DM Carbide runs *! Rise of the Runelords !*

Game Master John Woodford

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Reynard looks around, but he's distracted by the sensation of various alchemical substances running through his veins. It's...good, but makes it kind of hard to concentrate. I need to kill something. He thinks, apropos of nothing.

"I wonder where that raven thinks is home? Meaning, who is the tower communicating with?"

Didn't we see a rookery in the sawmill? Who ever is here was probably communicating with that Ironbriar cultist! Corwin says with his face a look at disgust at the evil cult.

Corwin's words certainly seem to ring true. Otherwise, Erond and Reynard believe the way to be clear.

Opening the door to E5, this large and cluttered room is filled with immense gears and clockworks. Most of them appear to have rusted into place.

Whereas the stairwell leading up the inner walls of the clock tower is quite rickety, the wooden floor of this chamber is solid. The clockworks themselves have long since fallen into ruin-it would take many months of repair work by gifted tinkers to rebuild and restore the clock. Although the room looks sinister and dangerous with all its gears, there's nothing to be found here.

There is a hole in the wall that leads to another rickety makeshift climb further up.

Marching order please

I can do a quick check of the stairs to determine if we need to space ourselves out like last time, but I probably should not be first in line. Cordwin suggests as he checks the stairs.

Knowledge Engineering: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

"Dwarves aren't meant for this sort of thing. Mountains and caves are our domain, but aboveground towers!"

Well, being back of the line is not good for me, so further up the line would be better, but not first I expect.

"Not sure I am made for this either Skarn. Still once Cordwin finds the best way let me go up first, too many people took injuries. My shield makes me the best to take the first strike."

When they deem things ready and safe-ish he heads up first.

"Hear, hear, Skarn. I'm not keen on these towers either. I was raised in the solid tunnels carved through living stone. But now I find getting lost in a deep and verdant forest sublime. Surrounded by trees as ancient as the stone upon which they stand somehow just connects with me."

As he's talking, Druamin positions himself in the middle of the pack about to head up the stairs.

So far, we have Trox, Skarn, Druamin, Cordwin. Everyone else staying back?

I'll head up just after Trox.

I'll stay right behind Cordwin. Best not get ahead of the engineer.

As you climb the last of the stairs to the top, you see a dark cloud form. Then, a flying demon appears in the cloud of smoke and it begins to circle the top of the tower.

Copies: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Trox Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6

Touch Attack vs Flatfooted: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
Wisdom Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

As Trox enters and begins to look around, a large monsterous humanoid blinks out of nowhere to attack him! Actually, there are five copies of this creature - clearly a use of Mirror Image.

Spear Attack vs Flatfooted: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24
Miss!

Spear Attack vs Flatfooted: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
Damage, Sneak: 1d8 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 8 + (1) = 11

Spear Attack vs Flatfooted: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Damage, Sneak: 1d8 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 8 + (5) = 15
Crit Confirm?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 No Crit.

Wow - that could have been so much worse! Trox being first with an enormous amount of armor and a fair amount of luck really helped here.

Round 1: (Bold may act)
Creature (5 cpoies) - full attacked Trox
Faywen
Skarn
Druamin (6 dmg)
Trox (1 Wis dmg, 26 dmg)
Reynard
René
Erond
Cordwin (8 dmg)

Are we still on the stairs and can we see the creature?

Faywen steps backwards in response to the sudden assault on Trox, but quickly recovers and reaches out with a hand full of revitalizing energy.

Kinetic Healer for Trox: 3d6 + 8 ⇒ (4, 3, 1) + 8 = 16 I'll take the burn.

Erond cast divine favor and inspires the group.

Inspire Courage: +3 to attack and to +3 damage a +3 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects.

Duramin hears a scuffle in the room ahead and sighs. The encounter with the faceless stalker was still fresh in his memory and it wasn't good. Hopefully, he and his companions would be able to make quick work of whatever remnants of bad guys were left in this uppermost chamber.

He races past Skarn, Faywen, and Trox into the chamber and stops to look at horror and the obscene apparition, or rather, six apparitions. It only takes a moment off seeing all six creatures having identical movements to realize that it is an illusion. Only one is the real creature.

After moving into position, Druamin grabs a small stoppered vial from his bag. An orange colored liquid sloshes in the vial.

Move action to get into position and standard action to retrieve alchemists fire from my bag.

Trox grunts as struck, "See this is why I am in the front someone else could have gotten hurt much worse." The healing that follows brings a smile as Trox takes a step into the chamber to make room.

"Now you beastie, I wish there were not so many of you?"

+1 Adamantine Longsword PA CE: 1d20 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 3 = 26 AC: 29/15/25
Damage: 1d8 + 13 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 3 = 20
Mirror: 1d5 ⇒ 4

Trox takes a hard swing but is careful not to leave himself open.

@Cordwin - yes, you are on rickety stairs hugging the outer wall of the tower, and can't see much.

Trox swings and destroyes one of the duplicate images.

Due to it's reach, as Druamin tries to scurry to a better location, the creature lashes out with her spear.

AoO v Druamin: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (11) + 17 = 28
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Round 1: (Bold may act)
Creature
Faywen
Skarn
Druamin (19 dmg)
Trox (1 Wis dmg, 10 dmg)
Reynard
René
Erond
Cordwin (8 dmg)

Inspire courage: +3 to attack, +3 damage a +3 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects.

Skarn will move around to the far side of the beast and take a power attack swing with his pick...

Heavy Pick +1 Hit: 1d20 + 6 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 3 - 1 = 9
Heavy Pick +1 Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 3 + 3 = 10 x4

Yes, well.

When Cordwin hears Druamin yelp with pain, he will move behind him a tap him with the Cure Mod Wand.

Cure Mod Wounds Druamin: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (2, 6) + 3 = 11

Hearing the commotion up top, Reynard downs his spare Shield extract, then races up the stairs.

+4 to AC for 5 minutes

"Ugh, who thought mixin' a shadow with a snake were a good idea? Man, I'd hate ta be either of that one's parents!" René chuckled from where he hoped he was safe.

Evil eye the creature's to hit for a -2 and then cackle.

The creature seems incredibly fast. Skarn, Reynard and Cordwin all draw AoOs. Sombat reflexes and a very high Dex

Spear vs Skarn: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Spear vs Reynard: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22 Miss.

Spear vs Cordwin: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Will save vs Rene: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

The creature smiles evily at all of you. "So many? I will feast for days!"

The creature then reaches out to touch Trox again.

Touch Attack, evil eye: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 11 - 2 = 17
Wisdom dmg: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Round 2: (Bold may act)
Creature (evil eye, -2 to hit)
Faywen
Skarn (12 dmg)
Druamin (19 dmg)
Trox (3 Wis dmg, 10 dmg)
Reynard (shield)
René
Erond
Cordwin (23 dmg)

Inspire courage: +3 to attack, +3 damage a +3 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects.

Feeling a little cloudy minded Trox none the less continues his attack. His voice quiet but laced with violence.

"Your not big enough to eat me and ya know it. Can't even hit me with your spear now can ya."

Again the swing is hard but mindful of his defenses as well.

+1 Adamantine Longsword PA CE: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 3 + 1 = 27 AC: 29/15/25
Damage: 1d8 + 13 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 3 + 1 = 18

Druamin should only be down 8HP

Knowing that the fighters need to stay in the fight, Cordwin will now tap skarn with the Cure Mod wand.

Cure Mod Wounds Skarn: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (8, 6) + 3 = 17

Skarn is full!

11 charges remaining.

Skarn has "Escape Route" and his Inquisitor "Solo Tactics." Having been right next to Trox during my movement, I'd not have drawn an AOO.

Skarn will continue power attacking, and will move 5' to the west.

Heavy Pick +1 Hit: 1d20 + 6 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 3 - 1 = 15
Heavy Pick +1 Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 3 + 3 = 10 x4

"Thanks Cordwin," Druamin speaks over his shoulder then steps to get an unobstructed view of the creature. He lobs the alchemists fire at the shadow.

alchemists fire@creature,into melee: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 - 4 = 16 ranged touch attack

mirror, 1 is real: 1d4 ⇒ 4
dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 4 Do all images take the min 1 dmg for splash? Also, Trox, Skarn, and Reynard -- sorry, you all get 1 for splash.

If Skarn does not get hit with the AOO then I will tap myself with the wand.

Attack Longbow Eagle Eye: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 11 - 2 + 3 + 3 = 32Ignor cover from one ally.
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 + 3 + 3 = 16

Attack Longbow Eagle Eye: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 11 - 2 + 3 = 17 Ignor cover from one ally.
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 + 3 + 3 = 14

Inspire Courage: +3 to attack and to +3 damage a +3 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects.

@GM I will let you roll for mirror images.

René didn't even bother to say anything, simply laughing at the creature's foolishness. He had very little doubt that with their number they could take the thing down.

Evil eye it's AC for -2 and cackle.

Status: -2 to hit (2 rds), -2 AC (8 or 2 rounds)

Oh right, I should have rolled for images. I was thinking that a 15 probably misses, but it could pop an image!

Faywen takes a step back and lets loose with a blast of water, aiming for the creature's head.

Empowered Water Blast: 1d20 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 3 = 20
Bludgeoning: 3d6 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (5, 6, 3) + 8 + 3 = 25*1.5 for 37

I'll let you roll for images, in case that hits.

I almost did the same thing, Druamin, but wasn't sure how the images would respond to splash damage. Don't worry about me, I have Fire resistance.

Reynard shifts to his left to try and split he creature's attention. Not sure which creature is the real one, Reynard improvises, reaching a claw toward two while biting one in the middle. Assuming there are three or more left. If there's two, flip a coin for who gets the bite. If only one, then she gets it all.

Attack, Bite: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 2 + 3 = 27
Damage, B/P/S: 1d8 + 9 + 3d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 9 + (6, 3, 6) + 3 = 32

Attack, Claw: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 2 + 3 = 23
Damage, P/S: 1d6 + 9 + 3d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 9 + (1, 2, 6) + 3 = 25

Attack, Claw: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 2 + 3 = 19
Damage, P/S: 1d6 + 9 + 3d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 9 + (1, 3, 3) + 3 = 24

Faywen's attack misses, but not by so much, so one of the images blinks out. Skarn doesn't even come close enough to help, and Druamin throws his fire out on the stairs. Reynard, Erond and the creature take splash, but no effect on images. Skarn moved before Druamin, so no damage there.

Mirror: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Trox swings and manages to connect with the creature!

Mirror: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Erond puts an arrow through the head of one image, causing it to also disappear.

The creature stares at Trox from behind it's gold mask, and snarls.

Touch Attack vs Trox: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
Wisdom Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Round 3: (Bold may act)
Creature (evil eye, -2 to hit, -2 AC, 3 images, 19 dmg)
Faywen
Skarn (0 dmg)
Druamin (8 dmg)
Trox (6 Wis dmg, 10 dmg)
Reynard (shield)
René
Erond (1 dmg)
Cordwin (5 dmg)

Inspire courage: +3 to attack, +3 damage a +3 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects.

How many, if any, images are still remaining?

Skarn will take a 5' step to the west, trying to ensure the creature doesn't escape, and he continues power attacking after activating his Bane ability...

Heavy Pick +1 Hit: 1d20 + 6 + 3 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 3 - 1 + 2 = 30
Heavy Pick +1 Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 3 + 3 + 2 + (2, 2) = 18 x4

Crit confirm:

Heavy Pick +1 Hit: 1d20 + 6 + 3 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 3 - 1 + 2 = 19
Heavy Pick +1 Damage: 3d6 + 9 + 9 + 9 + 6 + 2d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 4) + 9 + 9 + 9 + 6 + (1, 4) = 49 x4

Erond keeps trying to clear the images.

Attack Longbow Eagle Eye: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 11 - 2 + 3 + 3 = 22Ignor cover from one ally.
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 2 + 1 + 3 + 3 = 17

Attack Longbow Eagle Eye: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 11 - 2 + 3 + 3 = 18Ignor cover from one ally.
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 + 3 + 3 = 13

Inspire Courage: +3 to attack and to +3 damage a +3 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects.

@GM I will let you roll for mirror images.

Skarn will take a 5' step to the west, trying to ensure the creature doesn't escape, and he continues power attacking after activating his Bane ability...

[dice=Heavy Pick +1 Hit]1d20+6+3-1+2
[dice=Heavy Pick +1 Damage]1d6+3+3+3+2+2d6 x4

Crit confirm:

[dice=Heavy Pick +1 Hit]1d20+6+3-1+2
[dice=Heavy Pick +1 Damage]3d6+9+9+9+6+2d6 x4

Oops! That extra 2d6 wouldn't get added to the crit, although I doubt I confirmed.

How many images left? It will affect what Druamin does.

Did my attacks not do anything to the images?

While physically he feels just fine Trox is become more concerned that something else is going on, his mind feel clouded. Thoughts are there but conclusions are not coming. With a roar that even surprises him with its savageness he swings again!

+1 Adamantine Longsword PA CE: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23 AC: 29/15/25
Damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

That is a lot of wisdom damage!

@Reynard - Yah, I seem to have skipped you. Sorry about that.

Images: 1d3 ⇒ 3 First attack removed 1 of 3 remaining images.
Images: 1d2 ⇒ 2 Second removed 1 of 2.
Third removed the last image, because you missed the target but not by more than 5. As such, we will leave the creature's next round as is, although it probably should have done something more protective.

Skarn hits, no crit, causing the creature some definite pain. Trox tries to do the same, barely hitting due to the additional evil eye support. Erond fires twice, missing with both shots.

Round 3: (Bold may act)
Creature (evil eye, -2 to hit, -2 AC, 55 dmg)
Faywen
Skarn (0 dmg)
Druamin (8 dmg)
Trox (6 Wis dmg, 10 dmg)
Reynard (shield)
René
Erond (1 dmg)
Cordwin (5 dmg)

Inspire courage: +3 to attack, +3 damage a +3 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects.

Use Magic Device: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Cordwin will use the wand of magic missile to hit the creature!

MM: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 4) + 2 = 9

9 Charges remaining

Since UMD failed, are you just smacking it with the wand?

Since I failed, does that mean the charge was never used and I pointed a stick at it, or is a charge used and something else happens. Unless I am missing something, the rule does not say.

Druamin scoots around Skarn and as soon as he's close enough he swings his battleaxe at the creature.

battleaxe@creature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
dmg: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

René continued to cheer the group on from his (hopefully) safe position.

DC 17 Will save or the creature has misfortune. Then cackle to extend everything.

Statuses:
- Creature: -2 AC and to hit, possibly misfortune

I don't believe anything happened, so the charge is not used.

Druamin misses with his axe - this creature is both tough and agile!

Will Save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

The creature shrugs off the witch's hex attempt.

Round 3: (Bold may act)
Creature (evil eye, -2 to hit, -2 AC, 55 dmg)
Faywen
Skarn (0 dmg)
Druamin (8 dmg)
Trox (6 Wis dmg, 10 dmg)
Reynard (shield)
René
Erond (1 dmg)
Cordwin (5 dmg)

Inspire courage: +3 to attack, +3 damage a +3 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects.

Cordwin will try and use the wand again.

UMD DC20: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

MM: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (1, 4) + 2 = 7

I forgot to include Inspire Courage in my attack. I don't know if that makes a difference or not.