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

Game Master Chris Marsh

Jasper keeps his feet under him and heals some deep wounds before protecting himself with a magic shield.

Kaleb makes a go of it, skirting around the behemoth who is prepared enough to attack when the opportunity presents:
AoO: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32, nailing Kaleb on the way by DOUBLE: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 6) + 5 = 16 the blow lands with a sickening sound as Kaleb goes down!

Penryn keeps his focus and study, scoring another hit on the behemoth. He's a bit disheartened at how much of a beating it can take, but nevertheless, the wounds are starting to add up.

Blodgett brings the fight to Vilree. The acid in his strike seems to be ineffective as the woman seems to be suffused with it already. It doesn't stop the sharp blade from cutting though! She screams in pain at the hit.

Still shaking her head at being deafened, Vilree looks at Blodgett with contempt. “It doesn’t matter, you know. I’ve already won. I dispatched my minion to destroy the town just before you arrived here. Everyone in Plaguestone will be dead long before you ever get there!”

Round 4:
Hostiles: ATK
Jasper: Defense
Cilik: Go
Kaleb: AoOed to death (Dying 2)
Penryn: Hit
Blodgett: Big hit

Retcon. Behemoth is Dazzled: Flat DC 5: 1d20 ⇒ 2 AND DESNA SMILES! A hit, not a crit, but MAN that's a change of fortune. The fist narrowly misses the halfling! He bounds his way towards Vilree and stabs her/

Round 4:
Hostiles: ATK
Jasper: Defense
Cilik: Go
Kaleb: Hit
Penryn: Hit
Blodgett: Big hit

Cilik flings more stones at the monster...
attack!: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 1 = 13
damage?: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2) + 4 = 10
hero point sacrificed
attack!: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 1 = 25

Cilik strikes true with his sling stone! The seams keeping the monster together are starting to split!

Vilree, now caught where she really doesn't want to be, turns and stabs at Blodgett!

Dagger: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20 for DMG: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 2) + 1 = 6 and Acid: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Dagger: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23 for DMG: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 4) + 1 = 7 and Acid: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Dagger: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 MISS

The behemoth swings at Jasper before trying to stomp him!
Flat: 1d20 ⇒ 8 Fist 1: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28 for DMG: 2d6 + 15 ⇒ (1, 4) + 15 = 20
Stomp: REF DC 19 or fall.

Round 5:
Hostiles: ATK
Jasper: Go
Cilik: Go
Kaleb: Go
Penryn: Go
Blodgett: Go

"Oh no!" Penny cries out as Jasper gets smashed. "We really need to finish this thing, Cilik!" He looks for spots where the monstrosity's seams are split wide open, and aims his arrows at them as he shoots!

Study Suspect on behemoth, Strike x2.

Study Suspect vs Will DC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 If that doesn't beat the Will DC, don't apply the +1 to hit or the second d6 of damage.

Shortbow attack, Study Suspect: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 1 = 22
Shortbow damage, Studied Strike: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + (1) = 7

Shortbow attack, Study Suspect, MAP: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 - 5 = 24 Huzzah!
Shortbow damage, Studied Strike: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + (2) = 8
Deadly damage: 1d10 ⇒ 2

Will use Combat Clue Reaction to give Cilik +1 to hit again.

Blodgett, grinning like a fiend, half-laughs as he says, Stop talkin'. He hacks at the elf!

greataxe +1 vs. flat-footed AC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
slashing (4 is acid): 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

greataxe +1 vs. flat-footed AC: 1d20 + 9 - 5 ⇒ (5) + 9 - 5 = 9
slashing (4 is acid): 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

greataxe +1 vs. flat-footed AC: 1d20 + 9 - 10 ⇒ (10) + 9 - 10 = 9
slashing (4 is acid): 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Kaleb stabs grins as he wipes blood from his sleeve, showing his wounds as not as bad as they might seem before stabbing the cauldron lady a few times.

demoralize vs Will DC: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

stabbing vs FF: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
piercing damage + SA: 1d6 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + (2) = 8

stabbing vs FF: 1d20 + 10 - 5 ⇒ (4) + 10 - 5 = 9
piercing damage + SA: 1d6 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 4 + (1) = 10

Kaleb's intensity causes Vilree to shudder only a tiny bit. Demoralize is auditory without Intimidating glare, so she's immune. Unfortunately his rapier follow up is off target.

Taking a deep breath, calming himself and aiming not with his hand, but his eye. The two arrows drop the massive behemoth!

A split second later Blodgett takes out his frustration over the last few days in a massive swing of his blade. He cuts Vilree down!

Out of combat! For killing the architect of Plaguestone's destruction (and her bodyguard), each hero earns 120 XP and everyone earns 1 Hero Point.

Cilik moves forward, "If what she says is true, we need to get back to town, now."

"You're right, Cilik," Penryn says, nodding grimly. "Let's search her quickly in case she's got anything useful in dealing with whatever horror she's sent to town. And then let's get going!"

I can't help but wonder if she sent the minion "just before we arrived here," does that mean when we first got to her castle? Since we have stopped and rested at least once, has the minion been killing the people of Plaguestone for a day or two? Or do we get to rely on the wonders of narrative time, where the minion left just before the last fight, no matter how long it took us to get to that fight?

The party quickly looks at Vilree's corpse. She was richly equipped:

Blodgett unceremoniously dumps both corpses into the drink. What're we waitin' for?

"If we've got to really rush, at least drink these before we go!"

He hands Kaleb and Blodgett each an lesser elixir of life.
Healing to Kaleb: 3d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 5, 1) + 6 = 14
Healing to Blodgett: 3d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 2, 5) + 6 = 18

Accepting that this will have to do, Jasper says, "Ok, let's go!"

I'll need a Survival check. Any other pauses or stops until you find it?

Do we want to stop by the ranger who gave us the wilderness quests and try and bring her back to town with us?

survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Good idea, if she's along the way?
Survival (if you need more than one roll): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

The party very quickly finds the trail. Keeping an eye out for Noala, they don't see her. Unwilling to delay, the party moves as quickly as possible.

There is still a grim possibility that the town of Etran’s Folly is now a town filled with the dead and dying. Miles pass, minutes turn to hours, and finally the unsuspecting village grows ever closer. There is no sign of Vilree’s minion, but that only adds to a growing sense of dread.

Etran’s Folly comes into view at the crest of a hill. The alchemical drudge is now approaching its final destination—the plaguestone—where it will carry out its final gruesome command from Vilree!

If it releases its essence into the stone, spreading viridian vapor through the town, all will be lost!

As you were racing, I'm ruling that no one is using an exploration tactic which slows the party down. It has a 30' lead on you. The stone is to the far right!

The party gets the jump on the creature! It doesn't seem interested in fighting, just getting to the stone!

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

Drudge: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Kaleb: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 (E)
Penryn: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 (E)
Cilik: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 (T)
Blodgett: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 (T)
Jasper: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25 (T)

Jasper rushes forward, quickly retrieving a tanglefoot bag. "Oh no you don't," he shouts, throwing the bag at the drudge.
Tanglefoot Bag: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

When it falls wide, he sighs. "Someone grab that thing!"

Not having a good way to slow down the sludge Kaleb bounds forward as best he can and stabs it with his new dagger.

stabbing: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
piercing damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 3) + 4 = 9

More stabbing: 1d20 + 10 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 10 - 5 = 7
piercing damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1) + 4 = 9

Jasper's tanglefoot is way off target, but Kaleb runs up to the creature and stabs it! His first strike is nearly dead on the creature's neck. His second doesn't connect.

Round 1:
Jasper: Miss
Kaleb: Hit
Cilik: Go
Drudge: TBD
Blodgett: TBD
Penryn: TBD

Cilik touches his ring and magical energy flows into him. He takes a few steps forward and quickly casts a spell. Black oil bubbles up under the monsters feet.

Free Actiondraining bonded item
actions 1:stride
actions 2:cast grease
actions 3:cast grease

area of effect put on map

REF: 1d20 ⇒ 20 the creature easily side steps the spell, and hustles towards the stone!

Round 1:
Jasper: Miss
Kaleb: Hit
Cilik: Grease
Drudge: He's going for distance!
Blodgett: Go
Penryn: Go

Dunno what'll do when it gets't th' 'Stone, Blodgett says, but bettin' it ain't good. Hope one'o you's got sumthin' better'n that. He runs forward, but knows he'll probably not reach the drudge in time.

Stride x3.

"Good idea with the tanglefoot bag, Jasper!" Penryn calls out as he hurries after the creature, reaching into his belt pouch to pull out the squishy bag within. He tosses it high, and it drops down right on top of the alchemical horror!

Stride, Draw, Strike

Tanglefoot bag: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 Yes!

Blodgett runs like his life depends on it, as it does.

Penryn pulls out a bag, sticks his tongue out to the side, measures the wind, and lets fly with the tanglefoot! At this range, the attack is pretty much impossible...

... but he hits it!

The drudge keeps moving, but is clearly hampered by the bag!

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

Kaleb charges forward, desperatly throwing his dagger at the fleeing drudge.

thrown: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 10 - 2 = 27
damage: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4

"Surely this thing is evil, right?" Jasper asks, moving forward and praying to Erastil. He stops long enough to point, a beam of pure good lancing out at the drudge.
Divine Lance: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 9 - 2 = 8

Jasper's lance is way off target, but Kaleb scores a light hit!

Round 2:
Jasper: Miss
Kaleb: Hit
Cilik: Go
Drudge: TBD
Blodgett: TBD
Penryn: TBD

Cilik moves as quick as he can.
his spells don't have the range to deal with this monster...

actions 1:stride
actions 2:stride
actions 3:stride

The drudge ignores the wounds and attacks. It has ONE purpose.

Round 2:
Jasper: Miss
Kaleb: Hit
Cilik: Move
Drudge: Move
Blodgett: Go
Penryn: Go

Penryn is simply not accustomed to this much running. He stops in his tracks, tries to get a decent read on the monstrosity hustling to kill the people of this cruddy little town, and then sends a pair of arrows sailing into the blue!

Study Suspect, Strike x2.

Study Suspect vs Will DC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16 If that doesn't beat the Will DC, don't apply the +1 to hit or the second d6 of damage.

Shortbow attack, Study Suspect: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 = 10
Shortbow damage, Studied Strike: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + (1) = 5

Shortbow attack, Study Suspect, MAP: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 1 - 5 = 9
Shortbow damage, Studied Strike: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + (6) = 10

Shortbow attack, Study Suspect: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 = 29 Hero point to reroll first attack
Deadly Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 4

Will use Combat Clue Reaction to give Blodgett +1 to hit.

Penryn aims for all he's worth! His arrow is a telling blow. He waits for it to fall, but it still keeps on!

Round 2:
Jasper: Miss
Kaleb: Hit
Cilik: Move
Drudge: Move
Blodgett: Go
Penryn: BIG hit

Blodgett continues to move, finally getting to step in front of it. Breathing hard, he looks up -- You are one ugly...

+1 greataxe: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 1 = 17
slashing: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Stride x2, Strike.

"Oh no no no! This is bad, real bad!" Jasper says, his worry clear as day. Once again, he turns to his god. "Erastil, instill this weapon with your power, so that I might save this town in your name."
Cast Magic Weapon on his longbow

The bow begins to glow with a divine magic. With all his prayers spent, he knocks an arrow, aims, and looses!
Strike vs Drudge: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Damage: 2d8 ⇒ (1, 7) = 8

Assuming we also got a Hero Point for defeating Vilree, I'm going to use it to reroll my attack.
Strike vs Drudge: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Assuming that hits, it takes 8 piercing damage

Per Slack:I VOLUNTEER THIS HERO POINT AS TRIBUTE

greataxe +1: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 = 30

Blodgett's swing cuts the drudge down before it can get to the plaguestone to spread its putrescence throughout the town!

For killing the drudge, each hero earns 30 XP.

Defeating Vilree and saving the town of Etran’s Folly completely closes the book on Bort's murder. Even Sheriff Rolth is impressed that "the strangers did so much to help the tiny community". Delma lets you stay at the Feedmill, free of charge, for as long as you'd like, and any tab you might have acquired is wiped away. You are free to leave and continue the journey to Almas if you'd like, but you will have to wait at least a day if you want to continue traveling with what is now Tamli’s caravan, as the caravan members want to give Bort a proper burial.

Tamli invites you to the funeral and gives you all a chance to say a few words, "a fond farewell to the caravan master that treated us all amicably." (In spite of any shady deals he might have made over the years with questionable characters.) Tamli sheds more than a few tears as she says goodbye and attempts to bestow a gift. "Bort was fond of rings, collecting a variety of them throughout his travels. I wish to give one ring to each of you." You may choose ONE of the following. As this is campaign mode, you may not double up a ring.

For saving the town and completing the adventure, you each earn 80 XP. You are also formally invited to a PbP of The Slithering. As this adventure is for level 5 and you're completing this adventure at level ~3.5, you can advance to level 5. You also receive 238.5 Gp from your adventures between now and then. I have reported the game, and chronicles will be done tomorrow! Thank you everyone!

Jasper starts off all smiles, but that turns to tears quickly for the emotive halfling. "What nice people," he says wiping his runny nose with the back of his hand. "I mean, they wouldn't let us leave and were pretty oblivious to the nastiness that brewed here, but I like them all same."

"I'm committed to finishing our trip to Almas," Jasper says to the group. "But after that I think I'm going to go it alone for a bit. I just... I need time to myself. This has been an ordeal, one I need to process. There are things about me that I am still learning. But maybe we can promise to meet up again sometime soon?"

"I'm with you on the not letting us leave and the brewing nastiness, Jasper," Penryn weighs in, "but you kinda lost me on the nice people part." Looking around the town square, with a particularly considering look at the plaguestone, he continues, "And I'm all about heading to Almas, since it's right on the route back to Absalom. Where I'm sure we'll all run into each other again, since everyone ends up there at some point. I'm thinking I may change my business model a bit, I've learned a lot on this trip, even in this podunk little town."

"Nice people" don't make't so y'can't leave, Blodgett says. Ready t'put this backwater b'hind me, so Almas's as good as anywhere. Absalom too. Maybe a trip't Garund after'at. Always wanted't see that.

Cilik is glad things will get back to normal. "I will say here a while. this is nice place, small and quiet. I have many things to learn from the library we found."