Rise of the Runelords

Game Master Upaynao

The team splits to come at the two hallways from each direction with Kiera left behind in an attempt to coordinate between the two parties. Much to the surprise of dwarf and human, the two passages come out in different parts of the same room. The sound of sloshing water fills this room, which has nearly collapsed entirely into a large tide pool. What few walls do remain intact here bear detailed and impressive carvings of incredible treasuries filled to overflowing with coins, gems, jewelry, and other items of value. To the east, the walls depict a carving of a towering mountain, its peak carved in the shape of a stern face just above a great palace. Below, the side of the mountain’s valley cradles an immense city of spires. In the pool, the remains of what must have once been an incredible treasury lie in the sloshing waters. Shattered urns, crumbled stone chests, rusted bits of once beautiful armor and weapons, and other long-ruined treasures from an ancient past lie below. Most impressive of them all is a large, coral-encrusted helmet sized for a giant; the helm measures nearly five feet across, and its full-face guard bears an expression of twisted rage and fangs. The helm itself appears to be made of gold.

The book does not specify, but from the description, I am going to say that the floor of the tunnels is 5 ft up from the floor of the cavern. Not far enough to fall and seriously get hurt, but difficult enough that getting into a blue square will require navigating an obstacle Two squares of movement to get down to the water, then difficult terrain while in the tidal pool.

"So, I am not swimming down into the water pit, but I would love to have that gold," Volkar said as he looked into the pit. He turned back to the carvings and scaned them again. "Mistress Kiera, I think we have to have you look at these carvings. I think we are in one of your very ancient buildings."

I don't think that anyone can make the DC, but just in case, it is DC 30 K. History to make anything from the murals.
I have also made some adjustments to the map. In addition to adding squares to the water, I have blacked out a square. The rest of the water looks to be a couple of feet deep based upon the items you can see poking above, and looking through the water at the detritus below. The black square has no visible bottom and water surges in and out through this tidal channel.

Edit: Kiera CAN make the roll.. but just barely. We will see what she has to say. Lets see what her roll is and we will go from there.

"As tempting as that may be, Volkar, I have no earthly idea how we would get something that size out of pool, let along back to Sandpoint or Magnimar."

Back from camping.

"Just so everyone knows," Kiera mentions, "I've exhausted my magic in dealing with Nualia. I have only my petty cantrips available... and of course the shocking wand."

She moves over toward the carvings and purses her lips. "Give me a second... I have something for this." She fumbles through her bag and then unfurls a scroll and reads it off, chanting in a droning voice as the scroll turns to dust.

Casting heightened awareness from a scroll.

"Andrezi, any chance you can give me a bit of divine guidance?"

She starts to look over the obscure carvings.

Knowledge (history) w/heightened awareness: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

If I get +1 from guidance from Andrezi, that puts me at 30 exactly.

EDIT: Guidance and heightened awareness are both competence bonuses, which means they don't stack. Unless I can get a +1 from somewhere else, I miss it by 1.

I will grant a bonus from the research and investigations yall did after exploring the catacombs and talking with the priests that were investigating after your exploration.

And for the others: The giant sized golden helmet is not the only gold to be seen scattered across the floor

Kiera I moved you up behind Volkar

Also back from camping.

I look around the room and at the water lapping at the edge of the doorway. I turn to Andrezi, "Looks like we're going to get wet." I step into the water, and look around the room more carefully.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Kiera studies the carvings intently for what seems to be quite some time. Several times she squints, shifts on her feet, or pauses and peers closely at something.

Finally, she says, "I um... I think this might be a depiction of one of the Runelord cities? Xin... Xin... Xin Shalast. I think that's it. It was some kind of legend or faerie tale. Supposedly it was all made of gold and gems. I guess maybe that's why the gold pillar and helm and stuff scattered around? This is... some kind of repository for a legendary 'city of gold' from stories in the past?"

Hearing Kiera's explanation for all of the symbols I look to her, "If it's a legendary city ... does that mean it'll have traps? If so I don't really want to touch this stuff in case it is connected in some way "

"Xin Shalast? City of gold? Well, I suppose that explains some of the things we've seen here. Still doesn't explain how Nualia and a bunch of goblins had chosen this place as their base of operations. Just luck I suppose." Andrezi muses, following Daelric.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

"Traps are certainly a possibility - Xin Shalast was some kind of, uh, magical treasury, I suppose? If you kept all your gold in one place of course you'd put traps and wards on it," says Kiera. "I think Nualia and the goblins just got lucky. This statue is near the woods where the goblins live, so expanding into the ruins was a natural step."

"We have found some gold, but I wouldn't call this a treasury, or at least if it is, then dwarves have a very, very different meaning to that term." Volkar looked about for gold coins to get a sense of the type of treasure associated with this part of the tower.

"Obviously this place isn't Xin Shalast, but someone was... making an allusion to it? Kind of lucky that anything is left, after all the years since this place fell into ruin."

Just as Volkar decides to peer around the room before him, the helmet suddenly turns and massive pincers and legs unfold into view. Giant crab claws wave forward and chitin rubs and scratches as the legs untangle and find purchase upon the sand!

"Bold May Post
Daelric
Kiera
Crab
Volkar
Andrezi
Orik

I see the helmet crab and walk towards it, as I pass Andrezi I whisper, "I'll block it in, you shot it from range." With that I get in front of the creature, raise my shield has bring my axe down upon it.

Dwarven War-Axe Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Dwarven War-Axe Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Kiera responds immediately, having already been suspicious about the unguarded area, and launches her magical returning dagger at the beast with a flick of her wrist.

Thrown returning dagger, into melee, past cover: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (2) - 4 = -2

Daelric: I adjusted your movement. Between the obstacle of climbing down (10' of movement) and the difficult terrain (two squares cost per square of movement), you were able to enter the water and move forward one square.

Daelric climbs down into the surf before sloshing his way towards the giant crab that has taken residence inside of the helmet. He brings his ax down hard, but the unsure footing turns the ax head and it just clangs against the golden helmet instead. Kiera then tosses her magical dagger into the waves to shatter a cracked vase, which spills out golden coins.

The crab lashes out with one heavy pincer and grasps Daelric around the middle, trying to crush the stalwart dwarf!

Claw 1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
CMB: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27

Dmg: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Oric lets fly an arrow, but it too is turned away by shining gold.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

"Bold May Post
Daelric- 11 dmg, Grappled
Kiera
Crab
Volkar
Andrezi
Orik

Not that grappled bothers me much, but doesn't the creature have to hit first to be able to grapple me with the free grapple attempt with attack?

Getting a bad feeling about the pincered claws I bring my axe down again ... hard.

Dwarven War-Axe Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

@Daelric - Is your AC something other than what is in your stat line? Claw 1 hit AC 19, which is what you have listed.

Reaching out for dwarf, Andrezi grants Daelric a bit of luck.

As my Round 1 action would have happened before your round 2, re-roll that attack.

Ah! My bad, for some reason I thought Daelric had 21 AC. Not sure why.

Also just noticed the bottom half of your post too. I am not with it today ...

Bit of Luck Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Thanks for getting that, Andrezi! And no worries Daelric!

Andrezi tries to grant a blessing to Daelric, but from his awkward angle, he is still unable to connect.

"Bold May Post
Daelric- 11 dmg, Grappled
Kiera
Crab
Volkar
Andrezi
Orik

Kiera: Just as a reminder, pop over to the campaign tab for a moment. There are several scrolls and wands there that may prove helpful.

Also just updated the map. I mistakenly placed the crab as a medium token instead of large.

Kiera launches her dagger again.

Thrown returning dagger, into melee, through cover: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (4) - 3 = 1

Kiera tries throwing her dagger again, but with the same results! There seem to be a nice pile of coins in the remains of these vessels!

Maintain grapple: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18
Constrict: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
The crab continues to squeeze Daelric, trying to cut the poor dwarf in half with his pincer!

Orik fires another arrow, but it disappears into the surf no where near the struggling combatants!
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

"Bold May Post
Daelric- 17 dmg, Grappled
Kiera
Crab
Volkar x2
Andrezi
Orik

Grunting from the pressure of the vice like claws on me I feebly attempt to strike back at the creature again.

Dwarven War-Axe Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Seeing that the dwarf is in need of healing more than luck, Andrezi casts a spell on his friend.

CMW: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (8, 7) + 4 = 19

Dumping Lesser Restoration in favor of Cure Moderate Wounds

Kiera propels her dagger once more at the crab, hoping against hope that luck will be with her this time.

Thrown dagger, into melee, past cover: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (2) - 3 = -1

If someone would like to bot Volkar for last round and this one, I can move forward again?

Daelric and Keira continue having trouble hitting the mark, while Andrezi concentrates on keeping the stubborn dwarf alive!

"Bold May Post
Daelric- dmg, Grappled
Kiera
Crab
Volkar x2
Andrezi
Orik

Volkar looked across the pool and realized that he had few options to help. He reached into his tunic's pocket and pulled out another slim vial, bit through the wax of the cork stopper and pulled it out slowly, spitting the cork to the floor. He slurped the tasteless exlixer and swallowed it. A chill passed through him and his eye sight became clearer across the cave. He hefted one of the bombs he had and watched as the crab took a claw to his fellow dwarf.

He hefted the small oaken case and realized that the fire aspect may not work against the creature, but the concussion of the bomb might. He took aim and tossed it straight in front of him at the creature.

No worries. Glad you could check in! I hope you are having fun!

Volkar throws back one of his extracts, then takes careful aim at the creature savaging his friend. With a vengeance, the dwarf tosses the cask to break open perfectly against the helmet armored crab, spraying fire and drawing first blood for the team.

The crab, completely consumed by the need to extinguish the fire coating its back, releases Daelric from its claw and begins splashing water with its large pincers and many legs, effectively putting the fire out but at the expense of releasing its meal.

Orik continues to fill the cavern walls with his arrows.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

"Bold May Post
Daelric
Kiera
Crab- 4 dmg
Volkar
Andrezi
Orik

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

As the crab drops me I am able to roll out of the way of the fiery inferno that Volkar has just thrown, I get up quickly and continue with my attack.

Dwarven War-Axe Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

But the shock that Volkar has just tried to set me ablaze causes my attack to go wide again.

Feeling the dwarven paladin stands a better chance against the crab than he, Andrezi grants Daelric a bit of luck again.

Daelric, as Andrezi would be up before you, roll those d20s again, taking the higher result each time.

Bit of Luck Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Critical Confirmation: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Bit of Luck Confirmation: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Dwarven War-Axe Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

That Bit of Luck was very appreciated, a shame I couldn't confirm that critical though. The Reflex save should have saved against Volkars DC.

Daelric is thrust under the water by the crab just in time to avoid becoming dwarven flambé. Andrezi grants Daelric a bit of his goddesses luck, and as he surfaces Daelric turns his ax lands what should have been a thrashing blow to the crab. The damned thing turns at just the wrong moment and is able to shy away from a more deadly stroke.

"Bold May Post
Daelric
Kiera
Crab- 9 dmg
Volkar
Andrezi
Orik

Volkar took a moment to watch the bomb's impact upon the creature and then weighed his options. There weren't many - wait for the crab to attack someone else or toss another of the casks. He picked another off the belt that was holding them in place, took aim, and tossed it at the creature.

Volkar tosses another cask at the crab, once again blowing it in just the right spot!

"Bold May Post
Daelric- Reflex Save
Kiera
Crab- 17 dmg
Volkar
Andrezi
Orik

Throwing dagger: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (2) - 3 = -1

Kiera makes another try with the throwing dagger but once more is unable to score a hit.

The crab once more devolves into a complete frenzy, trying to put out the flames clinging to its shell.

Orik tries to fire another arrow but once again completely gaffes it.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
For the love of all that is holy, what is with the dice roller on this thread?!?!

"Bold May Post
Daelric- Reflex Save
Kiera
Crab- 17 dmg
Volkar
Andrezi
Orik

Andrezi continues to provide Daelric with a bit of Desna's luck.

This is infuriating, time to use my last Stone-Strike for the day! Hopefully the extra attack will help.

Dwarven War-Axe Attack (Stone-Strike): 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 1 = 26
Critical Confirmation: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 1 = 20
Dwarven War-Axe Damage (Stone Strike): 1d10 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 1 = 12
Critical Damage: 2d10 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7, 8) + 4 + 2 = 21

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Bit of Luck: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Yet again I manage to roll with the force of the explosion, although the fire still manages to blister my face a bit. I use the momentum of the roll to strike at the creature, but just as the blade is about to connect it takes on the emerald like appearance.

Finally a hit that isn't pathetic, look at that damage! Kind of regret using Stone-Strike now though, but it made sense. I use it when I fail to hit too often. Thank you Andrezi for the Luck,
Definitely helped with the Reflex save!

Thrown dagger: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (14) - 3 = 11

Daelric once again dances out of the way of the flaming cask, then darts in once more with his ax flashing. Calling upon his divine powers as he swings, the ax glitters in cold fury as it seems to pose in the air for but a moment before cleaving through helm and chitin armor into the soft crab meat below. The creature writhes in agony as the ax is ripped away, doing yet more damage to its innards. The beast still lives and breathes, but is deeply wounded!

Kiera once again launches a dagger, but to no avail.

"Bold May Post
Daelric
Kiera
Crab- 50 dmg
Volkar
Andrezi
Orik

Volkar looked at the melee and realized that he would more likely than not damage both the crab and his fellow dwarf. "Daleric, we need you to finish this, or else I blow you and it back into the darkness of the water."

Volkar holds position, unsure of how to proceed.

The creature, granted a reprieve from the rain of explosive fire, lashes out at Daelric.. One claw misses, but the other slams into the dwarf and begins to squeeze with a vengeance!
Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

CMB: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32

Dmg: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Orik lets loose a stream of curses, leveling his bow once more.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 7
He cheers as his arrow sings through the air this time, darting through the gash Daelric opened and sinking to the fletching in the tender crab flesh up to the fletching.

"Bold May Post
Daelric- 10 dmg, grappled
Kiera
Crab- 57 dmg
Volkar
Andrezi
Orik

Thrown dagger: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (10) - 3 = 7

Having trouble posting...

GM'DD, my current damage should be 13. 9 from the crabs latest attack and 4 from the 2 bombs that Volkar threw.

I struggle to breath as the creature squeezes the air out of my lungs, I desperately try to hack off it's claw so it releases me.

Dwarven War-Axe Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Dwarven War-Axe Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Andrezi reaches out and grants Daelric a bit of luck again.

Volkar grimaced as the crab grabbed Daelric, and held on with its pincer, inspite of the slash of the dwarf's axe. He took a deep breath and then tossed the cask in his hand at the creature. Daelric, be prepared to duck."

His toss was fumbled.

The cask bounced across the crab's shell and rolled over it to the left.

Bit of Luck: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Not sure where exactly that bomb landed, do I still have to do a Reflex Save to avoid the splash, or is it too far away?