(OOC: to keep things simple and to get things rolling ASAP, everyone gets the same first mission. Let's see who can flatten the kobolds in the least amount of rounds!)

The welcome to Phlan was nice enough. A short blonde fellow named Rolf guided you through the city. He showed the major points of interest, as well as pointed out that drinking the polluted sludge of the Stojanow river was unhealthy. You made the acquaintance with the guards at the City Hall, as well as the garrison commander.

The latter introduced himself as Boros of the Red Boar. It was difficult to decide whether he was a halforc or a human - but this is not Hillsfar, and capable people are not asked what race they are. His worn scale armor an silver, perfectly polished axe speak volumes about his experience. Boros leads the merry band of soldiers that are von Urslingen's followers. These number about one hundred and fify, mostly infantry with light armor, polearm and shield. There are twenty elite archers and thirty light cavalry as well.

So Boros shows you around your new home.

The barracks are plenty large to house the garruson as well as your merry band. Its basement doubles as storage area and prison. Currently there is only one prisoner - an enormous brute snoring in the corner cell. The guards seem to avoid going near the cell.

Mercenaries' quarters are in the east wing of the barracks. It is a single big dorm, with eight solid bunk beds and appropriate chests. A fireplace on the inside wall is just waiting for a fire and a nice pot bubbling with stew.

But Boros just laughs. "I guess you'd like to rest and relax a bit? There'll be none of that. Get organized and meet me outside in ten minutes for your first assignment. Or you can run away." He harrumphs, turns around and leaves.

---

The first assignment sounds easy enough. You are shoved through the gate into the slums area, and told to procure half a dozen kobold heads.

"And don't return empty-handed!" Boros yells before the gate to New Phlan slams shut. The alleyway leading from the wall is narrow; the buildings in the slums are just looted and burnt-out husks. Warily, you advance for a minute or two, getting your bearings.

Someone laughs, up ahead. it is an unpleasant, animalistic sound.

"Meat!" a shrill little voice suddenly screams out. "New meat!" Kobolds stream from a house, bradishing their eating utensils. They scream and chitter madly. "Food! Food! FOOD!"

---

k = kobolds
K = bigger kobold
shaded areas = walls/impassable/blocks LoS
x = escape route (in case you need it)

team can deploy anywhere on rows 19 and 20.
pick spots and state actions. Team has the initiative.

Being unceremoniously shoved into combat was not Hai Tao's idea of the proper pursuits of a temple monk but this would not be the first time a monk's abilities were used as a weapon for someone else's gain. Listening to the shrill screams and cheers of the kobolds in the distance, Hai realizes that he volunteered for this and must make the best of it. Though he'd much rather be studying his scrolls with a nice cup of dark tea, maybe slightly sweetened as a treat.

Looking over the motley crew he was with he suspected that the higher ups were hoping they'd fail and retreat back out of the slums with their tails between their legs. But Hai saw a group of people that were quite tougher and more prepared than their outer exterior would betray.

Forcing a smile on his face he speaks to them, "Best to keep them at a distance for as long as possible before having to engage them hand-to-hand, yes?"

With that he moves forward from to the closes wall and peers around it. Holding his shortsword in one hand and a readied dart in the other.

[OOC: Start at 19D -18D-17D (end), while drawing/preparing his weapons]

[Private to GM: AC: 15 HP: 10 First Kobold in range gets a dart to the face.]
This message was last edited by the player at 14:13, Sat 26 Sept 2015.

How he managed to get tangle up with the city guard and doing their job for them, Risshil was not sure. He had hoped to study the ruins of the city and start to unravel the mysteries of the lost culture as befit a scholar like himself. However if this is what he had to do, then the priest of the Lifegiver would do so. However he was going to have some words with the very rude and demanding guard captain later.

Drawing his shield off the back of his pack, the green elf moved forward with as soft of steps as he could manage. Moving around the first wall he noticed a rather big Kobold, bigger than he expected to see. Chanting a few words he raised his hand up towards it, a silvery flame appearing above it's head before slamming down into it.


OOC: Start in E19, move to C14. Draw shield as part of move action. Cast Sacred Flame on Big Kobold at C2. Dexterity Save DC13 or take 4 radiant damage.

13:00, Today: Risshil rolled 4 using 1d8 ((4)). Sacred Flame Damage.

Tarkun growled at Boros after being shoved into the slums. He composes himself and steps up after formulating a plan.

"STOP," Tarkun angrily calls out after seeing Risshil attack the kobolds. "I believe I can reason with them. Do not attack any further unless provoked."

Full of confidence and bravado, Tarkun walks up and begins to address the kobolds in Draconic.

"Cousins! Hear my voice and know we are of the same blood! I am Tarkun, scion of one of the last great Dragonrider clans! Blessed by the Dragon gods themselves! Lay down your weapons and let us come together as Dragonkin should! We are not your enemies!"

14:21, Today: Tarkun rolled 19 using 2d20+7, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 12,8.  Charisma (Persuasion) Check. Start in F19, move to F13.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:09, Sun 27 Sept 2015.

Meriele stands aronud indecisively for the round.

Tarkun's words would of course sound much better to the little lizards if histeammate didn't start frying them with spells. As it is, the brief calm and the inquisitive stares of their beady little eyes turn into rage, and they rush towards the invaders.

a1 kobold > c6 HP5/5 AC12
b1 kobold > c7 HP5/5 AC12
c2 big kobold > c8 HP8/12 AC12
d3 kobold > c9 HP5/5 AC12
a5 kobold > c10 HP5/5 AC12
b4 kobold > d10 HP5/5 AC12

The rear three kobolds shoot stones with their slings. Daylight is far too bright for them, but one stone still finds Risshil's leg, leaving a nasty bruise (3 damage)
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:28, Wed 30 Sept 2015.

Tarkun sighs as he facepalms, shaking his head.

"Guess there is only one option now."

He runs over to in front of Risshil and stops. He takes in a deep breath before letting out a great gout of flame.

F13-E-E-E-C13
Fire Breath Attack, DC 14, Save for half, 4 fire damage.

The kobold cries of fresh meat and food had made Risshil think they had gone completely mad, however the dragonborn's words had given them a brief pause gave the scholar hope at a peaceful solution. It was then that the same dragonborn stepped in front of him and breathed a big gout of flame.

Chanting again, the same radiant flame appeared above the big kobold's head before slamming into him.

Risshil then moved backward a step while drawing his shortsword.

OOC: casting sacred flame again, DC 13 reflex or take 5 radiant damage.

Then will move to C15 and draw shortsword as free action with the move.

Seeing that his companions have the center taken care of Hai Tao decides to dash to the left and cover the small area hoping to keep the kobolds from overrunning them. Sliding to a stop he flips the dart over his fingers a few times anxiously.

[OOC: Start D17-E-E-N-N-N-N-N-F12 End; Sword and dart still ready to kick some kobold kesters.]

kobold c7 HP1/5 AC12, burnt almost to the point of dying by the fire jet. The dodging attempt brought its head in hard contact with the wall next to it, and it stands there, dazed.

big kobold c8 dies. It seems to shrug off the fire. But then it starts to scream in pain, disconcerting the other kobolts. Then Risshil's radiant flame slams into it, and the screams are cut off abruptly as the little lizard-thing collapses into a burning pile.

kobold c9>c8 HP3/5 AC12 manages to dodge nimbly aside, getting olny a large burn on his side for the trouble. he stumbles backwards to trip on the still burning corpse of the big kobold, and yips in panic.

kobold c10>e8 HP1/5 AC12 Howls as it catches the last of the flamebreath full on, skin flaking and splitting from the burns. It panics, runing left and right, flailing its arms and putting out the remaining small flames on his clothes.

kobold d10>f11 HP5/5 AC12 sprints around the wall and damn near tumbles right into the waiting monk. It manages to nick him with the rusty blade (1 damage)

kobold c6>c1 HP5/5 AC12 looks at the whole situation and takes the sensible decision. It turns tail and runs. Once at the northern wall, it tries to squeeze through one of the tiny holes leading to the adjoining space.

"You should have ran when you had the chance, my scaly friend." Hai Tao says as he quickly inspects the cut the kobold gives him. Slashing upward with this shortsword Hai barely misses the kobold but catches it on the chin as he follows the sword with a kick upward.


[OOC: Attack with both sword and kick.
12:00, Today: Hai Tao rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  Shortsword vs Kob (F11).
12:00, Today: Hai Tao rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Kick vs Kobold (F11).
12:02, Today: Hai Tao rolled 9 using 2d4+3.  Kick dmg vs Kobold (F11).]

Tarkun reaches into his robes to produce his wand. It is made of brass and sculpted to look a dragon's head at the base. With a flick of his wrist, and a quick Draconic word the Dragonborn sends a flaming bolt hurtling towards the closest kobold.

13:23, Today: Tarkun rolled 17 using 2d20+7, dropping the lowest dice only.  Firebolt Attack against Kobold at C8.
13:26, Today: Tarkun rolled 9 using 1d10.  Firebolt Damage.
[Private to GM: AC: 16, HP: 9/9]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:57, Sat 03 Oct 2015.

Seeing that the fight was pretty much over, and not wanting to hurt these creatures any more if they did not wish to continue, Risshil moved up beside Tarkun and kept his shield forward. He waited to see what the kobolds would do. Would they turn and flee like that one had, or would they suicidally charge forward. His sword was ready in case of the latter.


OOC: Move to D13 and hold attack action for if one moves to him.

14:04, Today: Risshil rolled 10 using 1d20+5 ((5)).

Will miss if they do come and attack further.

kobold c8 is incinerated by Tarkun's firebolt. The poor critter doesn't even have time to scream before collapsing into a burning heap.

kobold e8>d5 HP1/5 AC12 Finally manages to put the fire on its clothes out. Taking quick stock of the situation, it runs as well.

kobold f11 catches the monk's kick straight into its chest. There's a sound of bones being crushed and the vile little critter flies back, chest crushed.

A figure, indistinct and hazy, (c1 AC12 HP22) appears next to the kobold trying to squeeze through the northern wall. It looks like an ancient man, with closely cropped white beard and hair, dressed in flowing robes embroidered with arcane symbols. It reaches out to gently caress the kobold. The little lizard stiffens, all colour going out of it, then collapses into a lifeless heap.

kobold c7>b2 HP1/5 AC12 picks itself up from the floor, shaking its head, the smell of charred hobold in its nostrils. Then the kobold next to it dies a fiery death, doing nothing for its morale. It runs! And almost crashes into the ghostly figure and its victim. The poor kobold yips, loking back and forth, eyes full of terror and hopelesness. After all, it had just wanted some food... nothing else! And now it's about to die! In a fit of insanity, it just collapses there and feigns death, head pushed into some tiny hole in the ground.

"Hold friend! There is no need to harm them any further!" Risshil called out to the old man, stepping forward toward the robed figure. "If they wish to flee let them."


OOC: Move to C8

Hai Tao looks down at the dead kobold at his feet and shakes his head. Looking up as he hears Risshil, he jumps over the downed lizard and moves up next to his companion. Hai watches the old man closely and frowns. Quietly he speaks, "What do you think, Risshil? Is he a friend?"

Feeling that whatever threat there was has passed, Tarkun advances on this new arrival.

"Aye. Please heed the words of my acquaintance," the Dragonborn calls out as he moves forward. "To attack these creatures any further would be needless cruelty. What business do you have here?"

Move 30', C13-N-N-N-N-N-N-C7
02:16, Today: Tarkun rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Charisma (Persuasion).

The figure approaches, floating slowly, unhurriedly, like a nightmare. It glances briefly at Tarkun as the dragonborn speaks, but the words don't seem to affect it. Instead, it seems to laugh silently, malice obvious in its eyes. Despite being slow like a bank of rolling clouds, it still reaches one of the kobolds, its touch making the panicked lizard squeal pitifully, then collapse in a pale heap. It's as if the life force of the kobold is absorbed into the nightmarish figure, making it more distinct, and less shadowy.

The other kobold just cowers there, not realizing he has scant seconds to run.

Tightening his grip on his shortsword and the dart in his hand. Hai Tao moves up next to Tarkun and takes a fighting stance. "Attempt to touch the kobold and we will be forced to stop you." His voice unwavering even in the face of the malicious life-draining creature before them, Hai readies a dart to fling at the man if necessary.


[OOC: Move to D7 and ready an action. If the man reaches for the kobold, Hai will toss the dart at him. If DM wishes to roll the dart attack and damage it would be 1d20+5 and 1d4+3]

"Why must so many not listen to reason," Tarkun exclaims angrily. "Return from whence you came and there shall be no further violence."

Tarkun points his wand at the ghostly man, a spell ready to be loosed.

(Will hold a Magic Missile spell ready for if the intruder goes to harm the last kobold. All 3 darts on him, each dealing 1d4+1.)

The image of the floating old man caused Risshil's eyes to widen, watching as the figure silently laughs, malice clear in his eyes and face. An idea crept into the back of his mind, and he sheathed his shortsword and began to chant. Pointing his finger at the figure, a bolt of bright light shot out at it.

"Attack him!! I believe him to be of the undead!! I believe he has drained the kobolds of their life to sustain it." he shouted as his bolt flew through the air at the old man.

OOC: Move action to sheathe sword, Action to cast Guiding Bolt at the Creepy Old Man. If it hits the next attack on him will gain Advantage as the Guiding Bolt causes him to glow.

15:53, Yesterday: Risshil rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  guiding bolt on old man.

00:57, Today: Risshil rolled 13 using 4d6 ((3,2,4,4)).

The smoky being floats over to the still cowering kobold. There is a smile, and a shadowy hand placed on the little lizard's back.

Hai Tao throws his missile at the shadow-being but his shot is wide.

Tarkun's bolts, however, scatter the stuff the old man is made from, and it takes a few seconds before it reforms, anger in its eyes. (8 damage)

Then the cleric shouted, and a radiant light enveloped the shadowy creature. It let out a soundless scream as the light ate away at the stuff it is made of. It seems heavily burnt, face pockmarked with little dots of brightness that still eat at its flesh. (13 damage)

Its eyes flash with infinite hatred ; the kobold yelps before it collapses into a heap.

Just as he had thought, it was a being of evil and most likely undead. Chanting again Risshil sent yet another bolt of radiant energy streaming at the creature.


OOC: Casting Guiding Bolt again. Since my Guiding Bolt last round was last, I get the advantage. If this one hits the next attack also gets Advantage.

22:51, Today: Risshil rolled 17 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Guiding Bolt attack with Advantage.

22:51, Today: Risshil rolled 15 using 4d6 ((3,1,6,5)). Guiding Bolt Radiant Damage.

With another flick of the wrist and a draconic, arcane word, Tarkun lets loose another bolt of fire at the thing. Sadly, either his movement or inflection must have been off as the shot goes wide. Growling in displeasure, he moves out of Risshil's way should he choose to advance.

Casting Firebolt on W at B2.
03:19, Today: Tarkun rolled 10 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Firebolt Attack. And I just wasted Risshil's Advantage. :(
Moving from C7-N-NE-D5.

Hai Tao hesitates a moment, not in fear but in a quandary whether his physical attacks will harm the ghostly undead apparition. Deciding that acting is better than doing nothing at all he moves into action. He slides up to the undead creature swinging his sword in an upward slashing motion which he follows with a spinning backhanded punch.


[OOC: Move: D6-C6-C5-C4-B3. Attack with Shortsword and Punch.

03:18, Today: Hai Tao rolled 22,6 using 1d20+5,1d4+3.  Backhanded punch and dmg.
03:18, Today: Hai Tao rolled 9,7 using 1d20+5,1d6+3.  Shortsword and Dmg.]

The second radiant bolt causes the being do break out in boils and sores, leaking pure light. It raises its hands towards its assailants, face distorted in hatered.

Then, it exploded into fragments of shadow and dust, the shockwave passing through the heroes like a cold wind.

The unnatural cold dissipates slowly, and the sounds of the surrounding areas slowly seep into the alleyway.

XP> 125 for the kobolds, 100 for the specter
Treasure> 90 cp from the kobolds, four slings (1 cp each), four rusty daggers (worhless)
Ten coppers for each kobold head awarded on return to new Phlan and putting the heads in the collection basket.
You can poke around this alley for a bit longer, or you can move back to the barracks thread.

Hai Tao covers his face with his forearm as the undead being explodes. Pulling his arms away he looks around, "I wonder if they knew about this creature or if this is a new threat being drawn here by an easy meal?" He gestures towards the dead kobolds. "Probably should collect our...prizes and report our findings." Pausing a moment, testing the weight of his shortsword Hai begins using the blade to remove the kobold's heads from their bodies clearly unhappy with the ghoulish task.

This was gruesome work, having to fight and kill some of these crazy creatures was enough violence for his tastes. The act of decapitating the bodies and bringing them back as trophies was something he could not do. It would be something he'd leave to the gnome and dragonborn, and he would simply keep watch to be sure that old man was truly gone and had no allies nearby.

Tarkun stands still for a few moments, many thoughts weighing heavily on his mind. He sees Hai walking over to one of the kobolds and looks away when he starts to work.

"To the Nine Hells with their rewards and trophies," he says angrily. He knew setting out for a life of adventure would force him to make difficult decisions, but this...this was beyond him.

"Do what you will and keep your share of the rewards. I'm heading to the barracks."

Tarkun brooks no response as he gathers his pack and leaves.

As Hai Tao cuts through the last bit of tough hide of the final kobold's neck he sits back on his haunches for a moment and sighs. "Well that was thoroughly unpleasant." Hai looks down at himself and grimaces, "I may have to use all my ill gotten gains on a bath. I look like I work for a careless butcher."

Standing he walks over to the small pile of kobold heads tossing the last on top. Kneeling he pulls up the sides of the tattered clothe he had place them on and bundles them all together. "Are you all right, Risshil? I understand none of us wanted this type of assignment but if we hadn't done it we would be not be seeing anymore work. We can hope that the next job is one more suited to all our skills but I would warrant more blood may end up on our hands. So, ready to head back to the barracks and collect our coin? Maybe someone will know something about the strange apparition we witnessed?"

"Violence and killing is not what I came here for. I am an explorer, an archaeologist, a scholar. I am no mercenary. I came to unlock the secrets of this place, to study the ruins in peace. Instead I get brked at by a half-orc witht he mind of a lizard who's only thought is killing." Risshil said in weary disgust, turning to Hai Tao. "If you have finished this grisly task let us head back."

Risshil then headed to the barracks.

Hai Tao follows Risshil with this sack of dismembered kobold heads over his shoulder.

"This was not my preference either. Though I do feel you and Tarkun seem to now be looking down your noses at me for my part. But know before my temple was destroyed by a mysterious avalanche I was quite happy in my studies of the unique relationship between martial arts and the energies of the universe. I was a student and a researcher with no need for violence but now that I am here, outside my home, I realize we must do things to survive that we won't always like. This gruesome task should allow us more access to the city and it's inner workings so we may continue our desired pursuits."

"Do not take my disdain for the job for a personal disdain, for they are not the same. Someone had to do that grisly duty, and you doing it means that I don't have to. While I hate the very idea I thank you for doing it."

"Please, I should apologize. The butchering of dead enemies has made me feel disturbed and guilty, making me angry with myself. I am just projecting that frustration onto you, my friend. Let us return this bag of gore and find refreshment to wash the violence from our minds."

So, Team N/S Squishy how we doing? Ready to continue