Scepter Tower of Spellgard - Rev's version

Game Master Rev Rosey

Note- I had to completely change my action due to the fact that E1 is on the end of a corner and I can't shift from J7 to I8 like I wanted. So, now I have to do a blind bullrush. Fortunately, E1 and E2 are blinded as well. WAIT- Just looked at Bullrush. Only pushes 1 square. and its Str vs Fort. I don't like those odds. standard- riposte strike (d20+13-5, 27 (since blindness gives your opponent Combat Advantage) d4+4+2d8+3= 2+4+14+3=23 hp (since CA gives Snaggle Sneak Attack) and setup for a counterstrike) Note- I realize that a blind Sneak Attack is a little hard to believe, but I didn't see anything that didn't allow it. Blindness grants CA, so E1 would have CA against me, too. Sneak Attack doesn't implictly state that if you can't see your opponent, you can't use it. But if it's too much of a stretch, then subtract 3 from the attack and the damage is only 6hp. If E1 goes down, Snaggle will use his move and minor to shift to J8 then I8.

Snaggle savagely cuts into the Ettercap in front of him. Then he moves next to his fallen friend.

save vs. blindness =9

He rubs his eyes, but can't seem to shake the creeper's blindness.

Tries to coax the missing post out of the woodwork...

Five foot step to J3 to flank C3

Attack 1d20+10=19, Damage 1d10+4=13

"Ha! You have forgotten about me!"

Tries to coax the missing post out of the woodwork...

Eek. What went walk about - or was it just top of the page gremlins? Mostly Fairwind, Devlin and Leo tearing strips off each other, but if you're missing any mechanics, let me know.

Snaggletooth - my very humblest apologies. I would never deliberately jeopardise a player and that is infuriating for you. On the bright side, I can't see anything that says you can't sneak attack while blind. Super-honed instincts or something. I'm ruling the damage is not affected, E1 takes the full 9hp.

Snaggletooth's instincts take over and he lashes blindly but effectively at the ettercap barring his way. His blade finds an opening in the smouldering insectoid's carapace, and delivers a grievous wound without quite bringing the creature down.

Caine, vision restored, strides towards C3 with a face of doom and delivers a ferocious blow to bloody the creeper.

E1 lurches towards Brujo, desperately trying to kill the one who set it on fire. The greataxe strikes sparks from the floor, but passes harmlessly over Brujo's head. As the blade cracks down, Leo's divine challenge overwhelms the creature and it falls.

E1 v Brujo (1d20 4=8, 1d12 5=16). E1 is dead. Taken down by a combination of Snaggletooth's sneak attack, ongoing fire damage from Brujo and its own failure to take up Leo's divine challenge. Snaggle, it would have gone down even if you had done reduced damage with the sneak attack.

E2 shifts instantly to take its place, sightless, but determined. Like its fellow, it too misses. The blue flame surrounding it dies away, but wild chittering fills the air as the creature realises it still cannot see.
E1 v Brujo (1d20 4=8, 1d12 5=16). Sadly, as it did nice damage.
Save v blindness, E2 (1d20=9)

E3 sneaks between Fairwind and Leo and attempts to decapitate the paladin, failing by the narrowest of margins to hit him. Leo feels the swish of the blade in his hair as the axe passes.
E3 v Leo (1d20 9=17, 1d12 5=15). Closer than it looked. Forgot to add in the flanking bonus, so it was a 19, hence flowery description.

Still unable to use his favoured divine powers, Cronin shifts to flank C4 with Leo, hoping his ally can find some advantage and smacks the creeper with this spiked gauntlet once again. This time Selune guides his hands and his blow draws blood.
Cronin v C4 (1d20 4=23, 1d6=6)

Learning from experience that these mega-posts tend to devour themselves, I'll do Devlin's action in the next post and put up a map there.

Devlin looks at the destruction of his allies with a quizzical eye.

"Insects and crawlers, who'd have them. You're right mouthy gal. Should pick my allies better." He shifts and jabs at Brujo, shrugging as the attack misses, but batting out the blue flames.
Devlin. Hammer and Anvil v Brujo. On hit, adjacent ally can make a basic melee attack. (1d20 10=12, 2d10 8=18)

"Good news. Cavalry's coming." Two more ettercaps and a creeper descend the stairs and enter the room.

MAP

Mirth is up - don't forget the 7 temp hp
Creeper 3
Creeper 4
Creeper 6
Brujo
Creeper 2
Fairwind
Leo
Kneebiter - death save
Other kobolds (never do this boys and girls. Rolling opposing bull rushes for a bunch of NPC kobolds in frying my brain.)
Snaggletooth, blinded, save ends.
Caine
E2 - blinded, save ends
E3
E4
E5
Cronin
Devlin

Rev, you could just narrate their actions however you like. There's no real need for you to roll for a bunch of NPCs.

That would be true if there wasn't a chance they could end up in the combat mix. I'm simplifying it for myself this round though. One roll for each set. If the good guys make it, the bad guys can't move. If not, they can.

Rev, um, don't you mean full 23hp damage? My "superhoned" reflexes dealt 23 hit points with Sneak Attack. If that took him down, I would like to do my move and minor actions.

I do indeed and I've amended the map. I'm so sorry. I'm messing everything up today. Please check that you're in the right place (unless I've misread it, your post says you end at I8 which is not next to Kneebiter. K8 is though, so since you said you were heading towards him, I've put you there for now).

Mirth, you're up, but if you could hang on until I know exactly where Snaggletooth wants to be, I'd be mighty grateful. If your actions aren't going to impact on him, post in a spoiler if you're short of time.

MAP

Temp HP added in profile. (Thanks Leo!!) The "missing post" was (according to the sidebar...) supposedly from you, immediately after Snaggy posted this, but might well be a myth. No worries!

Rev:

i said double-shift, to avoid E2's OA. I8, please. Thanks.

opps, i could see why you would think "next to" would be "besides" but i just wanted to get closer to Kneebiter.

Snaggletooth - sorry to fuss, but having already messed you about comprehensively, I'm anxious to get this right for you this time. Please confirm you're now in the right place before I mess up Mirth's moves!

MAP

Mirth

Mirth** spoiler omitted **

That was the way I read it as well, just wanted to confirm.

Actually invigorating smite allows those bloodied to regain 7hp its not temporary hp but would that make any difference with Kneebiter?

Actually invigorating smite allows those bloodied to regain 7hp its not temporary hp but would that make any difference with Kneebiter?

I don't think so, but I will check. If anyone knows for certain one way or another, let me know. He was on -3, so if it does apply, he's back in the mix.

Leo the half elven Paladin wrote:

Actually invigorating smite allows those bloodied to regain 7hp its not temporary hp but would that make any difference with Kneebiter?

I don't think so, but I will check. If anyone knows for certain one way or another, let me know. He was on -3, so if it does apply, he's back in the mix.

Found this answer, of vaguely dubious provenance.

no worries, Rev, I8 is where I am supposed to be.

Re Kneebiter and his state of health. Thank you for that. I'm not sure is the honest answer, as my gut feeling is that dying is not the same as bloodied. Kneebiter is on negative hp, which is dying by any definition. Leo's power gives bloodied allies the extra hp. Unless someone comes up with something a bit more concrete, Kneebiter is still making death saves.

C3 flicks pallid eyes between Mirth and Caine before turning with snake like suddenness and plunging its dagger into the tiefling.

C3 v Mirth (1d20 11=26, 1d4 5=7). 7hp damage to Mirth.

C4 shifts to flank Leo, but despite that advantage cannot penetrate the paladin's armour.
C4 v Leo (1d20 13=16, 1d4 5=7, 1d6=5)

C6 slides across the room at Devlin's urging, the tip of its wicked dagger just showing as it advances on Snaggletooth. With a hiss, the blade digs deep. Devlin gives a nod of satisfaction.

"And that is how we do that. Watch and learn guys, watch and learn."

C6 v Snaggletooth (Shadow Walk gives CA) (1d20 13=31, 1d4 5=8, 1d6=6). 14hp damage to Snaggletooth. I have you on 5hp, but can you confirm please?

MAP

Brujo is up - blinded, save ends
Creeper 2
Fairwind
Leo
Kneebiter - death save
Kobolds
Snaggletooth
Caine
Ettercaps
Cronin
Devlin
Mirth
Creepers 3, 4 and 6

My reading would be, yes, he is bloodied (he is at or under half hit points). So yes, he gets set back to 0 and then regains 7.

My reading would be, yes, he is bloodied (he is at or under half hit points). So yes, he gets set back to 0 and then regains 7.

OK. One of those very grey areas, easily arguable in both directions. Very well. I'll go away and think about it and post when that thinking has happened. As always in these cases, it will become a house rule and be posted into the profile. Is everyone happy with that?

Rev: Sorry to add to today's map difficulties, but I don't think the newest map shows the 2 shifts from my most recent turn, spoilered above.

Rev: Sorry to add to today's map difficulties, but I don't think the newest map shows the 2 shifts from my most recent turn, spoilered above.

It does now. I updated with your moves and then saved the wrong map. Everyone should now be in the right place. I hope.

Full defense. Save 1d20=6

Rev

Brujo pulls himself upright and concentrates on keeping himself covered as he struggles to recover from the blindness inflicted by the creepers.

C2 has no qualms at all about attacking him even so, but even with every advantage, Brujo's arcane senses allow him to duck aside.
C2 v Brujo (on full defence) (1d20 11=20, 1d4 4=8, 1d6=2). Stupid creeper, it's never going to get a better shot at him.

MAP - unchanged, but here for ease of reference.

Fairwind is up
Leo
Kneebiter - Schrodinger's kobold
Kobolds
Snaggletooth
Commander Caine
Ettercaps
Cronin
Devlin
Mirth
Creepers 3, 4 and 6
Brujo
Creeper 2

Shift to G8. Minor - change magic sword to shortsword. Twin Strike on Devlin - 1d20+10 (magic sword) = 18; if that hits - 2 damage + 5 sneak attack = 7 damage. second attack 1d20+8 = 28 crit! how annoying. 8 damage and 8 quarry damage then. So 1st hit (if it does) - 7 damage, 2nd hit - 16 damage.

Fairwind dashes to Devlin's back as he is distracted by their banter and slashes with a snarl.

Devlin shakes himself like a dog as Fairwind's second attack hits home and grins cheerfully at her.

"See, that's why I like you. You don't give up and you keep the priorities in mind. Want to consider a little business proposition?"

MAP

Leo is up
Kneebiter - WOTC as being asked to clarify his status, isn't he important?
Other kobolds
Snaggletooth
Commander Caine
Ettercaps
Cronin
Devlin
Mirth
Creepers 3, 4 and 6
Brujo - blinded, save ends
Creeper 2
Fairwind

Leo shifts alongside the ettercap putting it between him and Brujo before swinging his sword at the ettercap.

Just realised Brujo is blinded so instead of divine challenge will use Leo's divine mettle to let Brujo make a save with a +3 bonus to remove his blindness and use Bolstering Strike instead so Leo shifts to G-6 putting the ettercap between Leo and Brujo the strike rolls 1d20+9: 19+9 for Total of 28 which should do 1d8+4: 2+4 for Total:6pts of damage to E#3, well I hope so granting Leo 2pts of temp hp hope this is okay

Forgot about flanking bonus but believe Leo wouldn't get that anyway

All fine. You're absolutely right that Brujo can't give the flanking bonus while blind. If he makes the save, of course he can, but in this case, you hit it rather comfortably even without that.

Murmuring a quiet prayer, Leo shifts around E3 and hits hard. His efforts are rewarded by an anguished screech from the insectoid and a feeling of renewal for Leo himself.

Kneebiter struggles between life and death ...
Death save (1d20=12) ... but like his friend, has greater resources than anyone would have suspected. I'll just keep rolling for him until WoTC come up with an answer. If by some horrible chance he fails three saves I'll put him in statis.

Meanwhile, in the cells, the struggle for supremacy continues ...
Yellow kobolds, how are they doing? (1d20=11)
Pink kobolds, how are they doing? (1d20=18) ... unfortunately for the companions, the tide has momentarily turned and draconic shouts can be heard.

Draconic

Scaled heads emerge from the cell doors and take in the sight of the prone and wounded Kneebiter.

Draconic

MAP

Brujo - please make an immediate save v blindness
Snaggletooth is up
Commander Caine
Ettercap 2 - blinded, save ends
Ettercaps 3, 4 and 5
Cronin
Devlin
Mirth
Creepers 3, 4 and 6
Brujo - still blinded if he doesn't make the first save
Creeper 2
Fairwind
Leo
Kneebiter
Other kobolds

1d20=4

Despite Leo's fervent prayers, Brujo's sight remains tantalisingly out of reach.

yes, snaggletooth is at 5 hp, and now I see what you were talking about. I mean to go towards kneebiter, as in k8. but whatever, I apparently can't read maps. minor-shift to H9, move-shift to G9, standard- full defense +2 to defenses.

save= 13 vs blindness

Draconic

Snaggletooth gropes his way to the northern door and waits, tense and guarded for the next attack. To his relief, his sight finally clears.

His words cause the lurking kobolds to pause. Finally a voice asks suspiciously,

Draconic

MAP

Mirth strives to sway the undecided kobolds, shouting to be heard over the clamor.

Draconic:

Rev, let me know if you'd like Bluff or Diplomacy. Feel free to roll as needed.

The kobolds will be prepared to accept Snaggletooth's word - he is a kobold, after all. Some random tiefling is another story, but that's a good offer. I think it's a diplomacy roll really. DC16.

Persuade the kobolds to come and help with promises of Devlin-shaped body parts. (1d20 6=12). Afraid not this time.

The voices turn doubtful.

Draconic

Devlin wipes blood off his face and nods towards Mirth. "I really like this gal. She's got sparkle. If you're not looking for fresh prospects, she'll do just fine." He grins amicably at Fairwind again. "You've got to live first of course."

Commander Caine is up
Ettercap 2 - blinded, save ends
Ettercaps 3, 4 and 5
Cronin
Devlin
Mirth
Creepers 3,4 and 6
Brujo - blinded, save ends
Creeper 2
Fairwind
Leo
Kneebiter
Other kobolds
Snaggletooth - full defense

Draconic

Snaggletooth shakes his bag a bit to make the coins rattle. He doesn't like giving up his stash, but 5hp is 5hp. Desperate times and all that.

Heard back from customer support. Dying characters are indeed also considered bloodied, so the healing power should bounce Kneebiter back up

Snaggletooth's offer draws approving growls from the kobolds, but the final touch is provided by Kneebiter. With astounding resilience, he rises to his feet, brandishing Snaggle's shortsword.

"We will help you. I am saying this. Kneebiter the Twice Hatched."

It is enough. Any kobold resistance is at an end. Devlin raises his eyebrows and looks resigned as the kobolds start to organise themselves. "Well that's just dandy. They got themselves a mythic hero now."

MAP

Commander Caine
Ettercap 2 - blinded, save ends
Ettercaps 3, 4 and 5
Cronin
Devlin
Mirth
Creepers 3, 4 and 6
Brujo - blinded, save ends
Creeper 2
Fairwind
Leo
Kneebiter
Kobold rabble
Snaggletooth

Attack 1d20+8=23, Damage 1d10+4=7

Inspiring Word on Mirth 1d6=2

"Stiffen your spine! Fight on!"

Attack 1d20+8=23, Damage 1d10+4=7

Inspiring Word on Mirth 1d6=2

"Stiffen your spine! Fight on!"

Thanks Commander! Mirth is now at 18hp and feeling sassy!

Welcome :D

"Stick with me, kid!"

C3 winces slightly as Commander Caine continues to systematically hack at it.

The ettercaps click into position again, mandible dropping and fangs bared. E1 ignores it own blindness and launches a ferocious greataxe attack on Brujo and yet again strikes only the floor. As sight to it, the ettercap screeches horribly at its own failure.

E1 v Brujo (on crit they do 1d12 17) (1d20 5=14, 1d12 5=14)
E1 save v blindness (1d20=18)

E3 spits webbing at Leo, gift wrapping the paladin with an audible chitter of satisfaction.
Web tangle v Leo (1d20 7=22). Leo is immobilised, save ends.

E4 sends up a volley of noise and charges at Snaggletooth as the nearest foe, screaming in insectoid triumph as the blade almost bisects the kobold.

E4 charges Snaggletooth (on crit does 1d12 17) (1d20 10=26, 1d12 5=15). Ack. I'm sorry. Snaggletooth takes 15hp damage and is on -10.

E5 follows suit and charges Fairwind, beating back the fearless ranger with its greataxe.
E5 charges Fairwind (on crit does 1d12 17) (1d20 10=28, 1d12 5=12). 12hp damage to Fairwind.

Taking a good look at Devlin and correctly identifying him as the source of most of the trouble, Cronin raises his holy symbol and hurls divine fury at him.
Sacred Flame v Devlin (Ref) (1d20 7=24, 1d6 6=8). Fairwind gains 2 temp hp.

"That was uncalled for," responds the now bloody warlord, "... and I'm thinking I should help you out of an awkward situation, little lady." With a rakish smile and a fancy bow, he swings his halberd and slices hard into Fairwind's chest. Even she cannot dodge this blow.

Halberd attack on Fairwind (1d20 10=21, 1d10 8=16). 16hp to Fairwind. 28 total this round. I'm so sorry. Again.

"Be seeing you sometime."

MAP

Ack. I'm sorry folks. This fight has been a horror for you. Advance and very profuse apologies for anyone who doesn't make it.

EDIT - one bit of light in the darkness is that E4 and E5 both charged and are now at -2 to AC.

Mirth is up
Creepers 3, 4 and 6
Brujo
Creeper 2
Fairwind - death save
Leo - immobilised, save ends
Kneebiter
Kobolds
Snaggletooth - death save
Commander Caine
Ettercaps
Cronin
Devlin

"Mirth! Shift behind Caine and then cut loose an area effect on the ettercap whose behind Brujo from your point of view!" Leo shouts over.

Essentially use a spell such as scorching burst on I-8 well I hope so...

"Mind thine own pretty hide, child of Kelemvor! Mirth snaps irritably as she steps back into the stairwell, tail twitching irritably. "I shall be content to clean up the mess thee has left behind."

She flicks a wrist, mutters a word that twists in the air. Bright flames roar in answer to her call, hungrily licking at her foes.

Draconic:

Shift J2. Scorching Burst(vs Reflex) centered I5. C2:28, C3:25, E3:14, 8 Fire damage. vs Brujo:15, 8 fire if it hits. Note: Bonus +1/+1 vs the three baddies, cuz they are subject to Bloodhunt. One of these days, I might roll damage worth a damn.

No offense Leo - Mirth is just unhappy about Devlin getting away. Maybe Brujo can do the lightning thing on him? :)

"Mind thine own pretty hide, child of Kelemvor! Mirth snaps irritably as she steps back into the stairwell, tail twitching irritably. "I shall be content to clean up the mess thee left behind."

She flicks a wrist, mutters a word that twists in the air. Bright flames roar in answer to her call, hungrily licking at her foes.

No offense Leo - Mirth is just unhappy about Devlin getting away. Maybe Brujo can do the lightning thing on him? :)

Leo wouldn't even have noticed especially as he's kind of tied up at the moment...

Mirth's flames lick around the creepers, at first slowly, then with increased ferocity as the shadowfolk try unavailingly to swat them away. Their efforts are to no avail and the flames leap greedily, burning brightly as they explode into familiar dark motes.

Hits and finishes C2 and C3. E3 is not hit. Nor is Brujo. Commander Caine is blind again. Brujo would be if he wasn't already.

C4 turns on Leo, the dark dagger just catching on the encircling webbing and failing to land a blow.
C4 v Leo (1d20 13=20, 1d4 5=7, 1d6=6)

C6 moves swiftly and with deadly purpose towards Brujo, but the swordmage's honed senses are quick enough to stop the incoming attack.
C6 v Brujo (1d20 13=20, 1d4 5=9, 1d6=4)

Kneebiter watches in horror as Snaggletooth falls, fingering his shortsword and looking with pure hatred at the retreating form of Devlin.

Draconic

"You talking to me?" Devlin somehow contrives to look both innocent and puzzled.

MAP

Brujo is up - blinded, save ends
Fairwind - death save (still has second wind available)
Leo - immobilised, save ends
Kneebiter
Kobolds
Snaggletooth - death save (no second wind available)
Caine - blinded, save ends
Ettercaps
Cronin
Devlin
Mirth
Creepers

Is there any chance Snaggletooth can become a ghost?

when its my turn, death save= 19

Just posting to see if I can dislodge Snaggletooth's latest.

A ghost? Errmmm... possibly. It'll add piquancy to the party for sure.

Brujo rages on and swings wildly at the closest enemy

Greenflame blade on E1, 1d20+9-5=18 vs AC; Damage 1d8+5=7 cold/fire, plus C4, C6 and E1 take 2 fire damage.