round.

Haste (round 3/14): +1 to hit, AC, reflex, attx, yadayadayada.

Farin opens the first gate and goes through it, skirting the edge to stay out of Wren's path of destruction.

Stealth: 1d20 + 31 + 20 ⇒ (18) + 31 + 20 = 69

Kraygan cheers Wren as the elf withdraws after another freezing spell. ”Good work elf, ye tricked ‘em inta stayin right where ye wanted! Now ther freezin ther nuts off!”

To the others, he calls out. ”Now, all tagether, charge!!”

Haggis begins to gallop towards the stairs, then, with a great pronk, springs into the air flying up, then down, crashing 2 tons of yak and armored dwarf into the flaming rhino with a tremendous MOOOOO!!

Cavalier Charge Righteous Might 2/5 PA GH Haste
Flying Cavalier Spirited Righteous Charge: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (14) + 26 = 40
Thunderous Charge + Acid Overkill: 9d6 + 72 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 2, 1, 4, 1, 1, 3, 3) + 72 + (5) = 101

Haggis Charge PA: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 33
Damage: 2d6 + 23 ⇒ (6, 2) + 23 = 31

Farin continues to make his way around as Wren releases another frozen bomb.

Fire Giants: 5d20 ⇒ (14, 1, 4, 5, 6) = 30
Fire Giant Captain: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

The freezing mist leaves little left standing as four fire giants succumb to the rime and frost covering their bodies. Their eyes frozen open in pain and horror.

Kraygan leaps over the wall, slamming his lance into the fiery bellows of the iron rhino, splitting the constructed abomination in half with a single blow.

And here I was going to swallow ya whole. :)

The fire giant captain looks on at the devastation, not able to believe it, though his own eyes have witnessed it.

Round 4
Rogzul (91/114)
Jorgan
Farin (+3 Dueling 14/35-broken)
Wren (40/79)(Air elemental 124/149)
Kraygan (DR/3; 161/162; Righteous might)
----------------------
Fire Giant Captain (-131)
Fire Giants (Green -117)
----------------------

Rogzul moves forward with the speed of Wren's haste aiding his flight he manages to move passed Kraygan. Once in position he communes with his ancient Mammoth Lord spirits and drops a magical ice storm on the two giants, hoping to slow them long enough for everyone to get in position.

Bludgeoning Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 5) = 15
Cold Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11

Jorgan urges Spirit closer as Kraygan and Rogzul take the lead. Rogzul tries to close this up as he brings down a sleet storm of ice that pounds the giants.

The frozen rocks batter into the giant's skulls, caving them in as the giants collapse to the ground.

Calling the fight as Captain is all that remains. While he has a small chunk of HP left he can't get close enough to do anything through the difficult terrain before all of you descending on him.

"Well, ok then. That was quicker than I expected."

”Woohoo!!”

Kraygan flies around on Haggis while the magic lasts. When it ends he helps loot the bodies.

Kraygan begins the long process of stripping the gigantic bodies of all of their gear as he hefts it into Haggis' packs.

• Large Half-Plate (5)
  
• Large Greatsword (5)
  
• Potion of CSW (2)
  
• Wand
  
  DC 21 Spellcraft:

  This is a wand of silence 23 charges)
  
  
• Large +2 Half-Plate
  
• Large +2 Longsword
  
• Amulet of natural Armor +1
  
• Belt of Incredible Dex +2
  
• Ring of Minor Cold Resistance
  
• Ring of Protection +1

Wren snorks happily as the final giant falls, his magics reigning supreme.

"What kind of idiots would be me time and battlefield? Giant idiots. That's the answer," Wren burrs happily as he floats above the rime of his spheres.

"Let us search the bodies, might be that are ready to take on the king soon?" Wren asks, still injured, but nudging Jorgan and/or Rogs for some healing...the main magic that escapes him.

1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 CLW
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 CLW
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 CLW
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 CLW
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 CLW

5 charges from the wand.

After helping collect the loot, Farin marches to the top and starts to check for any traps.

Perception: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (13) + 27 = 40

Wren heals himself as Farin checks around for any traps. Finding none though Farin notices that the massive iron door is locked shut.

Farin sets to work on unlocking the door.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (8) + 29 = 37

Farin breaks one of his picks, but eventually ends up getting the lock open. Beyond the door, the volcanic tunnel ascends and bears west to a small cluster of lava caves modified for use as officers’ quarters, smeltworks, and forges. As the doors open the heat pours out, filling the chamber making it quite uncomfortable and a near constant haze of smoke fills the ceiling of the cavern.

New map posted