Siege on Amberfall

Game Master SecSeibzehn

Just reviewed my last set of actions, both Arau and B'auw readied an action to attack the first threat to step into range. Both would have been triggered by Terracotta warriors...

The gnoll and his hunting partner unleash paired strikes on the advancing mud men.

Arau readied bite: 1d20 + 12 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 3 = 20
---> Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
---> Trip: 1d20 + 14 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 14 + 3 = 36

Falcata (2handed, power attack): 1d20 + 17 + 3 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 17 + 3 - 3 = 37 <-- CRIT?
---> Damage: 1d8 + 19 ⇒ (3) + 19 = 22
---> Crit confirm: 1d20 + 17 + 3 - 3 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 17 + 3 - 3 + 4 = 28
---> total crit Damage: 22 + 2d8 + 36 ⇒ 22 + (8, 6) + 36 = 72

After the attacks, B'auw's initiative would rise to just before the Terracotta warriors for next round.

I actually do readied actions at the table in a way that simplifies them a bit-- readying an action just takes your first round's action, and after the trigger, your init stays as it was. It helps everyone equally and helps even up some weird init things I don't think anyone wants to deal with. I'll just go ahead and apply that here, since you made new rolls and everything.

Fefrind's Shrine - Round 3

As the soldiers move forward, Arau drags one to the ground, biting it viciously. As its ally moves to intercept and help, B'auw cuts it down under Thak's rain of arrows. As the soldier fights, attempting to stand, Arau brutally rips at it with her teeth.

The next warrior steps out of the snow, and B'auw meets him with his falcata...

If you want to go ahead and just describe that giga crit for me, that completely kills the warrior on your right from full to dead including DR.

Initiative is:
-- Calithilon - 29
- Calithilion's Own Water Elemental- 29
The March of Stone Soldiers - 27 (damage on map!)
-- Thak - 19
-- B'auw and Arau 21
-- Nawarld - 14B is up! Followed by...
-- Seila and Xon - 13
-- Phynn - 12
-- Melisai - NPC, 0

If you guys have time to post but aren't up next, just go ahead and take it. I'll weave it all into a coherent narrative as the fight goes on. Probably best to do that, as the game will keep bein' kinda boggy if we don't!

Oh, ok. You didn't post the results of the readied actions, so I assumed I needed to re-roll them or something. I would generally prefer to be using two-weapon full attacks when I can, but in the name of keeping things moving forward (and cause crushing an opponent in one powerful blow is hella-awesome), let's just stick with B'auw's stated actions. Though, as that would only have taken a single standard action, i'm going to go ahead and use the rest of this round's actions after the big hit, if that's fine with you, Titan.

Flavor text and rest of actions…
B'auw frowns as the unnatural freezing cloud obscures the killing field, but it becomes a feral grin as the mud-man stumbles out. The massive gnoll reacts quickly, dropping into a low stance and letting the creature's momentum work against it as he throws all his considerable weight behind one vicious horizontal slash at the thing's mid-section.

The wicked blade whistles as it splits the air and then explodes through the strange stone warrior… sending a spray of rock and soil to disappear into the freezing mist. The gnoll gives a celebratory yipping war-cry as he kicks the top half of the mud-man free of its legs.

His mismatched eyes snap to the next likely quarry as he takes a single retreating step back, his left hand flicking in a practiced gesture drops a second blade into his off-hand.

A 5' step south and a swift action to draw his off-hand kukri will finish his actions for the round.

I felt it was fine because you had no where else to go-- can't five foot into difficult terrain, and a move action is easy enough to take retroactively.

I'm so excited for this round. I can't wait to see if the warriors can get out by the end of the week. :P

Nawarld takes a moment to disapprovingly stare at the green stains on his large blade, before ramming it into the ground next to him and breaking into a sprint towards the just visible mounted foes.
While the first footmen's already slashing at him, he suddenly grabs the hammer on his back, throwing his momentum into a spinning blow at the statues flank.
The heavy hammerhead rebounds from the clay's face with a hollow smack, only to be brought around with an arching movement back into the horse head.
The second impact lets the weapon vibrate wildly, most of the momentum lost. Yet the barbarian manages to keep his grip and brings it around into a last, weaker strike at the top of the mounts head.

1d20 + 24 ⇒ (2) + 24 = 26
1d20 + 24 ⇒ (2) + 24 = 26
1d20 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 21

1d12 + 11 + 3 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 3 + 9 = 27
1d12 + 11 + 3 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 11 + 3 + 9 = 26
1d12 + 11 + 3 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 3 + 9 = 33

Three 2? Wow... I guess the first two should still hit. The last one I'm not sure, if he is run of the mill I believe it should, too, but who knows? I worded all the attacks in a way that they could just as easily be stopped by the things natural armor.

Drop Sword, Charge Horsemen (getting AoO from one Footmen), Draw Hammer as part of charge, Pounce
Obviously dealing bludgeoning damage, 53 in 2 or 86 in 3 hits.
Current AC 24 (also against the AoO, because: Charge)

Seila and Xon move in. Muttering curses about lack of access to the soldiers she simply takes opportunities where she can, smashing with a now very elongated naginata.

Move.
Swift: Arcane Strike
Attack Soldier west of NArwald.

1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 14 + 2 + 1 - 4 = 26 Power Attack
2d6 + 11 + 3 + 9 - 5 ⇒ (6, 5) + 11 + 3 + 9 - 5 = 29 Damage

Hit that one for 29 damage taking itno account DR.

Xon chooses simpler prey diving down on the already damaged soldier and ripping it to pieces as silently as an owl taking a mouse at midnight.

1d20 + 15 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (8) + 15 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 3 = 25
1d6 + 8 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 6 - 5 = 11 Damage plus 1d6 ⇒ 2 Acid damage

1d20 + 15 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 15 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 3 = 23
1d6 + 8 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 6 - 5 = 12 Damage plus 1d6 ⇒ 2 Acid damage

1d20 + 15 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (16) + 15 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 3 = 33
1d6 + 8 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 6 - 5 = 15 Damage plus 1d6 ⇒ 6 Acid damage

1d20 + 15 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 15 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 3 = 37
1d6 + 8 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 6 - 5 = 10 Damage plus 1d6 ⇒ 6 Acid damage

1d20 + 15 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (12) + 15 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 3 = 29
1d8 + 8 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 6 - 5 = 16 Damage plus 1d6 ⇒ 5 Acid damage

Crit Confirm
1d20 + 15 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (11) + 15 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 3 = 28
1d6 + 8 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 6 - 5 = 13 Damage plus 1d6 ⇒ 2 Acid damage

Results of attacks

XON
5 hits including 1 crit. Ignore extra acid damage from crit. DR is accounted for in all damage. LAst attack was bite which does deal bludgeoning damage so let me add that 5 damage back in...

Total damage to chosen victim: 103 damage.

Seila

1 hit. No crit. Damage accounts for DR.

Total damage to chosen victim: 29.

As she suspected, Phynn's bombs do little against the stone skins of the terracotta soldiers. Unable to influence the fight in any way, the young gnome withdraws, concealing herself within the remains of the grass monster.

Fefrind's Shrine - Round 3 - 4

As Nawarld lays the mounted soldier to rest in hundreds of tiny, broken pieces, Seila and Xon strike-- eliminating the soldier savaged by Arau and striking a clean blow into the chest of another. The creatures are resilient-- Nawarld's hammer or Xon's rampaging claws are clearly better fighting instruments than Seila's naginata.

Melisai takes the moment to cheer the others forward, seeing no one in need of her assistance.

The sleet storm continues to blow-- and the enemies are all but neutralized.

Initiative is:
-- Calithilon - 29 is up! Followed by...
- Calithilion's Own Water Elemental- 29
The March of Stone Soldiers - 27 (damage on map!)
-- Thak - 19
-- B'auw and Arau 21
-- Nawarld - 14B
-- Seila and Xon - 13
-- Phynn - 12
-- Melisai - NPC, 0

Attack of Opportunity vs Nawarld!: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Acrobatics to Move in Sleet Storm
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 = stuck!
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 = stuck!

These guys live in a world of sorrow.

The terra-cotta soldiers march on through the snow, mindlessly moving forward to attack. Do they remember why? Perhaps not. To the silent beat of a war drum, they move forward.

(Two of them provoke from Arau, Xon and Seila-- with 20% concealment. Have at it!

The two harrying Nawarld let out silent battle cries and strike!

Attack, West!: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Attack, West!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Attack, North!: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Attack, North!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

They try-- which is almost pitiable. Their inborn skill, taught through rote magic and sorcery, baked into the clay that makes up their body, cannot hope to match with a living, breathing warrior like Nawarld.

Initiative is:
-- Calithilon - 29 is up!
- Calithilion's Own Water Elemental- 29
The March of Stone Soldiers - 27 (damage on map!)
-- Thak - 19 Followed by...
-- B'auw and Arau 21
-- Nawarld - 14B
-- Seila and Xon - 13
-- Phynn - 12
-- Melisai - NPC, 0

Thak smiles calmly, the thrill of battle fading, as another volley of arrows is launched one by one from his trusty bow.

Flurry of Arrows
Arrow 1: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
Arrow 2: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (20) + 17 = 37 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
Confirm: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
Arrow Haste: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
Arrow 3: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
Arrow 4: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
Where is terracotta AC?

You hit on everyrthing but Arrow 3

Aimed at closest warriors first.
Total damage: 72
Damage totaled before DR is applied.

Nawarld jerks his weapon out of the ruble that once was a horsement and bring it arcing over his head towards the damaged soldier.
The first impact pulverizes half of the mannequins head before crushing almost undamped into its right shoulder, taking the arm clear off. The maimed soldier sways for a moment before crumbling to dust.
The barbarians hammer meanwhile starts to move once again, flying head first into the other soldiers chest and through it, leaving a gaping, foot wide hole.
"They seem rather, uhm, brittle, don't you think?"

1d20 + 22 ⇒ (17) + 22 = 39
1d20 + 22 ⇒ (14) + 22 = 36
1d20 + 17 ⇒ (20) + 17 = 37
crit conf: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36

1d12 + 11 + 3 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 3 + 9 = 27
1d12 + 11 + 3 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 3 + 9 = 33
2d12 + 22 + 6 + 18 ⇒ (11, 9) + 22 + 6 + 18 = 66

If I'm not mistacken, the crit should be just enough to total the second one, too.
60 damage to the wounded
66 damage to the other one

Current AC 26

Fefrind's Shrine - Round 4

In just an instant, the three soldiers are turned to dust-- leaving one outside of the sleet storm remaining, and the other still firmly locked inside of it.

Initiative is:
-- Calithilon - 29
- Calithilion's Own Water Elemental- 29
The March of Stone Soldiers - 27 (damage on map!)
-- Thak - 19
-- B'auw and Arau 21
-- Nawarld - 14B
-- Seila and Xon - 13 is up! Followed by...
-- Phynn - 12
-- Melisai - NPC, 0

The big gnoll steps to the remaining mud man's flank, he and Arau unleashing a vicious flurry of attacks... once again sending chunks flying.

B'auw steps to flank, then both full attack (B'auw power attacking). Every potential Crit is a free AoO for the flank partner (Outflank), and would be applied at the time of the Crit roll.

Having seen their opponents ground to dust before her eyes, Phynn relaxes slightly. The threat all but neutralised, she takes the time to swap a few vials around her many pockets and slots on her belt and then to gulp back some water.

Not going to bother with the AoO's since it seems most are dead noe. :P Post up in a bit.

Seila full attacks the soldier below her.

Swift: Arcane Strike

1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 14 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 16 Attack 1
2d6 + 11 + 3 + 9 - 5 ⇒ (5, 3) + 11 + 3 + 9 - 5 = 26

1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 14 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 32 Haste Attack
2d6 + 11 + 3 + 9 - 5 ⇒ (5, 5) + 11 + 3 + 9 - 5 = 28

1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 27 Attack 2
2d6 + 11 + 3 + 9 - 5 ⇒ (6, 1) + 11 + 3 + 9 - 5 = 25

Well that's fanf&&*ingtastic.

Critical miss first attack so other two attacks never get to go unless someone has an imediate action reroll ability they're hiding. :/

Phynn's actions are up there ^ so it's now Melisai's go.

As the dust settles, the sleet-storm continues on until Calithilon wills its end.

Afterwards, the snowstorm's removal reveals the torii gate covered utterly in frost, and a single terracotta warrior with his joints frozen solid lingering deathlessly in the way. At first touch, it shatters to pieces like a brittle sculpture.

Beyond the torii gate lies a large swathe of stairs-- they seem to lead up the side of the tall stone hill that Fefrind's shrine sits at. Along the way are several small buildings-- shrines to local gods or masters. It's obvious that they've all been defaced horribly. Wood shapes grow from statue stands and vines claim the scattered rocks of ancient busts of the old gods. Pillars stand along the path as it winds the stone, up and up, towards the summit. Of course, if one wished, it would be simple to fly upwards straight to the peak... but the storm winds may prove an unfortunate issue on the ascent.

So, how to proceed?

B'auw spends a few more seconds looking for opponents. Finding none, he gives a sort of final snort, sheathing his main blade and resetting the contraption that houses his off-hand weapon. "Well-fought," he grunts as he eyes the team, then pats Arau roughly on her massive shoulder.

He looks beyond the torii gate, considering their next steps as he pulls out a surprisingly new-looking wand that is dwarfed in his massive gnoll hands. Wand of CLW x3: 3d8 + 3 ⇒ (2, 7, 8) + 3 = 20; Back to full HP.

He looks around, offering the wand to anyone else who needs some light healing before his eyes once again return to the next step in their assignment. "Unless someone has a brilliant idea," the gnoll says, his thick, canine tongue making his words slightly garbled, "I'll take point and scout. Spell-makers, watch for arcane scents."

Unless someone has a good idea, B'auw then stalks forward, once again pulling his wicked blade as he sticks close to whatever cover he can find... eyes scanning the surrounding trees, skies, and the ground ahead of him.

Perception 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21
Stealth 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17
Survival (looking for tracks) 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (14) + 21 = 35

The combat over, Phynn emerges from her hiding place and, ignoring her wounds, wordlessly falls in behind the gnoll, disappearing into his shadow as he sets off up the trail. The young gnome's tiny form looks insignificant compared to the massive frame of the warrior but, despite the size difference, she has no problems keeping pace and the pair work in tandem to ensure nothing catches the group unawares.

Perception: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (9) + 27 = 36
Stealth: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (10) + 32 = 42
Track: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31

Why don't you take lead as scout? And just pull B'auw in as your scouting support in case you get into a bad situation... your modifiers are far better than B'auw's.

At B'auw's invitation, Phynn forges ahead, happy for the chance to use her best skills for the benefit of the group.

Thak straps his bow to his back in one smooth movement and gives a small smile. "Well fought, y'all! Well fought."

Thak joins the group taking the back rank, turning his head around frequently to catch any pursuers.

Perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (1) + 19 = 20

Once the combat it pretty much over, Nawarld looks exhausted for a moment.
"Puh, well, so much for those monstrosities. Back to where they belong."
He then goes to pick up his sword and gets ready to move on.

The Dreamer is well-pleased with his ad hoc group. Several may be semi-civilized murderers, but they are very good at that. And, he has to admit, he'd long since lost any scruples against violence in the struggle against Amberfall.

Quietly, he and Athaniel move out with the group, keeping an eye out for trouble.

As the group travels up the road that winds up the side of the hill, they continue to pass by shattered shrines and ruined temples. Up ahead, the sound of rushing water echoes down the hillside.

Around the next corner is a large dammed pond being fed into by a slow-moving waterfall that runs from the hilltop. Thick vines, moss and algae fill the pool along with many lilly pads. The water remains mostly calm, slightly rippled by the rush of water, and exits through two large stylized dragon maws in the stone dam's face. Around the pond is a large stone staging area, another torii gate and a small dilapidated shrine to a lost god. The stone surrounding the pond is wide enough to allow the entire party to stand on either side comfortably. The expanse of the dam that runs from one side to the other is made over like a bridge; it is large enough that Seila and Xon could stand side-by-side to cross it, and runs almost sixty feet to the other side.

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28 Perception Xon

1d20 + 19 ⇒ (18) + 19 = 37 PErception Seila

Seila looks bored as they float up the road clearly unamused by the last fight with the inaminate objects made slightly more aggressive. Spotting somethign out of the corner of her eye she looks in the general direction of the ripple. Reaching down she prods whoever is in front of her and whispers to them.

"We are being watched...

Perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (11) + 19 = 30

Thak grunts-"Pretty"-as he continues walking. Then raises an eyebrow as Seila speaks. "Oh aye? Betta let'em get a better look o'me dwarvish majesty!" Thak casually spreads his arms wide and flexes his thick arms.

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

Nawarld walks mostly in silence, only muttering something under his breath. ...moving statures.. evil water..why?..shouldn't be...
He is completely unsuspecting of any possible adversary though, at least until Seila calls out.
"Oh?"

Seila bops the dwarf on top of his head with the butt of her spear. "Is no laughing matter! Maybe you start shooting at ripples in water before you flex for girl that is not interested."

Bauw had already made a Percption check... which didn't make the DC.