Old School Plotless Dungeon Crawl Tower Climb

Game Master NameShortage

As the Statue rounds the corner, Lash looses an arrow that deflects off the Statue's stone armor.

Rolling For Initiative!
Lash Vaeledi Init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Sim Calinean Init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Shiv'Raston Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Kahli Salist Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Marcos Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Round 1
Turn Order (I apologize for those rolls!)
Sim
Statue
Lash
Marcos
Kahli
Shiv

The Statue continues its advance, rumbling towards the water. The Statue lowers it's stance. The party collectively thinks "No way is it..." The Statue plants a foot, cracking the stone floor, and leaps...

and glides gracefully through the air 13ft across the water before landing, sending a large splash up and around, shaking the entire room. When the spray clears, the Statue has fallen prone in the water and is swept away. It reaches out trying to grab on to something, but the flowing of the water is too strong, even for the Statue.

Standard: Move
Move: Move and Leap
Statue is currently Prone in J23

Once the splash clears Kahli stares, fascinated in the struggles of the statue. "I hate to admit it, but I wondered what that mass was that the water pushes everything in to. Maybe...."

"I swear this thing is after me!"

She had just moved to the corner to stay far away from it, and then it floundered royally and got swept away. Water, after all, can move mountains.

"Hah...is your master going to fetch you again?" she mocks as she takes a shot and then moves back to the top of the water column; leaving the melee to more capable sorts.

Ranged Shot: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Lash's arrow pierces into the Statue, cracking it's stone slightly. The shaft breaks as the Statue rolls in the water.

The Statue flounders around in the water, smacking into the wall, then tries to stand up.

The Statue braces itself against the wall and manages to stand up against the current. It raises its head to the closest spot of dry ground and trudges it way closer, sloshing through the water.

Succeed Reflex
Move: Stand
Move: Move to J24 (Provokes attack from Shiv)
Shiv AoO, Damage: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 242d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1) + 4 = 9

Shiv slashes into the stone, cutting a piece off its arm that lands in the water and rushes away towards the mass of growth. The Statue now at stands between Lash and Shiv, its fists closing, preparing to slam down on those closest to it.

Sorry, I mentioned it, but didn't put it in ooc quotes. She moved back to where she was previously

Round 1 Summary: Sim Total Defense. Statue leaps and falls. Lash fires and moves. Rest of party Delay, hoping the Statue washes away.

Round 2 Summary: Sim Total Defense. Statue stands and moves to L23 (removing AoO and giving the Statue 9hp back).

Round 2 Remaining (Current Location):
Lash (L27)
Mold Creature (E24)
Marcos (N27)
Kahli (M27)
Shiv (L25)

Other Locations:
Statue (L23)
Sim (L26)

Lash: The Statue will get Soft Cover (+4 AC) if you fire from L27.

"I am getting tired of killing this statue!"

Free 5 ft. step to L24
Standard: Scythe: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 Slashing Damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (1, 1) + 6 = 8

Kahli glances around, "Back up. Make it move up so we're lined up in the corridor. Try and hit a leg and maybe with enough damage we can push it back into the water...."

Kahli backs up to P27. If we can get it to L27 and I get a clear shot, I can use True Strike and try to do a Bull Rush on it.

Kahli moves farther into the hallway, encouraging her friends to do the same.

Shiv corners the Statue and cuts it across its chest. (Shiv: I thought your scythe was 2d4+4. Your Studied Target would get you to 2d4+5. Where's the extra +1 coming from?)

Remaining Round 2 (Imgur is down. Current locations are in the Summary at the top)
Lash
Mold Creature
Marcos

Marcos tries to aim for the leg, but he released the trigger at a random moment and lets the bolt fly towards a random direction, mostly leaving to fortune whether it hits or not.

Crossbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

With the projectile flying metres away from its target, Marcos thinks he should have stuck to his oratory and leave firing for snipers.

Lash will let an arrow fly now that she is further up away from it. Without hitting her teammates, it's a challenge to get the shot off.

Move: She will then move further into the hallway? So that Kahli can bullrush it into the water.
Ranged Attack-Soft Cover: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 5 - 4 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Lash's expertise shows as she leans around Sim and times her shot so that it doesn't hit Shiv, but, istead, pierce an arrow into the Statue's chest. She then retreats back to give Kahli room for her plan. (Moved you to P26 to get you out of melee and make room for others)

Marcos steps up (to M27 to get some line of sight) and attempts to fire his crossbow around the corner, but being that close to the action, Marcos avoids hitting his teammates, and the bolt harmlessly flies into the rapids.

Start of Round 3!
Sim (L26):
Statue (L23):
Lash (P26):
Marcos (M27):
Mold Creature (E24):
Kahli (P27):
Shiv (L24):

Sim hears Kahli's plan, but seeing Shiv toe-to-toe with the Statue, Sim feels his obligation to provide support to Shiv, and moves in to bolster Shiv's defense.

Move: 5'-step to L25
Standard: Total Defense
AC: 29 (21 Tch, 19 Fl) | CMD: 21; adjacent allies get +3 luck to AC and CMD

The Statue, cornered, unleashes its fury down on Shiv.

Shiv deflects the first hit, but as he's recovering, it looks like the second hit is about to slam down on him. Sim reaches out and pulls Shiv just enough to the side to avoid the large stone fist. (The second attack would have hit Shiv if not for Sim's boosted AC)

Updated Map

Remaining Round 3
Lash (P26):
Marcos (M27):
Mold Creature (E24):
Kahli (P27):
Shiv (L24):

Lash will watch the rear of the party, and will even move a few feet further down the corridor to give them extra room.

"Be careful Kahli. He's likely strong and hard to move as he is stone. Hopefully, whatever magic you can conjure will aid you."

Marcos looks at the statue for a second, calibrating, and lowers his crossbow.

"Aahhh... Did I tell you guys about the battle of the Volunov Rapids?" he starts. "Well, both armies were separated by the Volunovt River, and it was clear one of them had to take the first move..."

Inspire Courage!

Lash attempts to keep one eye on the water room and one on the hallway ahead of them.

Marcos begins to weave a tale to give his teammates advice, filling them with encouragement!

Remaining Round 3
Kahli (P27)
Shiv (L24)

Kahli steps forward, trading places with the croc and calls out. "I'll need to time it right. It's probably not smart so listen. Hit and fall back yelling that you're coming. I'll cast my spell and be ready to charge once you come by here. I just need to charge into it as it steps in the way. With the boost from the magic I should be able to dump it back into the water. The water might take it back into whatever that thing was. Or at least it might slow it and we can try to reach the exit from this floor...."

Move me up to O27 and the croc behind me at P27. Have to move at least 10' for it to be a charge, and Bull Rush....

Shiv growls at the statue, then tries to strike it once more before retreating.

Standard: Scythe, Studied: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 1 = 17 Damage: 2d4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 4) + 4 + 1 = 11
Move: Move to L28 (or M28 if Marcos has backed up before I go).

Shiv takes a mighty swing at the Statue and shifts his weight back to start moving away. The Statue takes a step after Shiv, but stutters, then falls forward, slamming into the floor. Sim hops back away, landing into Shiv's legs.

Out of combat!

Shiv, you would have missed without Marcos' Inspire Courage.

Hearing the thing fall to the floor Kahli moves forward again. She glances around the corner to see if the statue is down again. "Break it apart again and throw the pieces into the water. We can take a couple of little pieces with us to scatter. Maybe a knee joint and an elbow. If it somehow does reanimate it'll be with one arm and one leg, and I doubt it'll be able to fight away from that mass of stuff over there!"

Glancing around at the others she pulls her wand of healing, "Anybody hurt?"

Kahli relays her plan to the group. If there's no objections, Shiv, with the party's help, re-disassembles the Statue and tosses the pieces into the rushing water. They watch as, one-by-one, the pieces tumble and slide, getting swept away by the current towards the mold creature. The pieces slam against the side of it, then slowly become engulfed and the creature unjulates, pulling each piece into itself.

Once the deed is done, the party gets back into marching order and returns to the junction in the hallway. To the north, a short hallway before a dead end and a door on the left. To the south, a short hallway before another t-junction.

You guys are at the intersection at AB19 (if I had labeled the map properly).

"No, just a little sore. I'll be taking an elbow with me. We'll see what that Tiefling does now. He'll regret ever agreeing to torture us."

She will pry the piece loose and then carry the small, but essential jointed piece with her.

Progressing along. She will strive ahead of the group and with her sight in darkness as well as low-light, will ensure nothing, including traps, will surprise them.

Perception+Guidance: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 1 = 23
Disable Device+Guidance: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 1 = 14

Pocketing a piece of the Statue, Lash leads the group back to the T-junction, confident the path is clear. Giving the unlit stone hallway a look each way, she's certain there are no traps or pitfalls. Listening for any clues forward, Lash turns her head to the south hallway and doesn't hear anything. Her attention is quickly grabbed by the sound of multiple scuffling footsteps from beyond the door to the north. From this distance, she can see the door is not trapped.

Once the indication is given that nobody is hurt (Or healing as needed?) Kahli stows the wand and readies weapons. She stays by Lash as she leads the group.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 10 + 1 = 20 Just because....

Lash voices her findings and Kahli steps up to give a look and confirms Lash's suspicions; no sounds to the south, shuffling footsteps from beyond the wooden door to the north.

Updated map

"There is scuffling ahead."

She will let Sim and even Shiv and his croc take the lead. The more fighters to meet the sound of what may be many foes, the better.

Sim readies his shield and draws his gladius, and waits for the others to signal they are ready before kicking the door open.

Shiv and croc step up behind Sim. Shiv stows his Scythe and draws out a longspear, before nodding.

If we position Sim in AB 20 and me in AB 21 I can longspear over him if we don't want to move into the room.

Shiv: I saw what you said about positioning, but I think you had the numbers wrong, so I put you and Sim where I think you meant. If you want to correct it, definitely do.

The party gets into position, hands gripping weapons. Sim kicks the door open and is met with a weird pungent mix of rotting flesh and floral smells. Once he can see passed his watering eyes, he sees a fairly large and open stone room covered in more moss with pollen floating through the air. He sees two crevices in the floor with wooden planks laying somewhat precariously across them.

More importantly, he sees two humanoid looking creatures covered in wet, green vines and ripped, soiled clothing, slowly shambling towards him.

Map when Sim first opens the door

Roll for Initiative!

Lash Vaeledi Init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Sim Calinean Init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Shiv'Raston Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Kahli Salist Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Marcos Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Round 1!
Turn Order
Shiv
Lash
Kahli
Marcos
Creature 2
Sim
Creature 1

Shiv'Raston K. Nat: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Shiv can see the humanoid looking creatures and, focusing on the vines growing out of them, draws on his knowledge of all things nature, but cannot figure out what these things are.

"What is it? What do you see?" she asks as the others fight. She will cover the long hallway with her bow, just in case.

Readying an action to fire from AC19 if there are obvious threats that come around the corner.

Kahli glances at the creature, disgusted by the smell, replies to Lash's question. "Looks like some sort of zombie with plants growing in it. Probably the vines are as dangerous as the zombie they are in! Chop them into little pieces!"

Knowledge-Religion help any? (if they are undead)

Yes, I was confused about the layout/where the door was- my plan doesn't exactly work in this instance- oh well!

"More shambling things. . . always with the shambling and the attacking us!"

Move: Move to AA 17
Croc Move: Using Sprint (1/minute), move around to X 17 to flank w/ Shiv
Standard: Longspear: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 2 = 26 Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Croc Standard: Bite: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 1 + 2 = 18 Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Longspear Confirm?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 Possible Extra Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

"Sim, if you stand between me and this thing, Croc may help your attacks!"

I'm sorry. I forgot to mention that the areas with the greyed out crosshatching is difficult terrain (the corners of the room). The croc can move as normal this round because it doesn't change anything, but it'll be difficult terrain going forward.

Longspear in hand, Shiv was ready for the door to open and rushes in to take point. The creature can't react (flat-footed, can't take an AoO), and Shiv turns the corner, spinning around to stab it through the head, pulling its head off as he pulls his spear back. (Creature 1 is dead)

Now that Shiv's in the room, he can see the gap is 10 feet deep and 5 feet wide.

Lash moves into position to watch the party's back. Kahli looks at the creature and tries to figure out what it is, but, while it's similar, she's not seen or heard of anything like this. (Knowledge Religion doesn't apply here)

Updated Map

Round 1 Remaining
Turn Order
Kahli
Marcos
Creature 2
Sim

Marcos, you can make a Knowledge Nature when you can see the creatures.

Marcos moves closer to AA19 and strata his usual speech.

"Hold, my friends, your nostrils closed and tight, for no odor should then interfere with... uff... with your good doing in the fight... uff, dammit..."

Inspire Courage 11/16

Marcos decides to join the comfort of the party, starting a rhyming story through slight pollen-induced sputters.

Marcos K. Nat: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Getting around to see the commotion, Marcos instantly identifies these creatures as Yellow Musk Zombies. You know they are created by a Yellow Musk Creeper. They have the normal zombie issue of being staggered, but since their zombification comes from the vines growing through them, so they identify as plants instead of undead (plant traits instead of undead traits).

The other Yellow Musk Zombie shambles across the makeshift bridge, slipping a little on the moss, making its way next to Shiv.

Move: AD13 to AB16

Updated Map

Round 1 Remaining
Turn Order
Kahli
Sim

Kahli, you still have full turn as you just spoke, which is a free action.

Kahli moves forward to try and hack at the strange zombie.

Move to AA16 and slash the zombie with her dagger.

dagger attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
damage if that hits: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Sorry, I didn't roll because I thought I couldn't see them from where I was. I will communicate the info on my next turn.

It's cool. I should have been clear about what "you can see them" meant. The dead one by the door is easily identifiable. Everyone has that information now.

Also, something else that may be important that Marcos would know and tell the group: They have DR 5/slashing

Kahli pauses, waiting for an opportune time, and, seeing the Yellow Musk Zombie encroaching on Shiv, she rushes to meet it and slashes it across the chest, green liquid and pollen exploding out onto Kahli's arm. (All that damage went through)

(Sim: I don't want to bot you because I'm not sure if you want to attack the Zombie or Total Defense.)

Round 1 Remaining
Turn Order
Sim

Updated Map

Figuring his companions had the situation mostly under control, Sim focuses on attacking the creature, not thinking it is too much of a threat.

Move Action: Move to AB17
Standard Action: Attack. A gladius can deal both Piercing and Slashing damage!

Attack (gladius), IC, PA: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 - 1 = 9
Damage, IC, PA: 1d4 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 + 2 = 5

As Sim moves in past Shiv, the Zombie lazily swings an arm at him.

Having to move in the congested area, Sim isn't able to keep his guard up as much as usual, and the Zombie manages to smack him on his head. (Sim, take 10 damage)

Slightly off balance from the blow, Sim's gladius isn't able to find its target.

Map after Sim's move

As all this is going on, from around the corner in the far end of the room, comes another shambling Zombie and a mass of vines and flowers, spewing yellow pollen.

Zombie 3 Move: From AD11 to Z13

Kahli Salist Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

She's able to shake off whatever the pollen's affects are.

Move: AC11 to AB11
Standard: Pollen at Kahli (Kahli succeeds on Will save)

Map at the end of Round 1

Marcos K. Nat: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Marcos peeks his head around the corner and sees the Yellow Musk Creeper come into view. He knows this is what creates the zombies by digging its tentacles into the brain of a helpless creature, slowly draining it of its life. While it moves slowly, it can launch a cloud of pollen that can entrance its victim to walk toward the Creeper. Marcos, you can share this information on your turn.

Round 2!
Turn Order
Shiv
Lash
Kahli
Marcos
Yellow Musk Zombie 2
Sim
Yellow Musk Zombie 3
Yellow Musk Creeper

Now that those who were capable were in combat, she decides to move into the room herself.

"Come, Marcus!" she nods, not trying to speak over his orating, but loud enough for him to hear.

Move: AC19 to Z17

There she will take a shot on the zombie across the way (Z13).

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 = 7 *Fumble
Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3

Running into the room, Lash is met with the overwhelming smell of pollen and decay, and her fingers slip off the arrow before she can notch it, and it falls to the floor.

Updated Map

Round 2 Remaining
Turn Order
Shiv
Kahli
Marcos
Yellow Musk Zombie 2
Sim
Yellow Musk Zombie 3
Yellow Musk Creeper

Move action:Study target
free: 5 ft step to AA 16
Standard longspear attack, studied, -2 for soft cover attacking over ally: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 - 2 = 12 Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 = 13

Marcos follows Lash while he keeps helping his allies. "Remember, brave ones, to thrust or hit these creatures hard, but don't cut them, for their skin is prepared against cutting techniques!"

Move to Z16 and keep Inspire Courage (10/16).

Marcos, they have DR5/slashing, so you do want to slash them.

The cluster of bodies doesn't affect Shiv as he's able to stab over Sim's ducking head and, even with the resistance to the piercing damage, Shiv is able to stab the Zombie straight through its chest. It pauses for a second before Shiv pulls his spear back, spilling its innards onto the floor.(Zombie 2 is dead. Also, Shiv: I should have given you an AoO against the Zombie when it moved into AB16. I forgot you have reach with the longspear.)

Sim, take back the 10hp you got hit with on the AoO it took on you.

Marcos joins Lash and the party in the musty room, and continues to recite his extensive knowledge.

Round 2 Remaining
Turn Order
Kahli
Sim
Yellow Musk Zombie 3
Yellow Musk Creeper

Updated Map

Coughing from the cloud of pollen that had blasted at her Kahli looks around for other enemies. She points across at the creature that blasted the pollen cloud at her, "That thing! The shambler isn't the real threat. Kill that thing before it can mess with your mind!"

I'm assuming that I felt the coercion but was able to resist?

I'm out of range for my dagger and not wanting to try to run across the bridges ahead of everyone.... so I'll just stay where I am for now.

Kahli: Yes, it hit your Touch AC, but you succeeded your Will save against the pollen.

Kahli, not wanting to be the first to rush headlong into battle, readies herself.

Round 2 Remaining
Turn Order
Kahli: (Delay: If you post before your turn comes back up, you'll move up in the initiative order)
Sim
Yellow Musk Zombie 3
Yellow Creeper

Sim, I'm going to bot you to keep the combat going. I think this is reasonable.

Seeing the approaching threat, Sim moves to take a frontline defensive position.

Move: AC16
Standard: Total Defense
AC: 29 (21 Tch, 19 Fl) | CMD: 21; adjacent allies get +3 luck to AC and CMD

The Yellow Musk Zombie continues its trek through the room, shuffling onto the bridge and meeting Sim eye-to-pus-filled eye.

Move: AC15

The Creeper writhes its vines around, conjuring up another spray of pollen, and launches it at Marcos.

Standard: Pollen Spray

Marcos Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Marcos gets hit with the same sweet smelling pollen, but he is able to shake off its effects. (Marcos, you got hit but succeeded your Will save.)

Everyone but Sim: You all get a tingling up your spine and quickly spin to see the floor by the door you all just walked through undulating and rippling with tentacles beginning to emerge.

Marcos K. Dun: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Marcos immediately identifies it as a Slithering Pit. It's an ooze, which comes with all the resistances (mind-affecting, criticals, flanking, sneak attack). It can also open the ground into a 10-foot pit, which it will try to pull you in to with it's 10-foot tentacles (reach).

(It has a +15 to Stealth and almost everyone saw it once it got into position because I rolled a 2. Bah!)

Updated Map

Round 3!
Turn Order
Shiv
Lash
Kahli
Marcos
Sim
Yellow Musk Zombie 3
Yellow Musk Creeper
Slithering Pit

Kahli: You're delaying, so if you want to go now, you can go at the end of Round 2 (bottom of initiative) or beginning of Round 3 (top of initiative). Or you can keep waiting.

"Ahh! What is that thing!?" she cries out as the ooze manages to creep up from out of nowhere. She will move backward 5ft and recall Kahli's warning. Perhaps the ooze was connected to the Yellow Creeper as well?

With her sharp eyes, she lays in a course for her arrows and pulls her bow, letting them fly!

Move: 5ft step from Z17 to Y16
Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 = 7
Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3
Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 1 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 + 1 = 10

If her 5ft square is difficult terrain, negate the one additional flurry attack and instead just have her move and attack the once. Instead, she will move to x16 if this is the case. Also, if this second attack is negated, that is two nat 1's in a row, unless you discount it due to her succeeding on perception!

Move: move forward to AC 17
Standard: Longspear Attack, Inspire Courage, -2 soft cover: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 1 - 2 = 21 Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11

Lash: Moving into Y16 would be difficult terrain, so it would be an actual Move action, which would provoke from the Slithering Pit, and would negate your second attack (boo second natty 1). If Kahli goes before you and moves, you could 5'-step into AA16 and safely flurry. I'll wait to resolve until you or Kahli post.

Shiv steps away from the pit (doesn't provoke because of cover from the corner) and lines up behind Sim, stabbing over him and into the Zombie, feeling that most of his attack damaged it.

Remaining Round 3
Turn Order
Lash (turn pending)
Kahli (Delaying from Round 2)
Marcos
Sim
Yellow Musk Zombie 3
Yellow Musk Creeper
Slithering Pit