3 Successes (1 Hard DC Available)/1 Failures/1 Secondary Skills Available/2 Advantages Available)
One more Success and
she tips her hand.
@Nephis , Pa'avu loses 1 Healing Surge (but not Hit Points). Little Reverse Spider Man Trope incoming! Dangerous Encounter; 1 Solo and 1 Hazard.
Pa'avu swoons but holds fast.
It is the spider that recoils from her Goliath blood. The creature leaps from her, skitters for a moment...then...grows and molts...again...and again...and again. The speed is dizzying. Within a few short moments, the creature has gone from the size of a coin to that of a small Brown Bear!
Bita-Bouseh gasps as the entirety of The Waking Dragon leaps up in terror. Patrons and staff alike exit the premises. A poor canine, mistreated by the staff that run the place, is anchored to the floor by a 15 ft chain which is spiked at the end. It barks wildly and rushes back and forth, snapping at everyone who draws near (within 15 ft).
The Tiefling takes a few steps back as her stalwarts draw their axes and circle to protect her. "The legends are true! There are a mythical few Stone Spiders who draw upon the blood of a mythical few Goliath and grow to impossible size!" She seems almost giddy until she realizes what peril she, and all of you, are in...
* The entire structure is well-lit.
* L5/M5/N5/M6/N4 are table/chairs; Challenging Terrain. They can be navigated by a DC 8 Athletics or Acrobatics check. Failure means they function as Difficult Terrain.
* Every square with orange is a stove or brazier; Hindering Terrain. If you start your turn adjacent to one of these squares, you take Ongoing 3 damage (Save Ends) or is Dazed UtEoYNT (player's choice).
* FG5&6 and UV5 are Difficult Terrain.
* LMPQ9 are all outside and have open walls. If Bita-Bouseh makes it to one of these squares, she can spend a Standard Action to make an Athletics Check DC 12 to leave the scene. If she leaves the scene, any minotaurs that have been knocked unconscious by the end of combat are slain. If she stays in the scene, any minotaurs that are knocked unconscious survive. Players control Bita-Bouseh and Stalwart Minotaurs (see below).
* VA is a Vicious Animal Hazard (Staff Service Animal!). See Below.
* SS is the Goliath Stone Spider. AC 16, Fortitude 13, Reflex 14, Will 13
* This is a nested combat. WIN CON for 1 Success in the Skill Challenge = Bita-Bouseh survives AND at least 1 Stalwart Minotaur. If you do not satisfy the Win Con, you earn 1 Failure in the Skill Challenge, 1 Hard DC refreshes, Bita-Bouseh is gravely injured, and you'll have to resolve that vs Hard DC as next obstacle.
Vicious Animal (Hazard) Level 1 Warder XP 100
A savage beast strains against a chain, snapping at anyone that draws near.
Hazard: A vicious animal is chained to an iron spike. It can move up to 3 squares from the iron spike and make an attack.
Initiative +2
Trigger
A vicious animal rolls initiative whenever a character comes within 3 squares of it. Henceforth, the vicious animal makes an attack against any creature it can reach.
Attack
Standard Action Melee
Special: The vicious animal can move up to 3 squares before the attack.
Target: One creature
Attack: +6 vs. AC
Hit:1d8 + 1 damage, and the target is knocked prone.
Effect: Each round on its turn, the vicious animal attacks the closest creature it can reach.
Countermeasures
✦ Nature DC 16 (Move): An adjacent character can calm the animal UtEoYNT so it will not activate against them or their allies.
✦ A character can attack the vicious animal (AC 15, other defenses 11; hp 15). When reduced to 0 hit points, the vicious animal dies, ending the hazard.
✦ An adjacent character can break or destroy the chain & spike restricting the animal's movement (break DC 19 Athletic - Standard; AC 5, Fortitude 8; hp 30). Doing so releases the animal from the chain and befriends it for the rest of the encounter. PCs activate it on its initiative and has 6 Speed.
Stalwart Minotaur x 5
Medium natural humanoid
Level 1 Minion Soldier
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion Initiative +2
AC 17, Fortitude 14, Reflex 11, Will 11 Perception+4
Speed 5 Low-light vision
Traits
Phalanx for Master
Whenever Bita-Bousseh is adjacent to a minotaur she gains a +2 Power Bonus to all defenses.
Standard Actions
(⚔) Axe ✦ At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +6 vs. AC
Hit: 3 damage, and the target is marked until the end of the minotaur's next turn.
Triggered Actions
⚔ Subduing Gore ✦ At-Will
Trigger: An adjacent enemy that is marked by the minotaur makes an attack that does not include the minotaur.
Attack (Immediate Reaction): Melee 1 (one creature); +4 vs. Reflex
Hit: 3 damage and the minotaur takes the attack instead.
Athletics + 8
Bita-Bouseh
Medium natural humanoid, tiefling
Level 2 Minion
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion. Initiative Minotaurs
AC 16, Fortitude 13, Reflex 14, Will 15 Perception+5 Speed 6
Standard Actions
Infernal Glower
Attack: Ranged 5 (one creature); +5 vs. Will
Effect: The target cannot attack Bita-Bouseh until the end of her next turn.
There Will Be Order
Immediate Reaction (Encounter)
Trigger: Bita-Bouseh or an ally within 3 squares of Bita-Bouseh is knocked unconscious.
Effect: Bita-Bouseh or the ally heals 1d6 HP and saves against 1 ongoing effect.
Lawyer's Dodge
Move Action (Encounter)
Effect: Bita-Bouseh shifts 3 squares and can shift through difficult terrain until the end of her next turn.
Athletics +3
INITIATIVE
18 Chanvati
17 Pa’avu
15 B & M
14 Vicious Animal
11 Goliath Stone Spider
ROUND 1
Chanvati's mind spins as the tiny spider grows into a thing of nightmare proportions. "Bita-Bousseh thought to test our mettle, eh?" he thinks. "Perhaps we die together at this trial." With a thought, he binds the Goliath Stonefang Spider, then hurls it into the corner, where it strikes the mistreated mongrel, eliciting a high-pitched cry of pain from the poor creature. The two collapse in a heap on the floor beside each other. While this new foe is incapacitated, Chanvati follows up his initial assault with a blast of psionic energy that ravages the spider's mental pathways.
Knowledge check (no action) to recall useful info about this mythological creature. Nature Roll 17 +1 = meets Medium but not Hard DC.
* Goliath Stone Spider - 128 HP, medium natural beast, spider, poison - petrification attack, neutral, "short but violent life - will perish in 5 rounds if it doesn't feed on its source of rare Goliath blood"
Standard Action: Living Missile vs GSS. Roll 11 +5 = 16 vs Fort 13. Hit. GSS is immobilized (save ends).
Minor: Living Missile Attack vs GSS. Slide GSS from P6 to S7.
Secondary Attack vs Hazard Roll 10 +5 = 15 vs Reflex 11. Hit for 14 damage and Hazard falls prone. GSS takes half damage (7) and falls prone.
Standard (spend Action Point): Mind Thrust vs GSS. Roll 15 +5 - 2 for prone = 18 vs Will 13. Hit for 13 damage.
* GSS takes 20 damage, is immobilized (SE) and prone. Hazard takes 14 damage and is prone.
TRIGGER - Vicious Animal rolls Initiative. 12 + 2 = 14
While chaos breaks out around her, Pa’avu’s focus remains fixed upon the once tiny spider. Briefly narrowing her eyes while pointing Velmech’ti in its direction, she breathes in to strengthen herself and – releasing that breath – rushes forward with a blood-freezing scream. Her blade slashes this way and that, wildly and yet precisely, attacking the carapace of the giant arachnid and leaving it staggered. The goliath’s blood boils with a glorious rage as Pa’avu gives in to the tyrant within.
Designate Hunter’s Quarry (GSS): Minor action, Encounter: effect +1d6 damage 1x per rd UtEoMNT
Access Stone’s Endurance: Minor action, Encounter: effect Resist 5 All UtEoMNT
Charge (to R6) using Howling Strike (replacing MBA) vs. GSS: Standard action: Roll 19 + 8 +2 = 29 (prone) vs. AC 16 = Hit!! Damage: 10 + 4 + 4 + 4 (Hunter’s Quarry) = 22 damage
Spend 1 Action Point (1 remaining): Invoke Tyrant’s Rage attack vs. GSS: Standard, Daily, Fear: Roll 10 + 7 + 2 (Prone) = 19 vs. Will (13) = Hit!! 9 + 1 + 4 = 14, and target is Dazed (SE): Pa’avu enters the Rage of the Tyrant!!
* GSS takes 36 HP damage & is Dazed (SE)
TRIGGER (END OF TURN WITHIN 3 SQ OF GSS) -
Skittering Attack ✦ At-Will Trigger: An enemy is within 3 squares of GSS when he starts his turn, or an
enemy ends its turn within 3 squares of GSS. Effect (
Free Action): GSS shifts up to half its speed and uses bite against the triggering enemy.
Bite (poison) ✦ At-Will Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +6 vs. AC Hit: 1d8 + 1 damage, and ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends).
First Failed Saving Throw: The target also Slides 3 squares.
Second Failed Saving Throw: The target is also immobilized (save ends).
Third Failed Saving Throw: The target is also petrified (save ends).
Attack: (Roll) 15 -2 (prone) + 6 = 19. Hit: (Roll) 6+1 = 7 - 5 (DR) = 2 Damage and Ongoing 5 Poison (Save Ends) to Pa'avu
With the vicious animal barking up a storm, Pa'avu bears down on the Giant Stone Spider with a terrible fury. The creature responds with stone-venom dripping fangs. Her mountain-blessed skin barely registers the minor pinch of the bite, but the venom finds its mark nonetheless!
B & M
Bita-Bousseh transcends her panic and reverts to familiar command of the Minotaurs, who leap into action. Inspired by the eerie cry of the goliath, three of the stalwarts charge across the courtyard, their axes harrying the prostrate spider.
Another circles the table, grabbing the hot iron teapot and flinging it at their foe before positioning himself between his master and the fracas. Unfortunately, it clatters harmlessly against the teahouse wall. Following suit, the remaining stalwart picks up the stool that blocks his path, flings it in a splintering of wood and woven rush against the wall, and takes up protective position.
Bita-Bousseh strides with deliberation and menace around the table, domineering the mythical creature with her very stare.
Meanwhile, Chanvati sends his thoughts telepathically to the barrister: "Should the situation turn grim, take a guard and meet us at my father's estate three hours after the dusk bell."
M (N7) Charges to R8 and uses Axe vs GSS, Roll 15 +7 +2 (prone enemy) = 22 vs 16 AC. Hit. 3 damage.
M (L7) Moves to O6, picks up iron teapot (Minor) and uses Improvised Action to make a Ranged attack Roll 1 +3 +2 granting CA -2 prone vs 14 Reflex = Miss.
M (O4) Charges to T6 (now flanking with M in R8) Rolls 16 +7 +2 = 25 vs 16 AC. Hit. 3 damage, and GSS is marked until the end of the minotaur's next turn.
M (N3) Charges to S6 Rolls 1 +7 +2 CA = 10 vs 16 AC. Miss.
TRIGGER (GSS: Spinneret Cocoon IR on melee miss denied due to Dazed)
M (L7) Picks up stool (Minor), Moves to O8, makes Improvised Attack 8 +3 = 11 vs 14 Reflex. Miss.
Bita-Bousseh Moves K4 to N7 and uses Infernal Glower vs GSS. Rolls 8 +5 +2 CA -2 Prone enemy = 13 vs 13 Will. Hit. GSS cannot attack Bita-Bousseh UEoHNT. She is adjacent to a Minotaur Stalwart so +2 Power Bonus to Defenses UtEoYNT.
Chanvati uses Send Thoughts (Free Action Encounter Power) to communicate message to Bita-Bousseh.
TRIGGER (END OF TURN WITHIN 3 SQ OF GSS) -
Skittering Attack ✦ At-Will Trigger: An enemy is within 3 squares of GSS when he starts his turn, or an
enemy ends its turn within 3 squares of GSS. Effect (
Free Action): GSS shifts up to half its speed and uses bite against the triggering enemy.
Bite (poison) ✦ At-Will Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +6 vs. AC Hit: 1d8 + 1 damage, and ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends).
First Failed Saving Throw: The target also Slides 3 squares.
Second Failed Saving Throw: The target is also immobilized (save ends).
Third Failed Saving Throw: The target is also petrified (save ends).
Attack (vs marking Minotaur in T6): (Roll) 14 -2 (prone) + 6 = 18. Hit:
T6 Minotaur dead.
The Vicious Animal's chain rattles widly as it sneers and snaps at the monstrous stone spider, its toothy maw attempting to clamp down on something meaty.
Standard: Vicious Bite +6 vs GSS AC; Roll 13 +6 +2 (Prone) = 21. Hit; 1d8 +1 = 9 Damage (already prone).
GSS is Bloodied.
TRIGGER (END OF TURN WITHIN 3 SQ OF GSS) -
Skittering Attack ✦ At-Will Trigger: An enemy is within 3 squares of GSS when he starts his turn, or an
enemy ends its turn within 3 squares of GSS. Effect (
Free Action): GSS shifts up to half its speed and uses bite against the triggering enemy.
Bite (poison) ✦ At-Will Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +6 vs. AC Hit: 1d8 + 1 damage, and ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends).
First Failed Saving Throw: The target also Slides 3 squares.
Second Failed Saving Throw: The target is also immobilized (save ends).
Third Failed Saving Throw: The target is also petrified (save ends).
Attack (vs Vicious Animal): 3 (Roll) -2 (prone) + 6 = 7. Miss.
The Goliath Stone Spider sinks its fangs into the vicious animal slaying it. Simultaneously, it gathers its nimble legs below itself and recovers its bearings before it unleashes a barrage of silky strands, cocooning both Pa'aavu and a Minotaur, the latter of which succumbs to the suffocating influence!
TRIGGER (START OF OF TURN WITHIN 3 SQ OF ENEMY)
Skittering Attack ✦ At-Will Trigger:
An enemy is within 3 squares of GSS when he starts his turn, or an enemy ends its turn within 3 squares of GSS. Effect (
Free Action): GSS shifts up to half its speed and uses bite against the triggering enemy.
Bite (poison) ✦ At-Will Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +6 vs. VA AC; (Roll) 12 +6 -2 (prone) = 16. Hit: 1d8 + 1 damage; (any damage kills)
Vicious Animal Dead.
Move: Stand up from Prone.
Standard: (Denied due to Dazed; 1 Action).
Action Point (Free Action > Gain Standard): Stonespinneret Spray ✦ Recharge ⚄ ⚅. CBL3 vs R8 Minotaur and Pa'avu +4 vs Fort; 16 (Roll) +6 = 22. Hit; R8 Minotaur Dead. 13 (Roll) +4 = 17. Hit Pa'avu. Hit: 1d6+3 (2+3 - 5 DR = 0 damage) damage, target is slowed and suffers -2 penalty to hit UtEoYNT
Saving Throw vs Dazed: 11+5 = Success
Saving Throw vs Immobilized: 7+5 = Success
GSS 57/128 = Bloodied
ROUND 2
If Bita-Bousseh needs 'much more convincing' of our capabilities, then I shall give it to her! Chanvati strides confidently past the barrister and her Minotaur guards, his crystalline staff held aloft and glowing faintly from a rosy light within. He blasts the Spider with psionic force, but this time the creature's alien brain resists his attack. Nevertheless, as the Spider takes his bait and skitters forward at him with its venomous fangs, Chanvati takes satisfaction in his ruse, penetrating the Spider's mental architecture with a second psionic thrust and setting up Pa'avu for a vicious swing of her sword.
* Move Action: L6 to Q7.
* Standard Action: Mind Thrust vs GSS, Roll 2 +5 =7 vs 13 Will. Miss.
TRIGGER (END OF TURN WITHIN 3 SQ OF GSS) -
Skittering Attack ✦ At-Will Trigger: An enemy is within 3 squares of GSS when he starts his turn, or an
enemy ends its turn within 3 squares of GSS. Effect (
Free Action): GSS shifts up to half its speed and uses bite against the triggering enemy. Shift to R7 and Bite Chanvati; (Roll) 16 + 6 = Hit; (Roll) 3 + 1 = 4 poison damage and Chanvati takes 5 ongoing poison (save ends).
* Trigger - Vengeance is Mine (Immediate Reaction). Mind Thrust vs GSS (no OA because of Staff Expertise), Roll 9 +5 = 14 vs 13 Will = Hit for 4+4=8 psychic damage. Pa'avu moves up to Speed as necessary and makes an MBA vs GSS: Roll 14 +7 -2 (spray effect) = 19 vs 16 AC = Hit for 8+4=12 damage.
GSS takes 20 damage total.
Chanvati 20/24 HP (ongoing 5 poison damage), 6/7 Surges.
Pa’avu briefly feels a faint nausea threaten cloud her mind again, then instantly she feels invigorated by the poison entering her body. Alert to her gosb’tar’s tactical instruction, Pa’avu pierces the spider’s side with her sword, using her momentum to leap over her quarry. Her vault causes air to whistle shrilly through the gleaming mouths covering her armor, and that noise in turn seems to catch at the spider’s nerves, causing it to shake with some agitation. As the goliath lands sure-footedly, she howls and brings Velmech’ti to slice deeply into her quarry once again. Pulling the sword out of the body, Pa’avu places her foot on the side of the spider and shoves it away from her.
* take 5 Ongoing Poison Damage – Resist All 5 = 0 Damage
* Minor Action (Encounter): activate Screaming Armor Power: An enemy w/in 5 sq of you -2 attack rolls UtEoMNT (GSS)
* Standard (AtWill): Pressing Strike: Shift 2 SQ (through enemy OK) (Q8), then Attack: Roll 10 + 7 – 2 (web) + 2 CA (flanking) = 17 vs. AC 16 = Hit!! * Damage: 8 + 4 + 4 (Raging) + 5 (HQ) = 21 HP damage and target Pushed 1 square to R6.
* Save versus Ongoing Poison: 10 Success!
* HQ and Stone's Endurance expire EoT.
TRIGGER (END OF TURN WITHIN 3 SQ OF GSS) -
Skittering Attack ✦ At-Will Trigger: An enemy is within 3 squares of GSS when he starts his turn, or an
enemy ends its turn within 3 squares of GSS. Effect (
Free Action): GSS shifts up to half its speed and uses bite against the triggering enemy. Shift to R8 and Bite Pa'avu; (Roll) 7 + 6 - 2 = 11. Miss.
* Pa’avu’s conditions: Save vs Ongoing Poison; Slowed/-2 ATT, Eo GSS NT; HP: 25/31; 10/11 Surges * GSS conditions from Pa'avu: -2 attacks via Screaming Armor UtEoMNT (edited)
B & M
Witnessing the relentless attacks of Pa'avu and Chanvati and sensing the giant Stonefang Spider's impending demise, Bita-Bousseh holds her ground, maintaining her infernal glower to hold off the arachnid. "Bring it low!" she orders her stalwarts, and two of them charge the spider with fearsome blows from their axes, surrounding it in the corner of the once-placid teahouse.
M(O8) Ready an action: if GSS enters a square within melee range, attack with Axe.
M(O6) Charges 2 to R7, avoiding OA, Roll 13 +7 = 20 vs 16 AC. Hit for 3 damage.
M(S6) Charges 2 squares to S8 (flanking with P), avoiding OA, Roll 18 +7 +2 CA -2 webs =23 vs 16 AC for 3 damage and Marks GSS UEoMNT.
Bita-Bousseh: Infernal Glower vs GSS, Roll 10 +5 =15 vs 13 Will. GSS cannot attack B-B UEoHNT.
TRIGGER (END OF TURN WITHIN 3 SQ OF GSS) -
Skittering Attack ✦ At-Will Trigger: An enemy is within 3 squares of GSS when he starts his turn, or an
enemy ends its turn within 3 squares of GSS. Effect (
Free Action): GSS shifts up to half its speed and uses bite against the triggering enemy. Bite Minotaur S8; (Roll) 6 + 6 - 2 = 10. Miss.
The Goliath Stone Spider fights like a cornered beast (which it is) on its last legs (which it is)! Desperate fangs and spinnerets sink into flesh and entomb prey in silk!
Stonespinneret Spray ✦ Recharge ⚄ ⚅. Rolled 6; Recharges.
TRIGGER (START OF OF TURN WITHIN 3 SQ OF ENEMY)
Skittering Attack ✦ At-Will Trigger:
An enemy is within 3 squares of GSS when he starts his turn, or an enemy ends its turn within 3 squares of GSS. Effect (
Free Action): GSS shifts up to half its speed and uses bite against the triggering enemy. Bite; +6 vs. P; (Roll) 11 +6 -2 = 15; Miss
Standard: Stonespinneret Spray (CBL3 on C, P, M in O8); +4 vs. Fort. (Roll) 12 + 4 - 2 = 14 vs C; Hit. Damage; 5 + 1 = 6 damage, target is slowed and suffers -2 penalty to hit UtEoYNT. (Roll) 2 + 4 - 2 = 4 vs P; Miss. (Roll) 6 + 4 - 2 = 8 vs M in O8; Miss.
Action Point (Free Action > Gain Standard): Bite Pa'avu; (Roll) 20; CRITICAL. 9 poison damage and Pa'avu takes 5 ongoing poison (save ends).
Move: Shifts to S7
GSS - 10/128 HP. Stonespinneret Spray exhausted. Slowed and -2 Hit UtEoPNT.
ROUND 3
Chanvati is staggered by the concussion force of the Spider's spinneret spray and encased in a thick film of webbing. What's more, the poison from that bite is coursing throughout his system. His heartbeat races. The pain like little he has experienced before. It's all he can do to stagger back in the direction of the barrister, feebly attempting to blast the spider once more with a psionic assault, but his concentration falters and the effect fizzles.
Frustrated, he chastises himself: "Collect yourself, man! This is no way to impress a lady!"
Buoyed, he feels the effects of the poison abate.
Begins turn and takes 5 ongoing poison damage (SE).
Moves to O7. Standard: Mind Thrust vs GSS. Roll 5 +5 -2 (stonepinneret) = 8 vs 13 Will. Miss.
Minor: Inspiring Word on self. Roll 3 + 6 Surge = regain 9 HPs. Save vs ongoing poison Roll 17 = Success. Ongoing damage ends.
Chanvati 16/24 HP, 5/7 Surges, Slowed and -2 Attacks UEoGSSNT.
Experiencing the spider’s futile but dangerous efforts to break free, Pa’avu grimly sets herself to the task of finishing it off … before its death throes take them all out. Fighting off the effects of yet more poison, she moves herself into position. Then she lets loose her tyrant raging within and charges swiftly forward with an eerie howling cry. Spider limbs and hunks of carapace fly through the air as Pa’avu moves in blurred motion. Then there is a sudden crunch as her foot stomps the spider’s body, and all motion stops … save for the goliath’s labored breath.
* take 5 Ongoing Poison Damage: 9 HP
* move from Q8 to Q5
* Howling Strike: charge from Q5 to S6, avoiding OA; attack vs. AC: Roll 18 + 8 + 2 (flanking) = 28 vs AC 16 = Success!! Damage: 10 + 1 + 4 = 15 = dead
* Iron Wolf Charge (trigger: hit w/charge): + 4 = 19 = stomped on by Pa’avu
* save ends: 6 … fail! Slide ...save ends: 6 ...immobilized! ... save ends: 8: petrified (briefly, as save will eventually end that too)!
GSS SLAIN W/ BITA-BOUSEH AND AT LEAST 1 MINOTAUR STILL UP = WIN CON ACHIEVED
