GM Badblood's The Dragon's Demand

Game Master Lance K

The barricades fill the passage from end to end, so it is not possible to easily slip by them. The only way to get past the barricades is to climb over them. It's almost like someone set this rubble up on purpose in order to make it hard to get through this area.

"I expect an ambush. Perhaps more of those undead things." She shivers. "Or perhaps those kobolds. They're tricky and like traps, don't they?"

You can do Knowledge Local. The base DC is going to be 5, as they are common, low CR creatures. Which I think means that Suizal would automatically know about the most commonly known thing about kobolds, which is they are very good at setting up traps and using their terrain to get an edge on their foes. Building barricades like these and then trapping them is definitely something a kobold would do.

Falcon sighs and begins to apply soap to his armor to allow him to more easily slip through and tries to follow behind.

Climb: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Escape Artist: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18

Despite his best efforts, Sir Falcon's armor snags on one of the strings. It doesn't take much and suddenly he hears snapping strings and sees rubble tumbling down the barricade. He looks up in time to see several stalagmites swinging towards his head like a pendulum.

Falling stalagmites: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Bludgeoning: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

One of the chunks of stone strikes Sir Falcon straight in the head. After recovering, he can see several chunks of rock are now dangling from the ceiling by thick threads.

It's kind of like the classic Home Alone paint can trap, if you're having trouble picturing what happened.

As Ilvaria begins climbing the second barricade, she hears Sir Falcon cry out in surprise then pain.

"Ooops! But at least you cleared the path for the others Sir Falcon!" she says and tries to see the positive side.

Escape artist: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

She tries to be careful and cross the next barrier.

Irlana sees/hears the knight set off the trap and tries to follow.
Escape Artist: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 2 = 22

"Sir Falcon. Perhaps we should wait for others to check out the path ahead? There may be no purpose to struggling through here."

She looks him over to assess the extent of his injuries, "I can heal that, but let's wait to see what else may happen. Please stay here for now?"

She moves forward and carefully climbs up by Ilvaria.
"Ilvaria, Can I get up there with you to see what else we face?"
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Climb?: 1d20 ⇒ 15

Ilvaria didn't see the trap, so there wouldn't be anything for her to squeeze around unless she waited for Irlana to get up there. Since having the sorceress run ahead of the party is a good way to lose a sorceress, and we don't have the luxury of reacting in real time, I'm assuming she would wait for at least one other person to catch up.

Irlana spots that there are more of the wiry threads hidden in the rubble, indicating that this area is similarly trapped. She shouts a warning for the drow mage to stop moving.

Irlana thinks she heard the a faint, high pitched voice coming from the other side of the second barricade. It was just one sound and she is not sure whether it was actually a word or just some kind of exclamation.

Suizal sighs. "Perhaps if we throw some rubble and activate the traps from afar, we wouldn't have to deal with this mess." She points to the fallen stalagmites.

Irlana moves to the top of the barricade looking for Ilvaria. "I think Suizal has the right of it. Whatever the purpose of these traps, the first has already been set off and any warning given. Let's back off and set them off remotely. Even if it causes a blockage, we can clear that much easier than we can possibly raise the dead for anyone caught under it!"

Unless I see something requiring attention?
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Irlana doesn't see anything, but has the uneasy sensation that there is something watching her from the cover of darkness.

The barricade does offer cover when your PC is looking over it and can offer complete cover when behind it. And just a reminder climbing is 1/4 speed, but you can move up to half speed with a -5 penalty.
And you are flatfooted while climbing. Just things to keep in mind.

Did Ilvaria stop? Or did she go down the other side of the second barricade?

Andwise is slow to react, taking a moment to work out the underpinnings of the traps, as they are currently laid.

"Wait. Let me have a try, and see what happens"

Pulling out his knife and tool kit, Andwise moves up to inspect some of the threads.

DD: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Failing, he retreats...

"You were right, from a distance was the better choice"

Suizal waits around. "The kobolds already know we're here."

[larger]"We're here!"[/larger] she calls out. [larger]"Come and get us!"[/larger]

Looking at the barricade, she sighs. "Well, I guess if they're not coming, we should push ahead.". The sylph slowly starts climbing.

Climb: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

Andwise moves over to Irlana and Ilvaria and joins them by the barricade. He climbs up and tries to cut one of the ropes. As his knife touches the thread, some rubble falls out of the pile and then suddenly a chain reaction starts. The strings tightened as the rubble barricade shifts and then there is a snap as more chunks of stalagmite come loose and swing from the ceiling on thick threads.

Trap Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Blunt: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Confirmation: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Blunt: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

One of the chunks strikes the halfling in the face, the impact knocking him off the barricade and onto his back on the ground. As the light fades, so does Tanssi, who drifts away as his summoner loses consciousness. At this point there is a cry from the room beyond and a scampering of clawed feet on the stone floor.

Round 1
Sir Falcon -5, 2 Dex damage, cover
Kobold Leader
Yellow
Andwise -14, stabilize check, total cover
Suizal -cover
Irlana -cover
Ilvaria -cover
Red
Blue
Green

Sir Falcon leads the round! Remember, getting over a barrier requires a DC 5 Climb check to move quarter speed (or DC 10 to move half speed) Everyone has crossed the first barrier but no one has crossed the 2nd one yet. The barricades provide cover, but if you duck behind them they can provide full cover. Full cover means that you can't be targeted or attacked at all. There's no take cover action in first edition, so basically if you make an attack or cast a spell that targets the kobolds, I am assuming you've exposed yourself enough for them to attack you until your next turn. But you still get the +4 AC bonus from cover.

Falcon tries to get over the barricade

Climb DC 5: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

He tries to get closer to the kobolds but takes a fully defensive stance.

Total defense

Sir Falcon pulls himself over the barricade and lands on the other side, readying his katana to parry any attacks from his enemies.

The toughest looking kobold, who appears to be their leader, aims a bow at the samurai and with one eye closed carefully fires a shot at Sir Falcon.

Bow attack: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 1 + 2 - 1 = 24
Piercing: 1d4 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 2 + 2 = 6

Sir Falcon attempts to leap out of the way, but the arrow gets him in the chest, finding its way through the iron scales of his armor. One of the other kobolds slings a rock in the man's direction but it wasn't even close enough for Sir Falcon to even notice it.

Sling: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Blunt: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Suizal, Irlana and Ilvaria can see the Sir Falcon is grievously injured and will soon be surrounded by kobolds. Meanwhile, Andwise is twitching reflexively as blood pools from his head wound.

Round 1
Sir Falcon -11, 2 Dex damage, full defense
Kobold Leader
Yellow
Andwise -14, stabilize check, total cover
Suizal -cover
Irlana -cover
Ilvaria -cover
Red
Blue
Green

Ilvaria moves forward and suddenly something bursts out.

“I hate these degenerate beings! See what a drow can do!“ she shouts.

She casts color spray.

DC 16 will save

"Get away from him!" Suizal yells out at the kobold leader.

Cast Ear-piercing scream vs kobold leader.

Expend 1 charge from Arcane Reservoir to increase Caster Level by 2. DC 15.

Ear-piercing scream: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5

On a failed DC 15 Fortitude save, kobold leader is also dazed. On a success, no daze and half damage.

Will need a Climb check from Ilvaria to get past the barrier. And ear piercing scream is 1d6 damage per 2 levels, which is always rounded down. It means that while the spell can still stun at level 1, it doesn't deal any damage until level 2. I'll just knock off that second dice

Fort Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Round 1
Sir Falcon -11, 2 Dex damage, full defense
Kobold Leader -2
Yellow
Andwise -14, stabilize check, total cover
Suizal -cover
Irlana -cover
Ilvaria -cover, Climb check
Red
Blue
Green

climb : 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1

climb : 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (18) - 2 = 16

Ooops! Then she just moves forward to that position. :-)

How tall are the barricades? Standing behind one can we see someone on the other side?

Seeing Andwise down and Sir5 Falcon getting shot, Irlana calls on positive energy to heal her friends. Channel Energy: 1d6 ⇒ 3 I liked the 5 from previous better! But that should stabilize Andwise at least, correct?

Are the kobolds behind a barricade too? Any chance that there are trap lines heading above them?

The barricades are about four-five feet tall, making them tall enough and also close enough to the ceiling that climbing over them is the only real way to get over them. Your characters can definitely see over the other side; but have cover. If you don't care about targeting anyone on the other side of the barricades your character can chose to duck down and have total cover, which means that there is no line of sight and your characters can't be targeted; but they aren't going to be able to target anything on their turn.

The kobolds are out in the open. The barricades actually give you a significant tactical advantage because it offers cover. Too bad Melenthe isn't here.

Ilvaria struggles to get over the barricade and now finds herself close to the kobolds. Irlana sends out a blast of healing energy, which envelopes the injured human, restores Andwise back to consciousness, and even manages to restore some of the injury that the kobold archer took from Suizal's spell.

Red sling: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Blunt: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

Blue sling: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Blunt: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

Green sling: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Blunt: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

A flurry of slung stones fly at the party. One strikes the drow sorceress in the knee, while one flies harmlessly by her and another bounces off of Sir Falcon's steel mail.

stabilize: 1d20 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 2 - 3 = 19

Andwise wakes up, confused and in great pain but luckily still alive. Sir Falcon is injured and facing kobolds looking to end his life. Suizal and Irlana remain behind the relative safety of cover, with the newly conscious Andwise.

Andwise, you will still have total cover if you stand up. And I believe you only take damage if you use your one action to do something strenuous, but moving, drinking potions, etc, won't cause damage.

Round 2
Sir Falcon -8, 2 Dex damage
Kobold Leader
Yellow
Andwise -11, disabled (1 action), prone, total cover
Suizal -cover
Irlana -cover
Ilvaria -2
Red
Blue
Green

Coming to, with the magical energy burst- Andwise hands immediately go to the blood gushing out of his head. He looks around the field of battle- the Kobolds swarming over the space and closes his eyes. Remaining down, the kobold leader begins to glow with a soft candle light.

-1 attacks, -1 perception checks. Can't be invisible. No save

Falcon winces as the arrow smarts and closes on the red kobold.

He takes the Katana in both hands and makes a big slash

Katana: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 111d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Knowing she only has a moment Irlana bends down by Andwise and chants a quick spell, CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

"I'm going to have to get out there and help our Knight. I think he's hurt pretty badly and I don't have much healing left. Stinking sneaky trap making kobolds!"

Sir Falcon leaps forward and slashes at one of the kobolds, but the little critter is too quick for him.

The archer moves into position and fires another shot at the samurai. Sir Falcon feels the arrow stick into his armor, but it doesn't penetrate.

Shortbow: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 2 + 1 = 17
Piercing: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4

Yellow drops its sling and pulls out a hunting spear to stab Ilvaria with. The sorceress steps out of the way as the point flies by her.

Spear: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Piercing: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

Right now, Andwise is prone and behind a barricade, so he can't see any of the creatures on the other side. He'll have to stand up to target anything. Since Irlana is going to heal him, would Andwise like to delay until her turn so that he can get his full actions and stand up?

Irlana bends down and heals Andwise.

Round 2
Sir Falcon -8, 2 Dex damage
Kobold Leader
Yellow
Andwise -11 (-5), disabled (1 action), prone, total cover
Suizal -cover
Irlana - total cover
Ilvaria -2
Red
Blue
Green

Ilvaria casts color spray and then steps back.

DC 16 will save for green, yellow and red.

Yellow takes a stab at the spellcaster with his spear as she begins weaves magic. Ilvaria kicks the spear out of the way and finishes her spell. The cavern lights up briefly in kaleidiscopic light as she sprays the kobolds with rainbow colored lights.

Spear: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Piercing: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5

Green: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18
Yellow: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6
Red: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

One of the kobolds manages to look away in time, but the other two are knocked down to the ground, unconscious from the power of the spell.

Dur: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7

I'm just going to assume that Andwise waited until he got healing so that he's no longer disabled at 0 hp and that he took his turn standing up so that he could peak over the barricade and sparklize the kobold archer. That just leaves Suizal needing to post an action for this round.

Round 2
Sir Falcon -8, 2 Dex damage
Kobold Leader - sparkles
Yellow
Andwise -5, cover
Suizal -cover
Irlana - total cover
Andwise -5, cover
Ilvaria -2
Red
Blue
Green

Thanks GM. That outcome works for me

Suizal looks at the kobold leader standing near her. "Begone foul creature! Your traps wont do you any good."

Cast Ray of Frost

Ray of Frost vs touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Cold damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Suizal fires a ray of frost, grazing the kobold archer.

The two remaining kobolds throw another stone, one at Sir Falcon and the other at Ilvaria. Another rock strikes the sorceress in the wrist.

Sling vs Falcon: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Blunt: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

Sling vs Ilvaria: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Blunt: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

Round 3
Sir Falcon -8, 2 Dex damage
Kobold Leader - sparkles, -2
Yellow
Andwise -5, cover
Suizal
Irlana - total cover
Andwise -5, cover
Ilvaria -4
Red
Blue
Green

Sir Falcon approaches green and slashes at him

Katana: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Katana Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Falcon slashes at the kobold and the blade connects with the creature's face. The kobold shrieks; wounded but still standing.

They have exactly 5 hp, so that kobold is at 0 hp! Sadly, that crit didn't land.

Their archer moves to line up another shot and lets another arrow fly at Sir Falcon. The samurai feels the woosh of air go by his ear as the missile flies a few inches by him.

Arrow, PbS, Deadly, stardust: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 - 1 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 1 + 2 - 1 - 1 = 11
Piercing: 1d4 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 8

Andwise and Irlana, just a reminder, you will need to make a Climb DC 5 (and spend 20 feet of movement, as climbing is 1/4 movement) to get over the barricade if you're going to try to get closer.

ROUND 3
Sir Falcon -8, 2 Dex damage
Kobold Leader - stardust, -2
Yellow
Suizal
Irlana - total cover
Andwise -5, cover
Ilvaria -4
Red
Blue
Green -5, disabled

Climb: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (14) - 2 = 12

Andwise stumbles over the barrier, climbing on the rocks until he gets to the very top. Surveying the scene, he notices the glowing kobold leader- producing a small bit of acid before flinging it at the glowing target.

Acid Splash, touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Acid, Focus: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Suizal points at the black kobold. "HEY! YOU! Just give up now. Your allies are dropping one by one. You're next."

Ray of Frost: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
cold damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

”This looks bad for you!!“

Ilvaria moves 5 ft, draws an acid flask as a focus and casts a spell that shoots acid at the leader.

Acid splash, acid flask as focus for + 1 damage: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 231d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Crit? Acid splash, acid flask as focus for + 1 damage: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 141d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

A barrage of cantrips fly at the kobold archer. Andwise's blast strikes the wall, but Suizal grazes the shooter with his ray. Ilvaria's blast strikes the kobold dead center, burning a hole into his studded leather armor.

Irlana, you're still up!

ROUND 3
Sir Falcon -8, 2 Dex damage
Kobold Leader - stardust, -11
Yellow
Suizal
Irlana - total cover
Andwise -5
Ilvaria -4
Red
Blue
Green -5, disabled

Botting Irlana to keep things moving along.

Irlana peeks through the rubble and sees the tough kobold leader, illuminated by Andwise's stardust. She says a few words and a swirl of light dances in front of the archer's face.

Will Save vs Daze: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

The kobold is able to resist her enchantment magic, though.

Blue slings another rock at Ilvaria. The bullet goes wild, striking the roof of the cavern and falling unceremoniously to the floor. Green steps away from Sir Falcon and attempts to shield himself from the swordsman's attacks, his sling clutched in his hand.

Sling: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Blunt: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

ROUND 4
Sir Falcon -8, 2 Dex damage
Kobold Leader - stardust, -11
Yellow
Suizal
Irlana - total cover
Andwise -5
Ilvaria -4
Red
Blue
Green -5, disabled, full defense

Sorry. Really busy with work and planning a trip. I'll try to keep up better.... Thanks for botting. That is exactly what I would have done!

Once the spell is cast she tries to climb over the barrier. So not under cover.

Climb?: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Falcon takes a step forward and gives another slash.

Katana: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 91d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Sir Falcon tries to finish off the wounded kobold, but fails to land a blow.

One minor correction, you can't take any standard action while disabled without losing hp, so that kobold isn't taking full defense. Falcons attack still misses though.

The kobold archer redirects his next shot at Ilvaria. The arrow strikes the elf in her side and she falls to the ground.

Shortbow, da, pbs: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 1 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 1 - 1 - 1 = 25
Piercing: 1d4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 2 = 5

ROUND 4
Sir Falcon -8, 2 Dex damage
Kobold Leader - stardust, -11
Yellow
Suizal
Irlana
Andwise -5
Ilvaria -9, dying, prone
Red
Blue
Green -5, disabled

Ilvaria moves 5 ft and casts a spell that shoots acid at the leader.

Acid splash, acid flask as focus for + 1 damage: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 51d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Ilvaria unconscious, with an arrow in her side.

She is a drow… they never fall!! How dare you!! :-D ha ha … sorry for the mishap. Read the post and was totally confused because I thought our halfling lady is dying!!

stabilize : 1d20 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 1 - 2 = 17

Yeah, very similar names. I've almost made the mistake a few times myself.

Seeing Ilvaria drop worries Irlana. She considers healing but realizes that the combat needs to end. She readies her crossbow and casts a spell to make her shot more effective. She looks over at the kobold archer and wonders if it will understand her. "If you run I'll let you leave alive...."

Casting True Strike. +20 to my attack next round.

Suizal yells out to the kobold leader. This time, she'll speak in Draconic.

As the kobold leader does not seem to be receptive, Suizal sighs. "You deserve this."

Cast Ray of Frost

Ray of Frost, ranged touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

The kobold ranger laughs and answers, in Common, "I can't return home empty handed. Perhaps you'd consider surrendering and spare me the trouble of picking you all off one by one."

Then Suizal strikes the kobold with a lucky ray of frost. The kobold is starting to look a pretty hurt, but still determined to keep fighting.

Andwise is up!

ROUND 4
Sir Falcon -8, 2 Dex damage
Kobold Leader - stardust, -14
Yellow
Suizal
Irlana, TS
Andwise -5
Ilvaria -9, unconscious, prone
Red
Blue
Green -5, disabled

Botting Andwise

Andwise darts forward, flinging a glob of acid at the kobold archer. Unfortunately, the splash of acid missing its mark.

Acid Splash: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Acid: 1d3 ⇒ 3

The kobold in the back drops his sling and grabs a spear off his back. Stepping forward, he jabs desperately at Sir Falcon but the warrior is too weak to penetrate his mail.

Spear: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Piercing: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Clutching his wounds, green attempts to get away from Sir Falcon.

Provoking an AoO if he wants to take it.

C'mon guys! You just need to to push to end this! And some lucky dice rolls wouldn't hurt.

ROUND 5
Sir Falcon -8, 2 Dex damage
Kobold Leader - stardust, -14
Yellow
Suizal
Irlana, TS
Andwise -5
Ilvaria -9, unconscious, prone
Red
Blue
Green -5, disabled