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Post by Ginger on Oct 30, 2011 19:42:33 GMT -5
We slew a dragon. No big deal.
Trommer, Friedrich and Bolo went to the tournament. Trommer and Friedrich were in the final round, with Friedrich winning the title (and the Lordship). Trommer also finished 3rd in the archery contest.
After finishing up the detail work that we largely talked about on the board, we treked out to save the Twilight Princess. On the way, we walked by a ruined manor. Inside we saw some elvish stuff, including two elvish spirits who warned us to leave. Finneus read an elvish book which was the journal of Denolas, the former ruler of the area. He had apparently had his people wiped out by what sounded a lot like a dragon. We followed some huge lizard tracks which led to a lake with a small island in the middle. A huge black dragon popped out. Despite him being in the water where our fighters couldn't get him, the casters hit him pretty good. Finn did a ton of damage with the Lightning wand, which earned him a breath of acid, dropping him and burning some of his stuff. He lost the orc shaman's spell book (which didn't have much of use) and the unicorn horn which protected against poison. Probably other stuff too.
The dragon then fled deeper underwater because we'd beaten it nigh unto death. After a while we tried to figure out how to finish him off. Friedrich tried taking off his armor and fighting it underwater. That nearly got him killed and he didn't hit the dragon.
We eventually went to the dragon's horde on the island and took all of the loot, of which there was a lot. Colby eventually used the Conjure Elemental scroll to summon a water elemental, which slew the beast, as we had no other way to hurt it.
In the treasure pile was a scroll to remove a statis field at the bottom of the lake, which was concealing we think is the Sword of Sylaire, on of Denolas's famed blades! Since it's an elven longsword, it was given to Finneus.
We went back to Devonshire with our huge dragon horde.
We then walked to the Twilight Princess's castle. Bolo went in invisible and started exploring. He fell into a pit after seeing the place largely uninhabited. The rest of the party is now in there and we're searching the hallways.
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Post by Bolo on Oct 30, 2011 20:01:21 GMT -5
Despite him being in the water where our fighters couldn't get him, the casters hit him pretty good. Bolo and Danakes also stuck a bunch of arrows in him. Bolo suggested that Marcus would be more useful if he retrained from dagger to bow, but Marcus told Bolo to get lost. Bolo is thinking that for 10,000gp worth of armor and 600gp per month, Marcus ought to be more receptive to suggestions from his employers. We then walked to the Twilight Princess's castle. Bolo went in invisible and started exploring. He fell into a pit after seeing the place largely uninhabited. There was a ghoul in the pit trap, but Bolo climbed out unharmed before the ghoul had a chance to attack him. We left the ghoul in place. There were some passages out of the pit on the lower level that we might want to explore at some point. The castle is Escher-like. Passages that appear horizontal all the way along connect back up to passages that went down stairs, without any intervening upward stairs or slopes. Bolo, who notices these things, thinks it's really weird. |
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Post by Bolo on Oct 30, 2011 20:06:45 GMT -5
We went back to Devonshire with our huge dragon horde. / We then walked to the Twilight Princess's castle. On the way, we passed the spot where we had fought the dragon. Its corpse was no longer there, and there were lots of tracks, including the lizard-like ones we saw before that are presumably the dragon's. So apparently someone came by and raised it. We speculated that this means we'll be fighting an undead dragon at some point. |
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Post by Wolfgar on Oct 31, 2011 8:05:05 GMT -5
It is not clear how an 11(?) hit dice dragon was animated or raised. None of the normal cleric spells work on dragons. Most spells explicitly say human, humanoid or person. Even Animate Dead Monster requires bipedal creatures. Animate Dead Monster also requires the cleric to be twice the level of the monster being animated. I would hate to think that there is a 22nd level cleric out there. Some other options include the use of an artifact, direct intervention by a deity, wish spell, or a second large dragon which carried off the body of the first. But I guess we will just have to wait and see.
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Post by Mr. Trommer on Oct 31, 2011 8:09:17 GMT -5
A dead dragon can feed an orc army or the mate of the dragon took it somewhere.
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Post by venger on Oct 31, 2011 9:56:20 GMT -5
XP 10/30/11:
Paavo: 38446 (-33000)
Dan: 9209
Friedrich: 37098 (6th) (-34000)
Mary: 6672
Trommer: 41197 (6th) (-30000)
Colby: 54579|10746 (-17500)
Danakes: 20372 (5th)
Bolo: 21484 (6th)
Finnious: 13703/18733
Marcus: 38259
Ingrid: 14476/19236 (5th)
--on the bench--
Epicaste: 22657
Danaus: 21684
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Post by Bolo on Oct 31, 2011 11:38:50 GMT -5
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Post by venger on Oct 31, 2011 11:55:42 GMT -5
Amended.
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Post by agesilaus on Oct 31, 2011 18:32:47 GMT -5
Wow, sounds like a great time had by all. Congrats to Lord Friedrich and Trommer, and of course to all and sundry for killing the dragon. Looking forward to joining in next time.
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Post by Ginger on Nov 1, 2011 11:39:42 GMT -5
The plan is currently to work through all of the hallways without opening any doors during the 30 minute spell duration of Find Traps. Once we've scouted the hallways, or the spell runs out, we'll start opening doors and fighting bad guys. Is there anything else for us to discuss?
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Post by Wolfgar on Nov 1, 2011 12:48:46 GMT -5
Is the plan to just find the Silver Princess and then get out of here? Or are we planning on killing everything as we go? If the Silver Princess is held prisoner then I would think she is far from the front door as possible. If that is the case then we could ignore rooms until we get further into the castle. But if we want to make sure to kill everything then we should open every door.
I think Colby should permanently give the lightning rod to Finn or Mary now that he has figured out how the armband works to create a fireball.
Is Danakes's box as complicated as Colby's armband? Or is there a single button to fire? Does it have a slot for the black metal coins?
Also I know we gave the long sword to Finn but if it really is a powerful weapon it might be better to have Trommer use it.
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Post by Ginger on Nov 1, 2011 13:44:51 GMT -5
I'm very worried about bypassing all of the doors to get to the back and then starting a ruckus when there are a bunch of bad guys between us and the exit.
I consider the lighting rod to be Finnious's now, so that's fine.
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Post by venger on Nov 1, 2011 13:52:38 GMT -5
Is Danakes's box as complicated as Colby's armband? Or is there a single button to fire? Does it have a slot for the black metal coins? It does not appear to be as complicated as Colby's armband, no. There is no button. Careful scrutiny of the device does turn up a well-concealed coin slot. The flowchart for determining its operation is less involved. I'm very worried about bypassing all of the doors to get to the back and then starting a ruckus when there are a bunch of bad guys between us and the exit. For what it's worth the DM liked this plan. |
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Post by Bolo on Nov 1, 2011 14:30:48 GMT -5
Is the plan to just find the Silver Princess and then get out of here? Or are we planning on killing everything as we go? In Bolo's view, this depends on whether there's a big reward for rescuing the princess, either directly in cash and valuables or indirectly in assistance for our next profitable expedition. If we have reason to expect a reward (do we?), then sure, let's find her and get out as quickly and safely as we can. Otherwise, the default should be to hack our way through the place for mayhem and profit. I'm very worried about bypassing all of the doors to get to the back and then starting a ruckus when there are a bunch of bad guys between us and the exit. Bolo agrees with this, unless we can find at least one alternate exit, such as a rope over the wall from the roof garden. (Friedrich could be a rearguard while we climb down, then use his remaining levitate potion to float down after us.) |
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Post by Ginger on Nov 1, 2011 14:48:34 GMT -5
Colby has 15 coins left. I guess now's the time to ask if anyone else remembers having any on their character sheets.
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Post by Wolfgar on Nov 1, 2011 14:56:45 GMT -5
[Danakes's box] does not appear to be as complicated as Colby's armband, no. There is no button. Careful scrutiny of the device does turn up a well-concealed coin slot. The flowchart for determining its operation is less involved. I think we should give this to Dan or Mary to use. Having the non-front line fighters with distance weapons proved very effective against the dragon. We may have need of this fire power again. For instance, this device and Colby's device could be very useful against trolls which don't regenerate from fire damage. Once the find traps spell wears off then I say we do some quick experimentation with the device. |
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Post by Wolfgar on Nov 1, 2011 15:05:05 GMT -5
Is the plan to just find the Silver Princess and then get out of here? Or are we planning on killing everything as we go? In Bolo's view, this depends on whether there's a big reward for rescuing the princess, either directly in cash and valuables or indirectly in assistance for our next profitable expedition. If we have reason to expect a reward (do we?), then sure, let's find her and get out as quickly and safely as we can. Otherwise, the default should be to hack our way through the place for mayhem and profit. I'm very worried about bypassing all of the doors to get to the back and then starting a ruckus when there are a bunch of bad guys between us and the exit. Bolo agrees with this, unless we can find at least one alternate exit, such as a rope over the wall from the roof garden. (Friedrich could be a rearguard while we climb down, then use his remaining levitate potion to float down after us.)
Paavo: She's rich.
Bolo: Rich?
Paavo: Yes. Rich, powerful! Listen, if you were to rescue her, the
reward would be...
Bolo: What?
Paavo: Well more wealth that you can imagine.
Bolo: I don't know, I can imagine quite a bit!
Paavo is also happy to strike a blow against the force of Denagoth and kill everything in here. |
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Post by venger on Nov 1, 2011 15:12:37 GMT -5
I was hoping you'd wear the Stormtrooper uniforms for when you rescue the princess. : )
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Post by Wolfgar on Nov 1, 2011 15:16:25 GMT -5
Is that why we have the belt that transforms you into a bear? So someone can play Chewbacca?
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Post by Friedrich on Nov 1, 2011 16:27:04 GMT -5
Colby has 15 coins left. I guess now's the time to ask if anyone else remembers having any on their character sheets. IIRC, I had 5 of them and gave them to you. Is that right? |
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Post by Mr. Trommer on Nov 1, 2011 16:29:16 GMT -5
If Bolo used the belt he probably would be an ewok.
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Post by Bolo on Nov 1, 2011 17:09:22 GMT -5
Colby has 15 coins left. I guess now's the time to ask if anyone else remembers having any on their character sheets. Bolo doesn't have any. I don't think Danakes does, but I'm not certain. I'll put checking that on our joint to-do list for next session. I think we should give this to Dan or Mary to use. Having the non-front line fighters with distance weapons proved very effective against the dragon. We may have need of this fire power again. Yes, but I'd suggest Dan rather than Mary, as Mary can already contribute magic missiles. BTW, Danakes has been asked to give up several items recently (Ioun stone, charisma brush, plate mail for less than its resale value). It's all been for the good of the party, no doubt, and I'm not speaking for him here, but if he's asked to hand over the box as well, I suspect he'd feel happier if he got another item to use in return. |
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Post by Wolfgar on Nov 1, 2011 18:01:27 GMT -5
I don't think he is in any position to feel slighted. The charisma brush was never his (he was the only one who wanted it when we got back to the town) but he can have it back if he wants it. The Ioun stone was also never his (he just grabbed it when we opened the vampires coffin). Danakes also recently got the +3 studded leather and the elixir of health (which is admittedly a party magic item). And Trommer is letting Danakes use Trommer's +2 strength bow. And we plan to get him his own as soon as we get a chance. Also rangers are not supposed to care overly about material wealth but if he wants the additional 300 gp from the plate armor he is welcome to it.
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Post by Wolfgar on Nov 1, 2011 20:22:51 GMT -5
I was thinking about the Belt of the Bear (?). Who currently has it? In addition to allowing you to turn into a bear it may also have the effect of healing you like when a druid transforms. Or it could heal you like a werebear at 3 times the normal rate. Of course it could also turn you into a bear or werebear permanently like the Cloak of the Selkie.
And what happened to the ring that was on the gold chain? Did Friedrich put it on? Did we identify it?
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Post by Friedrich on Nov 1, 2011 21:07:49 GMT -5
I think we used the pearls to identify the ring of protection, belt and black iron dagger.
We did not have enough pearls to to identify the other one. That's why I had Mary try to persuade the merchant to sell any extras that he may have had, but to no avail.
Friedrich did not try on the ring yet though he might on Sunday or somebody else can if they want.
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Post by Bolo on Nov 1, 2011 21:09:49 GMT -5
It's entirely possible he doesn't feel slighted at all. I haven't actually asked. Perhaps this just reflects my continuing confusion about how the party ownership rules work. In which case, no more from me on this, since I promised not to bring that up again for a while.
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Post by Mr. Trommer on Nov 2, 2011 9:00:59 GMT -5
Danakes can have the +2 bow. With strength spells now available we are better off with him having it. I don't use it that often.
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Post by agesilaus on Nov 2, 2011 19:19:02 GMT -5
Not having been there, I'm not sure if we should just go get the Princess or hack our way through the various and sundry beasties. Fin is up for either one but he suspects it won't be that easy to "just go get the Princess". He's willing to bet we'll still have a veritable smorgasbord of hairy, uncouth louts to wade through....
Fin is grateful for the lightning wand but will continue to consider it party property -- should another spell caster need it, it's there for the good of all.
He does not want to give up the elven longsword. He's an elf. How many other elves are there in the party? he asks. None, he answers. How many other elven longswords are we likely to find? he asks again. About as many as there are honest politicians, he answers again. Trommer already has a magic bastard sword. Fin can't use that. This is the only magic weapon we've found that he can really use. He'll show just how effective he can be with it.
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Post by Wolfgar on Nov 3, 2011 8:06:21 GMT -5
He does not want to give up the elven longsword. He's an elf. How many other elves are there in the party? he asks. None, he answers. How many other elven longswords are we likely to find? he asks again. About as many as there are honest politicians, he answers again. Trommer already has a magic bastard sword. Fin can't use that. This is the only magic weapon we've found that he can really use. He'll show just how effective he can be with it. OOC: Unfortunately he will never be as effective as Trommer. I have prepared a little analysis to help prove this. At the bottom of each table I have the damage each would expect to do on average against an opponent with AC 0 and and AC 10. The first is attacking from the front, the second is for a rear attack. I have assumed a +2 sword and medium sized opponents. | Name | Trommer | Finnious | | Base THAC0 | 16 | 19 | | Strength Adjustment | 3 | 0 | | Specialization | 3 | 0 | | Elven Proficiency | 0 | 1 | | Sword Bonus | 2 | 2 | | Adjusted THAC0 | 8 | 16 | | - | - | - | | Base Average Damage | 4.5 | 4.5 | | Strength Adjustment | 6 | 0 | | Specialization | 3 | 0 | | Sword Bonus | 2 | 2 | | Adjusted Average Damage | 15.5 | 6.5 | | - | - | - | | Rate of Attack | 1.5 | 1 | | - | - | - | | Expected Damage against AC 0 | 15.1125 | 1.625 | | Expected Damage against AC 10 | 22.0875 | 4.875 |
| Name | Trommer | Finnious | | Base THAC0 | 16 | 19 | | Strength Adjustment | 3 | 0 | | Specialization | 3 | 0 | | Elven Proficiency | 0 | 1 | | From behind | 2 | 4 | | Sword Bonus | 2 | 2 | | Adjusted THAC0 | 6 | 12 | | - | - | - | | Base Average Damage | 4.5 | 4.5 | | Strength Adjustment | 6 | 0 | | Specialization | 3 | 0 | | Sword Bonus | 2 | 2 | | Adjusted Average Damage | 15.5 | 6.5 | | - | - | - | | Rate of Attack | 1.5 | 1 | | Damage Multiplier | 1 | 3 | | - | - | - | | Expected Damage against AC 0 | 17.4375 | 8.775 | | Expected Damage against AC 10 | 22.0875 | 18.525 |
Even with Finnious's "triple damage from behind" multiplier he doesn't do as much damage, on average, as Trommer. Though he does do at least as much as Trommer if he rolls a 7 or better from behind on an AC 10 opponent. Of course we can't have 2 Trommers with +2 swords. We have to choose between Trommer with a +2 sword, Finnious with a normal sword or Trommer with a +1 sword, Finnious with a +2 sword. If you look at the average damage potential for these two cases (I'll spare you the details), there really isn't that much difference from the front. But from the rear the later combination does 1.8375 more damage against an AC 0 opponent and 5.625 against an AC 10 opponent. So I guess I would say, in the final analysis, that Finnious should have the magic long sword. But if we come across a big bad creature that can only be hurt by a +2 or better weapon then Finnious should get the sword into Trommer's hands as soon as possible. |
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Post by Bolo on Nov 3, 2011 10:29:19 GMT -5
Danakes can have the +2 bow. With strength spells now available we are better off with him having it. I don't use it that often. Danakes thinks this is awesome and says thank you. He adds that he'd like to buy Trommer a +6 strength bow, at our next opportunity, as a gift out of his own personal funds. Bolo has enlightened Danakes about the likely cost of a +6 strength bow, relative to what Danakes has in his purse. Bolo agrees, however, that getting a +6 bow for Trommer could be a good use for all that cash we are now awash in from the dragon's hoard. Bolo would support a side shopping trip to Danton Mills, just for this purpose, at some future but not too distant time. Perhaps a subset of the party could do this, the next time we are in Devonshire waiting for others to train? |
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