[PFS] Game Day 3: G.M.E.W's King of the Storval Stairs (Inactive)

Game Master Evan Whitefield

Did we ever ask if the chieftain's witch was a human sized or giant sized witch?

She was described as a "Kellid witch". Kellid being a race of humans.

"I'm not reading that nasty, evil book, that's for sure," Alie huffs, noticing what the book seemed to be made from.

"I'm not qualified to do so, and your remark is unquestionably sound, though this book could contain valuable information. Often curiosity is rewarded with pain and loss." sadly says the elf, glancing at his own burned hands.

"I'm not interested in reading this book, even if I could speak giant. However, it may be that someone at the society, like some Dark Archive researchers might find it useful. Perhaps we should bring it with us. If not, I think destroying it would be best."

fyi - changed my spells for today to 1st - hero's defiance, word of resolve; 2nd - Eagle's Splendor. Knight's Calling's DC seems underwhelming at this level. The other 2nd level I had didn't seem that great in hindsight.

She was described as a "Kellid witch". Kellid being a race of humans.

I just assumed a giant would have a giant witch. Crap! I hate it when I do that.

Boswick, if you are sure there is nothing evil in this area other than the book, I think we should move along. Let us take the book, it can always be destroyed later.

At Lavode's request Boswick casts Detect Evil around the area to make sure nothing evil is left unnoticed.

Mr. Chips runs into the room and climbs up onto Lavode's shoulder. He squeaks and ooks in the ear of the sorcerer, then he offers him a vial labelled "Shield: Use Under Duress".

---

George keeps watch outside, his mutagen in his hand and his claws tipped with poison.

The day continues on uneventfully and the sun starts to head towards the horizon.

So what is the plan now?
Here is a more inclusive map of the stairs.
Area F is the nest.

After doing a through search of that level we'll proceed to the top of the stair.

My guess is we'll stand guard (either where we camped or at the top of the stairs), taking shifts until they show up. I can't wait until they do...

So which is it landing 1, landing 2, or top of the stairs?
Same watch shifts as before?

Same watch shifts works for Alie. No opinion on where we watch from...any works for me.

Same shifts, and let's set camp where we fought the harpies and giants.

Agreed, if it's a waiting game. We'll do it there on the landing where we previously fought

Kynrac's Perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (17) + 19 = 36
1d6 ⇒ 4

A few hours after sunset, as most of the party is drifting off to sleep Kynrac hears what sounds like heavy footsteps on the plateau, A few seconds later he spots 3 giants at the top of the stairs silhouetted by a crescent moon.

OK, Lets start combat! The giants reach the second landing in about 10 min, plenty of time for all your buffs. The Landing is 75ft away with the moon providing dim illumination (20% miss chance) even for those with low-light. It is too dim to see that much detail but none of of the giants seem to be bigger than the others and none are wielding a hammer (the kings favored weapon).

OK I've updated the map a bit. The dotted line is where the roof covers the landing so you can camp under there and not be seen from the landing. Place yourself where you want. I've also placed Ravo (Black hair) & Tatho (Blond Hair) on the Map place them wherever you would like.

We're kicking things off with a Surprise round. If you don't want to trigger combat yet please make stealth checks. If no one triggers combat it will take them another 10 min's to reach you. Once combat starts they will be moving a lot faster and you think that if they just hustle down the steps they could reach you in a few rounds.

Surprise Round!
Party is up!

George stays near his compatriot with invisibility magic, downing several potions and extracts to improve his capabilities once his compatriots give the signal. His compatriots know to give him 30 seconds to maximize his combat readiness and will signal him, thusly.

Alie casts Silent Image, hoping to create an image of the deserted landing just above where the adventurers currently stand. "Hopefully they won't notice anything is off," she whispers to the others.

After raising the alarm, Kynrac waits until they're closer (about 5 minutes away) then casts an extensive number of spells to ward himself as well as his companions.

Buff list:
Fly on Kynrac (10 minutes)
Blood Money then Stoneskin on Kynrac. damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1 and 1 strength
Blood Money then Stoneskin on Boswin. damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6 and 1 strength
Blood Money then Stoneskin on Lavode. damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4 and 1 strength
Infernal healing (wand) on Kynrac
Lesser Restoration on Kynrac 1d4 ⇒ 4
Shield of Faith on Kynrac (10 minutes) +3 AC
Shield of Faith on Boswin (10 minutes) +3 AC
Invisibility (wand) (3 minutes) on Kynrac when they're about 2 minutes away.
Time Flicker revelation to blur when they're less than 1 minute away.

If I'm not mistaken the scroll of stoneskin will be used on Alie?

Sorry was travelling all day.

Boswick will wait until the giants are within range of the long bow; take a quick look around and make sure all his allies have completed there buffing and then fire a +1 GiantsBane arrow at the giant in the middle.

Assuming surprise round only allows 1 attack. If not, full round attack.

miss chance (low misses): 1d100 ⇒ 53
long bow attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 + (4, 2) = 14

He lets fly and urges Tatho to do the same.

Here's hoping 13 hits flat footed.

Not sure if Lavode has internet again yet, may still be out of pocket.

Oh, and for surprise round Kynrac casts blessing of fervor on the party.

Praying Irori fervently, Kynrac empowers his companions with moderate mastery of space and time.

Don't forget to pick one of the following bonuses each turn!
- Increase its speed by 30 feet.
- Stand up as a swift action without provoking an attack of opportunity.
- Make one extra attack as part of a full attack action, using its highest base attack bonus.
- Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves.
- Cast a single spell of 2nd level or lower as if it were an enlarged, extended, silent, or still spell.
It doesn't stack with haste! Pick a different or better bonus than those provided with haste.

Picking up +2 AC/Ref/attack

I choose the +2s

Alie did I mess up what you are trying to do with the silent image? By the time I got to the computer my brain was a bit fried. Maybe they will think harpies are attacking them.

I was just trying to get us a little more prep time with the Silent Image. If they were 10 minutes out, then I figure they were well outside longbow range. So if you wait until they get into range, I think we will be working in tandem.

Bos don't forget Bad adds +2 to attack and damage. So that is 17 to hit with BoF which still misses its flat footed AC
@Alie
What is the DC for your Illusion? Looks like it's 19 but I wasn't sure.

Bos lets an arrow fly at the center giant, striking giant in the chest but you can hear it clatter to the ground ineffectively.
Tatho follows suite with an arrow of his own.
High hits: 1d100 ⇒ 22 Just good enough!
Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 3 = 22 Hit!
Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 3 + (5, 2) = 17 Nice!

Round 1:
Bold is up
George: 24 (Surprise and full round actions)
Kynrac: 18
Bos: 14
Alie: 12
Tatho: 12
Lavode: 9 (Surprise and full round actions)
Big Bad 1: 9
Big Bad 2: 9
Giants: 8 (Center -17hp)

The Giants howl in alarm and look around desperately for their attackers.
Will 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Will 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Will 3: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Two of the giants point at the party piercing Alie's magical veil

Tatho notches another arrow and sends it flying at the center giant again.
High hits: 1d100 ⇒ 78
Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 3 + 2 = 9 We'll at least that wasn't one of your rolls
Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 3 + (6, 1) = 12

Yes, it is 19, DM.

Alie sends a fireball rocketing up at the giants, striking the injured giant and the next closest, if possible. She then moves as far back as she can go on the platform, hopefully getting out of line of sight of the giants.

Damage 8d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 1, 1, 5, 5, 3, 3) = 23

Reflex Dc 21 for half.

George prepares a bomb and lobs it when they are 100' away. Bomb Readied Action

Bomb-RTA @ Center Giant: 1d20 + 17 - 8 ⇒ (4) + 17 - 8 = 13
Damage: 4d6 + 5 ⇒ (3, 1, 1, 4) + 5 = 14

Rounds left on Alie's Mage Armor = 5896
Rounds left on Mage Armor = 5897
Rounds left on Alie's Stoneskin = 598
Rounds left on Magic Circle Against Evil = 599
Rounds left on Mirror Image = 88
Rounds left on Bless = 89
Rounds left on Shield = 60
Rounds left on Summon Monster V = 9
Rounds left on George's Greater Invisibility = 7
Rounds left on Vanish = 3
Rounds left on Haste = 10
.
After most of his preparations are made Lavode whispers, Whoever is going to start the obvious action, please give me a warning 20 seconds or so before you do (3 rounds of short duration spells).
.

-99) Mage Armor on Alie, 10 hour duration
-98) Mage Armor on self. 10 hour duration
-97) Use stone skin scroll on Alie, total 70 points damage and 70 min duration
-96) Magic Circle Against Evil on self, 100 min duration
.
-12) Mirror Image on self, images: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6, 10 min duration
-11) Bless on group (+1 morale bonus attack rolls and fear saves), 10 min duration
-10) Use Shield extract from George on self (+4 AC), 7 min duration
.
-3) Greater Invisibility on George, 10 rounds duration
-2) Vanish on self, 5 round duration
-1) Summon Monster V, summoning qty: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 hound archon, duration 10 rounds
0) Haste on group, (extra attack on full attack, +1 to attack roll and +1 dodge bonus to AC and reflex saves, and +30’ enhancement to movement speed), duration 10 rounds

Suddenly 2 humanoids with canine heads appear.
They each cast an Aid on themselves waiting for the action to start.

gain +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and save vs fear.
#1 temp hp: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
#2 temp hp: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Kynrac starts praying Irori so that he may tip the odds in their favor in this fight.

Casting prayer: +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks (range 40 feet). The giants aren't in range, which shouldn't break the invisibility. I'll include the summons as allies, of course.

Choose the +2s from BoF

Boswick fires 3 GiantBane arrows at the center giant.

Not sure where the extra +2 came from. Let me know if this is correct. +7 (+2) BAB, + 1 Masterwork, +1 arrow, +1 Bless, +2 BoF, +1 Prayer = +13/+13 (haste extra)/+8

Miss Attack 1 (low): 1d100 ⇒ 78
Attack 1: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
damage: 1d8 + 2d6 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + (4, 2) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 14

Miss Attack 2 (low): 1d100 ⇒ 80
Attack 2 (haste): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
damage: 1d8 + 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + (1, 1) + 5 = 12

Miss Attack 3 (low): 1d100 ⇒ 26
Attack 3: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
damage: 1d8 + 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + (6, 4) + 5 = 16

I put a couple of images for the Hound Archons on the map on either side of Bos. I am done with surprise and round 1.

@Alie,
The giants are close enough so you can get all 3 with your fireball.
@George
The Giants are already only 75' away so you can hit them now. I assume you're throwing at the center giant that was already injured? Do your bombs have a slash of more than 5ft? If so I'll need the DC for the reflex save since you'll get one of the other giants.
@Bos,
Bane: A bane weapon excels against certain foes. Against a designated foe, the weapon's enhancement bonus is +2 better than its actual bonus. It also deals an extra 2d6 points of damage against the foe.
Emphasis mine. The arrows are +1 already so when used against a giants they count as +3.
Reflex 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Reflex 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Reflex 3: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

The center giant is slammed with spells, arrows, and bombs and for a moment it looks as if it will topple over but it quickly regains its stance. The Three giants roar as they come thundering down the stairs. The center giant stops after about 20ft, reaching into its pouch, retrieves a large rock and sends it sailing down the stairs at bos. The Giant must be woozy from the massive ammount of damage it has taken and the rock falls hilariously short of its target.
High hits: 1d100 ⇒ 55
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

At the top of the stairs the party can see the silhouette of a massive giant with what looks like a human sitting on its shoulder.

Round 2:
Bold is up
George: 24
Kynrac: 18
Bos: 14
Alie: 12
Tatho: 12
Lavode: 9
King: 9
Queen: 9
Giants: 8
Right: 40ft from party, -23hp
Center: 60ft from party, 74hp
Left: 40ft from Party, -23hp
King: 150ft from party
Witch: 150 from party

DC 18 Reflex Save for 9 splash damage. Only a 5' radius.

Will post more actions once I pick up the SO from work.

Kynrac calls upon Irori's blessing of fervor to cast a spell silently as he steps behind Lavode. Silently and invisibly, he starts casting a spell to silence the King's witch.

Casting time is 1 round for silence, but when the spell goes off (right before Kynrac acts again), it'll be centered on the witch. Both her and the King will need to make a Will save DC 18 against this spell or be silenced. Range is 800 feet for that spell.

Alie starts the process of casting Deep Slumber, readying the spell to go off when the Giants gets closer next round.

George considers rushing in but decides to just lob another bomb at the giants from his invisible spot on the stairs. He targets the right giant. "Being so big is really a detriment..."

Bomb @ Flat-footed Touch: 1d20 + 11 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 11 + 8 - 2 = 20
Fire Damage: 4d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 6, 6, 6) + 5 = 28

3 more Giantsbane arrows, time to let them fly! Boswick exclaims as he launches the last of his giantsbane arrows toward the descending giants.

Fire 3 more arrows, start with the middle giant; once he's down shift to the right giant. Thanks for clearing up the the +2!

Choose the +2s from BoF

Miss Attack 1 (low): 1d100 ⇒ 65
Attack 1: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20
damage: 1d8 + 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + (6, 5) + 5 = 22

Miss Attack 2 (low): 1d100 ⇒ 57
Attack 2 (haste): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29
damage: 1d8 + 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + (2, 1) + 5 = 14

Miss Attack 3 (low): 1d100 ⇒ 35
Attack 3: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
damage: 1d8 + 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (8) + (2, 3) + 5 = 18

The giants are not on the map yet, so I didn't move the icons.

The Hound Archons charge the nearest foe with their greatsword!

1 attack+charge+haste+aid+prayer: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 34, if hits damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (3, 1) + 5 = 9

2 attack+charge+haste+aid+prayer: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 31, if hits damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (1, 1) + 5 = 7

Rounds left on Alie's Mage Armor = 5895
Rounds left on Mage Armor = 5896
Rounds left on Alie's Stoneskin = 597, 70 points
Rounds left on Magic Circle Against Evil = 598
Rounds left on Mirror Image = 87, 6 images
Rounds left on Bless = 88
Rounds left on Shield = 59
Rounds left on Summon Monster V = 8
Rounds left on George's Greater Invisibility = 6
Rounds left on Haste = 9

Now that he can see the truly dangerous opponents, Jasné svetlo! and he suddenly appears while a flash of brilliant sparkles envelope the 2 figures at the top of the stairs.

Extended (BoF) Persistant Glitterdust, will save DC=20 or blinded for 20 rounds, if make save then must make another save or be affected.
No longer invisible.
I know it is the good save for the witch, but it is probably not a good save for her mount. Plus 2 DC 20 will saves is still pretty tough. I will might drop them in a pit next round.

@ Lavode,
Since the Hound Archon's are medium and do not have a fly speed they can only move the 40ft up the stairs as a double move. They would provoke too.
Here are their saves on your turn:
King 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29 Pass!
King 2: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17 Fail
Witch 1: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 Fail
Witch 2: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
at the end of their turn:
King 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21 Pass!
King 2: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 Pass!
Witch 1: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12 Fail
Witch 2: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

One of Bos's arrows penetrates the center giants thinck skin and sends him crashing to the ground. While George's Bomb engulfs the right side giant in flames, leaving him in burnt, but still standing.

If the Hound Archon's :

At the top of the stairs Lavode's spells hits the King and his witch hard and your can hear their cursing echo though the ruins. They blindly stumble backwards, out of sight of the party.

Round 3:
Bold is up
George: 24
Kynrac: 18
Bos: 14
Alie: 12
Tatho: 12
Lavode: 9
King: 9
Queen: 9
Giants: 8
Right: 40ft from party, -51hp
Left: 40ft from Party, -23hp
King: Out of sight
Witch: Out of sight, Blinded

I didn't think of the fact that stairs probably count as difficult terrain so they can't charge. Though they also have a +30 from the haste. I would still have them move to keep the pressure off of Bos and Tatho.

HP Left: 38 of 51
HP Right: 45 of 51

Alie finishes her Deep Slumber spell targeting the one that was not hit by George's alchemical bomb.

DC 23 Will save to resist, if under 10 HD. If over 10 HD, then I wasted the spell.

What if it has exactly 10 hit dice?
Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Assuming the Giants are still 40 feet away. I do the following.

"Tatho as long as you are still in range back away a bit so they can't reach you quickly, BUT keep firing!"

Out of Giantsbane arrows, Boswick fires considerably less impressive normal arrows at the giant on the right.

Miss Attack 1 (low): 1d100 ⇒ 12
Attack 1: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Miss Attack 2 (low): 1d100 ⇒ 15
Attack 2 (haste): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Miss Attack 3 (low): 1d100 ⇒ 38
Attack 3: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Those rolls aren't hitting anything!

btw Deep Slumber effects 10 HD of targets

George considers moving to fight but merely chucks another bomb from invisibility.

Bomb @ Right: 1d20 + 11 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 8 - 2 = 23
Fire Damage: 4d6 + 5 ⇒ (4, 1, 2, 6) + 5 = 18

Rounds left on Alie's Mage Armor = 5894
Rounds left on Mage Armor = 5895
Rounds left on Alie's Stoneskin = 596, 70 points
Rounds left on Magic Circle Against Evil = 597
Rounds left on Mirror Image = 86, 6 images
Rounds left on Bless = 87
Rounds left on Shield = 58
Rounds left on Summon Monster V = 7
Rounds left on George's Greater Invisibility = 5
Rounds left on Haste = 8

Noticing that Bos is having difficulty targeting our foes, Jasné svetlo! and a flash of brilliant sparkles envelope the giant(s).

Extended (BoF) Glitterdust, will save DC=20 or blinded for 20 rounds, if make save still glowing to be easily seen.
If I can hit both giants I will even if it means hitting a hound archon. if not, I will hit just the giant on the left and miss both hound archons.

On of the Giants yawns and lays down on the stairs, snoring softly. The other giants is hit with in the face with another bomb. Just as it clears away the last of burning chemicals from his face Lavode's spell catches him with his eyes wide open.
Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Round 3:
Bold is up
George: 24
Kynrac: 18
Bos: 14
Alie: 12
Tatho: 12
Lavode: 9
Hound Archons: 9
King: 9
Queen: 9
Giants: 8
Right: 40ft from party, -69hp Blinded
Left: 40ft from Party, -23hp Sleeping
King: Out of sight
Witch: Out of sight, Blinded

Whoops! Forgot their actions.

Round 3.
The Hound Archons hack into the blinded giant.

Left sword first attack+haste+aid+prayer: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 11 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 25, if hits damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (1, 2) + 5 = 8
Left sword second attack+haste+aid+prayer: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 15, if hits damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (4, 3) + 5 = 12
Left bite attack+haste+aid+prayer: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 12, if hits damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Right sword first attack+haste+aid+prayer: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 11 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 19, if hits damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (1, 3) + 5 = 9
Right sword second attack+haste+aid+prayer: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 25, if hits damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (2, 5) + 5 = 12
Right bite attack+haste+aid+prayer: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 21, if hits damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

That probably takes it down.

@Kynrac
Are you going to change targets on your silence spell of just let it fizzle out? Feel free to take both rounds worth of actions since You won't effect what the King and the Witch do this round.

The Hounds land two solid blows on the remaining giant but it remains standing. Hefting its club the giant lets out a roar as it tries one last time to hit its attackers before crashing onto the ground.
High hits: 1d100 ⇒ 68
Attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15
Damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (5, 1) + 10 = 16

Round 4:
Bold is up
George: 24
Kynrac: 18 - Two rounds worth of actions
Bos: 14
Alie: 12
Tatho: 12
Lavode: 9
Hound Archons: 9
King: 9
Queen: 9
Giant: 8
Left: 40ft from Party, -23hp Sleeping
King: Out of sight
Witch: Out of sight