GM Doug's Lions of Katapesh [Outpost III] (Inactive)

Game Master Doug Hahn

don't forget you all have hero points.

Hero Point Will Save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Chalek moves to the edge of the Keff's perch, peering up at it to see if anything of interest lies atop.

Stride. Seek.

Perception Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 (+2 if there's interesting stonework)

Zanderel weaves through the same spells, protecting himself before sending another ray forth.
Cast Shield, then Ray of Frost
Ray of Frost: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Cold damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Will save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

"Who taught you how to lion? This is all wrong!" Though his eyes are dazzled by the colors, Varret continues his volley of arrows.

+1 Composite shortbow (1st), bless: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 1 = 13
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
DC 5 flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 3

+1 Composite shortbow (2nd), bless: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 = 22
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
DC 5 flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 16

+1 Composite shortbow (3rd), bless: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
DC 5 flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 16

+1 Composite shortbow (4th), bless: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 1 = 23
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
DC 5 flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Zarindlara lets three more arrows fly.

+1 striking Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
ouch!: 2d8 ⇒ (6, 4) = 10
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 10

+1 striking Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (3) + 11 - 5 = 9
ouch!: 2d8 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 10

+1 striking Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 10 ⇒ (16) + 11 - 10 = 17
ouch!: 2d8 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 4

Will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

I'm going to save my hero point in case I need to not die. Unfortunately that means I can't shield block, so I'll take 10 damage.

Karando swings his machete again (blindly) and raises his shield.
Concealment Flat Check: 1d20 ⇒ 6 DC 11 I think?
Machete: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 for slashing: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

He misses in his blindness!

Hoyt feels the psychadelic colors of illusions, but shakes it off thanks to the Lucky Drunk! Dazzled 1

Chalek sees a glint of gold atop the bone divan and climbs up, finding a pile of stolen coins and a journal.

Zanderel blasts anopther ray at the lion Keff, whose quite cold right now.

Varret is also dazzled by the spray, but manages to hit the lion twice even though he's seeing double!

Karando is blinded and swings wildly at Keff, who laughs!

… that laugh is cut short as Zarindlara sends an arrow into Keff's throat, taking the terrible beast down!

Out of combat! Poor Keff isn't really set up to deal with ranged characters :)

Chalek will quickly go over the journal.

The journal details Keff the Lion's awakening to a consciousness he never asked for. He escaped his wizard-master and roamed of the wild. Keff spent years pretending to be a beast among beasts or studying magic whenever the opportunity arose (for example, in the circus among humanoids). Over time, Keff grew unsatisfied with masquerading as just another lion amongst his mundane kin. Vowing that he would not be the last of his magical kind, Keff tried to establish a kingdom here. He recruited wolves and leopards, and forced them to undertake a series of rigorous exercises along with magical experimentation. This probably explains the intelligent leopards and wolves you fought.

Keff viewed the bridge area as his personal fiefdom and the goblin work as an intrusion. The prospect of more commerce here — more intrusions on his pride of followers — was intolerable. He relished killing goblins and seeing his servants do so.

----

What your characters think, standing above the corpse of this majestic but problematic lion, cannot stand in the way of commerce. It's soon time to get back to Zig and report your success.

"So much potential, squandered," Zanderel muses aloud. "If only the circumstances of his life had been different. He could have found a unique place in this world."

The elf sighs, jotting down notes from the journal before pocketing it. "Everything accounted for? I would like to return to Absalom."

Wiping sweat from his brow, Hoyt responds. "I think so. Where's Chalek and does anyone need healing?"

"I won't say no to a little more healing. That cat really got me before he went down. Good work everyone. I think the goblins will be able to build in peace, now."

Chalek waves from atop the lion's mound (from where he discovered the journal that you all just read).

Even knowing that Hoyt has magic available, Varret's medic background compels him to examine Karando's wounds and see what he can do to help.

Treat Wounds, DC 15: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Healing: 2d8 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4

"Not bad, friend Varret, allow the Accidental God to top him off. Otherwise the man will not be able to buy me a drink!"

Divine Font,2 Action Heal: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

"Ah, the power of teamwork. Thanks, mates."

You return to the camp — Zig is overjoyed, and the goblins throw a raucous celebration that night; you might also partake in their antics as before. Morale is at an all-time high.

You return to Ygrig, who is also pleased. I thank you for taking care of my family, and protecting what is ours. He leaves the restaurant without another word. The waiter brings you a briefcase full of gold coins. This represents the last treasure bundles — you got all 10!

The bridge is soon completed, opening up a new trade route in the region.

Well done! I will have your chronicles later today or tomorrow morning. You have earned full reputation by keeping the goblins at high morale, and destroying Keff before he could reduce the morale to 0. Great job!

And there was great rejoicing, Hoyt buying everyone a round!