Old School Plotless Dungeon Crawl Tower Climb

Game Master NameShortage

Seeing his companions agree with his assessment, Hrolf leans into She-ra's neck, urging her to her best speed. He keeps a wary eye out for other surprises than the drakes, but tracks their progress carefully. When they are a minute or so out, he will act...

Screeching roars echo across the landscape as the party puts all their focus into flying as fast as they can, the air rhythmically buffeting against their ears like a war drum, urging them forward.

DC 15 Fly check to go faster with a +5 bonus from the Light
Hrolf Fly: 1d20 - 1 + 5 ⇒ (10) - 1 + 5 = 14
She-Ra Fly: 1d20 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 5 = 18
Kahli Fly: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Lash Fly: 1d20 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 5 = 13

I'm pretty sure I got your Fly bonuses right with calculating ACP in if it wasn't on your Skills list.

Gathering speed, Hrolf, Lash, and Hamley fall behind slightly as the party and Drakes race to the green beam.

Hrolf, you're about a minute of flying out from the beam, about 1/2 a mile. Taking an action will slow you down as everyone is using a Full Round Action to fly faster. The group that succeeded the Fly check seems to be just ahead of the Drakes to the green beam, if that means anything.

Kahli, She-Ra, and Tenney can take an action and stay ahead of the Drakes. Hrolf, Lash, and Hamley can either take another Fly check to try and get ahead of the Drakes or take an action.

Current Map

Lash presses forward.

Fly: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Snake Style: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

"Over here you big uglies!" she shouts out, trying to gather their attention from her other party members. Despite this, she keeps pressing forward hard.

Seeing how far she would fall if she somehow got knocked out the beam Kahli barely does anything but glance around and focus on flying. Seeing that she will likely make it to a place to stand she watches the creatures approach. Could startle them with a spell?

Hrolf looks over his shoulder at Lamley falling behind and his eyes narrow. He veers She-ra in the beam of light, over to the side the farthest away from the drakes, and falls back to Hamley. (So he has some charge distance.) He calls out "Lash, get your bow ready. We ain't playing devil take the hindmost yet... " He readies his lance and shield, and as the drakes continue to close, he mutters a quick prayer.

Get in position to countercharge with his lance if the drakes get into the beam of light (which they will have to to eat Hamley). When they get to 200' away, cast energy resistance (acid) on She-Ra

Lash will follow instruction and hold deathly tight to her bow. The string on it flickers in the fast-flowing wind. Will she even be able to make a shot like this? It would be like doing a flip, pulling an arrow and letting loose before you hit the ground--possible, but difficult. In her mind, she begins to calculate the flow of wind and how these interesting new mechanics should affect her arrows.

Bearing down, Lash recovers her flight and picks up the pace. Hamley is unable to, though, and falls behind.

With the Drakes closing in, the party readies their actions.

"Round 1"

Kahli:
As the Drakes get within range, Kahli's summons a whip that cracks out at the reptilian creature, but it's too agile and avoids the attack. Spiritual Weapon misses with a 15

Lash:
Embracing the new challenge, Lash's instincts tell her that her aim will be true even at this speed. There's no penalty for your ranged attacks. I calculated it and you're going slower than required for wind penalties. You may take an attack with no penalties.

Hrolf:
She-Ra becomes imbued with acid resistance as Hrolf prepares to charge...

Tenney:
Tenney draws a crossbow, trying to right himself to take a shot.

The Drakes see Hamley as easy prey and make a beeline for him, launching globs of acid at him.

The Drakes both suddenly surge forward with a burst of speed, passing over the beam of light and outside of Hrolf's range. Hrolf remembers seeing this tactic from the attack on his boat. As a Swift Action, the Drakes used Speed Surge to take an extra move action

Lash and Hrolf are left to act in "Round 1". Hrolf, you didn't say you were readying a charge, so if you want to do a thing, that's cool.

Hrolf and Hamley are a few seconds behind the rest of the party. They will have one more round before entering the green beam. The forward group (Kahli, Lash, Tenney) can opt to stay back another round or enter the green beam on their next turn.

The Drakes are 30' outside of the beam back by Hamley, 70' from the front party.

Lash will fall back to aid Hamley and to get in the way of any incoming globs of acid, to deflect them if possible while the whole of the group continues to head toward their goal. She will take a shot regardless.

Moving back to Hamley.

Ranged Attack W/perfected Shot: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15
Ranged Attack reroll: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Hrolf frowns as he realizes that he will have great difficulty bringing the drakes to combat, even if he readies a charge... Still, he moves back to join Lash in covering Hamley (with his body if neccesary), willing to use his native acid resistance (and the magic protecting She-ra) for the good.

Lash adjusts and flies back to join Hamley and Hrolf, taking an extra second to realign her bow and fires an arrow at a Drake, piercing through its leathery wing.

Hrolf directs She-Ra back to Hamley, ready to protect him.

"Round 2"

Tenney:
Tenney swings the crossbow around, loading another bolt, and looses it moments before he enters the green beam.

Hamley:
Brushing the rest of the acid off of him, Hamley draws his dagger and and holds it close to himself. Move: Draw dagger. Standard: Total Defense.

[Everyone can take their second round actions. Then the Drakes will go. After this turn, everyone will be in the green beam.

Kahli flies along with Lash. She keeps her spiritual weapon attacking the drake and reaches out to touch Lash. "Accept the Luck of Calistria and kill those drakes!"

Bit of Luck to Lash. All D20 rolls twice and use the best

Spritual Weapon attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Damage?: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Tenney's swearing attracts Hrolf's attention, and he glances over his shoulder as Tenney zooms upwards...

"Look what happened to Tenney! We don't need to kill the drakes, just get into the green beam."

And we should do so quick, before Tenney runs into trouble on his own at the far end of the green beam... All we need to do here is buy a melee round folks, anyone got a decent intimidate skill? (Not Hrolf, sorry.)

Hrolf and She-ra make a big show of readying themselves to attack any drake fool enough to come within reach....

Hrolf- Ready attack with lance for any drake that comes within reach
She-ra - Same

I think we are all just moving to the green beam. No need to fight. I guess if we are getting technical, if the drakes do hit at Lash, she would get a reroll now for snake style.

Lash focuses on protecting Hamley and getting to the green beam rather than directly fighting.

Kahli's spiritual whip can't keep up with the Drakes and cracks the air. (Misses)

Seeing Hamley vulnerable, the group convenes to protect him as the Drakes redirect course back to them. Turning opposite directions in a synchronized dance, the green-scaled dragons quickly close the gap on Hamley.

Both Drakes:
Move: Turn 45, turn 45, move 30' (45' total)
Standard: Bite at Hamley

I rolled their attacks. I'm going to keep it a secret until after you resolve your attacks.

Hrolf; You readied an attack, and they will definitely be in range.

Lash; You said you were focused on protecting Hamley, so you can take a readied action if you'd like.

Drake 1 has taken 7 damage. Drake 2 has taken no damage.

I am not taking an action except moving toward the green light with everyone else. Last round, I've moved in between the drakes and Hamley so that they can't attack him, that way they have to go through me. If there is a readied action, it is to move to intercept their attention (such as if they move around to the side, then I will side step to remain their focus).

Ok, theatre of the mind may be failing me WRT to the Drakes maneuvering. If I understand correctly they are swooping past me (and She-ra and Lash), to get at Hamley. So presumably, they eat my and She-ra's readied attacks, and then AoO's (from me, Lash, and She-ra) for moving past us to to get at Hamley...

Hrolf and She-ra get busy with lance and claw!

Readied Attacks and AoO's all on Drake 1 unless it drops...

Hrolf, Lance Readied attack, To Hit: 1d20 + 4 + 4 + 4 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 4 + 4 - 2 + 1 = 16
4 bab +4 str +4 flanking (outflank, pack flanking)-2 PA +1 small
Lance Readied Attack, Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 4 = 12
+4 str +4 PA

She-ra, Claw readied Attack, To Hit: 1d20 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 4 + 4 + 1 - 2 = 30
4 bab +4 Dex (weapon finesse) +4 flanking (outflank, pack flanking)+1 enhancement(ABP)-2 PA
Claw Readied Attack, Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 4 + 1 = 11
+2 str +4 PA +1 enhancement (ABP)

Hrolf, Lance AoO, To Hit: 1d20 + 4 + 4 + 4 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 4 + 4 - 2 + 1 = 14
Lance AoO, Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 4 = 14

She-ra, Claw AoO, To Hit: 1d20 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 4 + 4 + 1 - 2 = 30
Claw AoO, Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 4 + 1 = 10

Lash adjusts her flight to intercept the Drake while Hrolf and She-Ra attempt to clear the air.

The two Drakes turn their attention to the Monk and sets of teeth close in. Before they reach her, Drake 1 manages to dodge Hrolf's Lance but She-Ra's claws carves a long gash down the Drake's side. Hrolf misses with a 16 and 14. She-Ra hits with two 30s for 21 damage.

Both drakes power on and Lash readies herself...

Drake 1 would hit with a 23.
Lash Snake Style: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

Drake 1 hits. Drake 2 hits with a 17. Total damage is 18.

Lash's blood falls from her wounds to the island below.

The Drakes load their wings and give a strong flap, powering away. (Each Drake uses a swift action for Speed Surge to take an extra move action)

With a tentative reach, Hamley slashes at the injured Drake as they fly off. AoO by Hamley

The Drake stutters and swoops down from the sky as it is visibly weak for the barrage of attacks. It recovers and coasts to the ground, the other Drake close behind.

With the Drake's screeches in the distance, the party enters the green beam and is thrust skyward toward the floating mansion at a higher speed than they have flown. They find it hard to keep their eyes open from the rush of wind, tears streaking back across their temples if they do. Up ahead, they see Tenney floating in the beam, gazing out towards the building.

When they catch up to him, they join in his gaze. Before them is a large, three-story stone mansion with a grand entrance area for arriving carriages. Around the right side and back is an ornate garden with an uncountable variety of flowers. To the left side is a small cottage, something for servants or guests, perhaps.

Before they can take it in too long, they are gently moved forward out of the beam and onto the ground. The front door is 200 feet ahead of them with no sight of anyone else around.

I already rolled above and got a 30 for snake style for the drake's attack. So the incoming attack would miss, unless you are interpreting that differently?? The second one would hit, however. After pointing that out, if that's how you see it, how much damage do I actually take?

"Alright...we made it out of there..." she comments, wiping her eyes from the sensation of keeping them open. Part of her wonders whether the drakes will be able to attain the height of this location or not. She looks over the edge to see if they are giving chase. "Hamley, are you okay?"

It is clear that the monk is bleeding to some degree.

I didn't see the first roll, but was going to ask about the re-roll from the bit of luck? It applies to all d20 rolls for the round. ??

Oh, I read in your earlier post you "get a reroll" for Snake Style, forgetting you had rolled it earlier. I misinterpreted that. You only take 7 damage from the one bite.

Lash steadies herself to peer over the edge. The Drakes appear to be on the beach, not showing any interest in giving chase. While the rest of the party lands on their feet, Hamley lands on a knee before pulling himself upright. "I've been better. Thank you all for helping me back there."

Hamley took 17 damage. If Lash had not intercepted, Hamley would have been knocked unconscious.

"Of course, Hamley."

She pulls back from the edge and states, "It seems they've given up the chase. We better set our minds on that house. You look fairly hurt, Hamley. Can we heal him?" she asks Kahli. Naturally, she could use some healing herself.

Hrolf surveys the mansion and says grimly "I don't like it. I don't like it at all..." He turns back to the party and continues "Lady Kahli, do what you can for Lash and Hamley, I suspect we will need to be in tip top condition. Tenney, you seen anybody while you were waiting for us? When the old man talked to us he said he'd have his people straighten up for our arrival..."

Kahli examines Hamley and the others, nods and starts casting. "Of course. We can't continue hurt like this!"

Sacrifice Chain of Perdition for CSW for Hamley, then Prayer CLW for Lash
CLW for Lash: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
CSW for Hamley: 3d8 + 5 ⇒ (2, 4, 6) + 5 = 17

"Good point Hrolf. We can't relax here, ever!"

Once healed up, Lash will make her way toward the front door of the mansion.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

Tenney shakes his head. "Nobody up here that I saw. Gotta be honest with ya, though. I was kinda distracted by," he waves his hand in the direction of the mansion on the floating island, "all this."

Hamley catches his breath, the burns on his skin becoming mild scars. "Thank you, again. Not sure where I'd be without you."

Lash walks down the long carriageway between the pristine rows of trees to the front door. Amongst the opulent nature of the estate, the stillness evokes a foreboding feeling of uneasiness. She's able to shake that off and sees a curtain quickly close in the rightmost second floor window.

Map of the estate. Blacked out areas are fog of war.

His eyes sweep the greenery as Hrolf canters She-ra up beside Lash and quietly asks "You sure we want to play this hey diddle-diddle, straight up the middle?"

Perception: 1d20 + 5 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 3 + 2 = 18
5 ranks +3 trained +2 wis

Kahli continues walking while she thinks on Hrolf's concern. "Well, not everything we've encountered here has been hostile. Maybe the creature that summoned us, and them here wanted it to be that way. But if we approach hoping for a peaceful solution, it might happen. That said, be ready."

Lash nods and moves forward up the middle. She is cautious and has her bow out. If they make it to the doorway, she will check it for traps.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
Disable Device: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

Lash continues to lead the party up to the front door, the curtain in the second story window still swaying slightly. The trees rock gently in the light breeze, a few birds happily chirping from their branches. Outside of that, the area is still.

Getting within 50' of the front door, they are able to see the grand entrance; an intricately carved wooden double door with a set of three steps leading up to it. From here, the party can make out a crown carved on the left door and a ring on the right.

Stopping at the steps, looking over the dark stained stairs and curved railings that compliment the elaborate door, along with the door itself, reveals no traps.

Lash grabs hold of the doorknob and thrusts it open, leaping into the side of the door that is closed still and giving her companions the ability to make entry as well. She is on the defensive, looking for what she can see as she pulls up her bow.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Which door do you pull open? Left (crown)? Or Right (ring)?

Was going to ask if anybody detected for magic on the doors before they are open? But, we don't currently have that ability.... I'll let Lash answer which door she tried to open. If she got in Kahli will follow and go to the opposite side if possible. Casting Guidance on Lash if possible.

Was going to ask if anybody detected for magic on the doors before they are open? But, we don't currently have that ability.... I'll let Lash answer which door she tried to open. If she got in Kahli will follow and go to the opposite side if possible. Casting Guidance on Lash if possible.

We do have detect magic, Hrolf has it; it's just he has no ranks in spellcraft...

WRT to my action, Hrolf was going to ride up and through whichever door Lash opened, but I suspect that that has been pre-empted ...

Left is one and right is two: 1d2 ⇒ 1

Yes/No for magic is better than nothing! There might be magic on one door but not the other...

Kahli Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 5 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 5 = 12

Kahli remembers they had seen these symbols (the crown and nail) before and they identified them as the holy symbols of the archdevil Dispater, the lawful evil ruler of Dis, and who concerns himself with prisons, nobility, and trickery. You got a bonus from knowing some stuff from before.

Hrolf reaches out to detect magic, but a scan of the door and stairs leading up to it don't reveal any magical auras.

Lash stands poised by the doors, ready to open them. Backing up a second to give Kahli and Hrolf a chance to say something if they want.

Kahli freezes when she sees and remembers the possible meaning of the symbols. "Wait! By the Sacred Sting, this may be the sign of our enemy!" She looks to her friends to be sure they have stopped. "Calistria isn't always understood by non-worshipers. She isn't focused on goodness or creating order. Her followers believe in love and freedom, and vengeance against any that do wrong. That symbol, I mean those symbols are the sign of Dispater, Arch-Devil of prisons, nobility and trickery. This structure may be a temple to devils and possibly even to the Arch-Fiend. This whole construct may be a creation of his. The creature that speaks to us through the orb may be Him, or a creature of His.... We may be facing dangers from the Hells."

Hrolf turns to look at Khali and deadpans "Great! Good to know! Now how does that apply to the question of should we open either of these doors?"

"I already know he's my enemy..." she comments as she thrusts open the door she has her hand on. "Hells or not. He better watch out."

Lash grabs the handle of the crown door and flings it open.

Lash Will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Kahli Will: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 = 18
Hrolf Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
She-Ra Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

I have a +9 to will. I don't know if that makes a difference.

And Hrolf is a +4 will (with a further +2 vs charm and compulsion effects). Khali meanwhile is +7 (and a further +2 vs mind affecting), rather than +6+2. She-ra, on the other hand, is correct at +6.

Kahli readies her dagger and holy symbol and calls out, "What kind of undead fiend is that thing!?! Lash, Step back before it attacks!"

Know-Religion if it is undead?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 Well, one bad roll out of the way. That might not identify a ghoul!?! Or maybe it would, but not a ghast??

Well, boo. My sheet must be outdated. Sorry about that. I’ll get that fully doublechecked. However, it was a DC 18, so it doesn’t change anything.

Kahli: It is a Knowledge Planes check.

When She-ra bridles and Kahli calls out her warning, Hrolf begins to suspect something is wrong... Although he does not attack immediately, he levels his lance in readiness... and then, surprisingly, closes his eyes?!?

As a swift action, Hrolf uses Improved Empathic link
Improved Empathic Link (Su): At 4th level, the hunter gains an empathic link with her animal companion. This functions like an empathic link with a familiar, except the hunter can also see through a companion’s eyes as a swift action, maintaining this connection as long as she likes (as long as the companion is within 1 mile) and ending it as a free action. The hunter is blinded while maintaining this connection.
With She-ra's 24 will save, do I get to see the Kahli spoiler?

Kahli only has Knowledge-Religion. Clerics and skills.... She thinks it's undead but she doesn't recognize it! At least the fiend is right!

At Kahli's words, she just pulls up her bow and fires at the well-dressed man. She suspected this was very odd to her senses. Now that the divine cleric reveals something is amiss, she doesn't mess around.

Flurry Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Flurry Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Ki Flurry Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Confirm Critical Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31
Damage: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (5, 6) + 6 = 17 x3

Will Save (Disbelieve): 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 4 = 30

Through She-ra's eyes, Hrolf sees the arrows fly...

Even as his heels clamp on She-ra's flanks, urging her forward, he opens his own eyes, muttering "Well, I guess we fight"

Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
+2 dex
at this point I am sure we will need it

I still have a move and a standard action left this round + She-ra's action. However, I need to know if I have charge lane; Lash only opened 1 door. I will either A) ride She-ra closer, discarding my lance and drawing my waveblade. We will both attack or b) Charge with lance, then we will both attack...

The greeter furrows his brow towards Kahli after her outburst and begins to speak. "I'm sorry, but we cannot allow your friend in to the party if sh-". With Kahli's instruction, Lash and Hrolf are able to look again and the veil dissipates to begin revealing a clear-skinned humanoid with a wide mouth that stretches almost ear-to-ear.

Lash's three arrows pierce the greeter before it can act. Its knees begin to buckle and its shoulders twitch...

(Not in combat)

As the illusion recedes back into the room, the rest of the party are able to fully see what Kahli and She-Ra first saw; a dusty, dark entry way, leading to a curved wooden staircase that was probably the star of parties before. While not run down, you can tell this place, from your initial view, has not been up-kept well. Aside from the freshly dead pile of ash, the room appears empty.

Hamley rubs his eyes. "Aw, bugger. I think I would have liked to go to my first ball."

Current Map

Explaining, Lash gestures to the now empty room, "Oh good! I'm not the only one who saw it. He made us see an illusion of a grand ballroom and that we were welcomed guests. I'm sorry, but it was stupid of him to try. We came in here combat-ready. I was probably going to shoot the guy anyway even before you told me he was undead!"

She then looks to the stairs going up.

"If our past experiences tell us anything, he's likely to be upstairs. Let's go."

With a careful eye out, she observes, looking for traps along the way.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Disable Device: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31