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Let's Play #4 4e Goodman Games DCC54 Forges of the Mountain King PCs End NOW WITH PICS OF PCs
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<blockquote data-quote="Goonalan" data-source="post: 6140441" data-attributes="member: 16069"><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Let's Play #4 Goodman Games DCC54 </span></p> <p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">Forges of the Mountain King (Level 1)</span></p><p></p><p>Session 3.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/9094873331/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3707/9094873331_0be61980e6_c.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>Encounter #10 The Defiled Temple (1-24).</p><p></p><p>[sblock=The Map]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8573227640/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8245/8573227640_4efdfd980d_b.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">The adventurers start in area 1-23 on the map, the Defiled Temple is in area 1-24 (see below).</p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8573226674/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8573226674_1fb0163f5f_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>The extended rest passes without interruption, in fact the first interruption occurs about two minutes after the adventurers rest has concluded- funny that, coincidence?</p><p></p><p>However before we get to the interruption there’s the small matter of the earwig surgery, Ragnarr passes his Masterwork Thieves Tools over to Grimm- the avenger drew the shortest straw. I ran the operation as a Skill Check, with other PCs aiding Grimm’s rolls- success and the earwig in Ragnarr’s ear is removed, failure and damage is done and the earwig remains- note critical failure will leave Ragnarr deaf…</p><p></p><p>A short series of startling dice rolls later and the earwig is fished out, Grimm (played by Iain) it seems not just a religious nut-case, he’s also an adept surgeon (Iain made four primary skill checks and never rolled below a ‘15’).</p><p></p><p>The adventurers are all up to Level 2- see previous post. </p><p></p><p>And then comes the interruption, it goes a little like this-</p><p></p><p>Ragnarr, on watch reports that one of the dwarves from the other party has been brought in to the Temple- from a door, hidden behind curtains/tapestries on the same side as the one he’s peeking through- it’s Berend, the ranger. The restrained prisoner is settled before the great idol, and kicked a few times for good measure.</p><p></p><p>The adventurers in the room start to get excited.</p><p></p><p>Then one of the praying dwarves, perhaps a temple guard is ordered by someone on the ledge to do something… he can’t hear what’s being said, the temple guard however is heading this way. The rogue dodges back inside the room and a welcoming committee is hastily organised.</p><p></p><p>Moments later the door opens and a Dwarf Cult Warrior saunters in to the room…</p><p></p><p>Bad Guys 100 XP Level 1 Encounter.</p><p>Dwarf Cult Warrior Level 1 Soldier</p><p></p><p>[sblock=The Monster Manual]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8664834133/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8260/8664834133_024fddda98_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Ragnarr stabs the bastard in the gut with a Deft Strike, Grimm’s Radiant Vengeance bloodies the foul dwarf and then Koda punches it in the head with a Dancing Cobra attack.</p><p></p><p>The dwarf’s dead.</p><p></p><p>Ragnarr shuts the door, nearly- the rogue leaves it open an inch or two and spies out, as best he can. The guys hold their collective breath.</p><p></p><p>He watches the action- which is nothing for a bit, then the guy on the ledge seems to be looking over, the other two foul dwarves are called over and a shouted conversation is had- certainly the dwarf on the ledge is in charge here.</p><p></p><p>Ragnarr hears the end of the chat-</p><p></p><p>“…and find out what's taking the fools so long?”</p><p></p><p>The two foul dwarves head over to the door.</p><p></p><p>“They’re coming.” Ragnarr relays.</p><p></p><p>The guys get back in position.</p><p></p><p>Bad Guys 300 XP Level 1 Encounter.</p><p>Dwarf Cult Warrior Level 1 Soldier x3</p><p></p><p>The first of the cult warrior’s opens the door, and then does something the adventurers hadn’t accounted for- he looks in rather than entering the chamber- damn!</p><p></p><p>Ragnarr stabs the dwarf with a Deft Strike, bloodying the humanoid, the cult warrior screams-</p><p></p><p>“We’re under attack!”</p><p></p><p>Then draws his greatsword and steps in to the doorway, blocking the exit- he even has time to stab Tordek, who charges in to the mix.</p><p></p><p>The second cult warrior goes running back the way he came, screaming up at the ledge, echoing his colleagues call, activity breaks out.</p><p></p><p>Fenchurch’s Staggering Note pushes the first dwarf back out of the doorway, almost.</p><p></p><p>GONG!</p><p></p><p>The sound comes from within the defiled temple- it seems the alarm is being sounded, between the frantic Gongs comes the sound of dwarven voices- more orders are being given, and presumably received.</p><p></p><p>Bad Guys 750 XP Level 3 Encounter.</p><p>Dwarf Cult Warrior Level 1 Soldier x3</p><p>Dwarf Initiate Level 3 Soldier x2</p><p>Dwarf Cult Priest, Master Gambolge Level 3 Controller</p><p></p><p>[sblock=The Monster Manual]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8665933654/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8665933654_e3f2e474c4_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8664833719/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8257/8664833719_8f44650d4e_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Grimm meanwhile calls out his Oath and with a Focussed Fury smashes the cult warrior in the door down, the adventurers spill out in to the temple proper.</p><p></p><p>There are three dwarves on the ledge at the far side of the chamber- two more warrior types in armour, and one in robes- the priest.</p><p></p><p>There’s another warrior on the bottom floor of the chamber- to the north, frantically beating a gong, and before the great statue is Berend of course.</p><p></p><p>Koda runs and tumbles all the way with his dancing Cobra Move, followed by a Charge at the gong ringer, the cult warrior keeps the monk at bay using the beater.</p><p></p><p>Ragnarr rushes over and spins out a dagger, the gong dwarf bleeds and then quickly makes his decision, he throws down the gong beater, draws his greatsword and chops a chunk out of Koda.</p><p></p><p>Moments later the dwarf is manoeuvred away from the gong by Fenchurch’s Staggering Note.</p><p></p><p>Up on the ledge the robed dwarf priest, actually known as Master Gambolge screams down at the adventurers to surrender, and when that doesn’t work fires down a Lance of Hate at Koda- the psychic missile leaves the monk bloodied and morose.</p><p></p><p>Tordek and Grimm arrive on the scene in a rush- the pair smashes the dwarf cult warrior down, Koda moves off- looking up to the ledge-</p><p></p><p>“How do we get up there?” The monk screams, Ragnarr points at a patch of wall-</p><p>“There’s a door, behind the tapestry…” The rogue screams.</p><p></p><p>Koda however is over to Berend, the ranger is tied up, he needs to act quickly to find a way to… (Dave who plays Koda rolls a ‘20’)… Koda pulls at one rope and Berend is free in the blink of an eye. The monk gets his Second Wind, and then grins.</p><p></p><p>Suddenly a door slams open, the tapestry is ripped aside and a screaming gnoll appears in the doorway, there are many more gnolls behind the first.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=The Map]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8573227640/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8245/8573227640_4efdfd980d_b.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">The Gnolls start in area 1-21 on the map (see below).</p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8573226674/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8573226674_1fb0163f5f_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Bad Guys 1502 XP Level 6 Encounter (Now with 6 PCs).</p><p>Dwarf Cult Warrior Level 1 Soldier x3</p><p>Dwarf Initiate Level 3 Soldier x2</p><p>Dwarf Cult Priest, Master Gambolge Level 3 Controller</p><p>Broken Fang Gnoll Warrior Level 6 Minion x4</p><p>Broken Fang Gnoll Veteran Level 6 Brute x2</p><p></p><p>[sblock=The Monster Manual]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8665932728/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8259/8665932728_ca5f2c042c_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8665932850/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8253/8665932850_041df6b49c_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Ragnarr screams at the new arrival, spins out a dagger with a Deft Strike and cuts the Gnoll Veteran. Fenchurch meanwhile offers some majestic Words to Koda- the monk’s wounds heal over.</p><p></p><p>Up on the ledge the three foul dwarves there- Master Gambolge and a pair of Dwarf Initiate’s begin to ready the great statue for action.</p><p></p><p>Tordek screams and (double move Action Point charge) hurtles in to the gnoll in the doorway- smashing at the veteran and blocking the way, two veteran gnolls strike back, the fighter is cut but Tordek is preventing the gnolls from entering the temple. He counts six of the foul humanoids in the chamber- another guardroom.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Broken Fang Gnolls]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8572131485/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8526/8572131485_ddd5d46d14_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Grimm rushes for the opposite wall, to where Ragnarr pointed, wrestles with the tapestry a moment and then finds the door- moments later the avenger is taking the stairs two and three at a time. Koda follows on behind.</p><p></p><p>Berend meanwhile, unarmed and bruised, and battered; stumbles and staggers, trying to get away from the action.</p><p></p><p>Ragnarr and Fenchurch move over to help Tordek, although the pair prove ineffective with their attacks, they did however move just in time- a rolling fireball bursts from the huge dwarf statue and engulfs the central pathway of the chamber, which is uninhabited- even Berend is out of the way.</p><p></p><p>Master Gambolge atop the ledge screams in frustration.</p><p></p><p>Tordek gets his Second Wind and smashes at the already injured gnoll veteran with his Steel Serpent Strike, and still the humanoid figts on, although Tordek manages to keep the gnolls at bay.</p><p></p><p>Grimm rushes on to the ledge- spots the first dwarf initiate, issues his Oath and smashes in to the dwarf with his Whirlwind Charge. The second dwarf initiate appears, the pair flail wildly and menace Grimm- moments later the avenger is smashed twice in quick succession and left bloodied and bruised (the second hit was a critical hit).</p><p></p><p>Koda quickly appears on the scene and unleashes his Spinning Leopard attack (Daily after a double move followed by an Action Point), the monk smashes in to the first dwarf initiate leaving bloodied and almost broken and then for good measure jabs at the second, even finds out Master Gambolge and cuffs him a little.</p><p></p><p>Berend meantime grabs up a greatsword from one of the fallen foul dwarves and then stands sentry, waiting to see where he’s needed.</p><p></p><p>And so we have two distinct fights going on, in the chamber proper Tordek is blocking a doorway preventing a whole host of gnolls rushing in- he’s battling hard, with help from Ragnarr and Fenchurch but he’s facing two gnoll veteran’s (Level 6 Brutes with 80+ hit points each).</p><p></p><p>Meanwhile up on the ledge Grimm and Koda are in action against three enemies- two dwarf initiates and Master Gambolge, the high priest.</p><p></p><p>Ragnarr spins out a dagger, Fenchurch hits with Staggering Note, and Tordek follows up with a solid bash- and again with his Weapon Master’s Strike, the first gnoll veteran is finally bloodied, and much the worse for wear. The pair of gnolls continue to wail on Tordek, who takes another hit- the fighter grits his teeth, he’s not going anywhere.</p><p></p><p>Up on the ledge Master Gambolge smashes Koda with his Holy Strike, the monk staggers, he’s blind; but that’s not enough to slow him down. Even as Gambolge slips away Koda strikes out and smashes an initiate, Grimm delivers a Focussed Fury and the first of the foul dwarves is down. The avenger sucks up the hurt and gets his Second Wind.</p><p></p><p>Berend makes his mind up, rushes over to help Tordek- mostly ineffectively poking and prodding at the gnolls in the doorway (Aid Another checks).</p><p></p><p>Fenchurch’s Staggering Note strikes again, and again it allows Tordek to cut at the veteran gnoll, the fighter follows up with his Weapon Master’s Menace and the first veteran is cut down- the second stabs in and slams its greataxe in to Tordek, the fighter is bloodied.</p><p></p><p>Suddenly something smashes in to Koda from behind, Master Gambolge hits with Vampiric Strike- the blind monk staggers bloodied, while Gambolge is flooded with fresh energy (gain 12 Temp hit points). Koda staggers off in the wrong direction completely; however moments later he can see again, he turns around just in time.</p><p></p><p>Grimm smashes the second initiate down with his Strength of Many attack, this after failing to connect with his Focussed Fury (Action Point).</p><p></p><p>Berend suddenly screams- and points…</p><p></p><p>Bad Guys 1834 XP Level 7 Encounter (Now with 6 PCs).</p><p>Dwarf Cult Warrior Level 1 Soldier x3</p><p>Dwarf Initiate Level 3 Soldier x2</p><p>Dwarf Cult Priest, Master Gambolge Level 3 Controller</p><p>Broken Fang Gnoll Warrior Level 6 Minion x4</p><p>Broken Fang Gnoll Veteran Level 6 Brute x2</p><p>Orc Spearman Level 4 Minion x3</p><p>Hobgoblin Lieutenant Level 5 Soldier </p><p></p><p>[sblock=The Monster Manual]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8664831387/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8256/8664831387_17aba7d927_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8664832059/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8259/8664832059_07e1b340d6_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>[sblock=The Map]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8573227640/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8245/8573227640_4efdfd980d_b.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">The Orcs and Hobgoblin start in area 1-22 on the map (see below).</p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8573226674/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8573226674_1fb0163f5f_o.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Yet another door opens, the tapestry before it ripped aside, a trio of Orcs rush in to the temple, behind them comes a heavily armoured hobgoblin wielding a wicked looking spear.</p><p></p><p>Ragnarr moves to intercept, spins out a dagger en route and takes the first orc down, the second stabs the rogue with his spears. Berend rushes over to help but as before proves to be spectacularly unhelpful. The hobgoblin lieutenant smashes in to Ragnarr with his cruel spear- the rogue is bloodied.</p><p></p><p>Fenchurch meantime hits again with his Staggering Note, Tordek slices and then follows up with his Weapon Master’s Menace, the gnoll veteran however fights on. Tordek however is flooded with healing- courtesy of Fenchurch’s Majestic Words, he feels Unstoppable (and another 10 Temp hit points). </p><p></p><p>Up on the ledge Gambolge backpedals and fires another Lance of Hate in to Koda, who’s almost down (on 5 hit points), Grimm swears his Oath and then rushes in with a Focussed Fury (a critical hit), then unleashes the power of his sword- Thunder rolls and rips in to Gambolge. Koda follows up by Opening the Gate of Battle, then a Supreme Flurry (Daily power)- Gambolge staggers back, almost broken (on 5 hit points).</p><p></p><p>Ragnarr spews daggers, his hands a blur, his Blinding Strike- an orc spearman is done for and the hobgoblin left scarred and blinded, the rogue stabs again. Ragnarr delivers a Torturous Strike (Action Point) and leaves the blind hobgoblin staggering and bloodied, the dwarf gets his Second Wind. Berend swats ineffectively, it’s what he does (I think Berend’s highest attack roll has been a ‘3’ so far- that’s how bad it is). The blind hobgoblin however is not beaten, it stabs again at Ragnarr with its spear, the rogue is bloodied again.</p><p></p><p>Fenchurch’s Staggering Note hits again, alas Tordek does not- the bard goes for the big guns and screams his (Action Point) Shout of Triumph- the veteran is bloodied and pushed back, a gnoll warrior clutches at his temples briefly, staggers, and then drops dead. The gnoll veteran is furious- he charges back in to the action (a critical hit with a greataxe for 27 damage), and smashes Tordek who’s left rocking on the spot, bloodied and almost broken (Tordek is on 10 hit points). Three of the gnoll warriors close in on Tordek, alas two stray too close to the dwarf fighter and are cut down (AoO’s).</p><p></p><p>Gambolge smashes his Morningstar in to Grimm (another critical hit), the avenger staggers- bloodied and broken (on 4 hit points). Koda however is there to save the day, the monk’s Dancing Cobra attack, and Flurry, smashes Gambolge off the ledge. The high priest falls to his death.</p><p></p><p>Ragnarr hits with another Deft Strike to the blind hobgoblin, the lieutenant is nearly broken, the spear in the hobgoblin’s hands flares with light and he rages. Ragnarr ignores the hobgoblin scrambles out a potion of healing and glugs the contents down. Just in time- the rogue is stabbed by the remaining orc spearman, and then again by the hobgoblin- he falls. (Ragnarr is on -2 hit points and dying). Berend is left to keep the pair at bay…</p><p></p><p>Fenchurch meanwhile is off target, as is Tordek with his Brutal Strike (Reliable Daily), the gnolls however are not giving up- the veteran hits Tordek with its greataxe, the last gnoll warrior stabs with dwarf with its spear- Tordek drops (Tordek is on -3 hit points and dying).</p><p></p><p>Is it going to happen again?</p><p></p><p>Grimm and Koda are rushing as fast as they can down the stairs to get back in to the temple.</p><p></p><p>Ragnarr suddenly opens his eyes (Death Save ‘20’), he takes in the action- readies himself to leap in to the fray, but for now plays dead.</p><p></p><p>The last orc spearman rushes at Fenchurch, the bard is speared, and furious- he invites his enemies to join him in a Sprightly Rhythm- the cacophony is all too much, the last orc spearman clutches at his ears and then flops dead, as does the last gnoll warrior- the last gnoll veteran staggers away bloodied, the hobgoblin does likewise and is almost entirely broken.</p><p></p><p>Tordek shivers and shakes- coughs up a slick of blood (Failed first Death Save).</p><p></p><p>Berend moves away, grabs up a pair of spears from fallen orcs and improvises- he flings both at the hobgoblin lieutenant with a Twin Strike, one hits and his Quarry staggers and dies.</p><p></p><p>Grimm and Koda rush out of the door and in to the temple, help is at hand, and the only enemy left standing is the bloodied gnoll veteran.</p><p></p><p>Ragnarr and Fenchurch close in on the miscreant, the former hits with a Deft Strike, the latter with his Staggering Note, Ragnarr hits again when the gnoll veteran guts and runs- the last enemy is almost done for (on 10 hit points).</p><p></p><p>Tordek suddenly screams out, vomits up more blood and shudders and shakes (Failed second Death Save)- Grimm, Berend and Koda are quickly on the scene- the three combine to stabilise the dwarven fighter just in the nick of time.</p><p></p><p>Ragnarr jogs in to the chamber ahead, from which the gnolls emerged, the veteran is fleeing- the rogue spins out his dagger a Deft Strike, his aim is true the last enemy flops to the floor- dead.</p><p></p><p>The battle for the defiled temple is over.</p><p></p><p>Berend is rescued, and a few minutes later a bound and gagged Travok is found- the pair relay the bad news, Adrik was sacrificed, and eaten, last night. Note the two rescued are still first level.</p><p></p><p>1834 XP Level 7 Encounter (Now with 6 PCs).</p><p>Dwarf Cult Warrior Level 1 Soldier x3</p><p>Dwarf Initiate Level 3 Soldier x2</p><p>Dwarf Cult Priest, Master Gambolge Level 3 Controller</p><p>Broken Fang Gnoll Warrior Level 6 Minion x4</p><p>Broken Fang Gnoll Veteran Level 6 Brute x2</p><p>Orc Spearman Level 4 Minion x3</p><p>Hobgoblin Lieutenant Level 5 Soldier </p><p></p><p>The area, actually areas, are searched- including the guardrooms, all manner of junk is found but also lots of treasure- gold, silver, gems, jewellery and even a few platinum coins- the prize is of course the magical spear wielded by the hobgoblin lieutenant, Fenchurch identifies it as being a +2 weapon which has other magical powers- an artefact almost, certainly a one-off.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/9097155250/" target="_blank"><img src="http://l4.yimg.com/sm/5325/9097155250_973233d4ae_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Grimm gets a +1 Holy Symbol</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/9097154956/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/9097154956_6a20685c75_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Koda gets a Belt of Vigour</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/9094925109/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2889/9094925109_952ac1fe3a_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Berend gets a +1 Vicious Longsword and a suit of +1 Hide Armour</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/9097154488/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/9097154488_e1b6f73579_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Ragnarr gets a suit of +1 Leather Armour</p><p></p><p>Comment: A titanic battle, basically three encounters in one, played out in a massive arena, this is what happens when you mess with Goodman Games scenarios. The players towards the end were whooping and hollering with high fives and much laughter- even when Tordek and Ragnarr fell they kept the faith, although when Tordek failed his second Death Save in a row… well, three PCs came running to make sure that he didn’t fail his third- it’s fair to say that this gang has jelled, they’re in it together.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Goonalan, post: 6140441, member: 16069"] [CENTER][SIZE="5"]Let's Play #4 Goodman Games DCC54 Forges of the Mountain King (Level 1)[/SIZE][/CENTER] Session 3. [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/9094873331/][img]http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3707/9094873331_0be61980e6_c.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] Encounter #10 The Defiled Temple (1-24). [sblock=The Map] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8573227640/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8245/8573227640_4efdfd980d_b.jpg[/img][/url] The adventurers start in area 1-23 on the map, the Defiled Temple is in area 1-24 (see below). [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8573226674/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8573226674_1fb0163f5f_o.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] The extended rest passes without interruption, in fact the first interruption occurs about two minutes after the adventurers rest has concluded- funny that, coincidence? However before we get to the interruption there’s the small matter of the earwig surgery, Ragnarr passes his Masterwork Thieves Tools over to Grimm- the avenger drew the shortest straw. I ran the operation as a Skill Check, with other PCs aiding Grimm’s rolls- success and the earwig in Ragnarr’s ear is removed, failure and damage is done and the earwig remains- note critical failure will leave Ragnarr deaf… A short series of startling dice rolls later and the earwig is fished out, Grimm (played by Iain) it seems not just a religious nut-case, he’s also an adept surgeon (Iain made four primary skill checks and never rolled below a ‘15’). The adventurers are all up to Level 2- see previous post. And then comes the interruption, it goes a little like this- Ragnarr, on watch reports that one of the dwarves from the other party has been brought in to the Temple- from a door, hidden behind curtains/tapestries on the same side as the one he’s peeking through- it’s Berend, the ranger. The restrained prisoner is settled before the great idol, and kicked a few times for good measure. The adventurers in the room start to get excited. Then one of the praying dwarves, perhaps a temple guard is ordered by someone on the ledge to do something… he can’t hear what’s being said, the temple guard however is heading this way. The rogue dodges back inside the room and a welcoming committee is hastily organised. Moments later the door opens and a Dwarf Cult Warrior saunters in to the room… Bad Guys 100 XP Level 1 Encounter. Dwarf Cult Warrior Level 1 Soldier [sblock=The Monster Manual] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8664834133/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8260/8664834133_024fddda98_o.png[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Ragnarr stabs the bastard in the gut with a Deft Strike, Grimm’s Radiant Vengeance bloodies the foul dwarf and then Koda punches it in the head with a Dancing Cobra attack. The dwarf’s dead. Ragnarr shuts the door, nearly- the rogue leaves it open an inch or two and spies out, as best he can. The guys hold their collective breath. He watches the action- which is nothing for a bit, then the guy on the ledge seems to be looking over, the other two foul dwarves are called over and a shouted conversation is had- certainly the dwarf on the ledge is in charge here. Ragnarr hears the end of the chat- “…and find out what's taking the fools so long?” The two foul dwarves head over to the door. “They’re coming.” Ragnarr relays. The guys get back in position. Bad Guys 300 XP Level 1 Encounter. Dwarf Cult Warrior Level 1 Soldier x3 The first of the cult warrior’s opens the door, and then does something the adventurers hadn’t accounted for- he looks in rather than entering the chamber- damn! Ragnarr stabs the dwarf with a Deft Strike, bloodying the humanoid, the cult warrior screams- “We’re under attack!” Then draws his greatsword and steps in to the doorway, blocking the exit- he even has time to stab Tordek, who charges in to the mix. The second cult warrior goes running back the way he came, screaming up at the ledge, echoing his colleagues call, activity breaks out. Fenchurch’s Staggering Note pushes the first dwarf back out of the doorway, almost. GONG! The sound comes from within the defiled temple- it seems the alarm is being sounded, between the frantic Gongs comes the sound of dwarven voices- more orders are being given, and presumably received. Bad Guys 750 XP Level 3 Encounter. Dwarf Cult Warrior Level 1 Soldier x3 Dwarf Initiate Level 3 Soldier x2 Dwarf Cult Priest, Master Gambolge Level 3 Controller [sblock=The Monster Manual] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8665933654/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8665933654_e3f2e474c4_o.png[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8664833719/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8257/8664833719_8f44650d4e_o.png[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Grimm meanwhile calls out his Oath and with a Focussed Fury smashes the cult warrior in the door down, the adventurers spill out in to the temple proper. There are three dwarves on the ledge at the far side of the chamber- two more warrior types in armour, and one in robes- the priest. There’s another warrior on the bottom floor of the chamber- to the north, frantically beating a gong, and before the great statue is Berend of course. Koda runs and tumbles all the way with his dancing Cobra Move, followed by a Charge at the gong ringer, the cult warrior keeps the monk at bay using the beater. Ragnarr rushes over and spins out a dagger, the gong dwarf bleeds and then quickly makes his decision, he throws down the gong beater, draws his greatsword and chops a chunk out of Koda. Moments later the dwarf is manoeuvred away from the gong by Fenchurch’s Staggering Note. Up on the ledge the robed dwarf priest, actually known as Master Gambolge screams down at the adventurers to surrender, and when that doesn’t work fires down a Lance of Hate at Koda- the psychic missile leaves the monk bloodied and morose. Tordek and Grimm arrive on the scene in a rush- the pair smashes the dwarf cult warrior down, Koda moves off- looking up to the ledge- “How do we get up there?” The monk screams, Ragnarr points at a patch of wall- “There’s a door, behind the tapestry…” The rogue screams. Koda however is over to Berend, the ranger is tied up, he needs to act quickly to find a way to… (Dave who plays Koda rolls a ‘20’)… Koda pulls at one rope and Berend is free in the blink of an eye. The monk gets his Second Wind, and then grins. Suddenly a door slams open, the tapestry is ripped aside and a screaming gnoll appears in the doorway, there are many more gnolls behind the first. [sblock=The Map] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8573227640/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8245/8573227640_4efdfd980d_b.jpg[/img][/url] The Gnolls start in area 1-21 on the map (see below). [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8573226674/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8573226674_1fb0163f5f_o.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Bad Guys 1502 XP Level 6 Encounter (Now with 6 PCs). Dwarf Cult Warrior Level 1 Soldier x3 Dwarf Initiate Level 3 Soldier x2 Dwarf Cult Priest, Master Gambolge Level 3 Controller Broken Fang Gnoll Warrior Level 6 Minion x4 Broken Fang Gnoll Veteran Level 6 Brute x2 [sblock=The Monster Manual] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8665932728/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8259/8665932728_ca5f2c042c_o.png[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8665932850/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8253/8665932850_041df6b49c_o.png[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Ragnarr screams at the new arrival, spins out a dagger with a Deft Strike and cuts the Gnoll Veteran. Fenchurch meanwhile offers some majestic Words to Koda- the monk’s wounds heal over. Up on the ledge the three foul dwarves there- Master Gambolge and a pair of Dwarf Initiate’s begin to ready the great statue for action. Tordek screams and (double move Action Point charge) hurtles in to the gnoll in the doorway- smashing at the veteran and blocking the way, two veteran gnolls strike back, the fighter is cut but Tordek is preventing the gnolls from entering the temple. He counts six of the foul humanoids in the chamber- another guardroom. [sblock=Broken Fang Gnolls] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8572131485/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8526/8572131485_ddd5d46d14_o.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Grimm rushes for the opposite wall, to where Ragnarr pointed, wrestles with the tapestry a moment and then finds the door- moments later the avenger is taking the stairs two and three at a time. Koda follows on behind. Berend meanwhile, unarmed and bruised, and battered; stumbles and staggers, trying to get away from the action. Ragnarr and Fenchurch move over to help Tordek, although the pair prove ineffective with their attacks, they did however move just in time- a rolling fireball bursts from the huge dwarf statue and engulfs the central pathway of the chamber, which is uninhabited- even Berend is out of the way. Master Gambolge atop the ledge screams in frustration. Tordek gets his Second Wind and smashes at the already injured gnoll veteran with his Steel Serpent Strike, and still the humanoid figts on, although Tordek manages to keep the gnolls at bay. Grimm rushes on to the ledge- spots the first dwarf initiate, issues his Oath and smashes in to the dwarf with his Whirlwind Charge. The second dwarf initiate appears, the pair flail wildly and menace Grimm- moments later the avenger is smashed twice in quick succession and left bloodied and bruised (the second hit was a critical hit). Koda quickly appears on the scene and unleashes his Spinning Leopard attack (Daily after a double move followed by an Action Point), the monk smashes in to the first dwarf initiate leaving bloodied and almost broken and then for good measure jabs at the second, even finds out Master Gambolge and cuffs him a little. Berend meantime grabs up a greatsword from one of the fallen foul dwarves and then stands sentry, waiting to see where he’s needed. And so we have two distinct fights going on, in the chamber proper Tordek is blocking a doorway preventing a whole host of gnolls rushing in- he’s battling hard, with help from Ragnarr and Fenchurch but he’s facing two gnoll veteran’s (Level 6 Brutes with 80+ hit points each). Meanwhile up on the ledge Grimm and Koda are in action against three enemies- two dwarf initiates and Master Gambolge, the high priest. Ragnarr spins out a dagger, Fenchurch hits with Staggering Note, and Tordek follows up with a solid bash- and again with his Weapon Master’s Strike, the first gnoll veteran is finally bloodied, and much the worse for wear. The pair of gnolls continue to wail on Tordek, who takes another hit- the fighter grits his teeth, he’s not going anywhere. Up on the ledge Master Gambolge smashes Koda with his Holy Strike, the monk staggers, he’s blind; but that’s not enough to slow him down. Even as Gambolge slips away Koda strikes out and smashes an initiate, Grimm delivers a Focussed Fury and the first of the foul dwarves is down. The avenger sucks up the hurt and gets his Second Wind. Berend makes his mind up, rushes over to help Tordek- mostly ineffectively poking and prodding at the gnolls in the doorway (Aid Another checks). Fenchurch’s Staggering Note strikes again, and again it allows Tordek to cut at the veteran gnoll, the fighter follows up with his Weapon Master’s Menace and the first veteran is cut down- the second stabs in and slams its greataxe in to Tordek, the fighter is bloodied. Suddenly something smashes in to Koda from behind, Master Gambolge hits with Vampiric Strike- the blind monk staggers bloodied, while Gambolge is flooded with fresh energy (gain 12 Temp hit points). Koda staggers off in the wrong direction completely; however moments later he can see again, he turns around just in time. Grimm smashes the second initiate down with his Strength of Many attack, this after failing to connect with his Focussed Fury (Action Point). Berend suddenly screams- and points… Bad Guys 1834 XP Level 7 Encounter (Now with 6 PCs). Dwarf Cult Warrior Level 1 Soldier x3 Dwarf Initiate Level 3 Soldier x2 Dwarf Cult Priest, Master Gambolge Level 3 Controller Broken Fang Gnoll Warrior Level 6 Minion x4 Broken Fang Gnoll Veteran Level 6 Brute x2 Orc Spearman Level 4 Minion x3 Hobgoblin Lieutenant Level 5 Soldier [sblock=The Monster Manual] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8664831387/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8256/8664831387_17aba7d927_o.png[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8664832059/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8259/8664832059_07e1b340d6_o.png[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] [sblock=The Map] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8573227640/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8245/8573227640_4efdfd980d_b.jpg[/img][/url] The Orcs and Hobgoblin start in area 1-22 on the map (see below). [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8573226674/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8573226674_1fb0163f5f_o.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Yet another door opens, the tapestry before it ripped aside, a trio of Orcs rush in to the temple, behind them comes a heavily armoured hobgoblin wielding a wicked looking spear. Ragnarr moves to intercept, spins out a dagger en route and takes the first orc down, the second stabs the rogue with his spears. Berend rushes over to help but as before proves to be spectacularly unhelpful. The hobgoblin lieutenant smashes in to Ragnarr with his cruel spear- the rogue is bloodied. Fenchurch meantime hits again with his Staggering Note, Tordek slices and then follows up with his Weapon Master’s Menace, the gnoll veteran however fights on. Tordek however is flooded with healing- courtesy of Fenchurch’s Majestic Words, he feels Unstoppable (and another 10 Temp hit points). Up on the ledge Gambolge backpedals and fires another Lance of Hate in to Koda, who’s almost down (on 5 hit points), Grimm swears his Oath and then rushes in with a Focussed Fury (a critical hit), then unleashes the power of his sword- Thunder rolls and rips in to Gambolge. Koda follows up by Opening the Gate of Battle, then a Supreme Flurry (Daily power)- Gambolge staggers back, almost broken (on 5 hit points). Ragnarr spews daggers, his hands a blur, his Blinding Strike- an orc spearman is done for and the hobgoblin left scarred and blinded, the rogue stabs again. Ragnarr delivers a Torturous Strike (Action Point) and leaves the blind hobgoblin staggering and bloodied, the dwarf gets his Second Wind. Berend swats ineffectively, it’s what he does (I think Berend’s highest attack roll has been a ‘3’ so far- that’s how bad it is). The blind hobgoblin however is not beaten, it stabs again at Ragnarr with its spear, the rogue is bloodied again. Fenchurch’s Staggering Note hits again, alas Tordek does not- the bard goes for the big guns and screams his (Action Point) Shout of Triumph- the veteran is bloodied and pushed back, a gnoll warrior clutches at his temples briefly, staggers, and then drops dead. The gnoll veteran is furious- he charges back in to the action (a critical hit with a greataxe for 27 damage), and smashes Tordek who’s left rocking on the spot, bloodied and almost broken (Tordek is on 10 hit points). Three of the gnoll warriors close in on Tordek, alas two stray too close to the dwarf fighter and are cut down (AoO’s). Gambolge smashes his Morningstar in to Grimm (another critical hit), the avenger staggers- bloodied and broken (on 4 hit points). Koda however is there to save the day, the monk’s Dancing Cobra attack, and Flurry, smashes Gambolge off the ledge. The high priest falls to his death. Ragnarr hits with another Deft Strike to the blind hobgoblin, the lieutenant is nearly broken, the spear in the hobgoblin’s hands flares with light and he rages. Ragnarr ignores the hobgoblin scrambles out a potion of healing and glugs the contents down. Just in time- the rogue is stabbed by the remaining orc spearman, and then again by the hobgoblin- he falls. (Ragnarr is on -2 hit points and dying). Berend is left to keep the pair at bay… Fenchurch meanwhile is off target, as is Tordek with his Brutal Strike (Reliable Daily), the gnolls however are not giving up- the veteran hits Tordek with its greataxe, the last gnoll warrior stabs with dwarf with its spear- Tordek drops (Tordek is on -3 hit points and dying). Is it going to happen again? Grimm and Koda are rushing as fast as they can down the stairs to get back in to the temple. Ragnarr suddenly opens his eyes (Death Save ‘20’), he takes in the action- readies himself to leap in to the fray, but for now plays dead. The last orc spearman rushes at Fenchurch, the bard is speared, and furious- he invites his enemies to join him in a Sprightly Rhythm- the cacophony is all too much, the last orc spearman clutches at his ears and then flops dead, as does the last gnoll warrior- the last gnoll veteran staggers away bloodied, the hobgoblin does likewise and is almost entirely broken. Tordek shivers and shakes- coughs up a slick of blood (Failed first Death Save). Berend moves away, grabs up a pair of spears from fallen orcs and improvises- he flings both at the hobgoblin lieutenant with a Twin Strike, one hits and his Quarry staggers and dies. Grimm and Koda rush out of the door and in to the temple, help is at hand, and the only enemy left standing is the bloodied gnoll veteran. Ragnarr and Fenchurch close in on the miscreant, the former hits with a Deft Strike, the latter with his Staggering Note, Ragnarr hits again when the gnoll veteran guts and runs- the last enemy is almost done for (on 10 hit points). Tordek suddenly screams out, vomits up more blood and shudders and shakes (Failed second Death Save)- Grimm, Berend and Koda are quickly on the scene- the three combine to stabilise the dwarven fighter just in the nick of time. Ragnarr jogs in to the chamber ahead, from which the gnolls emerged, the veteran is fleeing- the rogue spins out his dagger a Deft Strike, his aim is true the last enemy flops to the floor- dead. The battle for the defiled temple is over. Berend is rescued, and a few minutes later a bound and gagged Travok is found- the pair relay the bad news, Adrik was sacrificed, and eaten, last night. Note the two rescued are still first level. 1834 XP Level 7 Encounter (Now with 6 PCs). Dwarf Cult Warrior Level 1 Soldier x3 Dwarf Initiate Level 3 Soldier x2 Dwarf Cult Priest, Master Gambolge Level 3 Controller Broken Fang Gnoll Warrior Level 6 Minion x4 Broken Fang Gnoll Veteran Level 6 Brute x2 Orc Spearman Level 4 Minion x3 Hobgoblin Lieutenant Level 5 Soldier The area, actually areas, are searched- including the guardrooms, all manner of junk is found but also lots of treasure- gold, silver, gems, jewellery and even a few platinum coins- the prize is of course the magical spear wielded by the hobgoblin lieutenant, Fenchurch identifies it as being a +2 weapon which has other magical powers- an artefact almost, certainly a one-off. [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/9097155250/][img]http://l4.yimg.com/sm/5325/9097155250_973233d4ae_o.png[/img][/url] Grimm gets a +1 Holy Symbol [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/9097154956/][img]http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/9097154956_6a20685c75_o.png[/img][/url] Koda gets a Belt of Vigour [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/9094925109/][img]http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2889/9094925109_952ac1fe3a_o.png[/img][/url] Berend gets a +1 Vicious Longsword and a suit of +1 Hide Armour [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/9097154488/][img]http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/9097154488_e1b6f73579_o.png[/img][/url] Ragnarr gets a suit of +1 Leather Armour[/CENTER] Comment: A titanic battle, basically three encounters in one, played out in a massive arena, this is what happens when you mess with Goodman Games scenarios. The players towards the end were whooping and hollering with high fives and much laughter- even when Tordek and Ragnarr fell they kept the faith, although when Tordek failed his second Death Save in a row… well, three PCs came running to make sure that he didn’t fail his third- it’s fair to say that this gang has jelled, they’re in it together. [/QUOTE]
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Let's Play #4 4e Goodman Games DCC54 Forges of the Mountain King PCs End NOW WITH PICS OF PCs
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