Striding Into the Gates of Hell - a Wrath of the Righteous Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master Mark Sweetman

Gregori brings his sword in a high arc that descends towards the mongrelman with high speed.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
1d10 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

"Gut this!

Harrol and Gregori combine to bring down the second mongrelman, dagger slicing through leg while sword cleaves through the ribs.

As Eudocia cautions retreat Lann barks "I let go this door and the lizard's through... Are we backing out or standing firm?" looking for some affirmation of whether the lizard is to be held back or unleashed.

Nessa's DMPC held for now pending confirmation of where it is intended to hold firm.

Action Tracker (Round 5): Harrol, Nessa, Lann, Theodric, Mongrel, Eudocia, Gregori

Map - though both mongrels have now fallen.

"Is there nothing with which to bar the door?" Eudocia asks, glancing around the room. "The lizard seems an unnecessary fight."

This room seems as good a battlefield as is available to us; we've got two chokepoints in the doorway and the barricade if we have to fall back. I'd just like to see the wizard in the rear rather than on the front lines.

Theodric takes Eudocia's advice and retreats to the relative safety of the entrance, as Nessa maneuvers herself to provide some cover lest the Southern door be breached.
Move to G,12

Lann uses his knee to butress the door and retrieves a dagger to wedge into the door frame, before stepping back. His handiwork is tested immediately as the lizard barges at the door once more...
Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
...and while the spiked frame holds, the bottom half of the door is broken apart and the lizard makes it's way into the room.

Map will need to come later - but Lann back stepped to G,9; and the lizard moved through the door to H,10

Action Tracker (Round 5): Harrol, Nessa, Lann, Theodric, Mongrel, Eudocia, Gregori
Action Tracker (Round 6): Harrol, Nessa, Lann, Theodric, Mongrel, Eudocia, Gregori

As the bottom of the door explodes out, Gregori rushes forward, bringing is blade in a vicious downward strike at the lizard.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
1d10 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

VoV, I'm still here, I was just waiting on Nessa because she was before me in the initiative order. Can I please not move to G12? That actually advances me towards the southern door, which I do NOT want to do. I was going to retreat to D11 (behind the opening of the western door, and ready Daze on the first humanoid that manages to come through any of the doors. If this retcon is allowed, I will say the following as I go (which is made moot by the lizard's turn, hehe).

Theodric takes Eudocia's advice and retreats, quickly prepping a spell as he muses a reply to her question.

Well, our enemies there are unconscious, perhaps their bodies could provide the weight we need to barricade the door?

No issues with the retcon Theodric - at the moment, until Nessa's player is back, I'm DMPC'ing both her and Lann. So feel free to direct them or indicate what you'd prefer them to do as well. FYI - it was Nessa that moved to G,12 anyway :)
Will resolve Gregori after Eudocia indicates intent.

Updated Map - I've deleted the defeated mongrels for ease of reading

FYI - it was Nessa that moved to G,12 anyway :)

That makes a lot more sense, hehe.

Docia follows Theodric back toward the way they came in, now that Nessa has moved to cover the southern door.

5-foot-step to E 12; continue to ready to close the next door that opens

Harrol will five-foot step to G-11, padding about the stone floor trying to keep away from the creature's teeth. As Nessa approaches, he tries to draw the creature toward him... and into her blade.

Aid Another for Nessa: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Gregori's blade comes down with murderous force and nearly bisects the lizard in a single blow. It bleeds blood and ichor, but does not yet give up the fight.

As Eudocia continues her vigil against doors, the others swarm upon the lizard - hoping to destroy it before it acts...
Nessa's Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 2 = 21 for 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Lann's Morningstar: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
...and while Lann's morningstar strikes only the floor, Nessa's blade finishes the work started by Gregori and the lizard slumps motionless.

Action Tracker (Round 6): Harrol, Nessa, Lann, Theodric, Mongrel, Eudocia, Gregori

Nessa to H,11

"Lann," Eudocia asks quickly, "do you know which way the main passageway lies?"

If they're not going to open a door for us, we're going to have to pick one. Whispered instructions or divine chanting?

Lann furrows his brow for a few moments, before gesturing Northwards "That way... I think."

"Lovely. Towards the chanting," she sighs.

If nothing happens on the bad guys' turn, she can open the door by cantrip on her init and save the melee guys a move action. Lann needs to take a 5-foot-step and retrieve his dagger from the door on his turn; he should have the actions for it.

Perhaps you could use the lizard's remains to block the southern door before we go north--I'd like to avoid getting stabbed in the back, or anywhere, really.

You going to continue readying your daze, Theodric? If they don't attack, you ought to be able to get in line of effect when we open the door.

I don't know, these guys keep making their saves. Whether it's luck or not, Theodric probably thinks they have pretty strong willpower. I might wait to see how many enemies are in the room--if it's more than one, Grease might be better. Do you agree that we should try to block the other door?

Right... now where were we...

As the labored groans of the dying lizard fill the otherwise musty and thick air, you prepare yourselves - caught halfway between one door and the other... unsure of which will prove the more immediate threat.

You do not need worry yourself with the choice as the Northern portal is wrenched open and sight of what lurks beyond it is laid plain. The worked stone walls of the the large room hold a number of shelves, each of which display preserved bodies of animals that lurk in the darkness... dire rats, lizards, bats, vipers and others. A pair of bedrolls are laid in the southeast of the room.

But your eyes and attention are drawn instead to the two humans dressed in black and red - wearing horned helmets and sinister expressions upon their face. Religious symbols are evident, and one bears a scythe - the other a glaive. They sneer at the sight of you and ready to fight.

Eudocia attempts the trick that allowed the lizard to be corralled, but is thwarted this time as the near cultist kept grip on the handle of the door long enough to bar it's closing. The other points with black gauntlet towards Gregori. A single word sounds sonorous and heavy on the air... "Flee"
DC 14 Will save or Gregori has to flee for a round as per command spell

Action Tracker (Round 6): Harrol, Nessa, Lann, Theodric, Cultist, Eudocia, Gregori
Action Tracker (Round 7): Harrol, Nessa, Lann, Theodric, Cultist, Eudocia, Gregori

Map

Eudocia moves forward, setting an arrow to her bowstring as she murmurs under her breath, "Den lamme går hvis han må"; as soon as she has a clear shot through the doorway at the casting cultist, she fires.

Archaeologist's Luck 1/8; Move to F9; Attack cultist in H6 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 1 = 24 damage 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 confirm? 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 1 = 23 damage 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 3) + 2 = 7

Will1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Eyes narrowing slightly as spell breaks against his will, Gregori takes satisfaction in the looks of shock in the cultists widening eyes as the Paladin explodes into motion, racing TOWARDS the spell caster to drive his blade deep.
Charge
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
1d10 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Perception -> 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Nessa moves up to attack, sliding past Gregory if needed (possible AoO).

Attack w/Greatsword -> 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Confirm
Attack w/Greatsword -> 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Damage w/Greatsword -> 2d10 + 6 ⇒ (3, 8) + 6 = 17

That's a nice welcome back

Eudocia's advance is well balanced and her measured shot lances through the cultist's ribcage to sink deep. While not fatal, the wound is deep and oozes bright red blood to contrast the darkness of the cultist's uniform.

Gregori moves past Lann and his sword bites with an anger fuelled by the rejection of dark magics cast against him...
Technically no charge due to Lann in the way (but you hit regardless). Were you moving to attack F7 or H6?

Action Tracker (Round 7): Harrol, Nessa, Lann, Theodric, Cultist, Eudocia, Gregori

Nessa's declared action noted
Unless told otherwise - Lann will be moving to engage the cultists in melee

Whoever cast the spell

Harrol will place a hand on Nessa's shoulder and cast shield of faith, not wishing to crowd the melee.

Gregori sweeps past the cultist holding the door and his divinely powered blade opens another grievous wound on the second evil minion. The combined weight of the two wounds is enough to send her topping bloody and hacking to the floor.

Harrol moves to reinforce Nessa with words and power divine, before the diminuitive warrior strides northwards and lays the second cultist down with a single strike. The threat of the chanting words and dark persons is ended in but seconds.

Lann is slightly awestruck with your sheer efficacy, before he grins and moves to take a closer vigil of the South door.

Action Tracker (Round 7): Harrol, Nessa, Lann, Theodric, Cultist, Eudocia, Gregori

Updated Map

Theodric flinches at the sounds of the cultists being butchered, and turns his gaze on the door next to Lann.

Ready action to Daze the first enemy I see when the door is opened. I can't remember if I loaded my crossbow, but if it's unloaded I'll load it as my move action. Nice job with those cultists!

Even as the last breath is expunged by the cultist to the north, the door to the south swings open. The mongrelfolk holding it catching Theodric's attention arcane...
Will Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
...once again the malformed minds of the mongrels withstanding his attempts to befuddle. Releasing the door, the mongrel brings a crude club to guard position before him.

He is joined on the other side of the portal by a similar soldier, rank and file of the clan... but the blue skinned and furred beast that slinks behind looks a greater danger.

A nocked arrow flies from it's bow towards Lann...
Longbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
...sinking into his shoulder despite the cover offered by the doorframe. The creature hisses satisfaction as it nocks another arrow to fly.

Action Tracker (Round 7): Harrol, Nessa, Lann, Theodric, Mongrel, Eudocia, Gregori
Action Tracker (Round 8): Harrol, Nessa, Lann, Theodric, Mongrel, Eudocia, Gregori

Map

"Mr. Shadowbane!" Eudocia cries an alarum. "Enemies behind us!" Not trusting her merely adequate skill with a bow, she holds her shot, waiting for a clearer line of sight to their attackers.

Delay, for now

Round 8

Nessa spins and hustles to the newly opened door, but pauses when an arrow shoots forth from the opening. Taking a protective stand in front of Harrol (if he is still there) she will motion for the mongrol-man to come and get her.

Move 20' to G-12 and ready an attack against anyone coming through the door. And visibly taunt the opponent in I-14 but with no game mechanics behind it.

Status: AC 20 (w/Underfoot) 24 HP; Looking back through the fight, I didn't see Nessa get hit so I assume this is correct. Sorry for the need to DMPC Mark but thanks for covering for her (and several others).

Harrol will draw and load his Neathholm-crafted sling (a free action thanks to warslinger), move to F12 and take a shot at the blue-skinned mongrelman.

Sling (Point Blank): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Confirm: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 +: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Spinning at Eudocia's warning shout, Gregori dashes out to face the oncoming enemies.

Double move to G,13, shield up.

Eudocia's eyes scan the burgeoning affray, looking for an opportunity to act as Gregori repositions himself.

Harrol's slung stone strikes his target across the cheek as Nessa moves to support the front line.

A bloodied Lann then steps forward and through the door (To I,13) and swings Chief Sull's much maligned mangling morninstar...
Morningstar: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
...the spiked head thumping satisfyingly into one of the mongrel's hips.

Action Tracker (Round 8): Harrol, Nessa, Lann, Theodric, Mongrel, Eudocia, Gregori

No map as I'm at work - Eudocia can act whenever and wherever in the initiative train.

Barring something unexpected happening, Docia won't act this round; not going to waste an arrow with so much cover in the way. Up to Theodric; he doesn't need a clear line of sight for his cantrips.

Theodric watches his companions' struggles from his own spot of relative safety and decides that the archer is the greatest threat. The mage produces a handful of sand from the pouch on his belt and weaves a pattern with his hands, again attacking the resilient minds of the tainted ones.

Cast Sleep (linkified, if that helps) at K-14, if that square isn't allowed then K-13.

As Theodric begins incantations arcane and gestures borne of the art, the mongrels react to the onslaught. 1 round casting time means it comes into effect just before your action this round.

Lann finds himself beset upon both sides by the mongrels at the door...
Club at Lann: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 2 = 26 and Confirm: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 2 = 26 for 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 4) + 6 = 12
...the first catching him unprepared upon the side of the head and causing him to crumple unconscious to the floor. The second's swing is held in arms, awaiting one of the invaders to approach so that it might be delivered.

The blue skinned one takes a step forwards and directs his fire instead upon Gregori...
Bowshot: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
...though the long shafted arrow skitters off his well readied shield.

Action Tracker (Round 8): Harrol, Nessa, Lann, Theodric, Mongrel, Eudocia, Gregori
Action Tracker (Round 9): Harrol, Nessa, Lann, Theodric, Mongrel, Eudocia, Gregori

Map

Gregori explodes into a charge, hurdling Lann's fallen body and ignoring the opponents on either side of the door Giving up AoO to take out the archer.

Charge
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
1d10 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

As Gregori flies between the guarding mongrelmen, they each make an opportunistic strike - holding their swing until he is directly betwixt them to make best use of the opportunity...
AoO Club: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 2 = 25 for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
AoO Club: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 2 = 18 for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
...and the paladin is struck heavily on thigh and chest... but the blows prove insufficient to stop him returning the favor upon the archer. His sword cuts a bloody swath across it's torso, but does not yet drop the foe.

Action Tracker (Round 8): Harrol, Nessa, Lann, Theodric, Mongrel, Eudocia, Gregori
Action Tracker (Round 9): Harrol, Nessa, Lann, Theodric, Mongrel, Eudocia, Gregori

As the battle moves into the small room and the chance of drawing the enemy out into the open dies, Eudocia turns her attention and her bow to the north, watching in case the sound of battle attracts any more combatants to the fray.

Round 9 - potentially dependent on Harrol's action for target choice

Nessa follows Gregori, hacking through the doorway at those seeking to stop the paladin. But her sword notches into the door frame. 5' adjust to H-13

Attack w/Greatsword ->: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Damage w/Greatsword ->: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

I guess it doesn't really depend on Harrol's action after all

"Lann!" the young halfling cries, foolishly padding out into the open. If not for Gregori charging past him, he'd likely have been cut to ribbons. (5ft. step to G13) Collecting his wits, Harrol lets another slingstone fly at the mongrel that Lann wounded.

Sling, Point Blank, Into Melee: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Eudocia maintains a stately vigil, albeit with arrow drawn and nocked, as Harrol's more rounded missile is deflected by the doorframe without damaging it's target.

Nessa moves with steps less gainly to engage the mongrels. As she faces up the beast with the readied club unleashes a crude overhand...
Club: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
...that is as effective as Nessa's own strike - merely adorning the rock and stone with further scars.

Lann shifts slightly upon the ground, though without closer or more skilled observance you're not sure if his condition is stable or deteriorating.

Action Tracker (Round 9): Harrol, Injured Mongrel, Nessa, Lann, Theodric, Other Mongrels, Eudocia, Gregori

Updated Map prior to Sleep hitting

Hmm, so whom does the Sleep spell affect? Just want to see the outcome before I take my next turn.

Are you centering it in the same place or changing it up? - you get to choose as the spell takes effect.

Oh, didn't know that. In that case, can I back it up to L-15?

Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Theodric's incantation comes into effect and for an instant he can see the blue skinned mongrel folk's eyes half-close, but then it fights off the effects and remains resolute.

Theodric, seeing his magic is having no effect, is seized by a moment of bravery. He runs forward to try to drag Lann to safety.

I'll move to H-12 and then do a drag maneuver on Lann to move straight back with him. Not sure if I need to roll when he's unconscious, but if so...

Drag: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

As Theodric removes Lann from harms way, the mongrelfolk yip as they surround Gregori, lashing out with clubs as they do. The blue skinned mongrel joins the fray - having dropped his bow and drawn a dark hardwood bludgeon...
Club at Gregori: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Club at Gregori: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 2 = 28 Confirm: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 = 16 for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
...the exertion of the charge showing as Gregori is battered by the first club and walks face first into a rising strike by the blue skinned one.

The blue skinned mongrel laughs, a soft rasping and sinister sound as Gregori sways with threat of succumbing to his wounds...
I have Gregori down 11 from the charge, plus 8 here - making 19. So on 3/22 HP at present?

Action Tracker (Round 9): Harrol, Injured Mongrel, Nessa, Lann, Theodric, Other Mongrels, Eudocia, Gregori
Action Tracker (Round 10): Harrol, Injured Mongrel, Nessa, Lann, Theodric, Other Mongrels, Eudocia, Gregori

Mapski

With no line of sight on the battle in the side room, Eudocia steps closer to Theodric with a worried look down at the fallen Lann. "Is he ...?" she asks, keeping her attention on the open door to the north.

5 foot step to G 10; continue to ready

Gregori's eyes flash as he calls upon the divine energy deep within to close some of his wounds

Swift action Lay on hands1d6 ⇒ 4

With a roar of fury, the battered paladin brings his blade in a vicious twisting strike, plunging it deep in the blue skinned mongrel's body as he gloats.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
1d10 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Confirmation
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
1d10 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

As Eudocia repositions to better gain vantage, she is treated to the fury of Ragathiel borne unto Gregori's foes. His Bastard sword slides through the mongrel's side, slipping between ribs to penetrate vital organs beneath. With a choking cough, the beast drops to the floor - where the core of blue skin sits central to a pool of spreading red blood.

The other two mongrelfolk rear backwards from the Paladin rampart, unease and uncertainty tinging their actions...

Action Tracker (Round 10): Harrol, Injured Mongrel, Nessa, Lann, Theodric, Other Mongrels, Eudocia, Gregori