Epic Level Game - Chapter 3

[DM7581]

Leena by all means, give them hell! (Arcivus has his action readied as well)

readied action:
1) 8+16 = 24, (1d8)5+12+(1d8)6 = 23

Remember that she has a long ranged attack. Your melee attack (or even a thrown range attack) will have to wait at least another round for them to close in, unless you want to advance and meet them half way. You can re-do your action or ready another action.

Leena does not hesitate on Arcivus' words, however...

Even at the range and with the mist, Leena's arrow flies true, striking one of the smaller (hill) giants for 25 damage.

"We can engage them in conversation. I can teleport us away if we need a quick escape."

So much for talking.

Still waiting on Xavier and Nimm's actions, if any, before moving on.

--

Initiative:

Leena: 30
Giants: 20
Xavier: 16
Nimm: 14
Arcivus: 5

[Dr_Nimm]

I manipulate the nearby stone (wall of stone) and construct a little fort, 2 or 3 levels high w walls for cover on all levels and arrow slits, reinforcing the crucial areas. M sized entryways on either side. At the top I make a little keep, also w slits, from these slits is where I will launch attacks. Little stairs and ledges communicate to the levels.

"Take cover!" I run up to the little keep at the top

Active buffs :

.
Aid at level 4 to Danae, myself, and Arcivus.

In addition :

Aid at level 2 to Xavier, Leena, Reli.

Enhance ability : dexterity to myself (snorts stimulant powders).

"This combination of herbs used by local shamans and my proprietary chemicals target the occipital lobe of my brain, the visual cortex." (cast True Sight)

[Xavier Alexis]

As my bonus action, I activate Mantle of Joy (Soothing Presence) and grant Arcivus, Dr. Nimm and Leena 21 temporary hit points.

As my action, I activate Mind Thrust and inflict 4d10+8 (41) psychic damage on the same giant Leena struck once he is within the 120 foot range. A DC 22 Intelligence Save negates the damage.

[DM7581]

I manipulate the nearby stone (wall of stone) and construct a little fort, 2 or 3 levels high w walls for cover on all levels and arrow slits, reinforcing the crucial areas. M sized entryways on either side. At the top I make a little keep, also w slits, from these slits is where I will launch attacks. Little stairs and ledges communicate to the levels.

"Take cover!" I run up to the little keep at the top

Active buffs :

.
Aid at level 4 to Danae, myself, and Arcivus.

In addition :

Aid at level 2 to Xavier, Leena, Reli.

Enhance ability : dexterity to myself (snorts stimulant powders).

"This combination of herbs used by local shamans and my proprietary chemicals target the occipital lobe of my brain, the visual cortex." (cast True Sight)

The Wall of Stone must be composed up 10 10x10 ft panels (6 inch thick stone, AC 15, 180 HP) or 10 10x20 panels (3 inch thick stone, 90 HP). Let me know which you want to go with.

The spell cannot produce the intricacies of slits or spacing smaller than 10 feet, so you can use that for openings (and still use it for cover), but I will allow the stairs effect by introducing a slanted panel that connects the main, second, and third level.

I feel like I want to draw this out. Or you can...

As my bonus action, I activate Mantle of Joy (Soothing Presence) and grant Arcivus, Dr. Nimm and Leena 21 temporary hit points.

As my action, I activate Mind Thrust and inflict 4d10+8 (41) psychic damage on the same giant Leena struck once he is within the 120 foot range. A DC 22 Intelligence Save negates the damage.

The giant takes the full brunt of the damage and now their pace picks up...

Leena fires too more arrows and then takes cover behind the stone wall.

Leena: Good call on the... fortress, or whatever this is.

She strikes the same one twice, this time for 44 combined damage. The giant still stands, but loos very weak.

The giants then use their turn to close in on you, but also to assault Dr. Nimm's defense with boulders picked up scattered around the area.

Boulders start to fly, smashing into the walls all around you. Since only Nimm, Arcivus, and Leena could have acted (and moved) after the wall was erected, they all can take advantage of full cover. Xavier is limited to at most 3/4 cover.

I am trying to visualize this, but let's break down your 10 panels (i tried breaking this down with 10x10 panels and it didn't work, so you made 10 10x20 panels, 3 in thick):
-2 are being used for stairs.
-6 creating the front "face" of the wall
-1 each to create a platform for the second and third levels. Note that the platforms do not cover the whole floor.
The fort is about 50 feet across and 30 feet high. There are 3 5x5 ft openings on each level.

I drew it out (after multiple attempts). It looks kinda cool. I'll send a pic in Messenger.

Nonetheless, Xavier is struck by a stray boulder for 24, but the others collide into the wall. I am marking the sections 1-6 to keep track of damage. The attacks (randomly) struck these areas (numbered top left to bottom right):

Wall HP:
1: 39/90
2: 90/90
3: 90/90
4: 26/90
5: 22/90
6: 63/90

The bottom right panel is not looking too good. You also notice that there is a troll in the group that did not throw a boulder, but instead closed in closer to the group.

The troll is about 100 feet away, with the other giants (who take larger steps and almost keep up), about 120 feet away (20 feet behind the troll).

Suddenly, after all of that, a large fog appears a little ways in fron of the troll. It is just tall enough (about 20 feet) to cover it and also obscure line of sight to the remaining giants.

You also here loud, deep laughing echo through the cavern. It sounds like it may be coming from the giants, but it... maybe it isn't.

As an aside, Arcivus never reworked his last action, so feel free to redo it. After that, Xavier and then Nimm.

--

Initiative:

Leena: 30 (21 Temp HP, 15 Aid HP)
Giants: 20
Xavier: 16 (HP: 143/162 [Aid HP expended])
Nimm: 14 (21 Temp HP, 15 Aid HP))
???: 12 (don't worry about this little guy right here)
Arcivus: 5 (21 Temp HP, 15 Aid HP)

[DM7581]

Also, remember that Reli, Mr. Benson, and Danae are at the lower level so are not in this combat.

[Dr_Nimm]

Ten, 10x10 panels are more than enough to enclose all of us in a little fort, but sure.

The wall of stone description says I can crudely shape it to form "crenellations and battlements." So I do that as best as I'm. Able.

[Xavier Alexis]

I react to the boulder attack that struck me.

I activate Intellect Fortress (Psychic Backlash) and impose disadvantage on the attack. If the attack still succeeds, the attacker takes 2d10 (9) psychic damage.

[Ketiara]

I react to the boulder attack that struck me.

I activate Intellect Fortress (Psychic Backlash) and impose disadvantage on the attack. If the attack still succeeds, the attacker takes 2d10 (9) psychic damage.

Arcivus is impressed.
"From now on you are on rock bounce duty!"


He moves to an advantageous position. Perhaps on the wall readying attack if a giant moves within range.

[Dr_Nimm]

Wait it's my turn again?!

[DM7581]

I react to the boulder attack that struck me.

I activate Intellect Fortress (Psychic Backlash) and impose disadvantage on the attack. If the attack still succeeds, the attacker takes 2d10 (9) psychic damage.

The effect works and the boulder veers off target instead. I’ll update your HP.

Are you staying out in the open or moving to within the wall of fortress?

Arcivus is impressed.
"From now on you are on rock bounce duty!"


He moves to an advantageous position. Perhaps on the wall readying attack if a giant moves within range.

You can gain full cover with the wall, protecting you from all attacks.

Wait it's my turn again?!

Yup. Everyone went and now you.

[Xavier Alexis]

I will move to an area of the fortress granting me protection from attacks.

[Dr_Nimm]

I scan the incoming opponents, trying to use visual cues to deduce their possible strengths,attack options, or weaknesses. Perception 25.

[DM7581]

I will move to an area of the fortress granting me protection from attacks.

I won't be so forgiving next time with the clues.

Just kidding.

I scan the incoming opponents, trying to use visual cues to deduce their possible strengths,attack options, or weaknesses. Perception 25.

Basic giant tactics. Hit harder than the other guys.

I will give you some extra insight on this, though, since it was such a high roll.

You notice strange adornments (badges, medallions, etc.), almost religious in nature, being worn by all of them. With your deep knowledge of all things, Religion included, you would expect to recognize the symbol, but you do not. It seems like a novel symbol representing a cult or some sort of faction.

They may even follow another fake/aspiring god (similar to the Chromaticus business). Or maybe a god unknown to you. Well, no, not that because something like this would not be unknown to you.

Something else you notice...

Spoiler: Dr. Nimm only

Show

Amidst the lightning and thunder flashes, you can almost make out a massive figure within the swirling vortex of clouds above you, maybe 300 feet up. It is hard to make out much, do to the clouds/fog, but it is definitely humanoid in shape, not unlike a giant, but seems to be within and almost a part of the cloud and storms itself.

You immediately think storm giant, but they cannot fly aloft the way this one is... nor are they capable of blending in with the clouds. It seems to notice you and gives back a powerful stare. Then lightning flashes.

As was your glance, the figure is quickly obscured by the swirling clouds.

Moving on...

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning comes streaking down from the storm, right at Dr. Nimm. Dr. Nimm tries to avoid the blast, but takes 22 thunder damage.

Spoiler: Dr. Nimm again, no roll needed

Show

Should have been lightning damage type. That is no normal lightning.

Concentration check to uphold the Wall: 15+13=28 vs DC 11. No problem.

This is followed by what looks like a massive spear formed by the clouds. Again, striking at Dr. Nimm. This one hits for 20 damage. There does not seem to have been away to avoid this, even from behind the wall. Once it hits, fades into a thin mist and then vanishes.

Concentration check again... Nat 20. Good to go.

So now everyone definitely knows that something is UP. Literally. Just not sure what.

Arcivus, giants approach on the ground, yet something is wreaking havoc from above. You go.

--

Initiative:

Leena: 30 (21 Temp HP, 15 Aid HP)
Giants: 20
Xavier: 16 (HP: 155/162)
Nimm: 14 (HP: 177/183)
???: 12 (don't worry about this little guy right here)
Arcivus: 5 (21 Temp HP, 15 Aid HP)

[Ketiara]

I won't be so forgiving next time with the clues.

Just kidding.



Basic giant tactics. Hit harder than the other guys.

I will give you some extra insight on this, though, since it was such a high roll.

You notice strange adornments (badges, medallions, etc.), almost religious in nature, being worn by all of them. With your deep knowledge of all things, Religion included, you would expect to recognize the symbol, but you do not. It seems like a novel symbol representing a cult or some sort of faction.

They may even follow another fake/aspiring god (similar to the Chromaticus business). Or maybe a god unknown to you. Well, no, not that because something like this would not be unknown to you.

Something else you notice...

Spoiler: Dr. Nimm only

Show

Amidst the lightning and thunder flashes, you can almost make out a massive figure within the swirling vortex of clouds above you, maybe 300 feet up. It is hard to make out much, do to the clouds/fog, but it is definitely humanoid in shape, not unlike a giant, but seems to be within and almost a part of the cloud and storms itself.

You immediately think storm giant, but they cannot fly aloft the way this one is... nor are they capable of blending in with the clouds. It seems to notice you and gives back a powerful stare. Then lightning flashes.

As was your glance, the figure is quickly obscured by the swirling clouds.

Moving on...

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning comes streaking down from the storm, right at Dr. Nimm. Dr. Nimm tries to avoid the blast, but takes 22 thunder damage.

Spoiler: Dr. Nimm again, no roll needed

Show

Should have been lightning damage type. That is no normal lightning.

Concentration check to uphold the Wall: 15+13=28 vs DC 11. No problem.

This is followed by what looks like a massive spear formed by the clouds. Again, striking at Dr. Nimm. This one hits for 20 damage. There does not seem to have been away to avoid this, even from behind the wall. Once it hits, fades into a thin mist and then vanishes.

Concentration check again... Nat 20. Good to go.

So now everyone definitely knows that something is UP. Literally. Just not sure what.

Arcivus, giants approach on the ground, yet something is wreaking havoc from above. You go.

--

Initiative:

Leena: 30 (21 Temp HP, 15 Aid HP)
Giants: 20
Xavier: 16 (HP: 155/162)
Nimm: 14 (HP: 177/183)
???: 12 (don't worry about this little guy right here)
Arcivus: 5 (21 Temp HP, 15 Aid HP)

As the giants approach Arcivus says a short prayer: (cast bless at 2nd level to target everyone). And then settles into a battle stance awaiting the onslaught

[Dr_Nimm]

I toss two alchemical bombs (fire), one as action and one as bonus action w swift bombs feature. I target the first troll.

Hit 20- 28 damage
Hit 35 29 damage

"Mr Benson, take cover inside the lower fort level. Rupert, return!" ::Rupert hops inside my embroidered red velvet smoking jacket::

[DM7581]

I toss two alchemical bombs (fire), one as action and one as bonus action w swift bombs feature. I target the first troll.

Hit 20- 28 damage
Hit 35 29 damage

"Mr Benson, take cover inside the lower fort level. Rupert, return!" ::Rupert hops inside my embroidered red velvet smoking jacket::

The troll is about 100 feet away and your bomb range is 30/120, so you have (double) disadvantage also including the fog/mist. Obviously disadvantage does not stack, but the first attack misses as a result. The second lands. All this does is infuriate the troll.

Fortunately, Leena cares little for trolls as well. She looses a pair of arrows as it continues to strut forward. Both hit for an even 50. The troll looks weak, but they are savage and fearless.

He charges forward, taking the dash action to close in. He is now within 40 feet.

The remaining giants do the same, as they see the explosive bombs and arrows being tossed your way, with little effect from their boulders. They too close within about 50-60 feet of you all.

This takes us to Xavier, and then Nimm.

You now have a better view of what you are up against. The lone troll advanced first, but the larger-stepping giants caught up real quick.

There are 3 hill giants, 2 frost giants, and a cloud giant, starting about 10 feet behind the troll.

The first rank are the hill giants, about 10 feet away from one another. Then, the 2 frost giants, about 10 feet behind them (20 feet apart). The furthest one is the cloud giant (maybe a total of 70 feet away).

--T--
H-H-H
-F--F-
--C--

Each "rank" and "-" is about 10 feet of distance.

Suddenly, the wind in your area starts to pick up. Some thundering can be heard from above as this happens. The wind strengthens into a focused blast that sweeps along the backside of the wall, catching everyone in its stream. This calls for a Str Save (DC 18) for everyone.

Dr. Nimm and Xavier fail and finds themselves flung across and out into the open, prone on the floor. The wind then suddenly dissipates. You both land about 15 feet away from the wall, on the left side. Arcivus and Leena are able to hold tight and resist the wind.

Up to Xavier and then Nimm. Remember that standing up from prone takes half of your move.

--

Initiative:

Leena: 30 (21 Temp HP, 15 Aid HP)
Giants: 20
Xavier: 16 (HP: 155/162)
Nimm: 14 (HP: 177/183)
Storm Cloud: 12
Arcivus: 5 (21 Temp HP, 15 Aid HP)

[DM7581]

I toss two alchemical bombs (fire), one as action and one as bonus action w swift bombs feature. I target the first troll.

Hit 20- 28 damage
Hit 35 29 damage

"Mr Benson, take cover inside the lower fort level. Rupert, return!" ::Rupert hops inside my embroidered red velvet smoking jacket::

Also, remember that Mr. Benson, along with Reli and Danae, are "safe" at the lower level so are not endangered here.

[Xavier Alexis]

First, I activate Light Step, which increases my move to 40 and allows me to stand up without expending any movement.

Next, I stand up.

Then, I activate Energy Beam (Fire) and inflict 4d8+8 (22) damage on the troll. A DC 22 Dexterity Save negates the damage.

Last, I take cover behind the wall, moving as close as possible to Arcivus.

"Regroup!"

[DM7581]

First, I activate Light Step, which increases my move to 40 and allows me to stand up without expending any movement.

Next, I stand up.

Then, I activate Energy Beam (Fire) and inflict 4d8+8 (22) damage on the troll. A DC 22 Dexterity Save negates the damage.

Last, I take cover behind the wall, moving as close as possible to Arcivus.

"Regroup!"

The troll takes the hit and snarls. He looks very weak and noticeably injured.

Dr. Nimm!

[Dr_Nimm]

I stand from prone and run into the fort. Chain lightning at the troll and 3 hill giants. 46 damage.

If I'm. Hit in melee I use reaction tho throw a flash pellet, giving disadvantage

[DM7581]

The troll is toast, and the 3 giants don't look to good either.

Another crack of thunder and lightning result in Dr. Nimm getting struck AGAIN by a mist-like javelin that dissipates once it strikes him. You take 19.

We go to Arcivus. Go!

--

Initiative:

Leena: 30 (21 Temp HP, 15 Aid HP)
Giants: 20
Xavier: 16 (HP: 155/162)
Nimm: 14 (HP: 158/183)
Storm Cloud: 12
Arcivus: 5 (21 Temp HP, 15 Aid HP)

[Ketiara]

Arcivus wait at the walls patiently for the giants to get within reach.

[Dr_Nimm]

"Mr Benson! Guard the entrance."

[DM7581]

Leena sees Arcivus standing fast.

Well, do something!

She fires off a few arrows at the hill giant in the middle. One misses (she was bound to roll a 1 eventually!), but the other tags it for 20.

The giants then hustle forward. The hill giants dash forward, and lower their shoulders. The ground begins to tremble as they thunder forward... At the same time, after seeing the hill giants blasted by the lightning, the 2 frost giants fan out to either side at a diagonal while the cloud giant pushes forward. They all hurl rocks over the hill giants' heads, which collide into the stone wall.

The hill giants finally close in and collide with the wall itself! Since some of these are of shaky integrity, I am calling for a Strength save to not get knocked prone (DC 16). All save except for Dr. Nimm, who finds himself once again on his back.

I'm not picking on you but the dice seem to be.

Suddenly, lightning flashes from above, and a massive thunderclap is heard, localized just behind you all. Xavier and Leena are both deafened by the clap, and hear nothing but ringing in their ears.

This is more of a role-playing hindrance, so even if Arcivus or Nimm try to shout orders/directives to you, you simply cannot hear them.

Quite a round. Next we move to Xavier and then Nimm. For reference the mini-fort is 30 feet high and 50 feet across.

--

Initiative:

Leena: 30 (21 Temp HP, 15 Aid HP)
Giants: 20 (2 Hill, 2 Frost, 1 Cloud)
Xavier: 16 (HP: 155/162)
Nimm: 14 (HP: 158/183)
Storm Cloud: 12
Arcivus: 5 (21 Temp HP, 15 Aid HP)

Wall HP:
1: 16/90
2: 90/90
3: 53/90
4: 26/90
5: 16/90
6: 22/90

[DM7581]

Leena sees Arcivus standing fast.

Well, do something!

She fires off a few arrows at the hill giant in the middle. One misses (she was bound to roll a 1 eventually!), but the other tags it for 20.

The giants then hustle forward. The hill giants dash forward, and lower their shoulders. The ground begins to tremble as they thunder forward... At the same time, after seeing the hill giants blasted by the lightning, the 2 frost giants fan out to either side at a diagonal while the cloud giant pushes forward. They all hurl rocks over the hill giants' heads, which collide into the stone wall.

The hill giants finally close in and collide with the wall itself! Since some of these are of shaky integrity, I am calling for a Strength save to not get knocked prone (DC 16). All save except for Dr. Nimm, who finds himself once again on his back.

I'm not picking on you but the dice seem to be.

Suddenly, lightning flashes from above, and a massive thunderclap is heard, localized just behind you all. Xavier and Leena are both deafened by the clap, and hear nothing but ringing in their ears.

This is more of a role-playing hindrance, so even if Arcivus or Nimm try to shout orders/directives to you, you simply cannot hear them.

Quite a round. Next we move to Xavier and then Nimm. For reference the mini-fort is 30 feet high and 50 feet across.

--

Initiative:

Leena: 30 (21 Temp HP, 15 Aid HP)
Giants: 20 (2 Hill, 2 Frost, 1 Cloud)
Xavier: 16 (HP: 155/162)
Nimm: 14 (HP: 158/183)
Storm Cloud: 12
Arcivus: 5 (21 Temp HP, 15 Aid HP)

Wall HP:
1: 16/90
2: 90/90
3: 53/90
4: 26/90
5: 16/90
6: 22/90

Correction: the leftmost hill giant had taken some hits and went down with the chain lightning. There are only 2 remaining instead of 3.

[Xavier Alexis]

As my bonus action, I change my psychic focus to Psychic Assault, granting me a +2 damage bonus on talents that inflict psychic damage.

Then, I target one of the charging hill giants.

I activate Mind Thrust and inflict 4d10+8+2 (40) psychic damage on my target. A DC 22 Intelligence Save negates the damage.

[Ketiara]

Leena sees Arcivus standing fast.

Well, do something!

She fires off a few arrows at the hill giant in the middle. One misses (she was bound to roll a 1 eventually!), but the other tags it for 20.

The giants then hustle forward. The hill giants dash forward, and lower their shoulders. The ground begins to tremble as they thunder forward... At the same time, after seeing the hill giants blasted by the lightning, the 2 frost giants fan out to either side at a diagonal while the cloud giant pushes forward. They all hurl rocks over the hill giants' heads, which collide into the stone wall.

The hill giants finally close in and collide with the wall itself! Since some of these are of shaky integrity, I am calling for a Strength save to not get knocked prone (DC 16). All save except for Dr. Nimm, who finds himself once again on his back.

I'm not picking on you but the dice seem to be.

Suddenly, lightning flashes from above, and a massive thunderclap is heard, localized just behind you all. Xavier and Leena are both deafened by the clap, and hear nothing but ringing in their ears.

This is more of a role-playing hindrance, so even if Arcivus or Nimm try to shout orders/directives to you, you simply cannot hear them.

Quite a round. Next we move to Xavier and then Nimm. For reference the mini-fort is 30 feet high and 50 feet across.

--

Initiative:

Leena: 30 (21 Temp HP, 15 Aid HP)
Giants: 20 (2 Hill, 2 Frost, 1 Cloud)
Xavier: 16 (HP: 155/162)
Nimm: 14 (HP: 158/183)
Storm Cloud: 12
Arcivus: 5 (21 Temp HP, 15 Aid HP)

Wall HP:
1: 16/90
2: 90/90
3: 53/90
4: 26/90
5: 16/90
6: 22/90

Is it even possible for me to get within range while standing on top of the wall? And damn I thought I had readied an action, but I see that the last thing I did was cast bless 1 round ago.

[DM7581]

As my bonus action, I change my psychic focus to Psychic Assault, granting me a +2 damage bonus on talents that inflict psychic damage.

Then, I target one of the charging hill giants.

I activate Mind Thrust and inflict 4d10+8+2 (40) psychic damage on my target. A DC 22 Intelligence Save negates the damage.

I will assume you target the one that Leena had been after. It still stands, but is very noticeably injured.

Is it even possible for me to get within range while standing on top of the wall? And damn I thought I had readied an action, but I see that the last thing I did was cast bless 1 round ago.

You could have maneuvered in front of the wall and readied for an attack against an enemy, though you probably would have been targeted for all 3 boulders and a melee attack, or even readied an action to move upon their approach... the Ready action is tricky, because if the triggered action does not occur, you basically waste an action.

--

Waiting on Dr. Nimm.

[Dr_Nimm]

I stand from prone, maintaining cover as best available.

Fire bomb at the most seemingly injured hill giant, followed by bonus action fire bomb. Both rolled 29 dmg.

Hit roll/dmg
34/29
21/29

Also, int or knowledge check: what the hell is that annoying thing above us? Based on its appearance and powers it launched against us, I try to guess.

D20 roll 8. +7 int bonus. If it's not just an int check, I get another +5.

Dr. Nimm scratches his half bald head on this one.

[DM7581]

I stand from prone, maintaining cover as best available.

Fire bomb at the most seemingly injured hill giant, followed by bonus action fire bomb. Both rolled 29 dmg.

Hit roll/dmg
34/29
21/29

Also, int or knowledge check: what the hell is that annoying thing above us? Based on its appearance and powers it launched against us, I try to guess.

D20 roll 8. +7 int bonus. If it's not just an int check, I get another +5.

Dr. Nimm scratches his half bald head on this one.

There is a giant that is very weak. You can easily take him out.

But I will give you a choice. You can use your action for the Int check to try to cross-reference what this thing is in your book. You have a "its on the tip of my tongue" feeling about it, but can't quite place it. Not passively at least. You are pretty sure there is something in the giants section of your book. FYI, there is a "section" for almost everything in the tome, which is a large book, but not nearly as large as it should be considering how much content is in it.