Rounds per Day 12/24 l 112/112hp l F +12 R +8 W +7 l AC18 Touch10 FF16 CMB +16 CMD28 l Atk +18 Dmg 2d4+10
Half-Orc CN Bloodrager10 l 93/93hp, DR2/-- l F +11 R +8 W +5 l AC20 Touch12 FF18 CMB +15 CMD27 l Perc +13 l Darkvision 60ft l Init +4 l Spd30ft l Intimidate +16
Earlier...
Shading his eyes against the rain, Kargas frowns up at the dam. "Huh. Why do you think they call it 'Skull Crossing'?"
Nodding in agreement as the others note movement on the bridge, Kargas peers at the Jotnar runes on marking the trolls' territory. "Skulltakers..."
Lore (Giants) for the Skulltakers:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Kargas is reasonably familiar with the Skulltaker trolls - a vicious tribe known for its ritual decapitation of its victims. While they used to be a serious menace in the region many years ago, in the last few decades their raids and attacks have become less frequent. It seems they may have been dying out.
Guiness leads the way up the large stone steps, awkwardly hauling himself up each 2-foot high step.
As the stairs level out, the path enters a tunnel in the cliff face. The tunnel continues a short distance before reaching a 15-foot high ledge that blocks passage deeper into the cave. While you're contemplating how to get up the ledge, a chill breeze blows through the cave and out the southern tunnel entrance. The breeze carries both the wet of the rain and the cloying stink of rotting meat...
"Using regular stones and a priest spell that shape them could help, but I don't have it ready for today. Maybe a closer inspection once the trolls are dead will allow us to find a quicker solution." Colvyn follows the group, keeping a eye out for any traps.
Guiness waits carefully while Colvyn checks for traps, then says, "Are you perhaps any good at climbing? I am not terrible, but a rope would be useful."
"Climbing? Isn't Kargas tall enough to reach that?" Colvyn smiles at the dwarf as he approach the ledge. He looks up and spot a few grip here and there to use on the way up. "Yeah, that shouldn't be too hard to climb. Give me a minute." With that, he starts climbing the wall.
CG Changeling Cleric (Herald Caller) of Pulura 5; Stargazer 7 | 68/68 HP | AC23 T14 FF20 | CMD21 | F +9 R +10 W +16 (+2 vs MA) | SR 18 | Spd 40 | Init +3 | Perc +24 | Bluff +22, Diplomacy +28, Fly +7, Geography +15, Handle Animal +11, Lore (Blood Hags) +12, Perception +25, Planes +9, Sense Motive +25, Survival +12 | Elysium's Call 9/9 | Holy Lance 2/2 | Channel 6/6 | Active Conditions: 1 Con Dmg
Astrid uses her cloak to protect her nose from the worst of the smell. "Be careful up there," she says to Colvyn, "I doubt you're in for a pretty sight."
Rounds per Day 12/24 l 112/112hp l F +12 R +8 W +7 l AC18 Touch10 FF16 CMB +16 CMD28 l Atk +18 Dmg 2d4+10
Half-Orc CN Bloodrager10 l 93/93hp, DR2/-- l F +11 R +8 W +5 l AC20 Touch12 FF18 CMB +15 CMD27 l Perc +13 l Darkvision 60ft l Init +4 l Spd30ft l Intimidate +16
Does Kellek not already have the wand? If not then of course Kargas will wind up and let him have it ;)
"Skulltakers like to chop heads off, but they've been less and less active in recent years. Dying off maybe, or maybe had a schism and part of the tribe left for better hunting grounds. Point is, they're not a major power anymore--probably weaker than the Kreegs, and we just thrashed them something fierce."
He watches Colvyn's climbing carefully, ready to fly up to assist if unexpected danger reared its head.
Colvyn easily clambers up the ledge. Up top, he finds himself in a forty-foot-high cave littered with the bodies of the dead. Half-eaten and rotting bodies of firepelt cougars, deer, ogrekin and even a few humans lie heaped around the edges of the room.
Two deep bellowing voices call out from somewhere to the northwest opening of the cave. "WE SMELL A FURRY THING.""a fresh furry thing.""A TASTY FURRY THING MAYBE?""a new meal?" "WHERE AAAAARE YOUUUUUU." Heavy slapping footfalls echo through the cave as something approaches!
N Male Human (Keleshite/Ulfen) Wizard (exploiter) 12 | hp 46/62 (max 46)| AC 14 {17}, T 13, FF 12 {15} | CMD 19 | F +6, R +8, W +12 | Spd 30' | Init +2 | KnArc +18, Kn(Dun, His, Loc, Nat, Pla, Rel) +16, Kn(Others) +11, Perc +12, SensM +12, Scrft +20 | arc reservoir 9/15 | magic missile wand 26/38 | -1 penalty to Con (2 damage) | ext mage armor, overland flight, hunter's blessing (mnt, giants)
Kargas Stormscar wrote:
"Skulltakers like to chop heads off, but they've been less and less active in recent years. Dying off maybe, or maybe had a schism and part of the tribe left for better hunting grounds. Point is, they're not a major power anymore--probably weaker than the Kreegs, and we just thrashed them something fierce."
"Your knowledge of lowlives, no matter the species, never ceases to amaze, Kargas."
GM Cellion wrote:
Colvyn easily clambers up the ledge. Up top, he finds himself in a forty-foot-high cave littered with the bodies of the dead. Half-eaten and rotting bodies of firepelt cougars, deer, ogrekin and even a few humans lie heaped around the edges of the room.
Two deep bellowing voices call out from somewhere to the northwest opening of the cave. "WE SMELL A FURRY THING.""a fresh furry thing.""A TASTY FURRY THING MAYBE?""a new meal?" "WHERE AAAAARE YOUUUUUU." Heavy slapping footfalls echo through the cave as something approaches!
"Actually he's more of a 'feathery thing'." Kellek says under his breath.
He draws out a handful of mica from his components pouch and readies to his glitterdust spell to use on the first giant he sees.
Readies glitterdust (and uses his arcane pool to increase the DC to 19).
Struggling at first, Guiness finally finds some secure footing and makes it up to the top of the ledge, stepping ahead of Colvyn protectively, his flaming hammer at the ready.
While Kellek readies his spell and Astrid blesses the group, Guiness challenges the ledge. (I assume you had your mace sheathed to do so) His first attempt leaves him unable to make much progress, but on his second he clambers up successfully. (DC15 for any further challengers)
Rounds per Day 12/24 l 112/112hp l F +12 R +8 W +7 l AC18 Touch10 FF16 CMB +16 CMD28 l Atk +18 Dmg 2d4+10
Half-Orc CN Bloodrager10 l 93/93hp, DR2/-- l F +11 R +8 W +5 l AC20 Touch12 FF18 CMB +15 CMD27 l Perc +13 l Darkvision 60ft l Init +4 l Spd30ft l Intimidate +16
As Guiness struggles his way up the ledge, Kargas smirks as his eyes flare with blue light. A crackling pair of vague wings formed of lighting erupt from the half-orc's back as he flies into the cave. Landing in the first main chamber, Kargas turns to confront the approaching giants and lets the thunderbirds' spirit-magic flow through him.
Rage, fly to my current spot, and cast Mirror Image Images:1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Now reassured that the front line was here, Colvyn moves behind Kargas and blesses his bow with holy energy. The green flames flashes to life, ready to inflict pain on their soon to be seen foe.
A two-headed giant, wearing mottled furs and wielding a pair of flails, comes lumbering around the corner. When he spots more than half a dozen Kargases in the way, one of the giant's two heads lets out a confused bellow "WHERE'S THE FURRY? WHAT'S THIS ANGRY ORC-Y DOING HERE?" while the other head takes a more mollifying tone "oh, back there, back there, with the bow. we can eat them all, we can."
The two-headed giant swings a flail, cleaving through one of Kargas' images.
The giant is too far away from the ledge for Kellek to see any giants this round.
|||| INIT ||||
Guiness
Astrid
Kargas (6 images)
Colvyn
Kellek
two headed giant
Using the wall as cover, Guiness draws his flaming hammer, Dragonfist, and approaches the giant after Kellek's spell coats it in glittering dust. Popping out from behind the wall, he finds himself adjacent to the tall creature, and he swings Dragonfist at its exposed kneecap--a time-honored tradition when Dwarves fight Giants.
Dragonfist Attack with Bless and Blooded Trait:1d20 + 13 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 13 + 1 + 1 = 28 Dragonfist Damage with Power Attack:1d8 + 1d6 + 15 ⇒ (4) + (3) + 15 = 22
@Kellek: don't forget you have a 15-ft high wall in front of you. You can currently see some of the ceiling to the west, but not the battle in progress.
Rounds per Day 12/24 l 112/112hp l F +12 R +8 W +7 l AC18 Touch10 FF16 CMB +16 CMD28 l Atk +18 Dmg 2d4+10
Half-Orc CN Bloodrager10 l 93/93hp, DR2/-- l F +11 R +8 W +5 l AC20 Touch12 FF18 CMB +15 CMD27 l Perc +13 l Darkvision 60ft l Init +4 l Spd30ft l Intimidate +16
"Ettin," Kargas declares flatly when the two-headed giant shatters one of his images. Stepping up next to Guiness, the confusing tangle of half a dozen Kargases all raise their blades to strike!
CG Changeling Cleric (Herald Caller) of Pulura 5; Stargazer 7 | 68/68 HP | AC23 T14 FF20 | CMD21 | F +9 R +10 W +16 (+2 vs MA) | SR 18 | Spd 40 | Init +3 | Perc +24 | Bluff +22, Diplomacy +28, Fly +7, Geography +15, Handle Animal +11, Lore (Blood Hags) +12, Perception +25, Planes +9, Sense Motive +25, Survival +12 | Elysium's Call 9/9 | Holy Lance 2/2 | Channel 6/6 | Active Conditions: 1 Con Dmg
Seeing the wizard moving back and forth, clearly looking for a better vantage point, Astrid clears her throat to get his attention. "Kellek, would you like help getting up there?"
If he does!:
Astrid nods, backing up to where she herself can get a clearer view of the top of the ledge. Then she turns to Kellek, concentrates for a moment, and suddenly he is simply someplace else. The top of the ledge, specifically.
I will use my heaven's leap hex to teleport Kellek to the top of the ledge. You can pick which square you land in, though I expect I only have a clear line of sight to the easternmost two.
A flurry of smashes and slashes from Guiness and Kargas slice deep furrows into the ettin's flesh while cracking a kneecap. The ettin howls in pain - two voices in harshly clashing chorus - but is swiftly silenced when a trio of arrows skewer it. As the two melee fighters step back, it tumbles forward with a gurgle.
Combat Over!
With the ettin down, you're able to advance further into the cavern. In a large nook to the east, you find the ettin's living quarters. Piles of furs and a few bone-wicker sculptures take up most of the space, but your eyes are drawn to a massive collection of skulls all the way in the back. Most seem to come from animals and medium humanoids. Among the skulls are various other treasures as well!
Loot:
On the ettin:
2x flails, 6x javelins, all large
1x large leather armor
In the treasure pile:
nine hundred and twenty nine skulls
693 gp, 1240 sp
a velvet pouch containing six large pearls, each worth 100 gp
a ??? silver pendant
an ivory scroll tube inset with strips of jade (worth 300 gp due to its art value)
which contains: a scroll of cone of cold, a scroll of hold monster, and a scroll of telekinesis
With the ettin down, Guiness helps with the searching. Handing the scroll tube to Kellek, he asks, "Is there anything magical here worth identifying before we continue?"
Rounds per Day 12/24 l 112/112hp l F +12 R +8 W +7 l AC18 Touch10 FF16 CMB +16 CMD28 l Atk +18 Dmg 2d4+10
Half-Orc CN Bloodrager10 l 93/93hp, DR2/-- l F +11 R +8 W +5 l AC20 Touch12 FF18 CMB +15 CMD27 l Perc +13 l Darkvision 60ft l Init +4 l Spd30ft l Intimidate +16
"Doubt it. A single ettin, up here in Skulltaker territory? Maybe a lookout, or a mercenary for the trolls or ogres. We may have wandered into a fight between two giantkin tribes." Kargas finishes wiping the blood from his falchion and moves deeper into the caves, hoping it comes out next to the dam.
CG Changeling Cleric (Herald Caller) of Pulura 5; Stargazer 7 | 68/68 HP | AC23 T14 FF20 | CMD21 | F +9 R +10 W +16 (+2 vs MA) | SR 18 | Spd 40 | Init +3 | Perc +24 | Bluff +22, Diplomacy +28, Fly +7, Geography +15, Handle Animal +11, Lore (Blood Hags) +12, Perception +25, Planes +9, Sense Motive +25, Survival +12 | Elysium's Call 9/9 | Holy Lance 2/2 | Channel 6/6 | Active Conditions: 1 Con Dmg
"Boys," Astrid calls up from down below, "before you continue on, may I have a hand? Or at least a rope?"
Once she's at the top of the ledge, Astrid takes note of the cave's contents and the bloody mess that was the ettin. "I can see I had nothing to worry about, well done."
Kargas leads the way deeper in, clambering up another ledge as he does. Once up higher, the air grows both fresher and wetter. Spray from the storm outside whips into his face. He looks ahead and can see the tunnel open up onto the dam's upper walk. Once he rounds the corner, he's able to take the full view in.
The upper walk of Skull’s Crossing is relatively clear of rubble, though a three-inch layer of water has pooled across much of its surface. Here and there, sections of the dam’s surface have crumbled away, although this damage appears relatively old. A tower of skull-shaped domes sits at the center of the dam’s walk. To the north surge the choppy waters of the Storval Deep, while to the south, the slope of the dam’s face drops away nearly three hundred feet to a muddy lake below.
The storm whips icy rain into Kargas' face. Despite the bad conditions though, he can make out several dark shapes clustered in the lee of the domed skull building at the center of the dam. From their size, they're probably large creatures.
Rounds per Day 12/24 l 112/112hp l F +12 R +8 W +7 l AC18 Touch10 FF16 CMB +16 CMD28 l Atk +18 Dmg 2d4+10
Half-Orc CN Bloodrager10 l 93/93hp, DR2/-- l F +11 R +8 W +5 l AC20 Touch12 FF18 CMB +15 CMD27 l Perc +13 l Darkvision 60ft l Init +4 l Spd30ft l Intimidate +16
"More of them out on the dam. Not sure they've noticed us." Kargas says calmly, ignoring the icy spray. "Say the word when you're ready, the mirror images won't last forever."
Quickly scooping the useful treasure away (and leaving the nine hundred and thirty one skulls behind), Guiness nods at Kargas and says, "Right, let's engage them while your spell is active, shall we?" as he moves towards the crest of the dam.
OK, I'll take that as two people agreeing on a path of action, so...
GM Screen:
3d20 ⇒ (13, 20, 17) = 50
With no more ettin to attack you, you're able to take your time helping everyone climb up both ledges within the cave. You regroup at the northern mouth of the cave after a minute or two. Once you're all together, you're able to rush for the figures out in the rain.
You rush out, splashing through the ankle-height water atop the dam. The rain, mist and cracking of thunder cover your approach and you get surprisingly close before any of the ogres even notice you. You fall upon them with a fury.
The ogres are wielding pickaxes, but appear extremely weary. They put up very little fight against Kargas and Guiness and you dispatch them in short order!
No need to play out a fight against four exhausted CR2 ogres :)
-----
Once the ogres are down, you can see that they were standing close to the large building in the center of the dam in order to shield themselves from the endless downpour. The structure itself looks like a collection of massive domes shaped like skulls, each skull at least forty feet tall. Two sets of double doors are set into the western face of the building (the side you're on). Additionally, the "skull dome" that faces the western walk has open windows about fifteen feet off the ground, corresponding to the eye sockets of the skull. (Marked in yellow on the map. Also, map updated)
Nodding to Astrid, Guiness says, "Of course, let us see what may be found inside." The dwarf moves up to the door on his left, examining it with a critical eye for anything untoward, then opening it up if it seems untrapped.
Guiness doesn't see any traps on the doors, but when he tries them, he finds that they don't yield to being pushed or pulled. They do have a little give, suggesting that they might be barred from the inside. The other set of doors to the south similarly seem barred. They could probably be smashed open with enough force, though the results would likely be loud enough to be heard over the storm for any creatures inside.
"The door appears to be barred from the other side. I could break it down, perhaps, but it would make quite a bit of noise," says Guiness. Looking to Kellek, he asks, "Perhaps you have a more subtle method of entry?"
Rounds per Day 12/24 l 112/112hp l F +12 R +8 W +7 l AC18 Touch10 FF16 CMB +16 CMD28 l Atk +18 Dmg 2d4+10
Half-Orc CN Bloodrager10 l 93/93hp, DR2/-- l F +11 R +8 W +5 l AC20 Touch12 FF18 CMB +15 CMD27 l Perc +13 l Darkvision 60ft l Init +4 l Spd30ft l Intimidate +16
Kargas shrugs and draws the adamantine longsword. "S'fine, I got a key."Assuming we could shear through the bar.
N Male Human (Keleshite/Ulfen) Wizard (exploiter) 12 | hp 46/62 (max 46)| AC 14 {17}, T 13, FF 12 {15} | CMD 19 | F +6, R +8, W +12 | Spd 30' | Init +2 | KnArc +18, Kn(Dun, His, Loc, Nat, Pla, Rel) +16, Kn(Others) +11, Perc +12, SensM +12, Scrft +20 | arc reservoir 9/15 | magic missile wand 26/38 | -1 penalty to Con (2 damage) | ext mage armor, overland flight, hunter's blessing (mnt, giants)
Brother_Guiness wrote:
"The door appears to be barred from the other side. I could break it down, perhaps, but it would make quite a bit of noise," says Guiness. Looking to Kellek, he asks, "Perhaps you have a more subtle method of entry?"
Kellek looks up from the seven-pointed amulet he was inspecting. "Hm? A fireball, perhaps? Guiness, I am a wizard, not a footpad. Now about this trinket...."
Kellek takes 10 for 30 on a spellcraft check after looking it over once more with detect magic. I thought we'd done this one before.
Kargas Stormscar wrote:
Kargas shrugs and draws the adamantine longsword. "S'fine, I got a key."Assuming we could shear through the bar.
To be fair, Kellek would have done the same. I'll need to get him an adamantine knife at some point.
Kellek identifies the pendant you lifted out of the ettin's hoard as a phylactery of positive channeling.
Colvyn notes that despite the poor conditions outside, the eye-windows of the building don't look too hard to climb up to. The rough stone of the building provides plenty of handholds. (DC15) He slips inside the window and drops down into the room beyond.
The walls of this room are thick with green ropy fungus that hangs down over the walls and frames the eye-socket windows almost like curtains. Several large nests made of flotsam and other debris cover the floor. It seems like this room was once a den or lair of multiple creatures a while ago, but there's no sign of life here now.
Kargas judges that he could probably cut through the blockage barring the doors with ease with his adamantine blade. (North or south doors? Or you can join Colvyn inside via the windows)
Rounds per Day 12/24 l 112/112hp l F +12 R +8 W +7 l AC18 Touch10 FF16 CMB +16 CMD28 l Atk +18 Dmg 2d4+10
Half-Orc CN Bloodrager10 l 93/93hp, DR2/-- l F +11 R +8 W +5 l AC20 Touch12 FF18 CMB +15 CMD27 l Perc +13 l Darkvision 60ft l Init +4 l Spd30ft l Intimidate +16
Stepping up next to Guiness at the north doors, Kargas jams the blade through and saws upwards, aiming to shear through any beams barring it shut.
N Male Human (Keleshite/Ulfen) Wizard (exploiter) 12 | hp 46/62 (max 46)| AC 14 {17}, T 13, FF 12 {15} | CMD 19 | F +6, R +8, W +12 | Spd 30' | Init +2 | KnArc +18, Kn(Dun, His, Loc, Nat, Pla, Rel) +16, Kn(Others) +11, Perc +12, SensM +12, Scrft +20 | arc reservoir 9/15 | magic missile wand 26/38 | -1 penalty to Con (2 damage) | ext mage armor, overland flight, hunter's blessing (mnt, giants)
GM Cellion wrote:
Kellek identifies the pendant you lifted out of the ettin's hoard as a phylactery of positive channeling.
Kellek stows the item in his wooden backpack unless some wants to claim it. Religion isn't really his thing.
GM Cellion wrote:
Kargas judges that he could probably cut through the blockage barring the doors with ease with his adamantine blade. (North or south doors? Or you can join Colvyn inside via the windows)
Colvyn moves toward the double doors and tries to hear if there is any noise coming from the other side. If not, then he start inspecting it for traps. Once clear of danger, he opens the door just enough to see on the other side.
As Kargas slices through the wood barring the door closed, Colvyn listens quietly for any noise on the other side. Here, slightly insulated from the powerful storm outside, he's just barely able to make out the growls and grumbles of some creatures within. He's able to relay this to the party. Furthermore, he doesn't spot any traps on the door and quietly inches it open.
Meanwhile, Kargas finishes cutting through and kicks the doors open.
Piles of rubble dominate this large room, along with bits of flesh, broken weapons, splashes of blood, and a few dead ogres that have been torn limb from limb. Wind and rain howl through circular openings to the north that look out over the Storval Deep, and puddles of water have collected on the floor. Thick sheets of ropy green fungus grow along the walls here, winding in through the windows and through numerous cracks in the domed ceiling thirty feet above; behind the fungal vines, the walls are decorated with hundreds of skull-shaped carvings.
Four trolls stand at the ready here around the edges of the room. Clearly they were hoping to ambush you, but Colvyn's warning leaves the group unsurprised.
----
Striding forward into the room, Guiness engages the northern troll, saying in Giant, "Ah, the Skullgiver Clan, I presume?" as Dragonfist arcs towards the creatures left hip.
