Setting Off (DM Cayzle) Wednesday June 22nd, 2005 9:42:51 PM
You get to know your new friends. They all seem very interested in the varied stories. There are wet eyes at Renik's and Feng's tale. There are gales of laughter when Black Paws licks Bosunt too vigorously, and gales upon gales at the effect of Arien's spell.
You learn that this band of cricket-taurs -- or "grigs," as some call them -- used to live in the forest of the first plateau, northwest of Plateau City. They have lots of fun stories that seem to feature silly or clumsy or stupid human farmers, who the cricket-taurs end up tricking or helping or fooling.
Getting more serious, they say that they felt the birth of the King, and they felt drawn to the West. They met some leprechauns who told them about the war on Parnoth, and they decided to join that.
But since then, most of the Grigs have felt drawn south, and in dreams, the Queen is calling. That's all they know. They heard stories about the Gate, but they do not know anything about any Guardian.
They are sure the Guardian will be a good fellow and let them through, especially when he sees that you all are in good company!
In the morning, the Hamleteers set out with a retinue of a score of cricket-taurs. Some fly clumsily but with enthusiasm overhead. Some ride on heads and shoulders. They tend to hop around a lot.
You travel to the famed Valley of Humiliation, and Tratain casts his spell. He leads the group into the valley. The wide pass is a natural highway through rugged terrain -- beyond are the badlands of Izen. But before you get to the end of the Valley, Tratain and the cricket-taurs feel a pull towards a side canyon. The way is narrow, and the land is rugged. The entrance to the canyon would have been hard to see -- what with the lumps of grassy wagon-sized mounds and house-sized green hillocks blocking the way. But with the double pull of fey instinct and divine guidance, there is no doubt -- that's the way in!
About 45 minutes of the Find the Path spell has been used up at this point. It is about 10 of the clock in the morning.
Renik d20+20=31 d20+25=41 d20+14=17 d20+14=16 Thursday June 23rd, 2005 2:46:11 PM
The rogue urges caution as they draw closer to their goal. His carefree demeanor of the previous night ios now gone, replaced with a steely determination to get the job done, regardless of the odds.
He bids Sarigar take point, and proceeds with extreme caution, hugging the walls of the canyon as he flits silently from shadow to shadow as he follows the wild man in (MS 31, Hide 41).
He peers into the gloom, attempting to make out any sign of another presence (Spot 17, Listen 16). He only hopes that the grigs will afford them some leeway with the guartdian, whatever it proves to be.
Monthor d20=18 d20=1 Thursday June 23rd, 2005 7:38:32 PM
The Dwarven warrior, axe in hand, takes the rear of the party and watches the other's back for any sign of ennemies or danger. Monthor keeps a keen eye (Spot 18-2=16) and ear (1-2=-1) out. This is a time for action, so Monthor stays uncharacteristicaly quiet.
Tratain AC 27 HP 92 (Extended Magic Vestment) Thursday June 23rd, 2005 8:47:30 PM
Tratain tells the others that they are near the entrence and to procede cautiously. He readies his WarHammer and Shield incase there is a need to fight.
He says to his companions "I think a few should go scout first to see what can be seen. I'll concentrate on my spell to see what it can tell me. Come back before speaking with the guardian so we can prepare incase its hostile or won't let us through."
Draax d20+6=15 d20+3=23 Thursday June 23rd, 2005 10:02:12 PM
Draax travels in the group near Arien and their cricket-taur companions. Draax stay alert as he scans the area (spot=15) and listens (listen= 23 natural 20) for any signs of danger.
The Ground Attacks (surprise round) (DM Cayzle) d20+23=42 (attack on Black Paws not quite a crit!) for 2d10(1+2)+10=13 (dam to BP) d20+18=38 (roll to trip succeeds) d20+23=39 (att on monthor) 2d10(9+5)+10=24 (dam to monthor) d20+18=24 (trip roll to knock the dwarf down) Thursday June 23rd, 2005 10:03:11 PM
The party enters the side canyon cautiously. Renik, Monthor, and Tratain are especially cautious (ooc: because they posted). Feng is at the rear (ooc: because he told me he was sick).
You walk through the opening of the canyon, among hillocks and mounds that hide the entrance. But all is not as it seems! Three of the mounds are animated! As if the grass and brush and sod were a carpet, and the mounds were giants rising up under the carpet, making huge lumps that lash out. These hillock-beasts attack with surprise!
The Hillock of the North advances and lashes out at Black Paws. If hits AC42 and smacks the big doggie for 13 hp damage. Moreover, the blow knocks Black Paws to his feet. (Trip attack vs BP: BP's Trip DC is 10+3dx+4siz+4stability=21, roll to trip is a 38, so BP is prone. Also, as Black Paws lays on the ground, he feels grasses and plants try to bind him. Make a reflex save vs. DC20, if you fail, you are Entangled, bound to the earth by plants, and you cannot move unless you break free with a DC20 Str check or a DC20 Escape Artist check. Entangled: takes a -2 penalty on all attack rolls and a -4 penalty to Dexterity.
The Hillock of the West does not notice the sneaky Renik, but lashes out at Monthor! It hits AC39, doing 24 hp damage, and knocks the dwarf prone with a trip roll of 24, enough to beat the dwarf's trip DC 20. Monthor, make a reflex save vs DC 20 or be entangled.
THe Hillock of the East roars and moves closer, but does not attack yet.
======
So Black Paws takes 13 damage, is prone, and must make a Reflex save vs DC20 or be entangled and unable to stand up.
Monthor is prone, down 24 hp, and maybe entangled, but not surprised, thanks to his spot check. Take a standard action after being hit and then ALSO a full round action.
Keen-eyed Renik too is not surprised. Take a standard action and ALSO a full round action.
Everyone else is surprised (including the grigs!). Take a full round action.
[OOC: Hop lively, boys! And try not to miss posts! :-) Sorry Draax posted the same time as me! Let me know if you cannot open the map. I could make it a JPEG, but didn;t have the time (and not sure I have the right software for it on this Mac).]
Monthor d20+8=27 d20+21=27 d20+16=21 d20+11=23 d20+21=29 d20+16=28 d20+11=23 Thursday June 23rd, 2005 10:41:12 PM
"WHAT THE {BEEEEEEEEEP}!!!! "
Monthor's upset. He just got hit by a bunch of freaking rocks. The burley dwarf is mobile enough (heck, maybe even sober enough?) to not get entangled by the weeds (Ref check 27).
:: In Dwarven, Monthor yells out his family's battle cry... ::
" AXE HEAD CLAN!!!!!"
And, using both hands, swings his flamming war axe at the hill-lock beast that attacked him. (standard attack attacks roles, 27,21 and 23).
:: Again in Dwarven ::
" KISS MY AXE!!!! "
:: And attacks again :: {Full attack roles 29,28 and 23)
========
Notes from Cayzle: Welcome to battle! Please put AC and hp in your header. FYI, a standard attack means just a single swing. A full attack means all three of your attacks (as you posted). Since I posted the AC as 20 (see amended notes above), that means your first attack hits and all three of your full attacks hit. Go ahead and roll your damages as well, please (post again).
Monthor d10=8 d6=6 d10=9 d6=4 d10=1 d6=3 d10=10 d6=2 Friday June 24th, 2005 8:04:12 AM
AC 21 (+1 Dodge,+4 dodge bonus vs giant size creatures) Monthor designates the hill-lock beast he's currently engaged with for the Dodge bonuses, adding 4 for a total of 25 AC (or does the Dodge bonuses stack for 5, 26 AC?) HP (101 full, 76 current) ooc> To much to put in the header so I posted the info in the body. Hope that's okay.
Monthor is a ball of fury as he hacks away at the beast. His first fiery strikes hits [for 26 pts of damage (10 for the axe (roled 8+2weapon bonus), 6 fire damage, plus 6 strenght bonus ,+2 weapons sp. bonus ]
Monthor strikes again [for 23 pts of damage (11 for the axe (roled 9+2weapon bonus), 4 fire damage, plus 6 strenght bonus ,+2 weapons sp. bonus ]
And again [for 14 pts of damage (3 for the axe (roled 1+2weapon bonus), 3 fire damage, plus 6 strenght bonus ,+2 weapons sp. bonus ]
AND AGAIN!!! [for 22 pts of damage (12 for the axe (roled 10+2weapon bonus), 2 fire damage, plus 6 strenght bonus ,+2 weapons sp. bonus ]
Monthor's flaming war axe appears to be an extension of his body as Dwarf and weapon rip into the beast [for a total of 85 pts of damage]
Tratain AC 31 HP 92 (Extended Magic Vestment; Shield of Faith) d20+15=23 d8+4=12 2d6(6+6)=12 d20=7 Friday June 24th, 2005 9:39:42 AM
When the Hillocks rise up Tratain casts one of his defensive spells in the Blink of an Eye. (Quicken Shield of Faith)
He then Moves Foreward to I 15 and swings at the Hillock Monster. (Hit AC 23 for 12 Physical Damage, (12 Holy Damage as well if it does anything but I'm thinking not, The Warhammer is Magic, Adamantite, and Good Aligned for purposes of Damage Reduction.)
------------------------ 7 Knowledge Check Tratain's DC for Trip is 23 (10 Base + 3 Str + 10 Sacred(Protector Feat)
While the Fight is Going on he calls to his companions and the Grigs, "Does anyone know what these are? Are they the Guardian? should be falling back?"
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 132 of 145) d20+10=28 d20+15=25 d6+4=8 Friday June 24th, 2005 10:50:17 AM
The brothers simultaneously let out that canine yelpish whine as Black Paws gets pounded by the earthen beast. Sarigar grabs for his own ribs, in the same spot that Black Paws got hit. Black Paws rolls as best as he can with the blow, but is off balance enough that the roll is clumsy and he fails to regain his feet immediately.
As the grasses begin writhing about, trying to hold the big wolf down, Black Paws agility and limberness allow him to slip out of them easily (Reflex 28)
Sarigar move up to step between his brother and the beast (Move to Q7), extends his claws, rips at the beast (AC-25 HP-8) and tears a good size chunk out of it.
Black Paws scrambles to his feet and begins moving to properly pack fight the beast (Move to get up, rest of move to get to J3-K4 - opposite Sarigar, provokes only once for getting up)
Renik (AC 26, HP 80, Flying) d20+20=30 d6+7=8 d20+18=33 d8+4=8 d20+14=24 d20+21=32 Friday June 24th, 2005 6:05:32 PM
The beady eyed rogue is alert to the danger almost as soon as it occurs. "To arms!" he cries, rather unnecessarily. "Keep your distance, attack these things from range if you are able! If you get too close they'll knock you down and trap you, but I'm guessing they'll be less dangerous at a distance!"
He steps up to the closest creature (5' step to I14) and takes a hack at the mound of vegetation with his shortsword (AC 30, 8hp dmg).
Then dropping his sword he activates his boots of flying and shoots straight upwards 30 feet (or to a height out of the creature's reach if greater than 30ft), drawing his bow as he weaves and bobs through the air (Tumble 32). He has just enough time to unleash a single arrow (AC 33 for 8hp dmg) before calling out;
"Grigs, fly if you are able, fall back if not, get behind the warriors and hit these things with arrows or sling bullets. Feng, help attack the mound to the east! Draax, Arien, target the creature engaged with Sarigar!"
He leaves Tratain's question unanswered for now. He is unsure just how powerful a foe they face. He knows that between Monthor, Tratain and himself the creature they face has taken some considerable punishment. He watches carefully to see how badly damaged the creature appears as a result of their efforts (Spot 24).
Draax AC 21 (with bow) HP 123 d20+14=22 d20+9=24 d20+4=18 d8+3=11 d8+3=8 Extra damage roll by Cayzle: d8+3=8 Friday June 24th, 2005 7:09:52 PM
Draax fights down the urge to attack the closest creature, instead his listens to the Renik directions and attacks the creature engaged with Sarigar. Taking a step to M16 and using his bow Draax aims carefully (-4 for shooting into melee) and fires three arrows at the same creature Sarigar attacked. (two hits ACs 22 and 24, one missed AC 18) (19 Total dmg).
==========
[OOC by Cayzle: Per the Shooting into melee rules, second paragraph, page 140, you do not incur the -4 penalty if the target is so big that part of it is 10 feet from the person engaged with it. That's the case here, so you actually hit ACs26, 28, and 22. Three hits. I rolled the extra damage at 8 hp (see dice roll field above.]
Cricket-taurs (DM Cayzle) Saturday June 25th, 2005 10:13:30 AM
The grigs are quite a flutter! "WhatIsThis!" "WhoAreYou?" "WatchOut!" "GetThem!"
Just about every cricket-taur takes out a bow and looses a tiny arrow at the earth-covered-with-sod monsters. 20 arrows fly.
The Ground Attacks (round 1) (DM Cayzle) d20+23=24 (nat one on the AoO vs Monthor) d20+23=40 (AoO on Tratain) 2d10(1+2)+10=13 (damage to Tratain) d20+18=33 (roll to knock Tratain down) d20+23=38 (AoO on Sarigar) 2d10(2+2)+10=14 (Dam on Sarigar) d20+18=22 (trip roll vs Sarigar) d20+9=11 (hillock save vs dance) d20+23=29 d20+23=31 (two attacks on BP) 2d10(6+3)+10=19 2d10(2+10)+10=22 (two damages on BP) d20+18=29 d20+18=24 (trips vs BP) d20+23=30 (att vs Monthor) d20+23=30 (att vs Tratain) 2d10(10+9)+10=29 (dam vs Monthor) 2d10(2+4)+10=16 (dam vs Tratain) d20+18=19 (trip vs Monthor fails!) Saturday June 25th, 2005 11:38:56 AM
Surprise round PC results:
Monthor shrugs off the grasses trying to bind him. He is still prone.
[OOC: at this point Monthor's choices should be stand up from prone or crawl forward to attack. Both of those options would provoke an attack of opportunity from the hillock, which has reach. I made the mistake of not making this clear. Therefore I choose to let Monthor stand up as his surprise action, and I rule that the attack of opportunity so provoked misses on a natural one. I'm sorry for the confusion.]
Monthor stands up. Doing so provokes an AoO from the Hillock of the West, but the mound of earh and brush messes! The dwarf will step forward and swing thrice with the first round of combat.
Renik steps forward and hacks at the Hillock of the West, but striking the monster is like attacking the ground. Renik feels that he does the thing no lasting harm. [The Hillocks have damage reduction 10, so none of Renik's damage got through.]
First Round - PC actions:
Monthor takes a step up and swings the ax he keeps on hand for occaisions just like this. His three blows are solid, but he feels that sod and dirt he is attacking softens the blow. [OOC: the hillocks have damage reduction 10.] Monthor slices open the Hillock of the West, which roars in burning pain. It takes (16+13+4 after damage reduction) 33 points of damage.
Tratain casts his quickened spell and steps forward to attack. Doing so provokes an AoO from the Hillock, which hits AC40 for 13 hp damage. The blow knocks Tratain down (trip roll 33 beats Tratain's trip DC23 (Thanks, Joe, for putting your Trip DC in your post! I hope everybody does the same!)), and the cleric must now make a reflex save vs DC20 to avoid entanglement by the grasses that try to tie you down. If you fail, you will be entangled (see below for effect) and not be able to move out of the square (although you can stand up from prone as a move action, provoking an AoO).
Sarigar moves toward the Hillock of the North, provoking an AoO as he does so. The Hillock strikes hard, hitting AC38, and inflicting 14 hp damage to Sarigar. That blow drives him to the ground (Trip DC 22 beats Sarigar's 15). Make a reflex save vs DC20 to avoid entanglement by the grasses that try to tie you down. If you fail, you will be entangled (see below for effect) and not be able to move out of the square (although you can stand up from prone as a move action, provoking an AoO).
Black Paws is also unaffected by the grasses trying to entangle him. He stands up and circles the Hillock of the North. He would have provoked an AoO from the thing, but it has already used up its one AoO for the round.
Renik makes a flying tumble straight up, but the effort to avoid the monster is not needed, since it was occupied thumping Tratain. (The monster had already used its AoO this round.) Renik points down and shoots, hitting home, but the Hillock of the West is impervious. (no damage due to damage reduction 10). Renik calls to the cricket-taurs for help and information.
Draax steps back and lets loose arrows as well. Three strike home, but only one actually scratches the Hillock of the West. [Due to damage reduction 10, total damage to the Hillock is 1 hp.]
The cricket-taurs launch an impressive flight of arrows at the Hillock of the West, and five hit, but none of them cause any harm (due to damage reduction).
Serent listens to Renik and calls, "GuardiansIDoNotKnow! TheseSeemLikeNatureElementalsToMe." He leaps away from the fight and next to the Hillock of the East. He takes out his fiddle and starts to play it. The Hillock of the East pauses, and then begins to shuffle and undulate in the oddest dance ever.
Feng and Arien both pause to assess the situation. Feng moves a little closer.
First Round - Enemy actions:
The Hillock of the East dances, provoking attacks of opportunity. None of the grigs can take advantage of that, though.
The Hillock of the North, uninjured, sees that Sarigar is prone. So it attacks Black Paws. The huge mound of earth lashes out twice, hitting AC29 and 31. Black Paws takes 19 and 22, for a total of 41. Black Paws is also knocked down, and must make one save vs. Entangle, just like his friend, Sarigar.
The Hillock of the West swings once at Monthor and once at Tratain. Monthor is hit for 29, and Tratain is hit (thanks to the bonus to hit a prone opponent) for 16. Tratain is already prone, so the attack can;t make him more prone. And the hit on Monthor fails to knock him to the ground.
STATUS AT END ROUND ONE
Hillock of the North: Uninjured Hillock of the West: -34 hp damage Hillock of the East: Dancing
Note on being prone: The character is on the ground. An attacker who is prone has a -4 penalty on melee attack rolls and cannot use a ranged weapon (except for a crossbow). A defender who is prone gains a +4 bonus to Armor Class against ranged attacks, but takes a -4 penalty to AC against melee attacks. Standing up is a move-equivalent action that provokes an attack of opportunity.
Note that while prone you still threaten spaces and flank as usual. You can crawl 5 feet as a move action that provokes AoOs.
Note on being entangled: An entangled creature takes a -2 penalty on all attack rolls and a -4 penalty to Dexterity. An entangled character who attempts to cast a spell must make a Concentration check (DC 15 + the spell's level) or lose the spell. You cannot move out of your square because you are bound to the earth by plants, unless you break free with a DC20 Str check or a DC20 Escape Artist check as a move action.
Note on terrain: You can enter a mound or canyon wall square if you can beat a climb DC12. Moving in these squares costs double.
Renik (AC 26, HP 80, Flying) d20+17=31 d20+12=14 d8+4=6 Saturday June 25th, 2005 7:15:55 PM
Things are going badly, the rogue quickly realises. They are not doing enough damage fast enough, and their opponents are having no such trouble. So far Monthor is the only one doing significant damage, and he is bleeding badly. Sarigar and Blackpaws also look in bad shape. At least the grigs have one of the creatures out of action for now.
"Tratain! Move behind Monthor if you can and heal him, he's the only one dealing any real damage to that thing! We need him on his feet!" (OOC: If you can make a 5" move to K16 you avoid an AoO for the move and spell and should be out of the way of further attacks. So far Monthor is down 53HP. You may also be able to use Aid Another to help on his Trip checks.)
"Feng, Arien, hit the mound ahead, grigs keep out of range!" (OOC: both Sarigar and Blackpaws are down 68HP and prone)
Gritting his teeth at the futility of his attack he unleashes a couple more arrows, but is aware they are likely to have little effect (AC 31 and 14 for 6hp). But against foes such as these he has no means of delivering his normal deadly blows. Unless Draax has some magical arrows capable of inflicting significantly more damage only Arien, Feng and Monthor are sufficient powerhouses to inflict any real damage. (OOC: Didn't Draax have some sort of flaming bow or arrows picked up from the sahuagin a while back?)
Monthor d20=5 d20+16=21 d20+11=13 d10+10=14 d6=5 d10+10=13 d6=5 Saturday June 25th, 2005 7:42:44 PM
AC 21 (+1 Dodge,+4 dodge bonus vs giant size creatures) Monthor designates the hill-lock beast he's currently engaged with for the Dodge bonuses, adding 4 for a total of 25 AC HP (101 full, 48 current) Damage 1d10, (+6strenght, +2weapon bonus, 1-6 flame damage, +2weapon specialization)
-------------- Monthor 1/2 smiles and 1/2 frown in rage at the hillock as he ignores his own blood spilling from his multiple wounds. Monthor's a mess, but at least he's not any uglier then he was before. He hears Renick crying out for the cleric to heal him.
{ Good idea. Duh! }
He thinks to himself before going back to work and swinging three more times at the hillock.
ooc> The first role is plus 21 to hit for a total of 26. So, the first hits (14+5 fire damage for 19), the second hits (13+5 fire for 18) and the third misses. So, with damage reduction, that's 17 total. Not Monthor's best work. Sorry boys.
Tratain AC 31 HP 63/92 (Extended Magic Vestment; Shield of Faith) d20+10=20 d20+1=16 2d6(4+4)+13=21 Saturday June 25th, 2005 10:33:01 PM
Tratain is knocked to his knees by the Hillock-Monster, but the Grasses are unable to hold him (Reflex Save 20).
Tratain hopes the Grigs have Identified the creatures correctly as elementals and holds aloft his Holy Symbol and Calls upon the powers granted to him as a Protector and attempts to Turn the Hillock-Beasts.(Protector Turning ability allows Tratain to Turn Outsiders, Fey, and Elementals, as well as undead.)
Tratain then stands and will intercept an attack for Monthor(Protector Ability)
OOC: Turn Check 16, Clerics Level +2 so Tratain can effect monsters with up to 14 HD. Turning Damage 21 HD worth of Creatures are effected. All Three Hillock-Beasts are in Range.
My Need a DM ruling, Tratain wants to turn the Hillock-Beasts and Not the Grigs, The one right next to Monther is Closest, Followed By the North One, Then the East One. If you rule I can't turn just the Hillock-Beasts erase this post and let me know so I can post a different action.
Tratain's DC for Trip is 23 (10 Base + 3 Str + 10 Sacred(Protector Feat)
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 77 of 145) d20+12=32 d20+10=30 Saturday June 25th, 2005 11:03:34 PM
Both brothers slip through the entangling grasses and vines as if they're not there (Reflex 32/30 2 nat 20s). They both spring to their feet and prepare to strike. However, when Sarigar realizes that the swipe he took at it did absolutely nothing to it and that it felt like hitting a rock, they both dash off to the East (Sarigar toward V8, Black Paws with an ever so slight circle toward T2-U3).
Without realizing he's doing it, he's literally barking and howling like a wolf expecting everyone to understand what he's saying. Despite the lack of understandable communication, the tone is quite clear, he's scared to death and panicing.
Feng AC 23 HP 114 Sunday June 26th, 2005 9:32:12 AM
Gripping his axe tightly Feng decided what to do. The one on the east could move up and flank them but the west and north hillocks were causing much trouble. Feng twisted his axe around so he would lead with the flaming head. Even ground can burn. Seeing that Monthor is bleeding badly Feng springts that way.
ooc: full round movement to get to the west hillock
Draax AC 25 (with shield) HP 123 Sunday June 26th, 2005 6:03:09 PM
Hearing Sarigar's howl, Draax changes to his shield and sword and moves to M10. He gets himself ready to engage the hillock when the opportunity comes and give Sarigar a chance to back away.
(OOC: Rond was given the flaming bow)
Arien (AC 21, hp 52) Mage Armor d20+23=25 10d6(6+4+2+5+3+5+3+5+1+1)=35 Sunday June 26th, 2005 10:56:17 PM
Arien takes a moment the ensure that no one is blocking his path then, casting defensively (Concentration: 25) Arien casts a lightning bolt (35 damage, Ref DC 20) at the nearest hill thing, hoping that electricity would damage it.
OOC: Feng's Attack d20+18=27 d8+8=9 d6=3 Monday June 27th, 2005 12:35:04 PM
ooc: hit ac 27 for 9 normal and 3 fire.
I think a tactical retreat is in order. Feng can do a lot of damage by several attacks with moderate damage. His max damage without a crit is only 16 points. With a DR of 9 or 10 thats not very much damage if I roll well.
Cricket-Taurs (DM Cayzle) Monday June 27th, 2005 8:32:34 PM
The cricket-taurs flutter about in dismay. Several call out, "We'reWorthlessInThisFight!"
Serent, fully concentrating on keeping the Hillock of the East to its odd shambling dance, adds nothing, although his magic puts the lie to the other grigs' words.
The Ground Attacks (round 2) (DM Cayzle) d20+23=33 (AoO on Tratain) 2d10(5+1)+10=16 (damage to Tratain) d20+18=30 (trip att on Tratain) d8=4 (random roll to see who gets an AoO, Sar or BP) d20+23=26 (att on BP) 2d10(5+3)+10=18 (Dam on BP) d20+18=29 (trip att on BP) d20+6=17 (hillock fails reflex save) d4=2 d4=1 (random rolls to see who is attacked) d20+23=35 (hits Feng) 2d10(10+10)+10=30 (damage to Feng) d20+18=27 (trip vs Feng) d20+23=29 (att vs Tratain just hits with the +4 vs prone) 2d10(6+7)+10=23 (damage vs Tratain) d20+23=40 d20+23=39 (two hits vs BP) 2d10(2+10)+10=22 2d10(10+7)+10=27 (two damages vs BP) d20+18=21 d20+18=38 Monday June 27th, 2005 9:14:37 PM [OOC: In the You-Learn-Something-New-Every-Day department, consider the rules for damage reduction: "The creature takes normal damage from energy attacks (even nonmagical ones), spells, spell-like abilities, and supernatural abilities." That means damage reduction does not apply to lightning bolts or fire damage from flaming weapons. This does not affect Monthor's previous damage (because it only matters if your weapon damage is less than 10 points), but it may affect Feng in future attacks.]
Second Round - PC Actions
Renik shouts orders and shoots arrows -- alas, without doing any real harm to the enemy.
Monthor's flaming axe cuts deep into the huge mound of earth before him, and seared earthworms spill out like blood from the gashes he makes. (17 hp damage to the Hillock of the West). [OOC: Note that the dwarfish +4 dodge bonus to Armor Class is granted only against monsters of the giant type : elementals are not included. It has not mattered so far.]
Tratain evades the grasping foliage and stands up. Doing so provokes an attack of opportunity from the Hillock. It swings with a crushing blow, hitting AC33 for 16 hp damage. That massive force of earth knocks Tratain back down (make a reflex save vs DC 20 or be Entangled).
But that does not stop the brave Protector of Domi from attempting to turn the monster away. Tratain calls upon the divine source of his power, and feels its energy. But, alas, it is not sufficient to force the elemental creature away. Finally, Tratain prepares to help Monthor, should the Hillock succeed in landing a blow on the brave dwarf.
[OOC: Per a ruling from Kent, a person turning can choose to avoid affecting his allies. Carl, that's one for the Rulings page!]
Sarigar and Black Paws attempt to stand and retreat from combat. Doing so provokes attacks of opportunity, but the monster can only make one AoO per round. For reasons known only to itself, it strikes Black Paws. That attack only hits AC26, but that's enough to hit Black Paws for 18 hp damage as a fist of earth slams into the canine's leg. That knocks Black Paws back down, too (another reflex save, please).
[OOC: Black Paws still has a standard action left this round, which could be a standard attack (with the usual penalty for attacking while prone and possible other penalties if he is entangled), or it could be standing up (if not entangled), or it could be an attempt to wrest free (if entangled), or it could be a five-foot crawl (again if not entangled), etc. Feel free to decide with your next post.]
Feng looks at the field of battle. By the Hillock of the West, Tratain and Monthor are sore beset. The paladin wants to charge that monster, but there are grigs in the way, so he can't. On the other hand, there is a clear path to the Hillock of the North, from which Sarigar just fled, and which is really laying into Black Paws. But Renik ordered him to hit the Mound ahead! Did he mean the one to the North? The paladin decides and moves up to the Hillock of the West (double move, no charge possible). He provokes an AoO, but the monster has already used used its AoO this round.
Draax changes weapons and moves towards the Hillock of the North.
Arien casts a Lightning Bolt at the Hillock of the West, being careful not to hit his allies. The lightning hits the monster like a stormbolt hits high ground -- the monster takes the full 35 hp damage.
The grigs fly here and there. One crazed grig lands on the Hillock of the West and stabs it with a tiny short sword -- doing no damage. The Hillock ignores this, as it seems to ignore the fey in general. Serent continues to fiddle like a crazy-drunk musician at a square dance.
One grig looks at the flames of the magic weapons and the tiny fires resulting from the lightning bolt. She suddenly squeals, "WeCouldMakeASmokeScreenFromABigEnoughFire!"
Second Round - Enemy Actions
The Hillock of the East continues to Dance. It at least is paying attention to a grig!
The Hillock of the West attacks Feng and Tratain. With a crunching blow at Feng, it hits AC 35 for a massive 30 hp damage! That knocks down the paladin, and grasses immediately try to grasp at him. (Roll a reflex save vs DC20 or be entangled, see yesterday post for effects.) Then it turns to the already prone Tratain, and just hits the protector (due to the +4 vs a prone foe) for 23 damage. If Tratain is not entangled, another save is called for as well.
The Hillock of the North ignores the grigs near it and attacks Black Paws. Sarigar's friend is hit twice, for 22 and 27 hp damage. He is also knocked down, if he is not already.
STATUS AT END ROUND TWO
Hillock of the North: Uninjured maybe (depends on Black Paws) Hillock of the West: -86 hp damage Hillock of the East: Dancing
The Monthor Strikes Back! d20+21=32 d20+16=30 d20+11=18 d10+10=12 d6=2 d10+10=18 d6=5 Monday June 27th, 2005 9:36:33 PM
:: With blood still spilling from multiple wounds, Monthor grasps his war axe and swings three more times with as much strenght and determination as he can muster. Encouraged that his companions are now by his side, the dwarf bellows... ::
" WELL BOYS!!!! ARE WE HAVING FUN YET!!!!! "
:: Monthor hits the beast with his first hit (hits with a 32 but does a miserable 4 points of damage after reduction) and taunts it a second time (hits with a 30 for 13 points after reduction for a total of 17). Blood seeps in his eyes and causes him to miss out on his third hit. ::
==========
[OOC from Cayzle: Please post your AC, current hp, and your Trip DC with your posts.]
OOC DM Cayzle Monday June 27th, 2005 10:32:28 PM
Joe pointed out to me that the D&D FAQ says, "When you make an attack of opportunity against someone who's getting up, your target is effectively prone, and therefore cannot be tripped."
Now, the FAQ is NOT Wold official, and Kent has said so from time to time. However, my personal DM style is to give it a certain amount of weight, and therefore I make the following ruling:
(1) Tratain and Black Paws are now standing and do not have to make any entangle saves. That compensates you guys for my playing it differently in the earlier part of the battle.
(2) In the future (unless Kent rules otherwise), an AoO against a prone opponent triggered by his getting up cannot be a trip attack. (Note that nothing obligates a creature from taking an AoO to which they are entitled. An opponent may choose to forego an AoO provoked by getting up in order to (hopefully) make an AoO later when that AoO could be used to knock an enemy down.)
[Side note: This rule also prevents a disarmer from disarming an opponent who triggers an AoO by bending down to pick up a dropped weapon.]
Tratain AC 31 HP 46/92 (Extended Magic Vestment; Shield of Faith) d20+21=24 4d8(4+5+4+5)+12=30 Monday June 27th, 2005 11:53:34 PM
Tratain defensivly casts Cure Critical Wounds On Monthor (Rolled 24 vs DC 19, Monthor Is Healed for 30 Points)
He Calls out "Arien! You need to hit it with a scorching ray using that Maximize rod you have. We need to put it down fast!"
Draax AC 25 (with shield) HP 123 d20+22=25 d8+12=19 Tuesday June 28th, 2005 12:02:04 AM
Draax realizes that going toe-to-toe with these creatures will do no good but has to move in to draw the mound's attention away for the wolf brothers. He moves to N7 and attacks the creature (hit AC 25 for 19 dmg -- 10 for a total of 9 dmg.)
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 12 or 39 of 145) d20+10=22 Tuesday June 28th, 2005 2:01:37 AM
Finishing the standard action from last round:
As Black Paws nimbly gets to his feet(saved last post), the Hillock pounds him again (this is the AoO that can't trip him as stated above) causing both brothers to wince in pain as blood sprays from both of their mouths. However, back on his feet, Black Paws dashes toward the hill to the east (50ft move to T2-U3).
Now for this round's action:
With it's size and reach, the Hillock, is able to reach him and pulls his legs out from under him, sending him tumbling back to the dirt and causing Sarigar to grab at his own leg in pain.
Sarigar takes a moment to and concentrate on moving faster (Casting Longstrider), then runs toward the center of the melee (40ft move to Q11). He's mentally and vocally screaming for his brother to follow around the hill toward him.
Black Paws scrambles back to his feet, ripping up some of the weeds and grasses trying to hold him down (Reflex 22 with Move to get up). He then races after his brother as fast as he can (50ft Move to Q8-R9)
ooc: I hope I got all that right. 50ft move after getting up last round, then getting tripped, move to get up again and another 50ft move to complete his actions from last round and this round. Just need to know if the Hillock would have been able to hit him twice on its action after Black Paws move. No chance the brothers are attacking as they can't hurt these things at all (unless they crit)
Arien (AC 21, hp 52) Mage Armor d20+23=42 d20+10=19 d20+10=19 d20+10=22 Tuesday June 28th, 2005 2:39:15 AM
Arien quirks an eyebrow for a moment as a cleric tells a mage how to cast but laughs it off and does as said, palming the rod Arien casts a Scorching Ray defensively (Concentration: 42) through it at the hillock-beast. (Touch ACs 19,19,22: 24 damage per ray for a total of 72 damage)
Renik (AC36, HP 80, Flying) d20+12=30 d6+5=6 d100=48 Tuesday June 28th, 2005 5:09:26 AM
The rogue sees that the Western mound is taking massive damage. Surely it must be close to falling. Every blow now is vital, they must bring it down quickly or someone is going to get killed. (Guys, we can use Hero Points to reroll misses. Monthor could reroll that miss and deal more damage this round!).
The rogue decides to change tactics. Activating his ring of blinking he drops his bow, draws his remaining shortsword and swoops directly downwards until he is hovering 5 feet from the ground. He moves in such a way as to expose himself to any AoO and normal attacks the mound might have this round, hoping to draw in an attack then duck aside at the last moment (Fighting Defensive, Expertise). From this position he swings wildly at the mound, knowing he has little chance of doing any real damage, but hoping that he may be able to draw blows away from the other, more wounded combatants (hits AC 30 for 6hp. BTW, how does Trip work on a flying opponent?).
Hearing the Grigs' suggestion he calls out "Good idea! You grigs see if you can set a fire on or around the Northern mound! It may cover a retreat or even hurt it! Sendar, how much longer can you keep the Eastern mound occupied?"
Feng AC 23 HP 84 d20+12=20 d20+13=28 d20+8=25 d20+3=17 d8+13=17 d6=3 d8+13=16 d6=3 Tuesday June 28th, 2005 10:19:26 AM
Feng's body rocks from the blow. Were they fighting elementals or giants? It didn't really matter since it hurt just the same. He was thankful that the grass started to grab him since it kept him from skidding across the ground. With unusual quickness for a man his size Feng rolls to his feet and strikes the creature.
ooc: reflex save 20. Used power attack -5 to hit/ +5 to damage. Hit ac 28 for 17 normal and 3 fire. Hit ac 25 for 16 normal and 3 fire
Cricket-Taurs (DM Cayzle) Tuesday June 28th, 2005 9:35:11 PM
The leader of the grigs continues to concentrate on the dancing Hillock, and does not answer Renik. Another of the fey calls out, "OhHeCanDoThatAllDay!"
Several grigs land near the Hillock of the North and start to light a fire. Failing any magical means to do so, they resort to tinder, flint and steel. By next round they may have a small blaze going.
The Ground Attacks (round 3) (DM Cayzle) d20+23=42 (AoO on Draax) 2d10(3+9)+10=22 (dam on Drx) d20+18=32 (trip Drx) d100=17 (blink check for Renik AoO) d20+23=33 d20+23=28 (2 hits on Draax) 2d10(8+6)+10=24 2d10(7+10)+10=27 (dmage to Draax) Tuesday June 28th, 2005 9:47:54 PM
Third Round - PC Actions
Monthor swings with his axe gripped firmly in both hands (Inflicts 17 +21 (not 24) from recalcuated damage per e-mail. Remember to multiply damage x1,5 when using a weapon two handed!).
Tratain reaches over and heals Monthor.
Draax advances toward the Hillock of the North. Doing so provokes an AoO from the monster, and it swings at Draax. It hits AC42, doing 22 hp damage to Draax and tripping him as well, and forcing a Reflex Save vs DC20 for entanglement. That stops Draax 10 feet from the monster -- out of melee range.
Sarigar casts his spell and moves off; Black Paws follows.
Arien casts his scorching ray spell and burns the Hillock of the West very badly for 72 hp damage.
Renik drops down to draw the monster's attention (and provoke its AoO -- ironic because this round it looks like no one else would have!) He attacks for no damage, and the monster takes a swing at the rogue. As it does so, Renik blinks out of existence, foiling the Hillock's attack.
Feng delivers a telling two-handed blow for 9 hp damage. That does it! The monster falls, slumping into a pile of dirt!
Third Round - Enemy Actions
The Hillock of the West is dead. The Hillock of the East is neutralized. But the uninjured Hillock of the North does not seem to care. It reaches out and pounds on Draax some more. Blam! Blam! it hits the prone intruder. Draax takes another 24 and 27 damage (total this round: 73 hp to Draax). This does not knock him down, because he already is down.
Status: Hillock of the North: Uninjured Hillock of the West: Dead Hillock of the East: Dancing
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 12 or 39 of 145) d20+16=35 Tuesday June 28th, 2005 10:41:13 PM
Seeing Draax in a similar state as Black Paws was a moment ago, Sarigar tells his brother to run to the rest of the pack. He himself runs over to Draax and tries to pull him out of reach of the Hillock (30ft move to M9, still have 50ft of move to pull him away with, I'm assuming no more than half that possible straight south).
Black Paws takes his brothers advice and dashes toward the others, careful to avoid both Hillocks. Black Paws glances both north and southeast to make sure both Hillocks arms can't reach him as he passes through. A step to the south, then almost a straight shot southwest gets him to where he wants to go. The idea of threading a needle comes to the brothers' minds as he does this (Move to M13-N14).
From there, Black Paws keeps his keen eyes focused on the other hills in the area for any sign of movement (Spot 35). If any show any signs of movement, he'll bark out and point at it like a retreiver.
Draax AC 25 (with shield) HP 50 of 123 d20+10=30 Tuesday June 28th, 2005 11:51:30 PM
Draax avoids getting entanglement by the creature (reflex save 30). Seeing that the wolf brothers are clear Draax guesses that the pounding was worth it, although he did not count on receiving that amount of pain. If Sarigar pulls Draax out of melee range of the creature Draax will stand up and move to N13.
If Sarigar cannot move Draax out of melee range Draax will still attempt to stand and if he makes it to his feet he will take a five foot step away from the creature.
Arien (AC 21, hp 52) Mage Armor d20+10=22 d20+10=20 d20+10=24 Wednesday June 29th, 2005 2:14:26 AM
Arien seeing Draax in trouble moves into range (L10) for another Scorching Ray, this one on the north Hillock. Arien channels the spell through the rod to maxamize the spell and three bolts of fiery energy lance out at the beast. (Touch AC: 22, 20, 24 maxamized, 72 damage total)
Renik (AC 36, HP 80, Flying, Blinking) d20+11=25 d6+7=12 Wednesday June 29th, 2005 2:33:57 AM
(OOC: As stated in email communications, I wanted to make this the first post, but the time differences meant it was 4am for me by the time you posted, Cayzle. Could we say this post goes first, as that was the stated intention? That way Renik can take any AoOs rather than the heavily injured Sarigar or Draax)
Renik drops another five feet, scoops up his discarded shortsword and then charges, flying directly at the northern mound (K7), remaining 5 feet off the ground. Seeing his battered and bruised comrades in the creature's path he calls out at the mindless mound "Hey stupid, catch me if you can!" as he weaves and bobs about (Full Defense) presenting himself as tempting and noisy target.
(OOC: I'm guessing picking up the sword precludes an attack this round. If I've got that wrong Renik hits AC 25 for 12hp, and his AC increases by 4.)
Feng AC 23 HP 84 Wednesday June 29th, 2005 10:05:27 AM
Feng wastes no time. As soon as the creature falls he turns and sprints toward Draax. He needs to hurry before Draax takes another blow. Never had they faced such a challenge. Even the white dragon was easier than these creatures.
ooc: if Feng can he will lay hands on Draax for 24 hp.
Monthor- Pip pip and Talley Ho!!!!! d20+16=28 d10+13=15 d6=2 Wednesday June 29th, 2005 12:25:04 PM
ooc> AC 22 (assigning +1 Dodge feat to the North Hilllock) HP (78) Have to post now from work now as I may miss the cut off otherwise. DM, I don't have my manuals here for the trip AC but I assume it counts Dexterity bonuses (+3) or a Reflex save (+8) but not armor. May not even be relevant right now anyway.
--------------------------------------
Monthor grins from mishapen ear to 1/2 missing ear as the Western beast crumbles to dust. But no time to celebrate now. His buddies are getting beaten up on to the North. Monthor tightens his grip on his war axe, clicks his heels, sprouting the wings from his boots and takes off flying at full speed towards the frey with a loud bellow:
" HOLD ON GIRLS, ME COMING TO SAVE YE!!!! "
ooc> Monthor will fly a direct line to the beast. I don't think he can attack this round, but in case I'm wrong... He lands and power attacks at -5 to hit (hits with a 28) for 12 damage (15+5 (for the power attack) - 10 damage reduction + 2 fire damage)
Tratain AC 31 HP 46/92 (Extended Magic Vestment; Shield of Faith) Wednesday June 29th, 2005 1:29:08 PM
Tratain waits where he is until BLackpaws comes close and Casts Heal on Him (Heal for 120 Points)
He then moves forward to L 10
Cricket-Taurs Thursday June 30th, 2005 6:43:21 AM
Some of the grigs stay near Serent as he fiddles the Hillock of the East into ineffectuality.
The others have flown north, where a number have worked hard to start a small fire. They have been helped by the way that the Hillock seems to ignore them.
Using their magic, the grigs transform the fire into smoke. It spreads for 20 feet in all directions, from 1G-9G-9O-1O (on the map grid). All those in the smoke must make a Fortitude Save vs DC14 or suffer a -4 penalty to Str and Dex.
The grigs themselves flee out of the smoke, some choking on it as they fly.
The Ground Attacks (round 4) (DM Cayzle) d100=24 (Roll for R's Blink) d20+17=21 (Hillock save vs smoke) d20+9=19 (Hillock saves vs Irrisistable Dance) Thursday June 30th, 2005 7:19:32 AM [OOC: I'm very reluctant to let people who post later act first. That (theoretically) lets you improperly anticipate what others will do. But for this round only I'll make an exception.]
[Still OOC: I've been trying to post evenings from home, where all my notes are -- but last night the rail bed was washed away by flooding, so I was trapped at work until quite late. Sorry!]
[OOC: In the interest of expediency, we'll make do with no map this round. And yes, that makes this the Wed. DM Post! -- Cayzle]
Fourth Round - PC Actions
Renik picks up a sword (move action) and flies by the last remaining Hillock (second move action) to be a threat. The monster takes a swipe (AoO) at the irritating character, missing as Renik blinks.
Sarigar runs over to Draax and pulls him up and out of the way as Renik provides a distraction. Black Paws moves south and southwest.
Drax, with assistance stands up and moves south.
Arien moves north towards the Hillock and fires three rays at it, doing massive damage.
Feng dashes north toward Sarigar and Draax and heals Draax.
Monthor activates his magic boots (standard action) and flies north right at the Hillock (move action). In his armor, he flies 40 feet to square 8K -- next to Renik and ten feet away from the Hillock, but only a five-foot step away from the full round attack the dwarf is itching to make -- next round.
Tratain Heals Black Paws (and, by proxy it seems, Sarigar) and then moves to L10.
Then the Cricket-Taurs let loose their smokey blast! Monthor, Renik, and the Hillock must make DC14 Fort saves or take a -4 penalty to Dex and Str. Moreover, no sight at all is allowed through the cloud! No one can see the Hillock of the North. Almost no spells can target it (since the vast majority of spells require line of sight to a target). If you want to attack it, or cast an area spell like a fireball, you can take a guess as to where it is, attack into a square, and if you guess right, make a 50% miss roll for total concealment.
Fourth Round - Enemy Actions
All that would be much more relevant if the Hillock of the North had chosen to stay in the smoke. But it does not!
Like a moveable earthquake, the Hillock of the North takes a run action! It rumbles like an avalanche, moving fast towards its dancing brother. This would provoke tons of AoOs, but those grigs have 0 reach, and no one else is near enough after it leaves the smoke.
As it approaches Serent, it hears the music and must save as well! It resists the magic and ends its move right next to Serent!
Undoubtably, Serent's fiddling is about to come to an abrupt end! Faced with two angry Hillocks, what will the party do? Bravely face the foe? Fall back and regroup? Rush forward into choking smoke and the unknown?
Status: Hillock of the North: -72 hp Hillock of the West: Dead Hillock of the East: Dancing
Tratain AC 31 HP 46/92 (Extended Magic Vestment; Shield of Faith) 12d6(1+3+3+4+3+5+3+4+1+4+3+2)=36 Thursday June 30th, 2005 9:27:00 AM
Tratain shouts out "Serant Stop Fiddling and Hide now! Turn Invisible and Flee, we can take the last two now!"
Tratain then casts Blade Barrier along Row 15. (It can reach all the way across, but if the mound blocks it, then from S15 across both Elementals is What I really want.
Reflex Save DC 22 For No damage Initially and they choose what side of the Barrier they want to be on.
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 132 of 145) Thursday June 30th, 2005 11:12:12 AM
Feeling Tratain's healing spell wash through both of them, the brothers feel a renewed sense of life (almost literally). Knowing that their speed is probably the only asset they ave in this fight at the moment, they begin dashing around the Hillock that had been pounding on them.
They stay just out of reach of the beast weaving about randomly to be as confusing to the monster as possible. Sarigar throws stones at it while Black Paws barks at it, trying to draw it's attention away from the pixies.
Renik (AC 36, HP 80) Flying, Blinking d20+11=19 d20+14=17 d20+14=28 d6+7=11 d6+7=12 (oops) d20+14=33 Thursday June 30th, 2005 12:28:15 PM
The tide of the battle is surely turning thinks the rogue as Arien blasts into the creature. Then smoke erupts around him, and Renik has to clamp his mouth shut to avoid breathing in lungfulls of the noxious gases (Fort 19).
He feels rather than sees the mound stampede past him. It occurs to him then that they might press on forward, bypassing the creatures altogether. But they have grig allies back there, allies they swore to stand with unto death. He turns and follows the animated hillock in hot pursuit (Spot 17, Listen 33 if needed?), bursting out of the smoke cloud still five feet above the ground. He pursues the creature until it comes to a standstill (I think I can reach T12 in one movement action), then takes a swing with his sword again (AC 28, 30 if flanking applies, for 11 hp), subjecting himself to any AoOs the creature may dish out and hoping to keep the creature from attacking the grigs. If he can keep the creature occupied the grigs may be able to get back out of range.
"It's joined the other one!" he yells to any of his companions still hidden by the smoke. Follow the sound of my voice! Monthor, you can reach it if you fly!"
He prays Arien has more of those spells up his sleeve.
Arien (AC 21, hp 52) Mage Armor d20+10=26 d20+10=27 d20+10=21 Thursday June 30th, 2005 5:01:54 PM
Arien grimaces as the mound takes off towards the grig and moves after it (R10). Once done moving Arien channels another and final Scorching Ray at the wounded mound. (Touch ACs 26, 27, 21; maxamized 72 damage)
Monthor d20+8=28 Thursday June 30th, 2005 7:23:41 PM
ooc> What a waste of a natural 20 role!
Monthor easily ignores the effects of the smoke that now surrounds him (28) and clicks his heels again...
{ There's no place like home, there's no place like home... }
.... before flying off to join the frey.
The dwarf lands (S13), gripping his axe with both hands, ready for action.
Feng AC 23 HP 84 d20+8=28 d20+8=25 d8+18=22 d6=3 Thursday June 30th, 2005 10:07:28 PM
Feng charges toward the injured northen hillock. He grips his axe tightly with both hands, bringing the blade behind his back then up over his head and down onto the creature.
ooc: crit hit, ac 25 to confirm. Power Attack -10 to hit/ +10 to damage. I'm not sure if elementals can suffer critical hits so the normal damage is 22 normal and 3 fire. If it is a critical hit the damage is 3d8+54 (1d8+18 times 3)
Draax AC 25 (with shield) HP 74 of 123 Friday July 1st, 2005 2:18:38 AM
Draax thanks Fang for the healing and get ready for action again. Seeing that he cannot get to the one from the north without going past his buddy. Draax moves to R11 ready to assist when needed.
Cricket-Taurs (DM Cayzle) d20+6=23 d20+6=12 d20+6=21 Friday July 1st, 2005 7:01:14 AM
Serent's fiddling cuts off sharply, and the fey does take the advice offered -- he disappears! So does another one right next to him.
The two grigs to the south of the blade barrier jump back. The three just north, near the two Hillocks, are suicidally brave -- they leap on the injured hillock, trying to distract it from the attacking Hamleteers. (3 Aid Another attempts give Renik a +6 on his attack).
The other cricket-taurs are either coughing on their own smoke or helping those who are coughing.
The Ground Attacks (round 5) (DM Cayzle) d20+6=23 d20+6=12 (two saves vs BB) d100=41 (AoO blink chance on Renik) d4=4 d4=1 (random rolls for who is attacked) d20+23=24 d20+23=38 (att rolls) 2d10(8+9)+10=27 (dam on Monthor) d20+18=34 (trip vs M) d20+23=32 2d10(10+7)+10=27 (dam on Feng) d20+18=26 (trip vs Feng) Friday July 1st, 2005 7:36:39 AM
Fifth Round - PC Actions
Tratain casts his Blade Barrier and seals off the canyon. Both Hillocks opt to stay north of the barrier. The Hillock of the North takes no damage; that of the East, formerly uninjured, takes 36.
Sarigar and Black Paws try to distract the Hillocks and stay out of reach. The Hillocks do not seem concerned about the cricket-taurs. [OOC: How about mentioning the squares you want to move through? In the abscence of direction, I moved you conservatively forward.]
Renik races after the moving Hillock, but trying to fly through the smoke slows him down (standard move penalty for reduced movement while effectively blind). He flies up to the Hillock of the east, but not in time to attack. He does draws an AoOs as he approaches, but his Blink saves him again! The grigs try to aid his attack, but Renik did not have time to make an attack. Oh well.
Arien moves to R10 and fires off another blast!
Monthor also struggles to get out of the smoke and get to the fight. he lands at S13. Next round he can take a 5 foot step and make a full attack against the Hillock of the East.
[The DM takes a liberty to make things move a little easier.]
Draax moves forward and out of Feng's way, sensing that the paladin wants to charge.
Feng charges -- he cannot reach the Hillock of the North, so he lays into the Hillock of the East. [Note that power attack with a two-handed weapon means if you take a -10 to hit, you get +20 damage.] After damage reduction, Feng inflicts 25 hp damage to the Hillock of the East.
Fifth Round - PC Actions
Freed of the enchantment only to be immediately attacked, the Hillock of the East fights back! It directs one blow at Feng and one at Monthor. It misses Feng with a nat one! Monthor, landed on the ground, is hit for 27! That levels the dwarf, who is now prone (Relfex save vs DC20 or be entangled).
The other Hillock, of the North, moves forward to attack Feng, who is closest to it. It's one attack hits AC32, a hit for 27. That knocks the Paladin prone (Reflex save vs DC 20 or Entangled).
Status: Hillock of the North: -144 hp Hillock of the West: Dead Hillock of the East: -36-25
Renik (AC 36, HP 80) Flying, Blinking d20+14=16 Friday July 1st, 2005 8:30:36 AM
Renik is determined to draw as much fire as possible. Flying right around Feng he zooms back into battle against the hillock of the North at U11 (in the process drawing AoO's from both mounds so that his companions can get up unmolested, and blocking Feng from attack from the hillock of the North.
He takes a swing at the Northern hillock though he knows it will do him little good (he misses!), and continues to draw as much attention to himself as possible.
"Monthor!" he calls. Hit the hillock of the East with everything you have! Everyone else hit the Northern one, maximum damage!"
(OOC: Monthor, please post your AC and HP in the subject line, it makes life easier for Cayzle and helps us determine who needs healing. Thanks!)
Monthor (AC 22, HP 51) d20+8=25 d20+16=20 d20+11=28 d20+6=15 d8+23=30 d6=5 d8+23=28 d6=3 Friday July 1st, 2005 9:35:09 AM
Monthor again avoids being entangled (25), and advances ( to T13 ) to attack the Eastern beast. [ooc, Monthor assigns the Eastern beast his dodge bonus, Two handed power attack (-5 to hit, +10 damage)]
Monthor swings once and hacks into the beast [(1-8)+10 power attack, +9 strenght, +2 weapon bonus + 2weapon specialty, + (1-6 flame)= 35 -10 ( damage reduction) = 25)
And a second time, slicing into the beast (for 21 damage, same formula as above)
And misses the third strike.
(total damage = 46)
Tratain AC 31 HP 46/92 (Extended Magic Vestment; Shield of Faith) Friday July 1st, 2005 8:35:37 PM
Tratain moves forward after Renik to square S11 ready to heal those in need.
Draax AC 25 (with shield) HP 74 of 123 d20+22=33 d8+12=14 Friday July 1st, 2005 9:06:33 PM
Draax waits until Renik get the north beast's attention before moving to attack the creature. Staying out of the melee range of the east beast, Draax moves to U9 and attacks the north (hit AC 33 for 14 - 10 = 4 total dmg).
Feng AC 23 HP 84 d20+13=22 d20+8=26 d20+3=8 d8+18=26 d6=6 d8+18=25 d6=5 Friday July 1st, 2005 10:57:26 PM
Feng hears Renik's orders above the chaos of battle. He doesn't hesitate as he turns from the east hillock to the north. He grips his axe tightly in his hands, pulling as much strength from his tired muscles as he could.
ooc: two handed weapon: -5 to hit/ +10 dmg. Hit ac 22 for 26 normal and 6 fire. Hit ac 26 for 25 normal and 5 fire.
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 132 of 145) d20=15 d20-2=7 Saturday July 2nd, 2005 12:45:16 AM
The brothers continue to try to draw the beasts attention away from those directly attacking and even try to shake them up a bit. They pace back and forth (Sarigar moving back and forth between S8 and S10, Black Paws between Q11-Q13) like animals ready to strike growling and barking menacingly (Intimidate 15 and 7).
Arien (AC 21, hp 52) Mage Armor d20+23=34 12d6(1+5+6+2+4+6+3+4+6+5+2+1)=45 Saturday July 2nd, 2005 1:09:42 AM
Arien stares at the hillock a moments not believing that the thing was still alive. Shaking his head Arien blasts at the thing with a bolt of lightning, a smaller arc leaps from the wounded hillock and strikes the other as well. (Chain Lightning: 45 damage to north, 22 to the eastern hillock; Ref DC 23)
Cricket-Taurs (DM Cayzle) Saturday July 2nd, 2005 9:46:37 AM
Serent's voice calls out from somewhere in Sylvan. If you can understand that, Please Highlight to display spoiler: {LookTheyAreSideBySide! TieThemTogetherByTheirOwnGrass!}
The grigs concentrate, and a strange thing happens. The sod and grass and brush and bramble on each of the Hillocks begins to wave and flex and grow on its own -- especially where the two Hillocks are next to one another. The grasses on the Hillock of the East reach out to the ones on the Hillock of the North! They seem to be trying to embrace each other!
The Ground Attacks (round 6) (DM Cayzle) d100=26 d100=17 (blink checks for AoOs) d20+6=8 (failed save vs bolt) d20+6=8 (failed save vs entangle) d20+21=27 d20+21=23 (two attacks on Monthor hit) 2d10(9+5)+10=24 2d10(5+10)+10=25 (damage to Monthor) d20+16=18 d20+16=36 (one of two trips knocks Monthor flat) Saturday July 2nd, 2005 10:20:38 AM
Sixth Round - PC Actions
Brave Renik continues his efforts to distract the monsters. He draws two attacks of opportunity -- and boy, does his luck continue to hold! Both attacks swish! through air as he blinks away! Almost as an afterthought, Renik swings and misses.
Monthor stands up, takes a step forward, and swings at the Hillock of the East. Two mighty swings cut deep and deeper, revealling white roots like guts inside the Hillock, which flinches away in pain (total 46 damage).
Tratain moves up, healing magic ready.
Draax moves northeast and dings the Hillock of the North for 4 hp.
Feng steps up next to Draax and does to the Hillock of the North what Monthor just did to the Hillock of the East! His strokes burn the creature, and cut deep, exposing a gleaming shiny stone interior cavity, like a geode laid bare. The monster reacts with agony, taking 42 hp damage and shuddering from the blows.
Sarigar and Black Paws growl and bark menacingly. [OOC: Sorry, Philip. Per the Intimidate skill description, you can only demoralize an opponent you threaten -- and you can only threaten enemies that are in your reach -- the the boys are too far away to threaten the Hillocks. Nice try, though.]
Then Arien finishes the job with electrical energy! The Hillock of the North slumps into ruins (no save rolled because even half damage does the job). The Hillock of the East absorbs the brunt of the bolt (fails save for 22 damage).
Finally, the magic of the cricket-taurs causes the grasses on the dead Hillock to seek out the still standing Hillock. Stunned, perhaps, by pain and the deaths of its comrades, the Hillock hardly resists as the grasses of its dead friend tie it down.
Sixth Round - Enemy Actions
Constricted slightly, the Hillock of the East attacks the dwarf who caused it so much pain. Monthor is slammed twice! He takes 49 points of damage and is knocked down (Reflex save vs DC20 to avoid entanglement, please, Monthor).
Status: Hillock of the North: Dead Hillock of the West: Dead Hillock of the East: -129 hp and entangled
NOTE: The Hillock's AC is now 18 due to being entangled
Cayzle OOC Saturday July 2nd, 2005 11:58:47 AM
Oh, wait! Monthor and Feng got up from prone! That's a move action. With the remaining time all they can do is a five foot step and a standard attack! Monthor and Feng only get to swing once. The Hillock of the North is still dead, since it was overkilled. But the Hillock of the East takes only 25 damage, not 46.
ALSO, I note that Feng did not save vs the Entangle when he was knocked down! PLEASE do so now! Reflex Save DC20. Fail = -2 to hit, -4 dex, locked in place until a Str or Escape Artist check frees you)
REVISED Status: Hillock of the North: Dead Hillock of the West: Dead Hillock of the East: -108 hp and entangled
Arien (AC 21, hp 52) Mage Armor d20+23=41 d20+10=21 d20+10=27 d20+10=24 4d6(2+4+2+6)=14 4d6(1+5+6+5)=17 4d6(5+1+5+3)=14 Saturday July 2nd, 2005 4:32:49 PM
Arien give a short, "Haha!" when the hillock dies and focuses on the remaining creature. Arien casts his last Scorching Ray, this one without the benefit of the rod. The rays strike the creature, burning holes into the turf. (Touch Acs: 21, 27, 24; damages: 14, 17, 14; total damage: 45)
Monthor - Talk about cutting it close AC 22 HP 3 d20+8=20 d20+16=21 d20+11=26 d20+6=24 d8+23=29 d6=1 d8+23=28 d6=3 d8+23=26 d6=5 Saturday July 2nd, 2005 7:24:04 PM
A near death Monthor avoids being entangled (barely, role 20), gets up and swings with the very last of his strenght.
" IF ME TO DIE TODAY, ME TAKING YE WITH ME!!!! "
[ooc> Just so I don't mess up again, I'm assuming that being knocked down is like being prone i.e. getting up is a move equivalent action. Since Monthor doesn't have to take a step this time, he should be able to get up and use all three attacks. Right?]
[ooc, Monthor assigns the Eastern beast his dodge bonus, Two handed power attack (-5 to hit, +10 damage)]
Monthor swings once and hacks into the beast [(1-8)+10 power attack, +9 strenght, +2 weapon bonus + 2weapon specialty, + (1-6 flame)= 30 -10 ( damage reduction) = 20)
[ooc> Ignore the rest of this if he can only do one attack]
And a second time, slicing into the beast (for 21 damage, same formula as above)
And a third time, slicing into the beast (for 21 damage, same formula as above For a total= 62)
Renik (AC 36, HP 80) Flying, Blinking d20+14=25 d6+7=9 Saturday July 2nd, 2005 7:58:31 PM
Renik loops up over Monthor and comes back down lashing out ineffectually with his sword (T14, AC 25 for 9hp), making room for Feng to step in and unleash the full ferocity of an enraged half-orc paladin. Once again he does his utmost to act as the target man, trying to let his companions get up unmolested while he does his best to distract the creature. "Your mom was a potted plant and your dad was a slurry pit!" he yells, uncertain of how to best anger earth elementals.
"And someone heal that dwarf!" Renik yells, almost as an afterthought, as Monthor bravely launches his attack whilst barely able to stand.
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 132 of 145) d20+3=22 Sunday July 3rd, 2005 2:34:11 AM
As an act of sheer insanity, Sarigar makes an odd move as he literally runs up onto the top of the still "living" Hillock (Move to V13, Climb 22) and begins ripping grass out of it as if trying to scalp it.
Perhaps he's purposely trying to cause a distraction or his near death experience has temporarily driven him over the brink (which he sometimes seems to teeter on anyway) is anyone's guess. Either way, he actually seems to be having fun, like a kid playing in the mud.
Black Paws strangely enough begins to chase his own tail, obviously caught up in the emotions of his brother.
Monthor clarifies after discussion with DM Sunday July 3rd, 2005 9:21:42 AM
Monthor's attacking from a proned position. So, the first attack misses, the other two hit (for a total of 42) and Yves reviews the Player's Guide.
Tratain AC 31 HP 46/92 (Extended Magic Vestment; Shield of Faith) d20+21=31 3d8(7+2+2)+12=23 Monday July 4th, 2005 1:48:31 AM
Tratain takes a 5 foot step into square T12 and defensivly casts a cure spell upon Monthor (Healed for 23 Points.
Tratain will also intercept an attack for the Dwarf.
Feng AC 23 HP 84 d20+12=23 d20+13=31 d20+8=20 d20+3=14 d8+18=25 d6=3 d8+18=26 d8=7 d6=4 Monday July 4th, 2005 7:45:50 AM
Feng wants to tear into the elemental but Monthor looks like he's hurt bad. Feng isn't even sure how the dwarf is still on his feet let alone able to fight. He's about to move over to the dwarf and use what healing energy he has left but Tratain steps in and heals the dwarf. At the very least that buys him a few seconds.
ooc: hit ac 31 for 25 normal and 3 fire. hit ac 20 for 26 normal and 4 fire. ignore d8 roll.
The Ground Attacks (round 7 and last) (DM Cayzle) d20+6=12 (save vs ray) d100=32 (AoO/blink) Monday July 4th, 2005 8:47:47 AM
Arien's ray burns the monster badly for 45 hp.
Renik's strat distracts it, and that darn blink saves him.
Monthor and Feng swing deep -- Monthor's ax clangs as it hits some inner hardness within the mound (42 hp). Feng's blow opens a great gash, and mud pours out (38).
Tratain heals the bloody dwarf.
Sarigar finds himself pulling at the grasses of an inert mound of earth. The Hillock is dead.
"Huh!" says an impressed Serent, popping into view. "IThoughtYouGuysWereGoners! GoodWorkAllAround!"
Renik Monday July 4th, 2005 12:30:10 PM
Renik floats slowly down to earth, scarcely able to believe the battle is over.
"Glad to see you're OK, Serent, I was getting worried about you there for a moment. Actually, I was getting worried about all of us there for a moment!"
He looks around at his companions, battle-torn and spattered in mud. "Serent's right, we started out a bit loose, but really pulled it together by the end. We did good."
The rogue looks up at the sky, determining the time of day.
"Given the amount of spells our casters were forced to cast, and how seriously wounded so many of us got, I'd suggest we pause before heading on. What say the rest of you? A camp to gather our strength and allow our casters time to recuperate?"
Once conversation is done the rogue sits apart from the others, going over the details of the battle in his mind. They made some mistakes, certainly, himself included. But ultimately they triumphed. They can learn from this, growing stronger and more coherent in combat with each battle if they are able to learn from their mistakes.
Monthor (HP 26) d20-2=2 Monday July 4th, 2005 3:24:18 PM
After the demise of the last creature, Monthor sits himself down on the grass. Taking his water skin out, Monthor cleans off the blood from his numerous wounds and attempts his best at field dressing his wounds (Heal role =2).
After Renik suggest that they make camp, Monthor stands, leans on his war axe and spits some blood out of his mouth and onto the grass.
" Me suggests that we not stay around here very long me little buddies. Where there's three beasties, there may be more coming soon. These beasties were not here for their health. Someone or something brough them here. Me for one am in no shape to do this again today. Tomorrow maybe... but not today.
Let's find a place a wee bit more hospitable. Renik, why don't ye go on ahead and see what these three were so hot and bothered about protecting. Heck, for all we know there may be a fine Inn a the end of this valley. Me could use a few dozen beers right about now. "
Arien Monday July 4th, 2005 8:47:00 PM
Arien breathes a sigh of relief when the last creature dies and after a moment falls back to his rear. Arien supports himself with one arm, the other draped over a knee. After a moment a low chuckle can be heard. After a few minutes of just unwinding, Arien stands back up and brushes himself off. When camp is suggested Arien says, "I am running a bit low on damaging spells but I think I still have enough to go on. If Tratain is running low on healing though I would definetely recommend staying the night. Also, Monthor, you stick next to me. Next time we get in a fight I have a spell or two that might help you out."
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 132 of 145) d20+16=29 Monday July 4th, 2005 9:35:10 PM
Even with the Hillock's defeat, Sarigar continues to dig into the beast like a dog burying a bone. In surprisingly short time, he's got a hole dug deep enough that he could lie down in and not be seen. He stands up proudly, covered in mud and Hillock muck looking down at his packmates. His stance makes the others think of the old "king of the hill" game, and he's the king. Not for long though as Black Paws leaps up the hill and barrels him over they both go tumbling down.
After some time of monkeying around, the others have decided on what they're going to do and the brothers tag along. While they're walking along with the others, Sarigar questions his brother, "Those things sure went after you, didn't they brother? Even when I was right there, it ignored me an kept pounding on you. Must be all that fur, they liked it so much, they wanted it for them. Sure helps in the winter to have all that."
In the camp, the brothers go about the tediums of making a camp. Black Paws digs the fire pit. Sarigar digs through his backpack for his blanket, but pulls out half a dozen other things first. He also helps catch several small animals for an evening snack (Survival 29, don't have my sheet with me so the modifier might be off a bit).
Tratain d8+1=3 d8+1=7 d8+1=8 d8+1=5 d8+1=9 d8+1=5 d8+1=7 d8+1=2 d8+1=6 d8+1=9 d8+1=6 d8+1=5 d8+1=2 d8+1=3 d8+1=3 d8+1=4 d8+1=4 d8+1=5 d8+1=3 d8+1=8 d8+1=2 d8+1=8 d8+1=8 d8+1=5 d8+1=7 d8+1=3 d8+1=5 d8+1=2 d8+1=2 d8+1=5 d8+1=4 d8+1=2 d8+1=3 d8+1=4 d8+1=4 d8+1=9 d8+1=6 d8+1=4 d8+1=6 d8+1=9 d8+1=3 d8+1=2 d8+1=8 Monday July 4th, 2005 10:05:53 PM
Tratain pulls a Wand from one of the Pockets of His Pants 'o Plenty and begins healing everyone with it, while listening to what everyone has to say.
As he is healing he says "First, after this we'll need a new Cure light Wounds Wand, but they're inexpensive and very handy, we might want to pick up two. Second I wouldn't recomend staying or going back, we've overcome the first obstacle. These May or may not have been the Guardians, I'm betting not but the only way to find out is to push on. If we stop who knows what we'll have to fight tomorrow to get through here."
He continues "I noticed during the Battle that the Elementals left our companions the Grigs alone. I suggest we use Ariens Veil Spell to look like them, and Let Serant do most of the Talking for us. That may reduce the ammount of Things that try and Kill us on the way to the Portal. I Really don't think that the ammount of Damaging spells that Arien can cast will help at all if there is a bigger guardian. The object is to slip by. Hopefully if we look like our companions here and let Serant do the talking for us, we can keep our interaction with anything we run into to a minimum I'm hopeing noting will see through the Veil spell. It'll be up to you Renik, but I really think stopping would be a bad idea."
Healing Rolls:Used Used 36 of 36 Remaining Charges, 6 Level 0 Spells
OOC: I think i had everyones remain HPs figured correctly, Let me know if I healed too much, but I think It's pretty accurate. The only person still damaged should be Sarigar by 3 points I believe.
Draax Tuesday July 5th, 2005 2:46:20 AM
Draax gives a sigh of relief when the battle is over. He can honestly say that he never felt so useless in a fight before. He accepts the healing quietly as he contemplates what when on doing the fight. He tells himself that he has to get stronger if he is going to continue in this type of work.
Feng AC 23 HP 114 Tuesday July 5th, 2005 3:45:51 AM
Feng was breathing hard when the battle finally ended. He got off lucky considering some of the others. He wasn't sure what was worse giants or elementals.
"Beer does sound like a good idea. Especially after a battle like that one."
Rest and Regroup (DM Cayzle) Tuesday July 5th, 2005 7:05:16 AM
The party pauses to heal and talk.
Sarigar, digging into the mound, finds a mass of gnarly roots and a shiny rock.
Serent laughs at the idea of hiding among the grigs. "ILikeThatIdea! VeryTricksy!"
The party continues to make plans. Are you resting for the night? What way will you go, and when?
Renik d20+17=36 d20+20=23 d20+25=44 d20+14=34 d20+14=15 Tuesday July 5th, 2005 6:37:40 PM
"Tratain, that's brilliant. Grigs it is. Serent, consider yourself party leader until further notice!" grins Renik.
How better to enter the realm of the Fae Queen than to appear as Fae, the rogue thinks to himself. There is always the chance that their non-Fae nature will be discovered, but as a ruse it has everything going for it.
"Very well. If we're all healed and Arien and Tratain are happy to press on, let's keep moving. Before we do though, let me scout ahead a little. One other thing though; I'm currently holding 4293GP in group funds. And I can, witha little jiggery pockery, cast spells with wands. If we find ourselves in a combat like that one again where I can't do any damage, it would make sense to have me up front attracting the attacks (because when I want to I can be pretty hard to hit), whilst wielding a wand of whatever might prove handy. Healing and Magic Missile are always useful, in my experience."
Renik will let Arien cast Veil upon him if the mage is able to do so. Then he will use a charge of his invisibility wand (UMD 36). That done he will fly ahead slowly and carefully, 70 feet up, scouting out the land ahead, before reporting back to his colleagues. (Move Silent 23, Hide 44, Spot 34, Listen 15).
Monthor Tuesday July 5th, 2005 7:38:15 PM
Monthor, after giving Tratain a big hug for healing him, agrees with, and cooperates with the party's plan.
" Me have a flaming cross bow if anyone would prefer to do damage from afare during our next frey."
:: Monthor shrugs ::
" Me mainly use it for hunting anyway. Me like me brawls nice and close. "
Tratain Tuesday July 5th, 2005 10:30:51 PM
After the Veil Spell is cast Tratain concentrates on his Find the Path spell and indicates the direction the Party should go to reach the Portal and anything else the spell might communicate.
Feng Wednesday July 6th, 2005 12:58:12 AM
"While my dislike for trickery is known I think that avoiding confrontation will be safer for everybody. Perhaps that will impress the Fae Queen."
Arien Wednesday July 6th, 2005 1:07:27 AM
Arien casts veil, transforming the party into a group of grigs. Hopefully whatever lies ahead will be fooled by the illusion.
Draax Wednesday July 6th, 2005 2:25:50 AM
Draax walks with the others while blending in with the grigs.
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 142 of 145) d20+31=33 d20+19=23 d20+26=46 d20+19=26 d20+17=22 d20+13=32 d20+16=32 d20+16=20 Wednesday July 6th, 2005 11:16:24 AM "OOooOOOoo, shiny." Then proceeds to dig around it until he can extricate it. Once loose, if it is "pocketable" he promptly puts it in his pack, however, if it is of significant size or weight, he'll leave it be.
Once the group has been "transformed" into grigs, he's sad to realize that he's not actually flying as he would have expected. The brothers make the best of it though and continues on with the rest of the party, leary about what may lie ahead. The prowl and watch their surroundings and sniff at the air with caution (Hide 33/23, Move Silently 46/26, Spot 22/32, LIsten 32/20).
ooc: Still at my dad's, so I don't have my sheet so some of my modifiers might be off a touch.
The Canyon of the Gate (DM Cayzle) Wednesday July 6th, 2005 1:53:23 PM
Sarigar digs a 20-lb lump of more-or-less pure silver out of the earthen corpse of a Hillock.
The party decides to press on today.
Tratain's divination reveals that the path to the gate is simple, straightforward, and safe. Of course, the spell does not reveal any living guards. Basically walk 3 or 4 miles to the end of the canyon, to the Gate itself. You'll get there in two or three hours -- half that if you hustle. Tratain gets the idea that you have to walk through a small stand of trees to get to it.
Arien casts his veil spell, making all the party -- including Black Paws! -- look like grigs. The real cricket-taurs find this very amusing.
DM Comments On The Veil Spell =======
Keep in mind, friends, that you got away with this in the Giant adventure in large measure because the giants were complacent and not very watchful. Per the spell, "Those who interact with the subjects can attempt Will disbelief saves to see through the glamer, but spell resistance doesn't help." That maens that if a potential "Guardian" talks to Serent and the grigs, it may get that will save to see through the illusion. Your specific actions may make that save harder or easier. If you talk in common or bark, then the save is easier. If you speak Sylvan and hide well among the other grigs, then it will be easier.
It is especially hard for Black Paws to realistically impersonate a grig. As he travels through the grasses and brush of the canyon, a huge swath of foliage is visably trampled around the "tiny grig."
I'm not dissing this strategy -- in fact, I think it is clever and has a good chance of success -- but it is not a free pass, at least not by itself.
====================
Feng, Draax, Sarigar, and Monthor do their best to blend in with the grigs.
Renik mentions some party funds and muses about buying some support magic. No one seems to object to that -- or to embrace the idea!
Renik blows a charge off his Invis Wand and scouts ahead, flying at an altitude of 70 feet. Since it only lasts a three minutes, he gets a minute and a half out and then back. That's only 900 feet -- not even a fifth of a mile. Looking back from that far out, Renik can still see the mounds of earth concealing the entrance of the canyon.
The terrain itself is brush, grasses, low trees, and the canyon walls themselves. The Canyon is narrow, but the sides are not very high. At 70 feet, Renik is about halfway to the top, on average.
Renik returns from his short scouting. You have a few hours walk ahead of you. Please keep careful track of current hit points, spells used, minutes of flight left in the day, etc. What's next?
Monthor inventories Wednesday July 6th, 2005 3:16:56 PM
Monthor seems to also enjoy the humor of passing himself off as one of his new little buddies. He even tries to talk like them.
" Heydoesn'tthePrincesssmellprettytoday?"
Monthor laughs.....
:: While they walk, Monthor inventories his gear and lets the other party members know what tricks he has stashed. ::
" Okee little buddies, me have... let's see now... five flasks of alchemist fire.... two flasks of acide and.... two smoke sticks. Me got to busy smashing away to use them with the muddy beasts but me do have them. Me can fly once more today for about 5 minutes.... You smarties let me know if you can find use of me gear next time there's a frey. "
" Hummm... what's the chance that these trees we have to pass through are Treants? Gees... wouldn't that be a sight? "
Monthor shrugs and keeps walking amongs the other critters.
Renik d20+14=21 d20+14=19 d20+25=26 d20+20=27 Wednesday July 6th, 2005 4:11:32 PM
The rogue suggests the party keep to the back of the group of grigs. "When we get close to the gate we might want to think about blending in a little better. Don't talk if you can avoid it. Leave that to Serent, or Arien and me at a push. Sarigar, Black Paws will need to stay quiet too. And invisible and flying as well, if we can manage it. Anyone else that wants to be invisible as well as a grig, just let me know.
He heads up to the front of the group for now, keeping a careful eye out for suspicious hills, rocks and trees (Spot 21, Listen 19, Hide 26, Move Silent 27).
Draax Wednesday July 6th, 2005 6:58:12 PM
Draax thinks about going invisible but he knows that he could never stay silent enough for the deception to last. He will take his chances with looking like the grigs while remaining silent and let the others do the talking.
Feng Wednesday July 6th, 2005 7:20:03 PM
Feng tries to blend in with the other grigs but does a rather poor job. He just can't think like a grig or even speak as they do. He will be suprised if the first person that sees them truly believes they are all grigs.
Tratain Wednesday July 6th, 2005 7:32:30 PM
As the party walks Tratain thinks about thier plans and see's that Black Paws is too big to hide convincingly as a Grig. He also keeps watch of the Grigs to see how they move and Act to better Try and blend in with them.
He says "I suggest we all watch our friends here and try and act like them more, Serant if you and your Tribe could help us act more like yourselves it would probably help us alot when we come to the guardian so we don't stand out so much. I also don't suggest that we make anyone invisible. We don't want to Draw any attention to ourselves otherwise the Guardian may see through the Veil Spell. If someone is invisible and the guardian notices something it may take a closer look at us which we don't want."
He continues "I also have a better idea as for what to do about Black Paws. I think the best way to Hide him, so to speak, would be out in the open. I think we should cancel the Veil spell on him, and if he'll let them, some of our Grig companions should Ride on him and act like he's one of thier comapions they picked up along the way and brought with them. It also may keep the guardian focused on Him and away from the rest of us if we try and stay on the other side of the group when we encounter the guardians."
Sarigar and Black Paws (AC 24/21 CV 142 of 145) Wednesday July 6th, 2005 9:23:43 PM "What cha think brother? You willing to have some of the little uns take a ride?"
The griggly image of Black Paws looks to and fro at the various grigs and eventually gives a bit of a snort. "He's ok with it if he gets a good brushing later."
Arien Wednesday July 6th, 2005 10:31:08 PM
"I can speak sylvan so if anyone besides Serent needs to speak I can. As for Blackpaws I can cast fly upon him when we get closer to the gate so that he won't leave those huge tracks."
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