NEW (AGAIN)- Thunderspire Labyrinth- Stat analysis #25 Shrine to Baphomet

[Goonalan]

Yes, and no.

The players have completed this adventure, and the Pyramid of Shadows and are midway through the Trollhaunt, although we're stalled at the moment- for the second time the WOTC Core adventures seem to have defeated my group, they're a bit... Meh.

The players are playing other scenarios however, although again they've stalled also in the Scales of War Adventure Path, I think on the sixth instalment.

The problem is the WOTC produced adventures, or at least those mentioned above, are a bit combat heavy- and while these guys started out loving the scraps and scrapes they're a little jaded now.

We play Goodman Games scenarios as well, which take a bit more work from me prior to play, but are much more dangerous, and richer (and better constructed/structured), they are however deadlier.

We play every Sunday still, we still record the stats- I've acres of notes to catch up with.

However the VTT game is a lot of work, as is employment, so at present- at least until I get on top of the new campaign then this will stay on hold. I want to get back to it I really do, but given the choice- game or write up stats, well... no-contest.

Cheers Goonalan.

 

[Momeeche]

I know this thread is a bit old, but what are your thoughts on upping the power level of this adventure? Hank the Husband is thinking of using as a follow up to Raiders of Oakhurst becuase of the gate to the Shadowfell in this module (which H2 does not have).

 

[Goonalan]

I know this thread is a bit old, but what are your thoughts on upping the power level of this adventure? Hank the Husband is thinking of using as a follow up to Raiders of Oakhurst becuase of the gate to the Shadowfell in this module (which H2 does not have).

I'm not sure that I understand- are you talking about H1 Keep on the Shadowfell (the 1st adventure above)? That one has a Portal in the basement which could be used.

H2 Thunderspire Labyrinth (the 2nd adventure above) also has a Portal type transition from the Seven Pillared Hall?

Regardless I've always found it easy to level up with the MB and a a pencil, if you mean the first one H1 then I'd obviously replace the Kobolds & Goblins with something more level appropriate (depending on what level the players are when they finish Raiders- 2? or 3?). The rest of the creatures I'd just add a few levels to, depending on the PC party level.

I do this all the time in my present campaign.

All of the WOTC core adventures are very combat heavy but they're also very samey- lots of the same bad guys sometimes. Thunderspire has a smaller delve (x2) size adventures and a good chance of some RP between fights, and the odd puzzle chamber.

Sorry if that's not much help.

Cheers Goonalan

 

[Momeeche]

I'm not sure that I understand...

H1. The Hubby want's to use the portal to have a... thing from another dimension come through, not just another part of the same world.

 

[Goonalan]

H1. The Hubby want's to use the portal to have a... thing from another dimension come through, not just another part of the same world.

That would work, although I suggest the following changes-

1. Either ditch the Kobolds or change for something much more impressive, depending what level you are on.

2. Obviously level up the stuff at the Dragon Burial Site and the Graveyard encounter.

3. Re-do the dungeon, unless you're wanting a crawl, basically ditch half of the encounters and re-do the monsters within to meet the needs of whatever level your PCs are at. Probably have Sir Keegan set the PCs there task to close the Portal, maybe even make him a Revenant N/PC.

4. Make the final encounters terribly climactic and bad- possibly the portal is the thing that saves the PCs in-game, as they are sucked in to the Shadowfell. I'd even look at trying to kill the PCs and have them appear in the Shadowfell as Revenant/Undead versions of themselves. Then have the PCs try to find a way to get back to life and the Nentir Vale again (or wherever the campaign is set).

5. Kalarel needs to be super-bad.

Just some suggestions you understand, and depending on what scenario you're playing next.

Cheers Goonalan

 

[Goonalan]

So, is dis no more?

No, it's back for a bit, although posting is going to be as and when depending on work and gaming (which is happily taking over my life).

At present I'm running a face-to-face game (one session every two weeks or so), a weekly Maptools game and just starting up a PBP with my brother.

Anyway, here's a bit more for the stat-nerds (I include myself in the hallowed ranks). If you remember the last time the PCs were in the Bloodreaver's Lair, the Chamber of Eyes, deep in the Labyrinth within Thunderspire.

Session 2 begins with more of the same-

H2 Thunderspire Labyrinth
Session 2.
Encounter #6 Refectory- Payback
Note this is Encounter #30 for this group of PCs

And Dirty is really not happy, bad Dwarves- the Duergar, its like Italian-Americans and The Sopranos all over again (the Italian Anti-Defamation League), Dirty (Dave) hates the idea of Dwarves getting a bad rep. Surly- yes, uncommunicative- check, but downright evil- that's a big no-no. Dirty wants blood... what's that?

Singing!

Winstanley creeps off to take a look, discovers a room full of Bloodreavers, drinking and gambling- a refectory of sorts- Humans, Hobgoblins and Goblins it seems- all seemingly lower ranks. The Halfling Rogue, unseen, returns to the PCs to tell all.



Dirty grabs his Maul and heads off- someone is going to pay, and for Duergar substitute Bloodreavers, a minute later the PCs make their move.

Good Guys
Dirty Biskit, Male Dwarven Fighter 4 (HP55)
Kaspard, Female Half-Elf Cleric of Bahamut 4 (HP41)
Winstanley Portico, Male Halfling Rogue 4 (HP41)
Grey Morlock, Male Human Wizard 4 (HP36)
Phrenic, Male Tiefling Warlord 4 (HP44)

Bad Guys 950 XP Level 4 Encounter.
Human Bandit Level 2 Skirmisher [HB] (x2) (HP37)
Goblin Sharpshooter Level 2 Artillery [GS] (x2) (HP31)
Hobgoblin Soldier Level 3 Soldier [HS] (x3) (HP47)

Initiative 23 Phrenic 20 Hobgoblin Soldiers 17 Dirty & Kaspard 15 Winstanley & Goblin Sharpshooters 12 Grey 11 Human Bandits

Surprise Round.

Phrenic- Charge HS1; Crit 13 damage (34 HP).

Dirty- Charge HS2; Hit 21 damage (26 HP). Marked.

Kaspard- Charge HS1; Miss.

What the hell is she doing Charging?

Winstanley- First Strike. Sly Flourish Combat Advantage HS2; Miss.

Grey- Move in.

Time to play 7 minutes including set up of map and minis.

End of Turn-

Good Guys
Dirty Biskit, Male Dwarven Fighter 4 (HP55)
Kaspard, Female Half-Elf Cleric of Bahamut 4 (HP41)
Winstanley Portico, Male Halfling Rogue 4 (HP41)
Grey Morlock, Male Human Wizard 4 (HP36)
Phrenic, Male Tiefling Warlord 4 (HP44)

Bad Guys 950 XP Level 4 Encounter.
Human Bandit Level 2 Skirmisher [HB] (x2) (HP37)
Goblin Sharpshooter Level 2 Artillery [GS] (x2) (HP31)
Hobgoblin Soldier Level 3 Soldier [HS] (x3) (HP34/47 26/47 47/47)

Action Points 0 Total 0
Daily Powers 0 Total 0
Healing Surges 0 Total 0
2nd Winds 0 Total 0
Crits 1 Total 1
PCs Ko'd 0 Total 0

Comment: Two good hits and two misses, business as usual for the PCs.

 

[Goonalan]

H2 Thunderspire Labyrinth
Encounter #6 Refectory- Payback
Note this is Encounter #30 for this group of PCs

Round #1.

Phrenic- Leaf on the Wind HS1; Miss.

HS1- Flail Phrenic; Miss. Shift back.

HS2- Flail Dirty; Hit 10 damage (38 HP) & Marked & Slowed.

HS3- Move- Leap over the table and Charge, Athletics Check- '1' Fail- ends Turn Prone.

Dirty- Slowed. Crushing Blow HS2; Hit 17 damage (9 HP bloodied). Marked. 2nd Wind +1 HP (52 HP).

Kaspard- Move. HS3 AoO (from Prone) Kaspard; Hit 6 damage (35 HP) & Marked & Slowed. Hand of Radiance HS2; Hit 5 Radiant damage (4 HP bloodied) & HS3; Hit 5 Radiant damage (42 HP) & HS1; Crit 12 Radiant damage (22 HP bloodied).

Winstanley- First Strike. Sly Flourish Combat Advantage HB1; Hit 17 damage (20 HP).

GS1- Move. Crossbow Phrenic; Miss.

GS2- Move. Crossbow Dirty; Miss.

Grey- Scorching Burst HS2; Crit 21 Fire damage- DEAD & HS3; Hit 14 Fire damage (28 HP) & HS1; Hit 14 Fire damage (8 HP bloodied).

HB1- Move. Dazing Strike Dirty; Miss.

HB2- Move. Thrown Dagger Phrenic; Hit 4 damage (40 HP).

Time to play 14 minutes.

End of Turn-

Good Guys
Dirty Biskit, Male Dwarven Fighter 4 (HP52/55)
Kaspard, Female Half-Elf Cleric of Bahamut 4 (HP35/41)
Winstanley Portico, Male Halfling Rogue 4 (HP41)
Grey Morlock, Male Human Wizard 4 (HP36)
Phrenic, Male Tiefling Warlord 4 (HP40/44)

Bad Guys 950 XP Level 4 Encounter.
Human Bandit Level 2 Skirmisher [HB] (x2) (HP20/37 37/37)
Goblin Sharpshooter Level 2 Artillery [GS] (x2) (HP31)
Hobgoblin Soldier Level 3 Soldier [HS] (x3) (HP8/47 28/47) 1 DEAD

Action Points 0 Total 0
Daily Powers 0 Total 0
Healing Surges 0 Total 0
2nd Winds 1 Total 1
Crits 2 Total 3
PCs Ko'd 0 Total 0

Comment: And the PCs are making a mess of the bad guys, nice Scorching Burst- Grey is on fire, if you'll forgive the pun.

 

[Goonalan]

H2 Thunderspire Labyrinth
Encounter #6 Refectory- Payback
Note this is Encounter #30 for this group of PCs

Round #2.

Phrenic- Viper's Strike Combat Advantage HS3; Hit 6 damage (22 HP bloodied). Shift in.

HS1- Move onto table. Flail Phrenic; Miss.

HS2- DEAD.

HS3- Stand. Flail Phrenic; Hit 12 damage (28 HP) & Marked & Slowed.

Dirty- Spinning Strike HB1; Hit 12 damage (8 HP bloodied) & knocked Prone. Marked.

Kaspard- Slowed. Blazing Starfall HB1; Hit 7 Radiant damage (1 HP bloodied) & HS1; Miss.

Winstanley- Deft Strike HS3; Miss. Tumble. Action Point & Phrenic's Tactical Presence. Sly Flourish Combat Advantage HS3; Hit 25 damage- DEAD.

GS1- Crossbow Phrenic; Hit 10 damage (18 HP bloodied). Move back.

GS2- Crossbow Dirty; Hit 12 damage (40 HP).

Grey- Move. Burning Hands HB1 (with Wand of Accuracy); Hit 19 Fire damage- DEAD & HB2; Hit 19 Fire damage (18 HP bloodied) & HS1; Hit 19 Fire damage- DEAD.

How's that for clearing the decks.

HB1- DEAD.

HB2- Thrown Dagger Grey; Miss. Move back.

Time to play 13 minutes.

End of Turn-

Good Guys
Dirty Biskit, Male Dwarven Fighter 4 (HP40/55)
Kaspard, Female Half-Elf Cleric of Bahamut 4 (HP35/41)
Winstanley Portico, Male Halfling Rogue 4 (HP41)
Grey Morlock, Male Human Wizard 4 (HP36)
Phrenic, Male Tiefling Warlord 4 (HP18/44)

Bad Guys 950 XP Level 4 Encounter.
Human Bandit Level 2 Skirmisher [HB] (x2) (HP18/37) 1 DEAD
Goblin Sharpshooter Level 2 Artillery [GS] (x2) (HP31)
Hobgoblin Soldier Level 3 Soldier [HS] (x3) (HP47) 3 DEAD

Action Points 1 Total 1
Daily Powers 0 Total 0
Healing Surges 0 Total 0
2nd Winds 0 Total 1
Crits 0 Total 3
PCs Ko'd 0 Total 0

Comment: And while Phrenic's suffering a little Grey is at it again, this time with the Burning Hands- I think that was about max damage on the roll there as well.

 

[Goonalan]

H2 Thunderspire Labyrinth
Encounter #6 Refectory- Payback
Note this is Encounter #30 for this group of PCs

Round #3.

Phrenic- Slowed. Inspiring Word +7 HP Self (36 HP). Move. Scorching Burst GS1; Miss & G2; Miss.

HS1- DEAD.

HS2- DEAD.

HS3- DEAD.

Dirty- Move. Charge GS2; Hit 17 damage (14 HP bloodied). Marked.

Kaspard- Move. Daunting Light HB2; Miss & Combat Advantage to Winstanley.

Winstanley- Move. Bait & Switch Combat Advantage HB2; Hit 25 damage- DEAD.

GS1- Crossbow Dirty; Miss. Move back to Secret Door- try to force it open.

GS2- Drop Crossbow. Draw Short Sword. Short Sword Dirty; Miss. Shift back. Dirty AoO GS2; Miss.

Grey- Move. Ray of Frost GS2; Hit 12 Cold damage (2 HP bloodied) & Slowed.

HB1- DEAD.

HB2- DEAD.

Time to play 13 minutes.

End of Turn-

Good Guys
Dirty Biskit, Male Dwarven Fighter 4 (HP40/55)
Kaspard, Female Half-Elf Cleric of Bahamut 4 (HP35/41)
Winstanley Portico, Male Halfling Rogue 4 (HP41)
Grey Morlock, Male Human Wizard 4 (HP36)
Phrenic, Male Tiefling Warlord 4 (HP36/44)

Bad Guys 950 XP Level 4 Encounter.
Human Bandit Level 2 Skirmisher [HB] (x2) (HP37) 2 DEAD
Goblin Sharpshooter Level 2 Artillery [GS] (x2) (HP2/31 31/31)
Hobgoblin Soldier Level 3 Soldier [HS] (x3) (HP47) 3 DEAD

Action Points 0 Total 1
Daily Powers 0 Total 0
Healing Surges 1 Total 1
2nd Winds 0 Total 1
Crits 0 Total 3
PCs Ko'd 0 Total 0

Comment: Just got to knock the last couple over...

 

[Goonalan]

H2 Thunderspire Labyrinth
Encounter #6 Refectory- Payback
Note this is Encounter #30 for this group of PCs

Round #4.

Phrenic- Move. Steel Monsoon GS2; Crit 26 damage- DEAD & all PCs Shift.

HS1- DEAD.

HS2- DEAD.

HS3- DEAD.

Dirty- Move. Reaping Strike GS1; Hit 14 damage (17 HP). Marked.

Kaspard- Move. Lance of Faith GS1; Hit 8 Radiant damage (9 HP bloodied).

GS1 flops to the floor and begs for mercy.

Time to play 4 minutes.
Total time to play 51 minutes.

End of Encounter-

Good Guys
Dirty Biskit, Male Dwarven Fighter 4 (HP40/55)
Kaspard, Female Half-Elf Cleric of Bahamut 4 (HP35/41)
Winstanley Portico, Male Halfling Rogue 4 (HP41)
Grey Morlock, Male Human Wizard 4 (HP36)
Phrenic, Male Tiefling Warlord 4 (HP36/44)

Bad Guys 950 XP Level 4 Encounter.
Human Bandit Level 2 Skirmisher [HB] (x2) (HP37) 2 DEAD
Goblin Sharpshooter Level 2 Artillery [GS] (x2) (HP8/31) 1 DEAD 1 SURRENDERED
Hobgoblin Soldier Level 3 Soldier [HS] (x3) (HP47) 3 DEAD

Action Points 0 Total 1
Daily Powers 0 Total 0
Healing Surges 0 Total 1
2nd Winds 0 Total 1
Crits 1 Total 4
PCs Ko'd 0 Total 0

Comment: That'll do it.

The captured Goblin adds little to the sum of the PCs knowledge, the Duergar are the key, and still no further information regarding the location of the 'Grimmerzhul' fortress within the Labyrinth.

And that concludes the adventures for the Level 4 PCs, the guys bed down for the evening- time flies, without interruption and the five wake up the next day with one more Level of experience added.

Oh, and before I forget, the Bloodreavers in the refectory were gambling when the PCs arrived- the PCs have collected their winnings, which include a +1 Medic's Mace from Kaspard's wish list.

After a hearty breakfast the PCs head back through the Labyrinth, again guided by Charrak, next stop the Seven Pillared Hall, and specifically the Duergar Trading Post- the PCs intend to bloody a few noses and pick up directions.

Stats: The PCs connected with 71.88% of their attacks- that's... outstanding, 23 hits from 32 attacks. The bad guys, well, not so good- 42.86% connection rate, only 6 hits from 14 attacks.

The PCs dished out, on average, 70.2 HP damage/Turn, the bad guys only 10.8- an incredibly one-sided affair.

Again with the honourable mentions, individual connection rates for the PCs were-

50% Phrenic (3 from 6)
60% Winstanley (3 from 5)
62.5% Kaspard (5 from 8)
83.33% Dirty (5 from 6)
100% Grey (7 from 7)

Grey also managed to dish out 118 points of damage in just 5 Turns play, actually Grey was in action for only 3 of the 5 turns- which makes it even more impressive.

And 4 Crit rolls by the PCs- that's got to hurt.