To Wear the Carrion Crown (Group 3 - Trial of the Beast) (Inactive)

Game Master Haldhin

Round One:

Spying the troll at the top of the gatehouse, Korvus murmurs the mystical phrases of one of his newest spells as he points at the giant humanoid. A glowing pea-sized bead streaks from the wizard's finger and strikes the troll, blossoming into a fiery conflagration. The half-orc then reaches into his magical backpack to retrieve a scroll.

Standard action to cast Fireball at the troll on top of the gatehouse. Move action to retrieve scroll of Enlarge Person from haversack.

Fireball Damage: 5d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 1, 3, 2) = 13; Reflex DC 17 for half damage

Round One

Lucius 20
Andrezi 17
Bjorn 15
Korvus 14
Harold 10

continued...

Bjorn steps back after dropping the trollhound and gestures toward the troll emerging from the gatehouse!

Korvus launches a fireball at the troll on top of the gatehouse, engulfing the creature in an explosion of arcane fire!

Reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Harold lays into the trollhound he faces...
Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 20
Confirm: 1d20 ⇒ 2
Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8
connecting with precisely aimed strikes, knocking his foe unconscious.

The troll at the top of the gatehouse throws a barrel at Korvus:
Attack, throw: 1d20 ⇒ 9
but the wooden barrel shatters as it hits the road beside the wizard.

The troll facing Bjorn charges forward slashing with its claw:
Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

I think that misses with Bjorn's shield of faith?

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That's all for this round, next round is up!

The map file is at work, I'll update and repost asap.

Yeah, that misses.

Bjorn expects to be ripped open by the troll's claws but breathes a sigh in relief as the beast's attack bounces off of Lucius's protective spell.

With a growl, he lunges for the troll.

Grapple: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

Lucius takes a pair of shots at the troll being grappled by Bjorn.

Rapid, Deadly, PBS: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 1 - 4 = 16

1d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Rapid, Deadly, PBS: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 1 - 4 = 22

1d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

As Bjorn starts to wrestle with one of the ugly trolls, Harold steps up to start tenderizing the struggling creature's ribs.

Unarmed Flurry of Blows vs Troll: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 161d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Unarmed Damage vs Troll: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 161d8 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Continuing to float - not to mention cackle, Andrezi floats gently on the breeze towards the wrestling match, moving a mere five feet before he focuses his misfortune towards the troll on the gatehouse.

_____________________________

Standard Action: Misfortune on the troll on top of the gatehouse (Requires a DC 19 Will to resist)
Move Action: Cackle
Free: 5-foot 'step' (in flight) towards the action, remaining out of it however.

Note, should they fail to resist Misfortune, the trolls need to reroll all of their d20's as long as I can keep cackling - and I plan on doing so. That includes reflex saves for any future fireballs, no to mention attack rolls, skill checks, etc. I'm a healer in the sense I help people avoid damage where I can! Woo! :D

Round Two

Lucius 20
Andrezi 17
Bjorn 15
Korvus 14
Harold 10
Trolls 09

Lucius fires two shots at the troll who emerged from the gatehouse, sinking two bolts into the monster's chest.

Andrezi floats on the winds and hexes the troll on top of the gatehouse...
Save: 1d20 ⇒ 4
which quickly succumbs to his witchcraft! Affected by Misfortune

Bjorn steps forward and under the troll's arms and wraps his massive arms around the troll's bulk, pinning one of the creature's arms, and placing his head and neck behind its other shoulder. The monster roars in anger as the (slightly) smaller human grapples it!

Harold steps forward and takes advantage of the opportunity to land two powerful strikes against the troll!

Korvus does something awesome here!

The grappled troll flexes its arms and tries to throw Bjorn away...
Break grapple: 1d20 ⇒ 7
but the ulfen warrior's resolve and strength asserts itself - the troll remains grappled!

The troll on top of the gatehouse throws another barrel at Korvus...
1d20 ⇒ 7
1d20 ⇒ 13
which flies even further off target than the first attempt!

The third troll moves up and lashes out at Harold...
Attack, claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Damage, claw: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

I believe that hits, please correct me if I'm wrong.

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Giving Korvus some time, and will repost an updated map early tomorrow.

After that, will continue to Round Three!

Round Two Action:

Korvus intones the words to a spell and points again toward the troll atop the gatehouse. An arrow of acid springs from the wizard's hand and flies toward the troll.

Standard action to cast Acid Arrow at the troll on the gatehouse.

Acid Arrow Attack (ranged touch): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Acid Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5; if hit, troll will take additional 2d4 acid damage next round.

Korvus casts a spell causing a bright green arrow to streak toward the troll on top of the gatehouse, striking it in the chest!.

I've uploaded a new map in the shared drive. Please feel free to post your actions for next round.

Seeing the troll on land being taken care of, Lucius switches targets and fires at the one on top of the gatehouse.

Rapid, Deadly: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 9 - 4 = 20

1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Rapid, Deadly: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 9 - 4 = 8

1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

I suppose I should wait to see if Harold finishes this troll off before Bjorn acts.

Round 3

Harold lines up another shot at the troll's solar-plexus before following with an uppercut to its ugly maw.

Unarmed Flurry of Blows vs Grappled Troll: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 141d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Unarmed Damage vs Grappled Troll: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 161d8 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Round 3

Andrezi, continuing to cackle, now focuses his energies on the injured troll in the doorway.

__________________

Standard Action: Misfortune on the troll that Harold is grappling. (DC 19 Will Resist)
Move Action: Cackle (Renews the Misfortune Hex on the Gatehouse Troll, no save)

Bjorn, the troll is still up after Harold's attacks.

Powered by muscle and fury, Bjorn wrenches on the troll’s neck forcing it to hunch over. The burly ulfen holds his opponent tight and slams several knees into its gut.

Grapple for Damage: 1d20 + 13 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 13 + 5 - 2 = 24
Damage: 1d3 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

Harold, did the troll's attack in Round Two hit you? I think so, but just making sure.

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Round Three

Lucius 20
Andrezi 17
Bjorn 15
Korvus 14
Harold 10
Trolls 09

Lucius fires at the troll on top of the gatehouse, scoring one hit!

Andrezi hexes the grappled troll...
Save: 1d20 ⇒ 10
which fails to resist the witch's curse!

Bjorn maintains his attack and begins assaulting the troll with vicious knees into its midsection.

Korvus going here

Harold connects with two sharp blows, leaving the creature dazed and bloody. Though its wounds begin knitting together, it cannot take much more punishment.

The troll attempts to escape from the crazed ulfen warrior!
Break Grapple: 1d20 ⇒ 13
Break Grapple: 1d20 ⇒ 8
But its efforts prove useless against the hero's mighty strength!

The troll in the door roars and attacks Harold:
Attack, claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Attack, claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Damage, claw: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Damage, claw: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

The remaining troll up in the gatehouse disappears from view - obviously moving back inside (and likely down the stairs since the structure is not large enough to realistically provide a hiding space).

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Korvus is up again.

Map didn't really change, only the troll on top of the gatehouse has disappeared.

The troll currently grappled by Bjorn is looking really bad, the other one behind it is looking much better.

Round Three Action:

As the troll retreats from the top of the gatehouse, it continues to be burned by Korvus' acidic arrow. Troll takes additional 2d4 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6 hp acid damage.

Korvus intones the words to a spell to cause Bjorn to grow to the same size as the troll he grapples.

Full round action to cast Enlarge Person on Bjorn - the spell will come into effect just before the beginning of Korvus' turn in the next round. Enlarge Person grants a +2 size bonus to Strength, a +1 size bonus to CMB and CMD, a -2 size penalty to Dexterity, and a -1 penalty to attack rolls and AC. Duration 5 minutes (50 rounds).

Okay, everyone is good to post actions for next round!

Just FYI, one hit on the troll Bjorn is grappling will put it down.

Lucius rapidly reloads and fires off another pair of shots at the grappled troll.

Rapid, PBS, Deadly: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Rapid, PBS, Deadly, Confirming: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

2d8 + 10 ⇒ (5, 6) + 10 = 21

Rapid, PBS, Deadly: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Rapid, PBS, Deadly, Confirming: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

2d8 + 10 ⇒ (3, 1) + 10 = 14

Continuing his tactic, Andrezi does his best to stem the flow of damage going into his allies; He hexes the last visible troll, before continuing his mad cackle.

_____________________

Standard Action to Misfortune(DC 19 Will) the troll behind the other troll.
Move Action: Cackle, renewing the Misfortune on the other trolls.

I love Misfortune.. :3

Grapple for Damage: 1d20 + 13 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 13 + 5 - 2 = 25
Damage: 1d3 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

Bjorn rears back and delivers a crashing headbutt.

Round Four:

As Korvus completes his spell, Bjorn grows to the size of a troll.

Korvus steps up behind Harold with his Wand of Mage Armor in-hand. The wizard utters the activation word to cast the protective spell on the pugilist.

Move action 15 ft. to square M,16. Standard action to cast Mage Armor on Harold using the Wand of Mage Armor. Harold now has an AC of 20.

Wand of Mage Armor charges used: 13/50

Round Four

Since it appears that Bjorn has the one troll well in hand, Harold turns to the other troll that keeps slashing into his side with it's gnarly fingernails. The half-orc grins with his own tusks showing as he steps closer to the troll and unleashes a barrage of swift punches to it's face, "Oy, ugly! Thee got a bi' ov me fist in yaaahr face! Let me get what fer you."

5-foot step toward Red Troll.
Full round action: Flurry of Blows vs Red Troll.

Unarmed Flurry of Blows vs Red Troll: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 101d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Unarmed Damage vs Red Troll: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 141d8 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

You were 1 hp of damage away from downing the remaining trolls, so I'm going to call it.

The last of the trolls fall, the acid of Korvus' spell continuing to eat into its flesh.

From inside the gatehouse, the rattling of chains draws your attention.

Hobbling into view are three pitiful goblins, chained at the ankles. They look at the trolls, then at your group. At once, they all fall to the ground in a mass of tangled limbs and begin tugging madly (and quite ineffectively) at their shackles. You can tell their bonds are crude, and would be easily disabled (or destroyed).

"They're so sad looking. We should free them." Lucius pulls his tools out and walks over to them.

Seeing Lucius moving closer, the goblins immediately begin trying to flee... causing them to tumble over one another as the chains prevent their escape. One of them finally notices the tools in his hands, and curses and hits the other two until they stop wrestling.

Looking up at Lucius, the goblin bows its head and slowly raises up the chain, "Please, kind masters." it squeaks. "Please to take horrible chains off poor goblins. Us be good and not run - us make good serb... serrr... " his eyes squint as he thinks. Finally, he hops, "Us makes good slaves!"

Auto that.

"Well we all know that't not true. Why did the trolls chain you up? And be honest."

Bjorn frowns at Lucius’s kindness.

”Ugh, goblins. Vermin. You’d be better off trying to help a pack of rats boy.”

The big ulfen busies himself looking over the acid-eaten troll corpses to make sure they’re fully dead.

The lead goblin squeaks and squeals, "Me not know, Master. Us bad slaves. Us stupid, and eat too much."

Another goblin leaps up, "Yes, yes. And us bad stealers too! Us so bad, not even can steal from big human house on other side river!"

The first nods, "Yes, us run away. Big chair that moves around all crazy!" He waves his arms around over his head in frantic circles, "And big closet that makes bongs and bangs!"

The second goblin nods excitedly, "Yes, BANG! BOOM! BONG!"

The third goblin, seeing how much fun his companions are having, also chimes in "BOOM! BANG! BONGBONGBONGBONG!"

The first goblin nods and points at the other two, "And giant dead dog! It hiding outside, almost eat us!"

The other goblins stop making the noises (thankfully) and nod vigorously, with both groaning at the mention of the dog.

"What? We didn't see a giant dead dog anywhere. Just some troll ones."

I assume they're talking about the manor proper as the big human house?

Yes, they went across the stone bridge to try and steal from the big house across the river. They're talking about what they found over there.

Got it. Knowledge check on the 'dead' dog?

Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Using Recall: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 2 = 22

"Is that all you found there?"

The first nods, "Yes! the chair, and the closet, and the dog!"

Another agrees, "Yes, that's all! Except for the giant!"

The first concurs, "Yes, except for the giant! All sewn up together... like him!"

He points straight at Alpy.

He's not giving you much information, but you don't recall any specific undead creatures that fits his description. It might be some kind of zombie or skeleton. You would have to get a good look to tell for certain.

"So Alpy has a brother? Where is the giant now?"

Bjorn stays quiet and lets the young priest ask his questions.

The goblins may be vermin but they seemed to know quite a bit.

"Us not know. Only see him one time, not want see again!"

Alpy, however, looks very confused. "Not know anything about brother. Father say I his only son. Very worried for father now."

"Maybe you got a new brother while you were locked up. Either way we should keep going, right?" Lucius then turns to the goblins. "You guys can go home. Just stay away from any longshank cities." He then starts unlocking their chains.

Assuming you continue across the bridge... nothing else to find inside the gatehouse.

The slender stone bridge arcs gracefully across the raging water, leading to a fortified manse on the far side of the river. The sides of the bridge are solid, rising nearly four feet above the walkway, providing substantial protection for those crossing the bridge.

The bridge is not covered, but PCs could crouch down and use the sides for cover if desired. As you cross, please make a Perception check - spoiler below.

NOW I'm flying off the side of the bridge, near the waterfall. :P

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Giving Korvus and Harold a chance, then we'll continue with the golem hound.

Harold gives the goblins a long, hard look before shooing them away, "Begone wiv you. But know if yew murder any innocen' folks in da area, I'll 'un' yew down an' use yaaahr skulls fer me chamberpot. Understand?" He makes a swiping motion across his neck for added effect at the little vermin.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

The half-orc joins the others as they cautiously start across the bridge to the next building. Suddenly, Harold raises his fist in a 'stop moving; hold positions' way as he whispers low to the others, "Oy, we got us a mangy-lookin' 'ound by da far door. Its abaaaht da size ov a big mastiff an' decked aaaht in loads ov stitching, not unlike aaahr friend Alphy 'ere. Its watchin' in'ently dis way so obviously some guard beastie someone 'as left behind." He pops his knuckles as he sets himself in a ready stance once more.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

DC 20 Perception check: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

In case it's needed soon - Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"Oh dear," Korvus mutters upon spying the patchwork 'hound' at the far end of the bridge. The wizard raises his wand of magical missiles in preparation of an impending attack by the beast.

Is Bjorn still affected by Korvus' Enlarge Person spell? The duration is 5 minutes.

The goblins take off as quickly as their tiny feet can carry them.

Sure, we'll say Bjorn has another minute remaining.

The golem hound raises its head and with a deep growl, leaps to its feet and charges the group. Moments before the dog arrives, its ears go up and it skids to a stop, whining loudly and sniffing the air in confusion. It's eyes fall upon the crouching figure of Alpy, who slowly stands up.

The golem dog yelps and cowers, placing its head down on the ground and backing up slowly until it has moved completely off the bridge.

Alpy looks around, unsure what is happening...

Just to be clear, the dog appears to be very afraid of Alpy for some reason, and that is the reason it has retreated. You may, of course, "deal" with it now, or you may bypass it and enter the manor house.

I'm good with ignoring it and entering the manor.

"Why was it afraid of Alpy?" Lucius asks no one in particular as he follows the group inside.

Korvus lowers his wand as the patchwork hound slinks away from the group. "Alpy? I take it from your expression that you are not familiar with that beast. Have you never seen it before? Is it new to this place?" the wizard asks in a gentle tone.

Alpy shrugs, "No, not know dog. Not here when I last visit."

The arched bridge ends at a small cobbled terrace with a curious looking
iron door depicting a scowling sun being devoured by ravenous clouds. To the left, two hundred feet below, a huge waterfall plummets into the depths. A thick rope emerges from the wall near the door, apparently leading to a bell within the building.

The door is slightly ajar.

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Continuing inside to G3...

A huge portrait hangs above an enormous, lit fireplace in this large entry chamber. A set of steep stairs rises to the right.

Bjorn gestures to the party and leads the way up the stairs.

"Have trolls always lived here?" the big ulfen asks of Alpy.