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Username Commander
 4958 Posts




 | | 06/29/2006 3:37 PM |
| Sounds like the wizard needed a safe, 1000 lbs weight and a grand piano in his bag of holding to do any proper damage
[:o)]
| | Originally posted by Schooly_D Username - he deals in minis Champion of Lhesh Haruuc Shaarat'kor | |
| Can of the Cave Beer Commander
 2838 Posts




 | | 06/29/2006 8:38 PM |
| Oh, man.
That was just too much. I can almost imagine the looks that D(a/u/i)nforth's player must have been giving! Three characters in one game! That's got to be some sort of record.
Excellent read as usual, Shoe. | | Champion of the Werewolf Lord, Knight of Anything Duergar, and Squire of Things Gnollish List reset with the start of previews for each new set...got Chainmail®? | |
| Daezarkian Sneak
 110 Posts




 | | 06/29/2006 11:10 PM |
| That has to be the best update yet -- sounds like a fantastic time! Long live the Chainyielding D's!
Daezarkian Demonic Accountant | | Daezarkian Demonic Accountant | |
| Korhal_IV Sergeant
 852 Posts




 | | 06/29/2006 11:56 PM |
| | Niiice session report. [:D] | | I now have a Have/Want list updated with all my rares! Stop by to take a look! Trade References: www.maxminis.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8560 | |
| Zeb Underboss
 2026 Posts




 | | 06/30/2006 4:30 AM |
| quote: Originally posted by zenthrus
Danforth and his endless stream of similarly-trained brothers is pretty hilarious too...
That's the reason I require character trees (one PC in play and two in the wings, just in case)...good read nonetheless! Maybe you should video tape your sessions...[:p][}:)][)] | | Email Offers | Trade History Champion of the Frost Giant Jarl "Pray that you meet death standing on your feet, rather than on your knees." | |
| griffrat Commander
 3502 Posts




 | | 06/30/2006 7:10 AM |
| Most excellent read. I am almost finished with the terrain for this module. I have been bulding some buildings (burnt out and ruined) and wall sections for this encounter with the Red Dragon. It should be an interesting fight (overall module) with the terrain and other 3d models providing cover and concealment and the use of tactics for the Red Hand forces as they are a highly trained and driven force.
Shoe (or anyone) have you noticed PCs using cover? I know that Zeb's group has former military folk and being former military myself I always have the creatures make an Int/Wis check to use cover and concealment. But, it seems some of my PCs rarely use cover to there advantage. Just throwing this observation out there....
looking forward to the next episode | | griffrat's pics////griffrat's Lijue tales (D&D game) Completed Trades(60+) pending trades (0) [][][][][][][][][][]DISPUTED TRADE THREAD | |
| Korhal_IV Sergeant
 852 Posts




 | | 07/06/2006 7:46 PM |
| | My group has just TPK'ed in Rhest. We've restarted with an almost exclusively fighter bunch, compared to the previous all-caster group, and I'm having them chase down a cult inside Brindol to eat up a few days before they set out for Part III. | | I now have a Have/Want list updated with all my rares! Stop by to take a look! Trade References: www.maxminis.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8560 | |
| TYGRHobbes Sneak
 149 Posts




 | | 07/10/2006 8:48 PM |
| | I ran the final battle in Brindol for my players. Only two people died. Of course those were the two that rushed Kharn and then were promptly surrounded by his entourage. It's a good thing Wyrmlord Kharn doesn't allow the Hill Giants or Ogres to fight, else it would have been a TPK. Wyrmlord Saarvith did survive from Rhest and didn't obey Kharn. He put quite the hurt on the PCs with his ranged attacks, that's what killed one of the elf PCs. Skather was pretty nasty too before that battle. All in all, the whole Battle of Brindol part was very enjoyable and well written. On a side note, Miha survived to make it to the final battle. She put the hurt on the captain of the guard, Lars, by casting Tasha's laughter on him. Every time his turn came up I'd convey to the PCs that he was rolling on the floor laughing at them [:D] | | Champion of the Lamia www.tygrhobbes.com | |
| glauron Underboss
 1379 Posts



 Sydney, Australia
 | | 07/10/2006 9:04 PM |
| He there Shoe.
Question.
Can a rogue actually sneak attack a dragon? Seems a very friendly DM call to me.
Cheers
| | I have always been here. | |
| griffrat Commander
 3502 Posts




 | | 07/11/2006 7:55 AM |
| quote: Originally posted by Korhal_IV
My group has just TPK'ed in Rhest. We've restarted with an almost exclusively fighter bunch, compared to the previous all-caster group, and I'm having them chase down a cult inside Brindol to eat up a few days before they set out for Part III.
Rhest from what I am looking at can be opne of the most brutal parts. Not saying that things aren't rough all the way through! But with the water, the lizard folk and the lack of cover. The PCs need to scout this area extensively, IMHO. Then by watching and waiting make the moves.....Gawd, I can't wait to run this mod!!!
| | griffrat's pics////griffrat's Lijue tales (D&D game) Completed Trades(60+) pending trades (0) [][][][][][][][][][]DISPUTED TRADE THREAD | |
|  zenthrus Commander
 4591 Posts



 SLC, UT
 | | 07/11/2006 12:41 PM |
| quote: Originally posted by glauron Can a rogue actually sneak attack a dragon? Seems a very friendly DM call to me.
Why wouldn't a rogue be able to sneak attack a dragon? Dragons have discernable anatomy (the head's where the head's supposed to be, etc) and aren't immune to flanking/sneak attacks/critical hits. Even if the dragon is aware of the rogue, providing the rogue is flanking they still get their sneak attack damage. | | Knight Warlord a.k.a. Commander (#32) in only 6 months. Where's my pie? Champion of Dwarven Thunderlashers Knight of the Large Dire Chicken Have/Want List Trade References | |
| maijstral Underboss
 2105 Posts



 | | 07/11/2006 12:42 PM |
| quote: Originally posted by griffrat
quote: Originally posted by Korhal_IV
My group has just TPK'ed in Rhest. We've restarted with an almost exclusively fighter bunch, compared to the previous all-caster group, and I'm having them chase down a cult inside Brindol to eat up a few days before they set out for Part III.
Rhest from what I am looking at can be opne of the most brutal parts. Not saying that things aren't rough all the way through! But with the water, the lizard folk and the lack of cover. The PCs need to scout this area extensively, IMHO. Then by watching and waiting make the moves.....Gawd, I can't wait to run this mod!!!
My group is in Rhest right now and its looking like a TPK. They tryed to draw the forces out by taking over a village and making the dragon and hobgoblins come to them. Didn't work saavath just threw wave after wave of lizardmen at them until they realized that the dragon wasn't coming so they left rested to get spells back,fought off the nighttime retalitory strike, then came back.
Instead of using any sort of stealth the sorcerer casts fly on everybody, blowing all but one of his 3rd level spells, then flew across the lake in broad daylight to the town hall ignoring the bell tower. They fireballed the ogres on the rooftop then landed and engaged everything at once. After six ogres,a razorfiend, an ettin, and the black with saavath sniping at them they have lost there warlock,dead, they are all out of spells everybody else is damaged and they are low on healing magic. The dragon and goblin rider are undamaged, the hobgoblins from the belltower have just arrived on raft and the evil bard is facing off with there primary warrior and the sorcerer and spining a tale of lies that,in character, they are buying. | | | |
| Richard II Commander
 3663 Posts




 | | 07/14/2006 12:45 PM |
| quote: Originally posted by zenthrus
quote: Originally posted by glauron Can a rogue actually sneak attack a dragon? Seems a very friendly DM call to me.
Why wouldn't a rogue be able to sneak attack a dragon? Dragons have discernable anatomy (the head's where the head's supposed to be, etc) and aren't immune to flanking/sneak attacks/critical hits. Even if the dragon is aware of the rogue, providing the rogue is flanking they still get their sneak attack damage.
Glauron is probably thinking about size issues. It's tough to stab a dragon in the back when all you can reach is it's ankle. [:)] | |
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|  zenthrus Commander
 4591 Posts



 SLC, UT
 | | 07/14/2006 1:07 PM |
| quote: Originally posted by Richard II Glauron is probably thinking about size issues. It's tough to stab a dragon in the back when all you can reach is it's ankle. [:)]
Considering that all the dragons (except Tiamat) in RHoD are large, stabbing it somewhere a bit more vital doesn't seem too far out of the question. Just stand a Large Red Dragon next to Artemis. Artemis is well within striking range of everything but the eyes.
Were they facing off against a Huge or larger dragon, I'd say no-go unless they're flying. | | Knight Warlord a.k.a. Commander (#32) in only 6 months. Where's my pie? Champion of Dwarven Thunderlashers Knight of the Large Dire Chicken Have/Want List Trade References | |
| Korhal_IV Sergeant
 852 Posts




 | | 07/14/2006 6:42 PM |
| quote: Originally posted by Richard II
Glauron is probably thinking about size issues. It's tough to stab a dragon in the back when all you can reach is it's ankle. [:)]
Hey, ankles are vital. There are important veins running through the feet, and it's difficult to walk when you've been hamstrung. Heck, just sliding the knife under a talon would probably hurt like the dickens (the appropriate comparison is a needle under the toenail - don't try it at home, but try to imagine the pain from that. Ick, huh?).
If I were to run Rhest again, perhaps I would stress the openness of the terrain, and possibly the bell tower scouts more. I might also make potions of waterbreathing or something similar available. | | I now have a Have/Want list updated with all my rares! Stop by to take a look! Trade References: www.maxminis.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8560 | |
| Snappa Sneak
 77 Posts




 | | 07/15/2006 6:27 PM |
| quote: Originally posted by maijstral My group is in Rhest right now and its looking like a TPK. They tryed to draw the forces out by taking over a village and making the dragon and hobgoblins come to them. Didn't work saavath just threw wave after wave of lizardmen at them until they realized that the dragon wasn't coming so they left rested to get spells back,fought off the nighttime retalitory strike, then came back.
Instead of using any sort of stealth the sorcerer casts fly on everybody, blowing all but one of his 3rd level spells, then flew across the lake in broad daylight to the town hall ignoring the bell tower. They fireballed the ogres on the rooftop then landed and engaged everything at once. After six ogres,a razorfiend, an ettin, and the black with saavath sniping at them they have lost there warlock,dead, they are all out of spells everybody else is damaged and they are low on healing magic. The dragon and goblin rider are undamaged, the hobgoblins from the belltower have just arrived on raft and the evil bard is facing off with there primary warrior and the sorcerer and spining a tale of lies that,in character, they are buying.
My group hits Rhest at some point tomorrow, unless they spend all session roleplaying with the elves. They've got a ton of ranged damage and are pretty tooled to give things beatdowns, but the terrain, and their lack of utility (warmage + favored soul) are going to hurt. I plan on punishing them, just a bit, as they've had it pretty easy up to this point.
| | | |
| maijstral Underboss
 2105 Posts



 | | 07/15/2006 7:23 PM |
| quote: Originally posted by Snappa
quote: Originally posted by maijstral My group is in Rhest right now and its looking like a TPK. They tryed to draw the forces out by taking over a village and making the dragon and hobgoblins come to them. Didn't work saavath just threw wave after wave of lizardmen at them until they realized that the dragon wasn't coming so they left rested to get spells back,fought off the nighttime retalitory strike, then came back.
Instead of using any sort of stealth the sorcerer casts fly on everybody, blowing all but one of his 3rd level spells, then flew across the lake in broad daylight to the town hall ignoring the bell tower. They fireballed the ogres on the rooftop then landed and engaged everything at once. After six ogres,a razorfiend, an ettin, and the black with saavath sniping at them they have lost there warlock,dead, they are all out of spells everybody else is damaged and they are low on healing magic. The dragon and goblin rider are undamaged, the hobgoblins from the belltower have just arrived on raft and the evil bard is facing off with there primary warrior and the sorcerer and spining a tale of lies that,in character, they are buying.
My group hits Rhest at some point tomorrow, unless they spend all session roleplaying with the elves. They've got a ton of ranged damage and are pretty tooled to give things beatdowns, but the terrain, and their lack of utility (warmage + favored soul) are going to hurt. I plan on punishing them, just a bit, as they've had it pretty easy up to this point.
Well the battle of Rhest is over only one more death, the rest of the party got pretty battered and used the last of the heal spells in the staff of life. The Black dragon got away with a clutch of razorfiend eggs and saavirth almost got away. A nat 20, comfirmed, from the bow of the dwarf ranger,goblin favored enemy, as he was fleeing finshed him off. | | | |
| Snappa Sneak
 77 Posts




 | | 07/17/2006 2:22 PM |
| I posted the results of my group's Rhest fight to a new topic, as I don't want to mix too many other reports with Shoe's. See this thread for details: http://www.maxminis.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=23448
| | | |
| zhanteel Sneak
 173 Posts




 | | 07/18/2006 11:38 AM |
| quote: Originally posted by TYGRHobbes
All I have to say...
If you have a good group of adventurers or a larger than 4 party running through your RHoD campaign, pump up the Red Dragon in the Battle of Brindol!! My group cut him to shreads. One well placed dispell magic and it's over. Not that I want to kill my players, it was no challenge at all. I would suggest adding an age category or two. Heh I was tempted to make it a huge just because I knew how easy it was going to be. Update Shoe!!! I wanna see how they did against red!
I did end up bumping the dragon to a huge. The reason was two fold. First, I have a group of 6, 3 of which are accomplished players with strong stats. In my opinion they play at a pace greater than their level. Second, in a twist of fate from an earlier adventure, they had an awakened tree, that they embued with all their element blocking magics and flight.
Personally, I was disappointed in this fight. Thankfully, the blue more than made up for it. | | "Call no man happy til he is dead" -E Cobham Brewer | |
| Username Commander
 4958 Posts




 | | 07/18/2006 12:45 PM |
| | WHARS MUH UPDATE?!?!?! | | Originally posted by Schooly_D Username - he deals in minis Champion of Lhesh Haruuc Shaarat'kor | |
| Korhal_IV Sergeant
 852 Posts




 | | 07/19/2006 12:15 AM |
| | So we have a consensus that Regiarix is too hard and Abithriax too easy. How about, rather than consistently upgrading the dragon, you just add another one? Abithriax can have a mate, a sibling, or just a looting partner. This might be slightly more dangerous, as it adds another breath weapon to the mix, but I do have two Large Red Dragons and I don't feel like trading for a Huge (I swapped mine for Drizzt!). | | I now have a Have/Want list updated with all my rares! Stop by to take a look! Trade References: www.maxminis.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8560 | |
| Ethandrul Warrior
 299 Posts




 | | 07/19/2006 11:30 AM |
| | yeah- the blue was rediculously tough- my druid was close to being a solo adventurer after that fight. I agree that bumping the red was a good idea- but i think adding a few small or medium dragons of different colors would have been better.- as it stands in a battle against a big ass tree- the dragon loses... which is why Zhanteel outright killed my tree. Not that i could blame him. we would not have beaten the dragon without him though. ( I would have survived) | | Want a great deal on Minis? www.miniature-giant.com 26% off msrp, free shipping! coupon code loyal2MGff to get 2.95 off any order of 25.00 or more! Tell them ethandrul sent you and we both get 5% store credit !! | |
| Master of the Awesome Sauce Teflon Jeff Warlord
 6234 Posts



 Idaho. Yes, we have Gamers in Idaho.
 | | 07/20/2006 1:19 AM |
| quote: Originally posted by Korhal_IV
So we have a consensus that Regiarix is too hard and Abithriax too easy. How about, rather than consistently upgrading the dragon, you just add another one? Abithriax can have a mate, a sibling, or just a looting partner. This might be slightly more dangerous, as it adds another breath weapon to the mix, but I do have two Large Red Dragons and I don't feel like trading for a Huge (I swapped mine for Drizzt!).
Nice trade...
Come on shoe, the sets out, where's the update? [)] | | Official Delegate, Wizards of the Coast Against The Giants Called Shot: Huge Green Dragon Icons Called Shot: Gargantuan Prismatic Dragon
"Rejoice, for bad things are about to happen." | |
| Richard II Commander
 3663 Posts




 | | 07/20/2006 8:56 AM |
| | *puts out some Shoe bait* | |
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| Professional Fan of DDM Shoe Sergeant
 804 Posts




 | | 07/20/2006 9:47 PM |
| I've been out for a week down in sunny-above-the-fog California, so no game yesterday, but here's the summary for the previous sessions:
The Red Hand closed in on the city of Brindol, claiming the walls and the blocks along the outskirts of the town. The defenders were afforded a chance to catch their breath as the horde fortified its position. The Lions of Brindol, combined with the forces of the Red Gauntlet Regiment, held the hill in the center of the city, while a two-block wide no-man's land separated the defenders from the assaulting army.
While defense of the city was the highest priority, the lull in the action allowed for a quick recovery mission. Immerstal the Red, the ranking wizard of Brindol, was researching the nature of the Red Hand's activity, and why they may have initially congregated in the Black Caps/Wyrmsmoke Mountains. But in order to complete his research, he needed a book found in Brindol's library, a structure firmly in the no-mans land between the forces. He had already sent a group of Lions of Brindol to recover the book, but they were all slain. He needed the PCs to retrieve the book for him...
The survivors of the road battle (Lurk, Ranger/Rogue, Warlock) were joined by Danforth III; a rogue named Raven; and a Kleric of Kol Korran
(this section incorporates the idea of the Sniper Attack scenario, but the 2-level coffin maker's shop is replaced with a 2-level library. A 2nd-floor balcony rings the main shelves of the first floor. The war adepts begin down below, among the shelves, while Skather hid above on the balcony, giving him a better advantage for sudden strikes.)
Once within the library's foyer, the PCs cautiously approached the door to the main room of the library, but they were not entirely quiet, what with an armor-clad Kleric and Danforth tagging along. The war adepts were able to prepare, getting mirror image and invisibility up before using their scrolls to summon fiendish dire wolves as the PCs opened the doors.
The wolves were only a temporary distraction, however, since their large size prevented them from maneuvering easily within the tight confines of the library. After killing the wolves, the party rushed in to fight the two adepts, but split their forces when one adept rushed deeper into the library and another ducked into a curtained alcove. After a couple of lightning bolts from the adepts, the tide of battle began to shift toward the PCs -- at least until the blackspawn began raining arrows down from his hiding place above.
Skather's rapid-shot sequence with Sudden Strike was enough to drop Danforth III in short order (who had also been hit for a -10 Strength penalty on a ray of enfeeblement), but a curious thing was observed: the Lurk had manifested touchsight, and the warlock could see invisible creatures, and both rogues had uncanny dodge; it meant that the only creatures actually vulnerable to Skather's Sudden Strike were the cleric and Danforth III.
After working through the mirror images (and the Kleric nearly dying due to lightning-induced trauma), the PCs finally dropped the war adepts and rushed upstairs to root out the sniping ninja. The rogues kept trying to flank and sneak the ninja, who in turn would tumble away and avoid exposing himself to too many PCs at once. At one point the ninja even leapt off the balcony, ran across a bookcase on the lower level, and jumped back up to the balcony on the other side. During this time, the encumbered (but partially healed) Danforth III struggled to get up the stairs and finally was able to join battle on the second floor.
About that time, Skather finally ran out of poison, but used another Ghost Step to become invisible and drop Danforth III again with half of a Sudden Strike Rapid Shot volley. But the Lurk struck back with a mind-numbing attack that dealt 6 points of Wisdom damage - significantly affecting the ninja's AC, and removing many uses of his Ki abilities. With a tumble and another leap, Skather jumped from the balcony and headed for the door.
Faced with using the long-route of the stairs, most of the party elected to drop off the balcony to follow Skather, and most of them did so less than gracefully. Danforth III was healed again, but took the safer router of the stairs. Skather tried holing up in an alcove on the first floor, but was found and after taking a couple more hits decided to try and escape. But he was only able to make it to the doors (dropping Danforth III a IIIrd time with his last Ghost Step+Sudden Strike) before the lurk moved up and Stunned him, and the party finished him off.
Word to the wise - if your PCs have any sort of nonrenewable (daily) resources don't expect to be able to run all of the Enemy at the Gates encounters in one game-world day. I'm talking about most spellcasters or any class that relies on abilities that are limited to a few times per day. The PCs won't know to manage their resources, and they'll be out by the middle of the Streets of Blood encounter (if they're lucky) - then they don't have fun, and then they die.
I found that running the Giants and the Red Dragon in one day was plenty - but my group was slightly undermanned and underleveled. Streets of Blood would be Day 2, and then Sniper Attack and Final Battle would be Day 3. If you have "always on" characters, like warlocks, rogues, fighters, or scroll-laden spellcasters, you'll likely be able to have more of a running battle.
The last battle played out pretty quickly. I started the attack with a small horde of hobgoblins, to get the players engaged in a fight and set the stage. (this marks the start of session 2 of this 2-session summary.) Nothing a fireball couldn't clear.
I used the Brindol city road map, and had the PCs set up a defensible position - which in this case included a pair of wagons they set up to provide a narrow channel, through which the enemy would theoretically be required to navigate, right into the weapons of the flanking rogues and spiked chain of Danforth III.
For the battle, the Wyrmlord was completely prepared, with Divine Power, Aid, Bear's Endurance, Death Knell (on a former ally), Divine Favor, and Shield of Faith, and he also drank his potion of Haste as battle was joined. This brought his stats to something like +22/+22/+17 (1d6+10+1 Con), 110 hp or so, and an AC of around 27.
For the first three rounds, Hravek Kharn was a force to behold. He easily cut into the AC 25+ PCs, and his AC was high enough that PCs were not able to land many blows. Kharn neglected further spellcasting, instead laying about with his pick. Meanwhile, the ogres and giants cleared away the wagons with swipes of their clubs, and battle was joined. On the second round, Kharn smacked the Lurk with a nasty critical hit -- 4d6+40 damage due to the x4 multiplier. Not enough to kill him, but enough to drop him.
But the PCs were resourceful - Danforth III used a Power Attacking Whirlwind to clear the ogres and irritate the giants, and some sneak attacks from Raven and Jen (the other rogue) were eventually able to overcome the giants. Kharn would have won, however, had the warlock not been present to use Dispel Magic, which removed many of the Wyrmlord's buffing spells, reducing Kharn's attacks to a more reasonable +19 or so, sucking away many of his hit points, and returning his AC to a mere 24.
Once the spells were off, the party made quicker work of the wyrmlord, who fought to the bitter end, but fell a round after Danforth III got up to fight him.
The dust settled, and the Red Hand retreated. The PCs had done enough to merit a victory, and so the horde has begun to disperse - at least for now. In addition, Immerstal the Red has uncovered the location of an ancient shrine to Tiamat, hidden within the Black Caps. It may be the place from where this cult has arisen.
Next week, the PCs head for the hills. The next session will likely involve a couple "random" encounters - I'm thinking that a couple of redspawn firebelchers with blackspawn raider riders will give the PCs an idea of what they might be up against. It will give me some time to adapt the next section to use the Spawnscale Nursery and Dragon Shrine maps... | | Professional Fan of DDM | |
|  zenthrus Commander
 4591 Posts



 SLC, UT
 | | 07/20/2006 10:03 PM |
| quote: Originally posted by Shoe Next week, the PCs head for the hills. The next session will likely involve a couple "random" encounters - I'm thinking that a couple of redspawn firebelchers with blackspawn raider riders will give the PCs an idea of what they might be up against. It will give me some time to adapt the next section to use the Spawnscale Nursery and Dragon Shrine maps...
It will also give you a chance to play with some spiffy minis [:P]
Danforth must have become a revenant. He keeps getting back up to avenge his own death [:O]
Very fun write-up. I really like the alternate Sniper Shot scenario in the library. I really can't wait to run this module now.....
| | Knight Warlord a.k.a. Commander (#32) in only 6 months. Where's my pie? Champion of Dwarven Thunderlashers Knight of the Large Dire Chicken Have/Want List Trade References | |
| Richard II Commander
 3663 Posts




 | | 07/20/2006 11:31 PM |
| | Very cool. And shoe-bait apparently works. [:P] | |
 | |
| TYGRHobbes Sneak
 149 Posts




 | | 07/21/2006 4:06 AM |
| Cool read Shoe!
I ran the entire Battle of Brindol in one game day. The party made good use of the city's generous supplies that were on hand. They never really ran out of anything they needed (mostly healing).
Skather was really the only encounter that gave them trouble since they didn't have the warlock at that session. After a few well placed hits (lucky guesses to where he was) by the party he jumped out the window. He'll make a nice appearance back at Tiamat's temple. One dead PC.
I was nice on them at the final battle and didn't allow the giants and orges to directly attack the party. They were there to keep the PCs from getting around back to flank. Saarvith and his mount were there. So was Miha. Saarvith and his dragon did some good damage because they didn't obey Kharn and attacked. They got themselves killed too. Kharn was waiting for the PCs to come to him, which a few did. The ogres and giants proceeded to surround the few PCs with Kharn right in the middle. Kharn made 2 more PCs dead. In the end the PCs killed Kharn and the remaining giants and ogres fled. Miha tried to rally as the new leader but failed. I think this is the only way most parties can survive this battle. If all of them attacked at once they would have been toast. | | Champion of the Lamia www.tygrhobbes.com | |
| griffrat Commander
 3502 Posts




 | | Username Commander
 4958 Posts




 | | 07/21/2006 10:58 AM |
| | Thanks for the update Shoe! | | Originally posted by Schooly_D Username - he deals in minis Champion of Lhesh Haruuc Shaarat'kor | |
| sam500 Sergeant
 413 Posts



 Berkeley, CA
 | | 07/27/2006 8:37 AM |
| I'm also running the RHoD and have found it very enjoyable so far. I wish there were a few more roleplaying encounter set up in chapter 4 and 5 (Battle of Brindol and the fane of tiamat), but I guess it makes it kind of hard with a war culminating and all. :) My players have just finished off the battle of brindol and approached the fane. By far the most difficult battle for my players has been the encounter with the blue dragon outside the fane. A close second was the fiendish behir at the ghostlords layer (he won the surprise round... a breath weapon, move,6 attacks, move will kill a party trust me). I wanted to make the blue dragon encounter difficult because my PC's were wiping out the dragons fairly easily (by now they've figured out mass energy resistances are their friend-ala druid, dragon shamon, or whoever). What I did was put the fane on the opposite side of a wide steep ravine in the mountains. The players had to cross a narrow stone bridge 500' long over a 1000' drop (picture moria from the lord of the rings). This made people in heavy armour sweat over the prospect of balance checks. The dragon swooped down and started duly blowing the PCs away with lightning bolts and fireballs. The fireball wand surprised quite a few (especially after they had their electricity resistance up.... evil DM snicker). In the party I've got two meat heads in the party that when charging can do roughly 50-100 damage so I only give them the chance once they've sweated for a bit. I've also got a flying warlock mephit who is a very consistant and hard to kill damage dealer. FInally theres the dragon shamon and a ranger (who just so happens to hate dragons and goblinoids... go figure (he's also got dragonbane arrows... these kill me). Anyway one of the chargers and the ranger managed to shack up inside the fane just behind the door. Once inside, the charger would open the door allowing the ranger to shoot his dragon bane arrows and then close the door. This was really pissing the blue off so he readied a bolt down the hall once the door opened which nicely fried the PCs. In the end, 2 people fell off the bridge. Luckily the invisible warlock mephit was next to them at the time who made flying superman saves to feather fall them. It was this brave mephit who died in the end. Saving the party from almost certain destruction with his last elritch blast. It was beautiful, the blue was near death but the rest of the party had run off or was incapacitated. The mephit was the only one to hold his ground and dropped the blue to 0 hitpoints. In a last act of defiance the blew scorched the mephit with a fireball dropping it to -1. The mephit then fell 1000ft to his doom (the fireball consumed the green dragon from earlier in the scenerio as well :) ). It was a great finish for a PC. Sorry for the haphazard way of reporting this, but I'm tired. | | CHAMPION OF ALL TOWNSFOLK
47 COMPLETED TRADES ON MAXMINIS 14 COMPLETED TRADES ON WOTC BOARDS
I USE THE SAME HANDLE ON HORDELINGS, WOTC DDM BOARDS, AND DWARVEN FORGE FORUMS. | |
| sam500 Sergeant
 413 Posts



 Berkeley, CA
 | | 07/27/2006 8:44 AM |
| NOTE TO SHOE Now that I'm almost done with RHoD I've got a few comments. First, I think producing adventures again is a very good step for WOTC to take. Second, making adventures that use minis we have is much appreciated. Third, We need an outstanding high level adventure produced. There is much less support out there for high level parties (15 to epic) than for lower and for D&D veterans it's frustrating. Sure I can make up my own adventures, but sometimes it's just easier to run with something premade. Now that we're getting epic minis lets see some epic adventures. :) Fourth, the campaign report of yours is a great way to spark interest in a product. If WOTC did something like this for every adventure they came out with I'm sure it would get a lot of people excited in the product (maybe it would be possible to make it an official weekly thing on the wizards website- "The Adventure Continues..." line or something). Cheers, Sam | | CHAMPION OF ALL TOWNSFOLK
47 COMPLETED TRADES ON MAXMINIS 14 COMPLETED TRADES ON WOTC BOARDS
I USE THE SAME HANDLE ON HORDELINGS, WOTC DDM BOARDS, AND DWARVEN FORGE FORUMS. | |
| sam500 Sergeant
 413 Posts



 Berkeley, CA
 | | 07/27/2006 8:49 AM |
| A final note on the battle of brindol. the rolling tides of baddies on the streets became a bit much for me to run. I definately felt bogged down at times with craploads of people in the initiative order (we had lions and the tiri kitor elves, and animated skeletons, and summoned monsters, blah blah blah). As a DM I hate hangers on to the party. If you're got an animal companion, follower, or animated buddy their life expectancy is about 2 rounds in my campaigns... [:D] I find they just gum up the works. | | CHAMPION OF ALL TOWNSFOLK
47 COMPLETED TRADES ON MAXMINIS 14 COMPLETED TRADES ON WOTC BOARDS
I USE THE SAME HANDLE ON HORDELINGS, WOTC DDM BOARDS, AND DWARVEN FORGE FORUMS. | |
| sam500 Sergeant
 413 Posts



 Berkeley, CA
 | | 07/27/2006 8:56 AM |
| Regiarix wasn't the problem for my PC's in rest, it was his rider which really go their goat. They came upon the hatchery when the dragon and lord were out hunting. So when the pair came back they had plenty of warning. The goblin rangers elf bane arrows killed one and nearly two party members. The PC's also found out how crazy difficult it is to try and run and hide form a flying dragon ina situation of pretty much open marshland.
I don't see the incentive for the PC's to engage skather. In my game the PC's went into the courtyard, grabbed or healed who they could and left. They soaked up a couple sniper hits before windwall was cast. After that skather had to try and repostion himself, but it was too late, the party had bigger things to worry about... like a potential evacuation of the remaining townsfolk and rallying up the rest of the town guard to the marketplace. In the end I felt skather was more of a distraction than anything else, oh well. I like your library idea. It's a good way to get them to engage. Sam | | CHAMPION OF ALL TOWNSFOLK
47 COMPLETED TRADES ON MAXMINIS 14 COMPLETED TRADES ON WOTC BOARDS
I USE THE SAME HANDLE ON HORDELINGS, WOTC DDM BOARDS, AND DWARVEN FORGE FORUMS. | |
| TYGRHobbes Sneak
 149 Posts




 | | 07/27/2006 4:26 PM |
| quote: Originally posted by sam500
NOTE TO SHOE Now that I'm almost done with RHoD I've got a few comments. First, I think producing adventures again is a very good step for WOTC to take. Second, making adventures that use minis we have is much appreciated. Third, We need an outstanding high level adventure produced. There is much less support out there for high level parties (15 to epic) than for lower and for D&D veterans it's frustrating. Sure I can make up my own adventures, but sometimes it's just easier to run with something premade. Now that we're getting epic minis lets see some epic adventures. :) Fourth, the campaign report of yours is a great way to spark interest in a product. If WOTC did something like this for every adventure they came out with I'm sure it would get a lot of people excited in the product (maybe it would be possible to make it an official weekly thing on the wizards website- "The Adventure Continues..." line or something). Cheers, Sam
Ditto that Shoe | | Champion of the Lamia www.tygrhobbes.com | |
| TYGRHobbes Sneak
 149 Posts




 | | 07/27/2006 4:31 PM |
| quote: Originally posted by sam500
Regiarix wasn't the problem for my PC's in rest, it was his rider which really go their goat. They came upon the hatchery when the dragon and lord were out hunting. So when the pair came back they had plenty of warning. The goblin rangers elf bane arrows killed one and nearly two party members. The PC's also found out how crazy difficult it is to try and run and hide form a flying dragon ina situation of pretty much open marshland.
I don't see the incentive for the PC's to engage skather. In my game the PC's went into the courtyard, grabbed or healed who they could and left. They soaked up a couple sniper hits before windwall was cast. After that skather had to try and repostion himself, but it was too late, the party had bigger things to worry about... like a potential evacuation of the remaining townsfolk and rallying up the rest of the town guard to the marketplace. In the end I felt skather was more of a distraction than anything else, oh well. I like your library idea. It's a good way to get them to engage. Sam
I agree that Wyrmlord Saarvith is a bigger danger than his dragon mount. His bow is nasty, especially to the elves.
On the other hand, I do think Skather is a big threat. If you don't go after him he'll continue to snipe all throughout the final battle. The party definitely doesn't want that especially if they didn't kill all the other wyrmlords of if the Ghostlord is there. The group I run failed to catch Skather and will definitely see him in the fane. | | Champion of the Lamia www.tygrhobbes.com | |
| TYGRHobbes Sneak
 149 Posts




 | | 07/27/2006 4:33 PM |
| WOOHOO 100 posts!!! [:D]
Sorry for the hijack [:)]
Game on! | | Champion of the Lamia www.tygrhobbes.com | |
|  zenthrus Commander
 4591 Posts



 SLC, UT
 | | 07/27/2006 4:33 PM |
| quote: Originally posted by sam500 The PC's also found out how crazy difficult it is to try and run and hide form a flying dragon ina situation of pretty much open marshland.
This is why I'm eyeballing playing a Poison Dusk Lizardfolk PC. With a good Con modifier, you can hold your breath for something like 7 minutes [:D]
Besides, for a +1 level adjustment you get a crapload of abilities. I can even use the right mini to represent the character [:D] | | Knight Warlord a.k.a. Commander (#32) in only 6 months. Where's my pie? Champion of Dwarven Thunderlashers Knight of the Large Dire Chicken Have/Want List Trade References | |
| Master of the Awesome Sauce Teflon Jeff Warlord
 6234 Posts



 Idaho. Yes, we have Gamers in Idaho.
 | | 07/27/2006 11:49 PM |
| | I like that WotC is doing adventure's again. But the problem is, at 15+ level, it's hard to make a generic adventure. At that level, it needs a lot of customization, more than is reasonable for a product you are paying money for. If I have to do that much work, I'll DIY for it. | | Official Delegate, Wizards of the Coast Against The Giants Called Shot: Huge Green Dragon Icons Called Shot: Gargantuan Prismatic Dragon
"Rejoice, for bad things are about to happen." | |
| Dimitris Warrior
 186 Posts



 Athens - Greece
 | | 07/28/2006 4:13 AM |
| Very nice campaign report Shoe.
I like to log my campaign too http://rpgnet.gr/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1707 but the log is mainly in Greek. :) I'm running 2 parties in parallel in the War of the lance campaign heavily modified to incorporate for example armies from the RHoD.
Some ideas you may find useful for your campaign reports.
If the campaign is long one, sections like the "cast of characters" the parties met in different places help them. http://rpgnet.gr/forums/viewtopic.php?p=21590#21590
Another useful section "the timeline" especially because they are 2 parties, it helps me to synchronize them. It's also a very nice summary. http://rpgnet.gr/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19548#19548
Also the "sessions' index" is a good idea. http://rpgnet.gr/forums/viewtopic.php?p=22834#22834
Of course the heroes represented with the DDM miniatures :) http://rpgnet.gr/forums/viewtopic.php?p=22167#22167
"Maps" Except from the official maps, a campaign is full of mini maps, sketches etc. The players like to remember these small maps.
I began to use the campaign log totally as scratch pad. So all the necessary info I need as DM was in there, i.e. stat blocks of the characters, short status lists of the HP of the characters, the possesions of the characters if something important changes, etc I don't think that is a good idea in general. I just find it convenient to have almost everything I need inside.
Dimitris | | Ha 68/80 De 55/60 Ar 52/60 GoL 67/72 Ab 55/60 Dk 54/60 Af 54/60 Ud 57/60 Wd 57/60 WQ 55/60 BW 57/60 Uh 55/60 NB 54/60 DD 54/60 DD2 26/60 | |
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