The Fall of Plaguestone

Game Master Kevin O'Rourke 440

Oh, I am definitely doing the cliff, and the rope was meant for the cliff as well, not the wall. Is that what you meant, or are you asking what the rest of the party is doing?

Throkk awaits the rope Sazen is about to drop.

His plan is cunning.

He is going to run up, grab the rope, climb up, and fight anything that wants to stop him.

Simple!

Emri goes with Sazen, relishing the challenge!

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Athletics 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Athletics 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Athletics 3: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Wondering what even his roll is, Morsun tags along behind. He gets to the bottom of the cliff and stops to watch the others climb (and see how they fare) before committing himself.

After several minutes of studious sketch-work, Sool suddenly realizes that he's alone. He blinks and looks around, and spots the path beaten through the tall grasses off toward the cliffside. He looks down at his sketch and then regards his geode and feels a pang of displeasure at being called away from this task before he was properly finished, but much like a dutiful parent caring for toddlers, he knew he didn't really have much choice in the matter.

He packs away his things again, hoists his pack onto his back and saunters over to where the others are climbing the cliff.

I'm going to say the ropes will give a +3 bonus to peoples climb checks

J2
Beyond the palisade is a well-trodden yard. A small wooden hut is built against the southern rock wall, facing a squat stone fortress. A guard tower stands at the north end of the edifice while a two-story dome anchors the south. The fortress has a brooding look about it, with narrow windows set between heavy pillars of rock.

Athletics: 1d20 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 3 = 21
Athletics: 1d20 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 3 = 15 <--Looks like I fall?
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

But by less than ten so it's not a critical failure... so he's not falling but is flailing about and not making much progress for a bit. On a critical fail he will fall. He's more likely to be noticed the longer he is there!

"Could one of you tie off a rope and toss it down?" asks Sool.

The rope is already there.

Athletics: 1d20 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 3 = 9
Athletics: 1d20 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 3 = 10
Athletics: 1d20 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 3 = 21

Morsun shows everyone that he's a master thief by flailing around on the side of a cliff face a bit before finally making his way down inside the fort.

Is there anything we can do to help Sool? Tying the rope around him and hauling him up, for example?

Throkk, you strong enough to haul him up? Some of us can probably aid.

You can though Sool might be indignant about it! Also we're starting to approach a point where I'll be asking for stealth checks... the guards do occassionally throw a glance up here.

You can though Sool might be indignant about it!

All the more reason!

I'm not sure how indignant he'll be -- struggling up a rope is not really his forte, and his natural indolence predisposes him to being carried when possible. He has no illusions about his physical skills. Nevertheless he'll attempt to climb the rope at least once on his own.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Sool makes a great production out of tying off his pack to the end of the rope, then unencumbered he makes a slow but steady climb up the cliff face using the rope. Once at the top, his pale skin glistens with perspiration and his breathing is labored, but he looks none the worse for wear. He calmly pulls his pack up behind him, readying himself for the downward climb.

Is Sool the only one up here right now, or has someone waited behind to act as a wizard taxi?

Sazen wouldn't have gone down until everyone else was done so she could keep watch and put down cover fire if someone noticed them, so she's still up there when you get there.

Thank you!

"This sort of thing isn't really my forte. Any help you could lend would be appreciated." he says in the manner of a rich diner speaking to a maître' de.

He then begins to shinny down the rope with relative ease.

Athletics to Climb down (w/rope): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Acrobatics to avoid scattering scree: 1d20 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 1 + 3 = 19

You can all see down into the courtyard area, in a tower nearby you make out the shapes of two more humanoids.

Sool manages to be hauled upwards.

Sool manages to be hauled upwards.

I believe Sool made his requisite two athletics checks and one acrobatics check. They were just split over two posts.

Athletics DC 18 with rope to move carefully: 1d20 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 3 = 22

Athletics DC 18 with rope to climb up: 1d20 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 3 = 21

Acrobatics DC 15 with rope to climb down: 1d20 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 1 + 3 = 19

In a perhaps surprisingly graceful and flowing display of physical coordination from such a large man, Throkk powers up the rope and smoothly clambers down from the wall on the other side.

His greataxe is back in his hands swiftly.

Ok, you're all up on the cliff... eventually they'll spot you. Whats your plan before that.

Ok, you're all up on the cliff... eventually they'll spot you. Whats your plan before that.

GM, I'm a little confused. Aren't we all down the cliff face and inside the compound now?

Climbing the limestone face requires at least two successful DC 18 Athletics checks (one to climb up and another to climb down) and a successful DC 15 Acrobatics check to move across the crumbling stone without causing a cascade of debris the guards are likely to notice.

I think at this point we've all done two Athletics checks and one Acrobatics check

Nonetheless we do need to make a plan. Are we currently on the south side of the yard?

Oh ok... miscommunication. I had copy pasted. You guys are going to need to start making stealth checks or they'll notice ye before long. Ye can place yourselves anywhere on the southern side by the cliff.

Sool points to the small wooden hut nearby. "We need to get under cover. Let's get into that little hut and see if we can learn anything." he suggests in a low voice.

Sazen nods, and heads for the hut, pulling up her hood so that her hair won't catch the light.

Emri slinks over there like a shadow! In the night!

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

...In the day!

You infiltration at this point attracts attention. You hear the two orcs moving to raise the alarm after drawing their weapons.

Emri Stealth. AC20: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Morson Stealth. AC18: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Sool Stealth. AC14: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Sazen Stealth. AC17: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Throkk Stealth. AC19: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Monster Perception. AC15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Sazen
Emri
Sool
Morson
Throkk
Orcs

Sazen hears two orcs moving to raise the alarm, and she quickly swivels and fires at the one furthest from the group.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Attack 2: 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (18) + 7 - 5 = 20
Attack 3: 1d20 + 7 - 10 ⇒ (16) + 7 - 10 = 13

Piercing Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Sool turns slightly, spots a good-sized rock in the scree behind him, and sends it hurtling off toward the nearer orc, using his full arm to urge it along its deadly path.

Telekinetic Projectile at Yellow Orc, Reach spell feat to increase range

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 Double damage if that's a critical success!

Emri hurries up to the nearest orc, leaps into the air, and launches a pair of kicks at the orc's face!

Stride, stride, flurry of blows.

Flurry of Blows: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
B Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Flurry of Blows: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 8 - 4 = 24
Critical Hit: B Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8

Morsun draws his sword and dagger and hoofs it at the closest orc.

Sneak Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Sneak Attack Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Throkk rushes forward, his blood up, and swings at the nearest orc's neck!

Rage, Move, Strike

Rage: 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: 44/44 HP + 6 temp HP. +6 damage. 17 AC. Ref +2. -1 at ranged. -1 to Acrobatics, Stealth, Thievery.

Strike vs Yellow Orc: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Damage: 1d12 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 6 = 14

Sazen hears two orcs moving to raise the alarm, and she quickly swivels and fires at the one furthest from the group.

Emri hurries up to the nearest orc, leaps into the air, and launches a pair of kicks at the orc's face!

Sool turns slightly, spots a good-sized rock in the scree behind him, and sends it hurtling off toward the nearer orc, using his full arm to urge it along its deadly path.

Morson and Throkk both move towards the remaining orc.

Having raised the alarm the remaining orc moves to block Throkk's path while those in the tower above get ready to join the fight.
Red orc knuckle dagger: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Red orc knuckle dagger: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 4 = 8

Sazen
Emri
Sool
Morson
Throkk
Orcs Red AC 15

Throkk barely feels the orc's knuckle dagger pierce his flesh as he roars and swings!

Strike vs Red Orc: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Damage: 1d12 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 6 = 12

Strike vs Red Orc: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 8 - 5 = 15
Damage: 1d12 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 6 = 22

Strike vs Red Orc: 1d20 + 8 - 10 ⇒ (9) + 8 - 10 = 7
Damage: 1d12 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 6 = 22

34 damage with AC 15

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

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

Attack 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Attack 2: 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (19) + 7 - 5 = 21

Piercing Damage 1 (crit): 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (7, 8) + 10 = 25
Piercing Damage 2: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Can you ready an action in 2e? Sool would like to move up to a strategic spot, then watch the doors of the fort and the hut. He'd like to ready a Grease spell to cast in front of either door if it opens.

Can you ready an action in 2e?

Looks like yes.

Morsun advances at the remaining orc and carefully targets his insides.

Short sword attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Dagger: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 7 - 4 = 18 <--Target is flat-footed because of Twin Feint feat
Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Emri strides up to the enemy in the tower and tries to tumble through him.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

If it works, she punches him twice in the head.

Flurry of Blows: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
B Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Flurry of Blows: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 8 - 4 = 12
B Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Sazen moves to get a better shot and then shoots at the orc who collapses to the ground as the arrow pierces his throat.

The others reposition as Sool prepares a spell.

A female orc with a bow unleashes two skilled shots that Sazen and Emri barely manage to evade.
Double Shot 1 Vs Sazen: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 11 - 2 = 16
Double Shot 2 Vs Emri: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 11 - 2 = 17

Another orc hurls a javelin down at Throkk.
Javelin Vs Throkk: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Sazen
Emri
Sool
Morson
Throkk
Orcs

There's no way up to the tower from the outside

Morsun takes cover behind the staircase, sheathes his blades, and pulls out his crossbow.

I'm assuming I have line of sight to the Orc Archer since she has line of sight to me, but feel free to correct me.

Sazen moves to get a better shot and then shoots back at the archer in the tower.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Attack 1: 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (10) + 7 - 5 = 12

Unfortunately, both her shots fall short.

Sool had been ready to cast a sleeping spell on someone already, so when he hears the sound of further archery duals around the corner, he moves into view of the orcs above and casts his spell on them.

Cast Sleep on the two orcs, centered on Orange

Emri's going to head up the stairs. Do they lead into the tower? Dead end? Not sure because of the grayed out squares.

Throkk rushes up the stairs, eager to get to grips with more orcs!

Move actions to reach orcs?

Totals currently while raging: 37/44 HP + 6 temp HP. +6 damage. 17 AC. Ref +2. -1 at ranged. -1 to Acrobatics, Stealth, Thievery. Resistant to bludgeoning and cold damage.

Sazen moves to get a better shot and then shoots back at the archer in the tower.

Unfortunately, both her shots fall short.

Emri finds the stairs don't go up very far, just enough to give a view above the gate. She heads down towards the only door visible into the structure.

Sool had been ready to cast a sleeping spell on someone already, so when he hears the sound of further archery duals around the corner, he moves into view of the orcs above and casts his spell on them... both orcs slump down sleepily out of view.
Will Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Will Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Morsun takes cover behind the staircase, sheathes his blades, and pulls out his crossbow.

Throkk moves down to the door in the south. Now that Throkk is by the door is clear that it is locked, he can just about see through the gap in the door. The door is made from heavy wooden planks reinforced with banded iron.

Sazen
Emri
Sool
Morson
Throkk
Orcs-Both in the tower are sleeping now

Sazen listens to see if she can hear anyone else that was alerted and is coming to face them.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

She then moves over to Morsun and whispers

Looks like Throkk isn't opening that door. Might be locked. Think you can pick it, or do we need to bash it in?

"Let me take a look."

Morsun rushes up the stairs, lockpicks in hand.

Thievery/Pick a Lock: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Thievery/Pick a Lock: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Thievery/Pick a Lock: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

I'm assuming Morsun can try again. Morsun's got spare lockpicks if one of those rolls is a critical failure.

I don't think the door is up the stairs. We can't see it very well, but from what the DM said, the door is over by Throkk. Strangely designed tower.

Emri moves over to Throkk and the door and waits for Morsun to pick the lock.