The Rowdy Roughboys : Scales of War

Game Master RyckyRych

Some family heirloom or something of that ilk. No, I'm not at all sure that this isn't a huge waste of our time. It wouldn't be the first time. Once there was this time...

Fergus then regales Mag with long-winded shaggy-dog stories about some of the fruitless adventures he's been on. He then solicits similar stories from his friends, too. And then some about his father, McDammit. And his grandfather Owen. And so on and so on...

Mag, may I ask what you are doing out in these parts, are you a guardian of the Thornwastes or are you searching for something as well?

Fergus turns away from Mag and rolls his eyes, after having spent so much time trying to distract Mag from the topic of "searching for something."

Gnomes.

The day passes without further incident, save the exchange of wild tales from the party and their guide. He seems to have taken a liking to you and feels comfortable guiding you in this harsh wilderness.

The next day is much of the same. Travel is harsh but made easier with your guide taking the lead. The sun eventually sets and Mag declares to the party, We should make camp, and soon. I believe there's a good spot up ahead here, maybe 10 or 15 minutes further.

However before you are able to get to said campsite, something seems amiss.

Fergus: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Fizzlebomb: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10
Haldor: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Varis: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Random Stuff!: 1d20 + 6d20 ⇒ (10) + (4, 17, 19, 6, 10, 2) = 68

Check your modifiers to be sure they are current, please.

Fergus and Varis and alert enough to notice hidden within the brambles, two dwarves lie in wait, warhammers in hand. Then, over the crest of a large outcropping just beyond a ravine ahead, a crossbow appears, trained on your group. A scuffling to the east reveals another dwarf bolter rising from behind a hedge of screening brambles. They look to ambush your party! Time for Initiative!

Fergus: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14
Fizzlebomb: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14
Haldor: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1
Varis: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Bolters: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Hammerers: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8

Again, check your modifiers.

Surprise Round!
1. Varis and Fergus
2. Dwarves!

Thorn Brambles: These thick, thorny brambles grow to a height of 8 feet and are difficult terrain. Within the brambles, adjacent creatures have concealment, while creatures not adjacent have total concealment.

Boulders: These 5-foot-high rocks provide cover. A boulder can be climbed with a DC 10 Athletics check. A creature on top of a boulder reduces concealment for creatures in the brambles within 4 squares of it, from full concealment to concealment, or from concealment to none.

Rock Outcropping (where Bolter 2 currently is): These outcroppings of basalt stand 20 feet high and can be climbed with a DC 15 Athletics check. Creatures on top of an outcropping have superior cover against creatures below.

Ravine: This ravine is 10 feet deep with steep, crumbling sides. A creature in the ravine has cover against all creatures not adjacent to the edge. Scaling the sides of the ravine requires a DC 15 Athletics check.

This is as written in the adventure. I think the 5E conversion we'll use is like this:

Concealment : Half-Cover (+2 AC and Dex Saves)
Total Concealment : Total Cover (can't be targeted directly)
Superior Cover : Three-Quarters Cover (+5 AC and Dex Saves)

We'll see how it goes.

I have a question that I've been rolling around in my head. In the PHB, Firebolt ignites a flammable object that is not being carried or worn. What happens if I target something like that, say a thorn bramble?

I would say the bramble catches on fire. I would then say that anyone in that spot would need to move from that square or take fire damage the next round.

Varis will take two shots at the one on the top, then take cover behind the rocks.
Stage whisper to his companions There is an ambush! Take cover!

bow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 arrow: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
bow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 arrow: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

I take it you mean Bolter 2.

Varis quickly fires two arrows into the dwarf on the outcropping, who nearly falls over from the assault!

Fergus may act!

B2 -17

Fergus moves forward (west?) 10 feet to get within javelin range, chucks a javelin at the one closest to me (i.e., the southernmost hammer), and then gets behind the rocks.
Javelin: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Fergus throws a javelin at one of the dwarves but it gets hung up in the brambles! You are not adjacent to him, thus he has total concealment.

2d20 ⇒ (19, 18) = 37 Two of the bolters scramble up on top of the boulders.
The bolters then fire bolts from above using their crossbows! 3d2 ⇒ (1, 2, 2) = 5

#1 vs Fizz: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 for Crit Damage: 2d10 + 2 ⇒ (3, 5) + 2 = 10
#1 vs Fizz: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 for Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

#2 vs Haldor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
#2 vs Haldor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

#3 vs Haldor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
#3 vs Haldor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 for Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

One of the hammerers grabs his maul and engages Varis!

Maul: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 for Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 1) + 4 = 8
Maul: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

The second one moves out of the brambles with his maul and approaches Fergus and Haldor! Double Move.

The third moves forward through some brambles, staring down the gnome as he approaches! Double Move.

End Surprise Round! Varis, Fergus and Fizz are up!

1. Varis, Fergus, and Fizz
2. Dwarves!
3. Haldor

Fizz -20
Haldor -9
Varis -8
B2 -17

Against the adjacent Hammer standing to my southeast:
First Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17 for Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Second Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 for Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

The plate armored dwarf is struck twice by the righteous paladin!

Varis and Fizz!

Fizz -20
Haldor -9
Varis -8
B2 -17
H2 -20

Attacking the Dwarf H2,

FireBolt range 120ft
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
damage: 2d10 ⇒ (7, 3) = 10
crit damage: 2d10 ⇒ (7, 2) = 9

Fizz then swings wide to avoid enemies to try and hide behind the rocks in the safety of his companions.

In dwarven

Yelling, Clan Ironfell

Fizz connects with a potent fire bolt! The dwarves then yell back with rage! One of them yells something to Fizz.

Varis!

Fizz -20
Haldor -9
Varis -8
B2 -17
H2 -39

Varis "mauls" the dwarf right back

sword: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 dmg: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
sword: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 dmg: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

fist: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Varis connects three times! The dwarves retaliate, yelling encouragement to each other as they move in, swinging their maul with bad intent!

#1 vs Fergus: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (6) + 6 + (1) = 13
#1 vs Fergus: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (14) + 6 + (1) = 21 for Damage: 2d6 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (5, 6) + 4 - 3 = 12

#2 vs Haldor: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (14) + 6 + (1) = 21 for Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1) + 4 = 9
#2 vs Haldor: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (5) + 6 + (2) = 13

#3 vs Varis: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (18) + 6 + (1) = 25 for Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 = 10
#3 vs Varis: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (8) + 6 + (2) = 16

The bolters prove to be experts with the crossbow and load quickly! They then pepper the party with bolts!

#1 vs Haldor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
#1 vs Haldor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

#2 vs Haldor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
#2 vs Haldor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

#3 vs Fizz, with cover: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 4 - 2 = 17 for Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
#3 vs Fizz, with cover: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 2 = 7

You guys are up!

Fergus -12
Fizz -27
Haldor -18
Varis -18
B2 -17
H1 -22
H2 -39

Fizz is going to step up to H2 and grab hold of him and his plate armor and electrocute him then step back out of reach

Shocking Grasp range touch
Melee spell attack advantage if wearing metal
2d8 lighting and can’t take actions start of its next turn
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
lightning damage: 2d8 ⇒ (5, 6) = 11

Against the one to my southeast:
First Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 for Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 (although I doubt that attack hits)
Second Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Whoosh! Thine attacks are so meaningless that I choose not even to hit thee this time! Hah!

Fizz shocks the poor innocent dwarf, then steps away as he can't seem to react! Man, if he couldn't take actions that would be some cantrip! I thought you'd have caught that by now. :)

Fergus is much more agreeable and avoids hurting his opponent!

Haldor and Varis are up!

Fergus -12
Fizz -27
Haldor -18
Varis -18
B2 -17
H1 -22
H2 -50

Varis returns the favor

sword: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 dmg: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
sword: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 dmg: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Ki point to flurry
fist: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
fist: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

crit dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 2
oh and on the flurry hit make a dex save 14 or fall prone

Varis strikes once with his sword and then once more with a fist! The sturdy dwarf stands firm!

Haldor!

Fergus -12
Fizz -27
Haldor -18
Varis -18
B2 -17
H1 -35
H2 -50

its a cantrip, but i have to walk up to them and that's not something the squishy gnome wants to do.

its a cantrip, but i have to walk up to them and that's not something the squishy gnome wants to do.

Well no, but if they could take no actions? I'd be willing to use it more often. Just saying.

Sacred flame on H2. Dex save DC 15
Damage: 2d8 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8

Dex!: 1d20 + 1d4 ⇒ (6) + (2) = 8

The hammerer can't avoid the spell from Haldor but somehow stays on his feet! The dwarves then attempt to fight back!

The Hammerers continue to hammer away!

#1 vs Fergus: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (17) + 6 + (4) = 27 for Damage: 2d6 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 - 3 = 6
#1 vs Fergus: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (11) + 6 + (4) = 21 for Damage: 2d6 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (2, 4) + 4 - 3 = 7

#2 vs Haldor: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (9) + 6 + (1) = 16
#2 vs Haldor: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (3) + 6 + (3) = 12

#3 vs Varis: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (12) + 6 + (1) = 19 for Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 5) + 4 = 10
#3 vs Varis: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (1) + 6 + (3) = 10

The bolters keep... bolting.

#1 vs Haldor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
#1 vs Haldor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

#2 vs Haldor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
#2 vs Haldor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

#3 vs Fizz: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 4 - 2 = 13
#3 vs Fizz: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 4 - 2 = 20 for Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Go!

Fergus -25
Fizz -30
Haldor -18
Varis -28
B2 -17
H1 -35
H2 -58

Firing at H1, Then slipping into the brambles for total concealment from the bolters.

FireBolt range 120ft
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
damage: 2d10 ⇒ (7, 4) = 11
crit damage: 2d10 ⇒ (1, 9) = 10

Fizz again shows his prowess with things arcane and fires another extremely potent spell. The rugged dwarf still stands!

You sure do crit that spell quite a bit. All but Fizz may act!

Fergus -25
Fizz -30
Haldor -18
Varis -28
B2 -17
H1 -56
H2 -58

thanks for jinxing that.... LOL

thanks for jinxing that.... LOL

Just doing my job, sir.

Give b2 another sacred flame. Dex 15 again
Damage: 2d8 ⇒ (2, 8) = 10

Varis call upon his training to restore his life force.
self heal for 18 points (wholeness of body, 3* level heal)
Then for a ki point as bonus action Dodge

Status:
Varis -10 HP, -2 ki

Sacred Flame has a range of 60' so you'll have to target B1.

Dex!: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Haldor strikes a bolter while Varis heals himself!

Fergus!

Fergus -25
Fizz -30
Haldor -18
Varis -10, -2 ki
B2 -17
H1 -56
H2 -58
B1 -10

Against the guy to my southeast again:
First Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 for Crit Damage: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (5, 3) + 7 = 15
Second Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Fergus downs the dwarf but the force of the strike causes his followup strike to miss its mark! The dwarves howl with rage!

Maul vs Fergus: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (4) + 6 + (3) = 13
Maul vs Fergus: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (13) + 6 + (2) = 21 for Damage: 2d6 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (4, 4) + 4 - 3 = 9

Maul vs Varis: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (7) + 6 + (4) = 17 or Maul vs Varis: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (17) + 6 + (4) = 27 for Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 1) + 4 = 8
Maul vs Varis: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (6) + 6 + (4) = 16 or Maul vs Varis: 1d20 + 6 + 1d4 ⇒ (1) + 6 + (1) = 8

Both Fergus and Varis are struck once! The bolters decide to all target the party cleric since the gnome went into hiding!

vs Haldor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
vs Haldor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
vs Haldor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
vs Haldor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
vs Haldor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 for Crit: 2d10 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1) + 2 = 4
vs Haldor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

The attempts are mostly pathetic but one strikes true, though the bolt was poorly crafted and barely does any damage!

Party up!

Fergus -34
Fizz -30
Haldor -22
Varis -18, -2 ki
B2 -17
H1 -56
B1 -10

Which one of the two hammer guys on the map is H1? Has the other guy not been hit or something?

vs H1

sword: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 dmg: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
sword: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 dmg: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

fist: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

hopping out to attack B2 then hopping back in

FireBolt range 120ft
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
damage: 2d10 ⇒ (6, 1) = 7

Fergus will cast Lay on Hands on himself and recover 25 hit points.

Which one of the two hammer guys on the map is H1? Has the other guy not been hit or something?

Are the names not visible? If that happens again let me know so I can set it up so you can see. As the DM I always see the names.

Varis kills one of the hammerers and then starts laying into the last! Fizz kills a bolter! Fergus heals himself!

Haldor!

Fergus -9
Fizz -30
Haldor -22
Varis -18, -2 ki
H3 -16
B1 -10

The names were not visible before but are now. Thanks.

Also, with his movement, Fergus rushes into the brambles toward Bolter 1.

Give bolter 1 a sacred flame.
Dex 15
Damage: 2d8 ⇒ (4, 7) = 11

Dex!: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

The bolter is blownn off of his perch by Haldor's divine spell! The other bolter screams more curses at the cleric and fires two bolts at him!

vs Haldor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
vs Haldor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

The remaining maul-wielding dwarf assaults Varis!

vs Varis: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 for Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 1) + 4 = 7
vs Varis: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 for Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 6) + 4 = 14

The two strikes bring the monk down! I believe you are at 0, correct? The dwarf yells, celebrating his victory and moves to engage Fizz!

Party up!

Fergus -9
Fizz -30
Haldor -22
Varis -39, -2 ki (death save needed)
H3 -16
B1 -10

Bolter 1 needs another present. Dex 15 AGAIN.
Present Damage: 2d8 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8

Shocking Grasp range touch
Melee spell attack advantage if wearing metal
2d8 lighting and can’t take actions start of its next turn
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
lightning damage: 2d8 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4

Fizz will move.

FERGUS.... HALDOR.... Varis is down

HELP!!!!! Get this bozo off of me

Hang on Varis, I'll heal you

Bolter 1 is down. The only one in range is the Hammerer.

Dex: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17

The hammerer somehow dodges the attack but then Fizz shocks him and runs away!

Fergus and Varis (death save).

Fergus -9
Fizz -30
Haldor -22
Varis -39, -2 ki (death save needed)
H3 -20