Dungeon Master S's "War for the Crown" AP

Game Master Chris Marsh

The door is a bit cool to the touch. The smell of stone permeates the area. It's also completely silent...

On the other side of the door is a change of scenery. A wooden hallway suddenly gives way to a stony cavern. A series of two sharp slopes lead south, eventually ending in a sudden hole. Roughly half the width of an adult human, the hole descends into the darkness, winding off in a gentle western curve.

Looking back, Mimips pantomimes that this goes a very long way down.

Kenton peers doubtfully into the darkness. Eh...another time, perhaps?

Leo nods. and closes the door. He heads north

Leo listens for noises at the door
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Leo Checks the door for traps:
perception (trapspotting): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 1 = 18

If it is clear, Leo opens the door.

If it’s trapped, Leo attempts to clear the door:
dd: 1d20 + 5 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 - 5 = 12
dd: 1d20 + 5 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 - 5 = 12
dd: 1d20 + 5 - 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 - 5 = 13

Leo opens the door....

A leering statue stands atop a plinth in the northwestern corner of this L-shaped hallway. The statue holds a scepter, which it points toward a door to the east. The south end of the hall is a heap of collapsed dirt and wood.

leo takes a quick look at the statue...
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Xavien gives him a hand.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Kn Nobility: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 (assuming?)

Xavien and Leo find nothing overly interesting about the statue. It seems like it's a generic noble of Taldor.

One thing both men notice is that the door to the east from here has TWO different locks on it.

Is The Scepter removable? Does the statue or any part of it move when pushed, pulled, rotated or tugged?

As per slack, the statue is a single piece of stone and no part of it moves. Same with the plinth.

Perception Quickpost Checks for information on the locks...

Aurelia: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12
Corran: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Ianthe: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Kenton: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Leo: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Xavien: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Leo has Trapfinding +1 if relevant. I'll move up the pogs.

As the party approaches the door a strange feeling settles over everyone. Suddenly, bloody circles quickly appear on the walls and door
of the hall. The horripilation can mean only one thing, this hall is haunted!

Corran immediately starts to sing, and weaves magic into it to counter fear.

Inspire Courage

Despite Corran's quick thinking, the circles bend and twist in the minds of the party. Those closest see bloody circles erupt on their own skin! Kenton, Leo, Xavien, and Corran each take Negative Energy DMG: 1d6 ⇒ 1 and 1 STR DMG. You can avoid the strength damage with a DC 12 FORT save.

A moment later, the circles vanish, but their memory remains...

Seeing the front four wince from the pain, but also recover quickly, Aurelia urges for haste. "Let's move quickly. A place that is haunted rarely manifests only once. Let's get to that door and see what's beyond."

She points at the door to the east.

Fort Save:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Xavien winces only slightly. "Someone had a very bad time in here, it would seem..."

"It would also seem that we need to find a second key to get out of here."

Indeed, Lord Xavien. Which means..., Corran pauses dramatically and looks vaguely in the direction of the unexplored areas to the southwest.

We have more exploring to do. Let's have at it. We should back out, past the Kobold merchant and go back to that room with the odd shelves. There was a chamber beyond we haven't checked, and the hallways continue to wrap to the south. Let us quest, Friends.

Corran leads the nobles, leaving the refugees with the relative safety of Mimips' shop. (perhaps to shop themselves?) If Dame Trant wishes to accompany us she is welcome, as are any who don't wish to be away from us.

Pogs placed. Let's check the next door.

Assuming nothing interferes with us...

Leo, Perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 Trapfinding +1

Door is perfectly safe!

A fearsome winged beast poses ferociously in the southeastern corner of this square room. Two wolves stand in similar poses in the northern corners, while an immense coiled serpent poises itself in the southwestern corner, ready to strike. A small elephant stands in the center of the room, its head drooping far too low, and the top of its neck torn open. Thick cords of rope hoist avian creatures of every size along the ceiling, with an impressive eagle taking up the most space above.

It takes a moment, but you quickly realize that this is some kind of taxidermy storage.

The party enters the room and fans out, giving things a cursory search.

Corran barks out something between a scoff and a blustery laugh.

Oh, good! A room full of nightmares.

Search of the room:
Aurelia: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12
Corran: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Ianthe: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Kenton: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Leo: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Xavien: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

During the search, the wolves animate!

They rise on clicking mechanisms, their bodies straining to stand on two legs.

During this movement, however, one of the wolves’ hind legs collapses, while the fur on the other wolf ’s back splits open, rendering them both inert.

Round 1:
Wolves: Fall apart
Kenton: NVM
Corran: NVM
Ianthe: NVM
Xavien: NVM
Leo: NVM
Aurelia: NVM

INITIATIVE:
Enemy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
Aurelia: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1
Corran: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Ianthe: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Kenton: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Leo: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Xavien: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

While the animated statues posed no threat, it was enough to disrupt the search. Roll again

Corran jumps far too high at the animated wolves. As they fall apart, he yells and kicks them. Corran looks up to see everyone looking at him blankly. He sniffs, and kicks the wolves again.

Everyone resumes the search.

Aurelia: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3
Corran: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Ianthe: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Kenton: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Leo: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Xavien: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

During the search, the wolves animate!

They rise on clicking mechanisms, their bodies straining to stand on two legs.

Following this horrific display, the griffon’s wings begin to beat!

Round 1:
Leo: Go
Kenton: Go
Aurelia: Go
Ianthe: Go
Xavien: Go
Corran: Go
Griffon: TBD

INITIATIVE:
Enemy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Aurelia: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17
Corran: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Ianthe: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Kenton: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Leo: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Xavien: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

"Agh! Another one!" Xavien instinctually hacks at the animatron with his blade.

Attack!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Not very well, mind you.

Kenton whips about on the stuffed griffon.

MW rapier: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
piercing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

He tries to hide his alarm, but isn't very successful at it.

Aurelia takes a quick step back, weaving conjuration magic. Her occult studies have allowed her to more readily summon magical aid. Within seconds another Taldan eagle appears, lashing out at the griffon!

Swift action for it to Smite Evil. +1 damage if evil
Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Talon 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Talon 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Corran yells in what is sure to be a manly way and lashes out with his blade.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19, Damage on Hit:1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Kenton and Xavien both attack the stuffed animal, to no effect. Corran and Aurelia's eagle both manage to damage the thing. Corran's hit actually severs a preserved wing right off! It falls to the floor with a sad thud.

Round 1:
Leo: Go
Kenton: Miss
Aurelia: Eagle hit
Ianthe: Go
Xavien: Miss
Corran: Hit
Griffon: TBD

There is a flourish and a rakish grin, like the swashbucklers in the old stories!

Ianthe takes a quick step back and brings her crossbow to bear.

Crossbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Ianthe buries a quarrel into the stuffed animal! The sound of a rib cracking off and rattling around inside the creature is plain for all to hear.

Round 1:
Leo: Go
Kenton: Miss
Aurelia: Eagle hit
Ianthe: Hit
Xavien: Miss
Corran: Hit
Griffon: TBD

BOTTING FOR LEO

The swordsman takes the measure of his overstuffed foe (move action), then steps in to deliver a blow.

short sword: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 8
piercing: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8

He utterly fails to connect, somewhat rattled by the construct.

Leo completely miss as the griffon makes an awful grinding sound.... and then it snaps free of its restraints and attacks randomly! Target: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2 Corran find himself fighting for his life!

Bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 MISS
Talon 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 MISS
Talon 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 for DMG: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Round 2:
Leo: Go
Kenton: Go
Aurelia: Go
Ianthe: Go
Xavien: Go
Corran: Go
Griffon: TBD

Ianthe loads and lets loose another bolt.

Crossbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Ianthe's follow up shot is way off. The creature is slow and large, but her aim is just really off.

Round 2:
Leo: Go
Kenton: Go
Aurelia: Go
Ianthe: Miss
Xavien: Go
Corran: Go
Griffon: TBD

Corran trades blows with the mechanical menace, flanking with the Leo the bold!

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15, Damage on Hit:1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Corran easily connects, albeit with a glancing blow.

Round 2:
Leo: Go
Kenton: Go
Aurelia: Go
Ianthe: Miss
Xavien: Go
Corran: Hit
Griffon: TBD

"I think I had a dream like this once," Xavien comments, swinging his blade again.

Longsword @ Griffon: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Kenton scrambles to the other side, trying to take advantage of the taxidermic nightmare focusing on Corran.

MW rapier w/flanking (?): 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 2 = 23
piercing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Yes, I know this will provoke. No, I don't think I care. Xavien needs a place to flank as well.

Xavien's blade work leaves a lot to be desired here, so Kenton risks life and limb to aid. AoO Bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 for DMG: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5. He adds a powerful hit, easily connecting and damaging the thing.

Round 2:
Leo: Go
Kenton: Hit
Aurelia: Go
Ianthe: Miss
Xavien: Go
Corran: Hit
Griffon: TBD

The eagle continues its barrage of attacks at the dead griffon!
Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2 +1 if evil
Talon 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1 +1 if evil
Talon 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2 +1 if evil

Aurelia then takes several steps forward and swings her longsword!
Longsword (w/Flanking): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d8 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

Lady Aurelia's eagle lands a trio of hits, and the lady herself uses some good sword play to wreck it even more. Feeling no pain, the stuffed griffon continues to fight!

Round 2:
Leo: Go
Kenton: Hit
Aurelia: Go
Ianthe: Miss
Xavien: Go
Corran: Hit
Trant: TBD
Griffon: TBD

BOT for Leo:

Leo attacks his studied target! Huzzah!

Shortsword:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14, Damage on hit:1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Leo easily drives his shortsword into the animated griffon!

Trant, with her new outlook on life, also comes to play. She slides into an opening and executes a downward cut with her longsword: ATK: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 for DMG: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Nearly destroyed is not enough though. Target: 2d7 ⇒ (7, 4) = 11

It bites at Xavien: ATK: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 MISS

It claws at Corran:
ATK: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 HIT
ATK: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 HIT
It then rakes with its claws! TOTAL DMG: 1d6 + 2 + 1d6 + 2 + 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + (3) + 2 + (1) + 2 = 15

Round 3:
Leo: Go
Kenton: Go
Aurelia: Go
Ianthe: Go
Xavien: Go
Corran: Go
Trant: TBD
Griffon: TBD

"Corran!" Xavien cries in alarm. I think Corran is down? He hurries to cut the beast down before it can do further harm.

Longsword @ Griffon: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 2 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

With the party surrounding the thing, Xavien scores a hit as everyone gangs up on the griffon!

Round 3:
Leo: Go
Kenton: Go
Aurelia: Go
Ianthe: Go
Xavien: Hit
Corran: Go
Trant: TBD
Griffon: TBD

Kenton furiously tries to end this.

MW rapier w/flanking: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 2 = 24
piercing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Corran goes down...

Stabilze:1d20 ⇒ 13

Unconscious but stable at -1 HP

Eagle and noblewoman work in tandem to add cuts to drop the griffon.

First, the eagle...
Beak: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Talon 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Talon 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

And then Aurelia...
Longsword: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Damage: 1d8 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

Corran falls to the griffon's attacks, but Aurelia and Xavien gang up to destroy the animated monstrocisty!

As soon as it falls, Trant pumps her hand into the air, "Yes!"

and for that victory each agent earns 133 XP.

Xavien rushes to Corran's side and dribbles one of Mimips' potions into his mouth. "Stay with us, friend!"

CLW @ Corran: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Corran took 3 damage earlier in the battle, too, so I think this puts him at 2/14 HP.

Seeing him splutter back to life, Xavien beams. "There he is! Welcome back. You got quite a few cuts and bruises, I am afraid." He offers Corran a second of Mimips' potions.