tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post5822733139249817321..comments2024-03-28T13:56:03.512-04:00Comments on Zenith Games: Jacob's Tower, Level 5: RunewallZenithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084567670274788805noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-10692078020263639852019-11-20T17:30:26.046-05:002019-11-20T17:30:26.046-05:00Yeah, I wish that phantasmal killer wasn't in ...Yeah, I wish that phantasmal killer wasn't in the game actually. Feel free to run the encounter without it!Zenithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05084567670274788805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-80531163473793485502019-11-20T01:31:52.723-05:002019-11-20T01:31:52.723-05:00Oh lol, I do have the PDF but I actually managed t...Oh lol, I do have the PDF but I actually managed to miss that the DR was missing. Oh well, whoops, I guess I just assumed it was the same creature since everything else appears to be the same. Also, just so you are aware, the version of the PDF I got still has the golem at having 20 str. I am also looking forward to the gauntlet, I looked through all the levels initially and it's always been my favorite that I've looked forward to running the most. Mildly worried about that phantasmal killer though, I gave the party a "dream journal of the palid seer" as loot a while back solely because I didn't want to feel as bad about phantasmal killing them once this lvl came up. mehhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02732821549263716933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-44978088362753654342019-11-19T15:50:05.712-05:002019-11-19T15:50:05.712-05:00Yeah, this is another situation where the pdf vers...Yeah, this is another situation where the pdf version is superior.<br /><br />In the PDF, I can more easily massage the stat blocks of creatures, where on the blog I just link to them.<br /><br />In the PDF, the golem doesn't have DR/5 Adamantium, and has 2 less Strength (lowering his attack modifier and damage by a little bit). Still a tough fight, but the golem will go down way easier.<br /><br />I'll add a note in the online version to remove the DR though. The golem has killed enough PCs!<br /><br />That's a crazy amount of crits at the end there! No wonder it felt swingy, and the bard wasn't too pleased.<br /><br />Looking forward to Gauntlet (I think the final boss there is massaged in the pdf version as well)!Zenithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05084567670274788805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-30621046424088531742019-11-19T02:00:46.234-05:002019-11-19T02:00:46.234-05:00Also in my opinion the provided map was... lacking...Also in my opinion the provided map was... lacking. So I made my own! feel free to use it. https://i.ibb.co/T4cT88j/Annotation-2019-11-18-235645.pngmehhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02732821549263716933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-974430440251268712019-11-19T01:44:35.047-05:002019-11-19T01:44:35.047-05:00Hey, so I just ran the runewall and it was a prett...Hey, so I just ran the runewall and it was a pretty good time, though it was pretty intense also. Resulted in my first character death. The game starts out and everyone succeeds their save, not swapping bodies. They start out going to the bottom left and do the portal fight. It was a bit of a slog, and they ended up having to kill like 20 enemies total, but it was fun. They finally have the first body swapping experience when the witch touches the crystal. She ends up on the wall and is mugged by the flame drake before she launches herself off to get away from it. The first couple times they encounter it they flee, before eventually realizing they have to do something and decide to fight it, and once they actually commit it's pretty easy. the bard archer downs the potion of fly the the witch paragon surges for the flight hex, so they can sidestep some of the mechanics, rising above the wind wall to shoot the creatures in the top right (at the point I just had them leave their posts and attack everyone), not have to care about the climb checks, and stay out of range of the plant creatures. The witch blinds one of the dire corbies and cuts a deal with him to serve her for the level and if her survives he can go free. They breeze through the rest of the level while taking only slight losses of hp, and enter the golem fight without even having rested. The monk sorcerer (controlled by the bard) ends up teleporting in range of the golem, and everyone else is far away (the paladin ends up getting bad luck and falling for a couple rounds as she teleport to holes. the monk is immediately critically hit and almost goes down, and has to five foot step off a ledge to get away, except she doesn't and ends up close to the golem. Having no other option, they instruct the corby to throw himself off the edge, and in an extremity hype fluke he ends up even closer to the golem than the sorcermonk. The golem takes his turn killing the croby, letting the monk flee to get healed, but this takes a while since the witch used her first turns running away, convinced she couldn't do anything this fight due to the golem's spell immunity and immunity to her hexes. While this happens, the golem engages the paladin and quickly sets her HP really low. The monk gets back in and manages to deal cold damage to stagger the golem (suli racial), and the witch entangles it in adhesive spittle and the bard manages to trip it with grease, but the golem crits another attack and kills the monk outright. The paladin is just barely able to kill the golem before she dies by getting super lucky and landing 3 crits, ending at like 5 hp. It was a fun fight imo, but the bard felt like it was pretty cheap that his bard died without him even getting a chance to play him, and honestly I kinda agree with that. But hey, RNG also played a huge role and sometimes the boss just crits you twice. They did also think the fight was way too hard, and I can see the argument for that: if the paladin died they probably would have TPKed. but on the bright side it made for a super close battle. Now the bard is rolling up a summoner. Update over, we are gonna be running level 6 in a couple days and I'll tell you how that goes. mehhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02732821549263716933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-7001769376910017902017-01-15T18:25:59.661-05:002017-01-15T18:25:59.661-05:00Things are faster with four people, right?
I real...Things are faster with four people, right?<br /><br />I really love it when GMs say "I know it doesn't work this way, but it would make the game better." Adjusting things on the fly is the mark of a great GM, so I'm sure your players are going to have a good time no matter what you run!<br /><br />Sounds like there were a ton of close calls - that's the kind of stuff that I love, and it seems like your players like it too.<br /><br />P.S. Gauntlet is a blast!<br /><br />P.P.S. Watch out for that Alchemist when he hits level 8! Fast bombs become unbalancing really quickly.Zenithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05084567670274788805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-2729672570235848672017-01-15T13:52:22.597-05:002017-01-15T13:52:22.597-05:00We made it in time (nearly)!
This time, having onl...We made it in time (nearly)!<br />This time, having only 4 players, it only took us 5 hours.<br />Characters:<br />Human Fighter (Greatsword)<br />Aasimar Cleric<br />Ratfolk Ranger (Man of the day!)<br />Halforc Alchemist (now with Alchemical Allocation and Elixir of Dragons Breath)<br /><br />After equipping with some new stuff the party visited Runewall. First thing to happen was the Ranger to climb up the wall and being struck be the Drakes fireball. A nice climatic fight started, where 5 fireballs and a couple of fly-by-attacks struck the group and only the ranger was able to do some damage. He made about 75% of the damage, before the Drake came close enough for the Alchemist to throw a frost-bomb. But the Drake had 2 HP left - I thought about letting it flee, but I didn't want the group to miss a dragon-slaying. It gave the Ranger the chance to hit again and shine for the first time.<br /><br />I chose to play without mindswitch - not because I didn't like it, but I wasn't feeling well and I was sure to save at least one hour of playtime not using it.<br /><br />After that fight they answered the four questions, surprisingly succesful even without the bard.<br />Right after that they opened the trapped chest, everyone standing inside the cloud. But only the Ranger and Wolfcompanion were effected.<br /><br />The Alchemist climbed up to the 8 crystals and rolled 30 Appraise on the first try - nice little bump of wealth for the party. Right after that he triggered the portals and they fought against about 5 of every critter. One portal was struck by a 7d6 dragons breath from the alchemist, the other two were one-hitted by the fighter.<br />The Ranger had his second glorious moment here - he used wild empathy on 3 of the dire rats. I know it shouldn't work this way, but I liked the idea and this ability is usualy pretty useless. My inner GM didn't want to allow it, even more when he used them to touch the crystals. But since his character is otherwise the weakest in the group, I granted him this little victory.<br /><br />The Chemosit had noch chance. It was cautiously surrounded before the Fighter tried to climb up. It managed to hit the Fighter 2 or 3 times, making some damage but didn't beat his CMD for bullrush. <br /><br />Now they went to "dodging the waves", where first the Alchemist tried and retreated, then the Ranger needed about 10 rounds and nearly died.<br />The face in the wall followed, but without the bard they had to pay the gold to get the crystal.<br /><br />The Ranger and his new pet-rats climbed the wall to the calthagars, while the rest of the group approached over the chessboard. The calthagars got struck by two bombs, killing them. Now the Ranger sent his two remaining rats for the crystal, but they were subdued by the brown mold. He jumped down himself and touched it.<br /><br />The next fight was against the creatures on the wall, but they couldn't get through the AC of the party, so the fight was quite easy.<br /><br />Now the Ranger wanted to rescue the two unconcious rats, without telling the others. He didn't really realise the danger of the brown mold, slowly being damaged and finally falling unconcious. After 3 more rounds of damage (not subdual anymore) I sent his Wolf in to rescue him, because I didn't want him to die like this - especially since he is a new player without any RPG experience.<br /><br />The fight against the glass golem was quite nice. The Fighter took a ton of damage, nearly hitting the ground, before they could turn the tide. But in the end a greatsword and frost-bombs worked pretty good against this boss.<br /><br />Another great level that was enjoyed by everybody at the table.<br />Thanks again<br />Pascal<br /><br />PS: Looking forward for Gauntlet - it was the level that made me buy this adventure.<br /><br />PPS: The Alchemist is using your Guide - his print even contains the little Jacobs Tower Disclaimer on the right side. I'm so happy he didn't realize that yet. At least I hope so!<br />Ketanestnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-88065965341470551482016-06-23T16:03:57.995-04:002016-06-23T16:03:57.995-04:00Glad they enjoyed it! Yup, the level is entirely p...Glad they enjoyed it! Yup, the level is entirely playable without mindswitch.<br /><br />By all means, encourage them to sleep if they need to! There are mechanics in each level to make it a dangerous trade off (though generally worth it once).<br /><br />Yeah, flame drake and Chemosit is a rough combo, particularly right after a teleport. Happens to a few groups.<br /><br />There's not THAT much stuff for small characters ... is there? I think it's about a third?<br /><br />Have fun in gauntlet!Zenithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05084567670274788805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-5854307553512443422016-06-23T11:04:15.510-04:002016-06-23T11:04:15.510-04:00And now for this week's. Couldn't manage t...And now for this week's. Couldn't manage the mindswap mechanic, but it didn't hurt the level. Apparently my group has decided sleeping before activating the final trap/boss/what have you is 'cheating,' so they have made a pact not to do so. Welp. We'll see how that goes in the future. For now though...<br /><br />Started out pretty simple. They saw the 8 crystals to the left, completely failed all their appraisal checks and teleport ed right where they started (seriously, some landed on each other, it was great).<br /><br />They spent too many resources trying to deal with the portals...but only because they seemed to overestimate the CR 1/3 creatures. This crystal caused a teleport that really hurt them though. 3 people landed around the starting point, one fell into a hole and saw the hidden armor and buckler, one landed on the bottom right wall...and the summoner landed right on top of the ape statue. Cue both the Flame Drake and Chemosit aggroing at the same time and tearing through people. Nobody died, but a lot of healing was spent recovering afterwards. <br /><br />They solved the four little treasures easily, as well as the four questions. The wall was amusing, since it was only after they (barely) made a perform check that they considered stealing its eyes. Cue neutral good eidolin and summoner leaving the hall, while the inquisitor fails to steal an eye. The oracle managed a fairly high intimidate check though, so they got it in the end.<br /><br />The creatures on the wall didn't slow them down too much, neither did the plants (burning hands works wonders). I think my favorite part was their reaction to the gear underneath the level. "What do you mean, this stuff's ALSO made for a small character?!" They appear to believe the creator really wanted a party of haflings.<br /><br />As for the glass golem, well, it nearly killed three people before a lucky arrow struck it down (being on 25% health and having no spells at all will do that). The group enjoyed it all quite a bit!darrel378https://www.blogger.com/profile/04418105384885472440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-73159425383799591572015-01-13T11:16:28.125-05:002015-01-13T11:16:28.125-05:00Wow! I hope the fight was as long as it was fun. ...Wow! I hope the fight was as long as it was fun. It sounds like the Cleric felt useful, which is awesome.<br /><br />Excited to hear about Gauntlet.Zenithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05084567670274788805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-63450702629165559252015-01-13T11:05:16.656-05:002015-01-13T11:05:16.656-05:00Having only 2 Characters which could do actual dam...Having only 2 Characters which could do actual damage but a cleric worthy of his profession it took the golem 8 rounds to bring the first character below 0 HP only to have him stand up the round thereafter and finally slaying the beast the next round.<br /><br />Let's see how they will handle the tarantula on the next stage.Hyperkubusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-22502630258006319822015-01-09T11:40:35.542-05:002015-01-09T11:40:35.542-05:00I've never used Armor as DR rules, but DR 18 s...I've never used Armor as DR rules, but DR 18 seems a biiiit extreme. You may want to lower that to 10 or so.<br /><br />Good luck! Have fun and I'm glad you are enjoying the dungeon!Zenithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05084567670274788805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-86285952851985163442015-01-09T10:13:05.420-05:002015-01-09T10:13:05.420-05:00My group and I are playing Jacobs Tower with the A...My group and I are playing Jacobs Tower with the Armor as Damage Reduction variant rules - until now there were no real problems.<br />on Sunday we will play this level.<br /><br />I am really worried this might end in a TPK 18 DR and Magic Immunity - holy hell!<br /><br />But I think as this level is set in an abstract void a TPK is easily explained as a bad dream.<br /><br />I am really anxious for this encounter.<br />Thank you for this great dungeon campaign and keep the good work.<br />-HyperkubusHyperkubusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-82504127441589628872014-12-28T10:39:08.816-05:002014-12-28T10:39:08.816-05:00He is a boss, and thus intentionally difficult. H...He is a boss, and thus intentionally difficult. He deals on average 14 damage on a hit, and has an 85% chance to hit an AC 20, pretty standard for this level. You probably have around 40hp, so that's about 3-4 hits for him to take down one person. With a party of 4 people, thats 16 rounds, assuming you aren't healing the fallen and are unable to do anything.<br />If you just have bows, then it will certainly take a while to kill him. So it's time to adjust your strategy. Summon some creatures, go into melee, throw some bombs, put him in a pit. DR is a huge thing in later levels, so if you are finding that you are not dealing enough damage with longbows, this is a great time to adjust your strategy.<br />Did you guys survive?Zenithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05084567670274788805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-28371794384187506592014-12-28T04:50:39.237-05:002014-12-28T04:50:39.237-05:00whats the thing with this glass golem ?! we played...whats the thing with this glass golem ?! we played the tower ... everything was very n1 ... but this thing is close to unkillable ... dr 5 ... so with bows/xbows it will take an hour to kill it and meele will kill you (att +16 => he always hits you ... and 2 - 4 hits will knock you out) ... brocknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-65527474074005413962014-12-11T15:25:55.297-05:002014-12-11T15:25:55.297-05:00Big old holes. Every black square leads directly ...Big old holes. Every black square leads directly to the black abyss.Zenithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05084567670274788805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-15958759935695059982014-12-11T15:19:44.495-05:002014-12-11T15:19:44.495-05:00Are the black squares in room nine holes, or are t...Are the black squares in room nine holes, or are they just colored black?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-46827103793165112802014-11-13T13:25:55.210-05:002014-11-13T13:25:55.210-05:00Good point, and I've clarified that. Resurrec...Good point, and I've clarified that. Resurrection and the like are effective in bringing the mind back to the body.Zenithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05084567670274788805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-58618157209139286142014-11-13T03:09:04.601-05:002014-11-13T03:09:04.601-05:00So, if a character's mind is in another player...So, if a character's mind is in another player's body and dies, the mind dies. At the end of the level, the body is revived and the original mind reenters the body. The mind that was controlling the body that died is gone forever? Are the players able to somehow return the lost mind to the original body, or are traditional resurrections spells ineffective?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-89546428227604818312014-05-23T22:20:32.045-04:002014-05-23T22:20:32.045-04:00Great, and let me know how it goes! Yes, it is in...Great, and let me know how it goes! Yes, it is intended that PC's will be more likely to end up near the center. However, plopping them near the center is more dangerous and, if you want that, use D20s.<br />Hmm, I suppose if only one PC fail, he gets a get out of jail free card, and there is no ill effect! However, the save is fairly high, so that may not be likely.Zenithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05084567670274788805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8457309627892248510.post-55519986789552546352014-05-23T15:36:00.340-04:002014-05-23T15:36:00.340-04:00I've just discovered your Jacob's tower ad...I've just discovered your Jacob's tower adventure and have been reading through them. I hope to run them with some friends in the near future. I have two questions about the unique mechanics of Level 5.<br />1) When teleporting, is it intended that it is more likely for a PC to end up near the center more often (do to odds on the dice)?<br />2) For Mindswitch, what happens if only one PC fails the Will Save?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com