Let's Play #5 4e Dungeon Scales of War 1) Rescue at Rivenroar The End NOW WITH PICS OF THE PCs

[Goonalan]

Let's Play #5 Dungeon Magazine Scales of War #1
Rescue at Rivenroar (Level 1)​

Session 2.

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Encounter #8 Goblin Warren (Area 2)

[sblock=The Map]

The Goblin Warrens are situated in areas 2 & 3 on the map (see below).
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The adventurers head back to the entrance chamber, and then led by Miss Teri move back out again through the opposite set of doors, the corridor beyond turns to head north, there are noises and lights ahead.

Miss Teri sneaks forward, leaving her colleagues a little behind, however the shadar-kai doesn’t get far, a rough goblin voice shouts a warning and the inhabitants of the chamber quickly move in to action.

A gang of hobgoblins exit the chamber and with swords drawn rush in to the passage- three of the brutes are grunts, the last- giving orders, a heavily armed and armoured soldier- the leader of the group. Although there’s more shouting coming from the chamber, another grunt Miss Teri spots the fellow opening the northern doors in the chamber and shouting for reinforcements.

Bad Guys 302 XP Level 1 Encounter
Hobgoblin Soldier Level 3 Soldier
Hobgoblin Grunt Level 3 Minion x4

[sblock=The Monster Manual]

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The shadar-kai gulps and then is surrounded and in the action, she’s cut once by a swatting longsword attack, she keeps the other three goblinoids at bay.

Snatch grabs up his bow and fires, arrow after arrow hurtles down the passage- two of the grunts are killed outright. Miss Teri takes care of a third and then tumbles back as far as she can get away from the hobgoblins.

Suddenly two goblin sharpshooters appear in the chamber ahead, the pair take aim and then fire their hand crossbows down the passage- Snatch is struck twice, the shifter is very quickly bloodied.

Bad Guys 552 XP Level 1 Encounter
Hobgoblin Soldier Level 3 Soldier
Hobgoblin Grunt Level 3 Minion x4
Goblin Sharpshooter Level 2 Artillery x2

[sblock=The Monster Manual]

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Gargemel launches an Acid Orb straight in to the hobgoblin soldier- the creature burns and screams his rage, Chiggers and Thug rush in to the melee, the former offering Healing Words to Snatch en route- the ranger is healthy again.

Chiggers smashes the soldier with his Wrathful Thunder, leaves the creature staggering and dazed, Thug’s Reaping Strike is alas only a glancing blow- the soldier and one of the grunts survive the opening salvo.

Thug pays the price, the grunt slices the bugbear.

Snatch settles his aim again and fires, marking the soldier as his Quarry, his Twin Fanged Strike thuds in to the hobgoblin, both shots to the head- the soldier flops to the floor a bloody mess. Miss Teri comes rushing forward, stabbing the last grunt as she springs in to the chamber- there are just two goblin sharpshooter left.

The chamber is a rough sleeping quarters for the goblinoids it seems, a burning brazier in one corner, a pile of foodstuffs in another- the rest bedrolls. There are two exits to the chamber, a pair of closed doors to the west, and a pair of open doors to the north- through which the goblin sharpshooters entered. A corridor seems to run a good way to the north, it’s torchlit in places- there looks to be at least one hole in the flagged floor- a pit?

The goblin sharpshooter suddenly realise they’re all that’s left- the pair fire in unison, Thug takes another hit, and then also in unison dash up the northern corridor, grab for a rope and swing across the pit.

As the second goblin lands it receives a double whammy- Chiggers javelin leaves it screaming, Gargemel’s Acid Orb leaves it shrieking and bloodied. Thug’s arrival is the final straw- the bugbear dashes after the goblins, leaps the pit with ease and smashes the already wounded goblin sharpshooter down.

The last sharpshooter spills its hand crossbow and flees the scene- Thug slashes as it races towards the second pit, the creature doesn’t get there- or rather… The goblin is hit by one of Snatch’s arrows, Miss Teri’s dagger, Chigger’s javelin and finally Gargemel’s Acid Orb- the goblinoids momentum sends it tumbling in to the second pit- dead before it hits, well whatever’s down the pit.

The fight is won.

552 XP Level 1 Encounter
Hobgoblin Soldier Level 3 Soldier
Hobgoblin Grunt Level 3 Minion x4
Goblin Sharpshooter Level 2 Artillery x2

The chamber and the dead are quickly searched, the bodies of the fallen thrown down the first pit- which is deep, the bottom hidden in darkness.

The adventurers take a short rest, get their gear together, and then still following Adronsius’ directions head west again.

Comment: Another reasonable encounter, a little easy.

 

[Goonalan]

Let's Play #5 Dungeon Magazine Scales of War #1
Rescue at Rivenroar (Level 1)​

Session 2.

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Encounter #9 Portal Room (Area 4)

[sblock=The Map]

The Portal Room is situated in area 4 on the map (see below).
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Miss Teri leads the way, the passage heads west and then north, opens out in to a strange, high-ceilinged, chamber- that’s not all that’s strange however. A shimmering portal, circular, maybe twenty feet in diameter seems to hover a few feet off the back wall.

“Blessed be Dark Mistress…” Chiggers whispers.
Gargemel smirks, less impressed.

The portal, or else- what else could it be, shows a river- in full flow, the image however seems to be turning moving left to right, very slowly, but moving all the same.

The adventurer’s stare- transfixed.

The amazing thing is the portal seems to be able to see both above and below the surface of the water, in the lower half of the image fish lazily, unperturbed, swim by; in the upper half the river runs fast and we can see the far back- perhaps something beyond.

“It’s… It’s…” Snatch fails to find words.

Thug is more- demonstrative, gingerly- looking back once or twice for reassurance, the bugbear moves towards the image, greataxe ready, nervously he reaches out to touch the image- his hand passes through, there’s nothing there- only a projection of the scene.

The bugbear giggles and turns back to his fellows with a mile-wide grin, a child’s sense of wonder.

It’s at this point that the large mass of almost colourless Ooze flops out of the image and lands behind Thug with a loud wet splat.

Several jelly-like pseudopods rise up from the Ochre Jelly and lash out- Miss Teri screams.

Bad Guys 300 XP Level 1 Encounter
Ochre Jelly Level 3 Elite Brute

[sblock=The Monster Manual]

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In the same instant the shadar-kai spins out a shuriken, severs one of the four pseudopods reaching for Thug’s back, the bugbear spins and slashes- severs another- the last two lash at the fighter. Thug dodges desperately, avoids one blow but steps in to the other- he’s battered, and burning; the ooze exudes acid and leaves its mark.

Snatch takes a cautionary step back and then fires, his Two-Fanged Strike serves to splatter the ooze’s two remaining viscous tentacles. Gargemel steps forward, and breathes out- lightning fills the air and smashes in to the great clump of jelly, the sorcerer’s Lightning Breath (Daily).

Two things happen- the first is a great tearing sound, the ooze has suddenly become two smaller oozes- Gargemel it seems is in the business of creating life. The second thing is the image on the portal suddenly becomes jumbled, a mix of static and crazy lines.

Miss Teri manoeuvres quickly, and with a Clever Strike slashes multiple times at the closest newly formed ooze, all the life goes out of the strange entity, its existence is exceedingly short. Thug, still burning from his acid stripe- and now bloodied, slashes at the second ooze, it too is ended.

The tough bugbear scrapes the acid from his skin and garments- the burn subsides; just as Chiggers steps closer and mutter his Healing Words, Thug nods his thanks and turns back to look at the portal.

“Hey!”

The bugbear warns- on the screen an empty dark landscape, rough terrain, mountainous in the far distance, dead ahead a whole host of tents and temporary structures- it looks like an army encampment. Overhead the clouds are dark and grey, swirls and streaks of lightning constantly flicker and arc, creating dazzling striations in the angry clouds. The scene suddenly blurs, a lurching sense of motion, as we rush closer to the sprawling black mass of the encampment- a face fills the screen, the image lasts a moment.

Less than a moment.

But is burned on to the retinas of all those watching.

An angry looking female shadar-kai staring straight out of the image, directly at the adventurers.

At the same moment the first of the magic portal undead servitors shimmers and glides through the wall and in to the chamber- the spectre moans and wails, a second spectre enters from the opposite wall and takes up the chorus.

Bad Guys 650 XP Level 2 Encounter
Ochre Jelly Level 3 Elite Brute
Spectre Level 4 Lurker x2

[sblock=The Monster Manual]

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Chiggers, Thug, Gargemel and Snatch clutch at their ears, trying to block the sound, and pull faces- they scream wildly as they sink to their knees.

Miss Teri’s dagger lashes out and slices in to one of the spectral figures, the spell is broken.

Thug staggers to his feet and lashes out, Snatch lunges up and away- turns swiftly, bow at the ready, and fires a Twin Strike- the first spectre shimmers and is gone.

Chiggers fights the undead creature’s power, drags himself to his feet and slowly, painfully, presents his holy symbol- he Turns the Undead fiend- radiant light bathes the spectre, it stops wailing and starts screaming- it burns.

But not for long, the spectre glides aback a little and then manoeuvres and begins to wail and moan again- its Spectral Barrage, the same four adventurers clutch at their ears, scream some more, and once again fall to their knees, all of them are bloodied, with rivers of blood running down their faces.

Miss Teri’s shuriken saves them a second time, her Confounding Attack (Daily) leaves the spectre speechless and unsure of what just happened, and also bloodied.

The adventurers grasp their opportunity- Gargemel hits the thing with an Acid Orb, Snatch’s arrow punches a hole in the spirit with his Hunt’s End (Daily), Chiggers Avenging Flame (Daily) follow up ends the spectre.

The adventurer’s breath hard, the fight is won.

Bad Guys 650 XP Level 2 Encounter
Ochre Jelly Level 3 Elite Brute
Spectre Level 4 Lurker x2

The adventurers are spent- that is their resources are extremely low.

“We cannot go on…” Chiggers states.
Adronsius looks unhappy- but even he can see how bruised and battered his rescuers are- he nods.

The guy’s head back the way they came, clearing up- as best they can en route to the Von Jallach crypt. Once there they set watch, and hidden in the room they rescued the dwarf alchemist from, except for the fellow on watch, they attempt to hide and lick their wounds.

Comment: I made the Pcs undertake a minor skill challenge (no XP reward), to see how well they managed to hide their tracks et al- they were allowed one check each, as decided by me after hearing their role-played actions.

The highest roll (with modifiers) was something like a ‘13’, I played the game and pretended everything would be okay.

Last thing- what a gift, by which I mean a giant TV screen in the middle of the adventure, you can show anything you want- my snippet was something from the future. As I say, a gift to DMs everywhere.

 

[Goonalan]

Let's Play #5 Dungeon Magazine Scales of War #1
Rescue at Rivenroar (Level 1)​

Session 2.

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Encounter #10 Hobgoblin Patrol (Area 13 & 14)

[sblock=The Map]

The Hobgoblin Patrol interrupts the PCs rest in area 13 & 14 on the map (see below).
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Alas the guys failed in their attempt to clear up after themselves in their retreat to the Von Jallach crypt- a Hobgoblin Patrol, actually the creatures from the Rivenroar Family Crypt, has found the adventurer’s trail.

Fortunately Snatch is on watch when the patrol wanders along, the razorclaw shifter ranger spots the danger and is quick to wake his colleagues, the adventurers are ready for hobgoblins.

Bad Guys 577 XP Level 1 Encounter
Hobgoblin Grunt Level 3 Minion x4
Hobgoblin Archer Level 3 Artillery
Hobgoblin Soldier Level 3 Soldier
Drake Guard Level 2 Brute

[sblock=The Monster Manual]

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First down the stairs in to the flagged crypt is are the hobgoblin grunts, behind a hobgoblin soldier is dragged down the stairs by a guard drake on a long chain, coming up behind is the hobgoblin archer.

The grunts move in to the chamber, spreading out a little- the adventurers unleash hell.

Gargemel’s Burning Spray incinerates one of the grunts in seconds, the poor goblinoid rushes in to the glowing runes and is also caught in a burst of lightning. A second later two more of the grunts are taken down, Snatch’s Twin Strike is deadly accurate. Miss Teri’s Gloaming Cut, shurike style, takes out the last grunt- revealing the hobgoblin soldier and the drake.

Thug and Chiggers dash in- one from either side, the dragonborn thumps the drake hard with his morning star.

The hobgoblin archer takes a step back, settles its bow- and fires, an arrow flies just over Chigger’s shoulder.

“Duck!” Gargemel shouts and sprays the passage with his fiery breath, burning the drake a little, at the same moment an arrow thuds in to the drake, the creature staggers and lurches, slips down a step or two, bloodied. Snatch takes aim and fires again, his second arrow buries itself in the drake’s skull, the creature mewls and thrashes violently, but is dead in a matter of seconds.

Thug holds the hobgoblin soldier off; their blades clash again and again- giving Miss Teri the opportunity to slip in with a Gloaming Cut. Thug takes a stride forward, up the stairs positioning himself between the archer and the soldier- should either decide to cut and run.

The bugbear pays the price, the archer spills his bow and draws his longsword- cuts Thug and leaves him bloodied.

Gargemel launches an Acid Orb in to the soldier- who burns a little but fights on, however Snatch has the hobgoblin marked as Quarry, he buries an arrow in the goblinoid’s back leaving it staggering and very bloodied.

Thug Cleaves in to the hobgoblin soldier, cuts the creature down and continues his slash in to the archer, a moment later Miss Teri appears again and with a Clever Strike slashes the archer terribly, the creature is bloodied and hamstrung. Chiggers moves in and with his morning star smashes the last hobgoblin down.

The fight is over.

577 XP Level 1 Encounter
Hobgoblin Grunt Level 3 Minion x4
Hobgoblin Archer Level 3 Artillery
Hobgoblin Soldier Level 3 Soldier
Drake Guard Level 2 Brute

The bodies are dragged back down the stair, dumped out of sight, the area cleared up a little and watches re-calculated, the extended rest continues- this time without interruption.

The guys talk a while before returning to the action, the choices of topics and discussions can be summarised thus-

The Gnome- the guys are at a loss to understand how or why a gnome was present in the dungeon. They would have preferred to take the little guy alive- if they spot any more tey will attempt to do so- they think there’s something very odd going on.

The Portal/Image screen- what is it? Much is said, little of it ordered or of substance, lots of conjecture, however see below.

The Dark Place seen on the Screen- this is the Shadowfell, Miss Teri is 99% certain, she doesn’t know where in the Shadowfell but she’s convinced. It did indeed look like an army encampment- what does it all mean?

Who was the Shadar-kai seen on the Screen? Miss Teri doesn’t recognise her, and the other adventurers have only ever seen one shadar-kai, that’s Miss Teri. The guys figure this is someone important.

Comment: A couple of things, 4e is a game that requires the PCs every now and then to rest up in the middle of a dungeon, I always try to catch the PCs out- as in drop in a surprise (hardly) encounter just to mess them up a little. However should the guys do the hard yards- as in clear a large area or else tidy up after themselves and make it as if they were never there, then I leave them be.

Next, during extended rests I always make a point of doing a little Q and A to make sure the guys are up to speed with what’s going on, I don’t want to lead them by the nose but it’s good to know what they’re thinking ahead of times- if possible, so that I can adapt the story in the most interesting way.

 

[Goonalan]

Let's Play #5 Dungeon Magazine Scales of War #1
Rescue at Rivenroar (Level 1)​

Session 2.

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Encounter #11 Von Urstadt Crypt (Area 5 & 6)

[sblock=The Map]

The Von Urstadt Crypt is in area 5 & 6 on the map (see below).
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Once again it’s Miss Teri that leads the adventurers out of the Von Jallach crypt and back the way they came, through to the Portal Chamber, the screen now blank, and following Adronsius’ directions west again. The new passage heads north and then east, effectively back on itself- Miss Teri pokes her head in to an open chamber, another crypt, there’s no-one present, but… hang on.

A door opens over the far side, Miss Teri ducks down and out of sight, she spies two gnomes- ah-hah! The guys want to take a gnome alive.

“Gnomes!” She whispers back at the other adventurers, who are only a little way behind her around the corner of the passage.

“Get them!” Teri orders.

Bad Guys 250 XP Level 1 Encounter
Gnome Skulk Level 2 Lurker x2

[sblock=The Monster Manual]

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“Aaarrrrrggghhhhh!” Chiggers and Thug suddenly rush around the corner screaming, neither has the speed to reach the gnomes with their charge, but they do the job- the gnomes are equally bewildered and terrified.

Their action however affords the other adventurers the opportunity to catch the gnomes on the hop- an arrow, a shuriken and an Acid Orb thump in to the closest of the pair.

The gnome promptly expires on the spot.

“Keep ‘em alive!” Miss Teri hisses.

The remaining gnome comes to his senses grabs out two small fiery red balls, seemingly made of glass, and dashes them on the ground- just in front of Chiggers and Thug- a puff of sulphur smoke engulfs the pair momentarily, and when it clears a pair of stocky humanoids made of magma, molten lava and bathed in flame- Magma Claws.

Bad Guys 600 XP Level 1 Encounter
Gnome Skulk Level 2 Lurker x2
Magma Claw Level 4 Brute x2

[sblock=The Monster Manual]

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Thug is clawed and burnt, and then worse- the second magma claw Spews Lava on the bugbear, who screams as he’s caught in the blast, the lava cools rapidly and Thug finds himself stuck to the spot, unable to move.

Chiggers smashes in to one of the creatures with his Wrathful Thunder, the elemental staggers as the thunderclap breaks- continues to reverberate through its entire body- it’s dazed. Thug burns some more but grits his teeth and Cleaves through both of the beasts, in the process breaking free and putting out the flame.

Snatch’s Two-Fanged Strike smashes in to the already dazed magma claw, the creature is punctured by both arrows, it bleeds lava and makes a strange sound like heavy tread on pebbles, and it’s bloodied. Miss Teri adds another Gloaming Cut with a shuriken to the elemental’s woes.

Gargemel saves the best to last, the dragonborn takes a few steps forward and unleashes his Tempest Breath- a great gout of acid which strikes all the enemies- the gnome suddenly Fades Away, disappears completely from sight. The already bloodied and battered magma claw is barely able to keep its feet.

The fiery elementals are killing machines however, while they live- they live to hurt, Thug is clawed by both magma beasts, the bugbear is slashed and burnt terribly, left dying on the stone floor (Thug is down to -6 hit points and taking ongoing Fire damage).

Chiggers, as always, comes to the rescue- the dragonborn priest uses his Dragon Breath- lightning scours the second magma claw, the first is cut down by Chigger’s Righteous Brand. For good measure the Priest of the Raven Queen mutters Healing Words and Thug opens his eyes once again.

The bugbear is all action, he leaps to his feet and slashes hard with his Steel Serpent Strike, the last remaining magma claw is bloodied, and now missing one its legs.

An arrow thuds in to the elemental, followed by a dagger- the fiery creature sags, its molten core suddenly solidifies, it turns statue and then crumbles.

The second gnome, of course, is nowhere to be seen.

600 XP Level 1 Encounter
Gnome Skulk Level 2 Lurker x2
Magma Claw Level 4 Brute x2

The area is secured and searched- a smattering of coins and a healing potion on the fallen gnome- Thug takes the later.

Adronsius is finally persuaded of a minor detour, the guys want to check out the northern passage, from which the gnomes emerged, before they head east following the dwarf’s directions.

Miss Teri heads out in front after a short rest, down the passage and then down a set of stairs in to another chamber with two cells on the far side.

“Sertanian!” Adronsius states, and grins.

[sblock=Sertanian]

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The castellan of the Hall of Great Valour, the museum from which the relics were stolen, is soon rescued from the cell- the old man is surprisingly spry and compos mentis, he surprises the guys by vocalising his desire to “kick some goblin ass!”

Adronsius chuckles as the pair are reunited, the dwarf will take care of the old man,

Before the guy’s head off again they have a brief chat with Sertanian, this is what they learn-

Sertanian is even older than they thought, and is also obviously of mixed race blood- most likely a half-elf, the castellan fought the Bloody Hand over a century-and-a-half ago, a member of the Fallcrest City Guard. Sertanian eyeballs Thug and states- “the only good goblin is a dead goblin!” Thug for his part grins back and nods vociferously, which leaves the castellan a little confused.

Next, Sertanian was held with Mirtala, the cook, for a while- he remembers they were being kept prisoner in a chamber with frescoes in it near a spiral staircase. The guys make a mental note to keep an eye out for such.

And, Sertanian fears that Kartenix, the Guard Captain, is dead- Kartenix told him he was going to overpower his captors, Sertanian cautioned against this, but… the old man isn’t sure but he fears the worst.

Lastly, Sertanian obviously knows what all the missing relics look like, he has been the custodian at the museum for over half-a-century; his knowledge could prove invaluable for locating the lost relics.

Comment: Three things, one- the guys are loving the format- a fight here, then rescue a guy, then find some new info out, then move on type of play, their progress is tangible, and steady- quite often in larger dungeons the PCs rarely get to know they’re making progress.

Two, while the fights so far have been mostly easy, they are however interesting (and plentiful), and have all- so far, proved to be quick to play, and fun.

Lastly, all the PCs have enough XP for level 2, they just need to take an extended rest.

 

[Goonalan]

Let's Play #5 Dungeon Magazine Scales of War #1
Rescue at Rivenroar (Level 1)​

Session 2.

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Encounter #12 Spiderweb Landing (Area 7)

[sblock=The Map]

The Spiderweb Landing is in area 7 on the map (see below).
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The guys are back on the move, again following Adronsius’ directions, which means the eastern passage, which soon turns to head north- Miss Teri leads the way, she’s very cautious it’s highly likely the invisible gnome headed off this way.

The shadar-kai rogue heads up a flight of stairs, ahead is a shadowy chamber, her eyes adjust- there seem to be webs everywhere, although there’s a route through the centre of the chamber to pair of doors opposite.

What’s that- something moved.

Miss Teri remains silent, unmoving- she watches a half-humanoid half-spider creature, wielding a greataxe- the creature is on the far wall- an Ettercap, and there’s something else, or rather someone else. There seems to be a body cocooned in the webs in the north east corner of the chamber. Miss Teri has seen enough, she heads back to tell her friends.

A few minutes later, after a short discussion and time for the guys to creep closer, the guys launch their attack.

Bad Guys 175 XP Level 1 Encounter
Ettercap Fang Guard Level 4 Soldier

[sblock=The Monster Manual]

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The adventurers dash in to the chamber- led in to battle by Chiggers, the Priest of the Raven Queen is the only one of the attackers to land his attack- the Ettercap is thumped hard.

Miss Teri spins out a dagger which slices in to the creature’s leg. The Ettercap squeals and then makes a furious chittering sound- it then leaps down from the wall, greataxe to the fore, it smashes in to Thug. A second later a second Fang Guard, previously unseen, leaps from the ceiling and smashes in to Chiggers, the dragonborn is bloodied.

Bad Guys 350 XP Level 1 Encounter
Ettercap Fang Guard Level 4 Soldier x2

Gargemel throws an Acid Orb in to the first ettercap, bloodying the creature, he follows up with a gout of flame which scorches the second enemy.

THUD!
THUD!

Two arrows thump in to the first fang guard- head shots- the ettercap thumps to the floor, courtesy of Snatch’s Two-Fanged Strike.

The north opens an inch or two- Miss Teri spots it, screams- too late, a crossbow bolt thumps in to Chiggers, the dragonborn almost falls (he’s on 1 hit point).

“The gnome!” Miss Teri shouts, and points.

Bad Guys 475 XP Level 1 Encounter
Ettercap Fang Guard Level 4 Soldier x2
Gnome Skulk Level 2 Lurker

[sblock=The Monster Manual]

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Suddenly a thick blanket of webs falls from above in to the centre of the room, only Miss Teri manages to avoid the thing- the adventurers fight to get themselves out of the mess. Thug and Snatch fight their way out of the webs, Chiggers and Gargemel are left immobilised.

Miss Teri gulps, she’s huddled in the corner- in the shadows, suddenly movement on the ceiling, another ettercap, a webspinner, but too late. A dense spray of webs shoots out and leaves Miss Teri swathed and restrained.

Bad Guys 675 XP Level 2 Encounter
Ettercap Fang Guard Level 4 Soldier x2
Ettercap Webspinner Level 5 Controller
Gnome Skulk Level 2 Lurker

[sblock=The Monster Manual]

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Things are looking bad.

Thug wrestles to free himself further, slashes wildly, and misses his enemy by some distance. Chiggers takes a calmer approach- the dragonborn mutters Healing Words and the gets his Second Wind. He then leans back and launches a gout of lightning at the ceiling with his Dragon Breat, the webspinner is illuminated briefly- it squeals as the lightning strikes, he’s still not done however- Chiggers rips the webs from him, he’s free.

Miss Teri manages to wriggle a hand free, she spins out a dagger, a Gloaming Cut, the blade thumps in to the webspinner, which squeals some more.

The remaining fang guard snarls at Thug and then with his greataxe cuts the bugbear down, Thug falls, Gargemel fights back- catches the fang guard in his Burning Spray. The sorcerer follows up with his Tempest Breath, and yet still the fang guard is not bloodied, Gargemel rips away the webs.

Snatch fires, the gnome fires back and the missiles fly, and yet no casualties are reported- the missile salvo gives the webspinner the opportunity to skitter aside and shoot another Web Net down, this time on Chiggers, the dragonborn is swiftly webbed, and restrained, The webspinner suddenly lurches down, suspended by silk threads from the ceiling, the creature flails and tries to bite the thrashing Chiggers.

On the floor Thug coughs up a gout of blood- the bugbear is dying, and then he’s not- Chiggers delivers his Healing Words and Thug’s eyes blink open. The Priest of the Raven Queen fails to escape the webs.

Miss Teri suddenly disappears, her Shadow Jaunt, she reappears directly behind the fang guard- and stabs it in the back, now it’s bloodied. Moments later the creature is hit again by Gargemel’s Burning Spray- it’s almost down.

As is Chiggers, the dragonborn takes a crossbow bolt to the shoulder, the grinning gnome leans in to the room and blows a raspberry and sticks two fingers up at the priest.

Chigger is aghast, and then bitten- and poisoned, he screams as the webspinner scoots back up to the ceiling, launching another Web Net at the dragonborn for good measure.

Thug wrestles himself to his feet and delivers a Reaping Strike- no more than a glancing blow, and then other- with the same result, however the two feeble cuts are enough to end the last ettercap fang guard’s days. Thug rips himself free of the webs.

Chiggers suddenly stops thrashing, stiffens slightly, and fades- he’s unconscious. The poison doing its work, the dragonborn shudders slightly, he’s dying.

The missiles come again- Snatch fires an arrow in to the webspinner, while the gnome thumps a bolt in to Gargemel. The webspinner continues to spin and cast webs at a frantic pace, moments later only Snatch is free of the webs.

Thug rips his hands free, spills his axe and with some difficulty gets his crossbow out and loaded- he fires, another hit on the webspinner, and another dagger hits the creature- Miss Teri gets free of the webs again.

Gargemel also rips the webs away- free again, while Snatch delivers a Twin Strike on the webspinner, both arrows thud in to the ettercap, it’s bloodied at last, the ranger pays the price- he’s hit by a crossbow bolt courtesy of the sneaky gnome.

The webspinner scuttles further out of reach- shoots down yet more webs, only Gargemel is caught this time, the creature is heading for the north doors. Thug, free of the webs, throws his crossbow down grabs out a healing potion and feeds the draught to Chiggers, Miss Teri dashes over to help- the dragonborn coughs, chokes and then opens his eyes, briefly- he’s still suffering the poison’s effect. The bugbear grabs up his axe and moves off.

Gargemel manages to conjure another Acid Orb- the burning missile smashes in to the webspinner, who in turn falls from the ceiling and thumps in to the floor of the chamber- dead. Snatch fires and manages to catch the gnome with an arrow, aiming throw the six inch gap between the doors.

The gnome screams and then instantly disappears from sight- the gnome runs.

“Poison!” Miss Teri shouts- the gnome is forgotten, all of the adventurers gather to apply their skills to keeping Chiggers conscious- it takes all of them to succeed but the dragonborn is saved.

675 XP Level 2 Encounter
Ettercap Fang Guard Level 4 Soldier x2
Ettercap Webspinner Level 5 Controller
Gnome Skulk Level 2 Lurker

And the Gnome gets away again.

The chamber, such as it is- the place is really a landing with three exits- north, west and south; the area is searched, there’s nothing on the creatures to find or in their lair- however the body of Kartenix is found, the guard captain. He’s been dead a day or so, it seems his escape attempt went awry- Sertamian and Adronsius identify the poor fellow.

Kartenix however is wearing a set of Bracers of Mighty Striking, Thug takes these figuring the dead guy has no further use for them.

Thug's new Bracers of Mighty Striking.​

There follows a sometimes heated debate, Adronsius wishes to continue on down the stairs to the west, to rescue Jalissa, Chiggers however wishes to track the gnome down. The result is never really in doubt- Adronsius grumbles as the adventurers head north, after the gnome.

Comment: A nice scrap made better because it played out in 3D with the ettercaps moving on to the walls, and fro the webspinner spending the entire fight on the ceiling. I also came close to killing a few of the PCs, certainly I kept them occupied.

 

[Goonalan]

Let's Play #5 Dungeon Magazine Scales of War #1
Rescue at Rivenroar (Level 1)​

Session 2.

​

Exploration

[sblock=The Map]

The adventurers head in to the Rivenroar Family Crypt, areas 8 & 9 on the map (see below).
​

[/sblock]

Miss Teri leads the way through the north doors, the passage immediately turns west and ends in a small chamber which contains a number of unmade bedrolls, and a collection of discarded backpacks. There’s one last feature of note- a spiral staircase heading down (Area 8).

“That’s the…” Sertanian starts up, Miss Teri puts her fingers to her lips and shushes the old man- she descends, noiselessly.

Meantime the backpacks and bedrolls are searched through- it’s all goblin fare and pretty nasty, although a few silvers are found along the way.

Miss Teri soon reappears and then motions, smiling, for the adventurers to descend- they follow, as quietly as they can (in to Area 9).

The chamber below hosts a remarkable collection of sarcophagi, and a pair of altars- it’s empty, as far as anyone can tell. The chamber has two possible exits, a passage to the south, in the western corner of the wall- and a set of double doors in the same wall.

There’s more equipment here, more signs of goblins, including a stash of hard tack and salted food, also potable water; there’s also more silver, and this time gold to be found- Miss Teri even turns up a pair of healing potions which are shared out.

The adventurers discover that the altars were previously devoted to Avandra and Bahamut, put recently have been defiled, they’re both sticky with bloody and filth.

“Where now?” Thug whispers, looking to Chiggers for leadership.
“We should head back…” Adronsius states at the rear of the chamber but is violently shushed in to silence.
“The doors- look.”

And sure enough the doors to the south are slightly open, only an inch or two mind.

“Our gnome friend, no doubt.” Chiggers adds, and then quickly states, “Take him alive, okay?”

The others nod back, and then creep forward- Miss Teri first, of course.

 

[Goonalan]

Let's Play #5 Dungeon Magazine Scales of War #1
Rescue at Rivenroar (Level 1)​

Session 2.

​

Encounter #13 Fresco Chamber (Area 10)

[sblock=The Map]

The Frescoe Chamber is in area 10 on the map (see below).
​

[/sblock]

Miss Teri sneaks in; a short passage leads in to the chamber proper, the other adventurers wait at the door. Miss Teri looks around the corner in to a shrine of some sort- there are four statues each displaying some sort of tentacle cat like creature- the feline’s eyes glow, shedding an eerie light. Over the far end of the chamber is an altar, as previously, defiled- chained before the altar is a bruised and beaten figure- Mirtala, the cook, another of the goblin’s prisoners.

“She’s here- Mirtala!” The shadar-kai rogue whispers back to her comrades.
“It’s a dead end- nowhere to go, I think.” She adds, and then as an afterthought- “they’re in here, I think.”

Chiggers suddenly clears his throat, loudly.

“We know you’re in here.” He states, and then repeats himself- louder still.

“We just want the woman- and your story, then you can go.”

Chiggers moves forward, to the corner of the chamber- past Miss Teri, the other adventurers shuffle in a little closer.

“I swear on my life we will spare your lives.”

A large dire rat suddenly scuttles out from behind one of the pillars; it darts at Chiggers, then another- a third scurries out of hole in the wall- straight in to the midst of the adventurers, panic ensues.

Bad Guys 300 XP Level 1 Encounter
Dire Rat Level 1 Brute x3

[sblock=The Monster Manual]

​

[/sblock]

The rat in the midst of the party claws and bites at Gargemel- rips a hunk of flesh from the dragonborn and gnaws at the wound- the dragonborn swoons immediately, the wound is instantly infected, the sorcerer nauseous and diseased.

Gargemel screams like a little girl.

At the same moment three hand crossbows fire, the gnomes are also hidden behind the statues.

Bad Guys 675 XP Level 2 Encounter
Dire Rat Level 1 Brute x3
Gnome Skulk Level 2 Lurker x3

[sblock=The Monster Manual]

​

[/sblock]

All three crossbow bolts find their targets- one in to Gargemel, who staggers bloodied, and the other two in to Chiggers- the dragonborn staggers as his blood spurt, he’s bloodied- almost unconscious (Chiggers is on 2 hit points).

Gargemel launches his Lightning Breath (Daily), followed up by his Dragon’s Breath, for good measure he finishes off with his Tempest Breath- the dire rats are the dragonborn’s targets- he suddenly hates rats. The rodents are electrified, burnt and then scoured with acid- all three are left burnt in a myriad ways- and bloodied.

Chiggers mutters Healing Words- many, but far from all, of his wounds heal over; the dragonborn leans back and adds his Dragon Breath to the deluge- all three rats are subject to lightning strikes, one is almost destroyed, for good measure he turns and smashes the nearest rodent dead.

Miss Teri Shadow Jaunts and appears in the midst of the rats, a shimmering insubstantial version of herself, she strikes with her Acrobat’s Blade- cutting at both rodents and leaving both hovering at death’s door- and then she’s gone, moving back out of range.

Snatch’s arrow takes one rat out, Thug’s Reaping Strike the other- the bugbear is unhappy however, he roars- turns back to face the chamber, spots a gnome and Charges- smashing the little fellow, the pesky humanoid squawks in horror, and in fear, and then Fades Away.

Gone.

Thug swears up a storm- and suddenly sprouts two crossbow bolts from his chest- the first fired by another gnome, the second fired by the invisible fellow that he injured, who is of course now visible.

The bugbear grins- “You!” He declares, and then sags a little- bloodied.

Gargemel unleashes his Burning Spray, the gnome out in the open is scorched, and bloodied, but not for long- Chiggers smashes the humanoid down with his morning star, mutters more Healing Words as his wounds fully heal over.

Snatch fires, a gnome leaning around one of the statues takes an arrow to the shoulder, the creature grimaces then Fades Away. Snatch is having none of it, he concentrates searching the chamber, he spots movement behind one of the other statues- the third gnome? The invisible gnome? He’s unsure- he fires again. Snatch’s Hunt’s End strike runs true, the small humanoid now with an arrow through his neck staggers out from behind the statue, it claws at the offending missile for a while- and then thumps to the floor dead.

“We want one alive!” Miss Teri screeches, more than a little perturbed.

Silence, except for the sound of heavy breathing, nothing happens for… oh hold on!

“Gnome!” Sertanian screams, there follows the sound of the old man and the dwarf attempting to effect an arrest, the adventurers turn tail and dash back out of the chamber- back in to the crypt, where the two prisoners wait.

The gnome, now visible, has managed to avoid his captures- the small humanoid has made it as far as the bottom step of the spiral stairs.

It all happens so quickly- nobody has time to pull their punches.

The gnome is hit by, and this is in order, Gargemel’s Acid Orb, both arrows from Snatch’s Twin Strike attack, and lastly Chiggers’ morning star.

The gnome is beyond dead.

“I said…” Miss Teri starts up but is persuaded to shut up by her colleague’s looks.

675 XP Level 2 Encounter
Dire Rat Level 1 Brute x3
Gnome Skulk Level 2 Lurker x3

Comment: I should of course played it out for the role-play, I was going to but then I felt a little mischievous, and then I didn’t- I should have done though. In fact I’ve played this scenario again since then, in an on-line play-by-post game, and this time cast the gnomes as the unwitting partners of the goblins- it played much better, lots more story and depth.

The session ended in a rush- people had to get away, we’ll take care of the rest of this chamber next time.

 

[Goonalan]

Let's Play #5 Dungeon Magazine Scales of War #1
Rescue at Rivenroar (Level 1)​

Session 3.

​

Encounter #14 Calming Mirtala

[sblock=The Map]

Calming Mirtala is played out in area 10 on the map (see below).
​

[/sblock]

Thug and Miss Teri search the gnomes, and the chamber- Miss Teri intent on discovering the secret behind the statues glowing eyes. Chiggers, Gargemel and Snatch take a look at Mirtala, the cook has been treated badly, the woman is confused, or else- something is very amiss.

[sblock=Mirtala]

​

[/sblock]

Chiggers quickly ascertains that Mirtala is catatonic, his examination further discovers a number of rat bites.
“Filth Fever.” Snatch states, Gargemel shivers slightly at the mention of the disease.
“We need to work together.” Chiggers states and looks to his companions, “She’s dying, if we don’t stop the progress of the infection she’ll be dead by the morrow.”

With grunts and nods Thug and Miss Teri head over to see what help they can offer.

Bad Guys 100 XP Level 1 Encounter
Save Mirtala Skill Challenge Level 1 Complexity 1

Chiggers and Gargemel get to work using their medical skills and limited resources to save the cooks life, her wounds are dressed, he cuts cleaned and disinfected. Thug helps out where he can, he lifts Mirtala when needed, generally manoeuvres her to help with the others ministrations, the bugbear proves to be a strong but surprisingly gentle nurse. Miss Teri and Snatch offer comments and asides but the pair are clearly out of their depth.

The entire procedure takes an hour or so, but at the end Mirtala looks a little better- clearly there’s some colour in her cheeks, she even manages to fall asleep in Thug’s arms.

“She must rest- the next few hours are the test, if she improves all will be well- if she gets worse…” Chiggers leaves the rest unsaid.

100 XP Level 1 Encounter
Save Mirtala Skill Challenge Level 1 Complexity 1

“And now you?” The priest nods at Gargemel.
“What? I? Hmmmfph.” The sorcerer finally concedes.

And so the procedure is replicated, although for Gargemel there’s only one bite to treat, and the infection has not had time to spread- which makes things far easier.

At the end of which a general, or rather extended rest is called for- Adronsius moans but again the situation dictates, the woman and Gargemel require time to rest and heal, likewise a number of the other adventurers have spent their resources.

And so the bodies of the dead are removed, actually thrown down a hole in floor of the chamber, and the rooms close-by are tidied. A watch is decided, a fire lit, food cooked and tall tales told- the adventurers nap and eat.

The time passes without interruption- Mirtala improves throughout the rest, as does Gargemel; in the morning the latter is fighting fit and ready for action- Mirtala much better- talking, and extremely grateful to her saviours.

Alas the cook has no new information, she did in fact know the rough locations of Adronsius and Sertanian, but these two are already present, she wishes she could help more.

The adventurers head off again, a more experienced crowd.

Comment: The guys are Level 2- stats to follow.

I changed the Skill Challenge from getting Mirtala to speak to saving her life, because it was a bit more ‘action’ and very much in the moment- the guys actually had two failures en route, it nearly went badly.

 

[Goonalan]

Let's Play #5 Dungeon Magazine Scales of War #1
Rescue at Rivenroar (Level 1)​

SOW 1 Rescue at Rivenroar

PCs
Thug, Male Bugbear Fighter 2
Snatch, Razorclaw Shifter Ranger 2
Chiggers, Male Dragonborn Cleric of the Raven Queen 2
Miss Teri, Female Shadar-kai Rogue 2
Gargemel, Male Dragonborn Sorcerer 2

I’ve lost the various Character Builder files for all of the PCs in this scenario, although I did have them built and saved off in various maptools campaign files. So, I’ve recreated them below on the CB, although when we played this scenario I don’t remember Themes being used. I’ve done the best I can.

​

Chiggers

====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Chiggers, level 2
Dragonborn, Cleric (Templar)
Build: Battle Cleric
Cleric Option: Healer's Lore
Dragonborn Racial Power Option: Dragon Breath
Dragon Breath Key Ability: Dragon Breath Strength
Dragon Breath Damage Type: Dragon Breath Lightning
Born Under a Bad Sign (Born Under a Bad Sign Benefit)
Theme: Ordained Priest

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
STR 18, CON 12, DEX 11, INT 10, WIS 14, CHA 15

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
STR 16, CON 12, DEX 11, INT 10, WIS 14, CHA 13

AC: 17 Fort: 15 Ref: 11 Will: 15
HP: 35 Surges: 8 Surge Value: 9

TRAINED SKILLS
Diplomacy +8, Heal +8, Insight +8, Religion +6

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +0, Arcana +1, Athletics +4, Bluff +3, Dungeoneering +3, Endurance +1, History +3, Intimidate +5, Nature +3, Perception +3, Stealth +0, Streetwise +3, Thievery +0

POWERS
Basic Attack: Melee Basic Attack
Basic Attack: Ranged Basic Attack
Ordained Priest Attack: Smiting Symbol
Dragonborn Racial Power: Dragon Breath
Cleric Feature: Divine Fortune
Cleric Feature: Turn Undead
Cleric Utility: Healing Word
Cleric Attack 1: Righteous Brand
Cleric Attack 1: Priest's Shield
Cleric Attack 1: Wrathful Thunder
Cleric Attack 1: Avenging Flame
Cleric Utility 2: Shield of Faith

FEATS
Level 1: Ritual Caster
Level 1: Bludgeon Expertise
Level 2: Weapon Focus (Mace)

ITEMS
Ritual Book
Comrades' Succor
Unseen Servant
Chainmail x1
Adventurer's Kit
Morningstar x1
Holy Symbol x1
Javelin
Potion of Healing
====== End ======

​

Gargemel

====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Gargermel, level 2
Dragonborn, Sorcerer
Build: Dragon Sorcerer
Spell Source Option: Dragon Magic
Dragon Soul Option: Dragon Soul Acid
Dragonborn Racial Power Option: Dragon Breath
Dragon Breath Key Ability: Dragon Breath Strength
Dragon Breath Damage Type: Dragon Breath Fire
Born Under a Bad Sign (Born Under a Bad Sign Benefit)
Theme: Order Adept

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
STR 15, CON 12, DEX 10, INT 10, WIS 9, CHA 20

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
STR 13, CON 12, DEX 10, INT 10, WIS 9, CHA 18

AC: 15 Fort: 13 Ref: 11 Will: 18
HP: 37 Surges: 7 Surge Value: 10

TRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +6, Athletics +8, Bluff +11, Intimidate +13

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +1, Diplomacy +6, Dungeoneering +0, Endurance +2, Heal +0, History +3, Insight +0, Nature +0, Perception +0, Religion +1, Stealth +1, Streetwise +6, Thievery +1

POWERS
Basic Attack: Melee Basic Attack
Basic Attack: Ranged Basic Attack
Order Adept Attack: Argent Rain
Dragonborn Racial Power: Dragon Breath
Sorcerer Attack 1: Acid Orb
Sorcerer Attack 1: Burning Spray
Sorcerer Attack 1: Tempest Breath
Sorcerer Attack 1: Lightning Breath
Sorcerer Utility 2: Spatial Trip

FEATS
Level 1: Staff Expertise
Level 2: Unarmored Agility

ITEMS
Adventurer's Kit
Cloth Armor (Basic Clothing) x1
Staff Implement x1
====== End ======

​

Miss Teri

====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Miss Teri, level 2
Shadar-kai, Rogue (Scoundrel)
Build: Shadowy Rogue
Rogue Tactics Option: Cunning Sneak
Rogue Option: Scoundrel Weapon Talent
Born Under a Bad Sign (Born Under a Bad Sign Benefit)
Theme: Scion of Shadow

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
STR 10, CON 10, DEX 20, INT 16, WIS 9, CHA 10

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
STR 10, CON 10, DEX 18, INT 14, WIS 9, CHA 10

AC: 18 Fort: 12 Ref: 18 Will: 11
HP: 37 Surges: 6 Surge Value: 9

TRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +13, Bluff +6, Insight +5, Perception +5, Stealth +13, Thievery +11

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +4, Athletics +1, Diplomacy +1, Dungeoneering +0, Endurance +1, Heal +0, History +4, Intimidate +1, Nature +0, Religion +4, Streetwise +1

POWERS
Basic Attack: Melee Basic Attack
Basic Attack: Ranged Basic Attack
Scion of Shadow Utility: Eyes of Night
Shadar-kai Racial Power: Shadow Jaunt
Rogue Attack 1: Gloaming Cut
Rogue Attack 1: Clever Strike
Rogue Attack 1: Acrobat's Blade Trick
Rogue Attack 1: Confounding Attack
Rogue Utility 2: Sneak in the Attack

FEATS
Level 1: Backstabber
Level 2: Improved Initiative

ITEMS
Adventurer's Kit
Leather Armor x1
Dagger x12
Shuriken
Thieves' Tools
====== End ======

​

Snatch

====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Snatch, level 2
Razorclaw Shifter, Ranger
Build: Archer Ranger
Fighting Style Option: Archer Fighting Style
Ranger Option: Prime Shot
Born Under a Bad Sign (Born Under a Bad Sign Benefit)
Theme: Hordelands Nomad

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
STR 14, CON 11, DEX 20, INT 10, WIS 12, CHA 8

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
STR 14, CON 11, DEX 18, INT 10, WIS 10, CHA 8

AC: 19 Fort: 14 Ref: 17 Will: 12
HP: 37 Surges: 6 Surge Value: 9

TRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +12, Athletics +7, Dungeoneering +7, Perception +7, Stealth +12

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +1, Bluff +0, Diplomacy +0, Endurance +0, Heal +2, History +1, Insight +2, Intimidate +0, Nature +2, Religion +1, Streetwise +0, Thievery +5

POWERS
Basic Attack: Melee Basic Attack
Basic Attack: Ranged Basic Attack
Razorclaw Shifter Racial Power: Razorclaw Shifting
Hunter's Quarry Power: Hunter's Quarry
Ranger Attack 1: Twin Strike
Ranger Attack 1: Hunter's Teamwork
Ranger Attack 1: Two-Fanged Strike
Ranger Attack 1: Hunt's End
Ranger Utility 2: Invigorating Stride

FEATS
Mounted Combat
Defensive Mobility
Level 1: Bow Expertise
Level 2: Weapon Focus (Bow)

ITEMS
Adventurer's Kit
Hide Armor x1
Longbow x1
Longsword
====== End ======

​

Thug

====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Thug, level 2
Bugbear, Fighter (Weaponmaster)
Build: Great Weapon Fighter
Fighter Option: Combat Superiority
Fighter Talents Option: Two-handed Weapon Talent
Born Under a Bad Sign (Born Under a Bad Sign Benefit)
Theme: Mercenary

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
STR 20, CON 14, DEX 12, INT 10, WIS 11, CHA 8

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
STR 18, CON 14, DEX 10, INT 10, WIS 11, CHA 8

AC: 18 Fort: 18 Ref: 12 Will: 11
HP: 46 Surges: 11 Surge Value: 11

TRAINED SKILLS
Athletics +11, Endurance +8, Intimidate +7

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +2, Arcana +1, Bluff +0, Diplomacy +0, Dungeoneering +1, Heal +1, History +1, Insight +1, Nature +1, Perception +1, Religion +1, Stealth +4, Streetwise +0, Thievery +2

POWERS
Basic Attack: Melee Basic Attack
Basic Attack: Ranged Basic Attack
Mercenary Attack: Takedown Strike
Bugbear Racial Power: Predatory Eye
Fighter Attack: Combat Challenge
Fighter Attack 1: Cleave
Fighter Attack 1: Reaping Strike
Fighter Attack 1: Steel Serpent Strike
Fighter Attack 1: Lasting Threat
Fighter Utility 2: Unstoppable

FEATS
Level 1: Axe Expertise
Level 2: Toughness

ITEMS
Adventurer's Kit
Scale Armor x1
Greataxe (Large) x1
Crossbow (Large)
Bracers of Mighty Striking (heroic tier) x1
====== End ======

 

[Goonalan]

Let's Play #5 Dungeon Magazine Scales of War #1
Rescue at Rivenroar (Level 1)​

Session 3.

​

Encounter #15 Mushroom Chamber (Areas 11 & 12)

[sblock=The Map]

The Mushroom Chamber encounter is played out in area 11 & 12 on the map (see below).
​

[/sblock]

And again the adventurers are making Adronsius angry, they’ve decided on a different route, rather than follow the dwarf’s instructions- the reason, Gargemel has mapped out the lair during the extended rest. The dragonborn is certain that the group should return to the entrance chamber and head through the north doors, he’s concerned there could be further patrols in this area- effectively behind them.

Chiggers is impressed, the priest agrees with the sorcerer’s analysis, and so having fully rested the adventurers head out- back the way they came, to the entrance chamber, and then north.

Miss Teri, as usual, is sent ahead- down the stairs, which go deep- the chamber ahead stinks- of mould and rot, it’s massive and richly overgrown with a variety of fungi.

Miss Teri stays silent and out of sight, she waits and watches, and is rewarded- a large drake wanders closer to her but pays no fails to spot her or sniff her out. She waits for it to pass and then heads back up to inform her colleagues, she describes the beast in as much detail as she can- six to eight feet snout to tail, lion-like in shape and build, heavily armoured with ridged plates covering much of its body.

“Rage Drake.” Thug states, “… nasty.” He further surmises.

[sblock=Rage Drake]

​

[/sblock]

The adventurers share looks and glances, eventually Chiggers grins.

“Right then, this is what we do…” The dragonborn continues.

Five minutes later the gang are at the bottom of the stairs and ready, they wait, trying their best not to make a noise but ready should they do so.

Eventually a rage drake wanders in to view, which is the cue, Chiggers and Thug shout and scream, the creature closes in fast.

“Fire!” Chiggers screams.

Bad Guys 200 XP Level 1 Encounter
Drake Rage Level 5 Brute

[sblock=The Monster Manual]

​

[/sblock]

The drake is hit by a shuriken, two arrows and an Acid Orb, moments later Thug and Chiggers Charge in to the beast swinging- Thug connects and the drake is almost bloodied.

Moments later it is bloodied, and almost spent, hit by another shuriken and two more arrows- the artillery are proving their worth. Thug’s Steel Serpent Strike almost ends the great beast, slashing through the drake’s armoured collar and in to its skull- and yet still it fights on, just- although its attack is easily defended by the bugbear.

Chiggers shouts and waves as a second rage drake comes charging out of the shadow and smashes in to the Priest of the Raven Queen almost knocking the dragonborn over, he’s bloodied- but far from beaten.

Bad Guys 400 XP Level 1 Encounter
Drake Rage Level 5 Brute x2

Chiggers unleashes his Dragon Breath, and lightning strikes both drakes- the first creature’s heart stops in an instant, it collapses- dead. The dragonborn follows up with his Wrathful Thunder with his morning star, and leaves the drake staggering- dazed.

The priest mutters a few Healing Words and his wounds heal over- job done.

“To the DEATH!” Chiggers screams.

The artillery fire at the dazed drake; Miss Teri’s shuriken strikes it between the eyes, both of Snatch’s arrows from his Twin Strike thump in to the drake’s forelimbs- the creature bows and takes an Acid Orb head on.

The creature’s skull evaporates in the acid hit.

It collapses- dead.

400 XP Level 1 Encounter
Drake Rage Level 5 Brute x2

The adventures fan out and move through the rest of the chamber, en route Miss Teri warns them to avoid the fungi- there are many dangerous species here she explains, there’s nothing to find, except the door.

After a brief check the door is opened and Miss Teri is sent to wander inside, she quickly calls the other adventurers through, down a passage in to a small chamber- of note is some sort of magical inscription, complete with translucent barricade, within which is another of the goblin’s prisoners- Zerriksa, the crone.

[sblock=Zerriksa]

​

[/sblock]

“Getme bluddy aw tov ere!” The crone yells and raps the force field that surrounds her with her walking stick.

Chiggers frowns, looks expectantly at Gargemel, who frowns and looks expectantly at…

“When I say step out- step out.” Miss Teri states.
Zerriksa snarls, “If you think…”
Miss Teri cuts the crone dead, “… if you want to escape then do exactly what I say. Do you want to esacape?”
“I…”
“I said do you want to escape?”
Zerriksa nods.
“The magical force that is projecting the barrier has a flicker, it is poorly constructed. Now move as close as you can to the barrier and be ready to step out when I say. Do you understand?”
The crone nods again.

The room holds its breath.

“Step out.”

Zerriksa does, behind her the magical barrier collapses.

The crone grins and raps her arms around the shadar-kai rogue.

“Arn’tcha cleva dearie.” Miss Teri has a friend.

The crone is talkative, she tells of her time within the catacombs, and how yesterday she was shown the body of Kartenix, and then later the same day that a pair of gnomes brought the young lad, Kartenix’s son, Thurann to see her, they threatened to kill the child.

Which causes some consternation- are their more gnomes within the complex? They need to go find out.

Much to Adronsius’ delight, they’re heading back to his route, back to the landing on which they fought the ettercaps, the stairs there.

Comment: Nice visuals when we were playing this one, the guys wiped the floor with the Rage Drakes.