21. Revisiting the Troglodyte Lair

[dmw71]

If Kendrick switches to a spear or javelin, can he attack from the second rank?

Spear, potentially yes. Javelin, no.

If we wanted to allow more people direct attacks, we could back up the center a bit, like this...

That is an option as well.

Either way, I'll need confirmation of the group's defensive plans.

[saalaria]

Kaltar draws O'Rek, Shanny and Epsilon closer:
"I think it may be wise to check the eastern end of this cavern in case there is a back entrance either to be attacked through or use as a means of retreat. What say you to us all taking a look?"

[Grognardsw]

I suggest the group back up as Kendrick suggested, with Aric and Strom taking the left and right side of the entrance so we can possibly surprise as they come in, while allowing line of fire for others. (Aric will do this regardless.) Oil with Burning Hands with do the most combo damage. Is there enough ventilation for oil or will we end up in a room of black smoke? If so, do Color Spray instead? If not, Aric and Strom would be far enough left/right of the entry so the fan o flame wouldn't hit them. Can Shan do Magic Missile? Can a cleric Bless us before the battle? If this is the big battle of the day, we might as well use everything and rest/study/pray after for the next day. If I'm talking too much strategy let me know.

[Zhym]

Is Strom in a condition to fight? He has only 6 hp. Do the effects of the spider bite also hinder his combat ability?

What's our situation on healing spells?

[ravenn4544]

O'rek has one healing spell left. Let me know how you want to use it with the current party status.

[wolfpack]

epsilon has 3 potential CLW and a hold person.

Epsilon nods to kaltar

I will join you if you wish, but if we find nothing we should return quickly to help the others.

[onlyme]

Ewell will prepare to fight, obviously...

[saalaria]

3 light wounds, 2 moderate left - Dave I did a light on myself so sig is wrong (should be 3 and 2) . Forgot about the extra 2 second levels - I will put something on my sheet shortly

Kaltar lead Episilon (and hopefully Shanny too) off to the other side of the cavern. We will stop if we see anything other than a back wall!

[dmw71]

The group assumes a defensive position away from the immediate opening into the cavern to maximize their attacking capabilities should anything enter the room. Kendrick, Ewell, Aric and O'rek man the front ranks and stand at the ready. Fimmion suggests laying oil at the entrance which could be set aflame, but the potential risk of smoke inhalation due to the questionable ventilation causes the idea to be dismissed. The necessary arcane words to the 'Burning Hands' spell still circle in the Fim's head as the chef prepares to light up a creature instead of a pool of liquid.

The non-verbal sounds of a group approaching grows louder in almost direct correlation with the increase of the familiar stench. After a lingering moment of anticipation, a wave of the expected troglodytes rush into the chamber, releasing their defensive stank in its full potency.

Fimmion, lingering between Ewell and Aric, sends a wide arc of flame shooting from his fingertips at the approaching creatures, torching them. The first four creatures entering the area begin to sizzle and one of them drops. The other three, heavily burnt, toss aside their wooden javelins which were set aflame by the attack and continue their determined assault. While the distraction of the immediate threat is obvious, other similar creatures are seen filling the passageway behind this initial group.

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Those not in the front ranks gather explore to the unknown region on the far east side of the current chamber (PM forthcoming).

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Code: Select all

                            ________
                           /       
                          /       Ka     
                 ________/ Ke    Ep 
                / l5 t3*t1*Ew Fi  Da Sh 
               / l6_____ t2*Ar St      
                  /     \ Or   __   
                         \____/  \___
                                              

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Begin Round 1.

I will need all characters (east and west facing) to make a save versus poison (+5).


Actions?

[saalaria]

Saving Throw [1d20] = 14

That's without the plus 5 so okay I hope!

[Zhym]

"Oh, so that's why you made a stink about the stink," Kendrick manages to say before retching.

Save v. Stank (14): [ [1d20+7] = 1+7 = 8

Weakned by the Stank: [1d6] = 4

Kendrick tries to poke the nearest trog with a spear over Ewell's shoulder, but misses.

Spear (THAC0 20): [1d20-2] = 12-2 = 10; Dmg: [1d6] = 2

[dmw71]

That's without the plus 5 so okay I hope!

Yes, you're safe.

[dmw71]

Spear (THAC0 20): [1d20-2] = 12-2 = 10; Dmg: [1d6] = 2

A 13 still misses, but shouldn't your attack roll have a +1 bonus instead of -2 penalty?

It looks like you took the -4 literally, and subtracted the penalty from your modifiers instead of your actual ability score. With your 18 / 77% strength, the -4 strength drain, whether applied to an 18 or 19, would leave you with a 14 or 15 strength, either of which, according to the 'Ability Scores' thread, would leave you with +1/+2 modifiers.

Big difference.

It didn't this round, but hopefully this 3 point swing will help in future rounds.

[saalaria]

Safe - apart from a terrible attack roll!

[dmw71]

Safe - apart from a terrible attack roll!

Admittedly, a poor choice of words.

[Zhym]

Spear (THAC0 20): [1d20-2] = 12-2 = 10; Dmg: [1d6] = 2

A 13 still misses, but shouldn't your attack roll have a +1 bonus instead of -2 penalty?

It looks like you took the -4 literally, and subtracted the penalty from your modifiers instead of your actual ability score. With your 18 / 77% strength, the -4 strength drain, whether applied to an 18 or 19, would leave you with a 14 or 15 strength, either of which, according to the 'Ability Scores' thread, would leave you with +1/+2 modifiers.

Big difference.

It didn't this round, but hopefully this 3 point swing will help in future rounds.

Oh good. I forgot that we weren't using the standard AD&D 2e bonuses. Kendrick is still at -1/+2, though, because he's not proficient with the spear.

[dmw71]

Kendrick is still at -1/+2, though, because he's not proficient with the spear.

I suppose there is still that.

The positioning on the map is relative, and limited. It's possible Ewell is back a "step" on the map which would allow you to use your sword. Of course, that would also mean you'd be in direct combat with one of the troglodytes instead of being shielded by the cavalier.

I'll allow either positioning scenario, but it would need to be determined, and followed going forward, before moving to round 2..

[Zhym]

Let's go with front-line and sword for Ken.

[wolfpack]

[1d20+5] = 2+5 = 7


[1d6] = 2

[Stonjuz]

Creeping east as requested, Shanny sees more incoming and fires an arrow shortbow thac0 21 [1d20] = 13 dmg [1d6] = 2 and then grabs daggers again after letting the others try and block the incoming new trogs.