Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Hard Core Adventurers- KOTS 20.06 The Cathedral of Shadows
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Goonalan" data-source="post: 6033633" data-attributes="member: 16069"><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">KOTS Part 3: Outside the Kobold Lair.</span></p><p></p><p>[sblock=Party Line Up]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 22px">The Hard Core Adventurers Level 1</span></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080408786/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8080408786_d047a822a7_c.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Gokan now with +1 Vanguard Battleaxe. </p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Gokan holds up his hand; in the last dying rays of the sunset the adventurers draw to a halt, the half-orc puts a finger to his lips for silence, makes a fist with his raised hand and then moves off in to the woods ahead. The four remaining adventurers stand as still as statues, listening intently, anxiously watching and waiting.</p><p></p><p>Gokan makes his way through the copse of trees, towards the sound of fast running water, slowly- cautiously, he approaches a clearing.</p><p></p><p>The half-orc stands swarmed in shadow; ahead a grassy bank slopes down to a fast flowing stream. Gokan spies two kobold minions, both armed and armoured as the ones that lead the attack on the King's Road. The stream bisects the scene ahead- from a plunging waterfall to his right it rushes in to the darkness of the woods to his left.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Kobold Minion]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/7952566286/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8031/7952566286_9efed8ffa5.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Kobold Minion</p> <p style="text-align: center">Minion Level 1</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682042062/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8526/8682042062_8e5dcb1cef_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Across the other side of the stream is a much larger grassy area, hemmed in again by trees and forest. Another four kobolds, similarly armed and armoured, patrol this area- or else loiter there. Also over the far side is a rough circle of standing stones, Gokan strains to listen.</p><p></p><p>A mumbling yapping sound comes from this direction, he shades his eyes to see- there are two more kobolds within the confines of the stone circle- one he's certain is another of the bastard wyrmpriests, the other looks to be a guard or warrior.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Kobold Wyrmpriest]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8047627838/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8030/8047627838_a59bed58ac.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Kobold Wyrmpriest</p> <p style="text-align: center">Artillery Level 3</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8680929619/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8119/8680929619_e35fcb6c18_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Gokan waits a while longer, till he's certain he has seen all there is to see, and then silently slips back through the trees...</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Outside the Kobold Lair]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8077541416/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8465/8077541416_1499c2e76e_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>“Ready” Jimmy whispers- Hedda, barely visible in the fast approaching gloom, nods.</p><p></p><p>Jimmy throws his dagger out with all his might, the target- the chanting kobold, presumed to be another wyrmpriest, is far over on the other side of the stream, and only visible now and then as it moves within the confines of the stone circle.</p><p></p><p>“YAWK!”</p><p></p><p>Jimmy's target screams as from just short of fifty feet the halfling scores a terrible hit, the short blade burying itself up to its hilt between the wyrmpriest's shoulder blades.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Jimmy’s Sly Flourish attack is at long range and against the concealed Kobold Wyrmpriest, he needs to roll a 19 to hit- or something like that, and he rolls… a 19, of course. And in keeping with the theme does 19 points of damage to the now terrified Kobold.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>The kobolds stir but too late, a double thunderclap makes the air fizz within the stone circle, both kobolds within are staggered and have to grip on to the standing stones to stay on their feet. The wyrmpriest is almost done for- blood gushes from its mouth, ears, eyes and nose. Sigur grins.</p><p></p><p>Hal lurches out of the tree line, his greatsword flashes and a kobold minion falls; Hedda meantime pops her head out of the woods and stares defiantly at the second kobold on this side of the stream. The terrified reptilian drops its weapon and with its panicked hands before it backs up at speed, trying desperately to escape the minotaur's horrifying gaze. Alas it backs up too fast and too far, the wretch tumbles off the bank and in to the stream- snapping its neck as it slams down on to the rocks there.</p><p></p><p>Gokan sets off at pace howling for all he's worth, all the while whirling his twin axes above his head- the half-orc reaches the waters-edge, leaps on to a rock midstream and bounds again on to the far side. Even then Gokan doesn't dawdle, the half-orc's charge continues, as he smashes in to the nearest enemies.</p><p></p><p>His axes dance and two more minions fall.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Surprise!]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8077586183/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8469/8077586183_a1cb04d83e_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Jimmy dives headlong down the bank, dances across stones protruding from the rocky stream bed and makes the other side- the halfing scurries forward, target in sight. A spear wielding kobold minion approaches, while from within the standing stones the wounded warrior, another kobold dragonshield, emerges- the pair close in on the halfling, squawking and yapping their delight at having cornered Jimmy.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Kobold Dragonshield]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8047626752/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8460/8047626752_f84d15899e.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Kobold Dragonshield</p> <p style="text-align: center">Soldier Level 2</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8680930579/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8256/8680930579_bea93b968e_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Exactly where Jimmy wants them. </p><p></p><p>The halfling spins on the spot, his dagger thrust out before him, creates a bloody arc as he twists and turns, the minion staggers back- throat cut, it tumbles down the bank and in to the stream- drowning while it bleeds to death. The dragonshield is sliced across the brow- the armoured kobold staggers back in to the circle of stones, blood in its eyes, flailing with its short sword wildly. Jimmy grins, dodges forward- the dragonshield swings, and then backs up further, the kobold suddenly thumps in to one of the standing stones, ricochets forward- Jimmy dances in and stabs it in the gut. The kobold is almost, but not quite, done for.</p><p></p><p>The dragonshield screams and surges forward, throws its shield at Jimmy, clearly desperate, as it slices- connects and leaves a great scar down the halfling's now numbed right leg.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Jimmy & the Dragonshield]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080429013/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8080429013_0569f5cf73_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>From the forest beyond the standing stones a pair of previously hidden kobolds emerge, the first slinks from its hiding place unseen, sneaks around the inside of the standing stones and in to position behind Gokan. The sneaky reptilian stabs out with its spear and skewers the half-orc, who is taken completely by surprise.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Kobold Slink]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8081211869/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8329/8081211869_36561a5de9.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Kobold Slink</p> <p style="text-align: center">Lurker Level 1</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682041566/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8682041566_37813212dd_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>The second sly kobold leaps from the shadows to land silently just behind Jimmy, the creature wields a short sword in each hand- both blades are plunged in to the halfling's body.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Kobold Slyblade]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8081205908/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8081205908_955a94c87c.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Kobold Slyblade</p> <p style="text-align: center">Lurker Level 4</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682041440/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8536/8682041440_86809e689a_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Jimmy instinctively attempts to twist, to somehow lessen the blows’ effect, but too late, he gasps for air with a punctured lung. The pain is all too much, he falls face forward on to the cold damp earth- blood oozes from his wounds, the halfling has mere seconds left to live.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Jimmy is down]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080427075/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8329/8080427075_5779263b23_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Jimmy is reduced to -11 HP and taking ongoing 5 damage, he will be at negative bloodied at the start of his next turn. The Kobold Slyblade hits twice, even after Jimmy employed his Second Chance (the Slyblade just hit again), for 16 and 18 damage respectively. The players are terrified- Jimmy might die.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Hal moves forward across the stream striding unhindered by the fast flowing water, the metal man climbs the bank as another half-dozen or so kobolds come rushing along the river's edge, hidden further downstream and therefore unaccounted for.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Kobold reinforcements]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080422038/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8080422038_f8ebe87e87_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>One of the creatures charges screaming at Hal, manages to stab and dent the metal man's right thigh, another rushes further on and joins the kobold slink menacing Gokan, the half-orc is nicked and cut again, he feels a little light-headed.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Gokan is bloodied.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Hal cuts down the minion he faces, and then moves on in to the circle of stones to stand over Jimmy's fallen body, the metal man lashes out twice more- backhand and forehand. The former causes the dragonshield to shift awkwardly to avoid the attack, the latter cuts - but only slightly - the kobold slyblade that did for Jimmy. </p><p></p><p>Two of the closing kobold minions pull up short, draw javelins and send them arcing towards Gokan. The half-orc swats aside one of the missiles with his battleaxe, but misses the other and takes yet another wound.</p><p></p><p>And yet another hidden kobold emerges from the trees, this fellow is positioned much closer to the waterfall- a little away from the action. The kobold detaches a grenade-like object from its belt, places it in in his sling- whirls up a storm and sends the odd-looking missile spinning. Alas the kobold slinger's aim is off- the grenade shatters on one of the rocks in the river, and bursts briefly in to flames.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Kobold Slinger]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8081219400/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8467/8081219400_9cc25f3d26.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Kobold Slinger</p> <p style="text-align: center">Artillery Level 1</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682041712/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8546/8682041712_8c740a2844_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>The staggering wyrmpriest chants and whines, a wave of shadowy energy pulses out and forms a dull sheen on its closest allies. The kobolds affected yap and screech their defiance, buoyed by their spiritual leader's protective magic.</p><p></p><p>The wyrmpriest is not done however; it circles its hands and conjures a glowing acid ball, which is sent sailing in to the air. The energy orb smashes in to Hal's chest-plate which, as in the first encounter, hisses spits and smokes as the acid gets to work. Hal staggers, barely able to keep his feet. </p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Hal is bloodied, actually reduced to 4 HP, after taking 16 Acid damage from the Wyrmpriest’s Energy Orb attack.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Sigur rushes out of the woods- he needs to get closer to the action; the dwarf grumbles and mumbles as he jogs forward in to the stream. He dodges hard left, backs up a little way, and avoids a minion's spear attack from the bank, then jogs on to a clear space between two of the standing stones.</p><p></p><p>The dwarf bows his head for a moment, mumbles something dark and dangerous, and then screaming punches his arms in to the air. A blanket of silvery purple light bursts from the dwarf- the glittering light seems to coalesce around each of his enemies- the radiant burst burns the kobolds. The slink, the slinger and the slyblade dodge and duck for cover and receive only minor wounds. The wyrmpriest receives the full force of the blast, and yet somehow manages to survive the attack, but is left barely standing- the kobold attempts to limp away. The kobold dragonshield meantime thumps in to the hard-packed dirt, deceased.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Sigur in action]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080421094/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8190/8080421094_195a0a9b48_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Sigur unleashes his Angelic Echelon, his Daily Power, which does 56 points of radiant damage in total- kick ass!</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>The dwarven invoker however is not yet done, a pair of ghostly radiant hands rush to their targets- the wyrmpriest is scragged and falls, while the slink staggers and looks very ill.</p><p></p><p>Hedda heads over to join the action, she rushes over the stream, and gruffly barks at the fallen halfling, “Bahamut Preserve!” Jimmy blinks open his eyes, and grins- that was close. The minotaur priestess bows her head and charges, bellowing all the way, she thumps in to the slyblade, leaving the kobold bruised and bloodied and on its backside- Hedda swings hard with her mace, attempting to end the creature, but somehow contrives to miss her target.</p><p></p><p>A stray minion rushes at Gokan and the half-orc is stabbed again, he staggers, the kobold is however cut down for its pains, but it is the only enemy to fall to Gokan's axes; the slink is far too quick for him. </p><p></p><p>Hedda stands in the midst of the action; it’s going to be close, she frets, real close...</p><p></p><p>“For Bahamut!” The minotaur priestess screams, Jimmy still lying on the floor takes up the call- “HARD CORE!” The halfling rogue yells.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- A whole lot of hurting going on]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080423184/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8186/8080423184_9aaf073a78_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Jimmy manoeuvres, although still bleeding badly and clutching at his side; leaden footed the halfling sprawls forward the last few feet, and lunges at the kobold slyblade- a palpable hit. The kobold attempts to withdraw, but stumbles; the effect raises Jimmy's spirits - the halfling's wounds are temporarily forgotten.</p><p></p><p>“Come on!” Jimmy screams, clearly enthused, the halfling grins.</p><p></p><p>Gokan and Hal dodge fresh kobold attacks while Hedda is cut again, but not badly- a slight wound from yet another javelin flung in to the melee. Hal fights back, another glancing blow and the slyblade is almost out for the count- now leaning heavily on one of the standing stones, the upright is slick with its blood.</p><p></p><p>Gokan staggers forward, bats a minion aside- narrowly misses being speared again, and moves on. A second strange grenade-like object flies through the air missing Hedda by inches, THUNKS in to a standing stone and bounces off to plop harmlessly in to the stream.</p><p></p><p>The kobold slinger makes fists of its hands and jumps and yaps furiously on the spot- clearly unhappy with its aim.</p><p></p><p>Sigur conjures a trio of radiant spectral hands, two minions in the melee are picked out- plucked or else slapped, and sent spiralling to the dirt. The third ghostly appendage fizzes angrily against the kobold slink, and yet the hurt is still not enough to lay the creature down.</p><p></p><p>Hedda strides forward, “Bahamut preserve!” the minotaur priestess roars, Hal nods slightly registering his thanks. The minotaur strides on, brandishing her mace before her. Hedda closes on the kobold slyblade, dodges once and then smashes her weapon down, through the kobold's defences, and on to the top of the reptilian's skull, which CRACKS and breaks- the slyblade falls. </p><p></p><p>Gokan matches Hedda's efforts; his twin axes smash in to the kobold slink, which sinks down forever.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- The tide has turned]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080420244/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8080420244_40b04ac8c0_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>There are only three kobolds left on the field of battle, the pair of javelin flinging minions who are even now backing cautiously towards the waterfall, and the short-sighted- it seems, slinger.</p><p></p><p>Hedda whirls her mace above her head, “No prisoners! No prisoners!” she yells, which produces a bloodthirsty chorus from her compatriots...</p><p></p><p>Jimmy dashes forwards and tangles with the kobold slinger, the creature has to spill its weapon to keep the halfling at bay. A javelin thuds in to the still screaming and pointing Hedda, a second just misses a ducking Gokan- the remaining kobold minions break ranks and turn tail and run straight towards the waterfall.</p><p></p><p>Hal charges and slices in to the slinger, the kobold staggers and squawks, seemingly outclassed as it’s harassed by the halfling and the metal man. The small humanoid manages however to draw its dagger and with a sneaky attack plunges the blade in to Hal's side; the warforged fights on- unconcerned.</p><p></p><p>Sigur grins, walks a little way forward and invokes another trio of his favourite spectral hands- the ghostly appendages seek out their targets, in quick succession the slinger falls, followed by one of the fleeing kobold minions. The lone survivor dodges at the last moment, and then rushes on and begins to clamber up and in to the waterfall, seconds away from safety...</p><p></p><p>Foolishly the kobold turns back to stare, about to plunge through the curtain of water, and is met by Hedda's defiant stare- the creature’s limited will is easily overcome, its hands slip and fail to grip- the creature falls backwards and smashes on to the rocks below the falls.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Hedda finishes it]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080426097/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8080426097_e6dd172b63_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Moments later the broken body of the adventurers’ last enemy floats away downstream.</p><p></p><p>“Quickly, check the bodies and then dump them in the stream... Quickly, our true enemy awaits within.” Hedda is all business-like, her fellow adventurers scurry to comply.</p><p></p><p>The adventurers get to work, each of the dead kobolds are briefly examined, or at least their possessions checked, a smattering of coin is collected- mostly copper and silver, but nothing else of interest. The foul reptilians’ bodies are then tossed unceremoniously in to the stream.</p><p></p><p>Job done, Hedda calls her colleagues over. The light is almost gone, the priestess of Bahamut does her best to ensure that all of the adventurers are at full health, patching wounds here and there. She nods once at Gokan after she has completed her work.</p><p></p><p>The half-orc grins, nudges Jimmy- the pair scurry over to the waterfall, pressed tight against the rock they climb up a way, and then peer- as best they can, through the shimmering curtain of water.</p><p></p><p>Lights within, torches illuminate a large natural cavern with a number of shadowy exits- within the chamber are half-a-dozen or more kobolds, all but one look to be minions. The pair look back to their fellows, gesture for them to approach.</p><p></p><p>Moments later they’re ready to launch their attack...</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Encounter #3 Synopsis, PC XP & DM’s thoughts]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/7980043978/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8448/7980043978_335528718e_c.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px">Encounter #3 Outside the Kobold Lair, starring-</span></p><p></p><p>Kobold Minion (Minion Level 1) x11</p><p>Kobold Slinger (Artillery Level 1) x1</p><p>Kobold Slink (Lurker Level 1) x1</p><p>Kobold Dragonshield (Soldier Level 2) x1</p><p>Kobold Wyrmpriest (Artillery Level 3) x1</p><p>Kobold Slyblade (Lurker Level 4) x1</p><p></p><p>Total 925 XP for a Level 4 Encounter.</p><p></p><p>Only slightly changed from the original module, as I stated previously I just had a little bit more XP to play with after condensing the four Kobold encounters in to three. Who needs two ambushes anyway- particularly as they’re supposed to played out on the same map.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px">PC XP</span></p><p></p><p>185 XP each for a total of 469 XP in total (PCs Level 1).</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px">DM Thoughts-</span></p><p></p><p>Three encounters in and in every one I’ve reduced a PC to 0 hit points or below, Jimmy came awfully close this time. Towards the end the players were also fretting when it seemed just for a moment that the Kobolds were going to flee in to their lair to warn their friends.</p><p></p><p>All in all a jolly little fracas that needed Sigur to spend his Daily Power in order to turn the tide in the PCs favour.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8045379129/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8039/8045379129_7d81a2a076.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Goonalan, post: 6033633, member: 16069"] [CENTER][SIZE="5"]KOTS Part 3: Outside the Kobold Lair.[/SIZE][/CENTER] [sblock=Party Line Up] [CENTER][SIZE="6"]The Hard Core Adventurers Level 1[/SIZE] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080408786/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8080408786_d047a822a7_c.jpg[/img][/url] Gokan now with +1 Vanguard Battleaxe. [/CENTER] [/sblock] Gokan holds up his hand; in the last dying rays of the sunset the adventurers draw to a halt, the half-orc puts a finger to his lips for silence, makes a fist with his raised hand and then moves off in to the woods ahead. The four remaining adventurers stand as still as statues, listening intently, anxiously watching and waiting. Gokan makes his way through the copse of trees, towards the sound of fast running water, slowly- cautiously, he approaches a clearing. The half-orc stands swarmed in shadow; ahead a grassy bank slopes down to a fast flowing stream. Gokan spies two kobold minions, both armed and armoured as the ones that lead the attack on the King's Road. The stream bisects the scene ahead- from a plunging waterfall to his right it rushes in to the darkness of the woods to his left. [sblock=Kobold Minion] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/7952566286/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8031/7952566286_9efed8ffa5.jpg[/img][/url] Kobold Minion Minion Level 1 [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682042062/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8526/8682042062_8e5dcb1cef_o.png[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Across the other side of the stream is a much larger grassy area, hemmed in again by trees and forest. Another four kobolds, similarly armed and armoured, patrol this area- or else loiter there. Also over the far side is a rough circle of standing stones, Gokan strains to listen. A mumbling yapping sound comes from this direction, he shades his eyes to see- there are two more kobolds within the confines of the stone circle- one he's certain is another of the bastard wyrmpriests, the other looks to be a guard or warrior. [sblock=Kobold Wyrmpriest] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8047627838/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8030/8047627838_a59bed58ac.jpg[/img][/url] Kobold Wyrmpriest Artillery Level 3 [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8680929619/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8119/8680929619_e35fcb6c18_o.png[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Gokan waits a while longer, till he's certain he has seen all there is to see, and then silently slips back through the trees... [sblock=Picture- Outside the Kobold Lair] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8077541416/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8465/8077541416_1499c2e76e_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] “Ready” Jimmy whispers- Hedda, barely visible in the fast approaching gloom, nods. Jimmy throws his dagger out with all his might, the target- the chanting kobold, presumed to be another wyrmpriest, is far over on the other side of the stream, and only visible now and then as it moves within the confines of the stone circle. “YAWK!” Jimmy's target screams as from just short of fifty feet the halfling scores a terrible hit, the short blade burying itself up to its hilt between the wyrmpriest's shoulder blades. [sblock=Info] Jimmy’s Sly Flourish attack is at long range and against the concealed Kobold Wyrmpriest, he needs to roll a 19 to hit- or something like that, and he rolls… a 19, of course. And in keeping with the theme does 19 points of damage to the now terrified Kobold. [/sblock] The kobolds stir but too late, a double thunderclap makes the air fizz within the stone circle, both kobolds within are staggered and have to grip on to the standing stones to stay on their feet. The wyrmpriest is almost done for- blood gushes from its mouth, ears, eyes and nose. Sigur grins. Hal lurches out of the tree line, his greatsword flashes and a kobold minion falls; Hedda meantime pops her head out of the woods and stares defiantly at the second kobold on this side of the stream. The terrified reptilian drops its weapon and with its panicked hands before it backs up at speed, trying desperately to escape the minotaur's horrifying gaze. Alas it backs up too fast and too far, the wretch tumbles off the bank and in to the stream- snapping its neck as it slams down on to the rocks there. Gokan sets off at pace howling for all he's worth, all the while whirling his twin axes above his head- the half-orc reaches the waters-edge, leaps on to a rock midstream and bounds again on to the far side. Even then Gokan doesn't dawdle, the half-orc's charge continues, as he smashes in to the nearest enemies. His axes dance and two more minions fall. [sblock=Picture- Surprise!] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8077586183/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8469/8077586183_a1cb04d83e_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Jimmy dives headlong down the bank, dances across stones protruding from the rocky stream bed and makes the other side- the halfing scurries forward, target in sight. A spear wielding kobold minion approaches, while from within the standing stones the wounded warrior, another kobold dragonshield, emerges- the pair close in on the halfling, squawking and yapping their delight at having cornered Jimmy. [sblock=Kobold Dragonshield] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8047626752/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8460/8047626752_f84d15899e.jpg[/img][/url] Kobold Dragonshield Soldier Level 2 [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8680930579/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8256/8680930579_bea93b968e_o.png[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Exactly where Jimmy wants them. The halfling spins on the spot, his dagger thrust out before him, creates a bloody arc as he twists and turns, the minion staggers back- throat cut, it tumbles down the bank and in to the stream- drowning while it bleeds to death. The dragonshield is sliced across the brow- the armoured kobold staggers back in to the circle of stones, blood in its eyes, flailing with its short sword wildly. Jimmy grins, dodges forward- the dragonshield swings, and then backs up further, the kobold suddenly thumps in to one of the standing stones, ricochets forward- Jimmy dances in and stabs it in the gut. The kobold is almost, but not quite, done for. The dragonshield screams and surges forward, throws its shield at Jimmy, clearly desperate, as it slices- connects and leaves a great scar down the halfling's now numbed right leg. [sblock=Picture- Jimmy & the Dragonshield] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080429013/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8080429013_0569f5cf73_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] From the forest beyond the standing stones a pair of previously hidden kobolds emerge, the first slinks from its hiding place unseen, sneaks around the inside of the standing stones and in to position behind Gokan. The sneaky reptilian stabs out with its spear and skewers the half-orc, who is taken completely by surprise. [sblock=Kobold Slink] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8081211869/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8329/8081211869_36561a5de9.jpg[/img][/url] Kobold Slink Lurker Level 1 [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682041566/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8682041566_37813212dd_o.png[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] The second sly kobold leaps from the shadows to land silently just behind Jimmy, the creature wields a short sword in each hand- both blades are plunged in to the halfling's body. [sblock=Kobold Slyblade] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8081205908/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8081205908_955a94c87c.jpg[/img][/url] Kobold Slyblade Lurker Level 4 [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682041440/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8536/8682041440_86809e689a_o.png[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Jimmy instinctively attempts to twist, to somehow lessen the blows’ effect, but too late, he gasps for air with a punctured lung. The pain is all too much, he falls face forward on to the cold damp earth- blood oozes from his wounds, the halfling has mere seconds left to live. [sblock=Picture- Jimmy is down] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080427075/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8329/8080427075_5779263b23_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] [sblock=Info] Jimmy is reduced to -11 HP and taking ongoing 5 damage, he will be at negative bloodied at the start of his next turn. The Kobold Slyblade hits twice, even after Jimmy employed his Second Chance (the Slyblade just hit again), for 16 and 18 damage respectively. The players are terrified- Jimmy might die. [/sblock] Hal moves forward across the stream striding unhindered by the fast flowing water, the metal man climbs the bank as another half-dozen or so kobolds come rushing along the river's edge, hidden further downstream and therefore unaccounted for. [sblock=Picture- Kobold reinforcements] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080422038/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8080422038_f8ebe87e87_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] One of the creatures charges screaming at Hal, manages to stab and dent the metal man's right thigh, another rushes further on and joins the kobold slink menacing Gokan, the half-orc is nicked and cut again, he feels a little light-headed. [sblock=Info] Gokan is bloodied. [/sblock] Hal cuts down the minion he faces, and then moves on in to the circle of stones to stand over Jimmy's fallen body, the metal man lashes out twice more- backhand and forehand. The former causes the dragonshield to shift awkwardly to avoid the attack, the latter cuts - but only slightly - the kobold slyblade that did for Jimmy. Two of the closing kobold minions pull up short, draw javelins and send them arcing towards Gokan. The half-orc swats aside one of the missiles with his battleaxe, but misses the other and takes yet another wound. And yet another hidden kobold emerges from the trees, this fellow is positioned much closer to the waterfall- a little away from the action. The kobold detaches a grenade-like object from its belt, places it in in his sling- whirls up a storm and sends the odd-looking missile spinning. Alas the kobold slinger's aim is off- the grenade shatters on one of the rocks in the river, and bursts briefly in to flames. [sblock=Kobold Slinger] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8081219400/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8467/8081219400_9cc25f3d26.jpg[/img][/url] Kobold Slinger Artillery Level 1 [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682041712/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8546/8682041712_8c740a2844_o.png[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] The staggering wyrmpriest chants and whines, a wave of shadowy energy pulses out and forms a dull sheen on its closest allies. The kobolds affected yap and screech their defiance, buoyed by their spiritual leader's protective magic. The wyrmpriest is not done however; it circles its hands and conjures a glowing acid ball, which is sent sailing in to the air. The energy orb smashes in to Hal's chest-plate which, as in the first encounter, hisses spits and smokes as the acid gets to work. Hal staggers, barely able to keep his feet. [sblock=Info] Hal is bloodied, actually reduced to 4 HP, after taking 16 Acid damage from the Wyrmpriest’s Energy Orb attack. [/sblock] Sigur rushes out of the woods- he needs to get closer to the action; the dwarf grumbles and mumbles as he jogs forward in to the stream. He dodges hard left, backs up a little way, and avoids a minion's spear attack from the bank, then jogs on to a clear space between two of the standing stones. The dwarf bows his head for a moment, mumbles something dark and dangerous, and then screaming punches his arms in to the air. A blanket of silvery purple light bursts from the dwarf- the glittering light seems to coalesce around each of his enemies- the radiant burst burns the kobolds. The slink, the slinger and the slyblade dodge and duck for cover and receive only minor wounds. The wyrmpriest receives the full force of the blast, and yet somehow manages to survive the attack, but is left barely standing- the kobold attempts to limp away. The kobold dragonshield meantime thumps in to the hard-packed dirt, deceased. [sblock=Picture- Sigur in action] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080421094/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8190/8080421094_195a0a9b48_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] [sblock=Info] Sigur unleashes his Angelic Echelon, his Daily Power, which does 56 points of radiant damage in total- kick ass! [/sblock] The dwarven invoker however is not yet done, a pair of ghostly radiant hands rush to their targets- the wyrmpriest is scragged and falls, while the slink staggers and looks very ill. Hedda heads over to join the action, she rushes over the stream, and gruffly barks at the fallen halfling, “Bahamut Preserve!” Jimmy blinks open his eyes, and grins- that was close. The minotaur priestess bows her head and charges, bellowing all the way, she thumps in to the slyblade, leaving the kobold bruised and bloodied and on its backside- Hedda swings hard with her mace, attempting to end the creature, but somehow contrives to miss her target. A stray minion rushes at Gokan and the half-orc is stabbed again, he staggers, the kobold is however cut down for its pains, but it is the only enemy to fall to Gokan's axes; the slink is far too quick for him. Hedda stands in the midst of the action; it’s going to be close, she frets, real close... “For Bahamut!” The minotaur priestess screams, Jimmy still lying on the floor takes up the call- “HARD CORE!” The halfling rogue yells. [sblock=Picture- A whole lot of hurting going on] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080423184/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8186/8080423184_9aaf073a78_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Jimmy manoeuvres, although still bleeding badly and clutching at his side; leaden footed the halfling sprawls forward the last few feet, and lunges at the kobold slyblade- a palpable hit. The kobold attempts to withdraw, but stumbles; the effect raises Jimmy's spirits - the halfling's wounds are temporarily forgotten. “Come on!” Jimmy screams, clearly enthused, the halfling grins. Gokan and Hal dodge fresh kobold attacks while Hedda is cut again, but not badly- a slight wound from yet another javelin flung in to the melee. Hal fights back, another glancing blow and the slyblade is almost out for the count- now leaning heavily on one of the standing stones, the upright is slick with its blood. Gokan staggers forward, bats a minion aside- narrowly misses being speared again, and moves on. A second strange grenade-like object flies through the air missing Hedda by inches, THUNKS in to a standing stone and bounces off to plop harmlessly in to the stream. The kobold slinger makes fists of its hands and jumps and yaps furiously on the spot- clearly unhappy with its aim. Sigur conjures a trio of radiant spectral hands, two minions in the melee are picked out- plucked or else slapped, and sent spiralling to the dirt. The third ghostly appendage fizzes angrily against the kobold slink, and yet the hurt is still not enough to lay the creature down. Hedda strides forward, “Bahamut preserve!” the minotaur priestess roars, Hal nods slightly registering his thanks. The minotaur strides on, brandishing her mace before her. Hedda closes on the kobold slyblade, dodges once and then smashes her weapon down, through the kobold's defences, and on to the top of the reptilian's skull, which CRACKS and breaks- the slyblade falls. Gokan matches Hedda's efforts; his twin axes smash in to the kobold slink, which sinks down forever. [sblock=Picture- The tide has turned] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080420244/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8080420244_40b04ac8c0_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] There are only three kobolds left on the field of battle, the pair of javelin flinging minions who are even now backing cautiously towards the waterfall, and the short-sighted- it seems, slinger. Hedda whirls her mace above her head, “No prisoners! No prisoners!” she yells, which produces a bloodthirsty chorus from her compatriots... Jimmy dashes forwards and tangles with the kobold slinger, the creature has to spill its weapon to keep the halfling at bay. A javelin thuds in to the still screaming and pointing Hedda, a second just misses a ducking Gokan- the remaining kobold minions break ranks and turn tail and run straight towards the waterfall. Hal charges and slices in to the slinger, the kobold staggers and squawks, seemingly outclassed as it’s harassed by the halfling and the metal man. The small humanoid manages however to draw its dagger and with a sneaky attack plunges the blade in to Hal's side; the warforged fights on- unconcerned. Sigur grins, walks a little way forward and invokes another trio of his favourite spectral hands- the ghostly appendages seek out their targets, in quick succession the slinger falls, followed by one of the fleeing kobold minions. The lone survivor dodges at the last moment, and then rushes on and begins to clamber up and in to the waterfall, seconds away from safety... Foolishly the kobold turns back to stare, about to plunge through the curtain of water, and is met by Hedda's defiant stare- the creature’s limited will is easily overcome, its hands slip and fail to grip- the creature falls backwards and smashes on to the rocks below the falls. [sblock=Picture- Hedda finishes it] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080426097/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8080426097_e6dd172b63_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Moments later the broken body of the adventurers’ last enemy floats away downstream. “Quickly, check the bodies and then dump them in the stream... Quickly, our true enemy awaits within.” Hedda is all business-like, her fellow adventurers scurry to comply. The adventurers get to work, each of the dead kobolds are briefly examined, or at least their possessions checked, a smattering of coin is collected- mostly copper and silver, but nothing else of interest. The foul reptilians’ bodies are then tossed unceremoniously in to the stream. Job done, Hedda calls her colleagues over. The light is almost gone, the priestess of Bahamut does her best to ensure that all of the adventurers are at full health, patching wounds here and there. She nods once at Gokan after she has completed her work. The half-orc grins, nudges Jimmy- the pair scurry over to the waterfall, pressed tight against the rock they climb up a way, and then peer- as best they can, through the shimmering curtain of water. Lights within, torches illuminate a large natural cavern with a number of shadowy exits- within the chamber are half-a-dozen or more kobolds, all but one look to be minions. The pair look back to their fellows, gesture for them to approach. Moments later they’re ready to launch their attack... [sblock=Encounter #3 Synopsis, PC XP & DM’s thoughts] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/7980043978/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8448/7980043978_335528718e_c.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [SIZE="4"]Encounter #3 Outside the Kobold Lair, starring-[/SIZE] Kobold Minion (Minion Level 1) x11 Kobold Slinger (Artillery Level 1) x1 Kobold Slink (Lurker Level 1) x1 Kobold Dragonshield (Soldier Level 2) x1 Kobold Wyrmpriest (Artillery Level 3) x1 Kobold Slyblade (Lurker Level 4) x1 Total 925 XP for a Level 4 Encounter. Only slightly changed from the original module, as I stated previously I just had a little bit more XP to play with after condensing the four Kobold encounters in to three. Who needs two ambushes anyway- particularly as they’re supposed to played out on the same map. [SIZE="4"]PC XP[/SIZE] 185 XP each for a total of 469 XP in total (PCs Level 1). [SIZE="4"]DM Thoughts-[/SIZE] Three encounters in and in every one I’ve reduced a PC to 0 hit points or below, Jimmy came awfully close this time. Towards the end the players were also fretting when it seemed just for a moment that the Kobolds were going to flee in to their lair to warn their friends. All in all a jolly little fracas that needed Sigur to spend his Daily Power in order to turn the tide in the PCs favour. [/sblock] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8045379129/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8039/8045379129_7d81a2a076.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Hard Core Adventurers- KOTS 20.06 The Cathedral of Shadows
Top