Doors, weapons and plans
Subject Taking a listen
IC: "So these things sound even larger and bigger than me? OK, at least we have something to go on"
OOC: Once we determine if we have the Enlarge Person spell available, Harp is going to suggest once they enter the room the spell caster be ready to cast it on Mund. Harp will also be ready to cast Bulls Strength on Mund.
Is Mund ok with that plan?
From: Derek
Subject Taking a listen
Allstair has enlarge person memorized. "However, is it still wise for us to charge into the room? In the previous rooms, we had a much more favorable outcome when we simply opened the doors and let the monsters come to us. Charging in blindly has been nearly disasterous, especially in the last room with those undead things."
From: Kevin
Subject Taking a listen
IC: "I don't plan on rushing in any where. I do want to have a basic plan to fall back on if we run into a couple of 12' tall trolls, or maybe a giant, or something else really big. IF what is in there cannot get through the doors, then we can sit back and think up something else."
OOC: If Mund is OK with the potential of getting up-sized, then Harp will suggest that they move forward and slowly open the door trying to get an idea of what is inside the room.
From: Josh
Subject Taking a listen
OOC: Kal's plan is to sit in the back line for the beginning of this fight. He doesn't want to cast bull's strength yet, but wants to be out of danger so he can.
From: Randy
Subject Taking a listen
"Why don't we send Mund to the door to make a lot of noise and open the door. Mund can then turn tail and run back to join us in the main room. With any luck, the creature will follow him and Allistair can be ready with a fireball from the end of the corridor. Mund is quick and so he should have plenty of time to make the retreat. The only problem I see with this idea is that the creature may not take the bait. What do you guys think?"
From: Karl
Subject Taking a listen
Or the creature might not fit through the door. (just sayin')
From: Ashley
Subject Taking a listen
but aren't the doors ginormous?
From: Mark
Subject Doors
The whole door mechanism takes up about a 10 foot wide section, left to right and up and down. The doors themselves are not 10 X 10. When I mean the mechanism, I am talking about the door frame, hinge assembly, locking/latching mechanism. The actual opening of the door itself is closer to -8 feet across and the same high.
They are large doors by our standards but not by "dungeon" standards. :)
From: Porter
Subject Plans
Mund is surprised to hear Harp suggest that Mund receive the buffing. In the past, it always appeared that Harp wanted the buffs and the glory himself. But Harp *has* been letting others go in as the first wave. Perhaps Mund misjudged this orc. Sure, he's got a bug up his butt, and hates himself, but for all that he ain't that bad.
Mund has nothing against getting buffed up, but he listens to his brother and agrees that they should see if they can defeat this next creature with guile instead of Mund's blood.
From: Karl
Subject Doors
-8 feet? So they are dimension doors?
From: Mark
Subject Doors
I expected better jokes from you Karl. That is on my brothers level. :)
From: Kevin
Subject Plans
"Not a bad idea, but I would still like to get an idea what it is? Knowing our luck, it will turn out that it can't be hurt by fire.
Mund and I, with you, Ranthir and Kal behind us, will open the door a little bit to try and see what it is. The rest will hang back a bit by the main room. If this thing looks like it can make its way through the door, then we hightail it back into the main room, and let Allistair do his fireball thing and then we can beat the hell out of it. If it looks like it can't fit through the door (like those big bugs a few rooms back), then we can have the others come back and we can work something out. If this thing is as big as Surin thinks it is, then I think at least one of us should be their size, and our friend Mund here seems to be anxious to give it a try."
OOC: Sound like a plan?
From: Mark
Subject Weapons
Also, I want a weapons list. What weapons does your character have in hand when this goes down.
From: Porter
Subject Weapons
Axe (nonmagical :( )
From: Randy
Subject Weapons
Crossbow.
From: Jason
Subject Weapons
Ragnar will have his longsword and shield in hand.
From: Karl
Subject Weapons
Salix will have his shield in one hand and the other hand free.
From: Josh
Subject Weapons
Kal's got his rapier.
From: Mark
Subject Weapons
Ok I am going to assume that Allistair does not want a weapon in hand, that Harp will use his sword and shield and that Surin will use his throwing axes.
I need to know when the enlarge person spell will be cast, before or after the door is opened. I also need to know who is down by the door when it is opened.
From: Kevin
Subject Plans
OOC: The plan is for Harp and Mund to be directly in front of the door (Harp will have his sword in hand, shield in the other, with Mund opening the door). Allistair (and Salix, Surin and Ragnar with Ragnar more toward the front) will be 25-30 feet back, so that he can move forward as Mund does and cast the Enlarge Person spell on Mund when Harp gives him the order (Allistairs instructions will be to cast it when Harp or Mund calls for him to do so- if we come back toward him, he is not supposed to cast it. Mund will have to wait for Allistair to cast but he will want to just be in the room as this happens (maybe a 5 ft step?). I expect Ran and Kal will follow Harp and Mund into the room (assuming they actually enter the room). the other 4 can move up closer to the door as they see fit
Mark, please play it that if we see a 20 foot tall creature that looks like it would have a tough time fiting through the door way that we back away and see how we can do this without entering the room.
If I am over playing this and committing your guys characters to things that they would not do, say so. Harp is just trying to organize his assets (like having a Holocaust cloak and not knowing about it) to best effect.
Prep work, turn and big teeth
Subject prep work
Everything looks good to me. Now where did Harp put that cart that the Albino had?
From: Mark
Subject Turn
Ok unless I hear from someone differently I will write up the obit, I mean turn, this afternoon.
From: Kevin
Subject Prep work
He left it in the Pit of Despair. Darn forgettful of him.
From: Mark
Subject Turn
Sorry I have not gotten anything out. I got 6 request for quote in the 1/2 hour I took for lunch and have been busting my ass to get them all done.
I may still be able to get something out before 5. If I don't it will be tomorrow at the earliest since I am busy most of the night.
From: Mark
Subject What big teeth you have
The four fighters move towards the door, leaving Ragnar, Allistair, Surin and Sailx a bit further up the hallway. When they get to the door they can still hear the noise of whatever is in the room. From here even Harp can hear the frustration and anger in the voice of whatever the creature is. Weapons ready, Harp waits until the voice seems to be a bit further from the door and signals to Mund to open the door.
The barbarian grabs the latch and opens the door. The room is brightly lit, except for the shadow that is cast by the thing on the opposite side of the room. The room looks to be 60X50 but the four hardly notices that. What they do notice is the large hulking figure that is pounding on the wall at the other side of the room. It easily stands 12 feet high , even though it is stooped over, and it seems to be almost as much across but is probably only half that. It walks with a hunched gait and its hands drag sharp claws on the ground. It turns, and a huge mouth filled with teeth opens as another scream is let go. As it stops screaming its head comes level with the party and it stops moving.
OODM: Ok what do you do? I will send out a map tonight.
From: Jason
Subject Turn
Bah, what a lame excuse. I could come up with 6 quotes in like 3 minutes. Mark Twain has some good ones.
What to do
Subject My what big teeth
OOC: Quick Poll - enter and fight or back up and let it come to us (if it can)?
Let me know
From: Karl
Subject My what big teeth
Get Allistair to fireball the thing. (Any idea what it is?)
From: Derek
Subject My what big teeth
I say we lower our weapons and try and talk to the thing. If we can talk to it, and if we could convince it we are not enemies, it could be very helpful in the succeeding rooms. (Not that I think that will happen. My hunch is all creatures in all rooms must be killed no matter how we try to roleplay the thing...) If Harp gives the signal, Allistair will send a fireball right down its throat.
From: Ashley
Subject My what big teeth
too bad he's not so big that he can't get stuck in the doorwary. Unless he's somehow unable to crouch himself two feet to get through.
From: Randy
Subject What to do
Ranthir agrees with Allistair. It stopped acting aggressively when it saw us so perhaps it can be communicated/reasoned with. If it shows any signs of aggression, Allistair can whip off that fireball as we run like little girls down the hallway.
From: Mark
Subject What to do
A couple of things. Only the 4 fighters at the door have actually seen it. The others are about 25 feet back from the door. Right now there is no way Allistair can cast a fireball at it.
Also, the creatures response seems more one of surprise than calming down. Time is frozen at the moment, with Harp and Mund sort of looking at the thing and it is looking back. I will do an initiative roll for the four at the door and the creature and you can plan your actions from there.
From: Karl
Subject What to do
Well, it stopped what it was doing. It might very well have stopped so it could figure out what we are and how best we might be killed. I *supposed* you could say that's not agressive *action*. . . ;-)
From: Mark
Subject At the door
Initiative: Kal (24), creature (18), Harp (16), Ranthir (11), Mund (5).
Kal stands behind Harp as Mund opens the door, tensing himself to be ready for anything. As the door is opened they can all see the hulking figure at the other side of the room. It takes it a second before it turns and notices them and it stops its angered howling just for a second. Kal tenses himself to react if the thing does anything hostile. When the creature looks right at them, its six eyes all focusing on them, Kal can tell that this is not going to end well. The thing gives a horrendous scream and charges the door. Kal leaps between Mund and Harp, who seem not to have realized what was happening yet, and pulls the door shut. Just as the door latches close, its frame and the wall around shudder with the impact of the beast.
The four stand there for a second, ready to defend themselves when the creature breaks down the door. However, although they can hear the pounding from the beast on the other side, and the door shakes and shudders at each blow, it surprisingly does not break.
From: Josh
Subject What to do
"Lets open the door and fight it. A fireball isn't going to be very effective against this opponent -- He's very fast and he's close to us. We have no way to put distance between whoever opens the door and this creature.
There's only one of him and 8 of us. We can defeat it."
If everyone decides to open the door and fight it, Kal wil first cast Bulls Strength on himself. (Before we open the door).
From: Josh
Subject What to do
Kal takes a 5 foot step back and says calmly. "Give the word Harp".
He then prepares to cast Bulls Strength on himself.
From: Kevin
Subject What to do
Harp watches as the creature stares them down, and then charges across the room toward them. Harp just stood there, with Mund, watching as it bears down on them. Just at the last second, Kal jumps between them and yanks the door shut, the beast crushing into the door on the other side. Harp breaks from his seeming trance and says to Kal "At least one of us was awake. God's, how big that thing is"
He listens as Kal suggests attacking it, now the obvious plan since the creature had shown itself to be overly aggressive. For a moment there, Harp thought that the thing might not attack, but it was not to be so. Harp motions for the others to follow him back to where the rest of the group is.
Harp describes the creature (and the room layout) to Salix and Allistair, asking them if they know what it is from the description. He will also say to the rest of the group "It looks like we are going to have to fight that thing, but I want to wait a few minutes to see if it will leave the door. I want some room around the door if we can get it. Allistair, I think we are going to want to have you use that Enlarge Person spell on Mund when we fight this thing. I want at least one of us to be close to its size - hopefully Mund will get the brunt of its attention while the rest of us harry it from the back and side. Mund, I will also ask for the Battle Lords blessing to increase your strength, so you can sink that battle axe of yours even deeper into that thing than normal."
Harp will wait to hear from Salix or Allistair.
OOC: Any other ideas? I am thinking of waiting for a 1/2 hour or so, then bursting back into the room, Mund growing in size as he enters and taking center stage while the rest of us work our way to its sides. Any other suggestions or nifty ideas are welcome.
From: Porter
Subject What to do
"That ain't a bad plan, and it sounds like fun. I'd love to fight that giant on his own level," Mund says with a toothy grin.
"As fun as it would be, let me throw another idea out there. We can handle this like we handled the ogre. Everybody goes down the hall. I'll poke my head in and get him to chase me, putting an arrow in his hide if I have to. While coming down the hall, several of us including Allistair can attack him from a distance. He chases me down the hall until he's surrounded by everybody and we gang up on him."
From: Mark
Subject What to do
Um, I tried to make it obvious. The thing can not fit through the door.
From: Porter
Subject What to do
Why not? It's 12 feet tall and the door is 8/8 feetl. That's like a six foot tall man going through a 4/4 opening -- easy if you crouch or get on your hands and knees.
From: Derek
Subject What to do
Sweet! Projectiles and polearms time!
(It wasn't obvious to me either for some reason...)
From: Josh
Subject What to do
DnD protip #1: Dont argue with the DM when his ruling helps you.
:-D
From: Porter
Subject What to do
OOC: OK, then let's use this this turn for Mund:
IC:
"That ain't a bad plan, and it sounds like fun. I'd love to fight that giant on his own level," Mund says with a toothy grin.
"But it looked to me like he couldn't get through the door no matter how hard he tried. Unless he's got some boulders or something in there, he can't hurt us less'n we go in there. Maybe we can kill him like we killed those giant bugs -- from a distance."
From: Mark
Subject What to do
You are going to have to trust me on this. Due to the physical make of of the thing it can not get through the door. The 12 foot hight already includes the fact that it is seriously hunched over. There are also other factors involved that I can not go into since no character knows what it is.
From: Porter
Subject What to do
OK. I hadn't realized that the 12 foot thing was already hunched over. Thanks for the clarification.
From: Mark
Subject What to do
Harp, Kal and Mund did note that the thing had very long arms. In fact they dragged on the ground.
From: Kevin
Subject What to do
Harp responds " Your right, I would like to take it out from a distance, but (as he looks at his empty bolt case) I don't know how many arrows and bolts we have left. We went through a lot of them on those big bugs.
But, your brother Allistair can probably hit that thing with a fireball without too much trouble, and then while it is running aound in pain, we can move in, pump you up to its size, let you take the lead while the rest of us pester it from the sides. If you keep its attention, Ragnar can probably make sure you don't get too hurt - those claws look like they can do some real damage.
OOC: Proposed plan - after a few more minutes, Mund goes up to the door, opens it, and then runs back down the hallway toward where the rest of us are waiting. While Allistair throws the fireball when he sees the creature, Harp will cast Bless on the group. While it is burning, we head down the hallway to the room, normal order, Allistair casting Enlarge Peson on Mund while Harp casts Bulls Strength on Mund (Kal has already said he plans on casting BS on himself). Mund grows as he enters the room and takes the point in attacking the creature. Ran and Harp head to one side,Kal, Salix and Surin the other, trying to get in flanking positions. Ragnar stays behind Mund and in front of Allistair, while Allistair casts whatever he wants.
Sound like a plan?
From: Jason
Subject What to do
If Harp/Mund like, Ragnar has prepared Shield of Faith (2 AC bonus) as well as Magic Weapon (he didn't like not being able to hurt gargoyles), both of which he can cast on Mund.
From: Josh
Subject what to do
Kal's got 3 magic missles he can fire off at the thing.
What to do cont., map and the plan
Subject What to do
Jason, I am sure Mund would appreciate the extra AC. His is going to drop alot with the extra size and if he goes into a Rage (which I expect he will do).
From: Mark
Subject Map
Here is the map of the room and the hallway outside. I would like everyone to let me know, using the grid designators where your character will be. You know like Mund is in B3, etc.
From: Karl
Subject What to do next
Salix will be wherever Harp wants him, although he will say to Harp, "I have several spells that could help in battle with this creature, but I will need line of sight to use them effectively. Where would you like me to stand?"
From: Randy
Subject What to do next
While, until the fireball is sent and we are ready to move forward Ranthir will be hanging back towards the end of the hall. He will stand behind Harp. Probably at B or C 9. He will follow Harps lead on entering the room.
From: Porter
Subject Magic weapon
The magickers talk back and forth about the different ways they can make Mund more powerful. They keep asking Mund his opinion, as though he knows anything about magick. "Whatever you think. You're the magickers." he keeps saying, barely listening to the descriptions of the magicks.
But then Ragnar describes a spell that would make it as though whatever weapon Mund is using is a magical weapon, enabling him to fight creatures like the ghost or the gargoyles. "Hell yeah!" Mund says enthusiastically. "That sounds great!"
Mund wants to find out as much as possible about this miracle spell. Out of all the magickers, who can cast it? Is it only Rangar, or can any of Harp, Salix, and Allistair as well? How many times a day? How long does it last?
From: Mark
Subject Magic weapon
OODM: Mund might become a cleric if they can make weapons magic. :)
From: Porter
Subject Magic weapon
If the stupid DM would give us some decent treasure so that Mund could have a magic weapon, he wouln't need to do that. :p
It doesn't have to be fancy. A +1 kopesh sword would do nicely. Or a dagger. Or an bracers of magic fang.
Or *ANYTHING*!!!! :grrrrrr:
From: Karl
Subject Magic weapons
Well, I've heard of worse reasons for converting. ;-)
From: Mark
Subject Magic weapons
You got some treasure off the ogres in the first room. You have gotten all these neat keys.
I mean jesh. ;)
From: Porter
Subject Magic weapons
I slayed a friggin Dragon and all I got was this lame key. <_<
From: Kevin
Subject The plan
OOC: Sorry guys, my image of the room and hallway layout were different that what it acutally is.
I am going to propose the following:
We are lined up 40-50 feet down the hallway from the door (Harp and Mund in front, Kal and Ran next, etc.). Mund moves down to the closed door, opens it and gets the creatures attention. As it rushes the door, Mund scoots back to where we are waiting. Allistair targets C2 for the fireball, catching as much of the creature in the effect as possible (burning its arms off would be good).
Allistair would have informed us of how far back we need to stand to stay out of the blast range. Once the fireball goes off, we make a move down the hallway (with Allistair casting EP on Mund, Harp BS on Mund, Kal BS on himself, Ragnar doing MW on Mund's axe. Next turn, Mund leads into the room, pushing back the creature if needed. We enter the room, Ranthir and Harp to one side, Kal and Salix to the other, Surin where ever he thinks he can get a good lick in, Ragnar close to Mund for healing if needed and as a stopper in front of Allistair. I would like to keep a healing type close by a fighter type in case this thing gets in a really good hit.
Mund will try to keep the creatures attention while the rest of us pepper it from the sides. Remember it has a 10' reach and it will get an AOO if you try to close without using a 5 ft. step.
Overly complicated, I know, but they are not going to get any easier and we need to use what we have to our advantage.
Any suggestions or improvements?
From: Mark
Subject Magic weapons
It was a baby dragon. You beat up on a child. :)
From: Porter
Subject Magic weapons
Then instead of a magic sword, I should have gotten a magic dagger. <_<
From: Karl
Subject The plan
Salix can cast Bull's Strength, too, if you think we need it. If not, he has it for the next battle.
From: Josh
Subject The plan
We're not gonna try to kill this thing with missles? Kal's got 3 MM's, I'm sure allistar's got a ton, and there's probbaly some ranged weapons among us.
From: Kevin
Subject The plan
OOC: Harp is concerned that the creature's arms are long enough to reach through the door and hit whoever might be standing there to cast spells. He would rather have a big meat shield (like Mund) occupy the things attention while the rest of us beat on it (with spells or swords, depending on what you got).
From: Kevin
Subject The plan
OOC: Karl, lets keep that in reserve at this point.
From: Josh
Subject The plan
We can all shoot from something like 30 feet. I don't think that'll be a problem.
From: Jason
Subject The plan
ooc I thought Mund might like this spell :)
Not to volunteer someone else's character's abilities here, but wouldn't call lightning work nicely here? Trapped target, plenty of time to just wait for the bolts to come. If nothing else, it might drive him away from the door so we can get in. If not, we just keep blasting it until it dies or we run out of lightning, then charge.
As for position, Ragnar will be between Allistair and the door, and close enough to Mund to hold his weapon for a round to cast magic weapon if needed. Sorry that's not an exact location, but hopefully its good enough.
IC: As Ragnar mentions that he could enchant Mund's weapon to become magical, the barbarian's impatience disappears in a wide grin. Pleased by the sudden onslaught of questions, he replies "It requires only that I handle your weapon for a moment, asking the blessing of Heironeous on it. I'm sure Harp could do the same. Your brother might be able to work the same effect by his arcane arts, but I'm not sure./ooc its a level 1 wizard spell, but only Allistair knows if he has it/IC I'm only prepared to ask for the blessing once today, but it will last for five minutes, plenty of time for one fight and possibly enough for a second. It was the gargoyles we fought the other day that made me think of it; I was unable to harm them, and simply grabbing one like you did would not have even occured to me."
From: Josh
Subject The plan
I wasn't very clear here.
We can probbaly stand on b4 and angle it in no problem. Worth a shot at least.
Round 1 set up and actions
Subject Round 1
The party spends several minutes figuring out a plan. Mund is very excited to hear that Ragnar can enchant his weapon. His enthusiasm dies only a little when he learns that it will only be temporary. He likes the idea of testing himself against this brute and seeing who comes out on top.
After about 15 minutes, the pounding at the door stops. "Let's give it 5 more minutes and then go" Harp says. The party patiently waits until Allistair tells them that 5 minutes have gone by. They review the plan one more time, Mund answering everything with a "Yeah, yeah, I know what I got to do." The party takes its place down the hall and Harp nods to Mund and the barbarian takes off down the hall. He gets to the door and takes a breath and works the latch. He shoves the door open so that it bangs against the north wall of the room. Peering in he sees the beast pounding on the far wall, just like last time.
The thing turns at the sound of the door banging on the wall. "Come on you big ugly brute" Mund yells "come grab some dinner, if you can catch me, you useless son of a ..." The rest of Mund's taunt is drowned out in the deafening yell of the beast as it rushes towards the door. As soon as Mund sees the thing take off, he high tails it towards the rest of the party, smiling as he goes. "Ally, get that fire thing ready, he's movin and I think I pissed him off somethin fierce."
Allistair has been estimating the distances and how fast his brother runs for a while now and he is fairly certain of what he has to do and when to do it. When Mund crosses a point in the hallway that Allistair had mentally marked, the mage chants the spell and a small ball of flame leaps from his hand. Mund sees the little thing pass him, the ball growing slightly in flight. As Mund gets to the others he turns just in time to see how their plan worked. As the barbarian turns Ragnar touches his armor and chants the spell that will lend the barbarian some protection, as if he were one of the faithful (Shield of Faith).
The creatures arms reach through the door just as the fireball detonates. There is a sucking wind from the explosion and then a light buffeting concussion as fire fills the air around the door. The party can hear the creature scream in pain and rage as it pulls it hand and arms back through the door (REF save, DC16, 18+7=25, save, damage 11). Harp shouts "Now." Almost as one the party surges forward and they end up right at the door. When they are in position they look in and see the beast at the other side of the room, holding its hands in the air, small wisps of smoke coming from them. 5 of the party members start their prayers or spells. Harp calls for the battle gods strength to fill him (Bull's Strength) and Kal does the same (Bull's Strength). Ragnar grabs Mund's axe and chants the prayer of blessing on it while Salix calls down Obad Hai's blessing of the bull on Mund (Bull's Strength). Allistair chants the spell of enlargement and touches his brother.
At once Mund starts to grow. He actually has to step through the door way so as not to crush Harp and Ranthir and Ragnar. He is ecstatic. Looking down he figures he is almost 9 feet tall and his axe has gotten bigger as well. Looking across the room Mund shouts "Come on you big ugly thing, lets see how you do against a real fighter." (Starts rage)
Initiative for Round 1: Ranthir (23), Kal (21), Salix (21), Ragnar (20), Surin (19), Mund (19), Allistair (18), Harp (8), Creature (4).
OODM: If you act before Mund you will have to hold action unless you are casting a spell, since you can not get by Mund until he moves. Mund is red and the thing is blue.
I need round 1 actions.
From: Josh
Subject Round 1 actions
From: Kevin
Subject Round 1 actions
OOC: Mark, great job of putting that together. It was pretty much exactly what I (and everyone else, I hope) was hoping for (but in my plan, the creature takes a hell of a lot more damage from the fire ball).
Also, thanks for putting the N arrow on the map. It makes directions for me a lot easier.
From: Porter
Subject round 1 actions
Mund charges straight in and attacks the giant with his axe.
From: Derek
Subject Round 1 actions
Allistair will primarily stay out of the way of everyone that is trying to get into the room, but if he can get line of sight he will shoot of a magic missle.
Round 1 actions, connections, round 1, round 2 actions
Subject Beer choices
OOC: Drinking some "Harp" tonight Kevin. ;-)
From: Kevin
Subject Beer choices
Actually, I do have Harp on tap at home right now. I use it as my "winter" beer - at $160 a keg, it is a little too expensive to share with guests. When it goes dry in late March, I will switch over to Stroh's or MGD for the summer.
From: Kevin
Subject Round 1 actions
OOC: Mark, just like with my Turning rolls earlier, you are supposed to use a d20, not a d10.
The one time most of us get really good initiative rolls is the one time that most of us have to hold action. At least they are holding for Mund at 19, instead of Harp at 8.
IC: Harp watches the plan unfold. Mund running up to the door, annoying the creature as only Mund seems to be able to do, Mund's mad dash back to the group as Allistairs fireball flys down the hallway, scoring as good of a hit as could be expected. Then, the creature retreating in surprise and pain from the doorway. With that, Harp shouts to the group "Now!!" and almost as a one, they move down the hallway. Harp calls upon the Battlelord for the benefit of added strength, and as they run, he hears the others chanting and praying as they run. As they get to the doorway, Mund starts to grow in size, so becoming so large that he has to step through the doorway as they reach the end of the hallway. "Follow him in, and lets surround this thing quickly. But remember, watch those arms!!" With that, Harp watches as the other members enter the room. Harp follows, assessing where the creature is and where his companions are. He then enters the room, moving to wehre he will do the most good.
OOC: Mark, since I do not know where everyone is actually going to be, I have left this deliberately open. The idea is to have one pure fighter type (Kal and Ran) on either side of the creature, one god type (Salix and Harp) with one of the fighters for cure spells as needed, Ragnar close by Mund for healing if needed, Surin trying to get in position to attack, but not too exposed as one good hit from this thing would probably knock him into next week, and Allistair staying away casting "Maaagic Missle".
From: Karl
Subject Round 1 actions
Salix will hold until he can move into the room, getting into position where he will have line of sight to the creature. If he can do that and still cast, he will cast Produce Flame, and toss the first flame at the creature.
From: Randy
Subject Round 1 actions
Ranthir will hold action until Mund clears the way enough for him to get in. He will then charge to flank the giant, watching to make sure he and Kal approach from opposite sides. If he can get an attack in this round he will attempt to attack the backs of the giants legs hoping to sever a tendon.
From: Ashley
Subject round 1 actoins
Surin has no intention of getting in that thing's way, and will hang back behind the doorway.
From: Kevin
Subject connections
OOC: My normal way of checking game activity during the work day is being shut down today. It will take me a few days to get this corrected/changed. Bare with me while I work on this.
Thanks
From: Ashley
Subject Connections
*bares*
From: Porter
Subject Connections
*averts eyes*
From: Mark
Subject Connections
Takes out camera.
From: Jason
Subject Round 1 actions
Ragnar will be staying behind Mund, ready to heal if needed. He won't try to close with the creature, but prefers to stay out of its reach. He will, however, have sword in hand, and if occasion arises he'll strike. (AOOs only, not going near the creature for himself.)
From: Kevin
Subject Connections
This is of course video camera.
From: Mark
Subject Round 1
Initiative for Round 1: Mund (19), Ranthir (19), Kal (19), Salix (19), Ragnar (19), Surin (19), Mund (19), Allistair (18), Harp (8), Creature (4).
Mund sees the thing roar and accepts the challenge. He hurtles through the room, aiming for the right side of the room and the back wall, trying to come from the thing from behind. His charge carries enormous force and he swings his axe, the blade whistling in the air. It connects with a massive blow to the things bulging shoulders (AC19, 16+14=30, hit, damage 12). Blood oozes from the wound.
Kal pushes his way through the others and moves into the room behind the barbarian. He tries to keep up with Mund, but the barbarian is too fast for him. He moves as far into the room as he can, trying to work his way into a flanking position.
Ranthir has a little cleaner shot at the door and is able to work his way a bit into the room. Once in the room he stops and shoots his crossbow (AC19, 9+10=19, hit, damage 2). The bolt thuds into the things thigh and barely scratches it.
Salix also moves into the room, looking for a place where he can see the creature but be out of the way. He works his way down the north wall, a little bit stunned by the size of the thing. Shaking his head and refocusing his attention, he chants the fire spell and a small ball of flame appears in his hand. He throws it at the thing (AC9, 5+5=10, damage 7). The small ball of flame strikes the thing in the chest and singes flesh. Another ball of flame appears in Salix's hand.
Ragnar moves into the room as fast as his short dwarven legs can carry him. Seeing Mund in combat, he rushes at full speed to a point behind Mund, so that he can heal him if needed.
Surin stays in the hallway, letting the big people fight this out.
Allistair enters the room and sees his brother engaged in combat. "Lets see how this thing likes magic." he thinks and chants the magic missile spell. Three bolts of force leap from his fingers and strike the beast in its broad chest (Damage 11).
Harp dashes into the room, looking for a place where he can flank the thing. Seeing that Mund is taking up most of one side and that the thing is almost against a wall, he moves at a run to the side opposite of Mund.
The thing howls at the pain from all the attacks and focuses its attention on Mund. It bites at Mund and it massive jaws clamp down on his arm and crushes the armor (AC 18, 13+17=30, hit, damage 12). It tries to hold on but Mund is able to shake it off. Its two hands come up and claw at the barbarian's chest (AC18, 15+12=27, hit, 9+12=21,hit damage 15).
OODM: End round 1. I need round 2 actions.
From: Karl
Subject Round 2 actions
Salix will continue throwing flames as he is able, unless he sees that someone is in immediate need of healing and Ragnar is unable to take care of them.
From: Jason
Subject Round 2 actions
"This beast can really lay out some punishment!" Ragnar thinks to himself. Still, this was going to be almost too easy. Mund lived in the Wildlands, and was half-wild himself. The fiercest anger that mortal man could muster, combined with all the might of his own patron? This monstrosity didn't stand a chance. Ragnar steps up behind Mund and chants his most powerful healing grace (Sacrifice Dispel Magic for CSW).
From: Porter
Subject Round 2 actions
As great as Mund feels all magicked up and with the spirit of the Bear flowing in his veins, Mund has to admit that he's still no match for this creature. If Ragnar doesn't patch him up, Mund's going down soon.
Still, there's nothing to do about it right now except fight on, which Mund does.
Round 3 and a hero falls
Subject Job change
Just FYI, I just resigned from my employer. I should have a new job lined up this afternoon, but may be inconsistent in my availability for the next few days. This should be resolved by the weekend.
Mark, you have a pretty good idea of what I want Harp to do. If you do not hear from me, play him accordingly.
From: Mark
Subject Job change
Harp jumps in front of Mund, declaring his love for the Barbarian, who he has nicknames Ennis. Then Harp is eaten.
From: Karl
Subject Job change
From: Porter
Subject Round 2
So how many HP is Mund down to now?
From: Porter
Subject Job change
Was that last sentence literal or euphamistic?
From: Mark
Subject Round 2
Check Sakeriver. I have been keeping the totals there.
But to answer your question, he is at 20, including his 10 points for raging. When he stops raging he will be at 10.
From: Ashley
Subject Job change
>.<
From: Mark
Subject Job change
I am not sure. I will decide later.
From: Derek
Subject Round 3 actions
Allistair is a little concerned at how much punishment that giant is dealing to his brother. The enlargement spell doesn't grant any special ability to withstand more damage, and even with Ragnar behind him healing him, he was getting quite concerned about Mund. Allistair decides to use some more magic to bring this thing down a little earlier if possible. He fires another magic missle at it.
Allistair also remembers having learned about this specific creature before. "This thing is called a Gray Render," Allistair shouts. "Unfortunately, it doesn't have any special weaknesses. We're just going to have to pound on it until it goes down."
From: Ashley
Subject Round 3 actions
Surin watches as the huge monster tears into Mund. He's amazed that the barbarian is still standing through all the blows dealt to him. He searches frantically for something, anything that could give him an upper hand against the giant. He still doesn't want to go into the room, but he's worried for his friend. He watches Harp and the others fight the thing and hopes their blows continue to land true.
OOC: I'm assuming that this thing's reach is more than 10 feet, in which case Surin can't really do anything. You guys keep doing your thing. :)
From: Mark
Subject Round 3 actions
Just to let every one know, the thing has taken a massive amount of damage, and it shows.
From: Karl
Subject Job change
heeeey.
(ok, so you probably have to hear the inflection on that for it to make sense. Just imagine the most stereotypically gay voice you can.) ;-)
From: Kevin
Subject Job change
Just imagine Carson from Queer Eye saying it, and I think we have the idea.
From: Jason
Subject Round 3 actions
Ragnar will sacrifice hold person to cast CMW on Mund.
From: Porter
Subject Round 3 actions
Mund is starting to get concerned. Even with Ragnar healing him as fast as he can, Mund feels his strength slipping. At this rate, Mund will pass out soon.
Mund decides give one last attack before he changes tactics.
From: Karl
Subject Round 3 actions
Salix sees Mund taking the brunt of the brute's attacks. He moves into position to cast CMW on his friend and prays for the grace of Obad-Hai to bind up the wounds that this creature is inflicting on him. (If he can do so without extinguishing the flame in his hand, he will keep it to throw next round. If not he will extinguish it in order to cast CMW).
From: Josh
Subjectl: Round 3 actions
Kal quickly apraises the situation before entering combat. "He' got reach, everyone will be afraid to get in on him. I need to provide a moments distraction so we can all get close."
As he enters the room, Kal's vision begins to narrow. Allowing his training to take control of his body, he lets loose with a volley of magic missles. WIthout losing a step, Kal chases the magical flares to melee with the creature. As his legs push him forward, Kal screams "Charge it, NOW!"
His imbued muscles flare as he gets closer, every part of his body is concentrated on destroying this creature.
OOC: I'll apply my +1AC dodge bonus to this guy. My plan is to use BigUgly's AOO on Kal, so the rest of the party can get in to melee w/ him if they want. Once Kal gets in close he'll attack normally.
From: Mark
Subject Round 3 actions
Initiative for Round 1: Mund (19), Ranthir (19), Kal (19), Salix (19), Ragnar (19), Surin (19), Allistair (18), Harp (8), Creature (4).
Mund feels his strength start to ebb as blood loss and shock start to take it effect. But he would not let his teammates down. He was supposed to keep the thing busy while the rest of them attacked from the sides. So far he had seen Harp and Ranthir move in to attack, but no sign of elf. He had also seen them magic missile thingies his brother did and the fire that Salix did, but what the hell as the elf doin? Mund swings his axe at the things head, landing an almost perfect blow (AC19, 19+13=32, hit, damage 10). At the last second the thing moves its head and just barely misses getting decapitated.
Mund is surprised to hear an elven war cry come from behind him and he sees Kal rush at the thing, his rapier leading the way. As the elf moves, the things head lashes out and bites at Kal and almost swallows him(AC19, 5+17=22, hit, damage 14). The thing latches on to Kal(grapple 19+17=36, opposed check 5+8=13, grapple succeeds, damage 19) and picks him up with his jaws. It shakes him a few times, trying to bite him in half, and unable to do so because of the elven chain mail. half, tosses him into a pile 10 feet away.
Ranthir watches in horror as Kal is picked up and almost bitten in half. As the thing tosses Kal aside like so much trash, Ran attacks with all his furry (AC19, 5+8=13,miss). However, Ran is not a barbarian and his anger does not make him a more potent foe. His anger clouds his judgment and his blow is ineffective.
Salix moves up next to Ragnar and joins him in healing Mund. Both of the clerics chant their respective healing prayers and touch Mund on the back, the healing grace flowing into him (Salix heals 8, Ragnar heals 13, total 21).
Allistair watches in horror as Kal is tossed aside like a rag doll. Damn but there were still too many people around for another fireball. He would have to use the next to last of his basic spells. At least it never missed. Chanting the words again another three bolts of force streak from his finger tips and strike the thing in the head. The thing staggers from the blows and wobbles on it's feet.
Harp, who was not able to see what happened to Kal, takes advantage of the things distraction. He is able to land a deadly blow (AC19, 20+12=32, hit, critical threat, critical threat roll, AC19, 8+12=20, hit, critical hit, damage 28). Swinging his sword in a broad arc, he chops the head off the thing as it starts to lunge at Mund again. The massive head rolls from the body, leaving a bloody trail behind it.
OODM: What do you do now?
From: Josh
Subject A hero falls
Kal bleeds.
A hero down
Subject A hero down
As Salix moves toward his friend to offer healing aid he sees that damned child of chaos Elf rush headlong into the creature's mouth almost as if he *wants* to be eaten. As the torn Elf flies overhead there is a brief moment where Salix hopes he lives if only long enough to realize what a stupid thing he did. He almost moves to help Kal first, but knows that if Mund is taken out of the battle, the creature would surely make short work of the rest of them. So he stays his course and offers the blessings of Obad-Hai to his friend.
Then, with a final chop from Harp, the battle seems to be over. Now to see to the fool. "Ragnar, Kal needs us" he calls, and heads over to see if Kal can be saved. He hopes so since in his experience Elven burial rites are needlessly complicated things.
(Salix will use one of his Cure Light Wounds on Kal to stabilze him and let Ragnar do the rest.)
FroM: Karl
Subject A hero down
After stabilizing Kal, Salix will head over to Mund to see how his injuries healed and how much further healing he needs.
"You are brave, my friend", Salix says. "That thing would surely have killed any one of us if we had gotten the attention it lavished on you!" He then sees that Ran is also injured. "Let me check on Ran and we'll see what we can do about the rest of your injuries."
Salix will check Ran's wounds, then confer with Ragnar to see how best to utilize the remaining CLW and CmW prayers he has available.
From: Kevin
Subject A hero down
OOC: Silly elf, renders are for fighters.
From: Mark
Subject Quotes
I want to know who is going to be the first one to quote Monty Python.
From: Randy
Subject A hero down
As the head falls from the creatures body Ranthir drops to one knee, his pain catching up with him. The wounds weren't the worst he had faced but to receive that kind of damage in one blow was always a little shocking.
As Salix approaches, Ranthir pulls himself to his feet. "Help Kal first, my wounds are nothing next to his."
Ranthir then leans against the nearest wall, staying out of the way of the healers.
From: Porter
Subject A hero down
Wow. He might have a longsword up his arse, but that orc can deliver a mighty blow.
Once he's certain that the creature is dead, dead, dead, Mund lays down on the hard floor spread-eagled, staring at the ceiling.
It's a strange feeling. Mund has never been injured so bad so fast in his life. Even after the healing, he can tell.
Sure, people say that magical healing makes it as though the injury never happened, but Mund knows better. There are some things that the godsfolk just can't put back. What Mund needs is to get outside again, chasing down a deer. A few days in the open air and he'd be right as rain.
After a few moments thinking about this, he gets up and starts searching for the key.
From: Kevin
Subject A hero down
Do you mean to suggest that Kal just has a flesh wound? That maybe he could go bleed on the render>
IC: Harp looks down at the body of the creature, it's head rolling off to the side. He draws a deep breath, and says a quick prayer to Heironious, thanking him for his blessings in this battle. He had certainly held his own more in this encounter than the previous one with the ghouls.
Harp takes a quick inventory of the group. His count comes up one short. Kal is down. How had that happened? Last he had seen, Kal had been shooting of magical arrows. Harp steps from behind the creature and moves over to where Kal is, summoning Ragnar to join him. Harp casts the basic prayer of healing to staunch the flow of blood (sacrafice an 0-level for CMW). He will then defer to Ragnar's decisions on treating Kal (remembering that they have the scrolls if needed).
OOC: After the three of them get Kal stabilized, Harp will join Ragnar in checking on Mund and Ran. He will ask Salix to work with Allistair and Surin on searching for a key. He will also thank Mund for his bravery in leading the attack against the render.
I will probably work out a small conversation from Harp later tonight. For a fight that only lasted 3 rounds, there sure was a lot of blood spilt. Of course, when you opponent gets 3 attacks (plus extra if it hits with a specific attack) it can do a lot of damage really fast. Well done all.
From: Mark
Subject Killer trees
Just remember, this thing eats trees for fun. And you all know what Durkon says about trees.
They have Colossal size.
They have natural armor.
They have damage reduction/slashing.
They have hundreds of hit points.
They have enough limbs to make dozens of attacks each round.
Trees, the real killers.
From:Mark
Subject Quotes
Re: Monty Python. No it is more along the lines of "I'm not dead yet."
From: Salix
Subject A hero down
"Kal is in Ragnar's hands at the moment. Let me see your wounds so we know how best to use the healing we have." Salix says firmly. He will check Ran over then confer with Ragnar.
From: Randy
Subject A hero down
Ranthir starts to protest, but seeing that Salix is right he relents.
From: Jason
Subject A hero down
Ragnar is relieved to see Salix come up and join him in healing Mund. While curing Surin this morning he had used many of his most powerful blessings, and after curing Mund a second time he only had his most basic healing prayers remaining.
As he begins chanting, he is amazed to see Kal hurtle towards the beast, only to be picked up and thrown like a doll by the immensely powerful jaws. "May Heironeous have mercy!" he thinks to himself. Finishing his blessing, he is torn by the desire to see to Kal immediately, but remains with Mund. If he left Mund now, he knew, the same might happen to him in a moment and then to the rest of them shortly after.
Heironeous is merciful, however, as well as strong, and lends his might to Harp's blow. Immediately he runs over to see to Kal.
ooc/ Ragnar will sacrifice his two first level spells to CLW on Kal. Yes, he is stingy with the scrolls. He will want to know if we're continuing on today before using one.
From: Porter
Subject A hero down
We might as well not even have the scrolls or potions with how willing we've been to use them.
From: Mark
Subject Turn and experience
I am not going to be able to get a turn out tonight.
I did do the experience for everyone and Harp, Salix and Ranthir went up to level 6. I will work on the turn and the leveling up tomorrow night. Start thinking of the feats you will want as well as where you want to put your skill points. I will use the online dice roller to roll your hit points for you. You will get a copy in an e-mail.
Let the healing flow
Subject Let the healing flow
In the quiet that follows the death of the render, only the sound of the head rolling to the side can be heard. Salix is the first to react. "Ragnar, Kal needs our help." The two rush to where the elf's body lays, the quicker 1/2 elf getting to the body just ahead of the slower dwarf. Kneeling down Salix makes a quick inspection. Whispering to Ragnar "Broken ribs. How many you think?" "Better question might be how many not?" is the dwarfs reply. Salix had seen something like this before. A woodcutter in the forest had tripped a dead fall and been crushed by a huge log, his rib cage shattered. The bloody froth at Kal's lips spoke of the same type of damage.
Kal's breathing was ragged and labored. A small trickle of blood started coming out of his mouth, (At -3) leaving a trail down the side of his face. Salix quickly chanted one of the few real healing prayer that he had (CLW,heal 13) At once the elf's breathing eases and the blood stops flowing. "Here, you care for him. He will not die now. I will see how the others are so that we can organize the healing." Ragnar hears a hint of disgust in Salix's voice when he is talking about Kal.
Salix approaches Ranthir and rebuffs the fighters bravura. "You and Mund and Harp can take care of the fighting. Surin can take care of the sneaking. Allistair can take care of the magic. Ragnar and I will take care of the healing. Ragnar is taking care of Kal. Let me do my job." As the druid chants his last real healing prayer of the day (CLW, heal 13) Ranthir thinks he hears him say "Kal seems to want to take care of the dying." When Salix takes his hands away from his chest Ranthir finds that he can breath normally again. The pain is gone if not the gouges on his armor.
Mund watches as the godfolk deal with the elf and Ranthir. As his rage ends he feels the pains from the things attacks start to settle. He moves over to a corner and lies down spread eagle, looking at the ceiling, thinking. A while later Harp comes over. "Mund, I want you to know, you did a magnificent job. There is not much else I can say, but may I see what I can do for your wounds?" Mund nods, a bit uncomfortable with having Harp heal him, but godfolk was godfolk. Harp lays his hand on Mund's chest and chants the healing words (C Mod W, Heal 16). While Mund feels just like new, he probes the just healed wounds with his hands, testing them.
A few minutes later, while Kal is resting Ragnar and Salix call Harp over. "We have both used most of our god's grace for today and Kal is still severely hurt. What do you want us to do?"
While the three are talking Surin shows up. He is holding a silver key with a large topaz in the middle. "I think this is what we was lookin for."
OODM: OK guys go at it. If you get a chance, take a look at how Jason has Ragnar's spells set up on the character sheet at Sakeriver. I would like to get a consistent way for the players to list memorized spells, used spells etc.
From: Porter
Subject let the healing flow
Mund is interested in at least finding out something about the next room.
From: Derek
Subject Let the healing flow
Allistair is wililng to use his invisibility spell on Surin or someone else if they want to scout out the next room.
From: Ashley
Subject Let the healing flow.
there's another door, right? Surin's all for it, so long as he can still do his thing.
Doors
Subject Doors
There are no more doors in this room, but back in the main room there are 4 more doors besides the one in the center of the north wall with the lock on it.
In the main room there are 13 doors total. 1 is the door you came in. 1 is the door with the lock. That leaves 11 other doors, 7 of which you have opened. 4 more to go.