The Fall of Plaguestone

Game Master Kevin O'Rourke 440

Throkk legs it through the vine gate!

Not seeing any other option, Morsun races with the others through the iris, his stumpy dwarf legs pounding the ground and giving up any semblance of being stealthy.

The elf had already begun casting his spell when the arrow sent the orcs running back into the enclosure. He takes off for the gate.

"Now! Quickly, before the gate closes!" says Sool.

Emri races through the vine gate!

Sazen moves after Sool, but goes well past him since she was closer, and gets ready to shoot again, being pretty pleased with her last shot and thinking she must be getting better at this archery thing.

The orc by the northern cage opens it... a horse made of stone gallops out as it approaches Emri it rears up to strike her with it's hooves. The other orc keeps move and starts working on another cage to the east.
Hoof Vs Emri: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Throkk AC19
Morson AC18
Sool AC14
Emri AC18
Sazen AC21
Orcs AC15 Red -13
Stone Horse AC16

Sool is standing near Emri as the stone horse charges down at her, so it quickly gets all his attention.

With a flick of his finger, he sends a rock sailing briskly toward it.

Telempathic Projectile vs horse: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Sazen moves up and shoots at the guy trying to open yet another cage.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Piercing Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

You got a critical hit Sazen as you beat his AC by ten

Deadly D10 damage (for the crit): 1d10 ⇒ 10

So, that's 20 total damage, or... do I just double what I already rolled, or roll again for the d8 part?

So, that's 20 total damage, or... do I just double what I already rolled, or roll again for the d8 part?

I looked that up for a crit early in this campaign, actually. I recall it saying that the standard should be to just double the relevant damage, but optionally you can roll twice. I think in a PbP doubling is the way to go in case someone doesn't realize they've crit. I'm fine with either decision, though.

Not seeing any stab-able fleshy parts on the stone horse, Morsun starts to hoof it after the red orc.

Three Stride actions.

"On a critical hit, the weapon adds a weapon damage die of the listed size. Roll this after doubling the weapon’s damage. This increases to two dice if the weapon has a greater striking rune and three dice if the weapon has a major striking rune. For instance, a rapier with a greater striking rune deals 2d8 extra piercing damage on a critical hit. An ability that changes the size of the weapon’s normal damage dice doesn’t change the size of its deadly die."-So it looks like you double the d8 roll and then add the 1d10 from deadly... which also works out at 20 damage... red will be very dead.

"Ow!" Emri exclaims as she gets beaned with a hoof. Damage reduced by 2 due to her bearskin.

She hops in the air and sends a pair of spinning kicks at the horses' torso. Then lands, pivots, and throws a few punches.

Flurry of Blows 1 (dragon tail): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 9

Flurry of Blows 2 (dragon tail): 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 8 - 5 = 5 (+1 attack if the previous one missed)
Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 10

If both these attacks hit their damage is combined for the purpose of DR and resistances.

Strike 3 (unarmed): 1d20 + 8 - 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 - 8 = 4
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Strike 4 (unarmed): 1d20 + 8 - 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 8 = 7
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Yup, awesome rolls, as always.

Throkk moves up beside Emri and takes a swing at the stone horse.
Greataxe 1 vs Horse: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 4 = 12

Not seeing any stab-able fleshy parts on the stone horse, Morsun starts to hoof it after the red orc.

Sool is standing near Emri as the stone horse charges down at her, so it quickly gets all his attention.

With a flick of his finger, he sends a rock sailing briskly toward it.

"Ow!" Emri exclaims as she gets beaned with a hoof.

She hops in the air and sends a pair of spinning kicks at the horses' torso. Then lands, pivots, and throws a few punches.

Sazen moves up and shoots at the guy trying to open yet another cage.
Bonus Damage: 1d8 + 1d10 ⇒ (2) + (10) = 12

The remaining orc starts to panic running to the north.

Rearing up the horse strikes out at Emri and Throkk with it's stone hooves.
Hoof Vs Emri: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Hoof Vs Throkk: 1d20 + 10 - 5 ⇒ (19) + 10 - 5 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Hoof Vs Throkk: 1d20 + 10 - 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 - 10 = 18

Throkk AC19
Morson AC18
Sool AC14
Emri AC18
Sazen AC21
Orcs AC15 Red -13
Stone Horse AC16 -10

Throkk grins when he sees the stone horse.

The grin turns to an irritated yell when the horse kicks him!

"Rock horse gets smashed!", he shouts - right as he strikes!

Rage, 2 x strike vs stone horse

Greataxe vs Stone Horse 1d20 + 4 + 4/dice: 1d1d12 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 6 = 22

Greataxe vs Stone Horse 1d20 + 4 + 4-5[/dice: 1d1d12 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 6 = 12

+6 temp HP. -1 AC. +6 damage with large weapon and Titan Mauler. Clumsy 1, which is a -1 to Dexterity-based checks and DCs, including AC, Reflex saves, ranged attack rolls, and skill checks using Acrobatics, Stealth, and Thievery.

Totals currently while raging: 35/44 HP + 6 temp HP. +6 damage. 17 AC. Ref +2. -1 at ranged. -1 to Acrobatics, Stealth, Thievery.

I thought we just discussed that you were just supposed to double the damage that had already been rolled, and add a d10 roll (which I already rolled), and agreed that the total damage was 20... so I am not sure why you rolled for me over again. Did I miss/forget something?

Sazen moves to get a better shot and then shoots at the fleeing orc.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Piercing Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

She utterly misses, so she tries again.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 7 - 5 = 18
Piercing Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Changing course when he sees Sazen down his intended target, Morsun runs after the remaining orc, nearly catching up to him.

Three stride actions gets me next to him. If I had just five more feet, I could attempt an acrobatics check to get in front of him.

Sool's attention is drawn by the pool of brown gunk just inside the gateway. He begins circling it and studying it, trying to work out its purpose.

"OW!" Emri shrieks. "BAD HORSE!"

She leaps in the air and kicks the horse in the face twice in quick succession. She lands, throws a punch, then dashes back a few feet and stands ready to defend herself. Flurry of blows, strike, stride.

Flurry of Blows 1 (dragon tail): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 5

Flurry of Blows 2 (dragon tail): 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 8 - 5 = 15
Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 6

If both these attacks hit their damage is combined for the purpose of DR and resistances.

Strike 3 (unarmed): 1d20 + 8 - 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 - 8 = 16
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Throkk grins when he sees the stone horse.

The grin turns to an irritated yell when the horse kicks him!

"Rock horse gets smashed!", he shouts - right as he strikes!
Damage: 1d12 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 6 = 13

Changing course when he sees Sazen down his intended target, Morsun runs after the remaining orc, nearly catching up to him.

Sool's attention is drawn by the pool of brown gunk just inside the gateway. He begins circling it and studying it, trying to work out its purpose. Sool believes that this pool has been used as a dumping ground for alchemical side products and seems quite acidic and thick. He absent mindedly flicked a rock using magic at the last orc... who promptly falls over.
Telekinetic Projectile: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

"OW!" Emri shrieks. "BAD HORSE!"

She leaps in the air and kicks the horse in the face twice in quick succession. She lands, throws a punch, then dashes back a few feet and stands ready to defend herself. The horses hide cracks and it collapses.

Sool picks up a nearby leaf and tosses it into the pool of sludge. It sits sedately on the liquid, slowly turning brown and disintegrating.

"Charming. Well, we've definitely found our alchemical villain, as if there were still any doubt. It appears that he dumps the refuse from his experiments here. No doubt this is the latrine as well."

"The orc was making for that northern area. No doubt that's where his master may be found. We should tend to any wounds before venturing inside. And we should search the bodies of these orcs -- they might have other interesting toys besides that blue smoke bag."

Stepping over the orc that Sool killed just before he reached it, Morsun peers through the entrance of the tunnel.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 <-- +1 for detecting traps

Then he searches the body of the dead orc in front of him.

Oof. Not closing tags...

With the rock horse in chunks, Throkk calms down.

He waves to Sazen.

"Wounded!"

He then has a rummage through any nearby bodies.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

You find two orc knuckle daggers and two javelins. They have simple clothes that have a variety of stains on them.

A path to the north seems well travelled leading into the cave.

The eastern cage has a wire mesh, inside are two angry looking rats covered in hoarfrost.

The southern cage appears to be empty, but the floor is littered with the bones of previous inhabitants and scraps from the meals that fed
them. There is an opening in the back wall of the cage that leads to somewhere out of view.

Treat Wounds (Throkk): 2d8 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3
Treat Wounds (Emri): 2d8 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9

Unfortunately, you are immune to treat wounds for an hour after getting treated, so I can't help you further non-magically unless we wait longer... want me to burn a spell, or wait to cast something till you are down more?

Anyone else hurt?

"I wasn't touched during the fight. While you guys are healing up, I'm going to scout this tunnel a bit." Morsun hooks his thumb at the northern tunnel. He heads into it, barring any objections.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 <-- +1 for detecting traps
Stealth/Sneak: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Cool, but if you see anything dangerous, come back and tell us rather than risking anything, okay? We don't have the resources to bring you back to life if you get killed because you went off alone.

Sool nods at Morsun.

"Sensible. If I worked with orcs, I'd have a few surprises set up at my gate to keep them honest."

Sool follows Morsun to the entrance of the cave and waits there, ready in case his expertise are needed.

Throkk is okay for now, thanks. 38/44 hp

"Thanks, Sazen!"

The bright light from outside is replaced by flickering torchlight in a narrow passageway cut deeply into the hillside. Suddenly, the passage opens into a broad natural cavern containing a series of large tables on the far side of the room. A series of alchemical experiments, most bubbling and frothing as they cook, are arranged atop the work spaces.

Morson can see two orcs tending to the alchemical experiments who don't seem to have been alerted by the previous fight.

Meanwhile back outside the brambles continue to burn but thankfully the wind hasn't changed direction yet.

Morsun tries to make out if there are any other exits from this cavern before heading back.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 <-- +1 for detecting traps
Stealth/Sneak: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

When he gets to the point where he can see Sool at the cave entrance, he holds up two fingers, and then points to the dead orc the elf is standing near. Then he heads back into the cavern to try and take the orcs by surprise when Throkk comes running into the cavern declaring his intended violence.

Stealth/Sneak: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Dang, you know these rolls are going to dry up by the time I need to make an attack roll.

Emri gives the stone rubble another few stomps. Eventually she grins. "Thanks, Sazen! I'm good."

She stretches a bit, cracking her knuckles and back. "Oh, yeah." Then she waits patiently for Morsun to return.

Throkk, knowing there are enemies nearby thanks to Morsun, gleefully runs into the cavern, axe before him, and whooping with joy!

When he gets to the point where he can see Sool at the cave entrance, he holds up two fingers, and then points to the dead orc the elf is standing near.

Sool knows this game.

He points to himself. Then wiggles his finger theatrically, then pantomimes gently falling asleep.

Sool then waves to the rest of the group, waves them to come over, and makes a shush sign.

Once everyone is in position, Sool will make his way into the cave entrance, then cast 'Sleep' on the orcs when he is within range. He has the Reach Spell feat, so I believe that doubles his range?

Emri nods, and places a hand on Throkk. "Wait." she whispers. She nods at Sool.

Throkk stops and quietens before he really gets going.

Sool knows this game.

He points to himself. Then wiggles his finger theatrically, then pantomimes gently falling asleep.

He's going to take a nap while I do all the real work. Typical.

Morsun continues to back to the cavern.

Sazen moves closer with the others, waiting for Sool to cast his spell.

Morson sees there are three other tunnels leading from the chamber, two to the west and one to the east.

You don't quite get surprise rounds like in first edition but given the approach Sool is using stealth instead of perception and has beaten the orcs perception for initiative

Emri Perception. AC20: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Morson Stealth. AC18: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Sool Stealth. AC14: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Sazen Percepation. AC17: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Throkk Perception. AC19: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Monster Perception. AC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Emri
Sool
Morson
Throkk
Orcs
Sazen

Throkk rushes in, eager - and able! - to close the distance with the orcs. His axe swings with similar speed!

Move: 1 action. Sudden Charge: 2 actions

Large Greataxe vs Red orc face: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Not currently raging. AC 19

Since the fight's already broke out, Emri dashes into the battle, teeth bared and little fists clenched.

Stride, Stride, Dragon Stance.

I was hoping that the posts where I was having Morsun stealth into the cavern ahead of everyone else would have put me closer to the orcs so that I could try to approach stealthily and still be able to attack in the first round. 2 strides and a Hide check.

Foregoing the slow-and-steady approach when the others start running past him, Morsun dashes forward and then ducks down between a couple barrels and a vat, hoping to take one of the orcs by surprise.

Stealth/Hide: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

You know what it does make more sense Morsun would be in a better position, you can reposition him by one movement action before taking your go Morsun.

Here, but waiting to post my action until after the Orcs go.

Sool strides into the room calmly then casts 'Sleep' on Yellow.

Using Reach feat

You know what it does make more sense Morsun would be in a better position, you can reposition him by one movement action before taking your go Morsun.

Thanks very much. I'll trade in one of those Stride actions for a Sneak action to at least sneak up to a target this round. It would have happened after Sool's sleep spell, so yellow if the spell failed, red if the spell succeeded.

Sneak: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Since the fight's already broke out, Emri dashes into the battle, teeth bared and little fists clenched.

Sool strides into the room calmly then casts 'Sleep' on Yellow.
Will Saave: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Foregoing the slow-and-steady approach when the others start running past him, Morsun dashes forward and then ducks down between a couple barrels and a vat, hoping to take one of the orcs by surprise.

Throkk rushes in, eager - and able! - to close the distance with the orcs. His axe swings with similar speed!

While one orc slumbered the other moved away from Throkk and begins throwing vials at him. One smashes at the large mans feet covering them in a sticky purple goo. The second vial sails past him but gives off a puff of smoke as it hits the ground.
Alchemical Substance Vs Throkk: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Alchemical Substance Vs Throkk: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
1d20 ⇒ 16
The target can end any effects by Escaping (dc17) or spending a total of 3 Interact actions to carefully remove the sticky substances. These Interact actions don’t have to be consecutive, and other creatures can provide the actions as well.

Sazen
Emri
Sool
Morson
Throkk
Orcs Yellow Sleeping, Red -13

Emri slips past Throkk, right up to the conscious orc, and kicks him in the gut twice. A moment after she lands she throws a punch at his thigh.

Flurry of Blows 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
B Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 3

Flurry of Blows 2: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 8 - 5 = 5
B Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 4

Strike 3: 1d20 + 8 - 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 - 8 = 8
B Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Stride, Flurry of Blows, Strike.

Sool continues to calmly walk forward, then flicks a finger, causing a retort from the nearby workbench to go sailing toward the Red orc...

Telekinetic Projectile: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Morsun takes a few quick steps behind Throkk and Emri...

Sneak: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

...and doesn't make his presence known to the orc until his two blades lash out.

Shortsword: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Sneak attack damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Kukri +1: 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 - 4 = 7
Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5
Sneak attack damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Of course I used up all of those good rolls on stealthing, and they were gone by the time I attacked.

I forgot to include his AC17... Sool and Emri both had attacks that crit!

Err, whoops... I posted this big thing about attacking yellow but then realized yellow is the one that is sleeping, so this is the replacement, in case anyone saw what I had before.

Sazen walks over to yellow.

3 strides

Planning on a Coup de Grace next turn if nothing prevents it in the meantime.

Throkk strains at the strange muck -

Athletics to escape DC 17: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

- and powers forward to swing at the orc again!

1) Escape 2) Moved 3) Strike

Large Greataxe vs Red orc face: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Not currently raging. AC 19

The standing orc is quickly overpowered while the other sleeps...

Loot
Lesser acid flask (4)
Lesser alchemist’s fire (4)
Lesser bottled lightning (4)
Minor elixir of life (4)
orc knuckle dagger (2)
30gp of Alchemical Supplies

Morsun nods at the team's efficiency before inspecting the passage to the east.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 <-- +1 vs. traps