HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
GM Tyranius wrote:
That is the end of this Adventure Path. Thanks to everyone for sticking through until the end while we learned 2E. Though 2E has certainly changed and morphed throughout this Campaign with each expansion book and even now the Remaster fixing some of the classes and design.
I cannot thank you enough for running this. It's been a wild ride, and this is the first AP that I've played in that took me from 1 to 20. I've come to love my angry rogue dwarf, and this group has really made seeing all of those levels easy. Thank you!
Kelvin sticks around for about a week at the Rainbow Citadel. It's the smell of manure from all of Raspar's gardening that drives him out. "Bloody petunias, hydrangeas, and portulacas. Fricken flowers everywhere."
He makes his way back to Katapesh, ostensibly to run the Gladiator's Guild he's taken charge of. But even that doesn't hold him long. For a couple years he takes to the sea, roving around the Eye of Abendego as a Free Captain. It's all kind of pointless to Kelvin, but it keeps him busy.
When the dwarf's anger finally simmers down as middle age approaches, he finds himself returning home to Janderhoff. He marries a demure woman named Maila Rockbuster, and the two have a bevy of children. The tales of his exploits fade over time, such that his grandchildren lovingly refer to him as Grandpa Beardy on account to his beard reaching glorious lengths.
On the day after Kelvin breathes his last, his granddaughter Imrild Craghorn sets off for the city of Promise. Her goal? To return the now dormant Craghorn's Fury to Mengkare's hoard, as promised to the dragon.
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
In a rare gesture of solidarity, Kelvin stabs at the corpse with Raspar. His spear runs furrows through the flesh of the dead dragon, it's jagged tip tearing flesh.
When he finally stops, his rage leaving him winded, it's tears that flow freely down his face. "You have no idea how much I needed this done, Mengkare. The bastard has been a looming shadow my entire life."
He hocks up a gob of phlegm and spits on the the remains of Dahak.
The bottled up rage, so long kept quiet, manifests through Kelvin's shouted words. "DRAGON! I'VE HATED YOU FOR TOO MUCH OF MY LIFE! TODAY YOU DIE TO A CRAGHORN'S FURY!"
Kelvin stays close but tries to sneak around to the side of Dahak.
Stealth vs DC 56:1d20 + 33 ⇒ (17) + 33 = 50 Failure counts as a success!
He then stabs at the dragon with Craghorn's Fury from the cover of his invisibility, putting every ounce of muscle into the strike.
Strike vs Dahak (Flat-footed):1d20 + 35 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 35 + 1 = 38 Damage (P + Sonic/Elec/Force):8d6 + 14 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 3, 5, 4, 1, 2, 2) + 14 + (5) + (1) + (1) = 43 plus Weakness 5 to Slashing and Piercing
The weapon is wide of its mark. But this doesn't stop him from using the weapon again.
Strike vs Dahak (Flat-footed):1d20 + 30 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 30 + 1 = 36 Damage (P + Sonic/Elec/Force):8d6 + 14 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4, 3, 2, 6, 6, 1, 5, 4) + 14 + (4) + (6) + (3) + 1 = 59 plus Weakness 5 to Slashing and Piercing
The second strike is no better, but that doesn't stop the eerily quiet dwarf from hunting for an opening...
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
Per Slack, redoing Kelvin's turn
Action 1: Point Out
Action 2: Stride
Action 3: Strike
Reaction: Opportune Backstab
Kelvin, who cannot be easily fooled by illusions, spots what the dragon did. "He's to the west of us!"Trying to use Point Out, though Kelvin is invisible so I'm not sure how well this'll work
He moves up to Dahak and stabs out with his spear. I'd like to keep that roll from before please :) Strike vs Dahak (Flat-footed?):20 + 35 = 55 Damage (P + Son/Elec/Force):29 + 14 + 6 + 3 + 3 = 55 plus Weakness 5 to Slashing and Piercing
Opportune Backstab:
Again reusing my rolls please :) Strike vs Dahak (Flat-footed?):17 + 33 = 50 Damage (P + Son/Elec/Force):28 + 14 + 2 + 3 + 4 = 51 plus Weakness 5 to Slashing and Piercing
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
Action 1: Strike
Action 2-3: Ready (Strike)
Kelvin takes a page from Raspar's book at decides to stab the body once more for good measure.
Strike vs Dead Dahak (Flat-Footed):1d20 + 35 ⇒ (20) + 35 = 55 Damage (P + Son/Elec/Force):8d6 + 14 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 1, 3, 3, 6, 4, 5) + 14 + (6) + (3) + (3) = 55
"Too easy by half," the dwarf says, readying to strike the next foe to get within his reach.
Still benefitting from his invisibility, Kelvin moves to flank Dahak on silent steps.
Stealth vs DC 56:1d20 + 33 ⇒ (8) + 33 = 41
It's not as quiet as he'd like however.
That doesn't stop him from thrusting with his spear in an attempt to skewer the dragon.
Strike vs Dahak (Flat-footed):1d20 + 35 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 35 + 1 = 38 Damage (P + Sonic/Elec/Force):8d6 + 12 + 2 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 4, 2, 5, 6, 6, 1) + 12 + 2 + (4) + (5) + (4) = 58 plus Weakness 5 to Slashing and Piercing
And because he stays within the dread dragon aura, the dwarf must contend with that danger...
Reflex save vs DC 45 (Aura):1d20 + 34 ⇒ (5) + 34 = 39 Success
Damage:10d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 6, 6, 2, 2, 4, 1, 2, 4) = 34 Only 14 damage to Kelvin
Opportune Backstab:
Strike vs Melee Opponent (Flat-footed):1d20 + 33 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 33 + 1 = 51 Damage (P + Sonic/Elec/Force):8d6 + 12 + 2 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 5, 4, 5, 4, 5, 4, 2) + 12 + 2 + (2) + (1) + (4) + 1 = 56 plus Weakness 5 to Slashing and Piercing
PLUS DC 42 Fort save vs Master Strike (Killed)
Kelvin does his best to quietly sneak forward, hoping to become invisible to the dragon.
Stealth vs DC 56:1d20 + 33 ⇒ (14) + 33 = 47 Nice! Failure equals success when sneaking, thus allowing Kelvin to trigger Hidden Paragon. He's invisible for the next minute (which isn't broken by hostile actions. Plus Foil Senses should make it hard for him. Dahak would need to Seek to find Kelvin.
Reflex save vs DC 45 (Aura):1d20 + 35 ⇒ (6) + 35 = 41 Aura damage (halved):10d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 6, 5, 3, 6, 3, 6, 6, 5) = 47 / 2 is 23. 4 of that is fire, so Kelvin only takes 19 damage. His temp hp from Rage soaks that up
Hidden from view, the raging dwarf strikes out with a powerful blow.
Strike vs Dahak (Flat-footed):1d20 + 35 ⇒ (10) + 35 = 45 Damage (P + Sonic/Elec/Force):8d6 + 12 + 2 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 6, 3, 4, 6, 5, 2) + 12 + 2 + (4) + (4) + (1) = 58 plus Weakness 5 to Slashing and Piercing (using Powerful Sneak)
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
Action 1: Sneak
Action 2: Sneak
Action 3: Sneak
Kelvin growls, then moves south towards Dahak. Knowing that the dragon has the ability to detect things by smell, Kelvin retrieves a bit of sulphur from a pouch and rubs it on his hands. The smell is strong enough that it fills the air, making him impossible to pinpoint by scent. Kelvin has Foil Senses. And I will once more try to Sneak with Hidden Paragon (hopefully) triggering. Stealth vs DC 56:1d20 + 32 ⇒ (2) + 32 = 34Dang. Still no luck. Need to get a 15+ to pull this off
Kelvin goes deadly quiet, attempting to disappear completely from sight, then moves forward quietly.
Hide and Sneak:
This is a secret check, so with the Frightened 2 Kelvin is +31 Stealth vs Dahak's Perception DC. To make life easier I will roll (if you'll allow it).
Stealth vs Perception DC:1d20 + 31 ⇒ (10) + 31 = 41
I'm guessing this doesn't beat his DC.
When Kelvin uses the Sneak action (which he can do in plain sight) he again rolls Stealth vs Dahak's Perception DC.
Stealth vs Perception DC:1d20 + 31 ⇒ (3) + 31 = 34
With Sneak Savant a failure (not a crit failure) becomes a success. If this succeeds somehow then I will use Hidden Paragon. That means that he is Invisible. Not even revealing light, see the unseen, or similar effects can reveal him. Though Dahak can use the Seek action to find him
He stops, hands gripping Craghorn's Fury. His anger mixes with his fear, but it's the anger that manifests. It pours out from the spear, crashing into Dakapos and Cuthberwyn's minds like an emotional storm. One that bolsters them with a hardy resolve for what's to come.
Dakapos and Cuthberwyn both have 25 temp HP for a minute
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
"And you should realize that if you don't get better, you've got heroes right in front of you who will end you. You can doubt yourself now, but soon that won't be a luxury we'll let you continue. Be better. Now." Intimidation vs DC 46:1d20 + 32 ⇒ (20) + 32 = 52
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
Kelvin, whose senses never lead him astray, looks around as well.
Kelvin is under a constant True Seeing, so he won't need to use his new ability
"Honestly, I'd say we're heroes aplenty. Dak is being too modest is all. But given that we've fought off slavers and slain a Manifestation of Dahak already, it'd be hard to say we're not heroes."
Kelvin grin when one of the devils drops and Dak rushes to engage the other. "HOLD ON, YOU HASTY ELF! LEAVE SOME FOR ME!"
He makes the few steps needed to get to the lone devil, rage filling him as he does so. "DIE, BAT-MAN!" Strike vs Red (Off-Guard):1d20 + 35 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 35 + 1 = 47 Damage (P + Son/Elec/Forc):8d6 + 14 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 5, 3, 5, 6, 1, 4, 6) + 14 + (5) + (5) + (1) + 1 = 57 plus Weakness 5 to Slashing and Piercing
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
Reflex save 1, DC 42:1d20 + 34 ⇒ (8) + 34 = 42 Reflex save 1, DC 42:1d20 + 34 ⇒ (16) + 34 = 50
Kelvin avoids the fire from both fireballs with relative ease. "That the best you got!? HAHAHA!"
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
"Makes sense. A shame that they're not going to fool us into something so easy." GM - If it matters, Kelvin benefits from a constant True Seeing thanks to True Perception
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
"This place is full of tricks," Kelvin says. "Can't say I like this one either."
"Thrune! You're dead and your time has passed. Probably your soul is bound and burning somewhere in Hell. But you're not actually here. So give up the farce and get gone from here."
"And if you're dumb enough to think I'm wrong," Kelvin says, attempting to move within 30ft of the diabolist. "Then you should know that, on this day, I'll rearrange the mangled body parts of your corpse into the most profane shape that even Asmodeus will blush from the sheer embarrassment." If allowed, I'd like to use Scare to Death on Thrune. If not, ignore the below roll Intimidate vs Thrune's Will DC:1d20 + 32 ⇒ (18) + 32 = 50 If that, by some miracle, is a Crit Success then Thrune needs to make a DC 42 Fort save or die
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
Kelvin smacks the butt of his spear against the ground. "Barely an inconvenience compared to the last gate. I'm looking forward to seeing what vengeance there is on the other side of this gate."
He'll step through the Vengegate with Raspar, weapon poised for stabbing.
Kelvin, still invisible, rushes the Tzitzimitl. He has no idea what it is, but that's never really stopped him before.
Strike vs Tzitzimitl (Flat-footed):1d20 + 35 ⇒ (4) + 35 = 39 Damage (P + Sonic/Elec/Force):4d6 + 12 + 4d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 2, 3) + 12 + (5, 5, 2, 2) + (6) + (6) + (2) = 48 plus Weakness 5 to Slashing and Piercing
His spear misses the target, but he waits for an opening created by a Dakapos.
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
Action 1: Sneak
Action 2-3: Ready (Strike)
Capable of hiding literally anywhere, Kelvin sneaks forward.
Kelvin has Swift Sneak, Legendary Sneak, Sneak Savant, and Hidden Paragon (which triggers on a successful use of Sneak).
Sneak:
Stealth vs Perception DC:1d20 + 32 ⇒ (20) + 32 = 52
Unless this is a crit fail, Kelvin should effectively be invisible for 1 minute. This can't be broken by him attacking
He disappears from view moving closer to their foe. He then waits, looking for the creature to move closer for him to strike.
Kelvin shouts a challenge at the next Xotani and flies towards it. With a series feints the rogue claws at the beast with the Cinderclaw Gauntlet.
Strike vs Green (Flat-footed):1d20 + 35 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 35 + 1 = 48 Damage (B + Sonic/Elec/Force):4d4 + 14 + 4d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 4, 4, 1) + 14 + (5, 2, 5, 1) + (5) + (6) + (2) + 1 = 52 plus Weakness 5 to Bludgeoning and Slashing AND Master Strike (DC 42 Fort save)
Strike vs Green (Flat-footed):1d20 + 31 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 31 + 1 = 49 Damage (B + Sonic/Elec/Force):4d4 + 14 + 4d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 2, 1, 2) + 14 + (4, 2, 1, 2) + (3) + (6) + (5) + 1 = 44 plus Weakness 5 to Bludgeoning and Slashing AND Master Strike (if the previous attack missed... DC 42 Fort save)
Kelvin's fury bubbles like the lava below, and so he does what he does best: he tries to kill the source of his anger. But instead of using his spear the cunning dwarf punches with all of his might.
Strike vs Red (Flat-footed):1d20 + 35 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 35 + 1 = 50 Damage (B + Sonic/Elec/Force):4d4 + 14 + 4d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 3, 3, 4) + 14 + (6, 3, 1, 6) + (6) + (4) + (6) + 1 = 60 plus Weakness 5 to Slashing and Bludgeoning
Kelvin waits for Dakapos to make his charge before activating his magic boots and taking to the air. He dwarf flies at the Xotani and stabs with his spear.
Strike vs Red (Flat-footed):1d20 + 35 ⇒ (15) + 35 = 50 Damage (P + Sonic/Elec/Force):4d6 + 12 + 4d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 4, 1) + 12 + (4, 1, 3, 4) + (2) + (5) + (3) = 47 plus Weakness 5 to Slashing and Piercing
"Tough to kill? These things haven't met a Craghorn yet! HA!"
Kelvin is impressed with how much Raspar is able to assess while taking cover behind a rock.
Spotting an opening on the same foe as before, he hurls his prized spear. "Die, you great big flaming centipede!" Strike vs Red (Flat-footed):1d20 + 35 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 35 + 1 = 56 Damage (P + Sonic/Elec/Force):4d6 + 12 + 4d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4, 2, 2, 4) + 12 + (6, 3, 1, 6) + (1) + (6) + (5) + 1 = 53 plus Weakness 5 to Slashing and Piercing PLUS DC 42 Fort save vs Master Strike
He then moves to a different position on the battlefield.
Master Strike:
Critical Success The target is unaffected.
Success The target is enfeebled 2 until the end of your next turn.
Failure The target is paralyzed for 4 rounds.
Critical Failure The target is paralyzed for 4 rounds, knocked unconscious for 2 hours, or killed (your choice). I choose killed
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
Action 1: Stride
Action 2-3: Returning Throw
"Looks like we're going to mix it up with these uglies," Kelvin says, moving up beside Raspar. He throws Craghorn's Fury, the weapon striking and bouncing back towards him so he can snatch it out of the air.
Strike vs Red (Flat-footed):1d20 + 33 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 33 - 2 = 34 Damage (P + Son/Elec/Force):4d6 + 12 + 4d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 3, 5) + 12 + (5, 6, 1, 2) + (4) + (2) + (5) = 48 plus Weakness 5 to Piercing and Slashing, plus DC DC 42 Fort save vs Master Strike
Master Strike Details:
If it matters, this ability has the Incapacitation trait.
Critical Success The target is unaffected.
Success The target is enfeebled 2 until the end of your next turn.
Failure The target is paralyzed for 4 rounds.
Critical Failure The target is paralyzed for 4 rounds, knocked unconscious for 2 hours, or killed (your choice).... I choose killed.
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
Kelvin looks at all of these portals, trying to make heads or tails of what he's seeing. "Do we need to pass through them all? Or do we just enter, say, the Dreamgate and see if we can find the manifestation's prison?"
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
"Spearhead is the wrong shape," Kelvin says, keeping his spear close to himself. "You want something closer to a shovel for that task, so the seeds don't spill off."
"How about this: we finish up with this business and I'll make you a set of nigh-indestructible gardening tools. Sound good?"
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
Kelvin meticulously inspects the smithy that the Guiding Chisel created for him. "It'll do. Now I need to get that block of metal into this place."
Describing the block as 'heavy' would be an understatement; it's a colossal feat of strength to move it. Fortunately for Kelvin, struggling just makes him mad. He rages, and that rage is just what he needs to get it in. Still seething, he kicks the metal block, stubbing his toe and reigniting his rage.
As Kelvin gradually regains his composure, he focuses on the critical task of heating the forge to the precise temperature required for working with adamantine. During one of Cabaguil's check-ins, the dwarf is found manically operating the bellows, sweat pouring off of the completely naked dwarf. "Sorry! Was getting tired of embers burning holes in my tunic and breeches. Don't worry, I'm not shy. It's gonna take me all day to get this to the right temperature for adamantine. Hey, you wouldn't mind getting a keg of beer brought down? I'd go for some Oakfist Ale if they somehow got some imported from Trunau."
By the second day, the relentless heat has given Kelvin the appearance of a sunburn. The adamantine is now in a molten state. "Alright, now comes the hard part. No turning back now."
Walking over to a nearby table, Kelvin retrieves the orichalcum gauntlet he had been using recently. "Something made in Promise. By a master craftsman, no doubt," Kelvin says, dropping the gauntlet into the molten adamantine. The magical energies within spark and burst as the weapon melts and mixes in. Kelvin then picks up Ogogoro's Pride, his cherished spear. "I named you after your previous owner, but let's not kid ourselves: you're mine. It's time to free you from your past and shape your future."
With those final words, Kelvin gently submerges his prized spear into the molten adamantine. The wooden shaft of Ogogoro's Pride disintegrates instantly, followed quickly by the spearhead.
The remainder of the second day is a blur, with Kelvin mourning the loss of his spear. It's debatable whether things improve or deteriorate when Cabaguil arrives with the requested keg, as the dwarf quickly gets drunk. And when Kelvin drinks this much, he sings. If anyone were there, they'd have heard this:
"In the heart o' the mountain, where darknesh did dwell,
I forgedh my trushty weapon, my prrride, my shtory to tell.
With sweath and with fire, I shap'd it with care,
A companion in battle, beyon' compare.
But now it'sh gone, losht to the depths below,
Oh, how the tears in my eyesh freely flow.
In the cavernsh sho deep, where shhadows do creep,
I mourn for my weapon, my treasure, my keep."
Day three begins with a hangover, one he works through. His deep voice sings along with each hammer strike, his heart full with a newfound love for the craft. He is a dwarf with a purpose, a path. But he also spends the day swearing a lot, and drinking even more. "Gotta shtay hydrated," he says at one point, justifying the excess.
For eleven days straight, Kelvin works at the forge. He sings, he curses, he drinks, he sweats, and he forges.
On the twelfth day, he awakens amidst the smithy's disarray, having collapsed within. The unattended forge has cooled, but Kelvin's body is riddled with blisters. His once-braided beard is singed, its hairs fused together in clumps. The beer keg lies empty and shattered. Never before has Kelvin come so close to death as he did while forging his new weapon, Craghorn's Fury.
The magical adamantine spear rests discarded on the floor, several feet from Kelvin. It is a masterpiece of sheer beauty.
Crafting Mechanics:
First off, Kelvin crafts an Adamantine Spear (level 17). This is using the new crafting rules, but the mechanics are basically the same.
He must meet all the requirements, which are:
- Item level vs PC level: Level 20. CHECK
- Crafting proficiency rank: Legendary proficiency. CHECK
- Required crafting feats: Magical Crafting. CHECK
- Must have tools: Blacksmith's Tools. Guiding Chisel to create a Forge. CHECK
- Must have formula: Basic Crafter's Book. Craft Anything. CHECK
- 50% of price in materials: Slab of adamantine worth 17K (7425.05 - Spear costs 14850.1 total). CHECK
Then he sets up the project. Given that the item is -3 Kelvin's level it takes 4 days.
After the 4 days Kelvin rolls a Crafting skill check (DC 38 due to Uncommon rarity). His modifier is +28, +2 from Specialty Crafting. But all of this is moot since Kelvin can use Assurance with Crafting for a 38.
Finishing the project requires that Kelvin spend more days (he won't, though he's technically not done) or spend the remaining 50% of materials to finish crafting the spear (he will). This leaves 2149.9gp worth of adamantine.
Now, to transfer transfer the Runes. The list is as follows
- +3 Rune: 895gp, DC 35 Crafting (done with Assurance)
- Major Striking Rune (pulled from his +3 speed major striking greater brilliant greater corrosive greater impactful orichalcum spiked gauntlet): 3106.5gp, DC 39 Crafting, so it requires a roll
Crafting vs DC 39:1d20 + 30 ⇒ (1) + 30 = 31 Argh. Thankfully, I can try again (though it costs money).
Crafting vs DC 39:1d20 + 30 ⇒ (11) + 30 = 41
- Impactful Rune: 100gp, DC 27 Crafting (done with Assurance)
- Shock Rune: 50gp, DC 24 Crafting (done with Assurance)
- Thundering Rune: 50gp, DC 24 Crafting (done with Assurance)
Total cost is 4199.5gp, part of which is funded by the remaining adamantine, and the rest is from the spiked gauntlet (which I'm technically selling to fund this, but really narratively I'm scrapping it completely.
Finally, to make this weapon unique I'm first adding a Quirk The book says I can just choose one, but I'd like to see if the dice come up with something suitable first.
Quirk:1d100 ⇒ 87
HAH! Hair-growing. Users hair grows at twice the rate. That's a keeper.
To make this a proper unique weapon, we need to add an ability to it that falls outside the usual. Given that this weapon has been in the hands of someone who has raged EVERY SINGLE FIGHT, I figured something that borrows from the Barbarian abilities could be cool. So I stole a bit what the Level 17 Flame Tongue ability does.
Activate [one-action] command Frequency once per day; Effect A 10-foot emanation of primal rage radiates from Kelvin's Fury. Allies within the area gain 25 temporary hit points for 1 minute. This is a emotion and mental effect.
Lastly, I'd like to say that, on the day that Kelvin dies his spirit doesn't leave to be judged by Pharasma. Instead, it fuses with his prized weapon and it becomes an Intelligent weapon.
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
"Alright, good enough," Kelvin says, satisfied that a decision has been made. He looks again to Mengkare and says, "Dragon, I'll be taking that slab of adamantine off of you then. If you'll let me use the space here, I'll make a promise to you: I will craft a weapon of such beauty, that will serve me in our battle to come. And on my deathbed, when I'm a long old dwarf, my progeny will bring this weapon back to you, a prize for your treasure hoard. Fair? Fair."
He waits only a second or two for the dragon to acquiese before he begins the task. Literally.
Rummaging around in his backpack, Kelvin retrieves the Guiding Chisel, a magical item that, up to this point, has been used exclusively as they key to the Duskgate. To a stonemason it's a wonderful tool. But to Kelvin it's a way to get to work. He finds a bit of space within Mengkare's cavernous large and wedges the chisel into the ground. "This part takes a few minutes. But once it's ready, there'll be a smithy for me to work."
Approximately ten minutes later Kelvin says, "Alright, it's cooked enough." He pulls the chisel from the floor, and a relatively small smithy appears!
"Now, I'm going to be here for... well, it'll take me probably a week and a half. But after that, I'll be ready. Check in with me then." Separate post with all the crafting bits to follow
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
Kelvin considers the apparatus, listening to the music. "Aye, it is soothing isn't it? Well then, fair enough. I'd be a real jerk to take that away from you."
He then looks at the slab of adamantine. "Months or years eh? Maybe time enough to put hammer to anvil and craft a weapon worthy of slaying the manifestation for good?" Anyway we can get a bit of downtime in?
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
Kelvin raises an eyebrow, then waded into the piles of coins, gems and treasure with the most dwarven grin you can get.
When he spots the belt of regeneration he picks it up. Turning it over in his hands he says, "You know, if I expected another fight I'd say this is my pick."
He puts the belt down and moves over to a suit of armor emblazoned with the symbol of Torag. "This would be a nice gift for Dori. But he'd just give me crap for not making it myself. He'd tell me to take that slab of adamantine and make something that honours his god. Such a stuffy old codger."
Finally Kelvin stops when he comes across an inexplicable apparatus that hums working songs whenever it’s in use. He turns to Mengkare. "Ok, I'll bite. Just what is this?"
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
"My friend isn't wrong," Kelvin says, agreeing with Cabaguil. "And you might be thinking that we're just another group of adventurers who are hell-bend on being your foe. Who want to take advantage of you. But we're not. We just want this madness to stop."
He then retrieves the shards of the orb of dragonkind that he collected. He walks a few steps forward and tosses them onto the dragon hoard. "If we'd wanted to control you, we'd have run off with these. We'd have looked for a way to repair the orb, and you'd be made a slave for a third time. But, as I said, we don't like slavery. But someone could argue that stopping you, whatever the means, is for the 'greater good'. But there's always another way. We're giving you a choice here."
"Also, I'm not afraid of a fight. What's one more dragon?" Kelvin says, glaring with a latent fury at Mengkare.
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
"I have to break the news to you, dragon, but just because you're old doesn't make you right. I've grown up around old dwarves, and have regularly been treated as an upstart. A rebel. But this whole 'greater good' thing is horseshit. It's lazy, and shows no creativity."
He glowers at the dragon. "If you were strong enough, you would sacrifice your for this ritual. But you know what? I'm stronger than you. In a short time I and my friends here have been able to save Breachill, defeat a cult of Dahak worshippers called the Cinderclaw, topple the Scarlet Triad, take over a gladiators guild, and so much more. What I've learned is that the older you are, the slower you are. And I don't think you have it in you to actually solve this. But I do." VOLUNTEERING THEMSELVES (Intimidation):1d20 + 28 ⇒ (2) + 28 = 30
Hero Point
VOLUNTEERING THEMSELVES (Intimidation):1d20 + 28 ⇒ (19) + 28 = 47
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
Kelvin gives a glance at Cabaguil and Cuthberwyn. When neither speaks right away, Kelvin opens his mouth. "I will give you respect, Mengkare. You are a powerful dragon, no doubt about that. But we're here in Promise because of things that you did. It may seem like a crack in a cave wall to you, but that crack ran through the mineshaft. It's a dwarven analogy, but let me be plain: we're here because of what happened to us in Breachill. Let me tell you my tale."
"Ever since I was young I had dreams. Nightmares really.
Fires raging, burning people I loved to cinder and ash. For a long time I dreaded sleeping. My father couldn't make heads or tails of it. Nor my mum. Until one day I found a book in a library. I'm not a reader, but somehow... I knew. That book was a series of fables about the dragon god Dahak. I'm sure you know of him. I read and read, sure there was a connection. And then one day I had a clear enough dream. It was of a town, of Breachill. Burning. I couldn't let that happen. So me and my dad's best friend went to Breachill. And we arrived in time to be caught in a room that was set on fire by an agent of the Scarlet Triad. You know of them too, I'm sure."
Kelvin looks up at the dragon, gaze focused and intense. "So me and some other fine folks who helped the people in Breachill, people you see before you, got curious. Why would people want to hurt the fine folk of Breachill? We dug into it and... turns out that the Scarlet Triad are a bunch of slave-trading bastards. People you employed. And then we found an elf gate, and kept finding the triad on the other side of these elf gates. They had control and influence in a lot of places, and in each place they were up to no good. But don't worry about that. We stopped them. We don't like slavers."
"But their meddling forced the release of a manifestation of Dahak from the gate in Breachill. Attacked the people, wreaking havoc. A real mess. But don't you worry. We killed it. Yeah, killed the manifestation of Dahak. Got me a trophy of that dragon's head which, when I'm done, I'm going to figure out how to get it mounted on a wall."
The next words come out through gritted teeth. "And then we came here. Because there's still a member of the Scarlet Triad that is probably here. And we learned that the benevolent gold dragon of Promise means to sacrifice the good people here for some imagined 'greater good'. Because of Dahak. Because of the manifestation in the gates. As if that were the only way to solve this. A gold dragon collected all of these talented people, like an experiment. And instead of having all of this might help you fight Dahak in the gates, you planned to... throw them all away? Maybe I'm not that smart, but it sure boggles my mind."
"So, given that we've done all these heroics to clean up messes, to get here today, I'd say our first 'intent' in Promise is to get some answers. Just what are you thinking?"
GM:
No idea if this requires a roll. And not sure if it falls under Diplomacy or Intimidation, but here's a roll
Roll:1d20 ⇒ 17
Diplomacy is +24, Intimidation is +28
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
Kelvin's approach to finding information about the dragon is to talk to folks who claim to be experts on him. Basically, anyone willing to boast about their leader, or about what they know about their leader.
Gather Information (Diplomacy):1d20 + 24 ⇒ (3) + 24 = 27
He doesn't get very far.
That said, Kelvin is something of an expert on dragons. He's up on the lore of gold dragons, and on Mengkare.
Dragon Lore:1d20 + 19 ⇒ (20) + 19 = 39
HP 310/310 | AC 44 (43 with Rage)| Fort +31, Refl +34, Will +29 | Perc +29 (+31 vs traps) (darkvision, true seeing) | Stealth +32| Default Exploration: [url=Search (Constant Avoid Notice)| Speed 25 | Hero Points 1/3 | Active conditions: Deny Advantage, Improved Evasion, Resist Fire 10, Resist Force 10, Resist B/P/S 5, Trap Spotter, True Seeing
"Thought you might say that. Well, good for you that Mengkare seems to have been the root of our problems for awhile now. And Raspar here," he thumbs a finger at the Desnan, "He pulls weeds with the deepest of roots. And I stab what comes out."
Kelvin shrugs. "I'm borrowing metaphors. You get me though."
"Anyhow, we want to have a chat with Mengkare. You know a way? And you know a place we can have that chat that's away from any collateral damage? The chat might not stay pleasant, if you catch my meaning."
