Dungeon Master S's "The Fall of Plaguestone" (Inactive)

Game Master Chris Marsh

Stealth please

Stealth

GM decision on Cilik to keep the game moving.

Blodgett immediately moves to engage as the others try to stay hidden.

Round 1:
Blodgett: Go
Jasper: Go
Orcs: TBD
Cilik: TBD
Kaleb: TBD
Penryn: TBD

Orcs: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Blodgett: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Cilik: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Jasper: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Kaleb: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Penryn: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Blodgett leaps into action, going into a rage and a toothy smile exploding acorss his face, taking on Black as he moves in.

Sudden Charge: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12 dammit. PLEASE ACCEPT THIS HERO POINT AS TRIBUTE
Sudden Charge (reroll): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
slashing (4 is acid): 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Rage ◈, Sudden Charge ◈◈. 5 temp hp, AC 19.

Blodgett charges the orc and strikes with immense power. The orc doesn't fall; it seems impossible that he's still on his feet.

Round 1:
Blodgett: Hit
Jasper: Go
Orcs: TBD
Cilik: TBD
Kaleb: TBD
Penryn: TBD

When Blodgett gives up and charges, Jasper cringes. "Oh dear. It seems he's found trouble. I better go help him."

He then walks out into the open, levels his bow, and quickly draws and lets fly an arrow.
Strike vs Black: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Damage (P): 1d8 ⇒ 7

Jasper's arrow strikes the orc in the eye, piercing its brain. The orc roars in defiance and keeps fighting, unaware that he's dead on his feet. On instinct and with unbridled ferocity the orc strikes at Blodgett with a punch dagger:
ATK 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 MISS
ATK 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 MISS
ATK 1: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2 MISS

but the attacks are feeble at best. The other orc in the courtyard rushes to join his dying comrade, moving quickly to flank the halfling:
ATK 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14. Truly, Desna smiles on the halfling.

Finally from on high the orc in the tower hurls a javelin down at Jasper: ATK: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 but misses!

Round 1:
Blodgett: Hit
Jasper: Hit
Orcs: ATK
Cilik: Go
Kaleb: Go
Penryn: Go

Kaleb hurries up the stairs as quickly as he can, perhaps wishing he had eaten a few less turnips hoping to find purchase with his rapier in the tower orc's flesh.

rapier stab: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

stride, stride, strike.

Kaleb rushes up the stairs. The orc atop wasn't expecting a third intruder, and he impales himself on Kaleb's rapier! The orc snarls and prepares to strike back...

Round 1:
Blodgett: Hit
Jasper: Hit
Orcs: ATK
Cilik: Go
Kaleb: Hit
Penryn: Go

Penryn scans the melee a moment, deciding Blodgett can probably handle himself for the time being. Raising his bow high, he studies the orc in the tower for a heartbeat, then looses a brace of arrows at him! He then calls out to Kaleb that the orc seems to favor his left side, and he should strike on the right!

Study Suspect on Red, Strike, Strike.

Study Suspect vs Will DC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Shortbow attack, Study Suspect: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 1 = 15
Shortbow damage, Studied Strike: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + (2) = 4

Shortbow attack, Study Suspect, MAP: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 1 - 5 = 21
Shortbow damage, Studied Strike: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (2) = 3

Will use Combat Clue reaction to give Kaleb a +1 on his next attack.

Penryn's quick moves put a pair of arrows into the orc! Like its comrade below, only rage keeps the orc on its feet after the wounds!

A quick bit of teamwork helps Kaleb set up the next barrage.

Round 1:
Blodgett: Hit
Jasper: Hit
Orcs: ATK
Cilik: Go
Kaleb: Hit
Penryn: Hits

Cilik take a few steps forward. He spies a stray stone one the ground and whispers several arcane syllables. The stone floats up into the air and flies at the dying orc!
Telekinetic Projectile: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Damage (B): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Cilik's projectile comes too quickly for the orc to handle. He drops dead to the ground without so much as a gurgle!

Round 2:
Blodgett: Go
Jasper: Go
Orcs: TBD
Cilik: TBD
Kaleb: TBD
Penryn: TBD

Blodgett whirls on the other ground-level orc with a broad grin, green acid dripping onto the axeblade. NEXT!

greataxe: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
slashing (4 is acid): 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

greataxe: 1d20 + 9 - 5 ⇒ (4) + 9 - 5 = 8
slashing (4 is acid): 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Even in his red haze of rage, his military instincts surface, as he positions himself before the door to hold the line if necessary.

Strike x2, Step. Round 2/10 rage, 5 temp hp, AC 19.

Blodgett, seeing that the orcs fight well past when they should die, swings for all his might. The first hit is clearly fatal, but the orc still fights on!

Round 2:
Blodgett: Kill
Jasper: Go
Orcs: TBD
Cilik: TBD
Kaleb: TBD
Penryn: TBD

Jasper takes aim and fires an arrow at the orc fighting Blodgett, hoping to finish it off.

Strike vs Green: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Damage (P): 1d8 ⇒ 8

Does that put Green down? Does Jasper have LoS on Red? My remaining actions will depend on this.

Jasper's arrow drops the orc, and he trains his eyes on the last one. The orc is mostly covered, but there is a small window...

Jasper turns his attention to the orc he can barely see. "Erastil, guide my strike so that it be true," he whispers before letting fly another arrow!
Cast True Strike
Strike vs Red: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
OR
Strike vs Red: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Damage (P): 1d8 ⇒ 6

Momentary doubt clouds Jasper's judgement though. Am I worthy?

Jasper can't seal the deal with his follow up. His arrows strike the tower itself.

The final orc, dead on his feet, is two full of rage to opt for calling in reinforcements. Instead he stabs savagely at Kaleb:
Thrust: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 MISS
Thrust: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 for DMG: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Thrust: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12 MISS

Round 2:
Blodgett: Kill
Jasper: Kill
Orcs: ATK
Cilik: Go
Kaleb: Go
Penryn: Go

Cilik takes a moment to focus, expanding his mental reach before he recites the same cantrip and before and sends a stone flying at the orc in the tower!
Reach Spell, then Telekinetic Projectile
Telekinetic Projectile vs Red: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Damage (B): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Penryn again takes a careful look at the last orc guard, then shoots at him with a couple of arrows!

Study Suspect on Red, Strike, Strike.

Study Suspect vs Will DC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Shortbow attack, Study Suspect: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 1 = 14
Shortbow damage, Studied Strike: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + (5) = 9

Shortbow attack, Study Suspect, MAP: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 1 - 5 = 14
Shortbow damage, Studied Strike: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + (3) = 5

As before, will use Combat Clue reaction to give Kaleb a +1 on his next attack.

Kaleb grunts a bit as the orc hits him before retaliating twice.

rapier stab: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 1 = 19
magical piercing damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Rapier: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
magical piercing damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Kaleb then casts Shield for any incoming retaliation from the orc.

Cilik's aim is off, but Penryn's is not. He strikes the already mortally wounded orc who still refuses to drop. His follow ups fail to connect, but Kaleb runs the orc through. Finally its too much.

With the third orc slain, the party stops, trying to hold their breath after mortal combat to listen for an alarm. Shockingly, but thankful for Desna's smile, nothing seems to stir.

For dispatching the orc trio, each hero earns 60 Xp.

Right, Blodgett says, roughly searching the dead orcs for anything worthwhile, Next stop 's that tower. Work our way down.

Blodgett looks at the door before him. The large double door leading into Spite’s Cradle are made from heavy wooden planks reinforced with iron bands. They're quite obviously locked.

Guess we could haveLucky try'n get us in, Blodgett says, though the orcs were over by a curtain hangin' down. That way, maybe? He looks at Penny to see whether he thinks it's a good idea.

Will act on the first plan with 2 votes.

Kaleb nods "Let me see if I can get those open... quietly."

thievery: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Kaleb walks up to the door and sets to work. The lock is extremely well made and complex. Despite giving it his all, he only makes progress after a few moments. Currently making progress, but you need more successes than the two you have.

Kaleb grumbles "Ya'll sure those Orc's didn't have any keys?" as he stops to pop a turnip in his mouth before continuing.

thievery: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
thievery: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

After a solid start, he hits a snag and fails to make progress.

The courtyard is near silent, and the sun is nearly set. Images of rampaging orcs begin their insidious march into the party's imaginations...

Thievery: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Thievery: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11 Crit fail, tools broken. Hero point?

"Ooh, I hate it when I break a pick..." Penryn says quietly as he watches Kaleb work on the lock. "Here, let me give it a shot," he suggests, pulling out his own tools to see if he has better luck. "We could try the curtain, but I'm guessing the locked door hides something that wants to stay hidden."

Thievery: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

That should do it, right?

I'll let the picks break and have Peryn finish it out

Kaleb's pick break as Penryn jumps in and gets the lock open! The door opens to an empty room. The party hustles inside to get out of the courtyard. The doors swing wide to reveal a small reception hall. A worn carpet stretches from the doors to another double door across the way. To the right is a curved wall with a map of the nearby area painted on it. Spite’s Cradle is in the center, with lines drawn to all of the nearby major settlements and noting travel times by horse. Where Etran’s Folly should be, there is only a simple legend that reads “Ruins of Plaguestone.”

Despite being inside, there's a steady wind with no discernible source.

Map updated.

Kaleb nods to Penryn "Well done, ya gotta show me that twist when things aren't so dire."

Kaleb ignores the current room for now and moves up to listen at the far door.

Penryn returns Kaleb's nod and joins him in assessing the far door. While the little cook is focused on the door, Penny contemplates trying to filch a turnip from Kaleb's pocket, but decides he doesn't actually want one.

"Is everyone okay? I got bandages and stitches now, so I don't need to borrow from Kaleb. I can help!"

The winds suddenly begin to whip about in the room. It foils Kaleb's attempt at listening. They begin to coalesce into two tiny storms! The storms tighten their winds into the shapes of hawks and begin to attack!

Hostiles: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Penryn: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 ()
Cilik: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 Perception (T)
Lucky: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 Avoid Notice (T)
Jasper: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 Seek
Blodgett: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 Sense Direction (T)

The birds-of-air swoop down Triggering reactions if you've got one and slash with their wings!
Grey v. Kaleb 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 for DMG: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Grey v. Kaleb 2: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 for twice DMG: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Blue v. Blodgett 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25 for DMG: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Blue v. Blodgett 2: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26 for DMG: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Their attacks are devastating. Thankfully the nine foot ceiling leaves them close enough for melee.

Round 1:
Air birds: ATK Whateverthehell elemental creatures are to ID
Blodgett: Go
Penryn: Go
Jasper: Go
Kaleb: Go
Cilik: Go

Penryn scratches his head a moment in thought as he tries to understand what the wind birds are. He then studies the one attacking Kaleb a moment and looses an arrow at it!

Use Arcana to Recall Knowledge, Study Suspect, Strike at Grey (since that's the one whose attacks targeted Kaleb.

Arcana: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Study Suspect vs Will DC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Shortbow attack, Study Suspect: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 1 = 17
Shortbow damage, Studied Strike: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (1) = 2 Argh.

Will use Combat Clue Reaction to give Kaleb a +1 to hit vs grey.

Penryn knows that elementals can take many forms. These smallish creatures are often called "zephyr hawks" as they're made from semi-solid wind. He knows that since they lack normal bodies, they don't bleed, sleep, or ever succumb to paralysis.

He immediately gets a good feel for the target, but that feel doesn't translate to aim.

Round 1:
Air birds: ATK
Blodgett: Go
Penryn: Miss
Jasper: Go
Kaleb: Go
Cilik: Go

Elemental: Arcana, Nature

Kaleb is hit and then crit for a total of 18

Kaleb grimaces at his wounds as he stabs at the grey flying hawk.

rapier: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 1 = 26
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Kaleb then takes a moment to tend to his own wounds.

Assurance Medicine DC 15: 15 = 15
healing: 2d8 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10

Then to protect himself Kaleb summons for a tiny virtual shield.

Strike, Battle Medicine, Shield, AC 20

Ouch.

Blodgett takes both elemental blows and tries to return the favor, stepping to give what he Hope's will be advantage for Lucky and swinging his greataxe at Blue, then moving it on the Grey.

greataxe vs. Blue: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
slashing: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Sweep into Grey: 1d20 + 9 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 9 - 5 + 1 = 19
slashing: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Step, Strike x2.

Blodgett takes a serious beating, and his counter attacks are too slow to hit.

Kaleb however scores a thrust with his rapier and finds the wind "birds" to be quite solid.

Round 1:
Air birds: ATK
Blodgett: Miss
Penryn: Miss
Jasper: Go
Kaleb: Hit
Cilik: Go

Cilik tips his head to the side and wonders out loud,[b]"I wonder if this will work...no! they aren't on the ground."[b] He shrugs and goes to his old reliable.

three magic darts go streaking towards the southern bird.

damage: 3d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 4, 3) + 4 = 13

Jasper does what he can to quickly bandage up Blodgett. He retrieves a comically large bandage and applies it to the angry halfling.
Battle Medicine (Medicine, DC 15): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
Healing for Blodgett: 2d8 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6

Despite the cramped quarters, Jasper makes an effort to put an arrow into one of the elemental birds.
Strike vs Grey: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 8 - 2 = 24
Damage (P): 1d8 ⇒ 7

Finally, fearing retribution the cleric prays to his god. "Erastil, shield me from harm!"
Cast Shield

Jasper quickly patches Blodgett before taking a well placed shot! Cilik follows up with a trio of missiles. The winds around that elemental are noticeably weaker. It doesn't stop it from doing another dive bomb!

With speed the two dive, slice, and return to their positions:
Grey v. Cilik 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22 for DMG: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Grey v. Cilik 2: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 for TWO TIMES DMG: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Blue v. Jasper 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24 for DMG: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Blue v. Jasper 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22 for DMG: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Round 2:
Angry birds: ATK
Blodgett: Go
Penryn: Go
Jasper: Go
Kaleb: Go
Cilik: Go

Jasper takes advantage of the magical shield, raising it to soak some of the worst from one of the attacks. Using Shield Block Reaction to soak 5 damage

"That was not nice!" Jasper shouts. He then whispers a prayer to Erastil, asking the god to guide his strike. Cast Truestrike

With that divine guidance he takes another shot at the blue hawk.
Strike vs Blue: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 1 - 2 = 11
OR
Strike vs Blue: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 1 - 2 = 9

He levels another shot in close quarters.
Strike vs Blue: 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 3 + 1 - 2 = 14

The arrows flies wide though. He internalizes the failure, saying aloud, "I'm sorry, Erastil. I will be better."

Jasper's response is chaotic and unmeasured as his arrows go every which way.

Round 2:
Angry birds: ATK
Blodgett: Go
Penryn: Go
Jasper: Miss
Kaleb: Go
Cilik: Go

Kaleb takes a step south as he tries to finish off the more severely wounded bird.

stab: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
piercing damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Finally Kaleb protects himself with a magical shield again.

step, strike, shield (AC 20)

The thrust would have been deadly, had it connected. The zyphyr hawk flies to the side just enough!

Round 2:
Angry birds: ATK
Blodgett: Go
Penryn: Go
Jasper: Miss
Kaleb: Miss
Cilik: Go