The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Message

tibbius · #81 Post by **tibbius** » Sat Feb 15, 2025 1:17 pm

Dramm also has healing ability as a Paladin.

Dramm moves closer to Lord Jing and grips the eastern captain's other shoulder. Another flow of warmth and power through Ji-ho's body.

roobeastie · #82 Post by **roobeastie** » Sat Feb 15, 2025 9:28 pm

Morwen cannot deny the allure that the dragons' madness holds, but her more rational side can almost immediately see the downside if that 'dream' became a reality. Loathe as she might be to admit it, Morwen worked hard to cultivate the alliances - and dare she assume, friendships - that she currently had, and she held them rather dear in her emaciated black heart. Therefore, the decision was clear to her; much as she would have absolutely loved to have the skeleton of a dragon as her very own to raise, she knew the ends would not justify the means.

Taking advantage of the brief pause in the fight, Morwen concentrated her power into using Animate Dead on the fallen Dragonborn, hoping to shore up their numbers in preparation of what undoubtedly was coming next.

scarik · #83 Post by **scarik** » Sat Feb 15, 2025 10:56 pm

Alright. Saturday is always hectic for me so I will post tomorrow with the first salvo of draconic fury!

scarik · #84 Post by **scarik** » Sun Feb 16, 2025 8:49 pm

At Morwen's command 2 of the Dragonborn rise once more, weapons gripped in their undead fists.

The time is now, with quick words of healing they set themselves to attack and spread out to flank the beast as best they can.

Jing Ji-ho gives the signal just as one of the dragon's eyes blinks open.

Dawi and Human warcries erupt and are instantly drowned out by the dragon's bellow.

Even with wax in their ears the sound rattles their bones. It seems to contain a word or two but no one present truly speaks the language of dragons and it is not currently in any frame of mind to slow its speech and give them a chance to understand. Instead its wings snap open and it springs up with the speed of feral cat. Its treasures fly in all directions and it moves and the stone columns and arches crack where its mighty limbs strike. As it rears up its bulk collides with the ceiling sending stone and dust showering down.

Earnan detects that it is confused, as if it expected to be able to stand up fully despite the low ceiling.

But there is no more time for conjecture as those same limbs that can crack stone quickly lash out with the intent to break bone. And with that comes a terror like none present have ever felt. The horror of the undead is hard to compare, for where that was cold and largely spiritual, this fear is hot and very, very physical.

The melee line holds, though not without some trepidation.

The close range archers largely hold as well, however, Hodlar panics and barely holds onto his crossbow in his haste to flee.
Behind them Barnaby barely finds his courage in time as he falls back to the rearguard, while Borav takes leave of his senses entirely and makes haste away.

At the rearguard itself they are fortunate that both Macnav and Rolton hold fast for Morwen flies into a panic and only Macnav is swift enough to prevent her from running out the door into who-knows-what though to do so he must tackle her to the ground. While Darfilla backs off more slowly so Rolton only has to grab her about the waist to steady her nerves and cover her from harm.
It is only by sheer luck that Macnav manages to trip the fleeing runepriest and send him crashing against a wall rather out into the chamber beyond.

Combat results coming up next. Splitting the post for dramatic purpose!

CarrieVS · #85 Post by **CarrieVS** » Sun Feb 16, 2025 9:00 pm

Earnan draws and looses, focusing on the familiar, practised actions to keep the full scale of the monster's terrifying might out of his thoughts.

Earnan attack [_4d6]=(6+3+3+2)=14

scarik · #86 Post by **scarik** » Sun Feb 16, 2025 11:10 pm

Only Si-woo, Earnan & Bardin among the archers held their nerve enough to loose on the dragon, and though it is hard to tell it seems they have all shot true. Had this been a lesser beast, or even a pair of Ogres, it would have been laid low by their volley, but the dragon is no such easy prey.

With that the melee is joined. Having the momentum of surprise the party's slayers hack their way through the dragon's wild thrashings and give more than their share of injury to the beast. Hot blood flies out in all directions and ignites into tiny flames where it lands. But the beast also brings its claws and fangs to bear and drives both Dramm and Magarra to the ground beneath its onslaught.

By the end of the first exchange the Dragon shrinks back under the onslaught, takes as deep a breath as it can then panics when its flame fails to materialize. It backs itself into the corner as much as it can, but there is nowhere to go and so, to save its own wicked hide, it speaks. At first in its own tongue but then in others until its meaning is understood.

"Wait! My minions rally and come to my aid, you will die along with me when they do. Perhaps, instead, I will yield to you. I smell the blood of Kraka Grak among you and I can tell you of its fate."

It is said that when bested that dragons can be employed as mounts by those bold enough to dare, though their services are always expensive. And of course it is hard to trust such a beast, for its evil is palpable, but they are still beasts at heart and their fear of those able to harm them is vast...

tibbius · #87 Post by **tibbius** » Mon Feb 17, 2025 6:53 pm

"I cannot parley or retreat, o evil one," Dramm replies, his voice like thunder: "my Oath burns me, hot as your blood." He scrambles to his feet, steps forward and strikes, as Barnaby's battle chant ascends and echoes in the broken vault.

Smite evil ← what's that do again?

Dramm Hit Dice + Potion of Heroism [_10d6]=(5+4+4+3+2+2+6+1+3+5)=35 5 hits

scarik · #88 Post by **scarik** » Mon Feb 17, 2025 8:43 pm

tibbius wrote: ↑Mon Feb 17, 2025 6:53 pm "I cannot parley or retreat, o evil one," Dramm replies, his voice like thunder: "my Oath burns me, hot as your blood." He scrambles to his feet, steps forward and strikes, as Barnaby's battle chant ascends and echoes in the broken vault.

Smite evil ← what's that do again?

Dramm Hit Dice + Potion of Heroism [_10d6]=(5+4+4+3+2+2+6+1+3+5)=35 5 hits

Its giving him a bonus to hit in this case. In others it allows him to harm things that are otherwise invulnerable without needing special weapons, and has additional effects on summoned creatures.

scarik · #89 Post by **scarik** » Mon Feb 17, 2025 8:59 pm

Rebuffed the dragon screeches once more in the draconic tongue then launches itself like a coiled spring. It smashes through archways and pillars, whippings its tail in broad arcs and lashing out with its powerful wings to trample and crush everyone still inside its lair.

Those with bows may make missile attacks (and Drotik if he uses the potion of speed) before the dragon charges.
Everyone in melee will be able to stay in melee.
Everyone else can try to avoid being run over by moving toward the NE corner of Chamber 1 (where they will be trapped by the dragon blocking the door), or they can move back to Chamber 2 (where they will be surrounded by Kobolds).
Spellcasting fails if you get hit so there's no point standing your ground to cast spells against the dragon.

Everyone affected by Dragonfear recovers one level.
Rout to Flee, Flee to Withdraw, Withdraw to Waver, Waver to Hold.

There is a fair chance of the ceiling collapsing this round.

Edit: Added a graphic.
The Red circle is the Dragon. The lightning effect is its direction of travel. The Blue circles are the safe spots to move to and avoid being Crushed. Trampling is still a danger but you get a bonus to save for moving. The bonus is larger if you move out of the room (since it can't smash through that wall, a successful save means you may have gotten out in time).

CarrieVS · #90 Post by **CarrieVS** » Tue Feb 18, 2025 12:31 am

Earnan looses one more - enchanted - arrow at the dragon, and then has only a heartbeat to weigh up his choice.

His heart would face the monster and not abandon his allies and his captain. But his head - and if he is completely honest with himself, his stomach, realise that this foe is beyond him, and he rushes for the door, for the tide of maddened kobolds, where he may hope to do more than burden the fighters with someone to protect.

Earnan attack [_4d6]=(3+5+3+1)=12

roobeastie · #91 Post by **roobeastie** » Wed Feb 19, 2025 1:05 am

Morwen doesn't think twice about using her wand to cast Magic Missle at the dragon before withdrawing to the next room.

scarik · #92 Post by **scarik** » Sat Feb 22, 2025 8:39 pm

With his magically induced strength Jing Ji-ho puts his shoulder into his shield and slams into the dragon. Nothing can stop the massive beast but he manages to slow it down by a second so that when it collides with the wall only the warriors remain in its path. And though it cracks the ceiling and pillars as it passes the wall withstands its bulk; a true testament to Dawi engineering.

Most of the party are knocked flat under the onslaught, forced to strike out at passing limbs as best they can. Only Ji-ho, Dramm and Magarra keep their balance and somehow Beletreda both avoids being crushed and regains her feet. Despite this they manage to strike deep blows against the Dragon's iron-hard scales. Blood so hot it sizzles and burns what it touches sprays out from each strike. Were it not for their magical resistance to flame it would be nearly impossible to breathe.

Just as they injure it, the Dragon slashes its claws and gnashes its teeth. Magarra is buffeted but withstands the attack while Dramm is caught with the full force of the monster's crushing jaws. If Ji-ho weren't there to divert some of its fury Dramm could have been bitten clean in half.

Eventually the Dragon's roars change from rage to pain and its blood begins to form scalding pools as it rushes along the cracks in the floor. It is injured but not yet defeated, and while it might bleed out if left on its own, the monster proves it is no simple animal. A lesser beast would panic and turn away from the battle entirely in its terror, but the Dragon keeps some of its nerve and instead tries to back away into the corner where it had been sleeping.

All the while it lashes out at those who follow and the air in the room grows ever hotter, as the furnace within its scarlet body finally ignites. Flames begin to spill from its open maw, its saliva burns like lamp oil, running down its jaws and igniting the blood on the floor. Snorting black smoke it draws in air like a bellows and its pained roars are joined by a wicked, rumbling, laugh,

Dramm needs to make a Wound Save. If he isn't incapacitated he will fight though he might make his injury worse.
Ji-ho, Magarra and Beletreda follow the dragon and fight normally.
Everyone knocked down has to get up and then charge to be able to melee. This gives them -1 to save against Area attacks because they have to rush directly at the dragon as it lashes out with its wings and snaps its tail.
Siwoo and Drotik can instead stand and make missile attacks, but they won't happen until the melee phase. On the plus side they also won't get Crushed if they hold back.

If the dragon isn't Incapacitated in the Magic Phase it will uses its breath weapon and force everyone in the room to save vs 10d6 damage.
Fire Resistance gives +1 to Save and further gives -1 to hit to each of the dice. If you roll 12+ to save that means it only does 1 damage for every 2 6s rolled.

Chamber 2 post still being worked on.

scarik · #93 Post by **scarik** » Sat Feb 22, 2025 9:25 pm

Partly insulated from the Dragon's bellowing, and blessedly free of its thrashing limbs, those who aren't pressed into mortal combat with the harrowing foe are hardly safe. Borav is still gripped with dragonfear and Hodlar isn't much better. But there is nowhere to go. The Dragon is behind them and there are already a dozen Kobolds rushing them from all directions.

Earnan and Macnav are the fastest and they engage the scaly tide as best they can while Barnaby and Hemia back them up. But that can only account for so many and so Bardin, Morwen and Darfilla may need to rely on their own meager skills as well. For now, though, Darfilla is free to incinerate some with her magic and so she casts Burning Hands rather than expending the flame churning in her belly.

With fire, mace, spear and blade they hack apart the oncoming foes. Under normal circumstances this would be a repeat of the last time and the cravens would flee, but the Dragon's call draws them ever forward to their deaths.

Kobold first wave [4d10]=22
Each first liner takes on their HD in Kobolds. As they slay they can pull enemies off of the others.
But they can only hold back 15, so the other 7 attack the 3 squishies plus 2 afeared Dawi. Panicky people are better targets though so the Dawi end up taking all the attacks as Bardin chooses to melee rather than reload sicne you are overrun.
For now Morwen and Darfilla are safe.

18 Kobolds are defeated from the first wave.
Bardin Wavers.
Borav is coming out of it but still can't help.
Hodlar can help.

Kobold second wave [4d10]=33 Some of these are Overseers.
Macnav is going to countercharge them and let himself get surrounded to prevent your mages from being swamped.
Darfilla will use her Fire Breath charge since its Ranged Phase.
Morwen can use her Wand.

tibbius · #94 Post by **tibbius** » Sat Feb 22, 2025 10:30 pm

Dramm staggers, clenches his teeth, does all he can to carry the fight. Dramm Save / Reaction Roll [_2d6]=(4+3)=7

If that's good enough to keep going: Dramm Hit Dice + Potion of Heroism [_10d6]=(2+6+2+1+6+6+2+5+5+6)=41

Barnaby casts Cure Wounds on Dramm. I think he has enough sp left for that? Barnaby Spell Dice [_2d6]=(4+6)=10

scarik · #95 Post by **scarik** » Sat Feb 22, 2025 11:13 pm

tibbius wrote: ↑Sat Feb 22, 2025 10:30 pm Dramm staggers, clenches his teeth, does all he can to carry the fight. Dramm Save / Reaction Roll [_2d6]=(4+3)=7

If that's good enough to keep going: Dramm Hit Dice + Potion of Heroism [_10d6]=(2+6+2+1+6+6+2+5+5+6)=41

Barnaby casts Cure Wounds on Dramm. I think he has enough sp left for that? Barnaby Spell Dice [_2d6]=(4+6)=10

Dramm has +4 (Con, Heroic, Bless, Inspire) to this save. He takes a Major Effect which I will say here are his shield is shattered and he is knocked down. He loses his helmet for dramatic effect as well but he can get back up and charge to rejoin. He is not wounded but he is still at 0hp.
Barnaby dropped back to avoid being trampled. (he is with the others now and fighting for his life as well) Even if he weren't Cure Wounds is still a touch spell. He's much to squishy for this fight.

roobeastie · #96 Post by **roobeastie** » Sat Feb 22, 2025 11:40 pm

Morwen trusts Macnav to keep her safe even when the odds are stacked against them. She catches his eye and gives a little nod before concentrating on calling forth Lightning Bolt to take out some of the kobolds swarming them.

CarrieVS · #97 Post by **CarrieVS** » Sat Feb 22, 2025 11:52 pm

Faced with the kobold horde, Earnan shoulders his bow and draws his sword, taking his stand beside Macnav to try to hold them off from the mages and the panic-struck dwarves. Though he cuts down several, it scarcely makes a dent in the tide as dragonspawn rush forward faster than they can slay them.

When the Ravenkin charges ahead, Earnan almost follows, but checks himself before he leaves their more vulnerable comrades exposed. He takes a half-step to the side, trying to fill both of their places, but there are so many of them. Had he a moment's breathing space, he could render a dozen or more helpless, but as he has no such luxury he leaves the magic to Morwen.

Earnan melee [_4d6]=(5+1+1+1)=8 ... that is bad. Still, the main thing is to soak as many of their attacks as I can without leaving the line.

Leitz · #98 Post by **Leitz** » Sat Feb 22, 2025 11:54 pm

Ji-ho

"Si-woo, gugmin yeoleobun!" Ji-ho commanded as he pushed his burned and battered body forward. The others were wounded worse, and sorely pressed. Jing Ji-ho, though, could draw the beast's attention to himself. To give the others a chance. "You filthy, pitiful beast! I watch you die, and laugh! You are dead! You are defeated! Look around you, you stupid worm: Dawi, Ravenkin, Elf, and Humans have defeated you! Tales of you will make other dragons ashamed to be called your kind!"

JJh attack [_10d6]=(3+4+3+3+2+4+1+6+4+6)=36
[6, 6, 4, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3, 2, 1]

Si-woo

Understanding the words, and wanting to obey, were two totally different things. From childhood, it was the same. One brash youth going forward into harm's way, the other ensuring that others were taken care of. That there was someone left to be heroic for. "The People" was the rally cry: the other children to be protected when maurading bands of munchkin miscreants were trying to steal food or make trouble. The weaker teens when everyone was in the field against scraggly bandits desperate for an easy win. And the families, when parents were older and slower, or infants were younger and less organized, than whatever threatened.

"It will breath, we will shield the others. Rolton, you will charge forward as soon as it breathes. Drotik and I will shoot, and then Drotik will clear the kobolds behind us. Steady, men! Do your duty."

Si-woo is +1 for this attack, due to Morale "Rally". He will shoot, and will remain at the door and use his shield to protect those behind him.
Si-woo attack [_5d6]=(3+4+1+5+4)=17
[5, 4, 4, 3, 1]

Drotik

It was, really, time to retire. At least, to take a well deserved break and build a family. Maja loved him and he loved her; she deserved a husband more than she deserved a far away grave. Drotik had served well, and he had his orders. His duty. And then he would speak to Lord Jing, when this was done. But right now, it wasn't quite done.

Drotik is +1 for this attack, due to Morale "Rally". Until he shoots, he will remain at the door and use his shield to protect those behind him. As soon as he has shot he will turn to clear the exit path.
Drotik attack [_4d6]=(4+4+4+3)=15
[4, 4, 4, 3]

Rolton

A knight defends others. Rolton brought up his battered shield and set his feet to resist the flame and prepare for his charge. Darfilla's charred favor hung on by a thread, but it was still there. She was behind him. Drotik and Si-woo would see her safe. Rolton knew why Si-woo sent him forward, and allowed himself a grim smile. Rolton was immune to kobolds due to the potion, but his reputation, his honor, was tainted by his past. By his father's unwillingness to take responsibility for his actions. Sir Rolton would stand beside his lord as they fought a dragon. Live or die, it mattered not. There was no one in the entire kingdom who could gainsay him after today. In his heart he loved Darfilla, and oddly enough, respected her. He didn't understand her in the least, but if he lived then they would talk of the future. Together.

Rolton attack [_5d6]=(5+3+3+4+2)=17
[5, 4, 3, 3, 2]

Hemia

"Morwen, kill the d**n dragon! We've got this!" Hemia yelled. She wasn't sure what was going on with the kobolds, but they had responded to the dragon's call. Kill the dragon, kill their will to fight.

Hemia attack [_3d6]=(5+4+4)=13
[5, 4, 4]

Darfilla

Flame at the ready, Darfilla focused on using it to best advantage.

roobeastie · #99 Post by **roobeastie** » Sun Feb 23, 2025 1:09 am

Morwen heard Hemia's plea and immediately stopped what she was doing to move to the doorway so she can get a good view of the dragon. Once she had the beast within her sights, she used her wand to cast Magic Missle at the dragon.

scarik · #100 Post by **scarik** » Sun Feb 23, 2025 1:40 am

roobeastie wrote: ↑Sun Feb 23, 2025 1:09 am Morwen heard Hemia's plea and immediately stopped what she was doing to move to the doorway so she can get a good view of the dragon. Once she had the beast within her sights, she used her wand to cast Magic Missle at the dragon.

I'll allow it.

The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Re: The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Re: The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Re: The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Re: The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Re: The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Re: The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Re: The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Re: The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Re: The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Re: The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Re: The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Re: The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Re: The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Re: The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Re: The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Re: The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Re: The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Re: The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Re: The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)

Re: The Last Watchfort (Summer 669)