DM Brainiac's Stolen Fate: Table 2 (Inactive)

Game Master Brainiac

Will (Resolve): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 33

Targrish manages to power through the naga's attacks. He searches his bag for esoterica that will prove useful against the creature.

Exoteric Lore: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (9) + 22 = 31

He smears some darkwood ash along his blade and moves in to attack the creature.

Exploit Vulnerability, Stride, Strike

kukri: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (17) + 22 = 39 for slashing: 2d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 + 4 = 14

Will (expert): 1d20 + 19 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 19 + 1 = 38

Vashta grimaces slightly as the spell overtakes her but responds with another of her own. "You think you can make us fear, darling? We have nothing to fear from you! After all, I've seen your future and it ends very, very soon." She casts another spell, destroying one possible future for the vampire -- one where he survives! -- then empowers her dagger with the magic and throws it toward the naga.

Cast unraveling blast, bespell weapon, Strike
Mental (DC 31 Will save): 17d4 ⇒ (4, 3, 1, 2, 4, 3, 3, 2, 1, 4, 4, 1, 3, 2, 3, 3, 3) = 46

+1 returning dagger: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25
Piercing: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Mental: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Shield Block reduces the damage from 21 to 4. Aicard and the shield both take 4 damage.

Aicard blocks most of the naga's attacks, but the overwhelming visions of destruction and despair slip right past his defenses. So too does her poison.

Fort vs 33: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (4) + 25 = 29
Will vs 33: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (2) + 25 = 27
Action 1+2) Blade of Justice | Action 3) Raise Shield
118/188 hp, 35 AC, +2 to stuff from heroism, in Everstand Stance, stupefied 1
Strike: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (10) + 24 = 34
Good damage: 4d8 + 7 ⇒ (6, 3, 7, 3) + 7 = 26
Poison damage: 2d8 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9

fortitude: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29

Oro reels from the calamity, then moves into position, shouting "Weapons will do little against it unless they are darkwood! I don't suppose anyone thought to bring a practice sword?"

When he gets to where his blast will harm the vampire, but not the others, he unleashes one of his wisps, releasing a mournful wail.

sonic: 12d4 ⇒ (1, 4, 4, 1, 1, 4, 4, 4, 3, 1, 4, 3) = 34

basic DC 31 Will save

Will vs Unraveling Blast, Wail: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (19) + 23 = 421d20 + 23 ⇒ (6) + 23 = 29

Kannijo ignores Vashta's spell, but Orozomoc's wail has full effect, battering the vampire. Aicard's holy shield bypasses Kannijo's physical resistance, badly damaging the naga. Targrish manages a good hit as well.

Hissing in anger as his wounds continue to heal, Kannijo lunges at Aicard, managing to land a single hit.

Fangs vs Aicard: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (1) + 26 = 271d20 + 22 ⇒ (10) + 22 = 321d20 + 18 ⇒ (17) + 18 = 35
Damage: 3d10 + 10 ⇒ (6, 4, 7) + 10 = 27

27 piercing damage to Aicard and he must save again against the venom.

Targrish slices at the naga twice, then holds his mirror implement in front of the vampiric creature, "Back, you monster!"

Strike, Strike, Brandish Mirror

kukri: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (11) + 22 = 33 for slashing: 2d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2) + 4 + 4 = 14

kukri: 1d20 + 22 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 22 - 4 = 29 for slashing: 2d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (5, 3) + 4 + 4 = 16
And weakness.

Vashta makes a face as the creature is unaffected by her spell, but decides to try again.

Same actions
Mental (DC 31 Will save): 17d4 ⇒ (2, 1, 1, 3, 4, 4, 1, 4, 4, 1, 3, 2, 4, 1, 4, 1, 4) = 44

+1 returning dagger: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20
Piercing: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Mental: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Shield block eats 17 of the 27 damage. Aicard and the shield both take 10 damage

No matter where Aicard places his shield, the damned naga manages to slither past it.

Fort vs 33: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (4) + 25 = 29
Action 1+2) Blade of Justice | Action 3) Raise Shield
102/188 hp, 35 AC, +2 to stuff from heroism, in Everstand Stance, stupefied 2
Strike: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (20) + 24 = 44
Good damage: 4d8 + 7 ⇒ (1, 8, 5, 7) + 7 = 28
Poison Stage 2 damage: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 3) = 6

Will: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (20) + 23 = 43

Once more, Kannijo ignores Vashta's spell. However, Targrish slices the naga and presents his mirror, causing the jiang-shi to hiss and recoil. Before it can flee, Aicard delivers a critical blow with his holy shield! The devastating strike twists Kannijo's head around at an awkward angle, snapping his neck. His body goes rigid as he falls to the ground and lies still.

The Scaleseeds emerge from their hiding places and cheer. "Well done! Now, spread the rice over Kannijo's body to ensure he does not return to life!"

After you have made sure Kannijo is well and truly destroyed, the nagaji thank you profusely. They reward you with one of their greatest treasures—a runestone etched with a fortification armor rune. They also offer to teach you either of the rituals they know (plant growth and reincarnate) before bidding their farewells and making their way back home to report the good news to their leaders.

The Snakebite

Targrish happily helps to spread the rice. The dwarf squints at the newly-acquired Harrow card. "Well, here's a nasty piece of business. The right poison is effective at the right time, of course, but I've seen too many alchemists lose fingers to an accidental pinprick."

He hands the card to Vashta for safekeeping.

The tiefling needs a moment to recover from the naga's venom, but once his hot and cursed blood has dealt with the poison, he in turn thanks the Scaleseeds for trusting them. "We couldn't have dealt with the bastard without you, and now the world is a better place for all of us."

The card and its effect, however, do not help to make the world a better place. Sure, poison is common in nature and it has its place in the grand scheme of things, but he can't help but disapprove of it. "I won't judge any of you for investing this card, but I think it's safe to say that this card in particular does not spark joy."

"I personally think learning reincarnation would be the better boon if the Scaleseeds wish to share their knowledge. If the stars have taught me one thing it's how rare second chances are in the mortal wheel."

"Agreed. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Hopefully we won't need to be called back from beyond the veil, but it will be a useful power to have at our disposal." Targrish also accepts the armor rune.

With your prize in hand, you return to the Harrow Court. All of the arches are now clear of mist. It seems you have some time to rest before the next group of Harrow cards reveal themselves. In the meantime, you feel stronger...

Everybody is now level 13 and gains 1 Hero Point.

I'd like to learn both rituals, since that sounds like an option. Though I may need to doublecheck the ritual rules, make sure there's not a requirement for tradition of spells.

Vashta considers the card carefully, along with Aicard's words. He's not necessarily wrong, but sometimes poison has its role when all else fails. I'll likely invest it, at least for now.

woot!

Aicard will take one of the +2 weapons we found and the odd rusted tower shield to the Brass Dwarf. He wants a +2 rune transferred to his shield, to replace the current +1 rune, and to ask the dwarf if the tower shield can be fixed and or if he sees any meaning to its oddly specific rust pattern.

You can roll to visit the Carnival or do any of the other Harrow activities if you wish during the downtime.

Chapter 3: Queen of the Storval Stairs

After some time, the servants of Harrowheart alert you that the portals in the throne room have become active again. The Arch of Hammers and the Arch of Shields remain filled with mist, while the mist in the other four Arches (Keys, Tomes, Stars, and Crown) clears to present identical views--rolling grasslands that feature a magnificent view of an immense flight of stairs sized for giants ascending to the top of a 500-foot-high cliff. The stairs are flanked to either side by massive statues of an imperious bald man in robes clutching a book and a polearm. You recognize the location as the infamous Storval Stairs.

The Storval Stairs were constructed ages ago by enslaved giants during the days of ancient Thassilon, many centuries before Earthfall. When Karzoug, runelord of greed, became the region’s ruler, he commanded that towering statues in his likeness be built along the stairs. Everything here was constructed for use by giants, as well as smaller humanoids, and is lofty and imposing in scope. Today, the Storval Stairs serve as a vital trade route between the Varisian lowlands and the arid Storval Plateau.

Perception (expert) for Carnival: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (17) + 20 = 37 Almost a critical success!
Success: As critical success, but instead of granting insight into the nature of a specific foe, the GM chooses a generic monster that the PCs may soon face, selecting from standard monsters that might be encountered in the current adventure the PCs are playing. The information gained is equal to what the PC would have gained from a success by Recalling Knowledge about that monster.

Vashta enjoys her time at the carnival as they wait to make their next decision. Part of her misses The Tyrant, but she also feels more confident in her own abilities. More powerful than ever before, truth be told.

As she sees the mists clear, she gathers her companions. "Well, darlings, shall we step through into the land of giants?"

"I'm prepared to grumble, but we'll see. The Shoanti may be about, and they're always a good time." Targrish gathers his things and steps through the portal.

When you step through the portal, you find yourselves in the middle of a ring of hide shelters, almost as if you just stepped out of the large campfire that burns at the center of the camp. The campsite itself is occupied by a small group of Shoanti, whose initial shock at your sudden arrival quickly subsides into what seems like sullen frustration. Despite this, one woman steps forward to greet you.

"Welcome! I am Shalda Falls-Far of the Shriikirri-Quah, the Hawk Clan. I have been telling my scouts that it would only be a matter of time before adventurers such as yourselves arrived. Every time the Storval Stairs have been conquered in the past, a band of heroes has arrived to help our clan take back the site. I am glad to see my faith has been rewarded."

"Of course, darling, we could hardly stay away now, could we? Tell us what's happening here on the stairs," Vashta replies with a warm smile.

The sight of the Shoanti makes Aicard painfully aware just of 'how' Chelish he looks. As such, he's happy to let Vashta do the talking and stay in the back - for now.

Shalda nods. "Of course. For centuries, our clan has guarded this vital trade route from monsters of brigands who would use it as a stronghold to extort travelers. The newest arrivals to seize control of the Storval Stairs are a mercenary group called the Band of Blades. While most mercenaries wouldn’t pose us much of a problem, the Band of Blades is particularly powerful, as they work alongside giants and other creatures.

"We fled fled quickly when it became apparent that the Band of Blades outclassed us, but we have spent the past few weeks spying on them from afar. There are at least a dozen mercenaries in the group, as well as some powerful harpies and a stone giant. The mercenaries likely have other allies as well, lurking deeper in the underground chambers to the north or south of the stairs themselves."

"Harpies? Sounds like trouble, which is hardly music to my ears," Vashta says. "Perhaps you can show us where you've been spying on them from, my dear? It might help us decide what to do next."

"The griots tell many tales of unprepared adventurers who fell to the harpies' songs on the Storval Stairs. There was much whining and complaining in those adventuring guilds, I'm told. It would be best if we went into this with a plan."

Oro wracks his brain for the lore on these menaces.

Lol. There sure is a lot of complaining about those harpies!

"And how many giants are we dealing with?" Targrish grumbles.

Oro knows that harpies are filthy amalgamations of human and bird, resembling feral humans with wings, talons, and mouths full of sharp teeth. They use captivating songs to lure creatures in, then murder them while they stand transfixed. They enjoy causing confusion and fear in their prey before they strike, believing it creates a savory flavor in the flesh.

Shaldar says they have only seen one stone giant, but there may be more. She points across the way from the camp to where the Storval Stairs stand. The Stairs lead up to the lowlands, but they are blocked by a row of boulders and a barricade of logs at a forty-foot-wide landing. To either side, stone platforms look out over the landing below from a height of ten feet. Towering statues of the infamous runelord Karzoug loom just beyond these platforms, while the stairs themselves lead east, further upward to a larger landing.

From here, you can see the stone giant the Shoanti mentioned, as well as a dwarf in platemail with a greatsword and four other mercenaries with longbows keeping a watch out for enemies.

"I have faith that you all will be the 'key' to our victory. The card has told me so!" Shaldar says with a smirk. She produces a Harrow card--The Locksmith!

"Perhaps we might make a deal, darling. We have some interest in those cards. Perhaps you would trade it for our help?"

She turns to the others as she looks over the eventual challenge. "I can of course make some of even more heroic again," she suggests, "and perhaps a decoy to attract their attention when we get close."

I can cast heroism before the fight, and have illusory creature if we want to use that to distract them. Sadly no invisibility -- though if we finish the loot distribution, we could easily go get scrolls, or come up with some other plan.

A scroll of silence heightened to 4th level would create a bubble of silence, similar to how the 1e version of the spell worked. It might protect us from harpy song, though it would mean we couldn't cast spells from within it, unless by chance our spellcaster(s) took Silent Spell?

Shaldar smiles. ”Aha! You are blessed by the Harrow, yes? Then I believe this belongs to you.” She happily hands over The Locksmith.

Might be a good one for Targrish?

Aicard growls when he spots the mercenaries. The stone giant is indeed, a giant, and the size of the bugger bothers Aicard. It's never fun going into battle knowing the other guy is more than twice your size. And a whole lot stronger as well.

"Blessed, blessed ... it is certainly with us, yes. I say we take down the giant first. The dwarf might not turn tail and run, for his center of mass is too honor-bound and stupid to do so, but I reckon the harpies, fickle as they are, might decide to head on out. Alternatively, if the destruction of all these bastards is necessary, we take out everyone but the dwarf and the giant first."

Before we move in to settle this, Aicard will use 'Sacred Defense' to attempt to get some temp HP. Pre-emptively rolling the dice now - edit, nope, no temp hp.
Sacred Defense - Religion vs DC 30: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (4) + 21 = 25

I'll take the Locksmith

"Let's move out." Targrish leads the way toward the giants and monsters.

If possible, I'll activate my flying tattoo when we get close so I don't get trapped on the steps.

Aicard can activate his wings so that he has a fly speed for 10 minutes.

Once you are ready, you approach the Storval Stairs. Aicard and Targrish take to the air while Vashta bolsters herself with heroism and creates an illusory creature.

As you draw near, the armored dwarf hops up on one of the barricades and points at you with his greatsword. "Stop right there!" he shouts. "This here's a checkpoint for travelers using the Stairs. If you want to pass, you've got to pay the toll! And no flying over us, either, if you know what's good for you!"

The stone giant near the dwarf hefts a rock in her hands, while the four mercenaries train their bows on you.

"By what right do you try to stop us? Clear off these stairs, if you know what's good for you."

Intimidation: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (18) + 18 = 36

Just to be clear, I'll bolster Aicard and Targrish with heroism, not myself. Both at 6th level.

"Yes, darling, our dwarf clearly has the right of way," Vashta calls.

Intimidation (expert) to aid: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (8) + 24 = 32 Critical success, so +2

"How disrepectful! Open fire!" the dwarf commands.

I'll let Targrish and Vashta use those Intimidation rolls for initiative.

Everybody may act! I will get a map up tomorrow night, but enemies are 40 feet away. The barricade provides them with greater cover from below.

"How disrespectful indeed, dear. Don't you know you should rise up when greeting guests?"

Vashta pulls a card from her pouch tossing it in the air where it seems to float for a moment. Perhaps too subtly for anyone to notice, she casts a spell as gravity reverses itself around their foes.

Harrow Casting (one action), cast reverse gravity!
Harrow suits: 1d6 ⇒ 6 Crown: The spell’s magic is hidden and subtle, and observers may not realize you’re doing anything more than manipulating cards in your harrow deck. Attempt a Fortune‑Telling Lore check against all observer’s Perception DCs. If your check is successful against an observer’s Perception DC, that observer doesn’t notice you are Casting a Spell, even though normally spells have sensory manifestations. This hides only the spell’s spellcasting actions and manifestations, not its effects.

Lore (fortune telling) (expert): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 33
Flat: 1d20 ⇒ 20 Maintain my active Harrow omen (but dang, waste of a natural 20)

Aicard raises his shield and moves forward. Covering the distance is the scariest part of any fight.

Action 1) Enter Stance | Action 2) Raise Shield | Action 3) Fly 30ft forward (Aicard has a 35ft speed, but this keeps him at 15ft distance if I am not mistaken)

Can I wait until I see who fails vs the reverse gravity?

Grab an Edge: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 331d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19

The dwarf manages to swing his greatsword and snag the barricade with it, preventing him from floating up too high. The stone giant, however, cries out as she floats all the way to the top of the spell's effect, dangling forty feet in the air!

Targrish studies the floating giant, then closes in. When's he's just out of range of the giant's club, he makes an eldritch gesture with his amulet, and a pointy pain assails the mind of the giant.

Exploit Vulnerability, Fly, Cast needle of vengeance, naming myself

Esoteric Lore: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (12) + 22 = 34

Will DC 26 for the spell

Oro activates his boots of speed, the bright couatl feathers sprouting from his heels. He dashes forward, trying to take cover against the barricades.

I know I don't have the actions to Take Cover mechanically, but just trying to get some protection against ranged attacks.

"So many options to consider, dear," Vashta advises the dwarf pulling another card form her deck, though this time it's more obvious she's casting a spell too. "Let's see what the fates have in store for you..."

Harrow Casting, cast mirror malefactors on the dwarf (DC 32 Will)
Harrow suits: 1d6 ⇒ 6 Crown, again: The spell’s magic is hidden and subtle, and observers may not realize you’re doing anything more than manipulating cards in your harrow deck. Attempt a Fortune‑Telling Lore check against all observer’s Perception DCs. If your check is successful against an observer’s Perception DC, that observer doesn’t notice you are Casting a Spell, even though normally spells have sensory manifestations.
Lore (fortune telling) (expert): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (3) + 19 = 22
Mental damage: 7d8 ⇒ (3, 5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8) = 31

DC 11 Flat: 1d20 ⇒ 13 Harrow omen remains active

Not wanting to get trapped in Vashta's field of reversed gravity, Aicard keeps his distance and magically slams the giant from afar.

Actions 1+2) Ranged melee attack (extending property rune on shield) | Action 3) Raise Shield
Strike vs Giant: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (8) + 25 = 33
Damage: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (7, 6) + 7 = 20

As you move in, the dwarf pulls himself along the barricade until he is out of the area of reverse gravity. "Gorum! Make me GROW!" he declares as he clutches his holy symbol. The dwarf swells until he is enormous, standing even taller than the stone giant!

Speaking of the giant, the floating woman grabs rocks from her sack and hurls them at Targrish. The thaumaturge avoids the projectiles.

Rocks: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 20 = 291d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 291d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

"Take out the mage!" the enormous dwarf bellows. The archers take aim at Vashta and open fire! Miraculously, the sorceress emerges unscathed!

Longbow: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 271d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 251d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Longbow: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 231d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 211d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Longbow: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 191d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 161d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Longbow: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 301d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 161d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Now Vashta and Aicard's actions will occur. Targrish and Orozomoc may act before I post again.

Did the giant save against needle of vengance?

Targrish swoops in on the giant and slices away.

Fly, Strike, Strike
kukri: 1d20 + 22 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 22 + 2 = 41 for slashing: 2d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (6, 2) + 4 + 4 = 16
kukri: 1d20 + 22 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 22 + 2 - 4 = 40 for slashing: 2d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 1) + 4 + 4 = 12

And whatever weakness. 7 if it is personal antithesis.

Oro studies the giant, hoping that its immense size makes it easier to find the weak spots.

Strategic Strike: 1d20 + 23 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 23 + 1 = 31
2d6 + 1 + 3d6 ⇒ (3, 2) + 1 + (4, 4, 6) = 20

crit fishing Society check: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (20) + 24 = 44
woohoo! +1 circumstance bonus to everyone's next attack vs the giant if it's made before my next turn.

Oro then hunkers against the wall, hoping it grants some cover from attacks coming from the other side.

Actions: (1) Devise a Stratagem + knowledge check, (2) Strike, (3) Take Cover