GM Michael's Giantslayer

Game Master Dread

interrupted

Phoenix crows his victory from the corpse of the giant spider he had killed all by himself, challenging any other denizens of this dark house to honorable single combat. He flaps his wings, spraying ichor all over the room. So, trying to stop me from examining that bookcase, hmm? Must have some fine treasures hidden there, hmm? He clucks, dropping off the body and looking into the spiders many eyeballs. Like with the assassin, he plucks out one of the spiders eyeballs and looks up at Rydell with the eyeball in his beak. The poor ranger had been stumbling around in blind terror while Phoenix killed the spider, he needed reassurance.

Here. Phoenix clucks, setting the eyeball on the toe of the half-elf’s boot. You see? These dark creatures are not like me. They are mere mortals. I will not let them hurt you. With that important bit of confidence building out of the way, he rushes back to the bookshelf, giddy with the possibilities of discovery.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Shel stands awkwardly by the boulder, avoiding looking at the others. She wasn’t used to being the one who needed help or working with a group, but she wouldn’t have been able to save Phoenix from the spider by herself. I cant wait for this all to be over and things to go back to the way they are supposed to be.

Phoenix looks around and Shel see's the birds eyes first look at a support beam in the wall near the corner that has R Loves B carved in it. Right next to the beam is the bookcase and on a shelf at the same level of the carving is a Hopeknife on a chain. Furthermore, Phoenix pushes some moldy old books aside and moves over to peck at what is now revealed, a secret panel in the back of the book case.

Seeing the chicken revived and strutting about with a spider's eye in it's beak, Rory, squeezing his knees to make sure Thistle doesn't move, looks to Storm. Sure enough the young male was standing watching the bird, ears perked and tail waging. Speaking roughly, Rory tells the male. "Storm noro! Storm nche!" After giving Storm the command to stay and guard, he pats Thistle on the neck "Good girl, that's my good girl." watching the chicken hop from shelf to shelf with the spider eye in it's beak.

Nice roll Phoenix :)!

"The cards? Oh, ha, it's an old family trick, you see ..." Something tells Rory that Ovril isn't sharing everything that's to be said on the topic of exploding cards, but with Phoenix claiming the stage, the cartomancer happily slips back into the shadows and out of the spotlight. And away from the topic.

And, as Phoenix once again claims the stage by uncovering a series of secrets, Ovril audibly gasps. "Well well, more clucking secrets." He moves forward to inspect the panel and find out what secret it is hiding.

Ovril moves to the Panel and looks it over, finding its easy to slide open and is very pleased to see in a hidden compartment a Gold Coffer studded with gems.

Phoenix quickly plants himself in front of the shiny coffer, pecking at the fortune tellers hand.

Storm moves a little closer to Imara in order to sniff the spider's corpse. She reaches out to him hesitantly. Hi there.

After a few moments, her attention is drawn to the chicken hopping about on the shelf. She spots the hope knife and moves up to the shelf, picking it up (careful to dodge Phoenix's pecks) so that she can examine it more closely.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

I am assuming it is a tiny golden coffer. Correct me if I'm wrong!

Unpleasantly surprised by the chicken's defensive of what it must believe to be its treasure, Ovril flashes Phoenix puppy eyes, as if grievously wronged. "Hey! Ouch! Stop it! You don't have opposable thumbs, now do you? So yes, one of us had to open it."

He takes a careful step away from the panel and tells the others what's hidden behind it. "An odd coffer of gold, studded with gems. I don't know if there's anything inside it, but such an odd item might have a religious nature ... or maybe I do not understand 'art'."

The coffee is about 18" long and about 8" wide and about 6 " tall.

Earlier with Imara
While Storm is nervously sniffing the dead spider, he notes Imara reach out to him. Looking from the spider to Imara, he perks his ears glancing at Rory then back to the elf. Sniffing her hand, he wags his tail, then licks her hand, trotting off when Rory calls him to heal.

Now
Looking back at Storm, he smiles, "Making friends? good, just no eating the chicken! That will not bode well." Returning his gaze to the shelves as Imara and Ovril seem to find something, Rory calls out, "Anything interesting?"

Yes! It's a hopeknife! She turns the dagger over in her hand, looking for an inscription or anything else of note.

Her perception from earlier was 24.

The inscription says "for Roderick my love"

Looking at Storm, Rory points to where the young wolf is, pointing he tells him. "Storm, stay!" As Storm sit's and drops his ears slightly, Rory turns Thistle towards where Imara had the hopeknife, Rory rides over to her, asking. "Imara, where to now?"

The gold coffer has not been pulled out nor opened

The gold coffer has not been pulled out nor opened

True

I am assuming it is a tiny golden coffer. Correct me if I'm wrong!

He takes a careful step away from the panel and tells the others what's hidden behind it. "An odd coffer of gold, studded with gems. I don't know if there's anything inside it, but such an odd item might have a religious nature ... or maybe I do not understand 'art'."

But it seemed like leaving it to Ovril was the right thing to do.

Phoenix claimed it. That, and Ovril doesn't have Detect Magic/Poison nor the ability to find and detect traps, other than by setting them off, haha!

"Would perhaps a more perceptive person care to check out this tiny gold coffer? It looks like something that might be trapped, surely!"

With the encroachers forestalled, at least for the moment, Phoenix turns to the box and, gripping an edge with his beak, pulls it out of its hiding hole. A more difficult task than one might imagine as the coffer was about as large as himself, but Phoenix was no stranger to difficult tasks. It’s not trapped. Phoenix clucks around the box. My followers left this here for me many decades ago. Still, the tricksy spider might have corrupted the treasure just by its mere presence. He cocks his head to the side, examining the coffer.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Phoenix grips the lip of the coffee and tried to pull it out of it's hole in the wall but the coffee easily larger and heavier than the chicken cannot get enough leverage to pull it out.

The spirit animal backs up cocks his head and examines it. Noting it's not secured to the hidey hole and there doesn't appear to be any gimicks words or hidden latches

Phoenix flops down on the shelf as the box resists his best efforts. He inhales deeply, then lets out a low pitched squawk of despair.

”Let me see that, little one.” Shel says, finally moving from her awkward vigil by the boulder to the shelf. She reaches past the small bird and pulls the coffer free of its hidden alcove. Turning it over in her hands, she examines it for a makers mark or perhaps a name engraved somewhere on it. Phoenix immediately perks up as the shaman picks up the coffer, jumping to her arm and pecking at it, crooning softly.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

The coffer is very heavy, easily 50 pounds, it takes considerable effort to pull it out and set it on the cabinet to look inside of it. There are no marks on it besides being made of Teak covered in Gold Filigree and studded with a variety of gems. There is no latching mechanism so opening it is easy. The top just tilts open on hinges of solid gold. The workmanship is excellent. Within its red velvet lined interior is an Iron Flask labeled 'Oil of Magic Weapon', A glass vial labeled 'Shield of Faith', A Beat up steel scroll case, and two vials of holy water. Opening the scroll case provides three scrolls. 2 of Knock, and 1 of summon swarm.

The coffer is worth 500 gold

Yes, yes. Emergency supplies my followers left for me in case I was separated from them. Phoenix gleefully chirps, climbing into the box and nestling down atop the valuables. Someone carry this box. I need to protect my treasures.

I don't think we actually have the strength in our party to take the coffer with us :D

I don't think we actually have the strength in our party to take the coffer with us :D

Without the 'feed' saddlebags, Thistle is well under 100lbs of her 150 lbs light load.

Shifting his knees to move Thistle near the Half orc, Rory tells Shell, "If you don't want to carry that we can tie it to Thistles saddle. She can carry it as long as were not running all day."

As they tie the box to the saddle Rory turns to Shel, "I'm glad your chicken is ok." Looking from Ovril to Rydell, "Taking down the spider was good work." Then moving Thistle back to where Storm is at, the tells the younger wolf, "Storm, Heel!" Looking to Imara nodding that he was ready.

we do, it would just be an ordeal of dragging it most likely. One made easier if we get a net or something to help keep it off the ground.

Interesting... wonder why that would be here. Lets pocket the things that are easily carried, we can return for the coffer once out task is done. It will take some work to get back to town. Some of these may prove useful..

Rydell would pick up a flask of magic weapon.

Knock isn't on my spell list, so Ovril sadly can't use it. Summon Swarm is on both the Witch and Shaman spell list, so it can go to Shel or Ovril, depending on whether it is Arcane or Divine.

"It strikes me as a box filled with emergency necessities. Protective magics, enchantments to let blades strike true, holy water to deal with the Infernal and Undead ... it cannot be a coincidence we stumbled upon it. But, eh, let's move on?"

We have yet to check out the door to the south, correct? Might be worth checking out.

Imara gasps in wonder at the items in the coffer. Her hand drifts toward the box, as if moving of its own accord. Can I have that...? The oil of magic weapon?

Once the contents of the coffer are sorted and everything is packed away
She notices Rory looking at her. Oh. Am I in charge? She laughs a little, as if amused by this idea. I agree with Ovril, I think we should start with this door. I'll check it.

I think the south doors are the doors leading back into the chapel where we found the locket, correct? I placed her in front of the door that I think it the east door. Or as close to "in front" as I could get. roll20 was being funny about letting me place the token centered on the exact square.

Rydell and Imara start a discussion about the oil of magic weapon.

someone with UMD should take the knock scrolls. Holy Water ?
which one Shel or Ovril for the summon swarm? and the shield of faith potion to who?

Shel can take it. I'll just assume it is a Divine scroll, meaning Ovril can't use it :D Ovril *will* take the holy water. He has point-blank shot and precise shot, so he's pretty darn accurate with it.

Maybe Imara for the Shield potion? Help her to get into position and stay in position to Sneak attack.

Phoenix takes the Scroll of Summon Swarm in his beak and attempts to abscond back the way they came, but Shel scoops him up before he can make it to the hallway. ”You need to stay with me, little one.”

Hey Rydell, I think I ninja'd your last post. Thistle can carry the box. Next step will be to put a pack saddle on Storm.

Smiling at Imara, Rory shrugs, "I didn't say you were in charge. It's just you know how to sneak through a building better than me." He then looks towards Ovril, Shel and the chicken, "So I know your better than most."

When the chicken starts to head towards the hallway with the Scroll, Storm's ears perk up, he jumps up from his seated position, dropping his head, wagging his tail waiting for the bird. When Shel scoops up the animal, the wolf let's it's ears drop and is clearly disappointed that they don't get to play.

Rory rolls his eyes at the same time as Thistle gives a huff, they turn in unison towards the southern door, watching to see what Imara reveals.

Imara can take the Knock scrolls. Her UMD is +8. She will be happy to accept those instead of the oil of magic weapon. She'll take the potion of shield of faith as well if no one else wants it. It would be very nice to have that extra AC for melee.

I forgot to roll perception on the door earlier. If there are no traps or signs of danger, she'll open the door.

Imara grins at Rory. Aw, shucks. Thanks, Rory! She then turns to focus on the door.

Perception for traps: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Perception for listening for sounds on other side of door: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Armed with card and trepidation, Ovril watches how Imara works her magic on the door. He inadvertently holds his breath.

Imaralooks over the door carefully and finds nothing that gives her pause. Then she puts her ear to the door and listens intently hearing nothing over the noise her allies make inadvertantly.

Hearing nothing of concern, Imara straightens up and carefully opens the door.

She also would have picked up her bow earlier, but currently has her short sword and dagger in her hands.

The door opens easy enough to show a staircase going down with a steel lock box. Also occupying the stair way/hall are several rats the size of dogs.

Initiative tracker: Bold may go
18-Rydell
18-Overil
18-Rats
14-Imara
8-Rory
6-Shel

initiative Rydell: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
initiative Rory: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
initiative Shel: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
initiative Ovril: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
initiative Imara: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Ovril acts before he's well-aware of what's going on and, before thinking it through, sees a magically-charged card flying at one of the oversized rats. Fly it does, hit it does not.

5ft step
Std action: attack the rat (which has soft cover from me attacking through Imara)
Move action: draw a card
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

A soft whoosing sound momentarily draws Imara's attention as a card flies past her head. She follows its path and sees that this time the card doesn't quite manage to harm the huge rat. What is this place? Did everything in here get hit with an Animal Growth spell??

She adjusts her footing and lowers her center of gravity a bit, trying to brace herself in case the creature leaps for her.

This is just flavor text, I'm not trying to have her do anything mechanically as it's not her turn yet.

Having his bow out this time, Rydell takes a step to the side for a better shot and fires two arrows at the rat, both whistling past Imara's side.

bowattack1: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 1 - 1 = 21
damage,pbs,DA: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 2 + 1 = 11

bowattack2: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 1 - 1 = 13
damage,pbs,DA: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7

the first striking one of the creatures square in its head.

not sure if -1. I can see the 2nd rat from where I am at, and if I can, I'm not sure if they are considered FF due to not having acted this round, if they are, but get partial cover, that is a hit. If they get half cover, thats a miss on the second one.

Rydell quickly fires off an arrow, It struck the rat in the head and skewered it.. He had no other targets so held off his rapid shot.

Ovrill stepped behind Imara looking for more targets and saw one a shot distance down the steps and quickly charged a harrow card and threw it. Because he was being careful, it lodged itself in the door jam with a 'Thwack' Startling Imara. She nimbly avoided the snapping jaws.

The Hungry rats quickly charged toward the Elven Rogue Only one could bite at her though as she stood in the doorway.

attack vs Imara AC16: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Initiative tracker: Bold may go
18-Rydell
18-Overil
18-Rats
14-Imara
8-Rory
6-Shel

Seeing the second dire rat climb over the body of the first, Rory Loads his sling, cocking his arm back he fires the bullet at the rat. Smiling as the bullet rips towards the rat, he lets out a moan, as the rat spins and he barely nicks the rats tail.

move action load sling, attack: sling, I believe firing into cover adds to AC so will not include it
attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 for damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

One rat falls in front of Imara and another immediately takes its place. Instinctively, she slashes forward with her sword, concentrating on keeping her swing as smooth and controlled as possible. Lo and behold, she actually hits!

Ha! I hit it! Thanks, Father!

She holds her ground, recognizing that they have a tactical advantage given her current positioning.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 Attack: 1d6 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1

I put a "north" indicator on the map. If it's a problem I can erase it, but it helps me stay oriented.

Phoenix crows a mighty crow, bolstering Imara with the fluid grace and flexibility of water.

Shel casts Protective Luck on Imara.

The witch can cause fate to twist so that it benefits a creature within 30 feet for 1 round. Whenever that creature is targeted by an effect that requires an attack roll, including weapon attacks, the attacker must roll twice and take the worse result.

Are we waiting specifically for Shel, or is Phoenix's description of her actions good enough?

no I'll get the turn in today

Imara held her ground as she swung at the rat and nicked his ear

Rory swing his staff sling around his head and a bullet struck the tail of the rat, taking the tip off.

Shel called upon the power of the spirit of life to protect Imara and Phoenix crowed loudly in response...surrounding Imara with a gray glow

Initiative tracker: Bold may go
18-Rydell
18-Overil
18-Rats
14-Imara
8-Rory
6-Shel

Aim low, aim low! Ovril corrects his throw and tries to get the charged card to skim across the floor without it losing speed.

Std action: attack the rat (it has soft cover because Ovril is attacking through Imara)
Move action: move and draw a card
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

note: The Dire Rat with 8/9 actually has 7/9

Rydell takes a step back behind Orvil, not having a good shot anywhere else and having no room to aid Imara in melee and fires off two arrows. The first striking the rat away from Imara the other thudding into the doorway.

attack1,pbs,DA: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 1 - 1 = 19
damage: 1d8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 2 = 6

attack1,pbs,DA: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 - 1 = 10
damage: 1d8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 2 = 10

Imara! Take a step back and draw them out so we can help you!

IC suggestion to take a 5ft step back from the door after your full attack :3

Rydell fired off two arrows aiming at the further rat, and struck it once, the other hitting the door jam.

Ovril charged a harrow card and threw it into the rat in front of Imara injuring it severely. If the rats werent so hungry they would have fled, but as it is...they continue snapping and snarlking at the Rogue holding the doorway.

The rat jumped forward snapping at her neck, and the gray shield around her that Shel initiated flared and the rat missed her throat by an inch and bit her on her collar bone.

attack on Imara AC 16: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 211d4 ⇒ 2
attack on Imara AC 16: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 201d4 ⇒ 2
Imara Fort Save DC 11: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12

Initiative tracker: Bold may go
18-Rydell
18-Overil
18-Rats
14-Imara
8-Rory
6-Shel