There is a force ceiling 30' up (transparent). Ambient (daylight) illumination.
The river is 10' deep (I made it deeper) in the middle and sloping up to 5' at the edges. It flows from SW to NE at a speed of 10'/round.
The ground is dirt and/or sand down to 10' where it is sealed off by another wall of force.
The stone structures are 15' high and made of stonemasonry (DC 20 climb check). The stone has hardness 8, 90 HP (per 10'x10' section) and the Break DC is 35.

The bridges are wooden (hardness 5, 60 HP, Break DC 20).

Zar'Da and Gareth start in the north area. Off you go!
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:54, Fri 22 Feb 2013.

OOC:  Why do people keep spelling my name Gareth?  ;D

IC:

The young wizard materializes in the arena next to his drowkin fellow-combatant.  He grins at Zar'Da, and tilts his head toward the expanse of the arena waiting beyond the tall stone wall.  "This should be fun!"

Initiative:  7

Prep Round 1:
  [Move]
  [Free] Draw Sword
  [Standard]

Prep Round 2:
  [Move]
  [Swift] Activate Draconic Aura: Energy Shield
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 22(13)

  Damage Taken:
  Damage Dealt:

Effects:

 Draconic Aura: Energy Shield: Enemy takes 4 points of acid damage when using a melee weapon. Extends to companions within 30' of Shaman.

Final Position: C14
This message was last edited by the player at 11:22, Sat 23 Feb 2013.

Prep Round 1:
  [Move]
  [Free] Activate vest (2 charges)
  [Standard] Cast spell (Alter Self - Air Mephit)

Prep Round 2:
  [Move]
  [Free]
  [Standard] Cast spell (Shield)

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 25 (18)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects:
Alter Self - ends round 698
Mage Armor - ends round 5998
Shield - ends round 69

Final Position: B13

OOC: You'll be facing two ettins and two scrags. The scrags start in the water (obviously). The monsters are standard except for feats and some equipment that I've changed a bit to make the challenge more interesting.

Prep Round 1:
  [Move]
  [Free]
  [Standard]

Prep Round 2:
  [Move]
  [Free]
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: Ettins: 20, 5. Scrags: 6,5
  AC (Touch AC): 25 (18)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects:
Final Position: Ettins in the green square. Scrags ?

Grunting to his fellow giant, the first ettin takes off early, trying to cover as much ground as possible in one go.

Round 1:
  [Move] Double move to Q04
  [Free]
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 20
  AC (Touch AC): 18 (8)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects:

Final Position: Q04

Quickly gaining some altitude, Garath propels himself to the top of the stone structure and surveys the battlefield, noting the location of the enemy.

Round 1:
  [Move] (partial move) B13, 15' up

OOC:  Where be the scrags?

Try spotting them.

OOC:

Spot checks 4, 17 for the two scrags.
Hide check 28 in case they try spotting him back ;)

OOC: I was waiting to see what Gareth did for his action before I acted.

Sorry. No, you can't spot any scrags from where you are.

The mephit-form mage scans the lazily flowing river but does not see the water-trolls.  Perhaps they are hiding under the bridges.  Drawing one of his wands, he points it at the dragon shaman and activates it, causing his battle-comrade to double in size.  "Might as well go tackle the ettin coming from the west," he tells Zar'Da.  "I will try to keep the others off of you.  Let me know if you spot the scrags."

Round 1 (continued):
  [Move] (complete move) complete the move action, draw wand as part of movement
  [Standard] Activate wand (Enlarge Person) on Zar'Da
  [Free] Drop wand

Enlarge:  Zar'Da's space and reach increase to 10'.  +2 to Strength (affects to-hit and damage), -2 to Dex (affects AC), -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC, increase in weapon damage due to size, +4 on trip, grapple, etc.  Lasts 10 rounds.

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 25 (18)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects:
Alter Self
Mage Armor
Shield

Final Position: ??
Not visible to enemies.
Zar'Da - my position is:

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
C15 10' up

---

OOC: One quick Enlarged question about movement. How do I count out the squares? Do I still only take up a 5 foot square but just have a 10' reach?

You take up a 10' square, just like the giants and troll do, and have 10' reach.

ok, but is my gait 10' also?

You don't fill up the 10' cube, but yes, you occupy a 10 by 10' square.

Zar'da was a little surprise as his perspective changed a bit. The approaching ettin no longer seemed so big. The Dragon Shaman moved out into the field of battle and waited for the approaching giant.

Round 1:
  [Double Move] Move to H-I05/06
  [Free] Spotting the skags: 5, 7

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 22(13), Enlarged AC 21(12)

  Damage Taken:
  Damage Dealt:

Effects:

 Draconic Aura: Energy Shield: Enemy takes 4 points of acid damage when using a melee weapon. Extends to companions within 30' of Shaman.

 Enlarge:  Zar'Da's space and reach increase to 10'.  +2 to Strength (affects to-hit and damage), -2 to Dex (affects AC), -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC, increase in weapon damage due to size, +4 on trip, grapple, etc.  Lasts 10 rounds.

Final Position: H-I05/06
This message was last edited by the player at 20:52, Thu 07 Mar 2013.

The other Ettin appears and heads toward the east side of the arena.

Round 1:
  [Move] Double move to PQ 25/26
  [Free]
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 5
  AC (Touch AC): 18 (8)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects:

Final position PQ 25/26

The scrags do their thing unseen.

Round 2!

OOC:  Cool.  Who's up next - Ettin #1?

OOC: Sorry, yes indeed it is!
The two-headed giant moves north behind the cover of the stone structure and throws a sapling-sized javelin at Zar'Da as soon as the drow-kin comes into view.

Round 2:
  [Move] Move to LM 02/03
  [Free]
  [Standard] Attack (javelin) 31, damage 8 to Zar'Da (this beats the AC from cover Zar'Da is enjoying)

Status:
  Initiative: 20
  AC (Touch AC): 18 (8)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   8

Effects:

Final Position: LM 02/03

"Here, this should help."  The wizard makes a quick gesture, and a cloud of glittering motes erupts from underneath the javelin-wielding ettin.  Hopefully they would blind the creature and allow Zar'Da to kill it with relative ease.  Of course, the ettin would try to edge back, using the cloud of motes to try and cover its retreat.  But the dragon shaman's spiderclimbing ability would let him travel along the wall above the cloud, to pursue the ettin without risk of being blinded by the sparkling dust.

Round 2:
  [Move] Move?
  [Standard] Cast spell (Glitterdust) on ettin #1, targeted at ground level, L-M/01-02

Glitterdust: 10' spread, Will save DC 20 or be blinded for 7 rounds.

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 25 (18)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects:
Alter Self
Mage Armor
Shield

Final Position: ??
Not visible to enemies.
Zar'Da - my position is:

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
C12 10' up

---

OOC:  Zar'Da, with your increased reach you can hit the ettin without entering into the glitterdust cloud.

Ettin 1 roars in frustration as it suddenly is blinded.

Zar'Da took the javelin with but a grunt and then moved forward, taking full advantage of the Ettin's condition, his newly elongated sword cutting deep into the flesh of the two headed giant.

Round 2:
  [Double Move] Move to I-J02/03
  [Standard] Attack: 25, Damage: 13

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 22(13), Enlarged AC 21(12)

  Damage Taken: 8
  Damage Dealt:

Effects:

 Draconic Aura: Energy Shield: Enemy takes 4 points of acid damage when using a melee weapon. Extends to companions within 30' of Shaman.

 Enlarge:  Zar'Da's space and reach increase to 10'.  +2 to Strength (affects to-hit and damage), -2 to Dex (affects AC), -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC, increase in weapon damage due to size, +4 on trip, grapple, etc.  Lasts 9 rounds.

Final Position: I-J/02-03

OOC: guys, the scrags will not really pose a challenge for you, and you've soon disposed of the first ettin. I'd like to change the scrags for other monsters (listed CR 3).

In reply to DM Solo (msg # 25):

Sure, that's fine by me.

OOC:  Depends on the other monsters, since I've loaded up on spells that are geared to the scrags, and there are some CR 3 creatures against which those spells will be useless.  But generally yes, I'm open to switching the scrags for something else, and if necessary we can re-do my spell list - what foes did you have in mind?

It's an aquatic melee vermin.

OOC: Ok here we go, time to earn your xp!

Suddenly there is movement in the river close to the bend. Out of the water rises two large crabs, pincers clicking as they scuttle across the ground in their peculiar sideways fashion. The first heads immediately for Zar'Da, while the second rushes toward Garath.

Round 2:
  [Move] Move to IJ 05/06
  [Free]
  [Standard] Attack (25) damage (16)

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   16 (Zar'Da)

Effects:

Final Position: IJ 05/06

Round 2:
  [Move] Move to CD 10/11, no AoO due to cover/out of reach.
  [Free]
  [Standard] Attack (13) miss

Status:
  Initiative: 5
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects:

Final Position: CD 10/11
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:22, Wed 13 Mar 2013.

Seeing his chance, the second ettin moves forward with all the speed it can muster.

Round 2:
  [Move] Double move to DE 24/25
  [Free] Shout something in Giant
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 5
  AC (Touch AC): 18 (8)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects:

Final position: DE 24/25
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:38, Wed 13 Mar 2013.

Grunting an acknowledgement, the giant draws his morningstars and swing them in the direction of Zar'Da. The heavy weapons make a whistling sound as they buzz through the air, but the blinded ettin can't time the swings properly and misses the dragon shaman.

Round 3:
  [Move] no
  [Free] Draw weapon (one held)
  [Standard] Attack 1 (30), attack 2 (20). Miss chance (17), no hit

Status:
  Initiative: 20
  AC (Touch AC): 16 (6)

  Damage Taken:   13
  Damage Dealt:   8

Effects: Blinded 6 rounds

Final Position: LM 02/03

OOC:  Monstrous crabs...  interesting.

DM Solo, note that the crab took 4 acid damage from Zar'Da's aura.

Question:  If Zar'Da activates his anklet, could he land on the wall along K-L, 10' up (i.e. above the glitterdust cloud), using his spiderclimb ability to stay stuck to the wall - and then climb along the wall to N-O, 15' up, using his move action?  (Zar'Da, I'm just throwing this out as an idea.)  This would prevent the crab from getting to him, and still put him within reach of the ettin so he could continue bashing it.

Another question:  How tall are the crabs - 5' or 10'?  I.e., with their 10' reach do they threaten a square 15' up?  (They clearly threaten squares at ground level, 5' up and 10' up.)

Yes, the proposal is an allowed use of the anklets.

The crabs reach 20' up. The have six legs and can rise up if needed.

Zipping easily out of reach of the long-clawed crab, Garath sails toward the dragon shaman and invokes a familiar magick.  Behind him, a mass of web-strands weaves itself into existence, entangling the wizard-menacing crab and blocking the far ettin from view.  "Let us deal first with these," he tells Zar'Da in fluent Draconic, gesturing at the blinded ettin and the nearby, free-range crab.

Round 3:
  [Free] Abrupt jaunt upward (out of crab's reach)
  [Move] Move to E-4, 20' up
  [Standard] Cast spell (Web), targeted at 15' up, intersection D-E/10-11 (spreads floor-to-ceiling, B8-G13 inclusive)

Web: Ref save DC 20 or be stuck.

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 25 (18)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects:
Alter Self
Mage Armor
Shield

Final Position: E-4, 20' up

OOC: Does the web stick to a force field? I'm really just asking for a justification here as I feel my knowledge lacks the depth necessary for an informed judgement. In any case the crab is stuck (ref save 12).

OOC:  I've used the Web spell in an arena with a force-field ceiling before, and I believe the question was raised and answered in the affirmative (yes, the Web can anchor to the force-field).  I don't remember which match it was, but I can try to dig it up if you'd like.

Good enough for me, carry on!

In reply to Garath Darkstar (msg # 33):

But can I still attack while on the wall? Or are you talking about dropping down behind the ettin?

OOC:  I think you can still attack while on the wall.  If not, you'll need to drop down behind the ettin as you say.

Zar'Da let out a shout as the large crab dug into his back. Activating his enchanted anklet the drow warped away and appeared on the wall just above the Ettin. Skittering along the wall like a spide the Dragon Shaman dropped down behind the giant and sliced his back.

Round 3:
  [Swift] Activate Anklet of Translocation: teleport to the wall 10' above K/L
  [Move] Move along the wall and drop down in N-O02/03
  [Standard] Attack Ettin #1 with sword: 31, Damage: 12

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 22(13), Enlarged AC 21(12)

  Damage Taken: 24
  Damage Dealt: 25

Effects:

 Draconic Aura: Energy Shield: Enemy takes 4 points of acid damage when using a melee weapon. Extends to companions within 30' of Shaman.

 Enlarge:  Zar'Da's space and reach increase to 10'.  +2 to Strength (affects to-hit and damage), -2 to Dex (affects AC), -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC, increase in weapon damage due to size, +4 on trip, grapple, etc.  Lasts 8 rounds.

Final Position: N-O 02/03
This message was last edited by the player at 17:58, Thu 14 Mar 2013.

The crap snaps futily after the evasive drow, then retreats into the waters.

Round 3:
  [Move] Move to ?
  [Free]
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   4
  Damage Dealt:   16 (Zar'Da)

Effects:

Final Position: ? in the river
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:04, Fri 15 Mar 2013.

The crab struggles mightily against the magical strands of spider silk holding it down. There's an audible twang heard as the strands snap, leaving the crab free to move once more, even though it will have to continue to struggle while in the web.

Round 3:
  [Move]
  [Free] Full round STR check (25) success
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: Entangled

Final Position: CD 10/11

The second ettin moves across the river and around the web to get to the center of the arena.

OOC: I know you can abrupt jaunt out of the way, and so want to give you the chance to decide if you want to do that now or not before giving away the dice roll. The reason is that it is quite a bit metagaming to only jaunt away from those attacks you know will hit. IC you see that the javelin will very likely hit, and may penetrate your defences (i.e. hits touch, may exceed AC)


Round 3:
  [Move] Double move to HI 12/13
  [Free] Shout something in Giant
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 5
  AC (Touch AC): 18 (8)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects:

Final position: HI 12/13
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:20, Fri 15 Mar 2013.

OOC:  Why is Crab 1's position not visible?  Water does not block sight (e.g., airplanes are used to spot submarines...)

OOC: I think you mean NO 2/3 or else you will be sharing space with the ettin.

There's a shout from the other ettin (again in giant), clearly trying to give directions to the blinded partner in which direction to swing. Luckily, the narrow passageway they are fighting in works in the giant's favor as the degrees of freedom are reduced. Once more the heavy weapons whizz through the air as the two-headed giant tries to retaliate. Once more, the fact that he's blind saves Zar'Da's day.

Round 4:
  [Move] no
  [Free]
  [Standard] Attack 1-4 (18, 31, 21, 21)). Miss chance<50, no hit, also rolled for iterative attacks of last round, again without hitting.

Status:
  Initiative: 20
  AC (Touch AC): 16 (6)

  Damage Taken:   25
  Damage Dealt:   8

Effects: Blinded 5 rounds

OOC: Unbelievable! I'll stick to rolling d2's from now on (a "2" will hit)
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:59, Fri 15 Mar 2013.

Total reflection... The vermin was heading south entering the waters (upstream).
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:38, Thu 14 Mar 2013.

OOC:  Remember to include the 4 acid damage taken by Crab 1 from Zar'Da's aura.

"You are doing well, keep it up," the wizard encourages his friend, then launches into another spell.  More than half a dozen sets of disembodied jaws appear, and split into two groups, one cluster heading south to savage the unseeing ettin, while the other jaws swoop into the mass of webbing to attack the entangled crab.

Round 4:
  [Standard] Cast spell (Manyjaws), allocate 4 jaws to ettin and 3 jaws to crab
  [Move] Move south to Q-04, 20' up

Manyjaws:
Ettin: 11 damage
Crab: 9 damage
Ref save DC 19 for half damage.

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 25 (14)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects:
Alter Self
Mage Armor
Shield

Final Position: Q-4, 20' up

EDIT:  Added the move action to Q-4.  Also, adjusted touch AC, should be 14 and not 18 (Shield does not add to touch AC).

On the ettin's turn, Garath uses his jaunt to evade the javelin, ending in S06, 20' up.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:11, Sat 16 Mar 2013.

With his shield up Zar'da easily knocks aside the Ettin's attacks and then counters with a vicious slash from his enlarged bastard sword.

Round 4
  [Standard] Attack Ettin #1: 19, Damage: 16

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 22(13), Enlarged AC 21(12)

  Damage Taken: 24
  Damage Dealt: 41

Effects:

 Draconic Aura: Energy Shield: Enemy takes 4 points of acid damage when using a melee weapon. Extends to companions within 30' of Shaman.

 Enlarge:  Zar'Da's space and reach increase to 10'.  +2 to Strength (affects to-hit and damage), -2 to Dex (affects AC), -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC, increase in weapon damage due to size, +4 on trip, grapple, etc.  Lasts 7 rounds.

Final Position: N-O 02/03

OOC:  Sorry, just read the text directed at me in msg #44 above.  You posted it while I was responding to the prior post and I didn't notice that there was a new NPC post added...

I'm fine with the mechanic of letting me know whether an attack hits touch AC and letting me choose whether to jaunt or not before I know whether it hits actual AC.  In this case the javelin gets stuck in the web (and hey, the ettin can't target Garath because he doesn't see where Garath is - is the ettin metagaming?? ;P )

Also, how did the ettin get to F-G/17-18?  The bridge ought to slow him down since he needs to squeeze across it.

Ah, the web blocked LOS, missed that. Will correct in the morning.

OOC: He isn't squeezing across the bridge as it has no walls. If the bridge was longer he might have to take greater care crossing it, but as it is the stride of the giant is about half his length (6-7') and so he can simple step on the bridge (right foot) and land on the other side with his next step (left foot). Strangely enough, balancing across narrow surfaces is of equal difficulty no matter the size of the creature, i.e. a cloud giant and a pixie face the same balance DC when crossing a 2" wide surface...

No javelin attack from the ettin this round then, since he had no LOS or LOE.

Surging from the river, the crab goes on the attack once more, snapping at Zar'Da from behind.

Round 4:
  [Move] 5' step to PQ 05/06
  [Free]
  [Standard] Full attack (20, 16) miss

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   4
  Damage Dealt:   16 (Zar'Da)

Effects: Soft cover (from water)

Final Position: PQ 05/06 half in the river

The crab manages to evade some of the magical jaws despite its entanglement, then proceeds to try and escape the web. It very nearly makes it.

Round 4:
  [Move]
  [Free] Ref save 20. Full round STR check (25) moves 10' to DE 8/9
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   4
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: Entangled

Final Position: DE 8/9

The two-headed giant moves around the web and launches a javelin at Gareth
Round 4:
  [Move] Move to HI 8/9
  [Free] Shout something in Giant
  [Standard] Attack, jaunt or not?

Status:
  Initiative: 5
  AC (Touch AC): 18 (8)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects:

Final position: HI 8/9
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:49, Fri 15 Mar 2013.

The snapping jaws adds to the confusion and furor of the blinded giant, who continues to strike blindly at the enlarged dragon shaman. The giant attacks with (literal) blind fury, and this time manages to land a solid blow.

Round 5:
  [Move] no
  [Free] Ref save 21, success
  [Standard] Attack 1-4 (29, 21, 26, 22)). Miss chance<50, one hit, damage 13

Status:
  Initiative: 20
  AC (Touch AC): 16 (6)

  Damage Taken:   50 (+4 acid)
  Damage Dealt:   21

Effects: Blinded 4 rounds

Final position: LM 02/03

OOC: Where is the manyjaws spell from? In PGtF each pair is said to do 1d4 damage, not 1d6.

EDIT: Ah, new version in SC with 1d6 damage. Good!
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:37, Fri 15 Mar 2013.

OOC:  Yep, SC version.

Since Ettin 2's actions for the earlier round have changed, I'll need to redo Garath's actions since he will not be staying put while the other ettin approaches.  I'll post later today when I get a chance, but I expect I'll end up allocating all 7 jaws to Ettin 1 (since both sets of jaws were saved against, this should be easy, no need to figure out which save roll to use), moving, and probably ending up within line-of-javelin of the ettin anyway, in which case yes, Garath will use abrupt jaunt.  (Unless I think of something better.)

Ettin 1's cumulative acid damage should now be 8, since he has hit Zar'Da twice.

OOC: The first hit was at range though, the acid is for melee attacks unless I'm mistaken. Ettin 2 was still behind web cover even after two move actions (i.e. you can't see the ettin, and he see's no-one), only this round does he get LOS to Garath. I fail to see how this will change anything wrt the manyjaws, so unless you give me a good reason for this change your choice of targets stand. In any case you can focus your attacks this round if needed. The monsters are unlikely to make their saves anymore.

OOC:  Not quite correct.  After its double move, the ettin had only partial cover from Garath due to the web (less than 20' of intervening strands).  Given that the ettin is big and loud and bellowing in giantish, not to mention moving at full speed, I should think it would be easily spotted by Garath, even if the converse might not be true.  Consequently, Garath would be aware of the approaching threat.  This would impel him to remove himself from the immediate vicinity, and also to allocate the manyjaws in an attempt to finish off the blinded ettin more quickly, to free up Zar'Da to meet the new foe.

But I'm okay reallocating the jaws only next round, if you feel strongly about it.

So, I'd propose to have Garath move south, but stay up at the 20' level (to avoid crab-attack), which means he cannot hide behind the wall, so the ettin casts a javelin at him (in round 4) and he uses his jaunt to evade.  Fair enough?  (And we can keep the jaws split 3-4 in round 4 if you like, to be reallocated in round 5 as needed.)

@Zar'Da:  You should go ahead with your round, Garath won't be doing anything this round that you should wait on, he'll just be focusing on keeping the manyjaws active...

No problem at all from my end.

OOC:  Okay, Garath's actions for round 4 have been updated, will post his round 5 actions later today.

The wizard frowns as he sees the opposing forces converging on Zar'Da's position.  Focusing his will on the floating jaws, he directs the snapping teeth hovering around the crab to redirect their efforts toward the freshly-arrived ettin; meanwhile, two of the sets of jaws accosting the blinded ettin move to join the others and attack the other, still-sighted giant.

And then Garath swoops across the river and ducks behind the stone wall.

Round 5:
  [Standard] Re-allocate jaws: 2 to blind ettin and 5 to sighted ettin
  [Move] Move south-east to W-16, 10' up

Manyjaws:
Ettin 1 (2 jaws): 6 damage
Ettin 2 (5 jaws): 16 damage
Ref save DC 19 for half damage.

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 25 (14)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   4 to crab, 8 or 11 to ettin 1, 8 or 16 to ettin 2

Effects:
Alter Self
Mage Armor
Shield

Final Position: W-16, 10' up

Zar'Da heard the snapping of the claws at his backside and decided to make the sneaky crab pay a little. Activating the magic of his gauntlets the drowkin quickly issued a counter attack, his sword biting into the shelled creature(I hope).

Round 4
  [Immediate] Activate Counterstrike Bracers: Instant AoO when opponent misses
              AoO: 25, Damage: 14

The Dragon Shaman took the blind hit from the Ettin with a loud grunt of pain. Sensing he was being squeezed between two foes and feeling his energy beginning to wane the drowkin slashed at the two headed creature in front of him, landing another solid blow on the blinded Ettin. Once he attacked the giant the drowkin began to skitter up the wall using his innate spider climb ability.

Round 5
  [Standard] Attack Ettin #1: 18, Damage: 13
  [Move] Climb 15' further up above N-O 02/03, as part of move sheath sword.

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 22(13), Enlarged AC 21(12)

  Damage Taken: 37
  Damage Dealt: 54(E1), 14(C1)

Effects:

 Draconic Aura: Energy Shield: Enemy takes 4 points of acid damage when using a melee weapon. Extends to companions within 30' of Shaman.

 Enlarge:  Zar'Da's space and reach increase to 10'.  +2 to Strength (affects to-hit and damage), -2 to Dex (affects AC), -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC, increase in weapon damage due to size, +4 on trip, grapple, etc.  Lasts 6 rounds.

Final Position: 15' above N-O 02/03
This message was last edited by the player at 10:46, Tue 19 Mar 2013.

OOC: Using an immediate action "eats up" your swift action the following turn.  You will have to stay put one more round (or at least only move using natural means).

Ettin 1 passes the save vs manyjaws while ettin 2 does not. However, your standard action attack is just enough to drop the ettin. Ettin 1 is unconscious at -1 HP.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:21, Mon 18 Mar 2013.

In reply to DM Solo (msg # 65):

OOC: Ok then. Yay me :)

OOC:  Zar'Da has cover relative to the crab, right?  So, as long as he stays behind the stone wall (e.g. if he climbs straight up the arena boundary-wall to his west), he won't provoke an AoO from the crab?

OOC: Actually he doesn't because of the rules for cover concerning large creatures with reach are special. It's essentially the same as for ranged attacks (but with very limited range). It is also the main reason for the 5' step the crab took out of the water, had he moved any closer he would have provoked an AoO from Zar'Da.

OOC:  Ahh, interesting.  So the crab uses its most favorable square (Q-05) against Zar'Da's most exposed square (O-02) to determine cover, I guess.  But - the crab doesn't have reach from Q-05 to O-02, so how would that work?  The crab can only reach Zar'Da's square O-03, which is behind cover...

OOC: Updated my post.

Correct, but the rules don't cover that case from what I could see, which is the basis for my ruling.

OOC: you must have both hands free to spider climb, please indicate what you have done with your weapon.

As Zar'Da begins to climb up the wall, the crab gets the opening it was waiting for and rips his flesh open with its snapping claw.

AoO hits AC23 for 16 damage

The crab scuttles out of the water, and under Zar'Da as he hangs suspended to the wall. The giant crustacean makes a prodiguous leap and promptly grabs Zar'Da, trying to crush the enlarged drow-kin in a powerful grip.

Round 5:
  [Move] Move to NO 02/03, jump 28 (clears 7 feet + 10' reach)
  [Free]
  [Standard] Touch attack (17) grapple check (30), OGC DC 30 or take 7 non-lethal damage and be grappled

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   18 (+4 acid?)
  Damage Dealt:   32 (Zar'Da) + 7 NL

Effects:

Final position: NO 02/03 (possibly dropping to the ground while grappling Zar'Da)
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:37, Tue 19 Mar 2013.

The crab continues to struggle against the sticky strands and finally manages to break loose, pincers clicking menacingly.

Round 5:
  [Move]
  [Free] Full round STR check (26), breaks loose
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   4
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects:

Final Position: DE 6/7

OOC: Garath, could you please re-confirm your position: I can't see how you can reach W16 from Q4 with 60' movement. Don't forget to include your vertical movement as well (10', counting as 5'). I can't make Ettin 2's action before getting this from you.

OOC:

Down Speed:Any flying creature can fly down at twice its normal flying speed. An easy way to track diving movement is to allow it 5 feet of bonus movement for every 5 feet it descends, to a maximum of twice its normal flying speed. The creature can use the extra movement for any kind flying movement it normally could perform, except for hovering.

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rg/20040629a

EDIT:  I don't see the crab having the Mobility feat - how is it attacking Zar'Da mid-movement?  Can characters with high Jump skills basically get the benefits of the Mobility feat by jumping sidewise past their opponents, making an attack and landing outside of threat range?  Doesn't seem right...

Also, doesn't it provoke an attack of opportunity when it attempts to initiate a grapple?  It doesn't have the Improved Grapple feat, and the Improved Grab feature only applies to creatures smaller than it (and Zar'Da is the same size as the crab).
This message was last edited by the player at 12:20, Tue 19 Mar 2013.

You change 10' of altitude, but since your downward speed is doubled it only counts as 5'. In any case there are exactly 12 squares separating Q4 to W16, but that is not counting diagonals and altitude changes, hence my question regarding your position.

The crab jumps up and grabs hold of Zar'Da. This isn't different from jumping up and grabbing hold of an object (except for having to hit the touch AC). I believe you are really referring to the Spring Attack feat, but this doesn't apply here since the movement stops after grabbing hold of the opponent (must move at least 5' before and after making the attack). Zar'Da doesn't threaten any squares since both hands are occupied with spider climbing, hence no AoO.

OOC:  Yes, I meant Spring Attack, sorry.  No, I don't think it is the same as grabbing an object.  An attack doesn't represent a single strike, it represents menacing the foe for a short while, feinting (in the non-technical sense, not Feinting), making a succession of strikes that mostly get blocked, and waiting for that one opening when you can actually get through the foe's defenses.  I'd be interested to know what the DMs' consensus is on this question.  (I'm not contesting your ruling for the present match, I leave it to Zar'Da to decide whether he would like to seek, and wait for, the DM conclave's answer; on my part I'm interested in the answer for future purposes.)

You shouldn't measure Garath's movement from Q4, he jaunted to S6, per msg #48.

Ah, that explains a lot! You are still 5' short of movement due to the change of altitude though.

As I said, spring attack is not a valid feat for this attack since movement ends at the attack. While the fluff says all that about attacking, in practice the attack is just a roll of a dice. I don't think this is a contested ruling, especially wrt initiating grappling, the crab is simply grabbing hold of Zar'Da, the next step is the grapple check. The falling (and ensuing damage) will happen next round.

I mean, the jump skill says:
which is exactly what the crab does.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:20, Tue 19 Mar 2013.

OOC:  I think I have a surplus of 5' due to altitude change.  If there were no altitude changes, Garath could just reach W16.  But he is descending two 5' increments, so he gets two "bonus" 5' movements, and moving diagonally (downwards) only costs him one extra square per two diagonals, so he only uses up one of the bonus 5' movements.

I still think there is a difference between grasping "something" overhead, and grasping a creature that is actively evading you.  Again, I'm not contesting the ruling for purposes of this match, but I do think there is a legitimate question here and I'd like to know what the general rule is (on RoA anyway ;) ), because this may come up in campaigns.

This is the relevant quote:


so you fly down 5' but actually reach 10'. Ok I think I got it, yes it looks legit. Since you take diagonal movement, the second downward diagonal square counts as 10', but since you "gained" 5' previously you still make it.

I'll bring it up in the lounge.

OOC: With the damage already taken and the non lethal damage due to my missing my OGC (rolled 26) Zar'Da has exceeded his HP's which put's him out.

The remaining ettin observes his target moving behind cover and follows suit as fast as he can, swatting ineffectively at the snapping jaws surrounding him.

Round 5:
  [Move] Double move to OP 13/14
  [Free]
  [Standard] Move

Status:
  Initiative: 5
  AC (Touch AC): 18 (8)

  Damage Taken:   16
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects:

Final position: OP 13/14

"Oh, hells."  With Zar'Da down, it is just one 3'-tall mephit-shaped mageling against three hulking battle-brutes.

Garath speeds north-eastward, toward the shelter of the eastern wall.  Just before reaching it, he turns and hurls another web-spell, targeting the ettin chasing him.  The strands whip about, ensnaring the giant and also forming a sticky mass under the bridge that constricts travel within the river's waters.

Round 6:
  [Move] Move north-east to P-24, 15' up
  [Standard] Cast spell: Web (centered at 10' up, O-P/14-15)

Manyjaws:  Terminated due to lapse of concentration.  No damage.
Web:  Ref save DC 20 or be stuck.

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 25 (14)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   4 to crab, 8 to ettin 1, 16 to ettin 2

Effects:
Alter Self
Mage Armor
Shield

Final Position: P-24, 15' up

With Zar'Da hanging limply against the wall, the crab suddenly loses interest, and drops to the ground. Scurrying away it disappears into the waters.

Round 6:
  [Move] Jump 19, beats DC15 and reduces falling distance 10', 2 non-lethal damage taken, move
  [Free] End grapple
  [Standard] move

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   22 + 2 nl
  Damage Dealt:   32 (Zar'Da) + 7 NL

Effects:

Final position:

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
UV 07/08

---

The second crab recognizes the sticky strands for what they are and avoids them like the plague, instead rushing across the arena to reach the remaining enemy. As soon as the crab enters the water it lets go of the shore and lets the current drag it away and under.

Round 6:
  [Move] Double move to HI 18/19
  [Free] Current drags him 10' north
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   4
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: Submerged

Final Position: FG 19/20

The web suddenly appears, blocking the ettin from view by all.

OOC: The ettin is caught by the web, and is unable to break loose this round, but you will not know that.

Round 6:
  [Move]
  [Free]
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 5
  AC (Touch AC): 18 (8)

  Damage Taken:   16
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: Entangled, total concealment.

Final position: OP 13/14

Round 7:
  Unconscious

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 22(13), Enlarged AC 21(12)

  Damage Taken: 53+7NL
  Damage Dealt: 54(E1), 14(C1)

Effects:

 Draconic Aura: Energy Shield: Enemy takes 4 points of acid damage when using a melee weapon. Extends to companions within 30' of Shaman.

 Enlarge:  Zar'Da's space and reach increase to 10'.  +2 to Strength (affects to-hit and damage), -2 to Dex (affects AC), -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC, increase in weapon damage due to size, +4 on trip, grapple, etc.  Lasts 4 rounds.

Final Position: N-O 02/03

Circling back the way he came - and away from the crab to the north - Garath shoots off another spell at the ettin as soon as the two-headed monster's bulk can be seen through the sticky tangled mass.

Round 7:
  [Move] Move south-west to U-18, 25' up
  [Standard] Cast spell: (Glitterdust - Extended) on ettin #2

Glitterdust: 10' spread, Will save DC 20 or be blinded for 14 rounds.

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 25 (14)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   4 to crab, 8 to ettin 1, 16 to ettin 2

Effects:
Alter Self
Mage Armor
Shield

Final Position: U-18, 25' up  (Note:  position is not visible to submerged crabs even if they have LOE, since the river's surface is reflective.)

What squares, exactly, are affected by web? I can't see how they can extend under water since the 20' extention area is on land. Over the river it only extends 15', which means not far enough to attach to the bottom of the river. Which may or may not be considered a solid object (silt, mud or sand are as likely as man made flagstones) in any case.

The ettin is blinded, judging from the roar of frustration from within.

OOC:  I'm picturing it as a cube 6 squares wide, 6 squares tall and 6 squares deep, reaching from -10' to +30' (i.e. from riverbed to force-ceiling), and from M12 to R17, inclusive.  The little 20' "extrusions" from the cube don't have anything to anchor to so they collapse, but the 6-by-6-by-6 cube itself is properly anchored.

Hm, I think I need to take another look in the DMG at the spell area pictures to understand.

Ok, so the 20' part is only 10' wide and so does not extend into the river. In the river the web reaches 5' below the surface, and so is not anchored and should just disappear.

OOC:  Why doesn't it reach 10' down?

EDIT:  Nevermind, I see what you're saying.  You're right, it doesn't clog the river.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:56, Wed 20 Mar 2013.

I guess the centerline should be at 15' up, then, like the other one.  So there is a 6-by-6-by-6 cube, from M12 to R17, inclusive (as stated above), except that there are no webs over the water (but the area over the bridge is clogged with webs all the way up to the ceiling).  Does that make sense?

Yes, that's how I figured it.

EDIT: Looking at the description of the arena features it is debatable if you can cast web like that at all. The ground is dirt or sand, which isn't a solid surface in the game sense (has no hardness), but it's way too complicated to change that now, so let's continue.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:55, Thu 21 Mar 2013.

The crab scrambles out of the water and scurrying along the south wall stops when it spots its prey, currently out of reach.

Round 7:
  [Move] Double move to WX 15/16
  [Free]
  [Standard] move

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   22 + 2 nl
  Damage Dealt:   32 (Zar'Da) + 7 NL

Effects:

Final position: WX 15/16

Using the waters for cover, the crab swims against the current, occasionally letting its eyestalks break the surface to survey the surroundings.

Round 7:
  [Move] double move to NO 19/20, hide (16) beat the DC to spot an eye-stalk moving through the waters.
  [Free]
  [Standard] move

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   4
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: Submerged

Final position: NO 19/20 (movement against current included)

The blinded ettin struggles mightily against the strands, and sounds of silk strands snapping indicate a possible success.

Round 7:
  [Move]
  [Free] Full round STR check (24) success
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 5
  AC (Touch AC): 18 (8)

  Damage Taken:   16
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: Entangled, blinded

Final position: OP 13/14

Round 8:
  Unconscious

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 22(13), Enlarged AC 21(12)

  Damage Taken: 53+7NL
  Damage Dealt: 54(E1), 14(C1)

Effects:

 Draconic Aura: Energy Shield: Enemy takes 4 points of acid damage when using a melee weapon. Extends to companions within 30' of Shaman.

 Enlarge:  Zar'Da's space and reach increase to 10'.  +2 to Strength (affects to-hit and damage), -2 to Dex (affects AC), -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC, increase in weapon damage due to size, +4 on trip, grapple, etc.  Lasts 3 rounds.

Final Position: N-O 02/03

The winged wizard sails back west, landing next to Zar'Da on small, somewhat bow-legged mephit-feet.  He lays a clawed hand on the dragon shaman's massive shoulder, focuses his concentration to activate his magical belt, and pushes the healing energies out into his comrade.

"Come on come on come on," his tone is anxious, almost frantic, "they are coming at us - ahh, you are up - quick, drink - invisibility potion - go up the wall, heal yourself, re-engage the fight when you are ready."


Round 8:
  [Move] Move west to P-04, ground level, draw potion while moving
  [Standard] Activate healing belt, 2 charges - Zar'Da heals 11 hp
  [Free] Drop potion of invisibility into Zar'Da's hand

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 25 (14)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   4 to crab, 8 to ettin 1, 16 to ettin 2

Effects:
Alter Self
Mage Armor
Shield

Final Position: P-04, ground level  (Not visible to the crabs, no LOS)

@Zar'Da:  In light of the above you might want to repost your actions for the round; but, the above is pending on a response from DM Solo to a PM.

PL

@Zar'Da:  Actions approved - go ahead and drink up ;P

@DM Solo:  Garath will use abrupt jaunt to get to P-03, 5' up as his stopping point.

The sight of the little mage urgently tapping the giant-sized drowkin is almost comic when viewed from the audience stands, but to Garath it is no joke - he looks back over his shoulder, scanning for approaching foes, then redoubles his efforts to get Zar'Da to react, respond, reorient himself after his moments of unconciousness.

OOC:  Zar'Da, you're up next I think - you're not unconscious in Round 8, so you should repost your actions for the round...

In reply to Garath Darkstar (msg # 103):

OOC: Quick question. When healing, does NL damage heal 1 for 1 or does it disappear as soon as you get healed?

You heal one for one, unless I'm mistaken.

OOC: How long does the potion last? Oh, and thanks :)

Zar'da came too and sat up with a start at the sight of Gareth's mephit form. And then all became clear once again as the transformed mage dropped the potion in his hands. Popping the cork the drow drank the potion and faded from view. Once invisible Zar'Da sent his sword back into it's scabbard and then teleported up the wall and then began climbing as far as he could.

Round 8:
  [Move] Drink Potion
  [Free] Activate Crystal of Return: Sheath Sword
  [Swift] Activate Anklet of Translocation: teleport 10' up the wall
  [Move] Spiderclimb 15' up

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 22(13), Enlarged AC 21(12)

  Damage Taken: 42 (53L+7NL-11healed)
  Damage Dealt: 54(E1), 14(C1)

Effects:

 Draconic Aura: Energy Shield: Enemy takes 4 points of acid damage when using a melee weapon. Extends to companions within 30' of Shaman.

 Enlarge:  Zar'Da's space and reach increase to 10'.  +2 to Strength (affects to-hit and damage), -2 to Dex (affects AC), -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC, increase in weapon damage due to size, +4 on trip, grapple, etc.  Lasts 2 rounds.

 Invisible: 30rounds

Final Position: 25' above N-O 02/03
This message was last edited by the player at 10:53, Thu 28 Mar 2013.

OOC:

The invisibility will last for 30 rounds unless you take an action that ends it earlier, e.g. attacking someone.

Non-lethal damage gets healed alongside lethal damage, not instead of it.  So, if you have 53 lethal damage and 7 non-lethal, and you are healed for 11, you heal 11 lethal damage and all of your non-lethal damage (because you have less than 11 non-lethal damage), and are left with 42 lethal damage and no non-lethal damage.

Cool, I have edited my post. Thanks G.

With its prey going west, the crab has little choice but to follow as quickly as it can, ending up just south of the western stone structure.

Round 8:
  [Move] Double move to QR 04/05
  [Free]
  [Standard] move

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   22 + 2 nl
  Damage Dealt:   32 (Zar'Da) + 7 NL

Effects:

Final position: QR 04/05
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:16, Tue 02 Apr 2013.

The submerged crab sticks up an eyestalk and follows the movement of its brethren, and decides to follow suit. Scuttling up on solid ground it spots the small mephit, and runs straight toward it, entering the river once more.

Round 8:
  [Move] double move to PQ 06/07
  [Free]
  [Standard] move

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   4
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: Submerged

Final position: PQ 06/07 (movement against current included)

The blinded and trapped ettin heaves against the webs, and with a particularly powerful push with his mighty legs breaks free and into the waters of the river. He tries washing away the sparkly stuff but it doesn't seem to work. Deciding to stay low he tries finding som cover behind the bridge.

Round 8:
  [Move]
  [Free]
  [Standard] STR check to move (23), 15', dragged 10' by current

Status:
  Initiative: 5
  AC (Touch AC): 18 (8)

  Damage Taken:   16
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: blinded (13 rounds)

Final position: MN 14/15, cover under the bridge

Those persistent crabs!  Their ingrained cunning gives them almost the appearance of a vicious intelligence.

Garath quickly glances up at the scoreboards posted around the arena.  Zar'Da has dealt 68 damage so far in this match, while he himself had only accounted for 28.  He had better start catching up and pulling his weight in this fight!

He starts north, ready for the crab's instinctive lunge - when it arrives, he jaunts out of its reach, shoots up and escapes to another part of the arena, but not before calling forth another set of jaws and directing them against the crab that had threatened him.


Round 9:
  [Free] Jaunt - N03, 15' up, cover from stone wall
  [Move] Move east to K12, 25' up
  [Standard] Manyjaws, targeting Crab 1

Manyjaws:
Crab 1: 31 damage
Ref save DC 19 for half damage.


Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 25 (14)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   31 or 15 to crab 1, 4 to crab 2, 8 to ettin 1, 16 to ettin 2

Effects:
Alter Self
Mage Armor
Shield

Final Position: K12, 25' up

OOC: "almost"? haha!

Zar'Da breathed a little easier now that the heat was off and he could feel his many wounds beginning to knit back together. It was extremely diffcult to sit back and watch his companion trying to take on the three enemies without him.

Round 8:
  [Swift] Activate Draconic Aura: Vigor

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 22(13), Enlarged AC 21(12)

  Damage Taken: 40 (53L+7NL-13healed)
  Damage Dealt: 54(E1), 14(C1)

Effects:

 Draconic Aura: Vigor: Heal 2 points of damage a round up to half total HP's. Extends to companions within 30' of Shaman.

 Enlarge:  Zar'Da's space and reach increase to 10'.  +2 to Strength (affects to-hit and damage), -2 to Dex (affects AC), -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC, increase in weapon damage due to size, +4 on trip, grapple, etc.  Lasts 1 rounds.

 Invisible: 30rounds

Final Position: 25' above N-O 02/03

The crab takes a frightful beating from the conjured jaws, but being mindless, isn't able to reflect much on its situation. With its prey suddenly teleporting out of range, it tries to follow, but finds itself standing on top of the structure quite alone, while Garath flies safely away.

Round 9:
  [Move] Move to KL 4/5 climb 25
  [Free]
  [Standard] Snap at jaws

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   53 + 2 nl
  Damage Dealt:   32 (Zar'Da) + 7 NL

Effects:

Final position: KL 4/5 on top of structure
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:44, Thu 11 Apr 2013.

OOC:  Garath is not within range of the crab.

No, you're not. Let me count squares and get back to you.

Geez, not even close... I'll look over the monster actions tomorrow.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:15, Mon 08 Apr 2013.

OOC:  No rush.  I'm out of town this week with limited computer access.

The second crab just slips under the waters once more.

Round 9:
  [Move] move to KL 8/9
  [Free]
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   4
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: Submerged, obscured (20% miss chance)

Final position: KL 8/9

The ettin seems content biding his time under the bridge.

Round 9:
  [Move]
  [Free]
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 5
  AC (Touch AC): 18 (8)

  Damage Taken:   16
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: blinded (11 rounds)

Final position: MN 14/15, cover under the bridge

OOC:  Will be back from vacation this weekend and will plan to post then.  Zar'Da - don't feel obliged to wait for me...

The wizard's flight path takes him further east, where he drops behind the stone wall and peeps over its upper edge.  His savage magick, in the meantime, continues to snap ferociously at the sorely-injured crab.


Round 10:
  [Move] Move east to K25, 10' up (Improved Cover from peeping above the wall)
  [Standard] Maintain concentration on Manyjaws, targeting Crab 1

Manyjaws:
Crab 1: 22 damage
Ref save DC 19 for half damage.


Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 33 (22) (including cover AC)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   42 or 53 to crab 1, 4 to crab 2, 8 to ettin 1, 16 to ettin 2

Effects:
Alter Self
Mage Armor
Shield

Final Position: K25, 10' up

The crab flails about managing to avoid many of the snapping jaws, but having sustained significant damage already finally succumbs and goes still.

OOC: Crab 1 is out of action!

Taking advantage of the current, the crab swims toward the elusive mage-mephit, managing to cover the distance even if just.

Round 10:
  [Move] Double move to IJ 21/22
  [Free]
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   4
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: submerged, concealement (20% miss chance)

Final position: IJ 21/22
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:25, Mon 15 Apr 2013.

The ettin seems content biding his time under the bridge.

Round 10:
  [Move]
  [Free]
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 5
  AC (Touch AC): 18 (8)

  Damage Taken:   16
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: blinded (10 rounds)

Final position: MN 14/15, cover under the bridge

Zar'da felt himself shrink back to normal size as Gareth's spell wore off. The dragon shaman was quite content to stay put and allow his healing factor to do it's work.

Round 10:
  [Free] Heal

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 22(13), Enlarged AC 21(12)

  Damage Taken: 38 (53L+7NL-15healed)
  Damage Dealt: 54(E1), 14(C1)

Effects:

 Draconic Aura: Vigor: Heal 2 points of damage a round up to half total HP's. Extends to companions within 30' of Shaman.

 Enlarge:  Zar'Da's space and reach increase to 10'.  +2 to Strength (affects to-hit and damage), -2 to Dex (affects AC), -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC, increase in weapon damage due to size, +4 on trip, grapple, etc.  EXPIRED!

 Invisible: 29rounds

Final Position: 25' above N02
This message was last edited by the player at 11:18, Mon 15 Apr 2013.

OOC:  I don't think the crab has enough movement to reach Garath this round.  Note that its swim speed is only 30'.  And it needs to move through the ettin's space, and the ettin - being blind - is more likely to swing at it then to let it pass unmolested/unobstructed.

I think the best the crab can do is I-J/21-22, by going on land and taking advantage of land speed (except where slowed down to 3/4 speed while crossing the river).

In case relevant, here's a hide check for Garath behind the wall - Crab needs a spot check to beat that to see Garath from its position, though it probably "knows" that Garath flew behind the wall generally:  Hide check 29.

@Zar'Da:  I think you did post your actions for round 9 - you have two posts labelled "Round 8", the second of them is presumably Round 9.

OOC: Ok, will review the position. In general though the crab just get's as far as it can. In the context of this fight, the crab and ettin are "allies" and can move through each others space just fine. You certainly can, and so this will hold for the opposition even if it's nonsensical.

Crab gets to IJ 17/18 on it's first move (dragged by current 10' for free, then 40' on land). Second move action is 30' (mostly through water) which gets it to IJ 23/24.

OOC:  I don't think it's correct to give the crab the 10' current boost as a "swift action".  If most of its move action isn't swimming in the river along the direction of the current, it shouldn't get the current boost.

In reply to Garath Darkstar (msg # 127):

Got it, post has been edited.

I see what you mean. Fair enough. Position is edited.

Has the crab seen him?  Garath isn't sure, and isn't about to take any chances.  Leaving his hiding place behind the wall, he hurries south, building altitude to take him out of reach of the crab's claws.  As he goes, he directs the jaws (thank Mystra he prepared all of his Manyjaws spells for the day with the metamagic that extended their duration!) to attack the ettin under the bridge.


Round 11:
  [Move] Move south to V25, 25' up
  [Standard] Maintain concentration on Manyjaws, targeting Ettin 2

Manyjaws:
Ettin 2: 19 damage
Ref save DC 19 for half damage.  Note that the jaws can attack both above and below water, so I don't think the Ettin gets a bonus to reflex saves from being in the water.  (Also the default rule is that, other than fire effects and effects that require an attack roll, magic generally isn't affected by the target's being underwater, per the SRD.)


Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 25 (14)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   42 to crab 1, 4 to crab 2, 8 to ettin 1, 25 or 35 to ettin 2

Effects:
Alter Self
Mage Armor
Shield

Final Position: V25, 25' up

The crab, not seeing any enemies within reach, stays in the water.

Round 11:
  [Move] Move to NO 19/20
  [Free]
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   4
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: submerged, concealement (20% miss chance)

Final position: N/O 19/20
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:48, Wed 17 Apr 2013.

The waters suddenly changes color as the magical jaws do their grisly work on the trapped and blinded ettin.

Round 11:
  [Move]
  [Free] Save vs spell 22, pass
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 5
  AC (Touch AC): 18 (8)

  Damage Taken:   26
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: blinded (9 rounds)

Final position: MN 14/15, cover under the bridge
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:49, Wed 17 Apr 2013.

OOC:  DM Solo, I believe the crab and the ettin just took their 11th round, not their 12th and 10th respectively.  (Not that I care about the labelling but it helps to avoid confusion.)

Zar'Da, I think you're up now - for your Round 11 actions, which technically go before the actions of the crab and the ettin that DM Solo just posted.

And, since the crab and ettin have acted for Round 11, you may as well post your Round 12 actions too, unless you are waiting for Garath to post his Round 12 actions before deciding what to do that round.

Quite right, sorry for the confusion.

OOC: I will try and post as soon as I can.

Zar'Da skittered down the wall and moved along the floor, closing the distance between himself and the Ettin under the bridge.

Round 11:
  [Free] Heal
  [Move] Climb down 15'
  [Move] Climb 10' to the ground, move 20' to J02

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 22(13), Enlarged AC 21(12)

  Damage Taken: 36 (53L+7NL-17healed)
  Damage Dealt: 54(E1), 14(C1)

Effects:

 Draconic Aura: Vigor: Heal 2 points of damage a round up to half total HP's. Extends to companions within 30' of Shaman.

 Enlarge:  Zar'Da's space and reach increase to 10'.  +2 to Strength (affects to-hit and damage), -2 to Dex (affects AC), -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC, increase in weapon damage due to size, +4 on trip, grapple, etc.  EXPIRED!

 Invisible: 28rounds

Final Position: J02
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Round 12:
  [Free] Heal
  [Move] Double move to J14

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 22(13), Enlarged AC 21(12)

  Damage Taken: 34 (53L+7NL-19healed)
  Damage Dealt: 54(E1), 14(C1)

Effects:

 Draconic Aura: Vigor: Heal 2 points of damage a round up to half total HP's. Extends to companions within 30' of Shaman.

 Enlarge:  Zar'Da's space and reach increase to 10'.  +2 to Strength (affects to-hit and damage), -2 to Dex (affects AC), -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC, increase in weapon damage due to size, +4 on trip, grapple, etc.  EXPIRED!

 Invisible: 27rounds

Final Position: J14

Determining to stay a moving target, Garath zips west, keeping close to the arena wall, while the translucent jaws that he evoked continue to molest the ettin.  He spares a quick glance for the arena's scoreboards, and is relieved to find that his damage output has finally caught up with that of his ferocious fighting comrade, after Zar'Da's impressive head start on that count.


Round 12:
  [Move] Move west to W13, 25' up
  [Standard] Maintain concentration on Manyjaws, targeting Ettin 2

Manyjaws:
Ettin 2: 25 damage
Ref save DC 19 for half damage.  (That's Ref save, not Will save.)


Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 25 (14)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   42 to crab 1, 4 to crab 2, 8 to ettin 1, 37 or 50 to ettin 2

Effects:
Alter Self
Mage Armor
Shield

Final Position: W13, 25' up

Garath sneezes, but manages to stifle it to near-silence.

I'm off on a two-day course, and have a ton of things on my evenings too.

OOC:

No worries, appreciate the update.  Enjoy the course (and evenings!) and take your time....

The course is at my workplace and I'm busy with taxes and other economic matters, sigh. Friday should get back to normal.

The crab suddenly emerges from the waters and scuttles across the arena towards the small mage. Jumping high it manages to grab hold of the top of the southern stone structure, but is unable to pull itself over the edge and is left hanging.

Round 12:
  [Move] Move to ST 15/16, Jump (22) clears 5' grabs ledge
  [Free]
  [Standard] Climb (11), fails to pull up

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   4
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: climbing, lose DEX to AC (-1)

Final position: ST 15/16

The Ettin once more is heavily damaged by the spell.

Round 12:
  [Move]
  [Free] Save vs spell fail
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 5
  AC (Touch AC): 18 (8)

  Damage Taken:   45
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: blinded (8 rounds)

Final position: MN 14/15, cover under the bridge

Garath's focus on his spell is unswayed by the monstrous crustacean's approach.  The bloody jaws continue their work, and the wizard gauges their progress.  Seeing the ettin succumb, Garath wings his way over the river, skirting the many-layered web.


Round 13:
  [Standard] Maintain concentration on Manyjaws, targeting Ettin 2
  [Move] Move northwest to L11, 25' up

Manyjaws:
Ettin 2: 25 damage
Ref save DC 19 for half damage.

Note:  Web spell in place from M12 to R17, inclusive

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 25 (14)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   42 to crab 1, 4 to crab 2, 8 to ettin 1, 75 to ettin 2

Effects:
Alter Self
Mage Armor
Shield

Final Position: L11, 25' up

OOC:  Garath's actions for the rest of the round will depend on whether the ettin is still in play.  Could you check its damage totals?  It took 16 damage in round 5, 9 in round 11 (passed the save), and 25 in round 12 - should be total of 50, not including the new damage from round 13, yet the "Damage Taken" line says 45?

OOC:  EDITED
This message was last edited by the player at 15:13, Tue 30 Apr 2013.

OOC: Doesn't really matter as the Ettin (barely) failed his save. He dies this round.

OOC:  Okay, post edited above.

Zar'Da, I believe you are up!

OOC: Yeah, sorry. Been a little uninspired as of late. So, the ettin is down? Are any of the crabs visible?

there's only the one crab left, hanging onto the southern stone structure.

OOC: Sorry for the delay.

Noticing the water running red under the bridge Zar'da decides it's time to take action against the remaining crab. While his aura continued to slowly close his wounds the Shaman moved across the bridge quickly. Once on the other side Zar'Da opened his mouth and lifted his tongue allowing for the gland that had grown there to spew forth the fetid green acid in a line that shot at the hanging creature.

Round 13:
  [Free] Heal
  [Move] Move 30' to P14
  [Standard] Use breath weapon: Line of acid damage: 13, REF save vs DC16 for 1/2

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 22(13)

  Damage Taken: 32 (53L+7NL-21healed)
  Damage Dealt: 54(E1), 14(C1)

Effects:

 Draconic Aura: Vigor: Heal 2 points of damage a round up to half total HP's. Extends to companions within 30' of Shaman.

 Enlarge:  Zar'Da's space and reach increase to 10'.  +2 to Strength (affects to-hit and damage), -2 to Dex (affects AC), -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC, increase in weapon damage due to size, +4 on trip, grapple, etc.  EXPIRED!

 Invisible: 26rounds

 Breath Weapon Regeneration: 2 rounds

Final Position: P14

OOC: I'm sorry, but isn't Garath's webs impeding movement all over the place? I have a definite feeling most of that bridge is covered in webs and that you need to approach the crab either by crossing the waters or take the long route around. Not to bog down game any more than necessary let me just say that the middle bridge is unpassable due to webs, and that the southwest portion of the northern stone structure (with adjoining squares) is covered in webs.

OOC: Yeah, I lost track of what is where. Wish there was an updatable map. So, what must I roll to either jump the divide or cross through the water?

OOC:  Given where Garath flew to, it is likely that the crab - following Garath - will head in your direction, maybe even into range of your breath weapon without your needing to move.  Keep in mind that as soon as you target the crab with your breath, you lose invisibility.

OOC: Yep, I am aware. I suppose I will wait until it gets closer. I will hold my action.

The crab drops down and scuttles across the arena, trying to jump to reach the elusive mage.

Round 13:
  [Move]
  [Free] Drop down
  [Standard] Charge, jump (22) clears 5' height, 20' length, still 5' short of Garath

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   4
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: charging, -2 to AC, submerged

Final position: KL 11/12

Zar'Da watched as the crab charged towards him and jumped, it's large claws snapping together trying to get at the changed mage. Zar'Da slowly slid forward, holding his sword at the ready and his shield in front of him waiting for the creature to come from the water hoping his invisibility would give him a considerable advantage.

Round 14:
  [Free] Heal
  [Free] 5' step to J13
  [Hold] Attack when Crab comes out of the water

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 22(13)

  Damage Taken: 30 (53L+7NL-23healed)
  Damage Dealt: 54(E1), 14(C1)

Effects:

 Draconic Aura: Vigor: Heal 2 points of damage a round up to half total HP's. Extends to companions within 30' of Shaman.

 Enlarge:  Zar'Da's space and reach increase to 10'.  +2 to Strength (affects to-hit and damage), -2 to Dex (affects AC), -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC, increase in weapon damage due to size, +4 on trip, grapple, etc.  EXPIRED!

 Invisible: 25rounds


Final Position: J13

Unaware of his ally's proximity, the wizard swerves around the mass of webs, putting the bulk of it between himself and the crab, and focuses on wringing the last few seconds of ferocious power from his savage-toothed spell.


Round 14:
  [Standard] Maintain concentration on Manyjaws, targeting Crab 2; spell fades after the attack this round (end of duration)
  [Move] Move southeast to R20, 25' up

Manyjaws:
Crab 2: 15 damage
Ref save DC 19 for half damage.

Note:  Web spell in place from M12 to R17, inclusive

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 25 (14)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   42 to crab 1, 11 or 19 to crab 2, 8 to ettin 1, 75 to ettin 2

Effects:
Alter Self
Mage Armor
Shield

Final Position: R20, 25' up

Seeing no other enemy, the mindless vermin keeps chasing after the flying mage.

Round 14:
  [Move] Double move to RS 16/17
  [Free] Ref save vs Manyjaws (9) fail
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   19
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects:

Final position: RS 16/17
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:58, Mon 20 May 2013.

OOC:  Could you please update the Crab's "Damage Taken" counter?

Sorry for the hold up. Just got back from vacation and will post in the morning when my brain begins working again :)

Ok, so, the bridge in the middle is covered in web right? Does it extend over the sides? Is it possible for me to Spiderclimb under the bridge to get across?

OOC:  The webs do not extend over the sides of the bridge, only the space between the top of the bridge and the ceiling is filled with web.  So you could in theory climb along the side of the bridge, or under it assuming it is not flush with the surface of the river (most bridges have a gap under them).  But note that the shore is filled with webs on the south side (squares O13, O14, O15), so even if you crossed the bridge you wouldn't really be able to move onto the land.

hm, so where can I cross?

OOC:  There's a bridge leading east from D19, though you'll need to walk a bit to get to it, and then come back south the long way around to get to the crab.  You could try jumping across - getting from J18 across to the east bank is DC 20 - but that might drop you in the river if you fail.

With a sigh Zar'da begins the long trek north to go across the bridge and finally engage the last crab.

Round 15:
  [Move] Double move to D19

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 22(13)

  Damage Taken: 30 (53L+7NL-23healed)
  Damage Dealt: 54(E1), 14(C1)

Effects:

 Draconic Aura: Energy Shield: Attackers take 4 points of acid damage if attacking with a non reach melee weapon or natural weapon.

 Enlarge:  Zar'Da's space and reach increase to 10'.  +2 to Strength (affects to-hit and damage), -2 to Dex (affects AC), -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC, increase in weapon damage due to size, +4 on trip, grapple, etc.  EXPIRED!

 Invisible: 24rounds


Final Position: D19

Wait, spiderclimb doesn't allow for climbing along webs? That's odd.

RIGHT! I always thought that was odd.

The arthropod is nothing if not persistent...  And Garath is beginning to develop a mild headache from his intense concentration on his high-powered spells.  *Need some positive motivation, here,* he reflects, looking at his remaining foe.  He gestures at the crab, and a cloud of sparkling dust erupts around it, settling on the chitinous armor.

*Crableg ceviche,* he muses as he flies north, *prepared in lime with a faint hint of copper dragon acid, perfumed with Cormyrean salvia, a touch of red onion and some griffonfoot leaves...*  Yep, positive motivation.


Round 15:
  [Standard] Cast Glitterdust (Sculpt Spell) on Crab 2
  [Move] Move north to F20, 25' up

Glitterdust: 10' cube (shaped to cover the crab), Will save DC 20 or be blinded for 7 rounds.

Note:  Web spell in place from M12 to R17, inclusive
(DM Solo, I think the crab is actually partly in the web area.  No big deal, just dock him 1-2 squares of movement since he needs to detour around the web.)

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 25 (14)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   42 to crab 1, 19 to crab 2, 8 to ettin 1, 75 to ettin 2

Effects:
Alter Self
Mage Armor
Shield

Final Position: F20, 25' up

The crab is unable, or simply unaware, to resist the magic and is suddenly blinded. Having lost sight, and with no other means of detection (none that really matter anyway) the crab stops and stands still.

Round 15:
  [Move]
  [Free] Will save vs Glitterdust (7) fail
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   19
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: Blinded

Final position: RS 16/17

OOC: Ok, but can we simply not care about the final position right now? It's not like its radically changing the outcome of the match... :-)
Two hefty crabcakes coming up!

*Followed by crabmeat and leek ravioli, in a white wine and butter sauce, on a bed of funghi misti with slivers of sun-dried Turmishberry...*

The mage directs a fiery bolt at the crippled crab, and waits for his battle-comrade to come and deliver the final blow.

Round 16:
  [Standard] Cast Kelgore's Firebolt on Crab 2
  [Move]

KFB: Damage 23, Ref save DC 19 for half damage.

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 25 (14)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   42 to crab 1, 42 or 30 to crab 2, 8 to ettin 1, 75 to ettin 2

Effects:
Alter Self
Mage Armor
Shield

Final Position: F20, 25' up

Zar'Da continued to huff and puff across the bridge and then turned south. As the Drowkin started to pass the large stone alter on his right he noticed the crab was glittering gold and was no longer moving.
"Oh, by the gods, just finish the poor creature and save me the run!" an out of breath disembodied voice yelled across the arena.

OOC: Can't imagine it's overly easy to run across this sizable arena with armor and weapons :) And that's assuming Gareth didn't already kill it with the fire bolt.

Round 16:
  [Move] Double move to J25

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 22(13)

  Damage Taken: 30 (53L+7NL-23healed)
  Damage Dealt: 54(E1), 14(C1)

Effects:

 Draconic Aura: Energy Shield: Attackers take 4 points of acid damage if attacking with a non reach melee weapon or natural weapon.

 Enlarge:  Zar'Da's space and reach increase to 10'.  +2 to Strength (affects to-hit and damage), -2 to Dex (affects AC), -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC, increase in weapon damage due to size, +4 on trip, grapple, etc.  EXPIRED!

 Invisible: 23rounds


Final Position: J25

As much as it would like to the crab can't see a thing and so is rooted in place when the searing bolt hits it. It scuttles around snapping with its massive claws, but is unable to devise any thought processes necessary to figure out a strategy for survival.

Round 16:
  [Move]
  [Free] Ref save vs Firebolt fail
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   42
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: Blinded

Final position: RS 16/17

"You think running is tiring?  Try flying sometime..."  Garath banters back, good-naturedly, as he hovers in mid-air.  If he could only see the drowkin, he could cast some spells to help spare Zar'Da the lengthy jog, but as it was, he could only target the crab.  Which he promptly does, flinging a small mirror shard at the aquatic monster as he casts a spell at it.

*Next, a refreshing crab broth with asparagus tips and river prawns, with a couple of sprigs of thyme, little blueskin potatoes, just a hint of white truffle, and a quartered bulb of winterroot.*

Round 17:
  [Standard] Cast Unluck on Crab 2
  [Move] Move to L21, 25' up

Unluck (Spell Compendium): Will save DC 19 negates.  For 7 rounds, whenever the crab rolls any die, it rolls twice and keeps the worse result.

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 25 (14)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   42 to crab 1, 42 to crab 2, 8 to ettin 1, 75 to ettin 2

Effects:
Alter Self
Mage Armor
Shield

Final Position: L21, 25' up

*Or maybe a little watercress instead of the thyme?  Watercress would be brighter, sweeter, not as earthily pungent...*  Difficult choices lay ahead, clearly.

*... probably the watercress,* the young magician concludes.

[OOC:  DM Solo, you have a Will save to roll; Zar'Da, I think it's your turn now.]

OOC: I was waiting to see if Gareth killed the crab before acting.

OOC:  Oh...  No, Garath is focusing on debuffing the crab (and buffing you once you become visible), so that you can finish off the crab.

OOC: Will failed.

HUFFPUFFHUFFPUFF

Round 17:
  [Move] Double move to R21

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 22(13)

  Damage Taken: 30 (53L+7NL-23healed)
  Damage Dealt: 54(E1), 14(C1)

Effects:

 Draconic Aura: Energy Shield: Attackers take 4 points of acid damage if attacking with a non reach melee weapon or natural weapon.

 Enlarge:  Zar'Da's space and reach increase to 10'.  +2 to Strength (affects to-hit and damage), -2 to Dex (affects AC), -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC, increase in weapon damage due to size, +4 on trip, grapple, etc.  EXPIRED!

 Invisible: 22rounds


Final Position: R21

The blinded, and now about to be very unlucky, crab rotates around its spot, snapping its claws, but with now real way of understanding or getting out of this mess.

Round 17:
  [Move]
  [Free] Rotate about, snap angrily with claws
  [Standard]

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   42
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: Blinded

Final position: RS 16/17

OOC:  Zar'Da, you might as well go ahead and attack the poor critter.  I can't buff you until I see you anyway.

Zar'Da stood and watched the crab, it's legs shuffling about, claws gnashing at nothing, and the drowkin felt sorry for the creature. With a heavy heart the Shaman slid forward, his feet kicking up a little dust as he moved forward with his sword out to the side and shield leveled. A second before he struck the amulet that hung around his neck flared and time seemed to slow for Zar'Da, allowing him to see an opening in the crabs defense. With a mighty stab forward the sword slipped between the natural armor plating the creature had, the drow becoming visible as he retracted his sword.

Round 18:
  [Move] Move 15' to R18
  [Swift] Activate Heartseeker Amulet: Melee attack becomes touch attack
  [Standard] Attack with sword(touch attack): 29, Damage: 14

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 22(13)

  Damage Taken: 30 (53L+7NL-23healed)
  Damage Dealt: 54(E1), 14(C1), 14(C2)

Effects:

 Draconic Aura: Energy Shield: Attackers take 4 points of acid damage if attacking with a non reach melee weapon or natural weapon.

 Enlarge:  Zar'Da's space and reach increase to 10'.  +2 to Strength (affects to-hit and damage), -2 to Dex (affects AC), -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC, increase in weapon damage due to size, +4 on trip, grapple, etc.  EXPIRED!

 Invisible: Expired due to attack


Final Position: R18
This message was last edited by the player at 20:09, Mon 17 June 2013.

Delighted to see Zar'Da rejoining the fray, Garath mutters an incantation and flings some shavings of a sort of root in the drowkin's direction.  The shaman senses the world slowing down around him...  and realizes that he has just been sped up significantly by the Cormyrean mage.

Round 18:
  [Standard] Cast Haste on Zar'Da (and himself)
  [Move] Move to M20, 25' up

Haste: 7 rounds; +1 on attack rolls, +1 to AC and Reflex saves.  When making a full attack, gain one additional attack at highest bonus.
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/haste.htm

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 26 (15)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   42 to crab 1, 42 to crab 2, 8 to ettin 1, 75 to ettin 2

Effects:
Alter Self
Mage Armor
Shield
Haste

Final Position: M20, 25' up

While still blinded, the crab instincively reacts to the sword strike, snapping back with its claws. The first claw scrapes against the shield, while the other come in from the side and would likely have caught the dragon shaman if his reactions hadn't been magically enhanced.

Round 18:
  [Move]
  [Free]
  [Standard] Full attack (19, 22) miss

Status:
  Initiative: 6
  AC (Touch AC): 19 (11)

  Damage Taken:   56
  Damage Dealt:   0

Effects: Blinded

Final position: RS 16/17
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:35, Tue 18 June 2013.

[OOC:  Don't worry Zar'Da, the crab never got close to hitting you - if it had rolled 23, it would still have had to roll a second attack roll (and hit again) and then roll two 50% miss chances (and hit both times) before it could land a hit on you.]

With Zar'Da back in full action, the mage busies himself with greasing the frying pan the ground on which the crab stands.  A small bit of dried guanciale - nothing but the best! - goes into the casting, and an appetizing aroma of bacon fat accompanies the layer of grease that spreads under the crab.  "Go get him!" the scholar shouts encouragement to his fighting comrade.

Round 19:
  [Standard] Cast Grease on the crab
  [Move] -

Grease:  Reflex save DC 19 or fall flat.
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/grease.htm

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 26 (15)

  Damage Taken:   0
  Damage Dealt:   42 to crab 1, 42 to crab 2, 8 to ettin 1, 75 to ettin 2

Effects:
Alter Self
Mage Armor
Shield
Haste

Final Position: M20, 25' up

The Shaman countered the creature by activating the amulet again, sliding his sword into the same opening as before but with a little less effectiveness. His second attack also found it's mark thanks to the poor creature being blinded and prone.

Round 19:
  [Swift] Activate Heartseeker Amulet: Melee attack becomes touch attack
  [Full]Attack #1(Touch Attack): 14(HIT), Damage: 6
        Attack #2: 16(HIT), Damage: 6

Status:
  Initiative: 7
  AC (Touch AC): 22(13)

  Damage Taken: 30 (53L+7NL-23healed)
  Damage Dealt: 54(E1), 14(C1), 26(C2)

Effects:

 Draconic Aura: Energy Shield: Attackers take 4 points of acid damage if attacking with a non reach melee weapon or natural weapon.

 Enlarge:  Zar'Da's space and reach increase to 10'.  +2 to Strength (affects to-hit and damage), -2 to Dex (affects AC), -1 size penalty to attack rolls and AC, increase in weapon damage due to size, +4 on trip, grapple, etc.  EXPIRED!

 Invisible: Expired due to attack

 Haste: 7 rounds; +1 on attack rolls, +1 to AC and Reflex saves.  When making a full attack, gain one additional attack at highest bonus.


Final Position: R18
This message was last edited by the player at 10:02, Tue 18 June 2013.

OOC: With the crab being blinded and prone your second attack hits as well.

OOC: I edited my post. Of course I would roll two 1's when rolling damage :/

Doesn't matter, you get to do what you had to anyway!

The crab, under the effect of bad luck, is finally killed as Zar'Da's swift swordstrikes penetrates the chitinuous armor again and again.

Well done!

As the creature finally succumbs to the damage it had taken Zar'Da breaths a sigh of relief.
"Well done Gareth." the drowkin yells up to the floating mephit.

The winged wizard floats down, and lands on little bowlegged feet next to the drowkin.  Grinning, he looks up at the dragon shaman.  "Well, you were the one to slug it out toe-to-toe with them, I just did what I could from a distance..."

A multi-colored shimmering envelops the mephit, and quickly fades to reveal a blond-haired human teenager, still wearing the slightly goofy grin.  He punches Zar'Da lightly in the shoulder.  "I am famished!  Shall we go eat?"

OOC:  Good fight.  Very effective mix of opponents, DM Solo.  The crabs were speedy enough to make it difficult to stay near the ground anywhere in the arena, and the ettins' ranged attacks made it perilous to get too high above the ground (and the cover of the stone walls).  The combination put Garath on the defensive long enough to put Zar'Da in a very tactically difficult situation (and burned through almost all of his abrupt jaunts for the day).

Question for both of you:  What could Garath have done to support Zar'Da better?  I'm trying to develop Garath as a battle-supporter, not a blaster, and I don't think I did a great job of that here.  Should I have focused earlier on buffing Zar'Da more rather than throwing webs and glitterdusts at the enemy?

Thanks! Yeah the crabs are (in)famously under-CR'd: you can googe That Damn Crab for some giggles.

The javelin throwing ettin I was quite proud of, thinking about putting that one in a game of mine at one point. Perfect two weapon fighting, power attack, brutal throw (use STR for attack rolls), power throw. And still one feat to spare...

The web and glitterdust spells are brutally effective in normal play, but with Garath's jacked up save DC's even more so. Haste would likely have been more useful earlier on as it would have helped Zar'Da cover more ground, and get an advantage against his hard-hitting enemies (it also offsets the defensive disadvantage of getting Large).

I agree about the Haste a little earlier but all in all, from my seat, Gareth did just fine. He supported when needed and covered Zar'Da when needed.

Once this combat is duly wrapped up and posted to the annals, Zar'Da, would you be interested in another bout against different opponents?  DM Solo, would you have time / inclination to set up another fight?

Sure, but not before mid-august.

I think I'm going to take a break from the arena for a little while but thanks. Good match BTW.

The mage looks around, but the battlefield is entirely still, only the soft burbling of the river breaking the silence.  He absently rubs his chest - even after a fair deal of recent practice, flying for more than a few moments still leaves him with muscle-aches in that area.

He stretches; he yawns.  He is hungry and ready to be transported to the arena's lounge area for a hard-earned seafood dinner.

Sorry for the wait: XP awarded!

The young scholar nods gratefully to the invisible powers of the arena as he feels the magick of transportation begin to enfold him.  And then the enchantment takes hold, and the Wheloonite's figure vanishes from the field...