Dragonbane: Alone in Deepfall Breach 15- A Nightmare Gauntlet
Back from the Underworld and another successful mission under his belt. But Aleric is in for a restless night after returning to Stone-Gaze...
After returning to the chapel, Aleric hands over the vial of sap to
Stone-Gaze and then retreats to his room. After cleaning himself up and a
hasty evening meal, Aleric retires for the night ready to rest from his
journey into the underworld. In the night he tosses and turns, unable to find
restful sleep. Strange dreams haunt him throughout the evening…
GM
Note: I was really expecting a few more combats in that last scenario, and
frankly I’m really wanting to see the limits of what solo combat can
reasonably handle. So that being said, welcome to Aleric’s Nightmare Gauntlet.
For this session I will simply be throwing progressively harder fights at
Aleric until we see the breaking point. This is all happening in his dreams,
so his story won’t end. Hopefully this shows me what the limits of a solo
character in this system can handle.
Aleric feels a fuzziness
of his mind as he rubs sleep from his bleary eyes. Oddly he finds himself in a
large open expanse. There appears to be no end to the room as darkness takes
his vision before he can see any walls to the room. Even stranger he looks
down to find himself fully garbed in his armor. His shield and sword in hand.
He only has but a moment to take this all in before he realizes three skeletal
creatures are charging right for him!FIGHT 1!
2x
Skeletal warriors: HP 8; armor 2; swords 12 damage D10
1x Skeletal Champion: HP 24; WP 15; armor 4: swords 16 damage 2D8+D6
Abilities: Defensive (Can parry additional times 3 WP); Veteran (Retain initiative card 1WP)
Round 1
Aleric (HP 17/17 WP 16/16)(Army of one: Draw 2 Initiatives)-1/10
Warrior 1 (HP 8/8)- 6
Warrior 2 (HP 8/8)- 8
Champion (HP 24/24 WP 15/15 )- 4
Aleric acts reflexively, swinging his longsword down at the first warrior charging directly at him!
Roll: Aleric- Swords (15): 10; Success
Damage(3D8): 15 slashing damage
The warrior attempts to dodge out of the way of the attack
Roll: Warrior 1- Dodge (6): 4; Success
The warrior dodges out of the way nimbly, leaving Aleric shocked at how lithe the undead creature moved.
The champion trudges forward, swinging out its own longsword at Aleric as the wolfkin is stunned by the missed attack
Roll: Champion- Swords (16): 9; Success
Damage(2D8+D6): 14 slashing damage
Aleric raises his shield to block the sword before it slashes across his chest
Roll: Aleric parry- Swords (15): 2; Success
Aleric interposes his shield between himself and the champion's sword.
The second warrior follows up with a jab from its shortsword
Roll: Warrior 2- Swords (12): 13; Miss
The jab goes wide as the skeleton cannot find an opening to Aleric between the other skeletons crowding around him.
Round 2
Aleric (HP 17/17 WP 15/16)(Army of one: Draw 2 Initiatives)(Veteran: 1 WP)-1/9
Warrior 1 (HP 8/8)- 6
Warrior 2 (HP 8/8)- 8
Champion (HP 24/24 WP 14/15)(Veteran: 1 WP)- 4
Aleric tries to chop down the first warrior, trying to thin the creatures numbers
Roll: Aleric- Swords (15): 6; Success
Damage(3D8): 20 slashing damage
The warrior attempts to dodge away from Aleric’s blade
Roll: Warrior 1 dodge (6): 13; Failure- The skeleton takes 18 damage after armor and is defeated!
In a hefty swing, Aleric smashes his longsword through the warrior. It falls apart in a clattering of bones at his feet.
Unperturbed by the falling of the warrior, the champion swings its longsword down again
Roll: Champion- Swords (16): 17; Failure
The swing goes wide as the champion stumbles over its fallen underling’s bones.
The remaining warrior attempts to topple Aleric to the ground.
Opposed Roll: Warrior 2- Swords (12) vs Aleric- Evade (13): Warrior- 17; Failure Aleric- 4; Success
The skeleton attempts to push Aleric to the ground but the wolfkin easily evades the skeleton’s grip.
Aleric retaliates with another swing from his longsword, hoping to even the numbers on the battlefield. He strikes at the warrior!
Roll: Aleric- Swords (15): 13; Success
Damage(3D8): 16 slashing damage; The skeleton takes 14 damage after armor and is destroyed!
Round 3
Aleric (HP 17/17 WP 14/16)(Army of one: Draw 2 Initiatives)(Veteran: 1 WP)-1/7
Champion (HP 24/24 WP 13/15)(Veteran: 1 WP)- 4
With the underlings dealt with, Aleric turns his attention to the Champion. The longsword and massive shield make it a challenging foe. He maneuvers around, away from the rubble of the other defeated skeletons, before swinging a hefty chop at the champion
Roll: Aleric- Swords (15): 5; Success
Damage(3D8): 17 slashing damage
The champion throws its shield between itself and the wolfkin’s longsword
Defensive (WP 10/15): Champion Parry: Swords (16): 19; Failure! The champion takes 13 damage after armor (HP 11/24)
The champion strikes back with its own longsword.
Roll: Champion- Swords (16): 15; Success
Damage (2D8+D6): 12 slashing damage
Aleric tries to block the strike as the champion swings its longsword in an overhead attack
Roll: Aleric- Parry Swords (15): 14; Success
Aleric knocks the attack to the side as the champion’s longsword slams into the ground next to Aleric.
Round 4
Aleric (HP 17/17 WP13/16)(Army of one: Draw 2 Initiatives)(Veteran: 1 WP)-1/3
Champion (HP 11/24 WP 9/15)(Veteran: 1 WP)- 4
As the Champion reels from the shock of its blade striking the ground, Aleric presses the advantage and jabs his longsword into the center mass of the skeleton
Roll: Aleric- Swords (15): 3; Success
Damage(3D8): 12 slashing damage
The champion quickly brings its shield up to block the attack.
Defensive (WP 6/15): Champion Parry: Swords (16): 5; Success
The champion recovers from its missed strike and knocks Aleric’s longsword aside.
Aleric dances back, waiting to see what the champion will do in response (swaps initiative cards w/ Champion)
The champion swings its blade
Roll: Champion- Swords (16): 18; Failure
Easily able to avoid the attack, Aleric swings his own sword in response
Roll: Aleric- Swords (15): 9; Failure
Both combatants unable to connect, the continue dancing around each other as they prepare for the next round of attacks
Round 5
Aleric (HP 17/17 WP 12/16)(Army of one: Draw 2 Initiatives)(Veteran: 1 WP)-1/5
Champion (HP 11/24 WP 6/15)- 2
Aleric is the first to act, seeing the gouges in the champion's bones from where his last attack struck. He aims his blade for another heavy strike, hoping to drive it through the weakened bone
Roll: Aleric- Swords (15): 1; Critical success!
Damage (5D8 from crit): 23 slashing damage
The champion tries to block the attack, but it will need a perfect block to evade the fatal attack!
Roll: Champion Parry- Swords (16; Must be a 1!): 4; Failure!
Aleric drives his attack down, focusing on the vulnerable spot. The champion attempts to knock the strike away but is unable to stop the momentum of his swing. The longsword connects and smashes through the champion. It falls to the floor in a scattering of bones among the bones of its fallen companions.
END FIGHT 1
Aleric rubs his temples, trying to think how he got where he is. Nothing makes sense, but he has no time to think too hard about it. He hears the footsteps of more foes rushing towards him from the darkness
FIGHT
2!
1x Orc Warrior: HP 12; Armor 2; Swords 12 damage 2D6+D4
1x Orc Shaman: HP 10; No Armor; WP 9; Staff 10 damage D8; Animism 14; Spells: ensnaring roots, lightning flash, heal wound
1x Orc Chieftain: HP 24; Armor 4; Swords 16; Damage 2D6+D6
Abilities: Defensive (Can parry additional times 3 WP); Veteran (Retain initiative card 1WP); Dual Wield (Make a second attack with your off hand weapon at a bane 3WP)
Round 1
Aleric (HP 17/17 WP 12/16)(Army of one: Draw 2 Initiatives)- 2/6
Warrior (HP 12/12)-1
Shaman (HP 10/10 WP 9/9)- 7
Chieftain (HP 24/24 WP 15/15)- 5
As Aleric is taking a moment to think about what is going on, the footsteps of enemies sound off in the distance. Aleric raises his head, but finds the sound was misleading! A pack of orcs have surrounded him, and an orc warrior is stabbing forward with his scimitar right at him!
Roll: Warrior- Swords (12): 12; Success
Damage (2D6+D4): 10 slashing damage
Aleric attempts to raise his shield and intercept the Orc’s scimitar before it catches him across the chest!
Roll: Aleric- Parry Swords (15): 2; Success
Aleric is able to quickly interpose his shield before the blade connects, but he feels the sting of the force in his arm as the scimitar slams into his shield.
Before Aleric has a chance to react the Orc Chieftain is upon him! The orc attacks with both his scimitars in a vicious pair of attacks
Roll: Chieftain- Swords (16): 19; failure
Roll: Chieftain- Swords (16 w/ bane; 3 WP to 2 dual weapon attack): 14; Success
Damage (2D6+D6): 9 slashing damage; Aleric will take 5 damage after armor
Aleric feels the sting of the blade as it slashes across his back.
Aleric quickly launches a counter attack at the warrior, bringing his longsword around in a heavy attack
Roll: Aleric- Swords (15): 19; Failure!
The shaman begins chanting in a guttural language that Aleric does not recognize. Suddenly, a flash of lighting comes down on him!
Roll: Shaman Lightning Flash- Animism (14): 11; Success
Damage (2D6 to Aleric; 2D4 to the warrior): 8 damage to Aleric; 6 damage to Orc Warrior
The shaman cackles as the lightning crackles around Aleric, striking both the wolfkin and the orc warrior
Round 2
Aleric (HP 4/17 WP 11/16)(Army of one: Draw 2 Initiatives)(Veteran: 1 WP)- 1/2
Warrior (HP 6/12)-
Shaman (HP 10/10 WP 7/9)-
Chieftain (HP 24/24 WP 11/15)(Veteran: 1 WP)- 5
Aleric stands, feeling the blood dripping down his back from the chieftain’s attack, his ears ringing from the shock of electricity that coursed through his body. He dances back warily, ready for the next round of attacks. (He will trade his initiatives with the chieftain and warrior, acting on 4 and 5).
The warrior dances forward to strike at Aleric as he backs away.
Roll: Warrior- Swords (12): 20; Critical failure!
Mishap: 2; An enemy makes a free attack that cannot be dodged or parried!
Aleric spots the opening in the warrior’s attack and takes a chance to stab out at him with his longsword
Roll: Aleric- Swords(15): 15; Success!
Damage(3D8): 15 slashing damage. The warrior takes 13 damage after armor
As Aleric spots his moment, he drives his sword into the warrior’s neck. The orc slumps to the floor dead.
The chieftain roars in anger as his ally falls. He charges forward, again making two strikes with his dual scimitars
Roll: Chieftain- Swords (16): 18; failure
Roll: Chieftain- Swords (16 w/ bane; 3 WP to 2 dual weapon attack): 12; Success
Damage (2D6+D6): 10 slashing damage
Aleric sees the first strike will miss him and focuses on the second attack. He tries to knock it aside with his longsword
Roll: Aleric- Parry Sword (15): 19; Failure!
FIGHT 1!
2x
Skeletal warriors: HP 8; armor 2; swords 12 damage D101x Skeletal Champion: HP 24; WP 15; armor 4: swords 16 damage 2D8+D6
Abilities: Defensive (Can parry additional times 3 WP); Veteran (Retain initiative card 1WP)
Round 1
Aleric (HP 17/17 WP 16/16)(Army of one: Draw 2 Initiatives)-1/10
Warrior 1 (HP 8/8)- 6
Warrior 2 (HP 8/8)- 8
Champion (HP 24/24 WP 15/15 )- 4
Aleric acts reflexively, swinging his longsword down at the first warrior charging directly at him!
Roll: Aleric- Swords (15): 10; Success
Damage(3D8): 15 slashing damage
The warrior attempts to dodge out of the way of the attack
Roll: Warrior 1- Dodge (6): 4; Success
The warrior dodges out of the way nimbly, leaving Aleric shocked at how lithe the undead creature moved.
The champion trudges forward, swinging out its own longsword at Aleric as the wolfkin is stunned by the missed attack
Roll: Champion- Swords (16): 9; Success
Damage(2D8+D6): 14 slashing damage
Aleric raises his shield to block the sword before it slashes across his chest
Roll: Aleric parry- Swords (15): 2; Success
Aleric interposes his shield between himself and the champion's sword.
The second warrior follows up with a jab from its shortsword
Roll: Warrior 2- Swords (12): 13; Miss
The jab goes wide as the skeleton cannot find an opening to Aleric between the other skeletons crowding around him.
Round 2
Aleric (HP 17/17 WP 15/16)(Army of one: Draw 2 Initiatives)(Veteran: 1 WP)-1/9
Warrior 1 (HP 8/8)- 6
Warrior 2 (HP 8/8)- 8
Champion (HP 24/24 WP 14/15)(Veteran: 1 WP)- 4
Aleric tries to chop down the first warrior, trying to thin the creatures numbers
Roll: Aleric- Swords (15): 6; Success
Damage(3D8): 20 slashing damage
The warrior attempts to dodge away from Aleric’s blade
Roll: Warrior 1 dodge (6): 13; Failure- The skeleton takes 18 damage after armor and is defeated!
In a hefty swing, Aleric smashes his longsword through the warrior. It falls apart in a clattering of bones at his feet.
Unperturbed by the falling of the warrior, the champion swings its longsword down again
Roll: Champion- Swords (16): 17; Failure
The swing goes wide as the champion stumbles over its fallen underling’s bones.
The remaining warrior attempts to topple Aleric to the ground.
Opposed Roll: Warrior 2- Swords (12) vs Aleric- Evade (13): Warrior- 17; Failure Aleric- 4; Success
The skeleton attempts to push Aleric to the ground but the wolfkin easily evades the skeleton’s grip.
Aleric retaliates with another swing from his longsword, hoping to even the numbers on the battlefield. He strikes at the warrior!
Roll: Aleric- Swords (15): 13; Success
Damage(3D8): 16 slashing damage; The skeleton takes 14 damage after armor and is destroyed!
Round 3
Aleric (HP 17/17 WP 14/16)(Army of one: Draw 2 Initiatives)(Veteran: 1 WP)-1/7
Champion (HP 24/24 WP 13/15)(Veteran: 1 WP)- 4
With the underlings dealt with, Aleric turns his attention to the Champion. The longsword and massive shield make it a challenging foe. He maneuvers around, away from the rubble of the other defeated skeletons, before swinging a hefty chop at the champion
Roll: Aleric- Swords (15): 5; Success
Damage(3D8): 17 slashing damage
The champion throws its shield between itself and the wolfkin’s longsword
Defensive (WP 10/15): Champion Parry: Swords (16): 19; Failure! The champion takes 13 damage after armor (HP 11/24)
The champion strikes back with its own longsword.
Roll: Champion- Swords (16): 15; Success
Damage (2D8+D6): 12 slashing damage
Aleric tries to block the strike as the champion swings its longsword in an overhead attack
Roll: Aleric- Parry Swords (15): 14; Success
Aleric knocks the attack to the side as the champion’s longsword slams into the ground next to Aleric.
Round 4
Aleric (HP 17/17 WP13/16)(Army of one: Draw 2 Initiatives)(Veteran: 1 WP)-1/3
Champion (HP 11/24 WP 9/15)(Veteran: 1 WP)- 4
As the Champion reels from the shock of its blade striking the ground, Aleric presses the advantage and jabs his longsword into the center mass of the skeleton
Roll: Aleric- Swords (15): 3; Success
Damage(3D8): 12 slashing damage
The champion quickly brings its shield up to block the attack.
Defensive (WP 6/15): Champion Parry: Swords (16): 5; Success
The champion recovers from its missed strike and knocks Aleric’s longsword aside.
Aleric dances back, waiting to see what the champion will do in response (swaps initiative cards w/ Champion)
The champion swings its blade
Roll: Champion- Swords (16): 18; Failure
Easily able to avoid the attack, Aleric swings his own sword in response
Roll: Aleric- Swords (15): 9; Failure
Both combatants unable to connect, the continue dancing around each other as they prepare for the next round of attacks
Round 5
Aleric (HP 17/17 WP 12/16)(Army of one: Draw 2 Initiatives)(Veteran: 1 WP)-1/5
Champion (HP 11/24 WP 6/15)- 2
Aleric is the first to act, seeing the gouges in the champion's bones from where his last attack struck. He aims his blade for another heavy strike, hoping to drive it through the weakened bone
Roll: Aleric- Swords (15): 1; Critical success!
Damage (5D8 from crit): 23 slashing damage
The champion tries to block the attack, but it will need a perfect block to evade the fatal attack!
Roll: Champion Parry- Swords (16; Must be a 1!): 4; Failure!
Aleric drives his attack down, focusing on the vulnerable spot. The champion attempts to knock the strike away but is unable to stop the momentum of his swing. The longsword connects and smashes through the champion. It falls to the floor in a scattering of bones among the bones of its fallen companions.
END FIGHT 1
Aleric rubs his temples, trying to think how he got where he is. Nothing makes sense, but he has no time to think too hard about it. He hears the footsteps of more foes rushing towards him from the darkness
FIGHT
2!
1x Orc Warrior: HP 12; Armor 2; Swords 12 damage 2D6+D41x Orc Shaman: HP 10; No Armor; WP 9; Staff 10 damage D8; Animism 14; Spells: ensnaring roots, lightning flash, heal wound
1x Orc Chieftain: HP 24; Armor 4; Swords 16; Damage 2D6+D6
Abilities: Defensive (Can parry additional times 3 WP); Veteran (Retain initiative card 1WP); Dual Wield (Make a second attack with your off hand weapon at a bane 3WP)
Round 1
Aleric (HP 17/17 WP 12/16)(Army of one: Draw 2 Initiatives)- 2/6
Warrior (HP 12/12)-1
Shaman (HP 10/10 WP 9/9)- 7
Chieftain (HP 24/24 WP 15/15)- 5
As Aleric is taking a moment to think about what is going on, the footsteps of enemies sound off in the distance. Aleric raises his head, but finds the sound was misleading! A pack of orcs have surrounded him, and an orc warrior is stabbing forward with his scimitar right at him!
Roll: Warrior- Swords (12): 12; Success
Damage (2D6+D4): 10 slashing damage
Aleric attempts to raise his shield and intercept the Orc’s scimitar before it catches him across the chest!
Roll: Aleric- Parry Swords (15): 2; Success
Aleric is able to quickly interpose his shield before the blade connects, but he feels the sting of the force in his arm as the scimitar slams into his shield.
Before Aleric has a chance to react the Orc Chieftain is upon him! The orc attacks with both his scimitars in a vicious pair of attacks
Roll: Chieftain- Swords (16): 19; failure
Roll: Chieftain- Swords (16 w/ bane; 3 WP to 2 dual weapon attack): 14; Success
Damage (2D6+D6): 9 slashing damage; Aleric will take 5 damage after armor
Aleric feels the sting of the blade as it slashes across his back.
Aleric quickly launches a counter attack at the warrior, bringing his longsword around in a heavy attack
Roll: Aleric- Swords (15): 19; Failure!
The shaman begins chanting in a guttural language that Aleric does not recognize. Suddenly, a flash of lighting comes down on him!
Roll: Shaman Lightning Flash- Animism (14): 11; Success
Damage (2D6 to Aleric; 2D4 to the warrior): 8 damage to Aleric; 6 damage to Orc Warrior
The shaman cackles as the lightning crackles around Aleric, striking both the wolfkin and the orc warrior
Round 2
Aleric (HP 4/17 WP 11/16)(Army of one: Draw 2 Initiatives)(Veteran: 1 WP)- 1/2
Warrior (HP 6/12)-
Shaman (HP 10/10 WP 7/9)-
Chieftain (HP 24/24 WP 11/15)(Veteran: 1 WP)- 5
Aleric stands, feeling the blood dripping down his back from the chieftain’s attack, his ears ringing from the shock of electricity that coursed through his body. He dances back warily, ready for the next round of attacks. (He will trade his initiatives with the chieftain and warrior, acting on 4 and 5).
The warrior dances forward to strike at Aleric as he backs away.
Roll: Warrior- Swords (12): 20; Critical failure!
Mishap: 2; An enemy makes a free attack that cannot be dodged or parried!
Aleric spots the opening in the warrior’s attack and takes a chance to stab out at him with his longsword
Roll: Aleric- Swords(15): 15; Success!
Damage(3D8): 15 slashing damage. The warrior takes 13 damage after armor
As Aleric spots his moment, he drives his sword into the warrior’s neck. The orc slumps to the floor dead.
The chieftain roars in anger as his ally falls. He charges forward, again making two strikes with his dual scimitars
Roll: Chieftain- Swords (16): 18; failure
Roll: Chieftain- Swords (16 w/ bane; 3 WP to 2 dual weapon attack): 12; Success
Damage (2D6+D6): 10 slashing damage
Aleric sees the first strike will miss him and focuses on the second attack. He tries to knock it aside with his longsword
Roll: Aleric- Parry Sword (15): 19; Failure!
Aleric will push the roll here in hopes to save himself from this fatal blow! He becomes scared
Roll: Aleric- Parry Sword Pushed Roll (15): 17; Failure Aleric takes 6
damage and begins to fall to the ground!
Aleric attempts to will himself to stick in the fight as he feels his vision begin to blur and fade to darkness.
Roll: Aleric- Rally Persuasion (5): 10; Failure
As the second scimitar sinks into Aleric’s shoulder, he feels the blood begin to pulse quickly out of the wound. He grabs at his neck, trying to staunch the bleeding but quickly his vision fades and he falls to the ground…
END COMBAT
Aleric bolts up in his bed, sweat soaking his body as his fur lays matted against his skin. He breathes heavily, searching out the enemies that were just moments ago attacking him so viciously and finds nothing but his dark empty room within Stone-Gaze’s chapel. A howling wind shakes the shutters closing off the room from outside. Aleric hears a familiar voice carried upon the wind. “Remember our deal wolfkin. I’ll be needing that blade when your time really comes…”
A shiver runs down his spine as Aleric finally realizes that it was all a strange dream. A nightmare of sorts. “I suppose that trip to the underworld might have left more of a stain on me than I realized…” He tries to collect himself as he lays back down hoping that this time his sleep won’t be interrupted by battles and death. For tomorrow he’ll need to speak with Stone-Gaze. There was still one more trip into the breach he was going to be taking after all.
Aleric attempts to will himself to stick in the fight as he feels his vision begin to blur and fade to darkness.
Roll: Aleric- Rally Persuasion (5): 10; Failure
As the second scimitar sinks into Aleric’s shoulder, he feels the blood begin to pulse quickly out of the wound. He grabs at his neck, trying to staunch the bleeding but quickly his vision fades and he falls to the ground…
END COMBAT
Aleric bolts up in his bed, sweat soaking his body as his fur lays matted against his skin. He breathes heavily, searching out the enemies that were just moments ago attacking him so viciously and finds nothing but his dark empty room within Stone-Gaze’s chapel. A howling wind shakes the shutters closing off the room from outside. Aleric hears a familiar voice carried upon the wind. “Remember our deal wolfkin. I’ll be needing that blade when your time really comes…”
A shiver runs down his spine as Aleric finally realizes that it was all a strange dream. A nightmare of sorts. “I suppose that trip to the underworld might have left more of a stain on me than I realized…” He tries to collect himself as he lays back down hoping that this time his sleep won’t be interrupted by battles and death. For tomorrow he’ll need to speak with Stone-Gaze. There was still one more trip into the breach he was going to be taking after all.
Well there you have it! After a breeze of a
fight against those skeletons, Dragonbane’s deadliness shows its true head
with some very unlucky die rolls. It seems Aleric has been lucky all the way
up to now. Lets hope his luck holds out for one more trip into the breach.
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