miteke's Solstice Scar D (Outpost VIII) (Core)

Game Master miteke

”Hmmph, not easy but not deadly. Good work. Anybuddeh use this healin’ wand on meh?”

He pulls out a simple maple wand and moves away from the grabby brush.

CLW rolls: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

If you want to make my life easier, post the ending HP after healing.

Who is Khargrom using his wand on? Considering only two of us where hurt, it would probably be smartest to let Wilbur use a channel first, then maybe use some on Wilbur.

He planned on having his wand used on himself, figuring Wilbur would wand himself too. But if channels are going to be burned then that’s fine.

I'm going to bot Cayden and have her channel to heal for 2d6 ⇒ (6, 1) = 7 healing to get this moving.

Thanks!

After the battle, Sobek turns to his teammates, respect clear in his gaze.
"It is an honor to fight at your side, friends," he says, catching his breath. "Fortunate that none of us fell today."

With a slight smirk, he nudges the giant wolf’s corpse with his foot, rolling it onto its side.

"Once the injured are taken care of, we should move on."

-----------------------

As the PCs travel toward the blight’s heart, the spirits leading them suddenly halt, as a burly middle-aged man with the ears and legs of a goat steps out from behind a tree. He grins and waves his hand. “Ho there, adventurers! I got bored waiting, so I think we should have some fun! Don’t worry, this won’t take long. I wouldn’t want you to miss the main event, and I plan to have a front-row seat. Oh, where are my manners? The name’s Grimpfkin. So, what do you say? Do you choose to test your speed or might?”

Sobek steps forward and plants the end of his polearm into the ground before addressing the strange humanoid.

Seven healing gets Khargrom good to go so that wand charge can go to Wilbur. And since I don’t want an ally with missing HP he offers another charge to the cleric.

CLW on Wilbur: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Everyone should be healed to full.

The dwarf flexes, ”Might, always might.”

"As a group. Might it is!"

Grimpfkin nods approvingly, salutes the PCs with his mug, and turns to lead them deeper into the woods. After about 5 minutes of travel, they reach a clearing surrounded by both towering trees and 8-foot-tall mushrooms. Toward the center looms a menacing huge spider that gnashes its mandibles at you, and Grimpfkin whispers to the PCs, “Go ahead, I’m sure that great heroes like you will be fine.”

Having second thoughts, or would you like to charge in on it?

Assuming you agree, go to slide 1 and twiddle the positions of your characters in the red box. I'm ready to begin the combat when you are.

Khargrom hefts his hammer, ”Dwarves don go back on dere word. Let’s bust this many legged critter up.”

He pauses for a second and eyes the guide, ”Less this is one o dem stupid ‘strength of character’ tests an we supposed to talk to the beastie about our feelings? Nah… can’t be.”

Position GtG.

"That... is a damn big spider!"

No Knowledge(Nature) here!

However, showing willing, Cayden waves a hand in greeting.

"Hello there! Doing well? I can't imagine having all of these strange outsiders wandering around is doing much for your peace and quiet. How about we move along peacefully?"

I will be beyond shocked if the spider doesn't just attack us!

"It does look quite large. Anybody good with tactics against arachnids?"

"Well, I remember the dog-sized ones can throw webs at you, so I assume the bigger ones can, too. They are usually venomous, as well. The specifics of this particular spider, though? No idea. Never encountered one that big before!"

It does not move from where it is yet, but it is definitely eying you. If Cayden has her way, you will all just leave.

I mean, if it doesn't *want* to attack us, I'm not going to be a bloodthirsty murder-hobo. Khargrom's comment about 'Test of Character Strength' seems plausible enough to me!

Agreed. Anybody got the skills to talk to and/or sense motive of creatures?

Grimpfkin starts tapping his foot with impatience.

"Well, if you do not want to attempt the test of might, perhaps the test of speed would be more to your liking."

Agreed. Anybody got the skills to talk to and/or sense motive of creatures?

It takes a special skill to communicate with vermin. They are considered pretty much mindless, operating on instinct. Anyone with any kind of knowledge nature skill will know that spiders are vermin and vermin are not easily communicated with. Unless this is something more fancy than a spider, of course.

Khargrom also taps his foot, ”Ah come on, it’s obvious we gotta fight the thing. Y’all gonna back out now?”

He looks ready to charge the spider.

My position on the map is fine.

"It does look quite large. Anybody good with tactics against arachnids?"

Sobek nods and gives his polearm a shake.

Khargrom also taps his foot, ”Ah come on, it’s obvious we gotta fight the thing. Y’all gonna back out now?”

He looks ready to charge the spider.

"Never, my friend. I am ready."

Sobek thinks for a moment about the comment that spiders can throw webs.
"Wait..."
He sheathes his polearm through the strap on his back, then readies his longbow.
He gives Khargrom a nod.
"Okay. I am ready."

Sobek nocks an arrow and shoots at the giant spider...
Mwk Comp. Longbow (+4 str): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
piercing: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

init (Sobek): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
init (Wilbur Faust): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
init (Khargrom): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
init (Cayden Barleybrew): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

init (spider): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

The spider is slow to react and the bow strikes true. First blood to the Pathfinders!

❖❖❖❖❖❖ Combat Card Round 1 ❖❖❖❖❖❖
Ongoing effects not mentioned below:
Bold may go.

Wilbur Faust (-0 HP)
Khargrom (-0 HP)

Spider (-9 HP)

Cayden Barleybrew (-0 HP)

❖❖❖ Round 2 ❖❖❖
Sobek (-0 HP)

"Alright, let's make this fast!" Wilbur says. He casts Bless on his allies.
Everybody gets +1 to attack rolls and fear saves.

”Good shot! You keep drilling it, I’ll distract.”

The dwarf moves up and readies to smack the spider.

Move, Readied to attack if spider gets in range.

After a little buffing and repositioning, the spider approaches Khargrom but stops 15' away and attacks with a lunge.

to hit Khargrom bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9; DC 18 Fort save or be poisoned for 1d4 ⇒ 1 strength AND 1d4 ⇒ 3 dex.

Note: Ax mentioned, the thing is huge and I sized it as large on the map. This has been corrected.

❖❖❖❖❖❖ Combat Card Round 2 ❖❖❖❖❖❖
Ongoing effects not mentioned below:
Bold may go.

Wilbur Faust (-0 HP)
Khargrom (-9 HP; need DC 18 fort save vs. poison or take 1 strength and 3 dex damage)
Sobek (-0 HP)

Spider (-9 HP)

Cayden Barleybrew (-0 HP)
❖❖❖ Round 3 ❖❖❖

Sobek lets loose another arrow at the gigantic spider...
Mwk Comp. Longbow (+4 str): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
piercing: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Fort + Hardy: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 2 = 17

Khargrom is a little weakened, but still tries to slip his way in to attack!

Acrobatics v CMD to avoid AoO - dex damage: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 9 - 1 = 16

The dwarf swings his heavy weapon (if he makes it there alive), "GONNA SMASH YA!"

+1 Warhammer + Bless: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 1 = 23 for Bludgeoning/Magic: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

You skipped Cayden

Sobek nails it again, but Khargrom is having issues. As he moves closer he is bitten again! But after he he is bitten, he smashes it HARD with his hammer.

to hit Khargrom bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11; DC 20 (since you have two active doses of poison) Fort save or be poisoned for 1d4 ⇒ 2 strength AND 1d4 ⇒ 3 dex.

❖❖❖❖❖❖ Combat Card Round 2 ❖❖❖❖❖❖
Ongoing effects not mentioned below:
Bold may go.

Wilbur Faust (-0 HP)
Cayden Barleybrew (-0 HP)

Spider (-29 HP)

❖❖❖ Round 3 ❖❖❖
Khargrom (-20 HP; -1 str; -3 dex, need DC 20 fort save vs. poison or take 2 strength and 3 dex damage)
Sobek (-0 HP)

Cayden shuffles closer.

Cayden advances and, thanks to Khargrom, the spider is not able to react and bite her too.

@Wilbur
I have not seen a post from you in a week. Are you still playing?

Botting Wilbur.

Wilbur moves within range of Khargrom and channels for
2d8 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2 healing.

The spider nips at Khargrom again.
to hit Khargrom bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
But, mercifully, fails to hit.

❖❖❖❖❖❖ Combat Card Round 3 ❖❖❖❖❖❖
Ongoing effects not mentioned below:
Bold may go.

Wilbur Faust (-0 HP)
Cayden Barleybrew (-0 HP)
Khargrom (-18 HP; -1 str; -3 dex, need DC 20 fort save vs. poison or take 2 strength and 3 dex damage)
Sobek (-0 HP)

Spider (-29 HP)

❖❖❖ Round 3 ❖❖❖

Fort + Hardy: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 2 = 21

The weak spider venom is no match for Khargrom’s dwarfy nature, once his immune system gets a chance to get rolling.

Just one cure or more needed next round?

He steps to the side and swings wildly, ”Work ta get a flank if ya can!”

+1 Warhammer + Bless: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 1 = 9 for Bludgeoning/Magic: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Just one cure or more needed next round?

Poisons are odd. Extra doses do not require extra saves, they just make the saves harder, and once you make the save(s) you are 'reset'. This poison only requires one save (which is probably what you were really asking and all this is TMI) so no more poison damage unless it bites you again, and if it does your save is back to 18 as you are now 'reset'. Make sense?

Understood and you are correct, I was just asking if it had one save or multiple required. However I am never against reading a well put explanation as to how a certain mechanic works. Thank you.

Yellow line on map is to make sure I don't have cover when firing an arrow.

Sobek shoots another arrow at the gigantic spider...
Mwk Comp. Longbow (+4 str): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
piercing: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Sobek scowls as his arrow misses its mark, vanishing into the distance. A sharp whistle cuts through the air, followed by the rustling of leaves as it slices through the canopy beyond.

Some pathfinders from other squads pause to watch your progress in the test. One winces and shakes her head as she is just in time to see the two misses.

Does she take pity and help?

Or, to be stated in technical terms, WE HAVE AN AID TOKEN. It has been boosted with a Hard Knowledge check, though I don't see much use for the boost in your current circumstances.

Cayden steps in and tries to smack the spider.

MW Cold Iron Bastard Sword: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18, for 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Slashing damage.

I would say take allied offensive on Cayden’s attack OR the inspire courage one for the rest of this fight. Or we could save it to see what happens next round.

Cayden steps in, timing her advance to take advantage of the others attacks and slips in a swipe from her large blade.

Spider (-34 HP)

I would say take allied offensive on Cayden’s attack OR the inspire courage one for the rest of this fight. Or we could save it to see what happens next round.

Lots of 'ors' in that. Me thinks he wants a second on one of them (and is not looking for healing).

Wilbur, Wilbur, wherefore art thou Wilbur?

Cayden is male (he/him), btw. Not sure how you're getting that he's female.

My fault for just basing it on the pic. BTW, I have been informed that the token also has 'Allied Offensive' boosted.

Wilbur stands there in indecision, then moves towards Cayden and aids his AC. aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

target K or C: 1d2 ⇒ 1
Not done with Khargrom yet, it bites again.
to hit Khargrom bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11; DC 18 Fort save or be poisoned for 1d4 ⇒ 2 strength AND 1d4 ⇒ 3 dex.

❖❖❖❖❖❖ Combat Card Round 4 ❖❖❖❖❖❖
Ongoing effects not mentioned below:
Bold may go.

Wilbur Faust (-0 HP)
Cayden Barleybrew (-0 HP)
Khargrom (-29 HP; -1 str; -3 dex, need DC 20 fort save vs. poison or take 2 strength and 3 dex damage)
Sobek (-0 HP)

Spider (-34 HP)

❖❖❖ Round 5 ❖❖❖

Sorry I missed yesterday. I'll take my actions now. Should be able to get in at least daily from here on out.

Wilbur steps forward and attacks the spider.
+1 scimitar: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Slashing: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Sobek moves sidewards a good 20' to get a clear shot. He continues to shoot arrows at the huge spider...
Mwk Comp. Longbow (+4 str) & bless: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 = 27
piercing: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Crit Confirm:
Mwk Comp. Longbow (+4 str) & bless: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 = 13
piercing: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Fort + Hardy: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 2 = 19

Khargrom isn’t as worried about the poison as he is all the holes continuing to appear in his body, ”Crappit now, just kill the beastie already!” He steps and swings again.

+1 Warhammer + Bless: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 1 = 19 for Bludgeoning/Magic: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Since we aren’t using the token otherwise, if Khargrom drops, may we please use the token to heal. Also please keep moving towards flanking.

Cayden's avatar is a picture of the iconic (male) magus...?

Cayden winces, then steps around into a flank and takes another swing at the oversized arachnid.

MW Cold Iron Bastard Sword: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 1 + 2 = 17, for 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 Slashing damage.

Using the token, guys?

You drop the spider! More than drop it. you combined efforts leave it in pieces. The observer claps her hands and casts a healing spell on Khargom and says "Well done! You you deserve this/".

channel: 1d6 ⇒ 3

You guys use the token to heal and all gain 3 HP back.

Why is Khargrom so debilitated? He made his last save and shouldn’t be poisoned. And he only took the three dex and the one strength from the very first failed save.

He pulls out his wand and hands it to one of the group’s two clerics, ”Please use this to patch me up. Thank you.”

CLW wand rolls if they cast it for him: 6d8 + 6 ⇒ (3, 1, 5, 7, 2, 7) + 6 = 31

I say we don’t do the next encounter with that small of a window to finish. And if we don’t have six rounds to heal, let me know how many we have.

I think I vote for healing then. Tomorrow is my birthday, and we have a bunch of things planned with family.

Why is Khargrom so debilitated? He made his last save and shouldn’t be poisoned. And he only took the three dex and the one strength from the very first failed save.

You are correct. For some reason I was mentally stuck on the 20 DC.

Khargrom (-26 HP; -1 str; -3 dex)

Much better as those odd numbers do not count.

You are able to heal up to max (save your CLW charges).

I agree with not doing the next encounter also since there's such a small window. I just hope we don't get penalized for it. Healing is good.

It is difficult to tell how much time has passed through the smothering canopy as Medda addresses the regrouped Pathfinder and Twinhorn forces. “The ancient battlefield is just beyond those trees. There, Ivvora and her comrades scattered an undead army, but the necromantic corruption never left this land. Instead, the plants and animals have gradually absorbed the evil, encouraged by someone calling herself Mother Bloodleaf.

“We must strike as one, simultaneously attacking the corruption’s heart as well as the seedpods spread out around the swamp. Their destruction will unleash harmful energies, so we of the Twinhorn following shall head toward the center to ritually disperse that energy to keep it from festering anew! Each team should follow its Twinhorn mystic to an intended target, and from there, three blasts of a horn shall signal our attack. May Vildeis bless us as she did Ivvora before us!”

Medda, the Twinhorns, and the Pathfinders spread out and make their way through the woods to their striking positions.

Three blasts of a war-horn echo across the heavily forested battleground. As the Pathfinders rush toward their targets, startled figures with purple glowing eyes hurry toward the seedpods and the enormous dark flower at the heart of the swamp. A shriek carries over the battleground. “What treachery is this? My minions have fallen without so much as warning me? No matter, I shall rip out any trespassers’ souls and feed them to the blight!”

Table GMs, the Unaware Guardians condition is now in effect, and the way to Area Q is now open. Please move to that encounter area quickly.