Watchfort Reclamation Continued, Spring 669.

[Leitz]

Ah, sorry for the confusion, I thought we were already in Room #4. So, a human can stand and shoot the runepriest, thane, and champion because they are on the raised dias, correct? We can see the eyes of the wights.

Can a second human, like Si-woo, stand behind JJh and use him for cover while shooting? At the moment JJh is thinking to act on Morwen's comment, have the Invulnerability, and then shoot the runepriest. If Si-woo can join him then so much the better.

@CarrieVS, Roobeastie, apologies for my mess up on the spells.

@tibbius, will your action stand?

[scarik]

You can shoot from the door, yes. Si-woo can then use his invulnerable cousin for cover. But you are not in short range for your longbows. The shortest diagonal is 70'.

JJh's Captain roll will snap Gurav out of it for the next round.

I must also apologize for a mistake. The Wight Thane has a magic axe.

Revised Enemy:
40 Skeletons (2HD, Melee, heavily armed, large shields and one-handed weapons)
25 Skeletons (2HD, Heavy Xbows, well armed, small shields and light weapons)
10 Skeletons (2HD, Thunderers, well armed, one-handed axes used in two hands)

All wights are immune to mundane weapons, and attack as if they had magical weapons)
8 Wights (4HD, 7hp, heavily armed, 4 with greataxes, 4 with axes and large shields)
1 Wight Cleric (6HD, 8hp, well armed, runed hammer, runed shield bolster undead: all Turn Undead rolls get -2 and total undead turned are reduced by his HD in addition to the penalties for the area)
1 Wight Champion (8HD, 11hp, heavily armed, runed greataxe)
1 Wight Lord (8HD, 11hp, heavily armed, magic axe, magic heavy armor, runed large shield)

[Leitz]

With warlike gaze, Dramm establishes the quickest route to reach the Thane. He moves to cut his way along it. Dramm Hit Dice [_6d6]=(2+5+2+3+6+1)=19

Barnaby moves with Dramm, and belches flame against the nearest hostile undead.

Given the updated information, I think this action will take Dramm and Barnaby outside of the Light, Bless, and Protection spells. While Dramm is suitable for the wights, doing so without spell protection would likely end in his and Barnaby's deaths.

[Leitz]

You can shoot from the door, yes. Si-woo can then use his invulnerable cousin for cover. But you are not in short range for your longbows. The shortest diagonal is 70'.

I was thinking 81-ish, but that's still in the Med (50) to Long (100) range band.

Code: Select all

>>> import math
>>> math.hypot(7,4)
8.06225774829855

That gives a -1, but the targets are stationary (+1), Bless (+1), First round bonus (+1), Heroic (+1), and Pussiance (+2 JJh, +1 Sw). Well armed vs Well armored required 5+. With the given rolls, hopefully that resolves the runepriest issue. It's still a big challenge fight and I'm not sure how it's going to turn out. My biggest concern is that we don't make them focus enough and they try to flank us. That's still solvable, but risky.

[scarik]

That gives a -1, but the targets are stationary (+1), Bless (+1), First round bonus (+1), Heroic (+1), and Pussiance (+2 JJh, +1 Sw). Well armed vs Well armored required 5+. With the given rolls, hopefully that resolves the runepriest issue. It's still a big challenge fight and I'm not sure how it's going to turn out. My biggest concern is that we don't make them focus enough and they try to flank us. That's still solvable, but risky.

There is no bonus for 'stationary' its for 'motionless'. Heroic is a wash because these are also Heroic enemies. You get a -1 for him having a shield and another for the low light as well.
Total negatives are -3
Bless, First Round bonus gives +2. With Puissance Jiho is at +1 and Siwoo is at +0
Jiho hits on 4+, Siwoo on 5+ with your rolls that's 3 from JJh and 1 from JSw.

[Leitz]

That gives a -1, but the targets are stationary (+1), Bless (+1), First round bonus (+1), Heroic (+1), and Pussiance (+2 JJh, +1 Sw). Well armed vs Well armored required 5+. With the given rolls, hopefully that resolves the runepriest issue. It's still a big challenge fight and I'm not sure how it's going to turn out. My biggest concern is that we don't make them focus enough and they try to flank us. That's still solvable, but risky.

There is no bonus for 'stationary' its for 'motionless'. Heroic is a wash because these are also Heroic enemies. You get a -1 for him having a shield and another for the low light as well.
Total negatives are -3
Bless, First Round bonus gives +2. With Puissance Jiho is at +1 and Siwoo is at +0
Jiho hits on 4+, Siwoo on 5+ with your rolls that's 3 from JJh and 1 from JSw.

The new missile process is great and I had forgotten about how shields are now done. Can I get a re-eval on the lighting though? Since their eyes are glowing we have a bright neon sign for a target.

[scarik]

The new missile process is great and I had forgotten about how shields are now done. Can I get a re-eval on the lighting though? Since their eyes are glowing we have a bright neon sign for a target.

I can add the 'darkness' penalty as well as 'shadows' if you prefer. Outside the radius of your light spell the darkness is nearly physical. The Wights glowing is what let's you have any chance to see them.

[scarik]

Last call for thoughts and options. Tomorrow I will use what you've said so far to put plan into action.

[Leitz]

Hemia will move near the door, but not in it, so that she is protected but the area of Bless covers those in the door.

Hopefully there are other missiles that can be used in this round, maybe Macnav or Hodlar? The sooner we take out the runepriest the quicker we have a chance of surviving.

[CarrieVS]

Earnan will move to where he can to shoot at the runepriest (with a magical arrow) and not block the doorway, if possible without putting himself on the front line, unless anyone requests any spells or other actions from him.
(I assume we're going in through just the north door? If we wanted to make a 2-pronged attack the second group would probably be outside the protective/buff spells - though Earnan could help partially there. I further assume we have no means to shut the portcullis to the southern door - to avoid being flanked - since these things are generally controlled from the most inward side.)

[scarik]

Hodlar is with the other Dwarves in the grip of despair. We will come back to him.

Macnav can throw a javelin (or both, but then he is done fighting vs wights).
Earnan can use his bow, and you are correct the portcullis is controlled from Chamber 4.

[roobeastie]

Morwen has a scroll of Haste that she can use. Otherwise, I think it would be best if Macnav either waited for a much better shot (getting as many wights as possible in a line) or saved his lightning javelins for melee, since the lightning effect becomes one use only if their thrown.

I suppose Morwen could try to magic missle some of the skeletons to get them to move away from the wights and create an opening for Macnav and the others. Or, Morwen can use her lightning bolt to take out some skeletons and hopefully hit a wight or two.

[scarik]

Earnan Missile attack [_3d6]=(6+1+3)=10 1 hit.
That's 5 hits vs the Runepriest.

I will say you hold off on spells at this point to get better opportunities, plus things are about to happen with your allies...

The party unleashes precise arrows onto the Wight Priest and despite his shield he staggers back under the attack but is not yet defeated. In response to the attack the Wights reform their position and the guards take up positions on the dais to cover the leaders. It is no longer possible to pick out which Wight is which in the darkness and further missile attacks will likely be intercepted by the shielded Wight guards.

But in the room behind them Jing Ji-ho's exaltations have roused Gurav's Household and so Borav grabs his Thane by the helm and headbutts him with his own iron helm while Korev hauls his lord bodily to his feet.

"Dammaz!" Borav shouts with all the volume he can muster as the runes glow upon his armor.

Gurav shakes his head and returns to his senses but his priest isn't done and once more Borav calls out, "Gurav Graka! The Ancestors call to you! I can hear their cries in the Deep! Dammaz, dammaz," the Runepriest shouts until the runes on his and the other Dawis' armor blaze in the darkness. Then, with the power of his rune magic behind him, Borav once more roars, "DAMMAZ!"

With that final command the haunted fort seems to shudder and the living Dawi respond to the call with furious purpose. 'Dammaz!' they cry, over and over, and beat their shields and stamp their feet. As they do the skeletons begin to join in. At first it is no more than a rustle of rusted maille and old wood, but within moments it grows. Such is their righteous focus that rust peels away from iron and dust flies from long forgotten wood. The sound fills the room, ever more lively with each refrain of 'Dammaz, Dammaz!' (Grudge/Oath).

Caught up in the rush of emotion the Dawi continue the chant and move to enter the next chamber heedless of the enemy advantage in defense. Filled with fury Thane Graka turns to his dead kin and extols them in the language of his folk.

When he does there is another shudder as if a warm wind is blowing and suddenly the room begins to glow with bluish light. The skeletons, once nothing but old bones, take up that glow and where the maille had hung listlessly over bone it begins to rise as if held by Dawi muscle. Soon the entire force is affected and their voices begin to return. Soft at first, held back by the grave, but quickly gaining volume until two dozen skeletons find full voices.

"DAMMAZ!" they shout, and hurl back the unholy darkness with the ferocity of their faith. Where once there was nothing but bones now stands two dozen Dawi warriors with flesh made of rage.

The transformation stuns the party, (especially Morwen) and before they can regain their composure the troop surges into the next chamber and engages the Fallen Dawi in battle.


40 Skeletons
25 Skeleton Xbows
10 Skeleton Thunderers

8 Wights 4HD 7/7hp
1 Wight Cleric 6HD, 3/8hp
1 Wight Champion 8HD, 11/11hp
1 Wight Lord 8HD, 11/11hp

[scarik]

During this battle the area is reduced from Blighted to Shadowed. This means those in the area of Bless are normal. The Wight Priest still Bolsters the undead but aside from that Turn Undead has no issues.

Your undead are empowered and will meet the enemy skeletons. If left alone they will fight at 2:1 strength. With Ji-ho and Dramm drinking the Invulnerability potions you now only have to fight the Wights.

[Leitz]

Morwen has a scroll of Haste that she can use. Otherwise, I think it would be best if Macnav either waited for a much better shot (getting as many wights as possible in a line) or saved his lightning javelins for melee, since the lightning effect becomes one use only if their thrown.

I suppose Morwen could try to magic missle some of the skeletons to get them to move away from the wights and create an opening for Macnav and the others. Or, Morwen can use her lightning bolt to take out some skeletons and hopefully hit a wight or two.

In the first round everyone had a clear shot at the runepriest, so Morwen and Macnav could do damage to him. The wights are on a dias and we have line of sight. If it can be retconned then 3 HP will take the runepriest to 0.

Dramm has Oil of sharpness on his sword and good offensive capability. He also has more HP that anyone else, so casting Haste on him might be the best choice.

Fixed my earlier post's spells and Dramm reference. This post is based on what I understand, please correct me if I err.

Jiho

If Jiho knew much more about undead than "re-kill them before they kill you" he would be completely awed by what just happened to the two dozen Dawi skeletons Morwen had commanded. In this case ignorance was useful; he was able to put new life into his people's attack. So to speak.

"Dramm, form up with me and move slowly. We are the shield to defend everyone else until we are in melee. Give us all time to shoot the wights, then Korev will hurl a barrel and Barnaby can flame it right before melee contact." Jiho's command voice was strong.

He himself was committed; the group was at their strongest, the missiles would weaken the wights, and the enemy skeletons were dealt with for the moment. Morwen, Macnav and Erikir held the retreat path if one was needed, but if this battle could be won then they would win it right now.

"Hemia, Oil arrows for me, Si-woo, Earnan, and Hodlar. Korev, prepare to throw a barrel at the wights, team up with Barnaby. Gurav, Sharpen your throwing weapons and launch just before melee. Stay within five paces of Hemia at all times, everyone!"

IIUC then if those centered on Hemia move forward 20', and Morwen stays put in the door, then next round Morwen will be outside of the range of the Bless and less hindered by it. However, She and Macnav will be protected by the group in front of them, and thus not at risk for melee.

Assuming that all is close to correct, JJh and Si-woo shoot the wights. Hoping to hit the run priest, but...
JJh shoot wight group [_6d6]=(3+3+5+6+1+6)=24
Si-woo shoot wight group [_5d6]=(3+5+5+2+6)=21

[roobeastie]

Right-o, Macnav will throw one of his lightning javelins, and if needs be, Morwen will use her Scroll of Lightning Bolt. If the Wight Priest goes down she will cast haste on: Macnav, Dramm, Ji-ho, Earnan and Si-woo

Macnav Javelin Hit [_5d6]=(3+1+6+5+4)=19

Macnav Lightning Bolt [_5d6]=(1+4+4+3+3)=15

[scarik]

Resolving Macnav's attack. Hit gets 2 hits with the javelin throw and then it bursts into a bolt of lightning that travels up to 60' and bounces off the walls and rebounds.

Wight Runepriest Save vs Lightning [2d6]=8 He gets +1 for being Heroic, +1 for being Dawi and -1 for Macnav being Heroic. That's a 9 which means he takes damage on 4+. That's 2 more so he's down.

From the path I will rule that it also hits half the wights, the Thane and 1d6 skeletons
Wight Thane Save vs Lightning [2d6]=9 He needs 5 to be hurt so takes no damage.
Wights Save vs Lightning [2d6]=12 [2d6]=3 [2d6]=7 [2d6]=3 The 12 takes no damage, the 7 takes 2 and the 3s each take 4.
Skeletons hit by Lightning [1d6]=2 Which are destroyed regardless of save.

Morwen uses her Scroll of Haste.
The hasted creatures move and act twice as quickly as normal, double their normal movement rate and attack with an additional HD for the duration of the spell.
When the spell ends the targets are Exhausted.

38 Skeleton Melee
25 Skeleton Xbows
10 Skeleton Thunderers

3 Wight Greataxes 4HD 7/7hp
1 Wight Greataxes 4HD 5/7hp
2 Wight Axe and Shield 4HD 7/7hp
2 Wight Axe and Shield 4HD 3/7hp
1 Wight Cleric 6HD, -1/8hp
1 Wight Champion 8HD, 11/11hp
1 Wight Thane 8HD, 11/11hp

Wight Fight Bolt.jpg (87.73 KiB) Viewed 628 times

[/ooc]

[CarrieVS]

Earnan nocks another enchanted arrow and advances, keeping the two invulnerable warriors and the newly-invigorated dead between him and the enemy. Even elven eyes struggle to pick out the real target amongst the tightly-clustered wights, but he takes the best opportunity he can to aim, draw, and try to wound at least one of them.

Earnan shoot wights [_3d6]=(6+4+5)=15
I believe I'm using another actual magic arrow this round, rather than an oiled one which I don't have yet.

[Leitz]

Earnan nocks another enchanted arrow and advances, keeping the two invulnerable warriors and the newly-invigorated dead between him and the enemy. Even elven eyes struggle to pick out the real target amongst the tightly-clustered wights, but he takes the best opportunity he can to aim, draw, and try to wound at least one of them.

Earnan shoot wights [_3d6]=(6+4+5)=15
I believe I'm using another actual magic arrow this round, rather than an oiled one which I don't have yet.

We're moving slow, and Hemia isn't doing anything but oiling arrows. Up to scarik if you have one of those yet or not.

[Leitz]

How long does Haste last?