Grigorii retrieves a piece of chalk from his haversack and offers it to Tink, "I'm making mental notes of the way out, but maybe you should mark the passages as well. Just in case."
You descend, deeper and deeper into the mine, marking off passages with chalked-in beaks pointing your direction. Unlike other mines that some of you have been in, this one does have consistently large passages. None of you have to stoop or squeeze as you travel.
Then Tink Tink hears it. From the distance he can hear the unmistakeable sounds of pounding, construction and rock walls being grinded smooth. Once he points this out, the rest of you start to hear it too. It’s LOUD and echoes unpleasantly through the twisting passages of the mine.
Despite the sheer volume of the noise, there’s a muffled quality to it as well, as if there was at least one closed door between you and the noises. So you follow it. Soon other noises become apparent. Multiple deep voices shouting at each other in a low guttural language -- though you cannot make out the words yet over the sounds of grinding rock. The noise of construction continues, getting louder and louder until you finally approach a set of closed doors.
A faint crack of light spills out from between the doors, and the doors appear to be unlocked. The pounding, grinding and shouting continues. You're so close now you can feel the grating noises reverberate along your bones. How do you proceed?
"Ok, guys, let's line up and get ready. I am pretty sure that Vendel 'isn't that kind of rogue, you know what I mean', so perhaps checking for traps won't help. I'll throw up a shield spell on myself, and then drop my wand. Anyone else that can activate it can use it if they'd like. If someone, Grigori maybe, wants to open the door, I'll push block it. I've been told I am pretty well unkillable... that huge black dragon I fought and killed over Absalom would agree!
"Does that sound like a plan? We gonna assume hostiles, or do we wanna talk?" asks Magnus, obviously fine with either choice.
Male Tengu Rogue (Okeno Liberator) 4/Unchained Monk 7 hp 77/77 | AC 29 (40 buffed) | FF 19 (30 buffed) | T 29 | CMD 39 (43 vs. Trip 41 vs. Reposition) | Fort +12 | Ref +23 | Will +14 (+2 vs. Enchantment)| Init +12 | Perception +26 | Sense Motive +19 | Movement 50ft
Tracked Resources:
Wand of Mage Armor 26/50, Wand of Cure Light Wounds 34/50, Wand of Shield 34/50, Stunning Fist 8/8, Ki Pool 7/8
Umm, Vendel may not be that kind of rogue, but I know a thing or two about locks. Oh in situations like this I always assume hostile, better to be pleasantly surprised when you're wrong.
Assuming everyone's okay with it, Tink will try and pick the lock (on the assumption the construction noise will be far louder than his lock picking, otherwise he'll try and stealthily do it)
Disable:1d20 + 26 ⇒ (8) + 26 = 34
Before they enter Tink will also shield himself (though with his own wand)
UMD, shield:1d20 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 21
Current AC matches all the buffed totals
If you want the front feel free, no feathers off my back
Grigorii scowls, "The minotaurs have captured centaur warriors instead of giving them the blessing of a clean death. They know no honor, and I am not inclined to let them live."
Grigorii casts good hope on the party and then moves to open the door, pausing only briefly to assure Pai and Masu are prepared.
Good Hope: +2 morale attack, damage, skills, saves, and ability checks (including Initiative!)
Illusionist Wizard 11; AC 14, 18 with Mage Armor; HP 21/81 (+ 0 temp HP); F+12, R +11, W+13; Init+7, Perception +12 +1 on saves vs, Transmutations | +2 on saves vs. Illusions
Pai uses her fifth level wand of Shield, giving her protection for five minutes before the group runs into a certain trap.
[Slide Four -- Place Yourselves as you go in the Door]
The door opens into a long, wide hallway terminating at a double door [off screen] carved from rough black stone behind a pair of thrones. Torches mounted on the walls cast flickering light throughout the room. Five-foot-thick basalt columns run down the center of the passage, supporting the ceiling and replacing the aged timber sets present in the rest of the mine. Several such pillars lie in pieces on the floor, yet to be assembled.
A large rock troll is lifting columns in place while several minotaurs polish the rough walls smooth. Three shackled and badly beaten centaurs are piling rubble against one wall. The green minotaur shouts something and shoved one of the centaurs against the wall just as you enter. The centaur yelps, but stoically does not shout out against the pain.
Then the minotaurs look up as you enter and roar at you. "Ifbaxay! Hilibka inay wax cunaan!"
Magnus doesn't wait for the others and just charges in at the a!!~&@! picking on the chained centaur. "For TALDOR!" he hells, as he swings at the minotaur.
Charge w/ falchion, PA, Good Hope:1d20 + 21 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 21 + 2 - 3 = 40 confirm:1d20 + 21 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (15) + 21 + 2 - 3 = 35 crit damage (assuming a 35 hits):4d4 + 40 ⇒ (4, 3, 2, 2) + 40 = 51
That'll get his attention AC only 28 for this round
Magnus, protector of those who cannot protect themselves, charges in with a mighty blow, not only getting the minotaur's attention, but also cutting a wicked swath against the giant's chest.
Green looks up from the cut and shouts to the others, "Ha, taas miciyo hilib!" He bares his teeth. "Dagaalka wanaagsan!"
Giant or Tink Tink:
"Ha, this meat stings! Good fight!"
ORDER: Vendel, Masafusa, Tink Tink, Magnus, Pai, Korg the troll, Green (-51), Blue, Red, Purple Black Minotaurs, Grigorii
As a prep I would like to have someone pull the Mage Armor wand from my pouch and cast it.
The tiny mesmerist runs into the room, sticking to the wall to reduce his exposure. He stares at green (-3 Will, -3 Damage) then concentrates and casts a spell at Red and the troll, causing a blast of gold glitter.
Glitterdust - DC 18.
If Green takes damage from any source, I will add 4 to it via Painful Stare.
Illusionist Wizard 11; AC 14, 18 with Mage Armor; HP 21/81 (+ 0 temp HP); F+12, R +11, W+13; Init+7, Perception +12 +1 on saves vs, Transmutations | +2 on saves vs. Illusions
Pai moved just north of the fox. She again activated her Invisibility field power, granting her the effect of Greater Invisibility. Round 4 of 9.
Pai goes invisible. Tink Tink pummels and sneak attacks the red minotaur!
"Ax!" The red minotaur replies to Tink Tink. "Maxaa diidaya? Dadka waa dhadhan." Then he glances at the centaurs. "In kastoo aan wax ma cuni karo fardaha ilaa shaqadayada la sameeyo."
Giant or Tink Tink:
"Ouch! Why not? People are tasty. Though we can't eat the horsie guys until our work is done."
ORDER: Vendel, Masafusa, Tink Tink, Magnus, Pai, Korg the troll, Green (-54), Blue, Red (-46), Purple Black Minotaurs, Grigorii
Illusionist Wizard 11; AC 14, 18 with Mage Armor; HP 21/81 (+ 0 temp HP); F+12, R +11, W+13; Init+7, Perception +12 +1 on saves vs, Transmutations | +2 on saves vs. Illusions
Pai grabs her Persistent rod and starts to snicker as she casts a spell. A nasty cloud reeking to high heaven spreads over the three southernmost enemies and two of the centaurs as well. Ill apologize to the centaurs later, she thinks.
2 DC 19 Fortitude saves per enemy and centaur to avoid being nauseated.
The two centaurs are fine. Blue says to Green, "Waan idiin sheegay in aan la cuni harpy in. Laakiin ma, waxaad u lahaa in ay u samayn, oo hadda aad dhigay in qudhunkii qolka oo dhan!"
Giant or Tink Tink:
I told you not to eat that harpy. But no, you had to do it, and now you've made the whole room stink!
ORDER: Vendel, Masafusa, Tink Tink, Magnus, Pai, Korg the troll (blind), Green (-54, Nauseated, Powerful Stare), Blue (Nauseated), Red (-46), Purple, Black Minotaurs, Grigorii
Male Tengu Rogue (Okeno Liberator) 4/Unchained Monk 7 hp 77/77 | AC 29 (40 buffed) | FF 19 (30 buffed) | T 29 | CMD 39 (43 vs. Trip 41 vs. Reposition) | Fort +12 | Ref +23 | Will +14 (+2 vs. Enchantment)| Init +12 | Perception +26 | Sense Motive +19 | Movement 50ft
Tracked Resources:
Wand of Mage Armor 26/50, Wand of Cure Light Wounds 34/50, Wand of Shield 34/50, Stunning Fist 8/8, Ki Pool 7/8
Tink is looking to get to the rock troll but the minotaur is in his way so he'll start his attack versus the minotaur.
Attack 1:1d20 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 26DMG:2d6 + 16 ⇒ (4, 3) + 16 = 23 Trip Attempt after First hit:1d20 + 23 ⇒ (5) + 23 = 28 Assuming the trip works, Vendel also gets an AoO AoO if Trip Successful:1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 23DMG:2d6 + 16 ⇒ (2, 6) + 16 = 24 If the Minotaur goes down due to the AoOs or actually any of Tink's attacks, he'll flying kick over to the Troll
Illusionist Wizard 11; AC 14, 18 with Mage Armor; HP 21/81 (+ 0 temp HP); F+12, R +11, W+13; Init+7, Perception +12 +1 on saves vs, Transmutations | +2 on saves vs. Illusions
Well, heck, I forgot to put the name of the spell in the post! Yes, I am casting Stinking Cloud. That ought to muck things up for the baddies.
Male Tengu Rogue (Okeno Liberator) 4/Unchained Monk 7 hp 77/77 | AC 29 (40 buffed) | FF 19 (30 buffed) | T 29 | CMD 39 (43 vs. Trip 41 vs. Reposition) | Fort +12 | Ref +23 | Will +14 (+2 vs. Enchantment)| Init +12 | Perception +26 | Sense Motive +19 | Movement 50ft
Tracked Resources:
Wand of Mage Armor 26/50, Wand of Cure Light Wounds 34/50, Wand of Shield 34/50, Stunning Fist 8/8, Ki Pool 7/8
Stinking cloud is a 20 ft radius, it's definitely placeable so as not to get any of us, though I don't see a way all 3 centaurs aren't making the save, and probably the purple minotaur as well.
Illusionist Wizard 11; AC 14, 18 with Mage Armor; HP 21/81 (+ 0 temp HP); F+12, R +11, W+13; Init+7, Perception +12 +1 on saves vs, Transmutations | +2 on saves vs. Illusions
Perfect placement! And remember, Hmm, I used my Persistant rod on the spell, so they have to save twice. Even the poor centaurs.
Grigorii moves into the room and begins his inspired rage song.
"Stay close, Pai. I can't see how far you are."
I GM one game and everything happens without me!
Bonuses:
Good Hope: +2 morale attack, damage, saves, skills, ability checks
optional each round
+4 morale Str/Con
+3 morale Will
-1 AC
20% concealment vs. reach, ranged
Spirit Slam +12 (1d4+4)
Hostile:
Style - t. swift
Mid fight, you come and pick one off
Don’t think twice
This fight, could end in burning flames, my paradise
Flanking with you, it's been awhile since I have had a better view
I should just tell you to cleave cause I
Know exactly where to be but I
Watch us go round and round this guy
You got that mad gleam, raging look in your eye
And I got that big, ripped, classic thing that you like
And when we go crashing in, we come back every time.
Cause rage always makes us hostile
Rage always makes us hostile
I don't think he gets the AoO anymore since the Red Minotaur went down and he's no longer adjacent to any of them?
Accepts Rage Song
If AoO still:
Attack of Opportunity on Prone Minotaur (good hope):1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 17 + 2 = 28 Damage:1d4 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
Save vs Giant Wasp Poison: DC 18 Fortitude
Dex Damage:1d2 ⇒ 1
Activates Piranha Strike
Vendel 5-foot steps into the stinking cloud, holding his breath.
If Fort Save still Required:
Fortitude Save:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32
34 of 36 Rounds of Breath left
Vendel sneak attacks Black while flanking with Magnus, "Thanks for helping my precision Magnus! Know what I mean?!" And Vendel winks, knowingly at Magnus.
Male Tengu Rogue (Okeno Liberator) 4/Unchained Monk 7 hp 77/77 | AC 29 (40 buffed) | FF 19 (30 buffed) | T 29 | CMD 39 (43 vs. Trip 41 vs. Reposition) | Fort +12 | Ref +23 | Will +14 (+2 vs. Enchantment)| Init +12 | Perception +26 | Sense Motive +19 | Movement 50ft
Tracked Resources:
Wand of Mage Armor 26/50, Wand of Cure Light Wounds 34/50, Wand of Shield 34/50, Stunning Fist 8/8, Ki Pool 7/8
It's the greater trip that would have given the AoO, which technically resolves at the same time as mine, both would hit and put him down together, then Tink jumped away to attack the troll. Really the whole build was an experiment in mixing a bunch of stuff together to see if it could work with the goal of using Pummeling Bully, but never Pummeling charge
Illusionist Wizard 11; AC 14, 18 with Mage Armor; HP 21/81 (+ 0 temp HP); F+12, R +11, W+13; Init+7, Perception +12 +1 on saves vs, Transmutations | +2 on saves vs. Illusions
Pai delays as it seems like her plan worked out well. She makes a note to buy a gift for the centaurs when all his was over. "Sorry, Magnus. I'll apologize to them in a few minutes!"
ORDER: Vendel, Masafusa, Tink Tink, Magnus, Pai, Korg the troll (blind -55), Green (dead), Blue (Nauseated), Red (dead), Purple (nauseated), Black (dead) Minotaurs, Grigorii
Magnus moves up to the troll, since that's the only enemy he can currently see. He says, "Trolls are bad... FOR TALDOR!!!" and takes a massive swing at the green, rubbery giant. Though the blow was, perhaps, hastily delivered, it cuts hard into the giant.
+3 adamantine falchion, rage, PA:1d20 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 20 = 29damage:2d4 + 23 ⇒ (3, 1) + 23 = 27
"TROLLS HARD TO KILL! HOW MAKE THEM NOT COME BACK?!?" he screams, while the inner Magnus wonders what the cost to his soul will be for accepting the rage from Grigorii.
Menacing: When the wielder is adjacent to a creature that is being flanked by an ally, the flanking bonus on attack rolls for all flanking allies increases by +2.
Good Hope: +2 morale attack, damage, saves, skills, ability checks
optional each round:
+4 morale Str/Con
+3 morale Will
-1 AC
20% concealment vs. reach, ranged
Spirit Slam +12 (1d4+4)
fast healing 4
Hostile(cont'd):
You got that long sword, held back, armored suit.
And I got that readied spell and a self-playing lute,
And when we go crashing in, we come back every time.
Cause rage never goes out of style
Rage never goes out of style.
So it goes
He can't keep his wild eyes off the foe
Watch the gnome
Bets are off, she's going for the throat
I say I heard that you been out and about on some other world
Some other world
He says, what you've heard it's true but I
Can't stop thinking about you and I
I said I've been there too a few times
You got that mad gleam, raging look in your eye
And I got that big, ripped, classic thing that you like
And when we go crashing in, we come back every time.
Cause rage always makes us hostile
Rage always makes us hostile
You got that long sword, held back, armored suit.
And I got that readied spell and a tight little lute,
And when we go crashing in, we come back every time.
Cause rage never goes out of style
Rage never goes out of style.
Vendel shouts, "I got this, know what I mean!" And burrows 10-feet under the column and tries to be stealthy as he puts his hands and face above ground and produces a burning hands effect.
Burning Hands:
Spell Like Ability - Burning Hands, DC 10 Reflex half for 5d4 fire damage.
Watch out you might get what you're after
These centaurs strange but not a stranger
We’re just ordinary guys
Burning down the troll
Fight, don’t wait till the party's over
Fight, with acid or fire together
There has got to be a way
Burning down the troll
Here's our ticket pack this bag
Time for kickin' minotaurs
The moment of revelation here
Close enough but not too far,
Maybe you know where you are
Fightin' fire with fire
In other words... Grigorii tells you all that you need acid or fire to kill the troll...
Magnus attacks the troll and hits! Grigorii demoralizes the troll. Tink trips the troll and does absurd amounts of damage and then Vendel sets the remaining pieces of troll on fire.
You now have an ex-troll and two live, cowering, nauseated minotaurs!
Masa and Pai are up, if they want to be...
ORDER: Vendel, Masafusa, Tink Tink, Magnus, Pai, Korg the troll (dead), Green (dead), Blue (Nauseated), Red (dead), Purple (nauseated), Black (dead) Minotaurs, Grigorii
Illusionist Wizard 11; AC 14, 18 with Mage Armor; HP 21/81 (+ 0 temp HP); F+12, R +11, W+13; Init+7, Perception +12 +1 on saves vs, Transmutations | +2 on saves vs. Illusions
"This battle is over, boys. See if the minotaurs will surrender, and we can...um, go save the centaurs again, know what I mean? Now you've got me doing it, Vendel!". Pai becomes visible, saving a bit of her Invisibiltiy for the rest of the day.
