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Story Hour
Hard Core Adventurers- KOTS 20.06 The Cathedral of Shadows
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<blockquote data-quote="Goonalan" data-source="post: 6067678" data-attributes="member: 16069"><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">KOTS Part 9: The Rat Pack.</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"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8142246514/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8185/8142246514_03c215be20_c.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Hal with his +1 Greatsword.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Jimmy shouts a warning]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8142233435/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/8142233435_70a676301c_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>“Rats!” Jimmy screams again, and spins out his vicious dagger while taking a step back in to the chamber. His blade finds its mark, one of a pair of much larger rats in the corridor, each perhaps four feet long whiskers-to-tail. The creature bleeds profusely but bounds on- towards the adventurers.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Rat Dire]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080288245/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8185/8080288245_622faae099.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Rat Dire</p> <p style="text-align: center">Brute Level 1</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8680929013/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8680929013_0c81e8712a_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>A sudden loud snort and Sigur awakes, leaps to his feet, already mumbling and invoking- the wrathful dwarf’s familiar, and favourite, trio of radiant hands spring in to life- and rush out to find their targets. Alas only one of the ghostly appendages finds its mark, the same dire rat that Jimmy wounded, the creature squeaks as it burns, and yet still it comes on.</p><p></p><p>Tonka and Hal charge through the doors, swords drawn- the front-line, the pair swing furiously at the skittish little terrors before them, and yet both fail to connect. Gokan, still rubbing the sleep from his eyes, is the last to his feet- the half-orc is forced to wait for an opening to appear, there’s no room for him to get at the foe.</p><p></p><p>And still the rats come on…</p><p></p><p>“Hold the line”, Tonka cries, brandishing his blade, “… just a few pesky rodents.” The dragonborn warlord concludes.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Pesky rodents vs pesky adventurers]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8142233189/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8187/8142233189_3d1c3a4b9e_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Jimmy’s dagger comes again, and the closest of the dire rats, already terribly wounded, finally slumps on to its side- dead; however more rats filter either side and over their fallen cousin.</p><p></p><p>“There’re a lot of them…” Jimmy worries.</p><p>“Hold the line.” Tonka simply states, and then winks at his friend.</p><p></p><p>Sigur has other ideas. The dwarf glances over his shoulder at Gokan- nods at the half-orc and then steps back- still mumbling and invoking as another trio of ghostly hands suddenly appear and head off to find more vermin to radiate. But again the dwarf’s aim is off- only one hit, on a smallish rat, however the radiant burn is enough to slay the creature.</p><p></p><p>As Sigur steps back Gokan rushes in- his axes whirl and spin as the half-orc charges and howls- in to the thick of the action. The rats however are far too quick it seems, or else Gokan is still out of sorts, his twin axes fail to draw blood.</p><p></p><p>Although…</p><p></p><p>It’s now Gokan’s turn to scream, not in anger but in pain- the rats react instantly to the whirling barbarian’s arrival- they swarm, even turning away from their previously intended targets to attack the now isolated half-orc. Gokan continues to screech, and hop from foot to foot, trying desperately to stay on his feet as his lower limbs are ravaged by a horde of tiny sharp teeth.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Rat Swarm]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080282256/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8475/8080282256_32c7a0ee5e.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Rat Swarm</p> <p style="text-align: center">Skirmisher Level 2</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682040624/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8528/8682040624_9b9a4b9ef9_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Seconds later he’s bleeding from a myriad painful wounds.</p><p></p><p>“Avandra!”</p><p>“Bahamut save us!”</p><p>“Oh Sh-!”</p><p></p><p>Jimmy, Tonka and Sigur cry out in unison, Hal and Gokan remain close-lipped. The sudden expressions of anxiety are due to the fact that one of the smaller rats scurrying towards Tonka suddenly warps and shapes, and a moment later is transformed in to a particularly hairy, rat-featured, human brandishing a wicked looking blade.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Wererat Scum]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080282946/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8080282946_d6fe56e883.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Wererat Scum</p> <p style="text-align: center">Minion Skirmisher Level 5</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682038580/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8526/8682038580_3be2036c92_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>“Holy Sh… Lycanthropes!” Tonka screams, panic in the dragonborn’s voice.</p><p></p><p>“He-he…” The wererat scum giggles, and then stabs its blade in to the dragonborn’s gut. “Rat-attack!” it declares, and then hisses and giggles some more.</p><p></p><p>The remaining dire rat bustles forward through its hairy brethren to the front of the queue, and then springs at Tonka, leaping in to his arms. The dragonborn wrestles with the creature but to no avail, the beastly vermin sinks its teeth in to Tonka’s neck- blood bursts, bubbles and flows.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Tonka is bloodied, actually reduced to 8 hit points, after the Dire Rat scores a Crit on its Bite Charge attack for 16 points of damage.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Another of the smaller rats scurries through Tonka’s legs; the dragonborn swings half-heartedly but is still contending with the dire rat in his embrace, he misses. The small rat undergoes the same transformation- the wererats are through the adventurers’ front line. Tonka is stabbed in the back, again, for good measure.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Tonka’s on his last legs]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8142263264/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8142263264_d0759f7687_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>Tonka is down to 1 hit point- that didn’t take long; he has only one Healing Surge remaining.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Tonka mumbles half-remembered prayers, on the very edge of consciousness; he finally manages to dislodge the dire rat from its precarious perch- the verminous villain however lands adeptly at his feet, and renews its assault. </p><p></p><p>And yet another of the smaller rats makes its way through the front-line, moments later it too has transformed in to a blade wielding rat man.</p><p></p><p>“Pull back! Pull back!” Sigur screams, but the wrathful invoker already knows that it’s too late- if they cannot kill the rat men quickly… Sigur prefers not to think about the possible outcome.</p><p></p><p>“Pull Back!” Sigur calls again.</p><p></p><p>“Bahamut Preserve!” Tonka cries out as his wounds close over- or at least many of them do. He swings heartily with his blade- but again to no great affect, all the while trying to find a way out of the melee and back in to the chamber.</p><p></p><p>“Gaaaarrhhhh!”</p><p></p><p>Suddenly the air before Tonka is filled with forked lightning, another of the smaller rats is frazzled, the dire rat singed, but still there’s no retreat for the dragonborn.</p><p></p><p>Gokan is the rats’ next target, again the transformations occur; only this time of the three rats that make it through the half-orc’s defences two of them re-shape in to the familiar ratty humans, the third in to a more vicious version of the same.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Wererat Scurrying]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080282854/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8044/8080282854_9f4fe19ebd.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center">Wererat Scurrying</p> <p style="text-align: center">Skirmisher Level 3</p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8680926783/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8680926783_2b418d0502_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>“Dessstroy them.” The newly revealed scurrying wererat hisses.</p><p></p><p>Gokan is stabbed, again, and again, and again- even the flickering appearance of Tonka’s Bahamut-emblazoned shield is not enough, it serves only to prolong the agony- the half-orc staggers and falls.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Gokan falls]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8142263036/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8142263036_ecccb502a9_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>Gokan is reduced to -7 hit points, in a matter of seconds by the Wererats. The players are beginning to panic.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>“Feast my brothers. Feast!” The scurrying wererat cries out.</p><p></p><p>Hal unleashes hell, slashes at the back of the wererat leader with his magical greatsword, the blow almost levels the rodent-man, who spins around to face its aggressor; the lycanthrope’s back is torn open, cut to the bone- it bleeds furiously.</p><p></p><p>“Fight me!” Hal declares and then swings again, hacking in to the rodent-man’s right leg, the creature screams in terror and anger. Another wererat quickly moves forward to menace Hal with its dagger; the metal man is having none of it. Hal thumps the pommel of his greatsword in to the threatening lycanthrope’s face, the beast’s head snaps back and it sinks to the floor.</p><p></p><p>“FIGHT ME!” Hal shouts, insistent now, and clearly very angry.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Hal unleashes his Daily Lasting Threat on the Scurrying Wererat, combined with his Inevitable Strike, he follows up with his Hack & Hew- inflicting 30 hit points damage in total to the creature, and also smashing one of the Wererat Scum down. </p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Suddenly another rat morphs and shapes, a second terrifying scurrying wererat, the creature snarls.</p><p></p><p>“Time to die, metal man!” It hisses and cackles, and then stabs Hal hard in his abdomen.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Fighting for their lives]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8145508544/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8466/8145508544_05bca6013c_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>“Get out! Get out!” Jimmy screams imploring his fellow adventurers to retreat; the halfling unleashes a barrage of daggers at all of the wererats he can see in the corridor, although he’s not helped by the fact that the fiendish creatures are hidden amongst his friends.</p><p></p><p>The first, the closest, of the wererat leaders takes a dagger to the face, the blood gushes as the creature flails wildly screaming in its odd high-pitched voice. The remaining dire rat is likewise struck; the huge rat lurches and scurries randomly, unable to get its directions, alas Jimmy’s aim is otherwise off.</p><p></p><p>The adventurers have barely scratched the surface, and they’re suffering terribly.</p><p></p><p>“Come on! The secret door…” Jimmy wails forlornly, as soon as his vicious dagger reappears in his hand he flings it again- the flailing, scurrying wererat falls.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Jimmy’s barrage]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8145942644/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8465/8145942644_d53a9c9d47_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 with his Daily Blinding Barrage, followed up with a Sly Flourish, and all he does is take out the already bloodied Scurrying Wererat and wound the last remaining Dire Rat.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Sigur scurries forward a little way, the dwarf sounds frantic, “… give ground, give ground…” he advises, while mumbling and grumbling as he invokes.</p><p></p><p>The packed passage is suddenly choked with glowing radiant purple clouds which, moments later burst and swoop down upon the dwarf’s enemies, bathing each of his foes in a terrible radiant glow.</p><p></p><p>The clouds and the glow slowly fade, the effect is somewhat underwhelming, the last dire rat is sorely burnt, missing great swathes of its coarse fur, the remaining scurrying wererat is somewhat singed, alas none of the other creatures seem to be affected in any way.</p><p></p><p>“Oh Moradin- please Lord!” Sigur whispers, then swallowing hard, wades in to the thick of the battle, his mace turns to stone in his hands as he swings it at the closest enemy, the wererat alas is much too fast.</p><p></p><p>Sigur’s face betrays his fear.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Sigur’s Daily Angelic Echelon followed up by his Stone Panoply and all he has to show for it is a slightly singed Scurrying Wererat and a bloodied Dire Rat. The players are bordering on the terrified.</p><p></p><p>At this point, in-game, I don’t think they have worked out that the Wererat Scum are just Minions.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>The swarm of rats continues to gnaw on the unconscious Gokan, that is until the remaining scurrying wererat leader makes a series of high-pitched squeaking sounds. The frenzied swarm rushes forward, so fast is it and so large that Sigur has to give ground. The dwarf suddenly takes to swatting furiously at his leg, and arms- trying to bat the rats off of him, hundreds more continue to gnaw on the dwarf.</p><p></p><p>Sigur shakes and shudders, and stomps, and roars his disapproval, all the while the rats scratch, claw and bite. His armour suddenly glows, the burning light coalesces and bursts in to the storm, although again with little effect, several smoking blackened rat corpses lie smouldering on the floor, but the dwarf is still almost overcome.</p><p></p><p>To make matters worse the blinded dire rat charges forward through Tonka’s legs, although the dragonborn warlord manages to get a little of his blade on the beast en route - but not enough to stop it. The rat launches itself at Sigur, sinks its great teeth in to the dwarf’s leg and hangs on.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>The Rat Swarm Crits Sigur for 14 points of damage, instantly bloodying the Dwarf- things are not going the PCs way, big time.</p><p></p><p>The blind Dire Rat charges (at a random target) Sigur, and even with a -5 penalty to hit manages to connect. Sigur is on 2 hit points- things are really not going well for the PCs</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Tonka quickly orientates himself, turns to face his comrades back in the former goblin chieftain’s chamber, “Bahamut preserve!” the dragonborn declares, and Sigur is no longer at death’s door.</p><p></p><p>“Thank you Moradin!” The dwarf whispers, his prayers partially answered. </p><p></p><p>Tonka meantime lashes out at the nearest wererat, which ducks and evades his clumsy attack, another of the creatures dodges Hal’s equally fumbling attack and rushes forward- stabbing out at Sigur, the dwarf is cut again, and once more forced to give ground.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Sigur is bloodied again, actually reduced to 7 hit points, things are really not going well.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>The remaining scurrying wererat leader steps back out of the action, and again produces a series of high-pitched whistles and squeaks- the creature’s rodent brothers manoeuvre; Tonka is being separated from his fellow adventurers- who are being forced back in to Balgron’s bedchamber.</p><p></p><p>“Ssssoooon we feast my lovelies, soon we feast!” the foul creature croons.</p><p></p><p>Hal tries again with his greatsword, smashing his weapon down and through one of the wererat scum, and then dragging the blade down further to scrape on the stone floor and slice through the rat swarm. The wererat falls, but the rat swarm is merely momentarily inconvenienced.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Still fighting for their lives...]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8146055378/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/8146055378_b48660bf07_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Gokan, seemingly forgotten about, lies still on the cold stone floor, all around him chaos and despair.</p><p></p><p>Jimmy has nowhere to go but back, away from his friends. The halfling dashes to the secret door, all the while throwing daggers in to the swarm as he retreats- to little effect. He thumps the wall, a grinding noise and the passageway and stairs are revealed.</p><p></p><p>“Come on! Please!” Jimmy begs.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Jimmy actually Crits the Rat Swarm with his Sly Flourish, however after the maths is done it works out to 7 hit points damage, the Rat Swarm isn’t even bloodied yet. The initial squeal of excitement when the ‘20’ showed on the dice soon fades- back to despair for the players.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>The furious bustling bundle of rats swarms over Sigur…</p><p></p><p>“Mora…” Sigur starts.</p><p>“Nooooooo!” Jimmy screams</p><p></p><p>As the grumbling dwarf collapses to the cold stone floor, the swarm continues in its frenzy to circle and bite. Although moments later after yet another series of squeaks and hisses, delivered again by the last remaining scurrying wererat, the swarm moves off.</p><p></p><p>Heading straight for Jimmy.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Jimmy’s leaving and Sigur’s down]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8179562544/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8179562544_173eb316fd_z.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>The forlorn, broken Sigur bleeds and lies still.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Sigur is swiftly reduced to -5 hit points by the Rat Swarm, the player- next in turn then fails his first Death Save.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>The last remaining, badly injured, dire rat recovers its senses and rushes at Hal, the metal man is bested- slammed back in to the wall by the force of the huge rodent’s charge.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Hal is now bloodied, actually reduced to 9 hit points after the Dire Rat’s Bite attack.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Tonka finally retreats, back in to the bedchamber, fending off opportune attacks from a number of wererats en route; the dragonborn is lucky, or else he’s getting much better with his longsword. Tonka makes his way back to Jimmy and the swarm without suffering a hit.</p><p></p><p>Once there he unleashes hell, or else the force of Bahamut- his god and saviour, alas hell is postponed, his luck runs out and his effort is wasted, his attack is pathetic, he misses by a mile.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Tonka’s Daily Leader’s Instinct is a critical fumble, thank Bahamut it’s Reliable, although will he even get time to try it again?</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>The two remaining wererat scum change form again, back in to tiny rats, they dodge and duck and run circles around Hal- eventually manoeuvring before and behind the metal man, from which positions they launch their attacks.</p><p></p><p>Hal is bitten, and scratched and clawed some more- almost spent.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Hal is surrounded]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8179585654/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8179585654_d797515cd6_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>Hal is reduced to 2 hit points. Keep this in mind, it may prove to be important.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>The scurrying wererat rushes over to the flustered Hal, who doesn’t know quite where to turn, and slams its blade in to the metal man’s face.</p><p></p><p>The effect in instantaneous.</p><p></p><p>Hal stops, makes one last sudden rasping grinding sound, and then speaks.</p><p></p><p>“I have failed.”</p><p></p><p>His last words, Hal collapses, dead.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Hal is slain]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8179601206/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8179601206_733a8d8516_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>Hal is hit by the Scurrying Wererat for 22 damage, a Crit, the metal man was on 2 hit points, he’s now on -20 hit points, which is beyond his negative bloodied value. Hal 5000 is dead- forever.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Tonka and Jimmy are suddenly aware that they’re all that’s left.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>And the players know they’re heading for a TPK. There’s more laughter than anger around the table, which I’m very much thankful for- sometimes TPKs can be awkward, even terrible moments to share with friends… Here we go then.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Tonka and Jimmy retreat down the stairs, the rats come on, behind the verminous trio the scurrying wererat squeaks and hisses its orders.</p><p></p><p>“Not long now my lovelies…” It hisses and grins.</p><p></p><p>Jimmy suddenly steps forward, lashes out with his vicious blade at all three targets before him - the two wererat scum, in rodent form, and the swarm. </p><p></p><p>He fails to connect with any of his enemies.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- Jimmy misses]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8179614055/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8179614055_ba32e60e46_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>Three attack rolls- the highest is a ‘4’. When your luck is gone, it’s gone.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>The swarm gnaws and bites at the halfling’s lower legs and feet- Jimmy bleeds and dances back.</p><p></p><p>The last dire rat mean time darts out of the corridor and forward in to the action, charging straight for Tonka, the dragonborn’s aim is straight and true - he cuts the brute down.</p><p></p><p>The distraction is enough however.</p><p></p><p>The two remaining tiny rats scurry and scuttle, till they’re in position, both simultaneously morph in to rat man shape- either side of Tonka. Moments later the dragonborn is swiftly, and expertly, cut down.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Tonka is reduced to -1 hit point. Stu, the player (Hedda & Tonka), doesn’t look very happy- perhaps he’s contemplating what his third PC will be.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>The scurrying wererat leader dashes in to the opening and stabs Jimmy in the gut, the halfling staggers and squirms… the end is close.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Picture- The end is nigh...]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8179614445/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8179614445_886f73a291_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 bloodied, actually reduced to 9 hit points. The end really is close.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Jimmy staggers back, down the stairs, almost spills his blade, one hand clutched to his gut- the blood sticky red pulses and flows.</p><p></p><p>“But… But… We’re the good guys…”</p><p></p><p>Jimmy blinks, unable to take in the events.</p><p></p><p>The vermin close in for the kill.</p><p></p><p>Jimmy steps back again, his legs almost giving way- fear, raw fear… terror.</p><p></p><p>The young halfling’s mind whirrs.</p><p></p><p>“Four thousand gold- ransom them, to me…” Jimmy holds up his hand, the one not holding his vicious dagger.</p><p></p><p>The wereat scum and the rat swarm come on- hissing and squeaking respectively.</p><p></p><p>The scurrying wererat, the leader, suddenly squeaks once, loud and commanding.</p><p></p><p>Everything stops.</p><p></p><p>Except Jimmy.</p><p></p><p>“Four thousand gold- from my father, it’ll take a couple of days… three days. He’s in Fallcrest, he’s a rich man, an adventurer, or else he was… He has money though, I promise.”</p><p></p><p>The scurrying wererat barges forward past the two scum.</p><p></p><p>“Convince me.” It hisses.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Later Dan, who plays Jimmy, said that he knew he couldn't win and didn't fancy his chances getting away- 4,000gp just seemed like the right amount- 1,000gp each; of course he hadn’t accounted for Hal being dead already at the time.</p><p></p><p>How could I, as a kindly DM, fail to grasp this opportunity?</p><p></p><p>But I didn’t want to make it too easy.</p><p></p><p>Jimmy’s in a Skill Challenge- no XP reward just the chance to get his comrades out of a tight spot- alive. The rules are, made up on the spot; he has to gain four successes before three failures. The DC is set at 15, he can use any skill, although never the same skill twice in a row. One skill check takes a round (although, see below), and has to be role-played of course, if he succeeds at a check then he can try for a second skill check in the same round, if he fails he cannot try again that round.</p><p></p><p>Furthermore each round the three dying adventurers- Gokan, Sigur & Tonka, have to continue to make their Death Saves.</p><p></p><p>It’s agreed, and we begin…</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>“My father used to work for the Lord Markelhay, you’ve heard of him… yes?” Jimmy gabbles.</p><p>The wererat nods.</p><p>“He paid him well for his services, before that- as I said, he made his money adventuring; I mean he’s not as rich as some of the folk in the city, or the guilds of Hammerfast, but… He has money, he can get four thousand quickly, get it here- to Winterhaven, and then…”</p><p>“The dragon burial site.” The wererat calmly states fingering the edge of its blade.</p><p>“Yes. Yes, I mean… all you’d have to do is let me go- I mean, I don’t know how you ended up here…” Jimmy looks about himself, indicating the catacombs of the Keep.</p><p>“You’re probably paid badly, I mean… you’re just, messengers!” Jimmy hangs the last word out, and shivers.</p><p>The wererat’s whiskers quiver, its eyes flash in anger.</p><p>“I mean- messengers, that’s beneath you, but with money- well, you could start again, somewhere else. Maybe in a city… not in a filthy, wet, smelly dungeon.”</p><p></p><p>The wererat sniffs and wrinkles his nose, seemingly aware for the first time of the stink and dirt about him.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>And that’s a Bluff 25 followed by a Diplomacy 19, all in one round- and what’s more the three remaining PCs all manage to make their Death Saves.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>“Well… What do you think? Three days- four thousand gold coins?” Jimmy begs.</p><p></p><p>Jimmy presses on, afraid of the silence. “You don’t have to tell your bosses, the… goblins?”</p><p>“Hobgoblins.” The scurrying wererat snarls.</p><p>“Hobgoblins, goblins- no matter, they don’t have to know. The money’s for you, you and your men, I mean- rat men, all for you. ‘Messengers’, you’re better than that- much bet…”</p><p></p><p>Jimmy is cut off, a moan loud and terrible from back up the stairs- Jimmy recognises it instantly- Gokan. Gokan’s dying Jimmy thinks, and frets.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Gokan fails his first Death Save.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>“I… “</p><p>But the halfling’s words are cut off again, this time by the grinding groaning sound of the second secret door sliding open.</p><p></p><p>Jimmy watches, nervous, his blade ready- looking front and back- he’s surrounded.</p><p></p><p>The second secret door opens all the way, to reveal- nothing. The torches have been extinguished in the excavation chamber beyond it seems- it’s dark, shadowy, there’s something…</p><p></p><p>Suddenly a cacophony of furious squeaks from the wererats, the trio- even the scurrying wererat leader, bows low and backs away a little. The rat swarm plunges down the stairs in a mad rush, filtering around and through Jimmy’s feet.</p><p></p><p>Jimmy grips his blade even tighter.</p><p></p><p>“Little ones…” A whispering voice which purrs with pleasure comes from the darkness at the bottom of the stairs. The rat swarm is a maelstrom, rats leaping and climbing over each other to be close to… A pair of thickset ratty legs, and an equally thick ridged and wormlike tail which curls and scoops and slides through the skittering joyous swarm.</p><p></p><p>That’s all Jimmy can see, the shadows limit his vision.</p><p></p><p>The scurrying wererat, squeaks again- rapidly, and then half-salutes and bows once more.</p><p></p><p>“I… I… “ Jimmy stammers, unsure as to what comes next.</p><p>“I am so very pleased to eat you, I mean of course- meet, you.” The voice is as rich as chocolate, and husky with it. The joke, such as it is, provokes an instant reaction- a chorus of squeaks and squeals- Jimmy estimates there are at least another half-dozen wererats ahead of him, down the stair.</p><p></p><p>“Four thousand gold coins- that’s a lot to offer, even if you had the money what guarantee would I have of your return?” The voice comes again, followed by a hint of a massively built wererat’s snout and whiskers from the shadows.</p><p>“My word… “ Jimmy tries, and then swiftly changes tack.</p><p>“You have my brothers- up there, Gokan, the half-orc and Hal, the metal man… I would never abandon my brothers, and nor would my father. Even if we wanted to our mother wouldn’t let us- she would sell everything we owned…” Jimmy tails off, and then finds his way again, “ I swear this.” He snivels.</p><p></p><p>Silence for a while.</p><p></p><p>“I believe you little one… only now you have whetted my appetite- four thousand is a princely sum, and yet, for your brothers? Family is everything, don’t you agree?” The honeyed voice asks.</p><p>Jimmy nods, sniffs some more, wipes a tear or two away with his sleeve.</p><p>“And yet my brothers lie still now, victims of your blades and your spells- what price my brothers, little one?”</p><p></p><p>It’s Jimmy’s turn for silence.</p><p>“How much?” The halfling eventually asks.</p><p>“Six thousand.”</p><p>“Five…” Jimmy snaps back, perhaps a little too hastily.</p><p></p><p>There’s a sudden flurry of movement, several more wererats lurch out of the shadows, an array of them- all sizes, some as small as Jimmy, all wielding nasty looking blades of every variety. </p><p></p><p>“Five thousand.” The wererat leader purrs. “We have a deal.”</p><p>The creature offers from the shadows its huge, hairy clawed hand.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Info]</p><p></p><p>Another two successes for the win- Bluff and Diplomacy again, the later equally exactly the DC required. The wererat chief is convinced. </p><p></p><p>The dying PCs are quickly stabilised by the wererats, see below.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Jimmy gingerly reaches out and grasps the proffered hand.</p><p></p><p>Moments later a wererat rushes past him- up the stair, towards the fallen, and with a snarl, then another, and another and…</p><p></p><p>“Five thousand, three days time- at the burial site your father so favoured… Go now, little brother.” The voice comes with an echo- already at a distance, the wererat leader it seems has also moved away- the passage is clear. </p><p></p><p>Less than sixty seconds later Jimmy is back out in to the cold air, out of the catacombs and back in to the wilds.</p><p></p><p>He runs.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Encounter #9 Synopsis, PC XP & DM’s thoughts]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8090950758/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8090950758_150017b697_c.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px">Encounter #9 The Rat Pack, starring-</span></p><p></p><p>Wererat Scum (Minion Skirmisher 5) x6</p><p>Rat Dire (Brute 1) x2</p><p>Rat Swarm (Skirmisher 2) x1</p><p>Wererat Scurrying (Skirmisher 3) x2</p><p></p><p>925 XP Level 4 Encounter </p><p></p><p>I decided to ditch the myriad creatures in the lower caves- giant rats, ochre jelly, blue slime and kruthik- I wanted something with a bit more bite, and story, although as it turns out, I quite liked the rats... </p><p></p><p>Doing away with all of the other guys in the caves also gave me some more XP to play with to bulk out a few of the other encounters in the Keep, remember I want to make this Hard Core.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px">PC XP</span></p><p></p><p>110 XP each for a total of 1419 XP in total (PCs Level 1).</p><p></p><p>Quite a disparity, as previously- I do not award XP for creatures that make it out alive from the encounters. I appreciate that this sounds a little churlish but 4e can sometimes seem like it’s playing too fast, or rather the PCs advance very quickly. </p><p></p><p>Back when I was playing 3/3.5e or even AD&D I ran campaigns that lasted for 4-5 years that ended with the PCs at level 15 or so, lower usually. I’ve played several 4e campaigns to date- the longest maybe a little more than eighteen months saw the PCs reach Level 14. While the desire to reach level 30 remains we don’t want to miss out on a single level, the deal is we’re going to play this to the end- not missing out on anything.</p><p></p><p>Just a hint of the present- this write up is very much behind the actual game, we started playing this campaign in March 2012, the date today is the 12th of November 2012, the PCs are at present a whisker away from 9th level- a level a month seems to be about the right pace.</p><p></p><p>And so back to the present- the PCs were denied the XP for the Rat Swarm, two of the Wererat Scum and the Scurrying Wererat, they survived to fight another day- what a meanie I am.</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px">DM Thoughts-</span></p><p></p><p>I started off apologising to the players for this encounter; in the immediate aftermath- two of the PCs only had one Healing Surge left and… But my players didn’t buy it; they let me off the hook very quickly.</p><p></p><p>Their dice rolls were terrible, mine were great- I seemed to not roll anything below a 14, they seemed to have problems breaking 10, and for Gokan- again, a nightmare. The second encounter in a row in which he has proved to be almost unable to hit anything- Hal we’re used to failing and falling over, it’s become a standing joke at the table, but Gokan… unheard of.</p><p></p><p>But, save for the terminated Hal, the guys have a chance to affect a rescue.</p><p></p><p>So now it’s time to roll up some secondary characters, for the exchange, you’ll see.</p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8045379275/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8169/8045379275_7d358f0cc6.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Goonalan, post: 6067678, member: 16069"] [CENTER][SIZE="5"]KOTS Part 9: The Rat Pack.[/SIZE][/CENTER] [sblock=Party Line Up] [CENTER][SIZE="6"]The Hard Core Adventurers Level 1[/SIZE] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8142246514/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8185/8142246514_03c215be20_c.jpg[/img][/url] Hal with his +1 Greatsword.[/CENTER] [/sblock] [sblock=Picture- Jimmy shouts a warning] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8142233435/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/8142233435_70a676301c_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] “Rats!” Jimmy screams again, and spins out his vicious dagger while taking a step back in to the chamber. His blade finds its mark, one of a pair of much larger rats in the corridor, each perhaps four feet long whiskers-to-tail. The creature bleeds profusely but bounds on- towards the adventurers. [sblock=Rat Dire] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080288245/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8185/8080288245_622faae099.jpg[/img][/url] Rat Dire Brute Level 1 [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8680929013/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8680929013_0c81e8712a_o.png[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] A sudden loud snort and Sigur awakes, leaps to his feet, already mumbling and invoking- the wrathful dwarf’s familiar, and favourite, trio of radiant hands spring in to life- and rush out to find their targets. Alas only one of the ghostly appendages finds its mark, the same dire rat that Jimmy wounded, the creature squeaks as it burns, and yet still it comes on. Tonka and Hal charge through the doors, swords drawn- the front-line, the pair swing furiously at the skittish little terrors before them, and yet both fail to connect. Gokan, still rubbing the sleep from his eyes, is the last to his feet- the half-orc is forced to wait for an opening to appear, there’s no room for him to get at the foe. And still the rats come on… “Hold the line”, Tonka cries, brandishing his blade, “… just a few pesky rodents.” The dragonborn warlord concludes. [sblock=Picture- Pesky rodents vs pesky adventurers] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8142233189/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8187/8142233189_3d1c3a4b9e_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Jimmy’s dagger comes again, and the closest of the dire rats, already terribly wounded, finally slumps on to its side- dead; however more rats filter either side and over their fallen cousin. “There’re a lot of them…” Jimmy worries. “Hold the line.” Tonka simply states, and then winks at his friend. Sigur has other ideas. The dwarf glances over his shoulder at Gokan- nods at the half-orc and then steps back- still mumbling and invoking as another trio of ghostly hands suddenly appear and head off to find more vermin to radiate. But again the dwarf’s aim is off- only one hit, on a smallish rat, however the radiant burn is enough to slay the creature. As Sigur steps back Gokan rushes in- his axes whirl and spin as the half-orc charges and howls- in to the thick of the action. The rats however are far too quick it seems, or else Gokan is still out of sorts, his twin axes fail to draw blood. Although… It’s now Gokan’s turn to scream, not in anger but in pain- the rats react instantly to the whirling barbarian’s arrival- they swarm, even turning away from their previously intended targets to attack the now isolated half-orc. Gokan continues to screech, and hop from foot to foot, trying desperately to stay on his feet as his lower limbs are ravaged by a horde of tiny sharp teeth. [sblock=Rat Swarm] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080282256/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8475/8080282256_32c7a0ee5e.jpg[/img][/url] Rat Swarm Skirmisher Level 2 [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682040624/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8528/8682040624_9b9a4b9ef9_o.png[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Seconds later he’s bleeding from a myriad painful wounds. “Avandra!” “Bahamut save us!” “Oh Sh-!” Jimmy, Tonka and Sigur cry out in unison, Hal and Gokan remain close-lipped. The sudden expressions of anxiety are due to the fact that one of the smaller rats scurrying towards Tonka suddenly warps and shapes, and a moment later is transformed in to a particularly hairy, rat-featured, human brandishing a wicked looking blade. [sblock=Wererat Scum] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080282946/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8080282946_d6fe56e883.jpg[/img][/url] Wererat Scum Minion Skirmisher Level 5 [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8682038580/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8526/8682038580_3be2036c92_o.png[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] “Holy Sh… Lycanthropes!” Tonka screams, panic in the dragonborn’s voice. “He-he…” The wererat scum giggles, and then stabs its blade in to the dragonborn’s gut. “Rat-attack!” it declares, and then hisses and giggles some more. The remaining dire rat bustles forward through its hairy brethren to the front of the queue, and then springs at Tonka, leaping in to his arms. The dragonborn wrestles with the creature but to no avail, the beastly vermin sinks its teeth in to Tonka’s neck- blood bursts, bubbles and flows. [sblock=Info] Tonka is bloodied, actually reduced to 8 hit points, after the Dire Rat scores a Crit on its Bite Charge attack for 16 points of damage. [/sblock] Another of the smaller rats scurries through Tonka’s legs; the dragonborn swings half-heartedly but is still contending with the dire rat in his embrace, he misses. The small rat undergoes the same transformation- the wererats are through the adventurers’ front line. Tonka is stabbed in the back, again, for good measure. [sblock=Picture- Tonka’s on his last legs] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8142263264/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8142263264_d0759f7687_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] [sblock=Info] Tonka is down to 1 hit point- that didn’t take long; he has only one Healing Surge remaining. [/sblock] Tonka mumbles half-remembered prayers, on the very edge of consciousness; he finally manages to dislodge the dire rat from its precarious perch- the verminous villain however lands adeptly at his feet, and renews its assault. And yet another of the smaller rats makes its way through the front-line, moments later it too has transformed in to a blade wielding rat man. “Pull back! Pull back!” Sigur screams, but the wrathful invoker already knows that it’s too late- if they cannot kill the rat men quickly… Sigur prefers not to think about the possible outcome. “Pull Back!” Sigur calls again. “Bahamut Preserve!” Tonka cries out as his wounds close over- or at least many of them do. He swings heartily with his blade- but again to no great affect, all the while trying to find a way out of the melee and back in to the chamber. “Gaaaarrhhhh!” Suddenly the air before Tonka is filled with forked lightning, another of the smaller rats is frazzled, the dire rat singed, but still there’s no retreat for the dragonborn. Gokan is the rats’ next target, again the transformations occur; only this time of the three rats that make it through the half-orc’s defences two of them re-shape in to the familiar ratty humans, the third in to a more vicious version of the same. [sblock=Wererat Scurrying] [CENTER] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080282854/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8044/8080282854_9f4fe19ebd.jpg[/img][/url] Wererat Scurrying Skirmisher Level 3 [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8680926783/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8680926783_2b418d0502_o.png[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] “Dessstroy them.” The newly revealed scurrying wererat hisses. Gokan is stabbed, again, and again, and again- even the flickering appearance of Tonka’s Bahamut-emblazoned shield is not enough, it serves only to prolong the agony- the half-orc staggers and falls. [sblock=Picture- Gokan falls] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8142263036/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8142263036_ecccb502a9_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] [sblock=Info] Gokan is reduced to -7 hit points, in a matter of seconds by the Wererats. The players are beginning to panic. [/sblock] “Feast my brothers. Feast!” The scurrying wererat cries out. Hal unleashes hell, slashes at the back of the wererat leader with his magical greatsword, the blow almost levels the rodent-man, who spins around to face its aggressor; the lycanthrope’s back is torn open, cut to the bone- it bleeds furiously. “Fight me!” Hal declares and then swings again, hacking in to the rodent-man’s right leg, the creature screams in terror and anger. Another wererat quickly moves forward to menace Hal with its dagger; the metal man is having none of it. Hal thumps the pommel of his greatsword in to the threatening lycanthrope’s face, the beast’s head snaps back and it sinks to the floor. “FIGHT ME!” Hal shouts, insistent now, and clearly very angry. [sblock=Info] Hal unleashes his Daily Lasting Threat on the Scurrying Wererat, combined with his Inevitable Strike, he follows up with his Hack & Hew- inflicting 30 hit points damage in total to the creature, and also smashing one of the Wererat Scum down. [/sblock] Suddenly another rat morphs and shapes, a second terrifying scurrying wererat, the creature snarls. “Time to die, metal man!” It hisses and cackles, and then stabs Hal hard in his abdomen. [sblock=Picture- Fighting for their lives] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8145508544/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8466/8145508544_05bca6013c_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] “Get out! Get out!” Jimmy screams imploring his fellow adventurers to retreat; the halfling unleashes a barrage of daggers at all of the wererats he can see in the corridor, although he’s not helped by the fact that the fiendish creatures are hidden amongst his friends. The first, the closest, of the wererat leaders takes a dagger to the face, the blood gushes as the creature flails wildly screaming in its odd high-pitched voice. The remaining dire rat is likewise struck; the huge rat lurches and scurries randomly, unable to get its directions, alas Jimmy’s aim is otherwise off. The adventurers have barely scratched the surface, and they’re suffering terribly. “Come on! The secret door…” Jimmy wails forlornly, as soon as his vicious dagger reappears in his hand he flings it again- the flailing, scurrying wererat falls. [sblock=Picture- Jimmy’s barrage] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8145942644/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8465/8145942644_d53a9c9d47_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] [sblock=Info] Jimmy with his Daily Blinding Barrage, followed up with a Sly Flourish, and all he does is take out the already bloodied Scurrying Wererat and wound the last remaining Dire Rat. [/sblock] Sigur scurries forward a little way, the dwarf sounds frantic, “… give ground, give ground…” he advises, while mumbling and grumbling as he invokes. The packed passage is suddenly choked with glowing radiant purple clouds which, moments later burst and swoop down upon the dwarf’s enemies, bathing each of his foes in a terrible radiant glow. The clouds and the glow slowly fade, the effect is somewhat underwhelming, the last dire rat is sorely burnt, missing great swathes of its coarse fur, the remaining scurrying wererat is somewhat singed, alas none of the other creatures seem to be affected in any way. “Oh Moradin- please Lord!” Sigur whispers, then swallowing hard, wades in to the thick of the battle, his mace turns to stone in his hands as he swings it at the closest enemy, the wererat alas is much too fast. Sigur’s face betrays his fear. [sblock=Info] Sigur’s Daily Angelic Echelon followed up by his Stone Panoply and all he has to show for it is a slightly singed Scurrying Wererat and a bloodied Dire Rat. The players are bordering on the terrified. At this point, in-game, I don’t think they have worked out that the Wererat Scum are just Minions. [/sblock] The swarm of rats continues to gnaw on the unconscious Gokan, that is until the remaining scurrying wererat leader makes a series of high-pitched squeaking sounds. The frenzied swarm rushes forward, so fast is it and so large that Sigur has to give ground. The dwarf suddenly takes to swatting furiously at his leg, and arms- trying to bat the rats off of him, hundreds more continue to gnaw on the dwarf. Sigur shakes and shudders, and stomps, and roars his disapproval, all the while the rats scratch, claw and bite. His armour suddenly glows, the burning light coalesces and bursts in to the storm, although again with little effect, several smoking blackened rat corpses lie smouldering on the floor, but the dwarf is still almost overcome. To make matters worse the blinded dire rat charges forward through Tonka’s legs, although the dragonborn warlord manages to get a little of his blade on the beast en route - but not enough to stop it. The rat launches itself at Sigur, sinks its great teeth in to the dwarf’s leg and hangs on. [sblock=Info] The Rat Swarm Crits Sigur for 14 points of damage, instantly bloodying the Dwarf- things are not going the PCs way, big time. The blind Dire Rat charges (at a random target) Sigur, and even with a -5 penalty to hit manages to connect. Sigur is on 2 hit points- things are really not going well for the PCs [/sblock] Tonka quickly orientates himself, turns to face his comrades back in the former goblin chieftain’s chamber, “Bahamut preserve!” the dragonborn declares, and Sigur is no longer at death’s door. “Thank you Moradin!” The dwarf whispers, his prayers partially answered. Tonka meantime lashes out at the nearest wererat, which ducks and evades his clumsy attack, another of the creatures dodges Hal’s equally fumbling attack and rushes forward- stabbing out at Sigur, the dwarf is cut again, and once more forced to give ground. [sblock=Info] Sigur is bloodied again, actually reduced to 7 hit points, things are really not going well. [/sblock] The remaining scurrying wererat leader steps back out of the action, and again produces a series of high-pitched whistles and squeaks- the creature’s rodent brothers manoeuvre; Tonka is being separated from his fellow adventurers- who are being forced back in to Balgron’s bedchamber. “Ssssoooon we feast my lovelies, soon we feast!” the foul creature croons. Hal tries again with his greatsword, smashing his weapon down and through one of the wererat scum, and then dragging the blade down further to scrape on the stone floor and slice through the rat swarm. The wererat falls, but the rat swarm is merely momentarily inconvenienced. [sblock=Picture- Still fighting for their lives...] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8146055378/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/8146055378_b48660bf07_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] Gokan, seemingly forgotten about, lies still on the cold stone floor, all around him chaos and despair. Jimmy has nowhere to go but back, away from his friends. The halfling dashes to the secret door, all the while throwing daggers in to the swarm as he retreats- to little effect. He thumps the wall, a grinding noise and the passageway and stairs are revealed. “Come on! Please!” Jimmy begs. [sblock=Info] Jimmy actually Crits the Rat Swarm with his Sly Flourish, however after the maths is done it works out to 7 hit points damage, the Rat Swarm isn’t even bloodied yet. The initial squeal of excitement when the ‘20’ showed on the dice soon fades- back to despair for the players. [/sblock] The furious bustling bundle of rats swarms over Sigur… “Mora…” Sigur starts. “Nooooooo!” Jimmy screams As the grumbling dwarf collapses to the cold stone floor, the swarm continues in its frenzy to circle and bite. Although moments later after yet another series of squeaks and hisses, delivered again by the last remaining scurrying wererat, the swarm moves off. Heading straight for Jimmy. [sblock=Picture- Jimmy’s leaving and Sigur’s down] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8179562544/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8179562544_173eb316fd_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] The forlorn, broken Sigur bleeds and lies still. [sblock=Info] Sigur is swiftly reduced to -5 hit points by the Rat Swarm, the player- next in turn then fails his first Death Save. [/sblock] The last remaining, badly injured, dire rat recovers its senses and rushes at Hal, the metal man is bested- slammed back in to the wall by the force of the huge rodent’s charge. [sblock=Info] Hal is now bloodied, actually reduced to 9 hit points after the Dire Rat’s Bite attack. [/sblock] Tonka finally retreats, back in to the bedchamber, fending off opportune attacks from a number of wererats en route; the dragonborn is lucky, or else he’s getting much better with his longsword. Tonka makes his way back to Jimmy and the swarm without suffering a hit. Once there he unleashes hell, or else the force of Bahamut- his god and saviour, alas hell is postponed, his luck runs out and his effort is wasted, his attack is pathetic, he misses by a mile. [sblock=Info] Tonka’s Daily Leader’s Instinct is a critical fumble, thank Bahamut it’s Reliable, although will he even get time to try it again? [/sblock] The two remaining wererat scum change form again, back in to tiny rats, they dodge and duck and run circles around Hal- eventually manoeuvring before and behind the metal man, from which positions they launch their attacks. Hal is bitten, and scratched and clawed some more- almost spent. [sblock=Picture- Hal is surrounded] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8179585654/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8179585654_d797515cd6_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] [sblock=Info] Hal is reduced to 2 hit points. Keep this in mind, it may prove to be important. [/sblock] The scurrying wererat rushes over to the flustered Hal, who doesn’t know quite where to turn, and slams its blade in to the metal man’s face. The effect in instantaneous. Hal stops, makes one last sudden rasping grinding sound, and then speaks. “I have failed.” His last words, Hal collapses, dead. [sblock=Picture- Hal is slain] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8179601206/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8179601206_733a8d8516_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] [sblock=Info] Hal is hit by the Scurrying Wererat for 22 damage, a Crit, the metal man was on 2 hit points, he’s now on -20 hit points, which is beyond his negative bloodied value. Hal 5000 is dead- forever. [/sblock] Tonka and Jimmy are suddenly aware that they’re all that’s left. [sblock=Info] And the players know they’re heading for a TPK. There’s more laughter than anger around the table, which I’m very much thankful for- sometimes TPKs can be awkward, even terrible moments to share with friends… Here we go then. [/sblock] Tonka and Jimmy retreat down the stairs, the rats come on, behind the verminous trio the scurrying wererat squeaks and hisses its orders. “Not long now my lovelies…” It hisses and grins. Jimmy suddenly steps forward, lashes out with his vicious blade at all three targets before him - the two wererat scum, in rodent form, and the swarm. He fails to connect with any of his enemies. [sblock=Picture- Jimmy misses] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8179614055/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8179614055_ba32e60e46_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] [sblock=Info] Three attack rolls- the highest is a ‘4’. When your luck is gone, it’s gone. [/sblock] The swarm gnaws and bites at the halfling’s lower legs and feet- Jimmy bleeds and dances back. The last dire rat mean time darts out of the corridor and forward in to the action, charging straight for Tonka, the dragonborn’s aim is straight and true - he cuts the brute down. The distraction is enough however. The two remaining tiny rats scurry and scuttle, till they’re in position, both simultaneously morph in to rat man shape- either side of Tonka. Moments later the dragonborn is swiftly, and expertly, cut down. [sblock=Info] Tonka is reduced to -1 hit point. Stu, the player (Hedda & Tonka), doesn’t look very happy- perhaps he’s contemplating what his third PC will be. [/sblock] The scurrying wererat leader dashes in to the opening and stabs Jimmy in the gut, the halfling staggers and squirms… the end is close. [sblock=Picture- The end is nigh...] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8179614445/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8179614445_886f73a291_z.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] [sblock=Info] Jimmy is bloodied, actually reduced to 9 hit points. The end really is close. [/sblock] Jimmy staggers back, down the stairs, almost spills his blade, one hand clutched to his gut- the blood sticky red pulses and flows. “But… But… We’re the good guys…” Jimmy blinks, unable to take in the events. The vermin close in for the kill. Jimmy steps back again, his legs almost giving way- fear, raw fear… terror. The young halfling’s mind whirrs. “Four thousand gold- ransom them, to me…” Jimmy holds up his hand, the one not holding his vicious dagger. The wereat scum and the rat swarm come on- hissing and squeaking respectively. The scurrying wererat, the leader, suddenly squeaks once, loud and commanding. Everything stops. Except Jimmy. “Four thousand gold- from my father, it’ll take a couple of days… three days. He’s in Fallcrest, he’s a rich man, an adventurer, or else he was… He has money though, I promise.” The scurrying wererat barges forward past the two scum. “Convince me.” It hisses. [sblock=Info] Later Dan, who plays Jimmy, said that he knew he couldn't win and didn't fancy his chances getting away- 4,000gp just seemed like the right amount- 1,000gp each; of course he hadn’t accounted for Hal being dead already at the time. How could I, as a kindly DM, fail to grasp this opportunity? But I didn’t want to make it too easy. Jimmy’s in a Skill Challenge- no XP reward just the chance to get his comrades out of a tight spot- alive. The rules are, made up on the spot; he has to gain four successes before three failures. The DC is set at 15, he can use any skill, although never the same skill twice in a row. One skill check takes a round (although, see below), and has to be role-played of course, if he succeeds at a check then he can try for a second skill check in the same round, if he fails he cannot try again that round. Furthermore each round the three dying adventurers- Gokan, Sigur & Tonka, have to continue to make their Death Saves. It’s agreed, and we begin… [/sblock] “My father used to work for the Lord Markelhay, you’ve heard of him… yes?” Jimmy gabbles. The wererat nods. “He paid him well for his services, before that- as I said, he made his money adventuring; I mean he’s not as rich as some of the folk in the city, or the guilds of Hammerfast, but… He has money, he can get four thousand quickly, get it here- to Winterhaven, and then…” “The dragon burial site.” The wererat calmly states fingering the edge of its blade. “Yes. Yes, I mean… all you’d have to do is let me go- I mean, I don’t know how you ended up here…” Jimmy looks about himself, indicating the catacombs of the Keep. “You’re probably paid badly, I mean… you’re just, messengers!” Jimmy hangs the last word out, and shivers. The wererat’s whiskers quiver, its eyes flash in anger. “I mean- messengers, that’s beneath you, but with money- well, you could start again, somewhere else. Maybe in a city… not in a filthy, wet, smelly dungeon.” The wererat sniffs and wrinkles his nose, seemingly aware for the first time of the stink and dirt about him. [sblock=Info] And that’s a Bluff 25 followed by a Diplomacy 19, all in one round- and what’s more the three remaining PCs all manage to make their Death Saves. [/sblock] “Well… What do you think? Three days- four thousand gold coins?” Jimmy begs. Jimmy presses on, afraid of the silence. “You don’t have to tell your bosses, the… goblins?” “Hobgoblins.” The scurrying wererat snarls. “Hobgoblins, goblins- no matter, they don’t have to know. The money’s for you, you and your men, I mean- rat men, all for you. ‘Messengers’, you’re better than that- much bet…” Jimmy is cut off, a moan loud and terrible from back up the stairs- Jimmy recognises it instantly- Gokan. Gokan’s dying Jimmy thinks, and frets. [sblock=Info] Gokan fails his first Death Save. [/sblock] “I… “ But the halfling’s words are cut off again, this time by the grinding groaning sound of the second secret door sliding open. Jimmy watches, nervous, his blade ready- looking front and back- he’s surrounded. The second secret door opens all the way, to reveal- nothing. The torches have been extinguished in the excavation chamber beyond it seems- it’s dark, shadowy, there’s something… Suddenly a cacophony of furious squeaks from the wererats, the trio- even the scurrying wererat leader, bows low and backs away a little. The rat swarm plunges down the stairs in a mad rush, filtering around and through Jimmy’s feet. Jimmy grips his blade even tighter. “Little ones…” A whispering voice which purrs with pleasure comes from the darkness at the bottom of the stairs. The rat swarm is a maelstrom, rats leaping and climbing over each other to be close to… A pair of thickset ratty legs, and an equally thick ridged and wormlike tail which curls and scoops and slides through the skittering joyous swarm. That’s all Jimmy can see, the shadows limit his vision. The scurrying wererat, squeaks again- rapidly, and then half-salutes and bows once more. “I… I… “ Jimmy stammers, unsure as to what comes next. “I am so very pleased to eat you, I mean of course- meet, you.” The voice is as rich as chocolate, and husky with it. The joke, such as it is, provokes an instant reaction- a chorus of squeaks and squeals- Jimmy estimates there are at least another half-dozen wererats ahead of him, down the stair. “Four thousand gold coins- that’s a lot to offer, even if you had the money what guarantee would I have of your return?” The voice comes again, followed by a hint of a massively built wererat’s snout and whiskers from the shadows. “My word… “ Jimmy tries, and then swiftly changes tack. “You have my brothers- up there, Gokan, the half-orc and Hal, the metal man… I would never abandon my brothers, and nor would my father. Even if we wanted to our mother wouldn’t let us- she would sell everything we owned…” Jimmy tails off, and then finds his way again, “ I swear this.” He snivels. Silence for a while. “I believe you little one… only now you have whetted my appetite- four thousand is a princely sum, and yet, for your brothers? Family is everything, don’t you agree?” The honeyed voice asks. Jimmy nods, sniffs some more, wipes a tear or two away with his sleeve. “And yet my brothers lie still now, victims of your blades and your spells- what price my brothers, little one?” It’s Jimmy’s turn for silence. “How much?” The halfling eventually asks. “Six thousand.” “Five…” Jimmy snaps back, perhaps a little too hastily. There’s a sudden flurry of movement, several more wererats lurch out of the shadows, an array of them- all sizes, some as small as Jimmy, all wielding nasty looking blades of every variety. “Five thousand.” The wererat leader purrs. “We have a deal.” The creature offers from the shadows its huge, hairy clawed hand. [sblock=Info] Another two successes for the win- Bluff and Diplomacy again, the later equally exactly the DC required. The wererat chief is convinced. The dying PCs are quickly stabilised by the wererats, see below. [/sblock] Jimmy gingerly reaches out and grasps the proffered hand. Moments later a wererat rushes past him- up the stair, towards the fallen, and with a snarl, then another, and another and… “Five thousand, three days time- at the burial site your father so favoured… Go now, little brother.” The voice comes with an echo- already at a distance, the wererat leader it seems has also moved away- the passage is clear. Less than sixty seconds later Jimmy is back out in to the cold air, out of the catacombs and back in to the wilds. He runs. [sblock=Encounter #9 Synopsis, PC XP & DM’s thoughts] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8090950758/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8090950758_150017b697_c.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [SIZE="4"]Encounter #9 The Rat Pack, starring-[/SIZE] Wererat Scum (Minion Skirmisher 5) x6 Rat Dire (Brute 1) x2 Rat Swarm (Skirmisher 2) x1 Wererat Scurrying (Skirmisher 3) x2 925 XP Level 4 Encounter I decided to ditch the myriad creatures in the lower caves- giant rats, ochre jelly, blue slime and kruthik- I wanted something with a bit more bite, and story, although as it turns out, I quite liked the rats... Doing away with all of the other guys in the caves also gave me some more XP to play with to bulk out a few of the other encounters in the Keep, remember I want to make this Hard Core. [SIZE="4"]PC XP[/SIZE] 110 XP each for a total of 1419 XP in total (PCs Level 1). Quite a disparity, as previously- I do not award XP for creatures that make it out alive from the encounters. I appreciate that this sounds a little churlish but 4e can sometimes seem like it’s playing too fast, or rather the PCs advance very quickly. Back when I was playing 3/3.5e or even AD&D I ran campaigns that lasted for 4-5 years that ended with the PCs at level 15 or so, lower usually. I’ve played several 4e campaigns to date- the longest maybe a little more than eighteen months saw the PCs reach Level 14. While the desire to reach level 30 remains we don’t want to miss out on a single level, the deal is we’re going to play this to the end- not missing out on anything. Just a hint of the present- this write up is very much behind the actual game, we started playing this campaign in March 2012, the date today is the 12th of November 2012, the PCs are at present a whisker away from 9th level- a level a month seems to be about the right pace. And so back to the present- the PCs were denied the XP for the Rat Swarm, two of the Wererat Scum and the Scurrying Wererat, they survived to fight another day- what a meanie I am. [SIZE="4"]DM Thoughts-[/SIZE] I started off apologising to the players for this encounter; in the immediate aftermath- two of the PCs only had one Healing Surge left and… But my players didn’t buy it; they let me off the hook very quickly. Their dice rolls were terrible, mine were great- I seemed to not roll anything below a 14, they seemed to have problems breaking 10, and for Gokan- again, a nightmare. The second encounter in a row in which he has proved to be almost unable to hit anything- Hal we’re used to failing and falling over, it’s become a standing joke at the table, but Gokan… unheard of. But, save for the terminated Hal, the guys have a chance to affect a rescue. So now it’s time to roll up some secondary characters, for the exchange, you’ll see. [/sblock] [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8045379275/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8169/8045379275_7d358f0cc6.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/QUOTE]
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Hard Core Adventurers- KOTS 20.06 The Cathedral of Shadows
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