The day dawns bright and cold. Early morning mists drift in through the pane-less windows of the tower, giving objects a glistening sheen.

The occupants and guests of the tower rouse themselves and leave the knight's cells, making their way to the common room for a light breakfast. Knights and attendants mill around, eating lightly and drinking water from curiously large goblets.

Savra pulls Asano aside after a time, while Thurl approaches the other visitors.

"I'm so excited you're here Asano," Savra says delightedly. "Last night was magnificent. I think you'd really fit in here with the Knights." She glances over her shoulder at Thurl, speaking with the others.

"If you're interested, I could speak with Thurl about you," she says in lower tones. "I know you'd like to see the enemies of the High Forest dealt with just as much as I would. Our group may soon have the ability to deal with them permanently."

Thurl congratulates the group again for dispatching the manticore, and Jak for dealing the killing blow. "After breakfast we shall all go back up to the pinnacle for the official ceremony where I will hand over your just rewards," he says grandly. "But I'm not sure we finished our conversation from last night's dinner. Was there any other information that you sought me out for?"

---

Updated map. You all slept on Floor 2 in the cells just off the Great Hall.

Assume a full Long Rest for everyone =).

Zora, if you want to change your memorized spells, include the changes in your 1st post to this thread.


This message was last edited by the GM at 22:14, Sun 26 Nov 2017.

Morg (in armor again) walks over to Thurl. "Many thanks for your hospitality."

"We found some fresh graves to the south. Do you or any of your knights know who's buried there? Hopefully not the missing delegation from Mirabar we're looking for. They passed thru Beliard, but never arrived in Red Larch."

"We've heard of cultists in these hills. Do you know if they're related to the "Bringers of Woe" cult we found in Red Larch?"

"Also," he says, trying to seem nonchalant, "has any of your knights spotted any bridge ruins from the sky here in the hills?"

OOC: Spells are good.

Also, insight roll:

11:16, Today: Zora Jilkina rolled 13 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 8.  Insight on Thurl, concerned about what he plans as their 'just reward' Can he be trusted?


Zora frowned at Thurl's choice of words. Just rewards, it sounded ominous, but she let it go. The knights had been nothing if not gracious hosts.

Having learned what she needed about Shatterkeel, she had no other questions for Thurl. She waited for the head knight to answer Morg's, listening intently and watching, his comment still nagging at her.

Mayon is a bit later than the others as he arrives downstairs, having stayed up late to finally gain his patron's Boon. He gives a faint, tired smile and a murmur of apology, not even addressing the small, scowling sprite perched on his shoulder and keeping watch.

"Our enemies do deserve destruction," Asano draws out, "but I know very little of this organization. Last night's events, and your own allegiance to these knights, do lend a positive light, but as of yet, I have responsibilities I must tend to. There is also the mystery of Elessina's family locket." He looks aside, watching Thurl speak with his traveling companions. A sudden thought hits him, "In what way do you believe to deal with the enemies abroad permanently, Savra?"


OOC:
Persuasion- 18

Thurl scowls at mention of the graves to the south. "Probably the so-called monks at the Sacred Stone Monastery are to blame. I couldn't tell you any more about it." He describes the rough location of the monastery, near the Dessarin River.

He pauses. "Ruined bridges I don't know anything about. The only bridge of note in the Dessarin Valley is The Stone Bridge, which is no ruin. It's a gigantic stone archway across the Dessarin to the northeast, just outside of Beliard. But I'm sure you know of that bridge, Master Dwarf." He takes on a lecturing tone. "It's said Moradin himself appeared on that bridge long ago, to rally the Ironstar Dwarves against a bunch of orcs. And the founder of Besilmer, King Torhild Flametongue, died fighting a hill giant atop that bridge. So I imagine you've heard of it." He smiles wryly.

Still speaking in low tones, Savra smiles with undisguised glee. "We're close to mastering elemental air itself! Sure, Thurl wants to destroy the enemies of Waterdeep first," she allows, "but once they're vanquished we can bring it to bear on the High Forest's enemies!" she beams.

---

Dessarin Valley map updated. =)


This message was last edited by the GM at 02:40, Tue 28 Nov 2017.

Asano brow furls for a moment, then smooths quickly. "Mastering elemental air? Are there many wizards among your cohort?" Another thought strikes him, though he keeps mastery of his expression as he draws his sleeve above his forearm. Using a little prestidigitation, he begins tracing the four runic symbols they had seen floating inside Lance Rock. "Savra, have you seen any of these sigils before? Or heard the names Marlos Urnrayle or Vanifer?" He watches her very carefully, hoping she doesn't know anything.


OOC:
Persuasion- 17
Insight- 13/12
Used Tides of Chaos for the insight. Not that it helped.

"So-called monks?" she said, echoing Thurl's words back at him as a question. "Why do you say that? Are they not devoted?"

Something about this man's mannerisms bothered her. He seemed to be evaluating them, unable to decide whether to reveal more. She wasn't sure how to gain his trust, but needed to try.

"Ser Thurl, I for one am impressed with the work you are doing here. The hunt was exhilarating, and your hospitality has been second to none. I just wanted to thank you for it."

"The monks are devoted to stubbornness perhaps," Thurl grunts, weighing Zora's question. "They're very reclusive, and I suspect they're harboring evil within their stone walls. Someone should really look into their situation."

His face softens then, and he smiles. "I thank you for your kind words, Zora. It has been a pleasure hosting such capable guests. If I may ask, where are you bound to after you depart the Spire?"

Savra's smile changes to a smirk. "Not wizards per se, no," she replies. "Our organization has access to some allies with various magical talents, however." She gestures quickly and her hair blows back wildly as if she stood in a sudden stiff breeze.

The knight's smile fades as Asano mentions Marlos, Vanifer, and the sigils. "How did you come across those names?" she asks noncommittally, gazing at the symbols. Several other knights and initiates glance at the pair as their conversation continues.

"I suspect we'll head for the river and look for this Genasi pirate one of your brothers mentioned last night," she replied after a little consideration. "Though truth be told, my new companions may have other ideas."

Morg doesn't yet notice Mayon's wee companion, or Savra's wind trick, and continues his conversation with Thurl and Zora: "I'd like to check if the delegation made it to Summit Hall, but since we're near the monastery, asking there about the graves may be best."

As for this pirate, Shoalah, I don't think we're fast enough to find or catch a keelboat unless it's docked. Any ideas?" And then softly, "...that doesn't involve flying."

Asano watches Savra's control over air with mild amazement. "How did you acquire this power, Savra?" He asks, the sigils fading from his forearm. "The names and sigils I acquired while fighting a necromancer in some caverns within Lance Rock. How do you know them?" Asano's voice is low and intense, and he moves to block any prying eyes.

Savra's face falls somewhat, and she seems uncertain. "The necromancer with the necklace... I see."

She glances back at Thurl. "The power is something that the Feathergale Knights can teach," Savra explains, her mood shifting back to controlled excitement. "I'm sure you could learn it too. It would make you more formidable, if you would join - us?" At the last second she seems to change her word choice. Was she about to say "me"?

Thurl nods slowly, looking between Zora and Morg. "You all seem set upon investigating the missing delegation, and Shoalar, and - perhaps other things," Thurl muses. "Well, I certainly wish you good fortune," he says, shaking his head slightly.

He turns to Hue and a group of other knights and robed attendants, standing near the doors leading to the central stairwell. "I think it's time we complete the ceremony and present our winners their award," he calls to them, removing a ring from his finger as he does so, and holding it aloft. "Please, one and all, ascend to the top of the Spire. I have the promised award to bestow." The assembled knights nod and begin heading for the stairs.

"Savra, what do you know of the names?" Asano insists, ignoring her hopeful invitation. "I believe they may be instrumental in some of the goings on in the valley. Urnrayle is sought by one of my companions, but Vanifer has a connection with Thermander. Do you know where to find either of them? Or do you know who might have this information?" He watches her carefully, studying her expressions and body language for any sign of hesitance or deceit. "The Savra I used to know would want these mysteries solved. And she never lied to her friends."


OOC:
Persuasion- 11
Insight- 19

Jak had woken up a little bit later than he had wanted to. He had stretched so hard that he almost made himself sore. The yawn had opened his mouth so wide he thought he heard his jaw creak. He gave a contented smile, however, thinking about the evening previous and the celebration.

He cleaned up as best he could and then went to breakfast slightly sleepily. He smiled at everyone and perked up a bit when Thurl mentioned him and the rewards. He blinked and gave a bow of his head. His words were spoken with less 'street' than normal for him, with care. "I am happy to have supported you in defeating this enemy."

He let the others, especially Morg, speak up about some of their objectives, and listened to the answers such as they were. Sacred Stone Monastery? Okay. He noted the location directions mentally even as the conversation moved on to a Bridge built by dwarves. Interesting tidbit. He tucked that away in to his Bardic collection and made a mental note to try and find out more someday. Might be a good story.

Jak finished eating quickly, sliding a few bits and crumbles in to one pocket for his pet to munch on as well - though he had been doing so throughout breakfast really. He brushed his hands off and made to follow up the stairs. "Sounds like fun!"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:34, Thu 30 Nov 2017.

In a blink, Savra's expression flashes to anger. "Don't call me a liar, Breathkill," she hisses. "I've been straight with you since you came here. You had disappeared from the High Forest, and some of us decided to do something about the attack. I found a way to fight back. To fight fire with fire." A half-smirk returns to her face. "Or with Air, at any rate."

"I wouldn't tangle with Vanifer," she continues heatedly. "But if you've got your mind set on suicide, some of her pets are cavorting to the north east of here. Thermandar might be among them, maybe, if you're unlucky. Just follow the smell of smoke, and try not to get burned."

"The Feathergale Knights will prevail against our enemies, Asano," she says more evenly, fully calm and confident. Her abrupt changes in demeanor were jarring. She turns to follow Thurl and the others. "I wouldn't want to see you among the vanquished."

---

The room will slowly empty out as most of the Spire occupants head up the stairs. Everyone planning to follow along? If so, anyone planning to do anything else before arriving at the top?

Zora started to follow thurl upstairs and to the ceremony, but savra's agitation was hard to miss. She stepped back to Asano and asked savra, "vanquished?" Her eyes flashing lightning.

Mayon follows quietly, still a little bit out of it this morning after the late night ritual. He narrows his eyes a bit at Savra's harsh behavior, glancing at his familiar briefly. The sprite nods, then vanishes from sight, invisible to all though he can still feel their presence.

"Perhaps we should keep our guard up." He says in a soft, low voice as he walks up next to Asano. The knights had been hospitable so far, but something seemed off now.

"I spoke hastily," Asano says, placing a calming, restraining hand on Zora's shoulder. "I owe her an apology for speaking so harshly to her character," He blows a breath between pursed lips. "I suppose we should join the others for this ceremony, yes?"

Savra's expression shifts to one of sympathy, even pity. "Oh, Asano," she says regretfully. "What could have been." Glancing at Mayon and Zora, she moves to join Thurl in ascending the stairs.

"What in the bottomless sea was that all about?" she whispered to Asano as they climbed the stairs. Mayon was right, they needed to be watchful.

"There is more at play in this valley than a few troublemakers," Asano whispers back. "Be wary. Thurl knows more than he says."

The sun shines bright at the top of the Spire, despite a chill in the air. Illuminated by the sun, the view over the Sumber Hills is truly breathtaking. The rolling hills extend for miles in all directions, though the cloaking mists in the Sighing Valley remain even in daylight.

The knights assemble just beyond the grassy lawn surrounding the stairs, and Huet indicates that the honored guests should stand facing the assemblage near one of the four paths aligned to the points of the compass. The wind blows steadily up from the valley below, past the spyglass at the end of the path.

"Welcome once again, all," Thurl intones from the center of the group of Feathergale Knights. Two knights stand near their giant vulture mounts to the north and south of the staircase, while the main group remains around Thurl. Savra and another knight stand with their feathered cloaks flanking Thurl, while Huet and a group of eight other Spire-dwellers round out the audience near the stairs. One man, almost thinner than Savra, stands among them with his hands on his hips, clad in blue diaphanous robes.

"Last night we were graced with the presence of highly skilled travelers, who showed their prowess through winning a contest of bravery and daring. I am pleased to award this ring," Thurl produces a feather-patterned golden ring set with a deep red garnet from his belt pouch and holds it up, "to the hunters who felled the dangerous beast last night." A polite round of clapping breaks out as Thurl walks forward and presents the ring to Jak. Smiling, the man claps the bard on the shoulder.

Merosska returns to his position next to Savra and turns, his expression now more serious. "We have a charge as Feathergale Knights however, to protect the Hills from those who might do it harm, and it seems clear this group could certainly pose a threat to its continued livelihood."

At this, Savra shoots a surprised stare at the Lord Commander, to which Thurl makes a reassuring wave of the hand. "All will be well, Savra. You know as well as I that the Feathergale Knights always obey the will of our guiding principles. Our test of worthiness will determine whether we must take action to ensure safety and security." Savra nods reluctantly, but turns to Asano and the others with concern.

---

Loot thread updated.

What now?!? ;)

"What test do you have in mind, to show that our intentions are honorable?" Morg says, looking at the stairs as a possible chokepoint.

Jak listened well and smiled a bit. He took the ring with a small bow of his head. He was in the middle of examining it when the rest of what was said caught up with him. He blinked a few times and slowly looked up at Thurl and then Merosska.

"Wait, what??" His expression looked surprised definitely. "We aided you in a hunt an' now you think we're a threat t'you? How does THAT make sense?"

Hearing the thinly veiled threat, rather than question it, she simply needed to get some space between her and the knights. "We should go," she said to her group. "Unless they're going to try to stop us." The last line was a challenge delivered to Thurl.

Merosska smiles thinly. He eyes Zora but speaks to Morg's question. "It is a simple test of Air, and one that will tell us if you are trustworthy. It has never failed to reveal the truth." He pauses. "I'm afraid I can't let you go without undergoing the test."

---

I've updated the map with everyone's positions, in case it's relevant to what you do next =)

"Perhaps you'd be willing to describe this test to us? Give us some hint what we're getting ourselves into?" Mayon asks warily, gray eyes narrowing.

"And what happens if we refuse to play your game? Are we to be locked up? Put to the sword? Or taught how to fly without a mount?" she asked with hostility in her voice, angry at their treatment, and angry at herself for not seeing it coming.

"I don't suppose that you would accept our word that we work toward the well-being of the valley?" Asano asks, somewhat flippantly. "I would like to know what exactly your test consists of, Lord Thurl, before we make a decision. I think we can all agree that an informed decision is a quality decision."

Savra looks pleadingly at Merosska, worry still in her features. "I can vouch for - well, one of them. I think," she says, glancing uncertainly at Asano.

Merossa ponders this a moment. "I present you with a choice," he says magnanimously to the group. "You may undergo our test of Air by jumping from the top of this Spire. If you fear heights or are otherwise reluctant, we can push or throw you off. If the winds lift you up, then you have passed our test. I will say that those who have failed the test have not been heard from again, of course."

"Yet, if for some reason you decline to be tested," Thurl raises a suspicious eyebrow, "then I will not order your immediate execution. Though declining the test indicates that you may be untrustworthy, I will consent to let you go on an errand to prove your usefulness." Savra lets out a breath. The robed man in Huet's group scowls.

"The errand I set before you, if you choose that option, would be to find a particular monk in the Sacred Stone Monastery and slay him. He is an odious and stubborn man named Qarbo. To ensure that you fulfill your errand I shall also require from you a token of trust, until proof of the errand's completion can be produced. Something valuable, to be held by the Feathergale Society here at the Spire. From each of you."

Merosska spreads his hands wide. "Your choice, brave champions."

Jak didn't like this. He set his jaw a bit. They were being told they had to either take a test (an arbitrary test where the most likely result was death - how often did the wind really save anyone?) or they had to go assassinate someone.

He planted his feet, a look of disdain on his face. "You call yourselves NOBLE? Heroes?? With a code of honor?? You wouldn't know honor if it slapped you in the face. You force people who have helped you - for no reason than they could - and threaten them, force them to either jump off a cliff - literally - where the wind would be their only chance of survival if it should deign to do so, or go be assassins for you instead?? And you call yourselves HONORABLE." He spat on the ground. "You disgust me."


OOC: Does the wind seem unusual nearby like where we would jump? Extremely person-lifting strong for instance?

Asano winces at the young human's outburst. "Jakrynn, I am sure Lord Thurl and his knights have good reason and evidence for the removal of this Qarbo individual," He says calmly, a hand pulling at the bard's sleeve as Asano moves between Jak and the knights. "Lord Thurl, I think I can speak for the majority of my party and agree to take care of this monk. What manner of item would you want as trust?" His face is agreeable, but his grip on Jak's arm twitches to forestall any possible outbursts.

"Something of sufficient value that it is clear you each would return for it," Merosska replies to Asano's question. "It might be something different for each of you."

"I suppose there is another way," the Lord Commander muses, observing the conflict between Asano and Jak. "If you all were to fight each other in combat to the death, surely the sole survivor would be proven to be in Air's favor and worthy of trust." Savra looks horrified at the thought, but the man in the diaphanous robes grins evilly.

---

The wind seems decidedly normal here, at least at the moment...


This message was last edited by the GM at 02:20, Wed 06 Dec 2017.

Asano withdraws the once-rusted locket from beneath his tunic. It's surface now shines, showing painstaking effort for those who saw it within the necromancer's lair. He steps forward, handing the locket to Savra and locking his gaze on hers. "I am truly sorry for my rash words below, my dear friend," he whispers, relinquishing the locket into her trust. "Please understand that I place my trust in your hands with this locket. I know that you do, and always will, choose the right path, Savra." He closes her hands around the locket before backing away from the knights, never showing his back to them.

Looking over his shoulder he calls out the rest of the party, "Please, my friends, entrust something of value to these knights, and we shall return for them after our task is complete. I am sure you can all see the wisdom of this choice."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:42, Wed 06 Dec 2017.

Morg walks over to Jak, "The dwarf gods tend to be more straightforward, so I don't know much about these leaps of faith; but I trust your judgment. If you want to go out in a blaze of glory, I'll stand beside you. If you choose to accept their offer, then I'll surrender my unit's shield."

To Thurl he says, "I cannot promise yet to kill this Qahbo, but if we're let go, I will go investigate this monastery and its monks."

"I will not test the gods in any way, certainly not with a literal leap of faith. And I would sooner fight the Feathergale Knights in combat to the death than my new companions," she paused after saying this with a grim smile to Thurl.

"But Asano is the voice of reason here, and I respect his decision. I have nothing of material value to surrender, but this trinket," she pulled a small item from a pouch, it looked like a white formal glove.

"This has immense sentimental value to me. My mother died when I was very young. This is all I have to remember her by."

She offered the glove to Thurl as a compromise she wasn't happy with.

Wordlessly, Savra and the Lord Commander accept the offered valuables and look to Jak and Mayon expectantly.

Mayon thought for a moment. "I don't carry much in the way of valuable trinkets, I'm afraid." He apologized softly. "I suppose this is the closest I have." HE carefully removed his gloves with their crystal-embedded focus. He had other methods of spellcasting, but these were particularly special to him. "A gift from my stepmother, and useful at that. I'll be happy to return for them."


Gonna be swapping to my component pouch for a while, I guess...:P

Jak glared at Asano who was trying to stifle him. Why should they play this sick game? What did they care if these so-called Knights found them to be worthy? He didn't like their definition of worthy!

He took a deep breath. He didn't want to be the one who got his allies killed, however. And there were a lot of F***erknights around right then. He let out the breath in a sigh, glaring at Thurl and that weaselly robed instigator. After a long moment of silence, he carefully pulled the lute off his back, unwrapped it to take a look at it before giving it up. He swallowed and slowly handed it over, clearly reluctantly. "That had better stay safe and unmolested."

Morg hands over his concave shield to Savra, trying to read her face. "Can we get more precise directions to the monastery?"

---

19:12, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 9 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 8.  Insight check on Savra, trying to figure out if she's truly surprised by Thurl's test.

Zora watched jak with interest, her eyes echoing his thoughts.

"I want to be away from this place, once we've had a chance to gather our things from our rooms."

---

OOC: narrator: she did not want to be away from the place

By the way, is it intended that we don't have an open ooc thread?

Asano silently hated the natural looking, yet entirely forced, smile plastered on his face. An expression forged from years as a page within his father's allies homes, it reminded him of every disgusted glance shot his way, every kick, every 'accidentally' spilled wine cup splashed across his doublet. It was a necessary expression, however, as spirited pages often found themselves the victims of 'hunting accidents' away from watchful gazes. He certainly was thankful for those years now, though, as he made sure to be the last of their motley group of the tower's summit, that smile, odious as it may be, shielding them all from immediate violence. His last glance was for Savra, a flicker of worry in his eyes.

What have you gotten yourself into, my friend?

OOC:
Just herding the group down to our rooms and out of the spire without any further outbursts.

After the offerings from Jak and Mayon are accepted, Thurl looks pleased. "Best mind your responsibility here," he cautions to the group. "The Feathergale Society does not take betrayal lightly." He then beckons to Savra. "Escort them out of the Spire, Savra," he says dismissively. "Best take a few knights with you." He accedes to the group's request to stop by their rooms for the rest of their things, then turns to consult with one of the knights next to a vulture.

Savra leads the group back down the stairs to the Great Hall on the second floor, accompanied by another knight and five of the other Spire denizens. Still concerned, she talks quietly as they descend. "The monastery is somewhat near the River Dessarin, amongst the sandstone bluffs of the surrounding hills. Any travelers nearby should be able to point you to it; it's known as one of the Haunted Keeps of the Valley after all."

"The monks are said to be very reclusive," she continues, "so you may have difficulty gaining entrance." She pauses a moment, thinking. "They may have a secret signal known only to them, but I don't know what it is. If you can find out what it is you might be able to get them to trust you, enough to let you in anyway."

---

Savra and the others will wait outside in the Great Hall as you gather your belongings from the various rooms you stayed in. I'm assuming this is a way for you all to confer in character, which is totally fine with me & a smart move =). OOC thread is fine for this too.

Savra describes the location in enough detail that you could locate it on a map per the Dessarin Valley map in the Maps thread. You all feel like you can probably find it ok.


This message was last edited by the GM at 22:52, Thu 07 Dec 2017.

Once alone in their room, and confident they weren't being listened to, Zora repeated Hurl's words in a mocking imitation of his voice, "The Feathergale Society does not take betrayal lightly. They don't seem to mind doing the actual betrayal though."

"I didn't want to start a fight on the spire until I knew I wasn't the only one, but," she looks around and lowers her voice further. "We're not really considering leaving here without our stuff, are we?"

"I would prefer not to, but at the same time, they were far more prepared for a fight than I was in that moment." Mayon says bluntly, pinching his forehead as his familiar returns to visibility on his shoulder. Damn it, he couldn't believe they'd let themselves get stuck like this.

"They had numbers on their side," Asano mutters, watching the halls for any eavesdroppers. "Not to mention this is their spire, giving them that advantage, as well. We also have no idea of their capabilities, though Thurl seems to be a capable warrior. I know Savra has significant ability as well." Asano's voice trails off for a moment before he continues. "The quiet one is who worries me the most. Possibly the power behind the throne?" He cuts off abruptly as a knight looks in their direction.
"Anyway, I just wanted to get us out of that situation," he continues, and glances to Jakrynn. "I apologize for interrupting you up there. While we are of similar minds regarding this Society, a confrontation was the wrong move at this time. You have a powerful fire in your convictions, and I admire that. Let's get out of here alive, and we'll return to redress the situation. Agreed?"

"No... wait," she replied to Asano.

"You're right, it was the wrong time up there, when it was fifteen to five. They were far more prepared, but look at that, they've just given us time to prepare! We have them split up. We can move through the tower, when will it be a better time?" she continued, trying to make her case in a hushed whisper.

"If we leave now, how will we ever get past the drawbridge? Are we really planning to be these knights assassins for hire? If not, how do we come back here and get inside again? We're inside now, let's use that. I'm all for fighting smart, but I believe it is time to fight."

"I get the feeling that each of these knights are incredibly accomplished warriors," Asano replies. "Some of them may also have some ability with magic. Savra hinted as much last night, showing some measure of control over brief air bursts. Even in small groups, I don't think it would be wise to engage them at this time. As for the monk, I'd like to discuss that outside these walls. There's something very strange happening here, and I don't think we are yet prepared to engage this mystery. That said, if the rest of you truly wish to engage violently, I will not forsake my comrades."

"As will I of the rest of you wish to leave." she said grimly.

"We did enter their lands without invitation, fully armed. Non-dwarvish cultures tend to have very puzzling hospitality practices, but these people may just be crazy cultists." Morg whispers.

"I agree with Zora that getting back inside the spire later may be too difficult since they have air supremacy. If we use choke points and intimidation now, we could pick off many of them; but Asano, what would you do if Savra stood with the knights?"

"I think our only chance here would be to get Savra on our side, and have her bring any dissatisfied knights with her. Without that, we can't win against cultist morale, even if we focus on taking out Thurl."

---

How many Featherfolk were there in the great hall, and places leading up to it?

"Let us investigate this monk, first," Asano says, trying to get everyone moving again. "It may be that there is something to Thurl's request, but if not, we can cross that bridge when we come to it."

Savra speaks in low tones with the others beyond the door to the second floor quarters. "I should really be escorting you out now," she calls out after a minute or two.

Meanwhile, the hired assassins gather the remainder of their belongings from their assigned quarters from last night. The chamber contains two beds, a fireplace, a closet, two chests, and a small tapestry on the wall.

---

Per Asano's question in OOC, there's about 17 people or so that you've seen so far, about 7 knights and perhaps 10 others. You hadn't seen the one in blue robes before this morning.

Savra came downstairs and is waiting outside in the Great Hall with one other knight and five of the attendants. I've updated the map accordingly.

(squee! <rubbing hands together>, this is super fun =).

"We need to decide now!" she hissed at Savra's call. "Asano wants to leave, I want to stay and fight for our stuff and our dignity. either of us will abide by the will of the majority. what say the rest of ye? leave or fight?"

Morg checks the fireplace with a poker and looks the closet over for hidden compartments or levers. He whispers "I'd fight if Asano could bring Savra to our side, but I wouldn't ask him to fight against his friend."

---

09:24, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 16 using 1d20 with rolls of 16.  Investigate fireplace and closet for hidden compartments or levers.

"I agree with Morg. As much as I'd like to fight, I'd prefer not to take all of them at once and I'd certainly hate to harm Asano's friend." Mayon agrees thoughtfully. "And didn't these people say that some of them were from noble houses in Waterdeep? The repercussions for that, should they be true...if we do fight them, we should be careful not to kill."

Jak kept his face as if set in angry stone, jaw clenched, eyes narrowed. He let himself be lead away from the gathering and to gather the rest of his belongings, which he did. The others began debating, split about down the middle for investigating the monk or staying and fighting.

Finally he shook his head and spoke up. "They may be nobles, we don't know for sure or if they just said that. Regardless, they do not appear t'be good people or the heroic knights they make themselves out t'be. Not after they way they treated us, an' tryin' t'force us t'be their assassins - regardless of whether the monk is evil or not."

He let out a sigh. "I..." He glanced at Asano. "She's your friend an' if we attack she'd be in harm's way for sure. I don't like goin' off half-cocked when I'm not in-the-moment-angry like I was. Fightin' now may not be our best choice, s'much s'I wanna light 'em up right now....though I don't really know any way t'gain more information about 'em an' the spire.....and..."

He paused a long moment and then continued on. "I'll be honest with you. I didn't realize until that ceremony but...I was warned about these guys. A..contact o'mine sent me word a while back about vicious raiders mounted on hippogriffs, based in Dessarin Valley, that laid waste t'several small hamlets an' merchant caravans." He straightened his shoulders. "I think this is them. They need t'be stopped, either now or after we check in t'the monk an' get try t'get more information on these guys."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:19, Sun 10 Dec 2017.

Morg 's search of the fireplace turns up nothing - it doesn't seem to have been used in a very long time. There's nothing in the closet except for a pair of feathered cloaks like the ones worn by the Knights.

---

Morg doesn't find any hidden compartments or levers.

"Then I guess we need to see where Savra stands."

She stuck her head into the hall and called out, "Savra? Could we bother you to come in here for just a second?"

She turned to Asano with final words before Savra came in. "it's up to you now. if you can convince her to turn, if you even want to try then we fight. otherwise, just ask her to lead us out. we can come back for our dignity another day."

Morg rifles thru the 2 chests, and looks behind the tapestry.

To Savra he says, "Has the Feathergales been attacking hamlets and caravans recently?"

---

If she didn't enter, he'll ask her when he exists the room later.

Savra looks surprised to be called into the room, but walks up to the doorframe.

"What is taking-" she starts before spying Morg digging through one of the two open chests. "Out out of there!" she screams, drawing her longsword. "You're in there to gather your belongings, not rob us!"

---

Map updated.

Morg finds nothing but stone wall behind the tapestry, and a few bags of gold in each chest.

"I've heard that there have been attacks in the valley recently, by raiders on hippogriffs. Does this," Morg says pointing to the bags of gold in the chests, "belong to the people from those raideded hamlets and caravans?"

Asano, mouth open to respond to Savra's inquiry, is suddenly shocked into silence at Morg's brazen question. He stands in silence, glancing between his friends.

Seething, Savra grits her teeth. “No. Those are the knights’ personal effects. Out.” She points with her sword toward the stairwell.

"I saw your reaction up there to thurl's ultimatum. You know he's treating us unfairly, without respect. You're a friend of Asano's and I know you know this isn't right!"

She looked at Asano hoping he'd be able to talk reason to the woman

"Common thieves deserve to be thrown off the tops of towers," Savra replies coldly. "Now out."

Jak stifled his own reaction. This was going from bad to worse very quickly. He shook his head, hefted his pack on to his back, and walked out of the room - pausing only long enough to look Savra in the eye "We didn't stole nothin' here, an' we're anythin' but common." He then headed towards the exit unless stopped.

"I'm common, but I'm not a thief." Morg says as he follows Jak out.

Mayon had been caught off-guard by Savra's sudden hostility. But he kept his expression blank and followed without a word, his familiar once again turning invisible and probably gesturing rather rudely when they could no longer see him.

Fuming, Savra leads the would-be assassins back down to the front hall of the Spire, passing underneath the massive carved eagle suspended from the ceiling, and escorts them to the double doors leading out to the drawbridge. Motioning, she indicates she will leave them here.

---

Any last words or actions for Savra or the Spire, post away - otherwise, I'll assume you leave and cross the drawbridge.

If we're ready to depart, where to next? It's about mid-morning.

After departing the Spire, the blustery cold day wears on the group as they make their way east toward the Sacred Stone monastery. Savra advised skirting the hills to the south, where the hills are more rolling and the travel less arduous. Even so, it is early evening when the group finally arrives at a location that matches Savra's description of their destination. The rush of the River Dessarin is occasionally audible as they find a trail leading back into the hills.

A trail leads into an ever-narrowing defile between bluffs of wind-sculpted sandstone. Eventually the walls draw in so closely that both sides can be touched, but then the narrow space opens into a hidden canyon in the heart of the hills. A sprawling monastery with dark, narrow windows and red tile rooftops stands in the middle of this natural amphitheater, ringed by sandstone cliffs all around.

Ahead, a weathered flight of stone steps leads up to the closed monastery doors. The plain doors are made of heavy timber with iron studs. A dusty footpath circles the building.

---

Sacred Stone Monastery Map added! I've blacked out the interior and the area behind the structure - hopefully you can tell what's the building and what's just behind it that you can't see (let me know if it's too confusing).

What now?

"Savra said the monks may have a secret signal to get in, but instead of spying on them should we just knock?" Morg says as they approach.

"I vote for knocking," Asano says, breaking the silence he's held since leaving the Spire. "Though perhaps we should avoid rifling through personal effects of the monks." He doesn't look at anyone as he makes the last comment, instead approaching the doors and preparing to knock loudly.

"We're not really planning on carrying out thurl's mission are we? I'm more inclined to see the knights as my enemy than these monks. at least until they giveme reason to."

"Unless we find need to perform as requested, no," Asano replies, knocking on the door. "I am no one's servant, and I am no assassin."

After Asano knocks, a small panel in the monastery's front door slides open, and someone wearing a golden mask peers out. The mask is fashioned in the shape of a scowling gargoyle with horns, but the hand that opened the panel seems human enough. From beneath the mask comes a muffled female voice. "Yes? What do you want?"



This message was last edited by the GM at 22:44, Sat 16 Dec 2017.

"We seek shelter from the encroaching night," Asano says, covering his reaction to the mask with a weary smile. "May we take shelter within your walls for the night?"


OOC:
Deception- 12/7

My Tides of Chaos ability is worth exactly what I paid for it. Nothing!

"No," the voice says curtly, and slides the panel shut.

Mayon visibly stiffens at the sight of the mask, his eyes wide for a moment and his familiar tensing as well. He swallows hard, allowing the sprite to fly over to Asano's shoulder and whispering in Mayon's voice the message he was afraid to speak of too loudly so close to the door.

[Language unknown: "O wilsa k hefipa lldiwh thtiwh taha pe butonsardder ou Chdica. Pr man isess nd evees est th ureromess."]

Morg turns to Zora and says "If their", pointing with his head back towards the spire "request aligns with our own only."

After recognizing the mask on the inhospitable monk, he asks the party "Shall we name-drop 'The Bringers of Woe' and 'The Delvers', and ask these monks if they're also believers?"

Jak had watched and listened. When the door panel shuts on them, there was a short pause and then he let out a laugh. He shook his head. "That's about par for the course for us."

He stepped up to the door and banged on it. "ExCUSE me! We are also needing to speak with one of the brothers here!"

She rolled her eyes at the inhospitable treatment, but said nothing. She knew that talking wasn't really her strong suit.

"Bring up anything we know, we need to get inside," she whispered. " I don't relish the thought of camping out tonight, with what we've all seen in the valley."

There is a pause after Jak's exclamaion. The panel does not re-open, but a muffled voice is audible from the other side of the door. "The abbess doesn't allow visits from strangers to disturb our meditations."

"We have recently traveled from Red Larch and may have news pertinent to your Abbess," Asano says, watching the party but listening intently through the door.

The panel reopens. "Our order does not concern itself with news from the outside world," the monk replies.

"Ah, very well. We were led to believe the Delvers and Watchers were of interest to this monastery," Asano says loudly, turning from the door. "But if that isn't the case, we shall find our own shelter." He begins to walk back the way the party came.

The panel slides shut again behind Asano as he turns away. Despite the deepening shadows of evening, the windows on the front side of the monastery remain dark.

"That went well," she muttered sarcastically as they were turned away. She started to follow Asano away, then sighed heavily in frustration and returned to the door banging loudly on it.

"Here's some news from the outside world you may be interested in! I was sent here to kill Qarbo." She paused a little to let that absorb. "Don't worry, I'm not going to try. But if you want to know who sent us, you'll need to let us in."

After a pause, both double doors open slowly, revealing two monks dressed in golden masks and dun colored robes. Through the dim light of evening the austere hall beyond them is mostly cloaked in shadow, though it seems to be comprised of some type of dark stone.

"Who sent you?" the monk asks from behind her mask.

---

Map updated.

While the silver tongues talk, Morg looks over the monastery's stonework to see if it looks dwarvish.

---

00:32, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 17 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 13. Stonecunning check regarding origin of stonework of the Sacred Stone monastery.

Examining the stone work of the monastery, it appears to be old but not dwarf-built. In fact, looking closer, it seems to be built more like a castle than a proper house of worship.

Given its apparent age it's unsurprising that the stone is beginning to crumble in places. Here and there patches of crumbling masonry or poorly fitted fieldstone are also visible, leaving a pitted appearance with many stones jutting out from its surface. The wall is periodically interrupted by narrow, tall windows with a sill roughly ten feet above the ground. The roof of the monastery looks to be more or less flat, about twenty-five feet up.

Another door is visible above some steps near the eastern end of the structure. A faint path continues around the castle in both directions, extending around the sides of the walls out of view.

"I'm afraid I can only tell that to Qarbo," she replied, hoping one of the more eloquent speakers would jump onto her plan. She was far angrier with the knights than the monks, at least at this point.

The monks look at each other for a moment, then turn back to Zora. "If you were sent here to kill Qarbo," the woman begins, "you can hardly expect us to bring you in front of him without surrendering all of your earthly belongings."

---

Zora (and anyone else, really), feel free to roll persuasion, deception, insight, etc. as you see fit as you interact with the monks. Or initiative, of course =).

Jak glanced at their newest 'companion' as she stated flat-out the reason they had been sent to the monastery, though not necessarily their reason for actually showing up. But it got the doors open, apparently! He looked over the two monks and then gave them a small bow.

And once again, unlike his normal street-alley slang-filled speech patterns, his voice is smooth, baritone, and well-spoken. "No, no, that's understandably cautious of you. We would prefer to speak to someone in charge, though as my companion started we are not actually intended to harm the brother. We merely wish to see if we can find out why someone might be targeting him and if we can possibly turn things around. Could we speak with the..abbess, did you say? I will agree to leave my weapons in your care during the conversation if that will help ease your minds."


OOC: Hahaha! I leave for the holidays and come back to a natural 20. Oh man.
16:03, Today: Secret Roll: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 26 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 20.  Persuasion, Deception, really just sides of the same coin.

The two monks look at each other wordlessly. “We will escort you to Qarbo, if you all leave all of your weapons in the entrance hall here.” The monk indicates the room behind her.

---

Is everyone willing to leave all their weapons behind?

Morg furrows his brow at the thought of leaving even more of his equipment with cultists, but follows Jak's lead.

Keeping an eye out for any chairs, brooms, or other makeshift weapons; he starts taking off his backpack and removing his favorite warhammer from his belt - which also holds his handaxes, whip, and goblin dirk. He doesn't remove Dweeble's dagger tho, neither hiding it nor declaring it.

Mayon grimaces, a bit uncertain of the circumstances they'd found themselves in again so soon after the first time. With his patron's vision lingering in his mind, he quietly sets down his quarterstaff and dagger, uncertain if his component pouch counted as a weapon to be left.

The austere entrance hall is finished in irregular blocks of dark basalt that form natural columns along the walls. The doors of the monastery’s front entrance face south, while interior doors lead east and west. An interior courtyard lies just to the north of this room, visible through a pair of narrow windows letting in dim light from the setting sun.

The masked guards leave the party's belongings in a pile in the corner of the entrance hall, then open a door on the left leading into a dim hallway.

---

Map updated.

I'll assume everyone left their main/large/visible weapons behind, unless you want to try to sneak something in. Small things like Morg's dagger are fine with the guards - Jak really charmed them =).

As everyone starts getting back engaged after the holidays I'll plan to post a bit more (almost) every day as the guards lead you through the monastery to an audience with Qarbo. If you have a chance to post and/or want to do something other than simply be led to Qarbo go ahead and post that.

Asano leaves his dagger and crossbow with the rest of the equipment. He makes no motion the deposit either of the wands secure in his pouch.

Grumbling, Zora relinquished her warhammer, and followed the monks in.

The guards lead the party through the narrow hallway. Several wooden doors are visible along the walls as they walk, but they open a pair of double doors around a corner to the right.

The doors lead into a long, narrow court paved in red sandstone. To the north stands the main temple or shrine of the monastery, its copper-sheathed doors emblazoned with a triangular symbol. Another set of double doors sit at the east end of the court, and several narrow windows pierce the south wall, where the entrance hall is visible.

Gargoyle statues guard the door, each facing the court with a ferocious leer.

---

Map updated.

The triangular symbol on the door is a familiar symbol to many of the group, the same on the armor of the Bringers of Woe: Symbol
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:43, Wed 03 Jan 2018.

Zora followed obediently, eyes searching to take in what she could.

---

Rolled perception for the walk in, but rolled an 8, so didn't notice much!

Also, I don't think I'm familiar with the bringers of woe, am I?

Leading the way, the guards open the metal doors into a very large antechamber. The silence of the apparent shrine seems to permeate the very stone.

Four large columns of natural rock dominate this shrine. A wide set of steps descends into darkness in the center of the room, in front of a slab-like stone altar. Large, copper-sheathed doors stand in the middle of the south wall, and smaller doors exit to the east and west.

Two narrow windows in the north wall admit thin fingers of deepening twilight from outside. Above the altar, a familiar triangular symbol has been chiseled into the heavy stone blocks of the wall.

Two more guards near the north east corner of the room stand at attention at the entrance of visitors, each garbed in heavy armor that absorbs the little light in the room. Small rock-like protrusions sprout from their heavy armor, almost as if it were made from stone. Thick limbs support their heavy armor and helmet almost effortlessly, and a rock-like cudgel sits easily in their gauntleted fists.

Between the guards, a more slender figure looks curiously at the new arrivals, his splint mail belying his slender frame. One of the monk guards from the entrance strides smoothly toward the figure, plainly intending to inform him of the guests' purposes here.

---

Map updated.

Zora didn't see anything out of the ordinary in the hall outside, other than the symbol on the doors and the ugly statues.

Zora isn't directly familiar with the Bringers of Woe, but the rest of the group encountered them earlier in the adventure. We can assume she was brought up to speed on them during the trip to the monastery or not, as you prefer.

The bottom line is, they were thugs allied to a ringleader named Larrakh who had some sort of relationship with some unsavory leaders in Red Larch. Before our heros killed him that is =). More details in thread "Day 5 - Early Risers".

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:16, Fri 05 Jan 2018.

Morg looks the 2 guards over, and then peers down the stairs.

---

15:24, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 12 using 1d20 with rolls of 12.  History check: monk features (very high DC for mountain dwarves?) e.g. unarmored defense +slow fall.
15:24, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 12 using 1d20 with rolls of 12.  History check on what the 2 rocky guards could be.
15:24, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 7 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 4.  Perception check looking down steps descending into darkness.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:26, Fri 05 Jan 2018.

Mayon is quiet and tense walking through the halls, the symbol, the masks, and Marlos swirling in his head. But if this was their best option for survival, they didn't have much choice.

He studies the figure in splint mail quietly, noting this must be the man they were looking for, or at least higher in rank than the others.

Jak raised one eyebrow as the guards begrudgingly acquiesced to his request. He looked back at his allies and smiled slightly. Then he turned back and followed the masked guards inside towards their destination. He did spy the Bringers of Woe symbol and a frown creased his face, his brow furrowing a bit.

That was a bit...disconcerting, maybe even worrisome. He didn't trust or like the Feathergale Knights after the way they treated him and his friends....but he certainly had no love for the Bringers of Woe either. He shot a knowing and worried look at Morg when he saw that.

He followed along and in to the large antechamber once the guards opened those doors. The symbol again. Jak repressed a sigh and tried to keep his face smooth. He looked around then focused his gaze on the person in splint mail as one of the monks moved towards that person. Jak decided to wait and see what the monk said before saying something himself. Sometimes, occasionally, patience was rewarded, or at least prudent.

The monk walks around one of the columns to speak briefly with the apparent leader, then turns to watch the party.

"I am Qarbo," the man says, a sly grin spreading across his features. "You have come to assassinate me I hear. Tell me, which of you will deal the killing blow?"

---

Map updated, with relative positions of everyone in the room (in case that becomes relevant).

Morg has heard tell of the general abilities of monks and their unarmed combat capabilities, though he can't be sure these are actually the kind of monks that have those kinds of abilities. He does know that, generally, monks are unarmored, which would make Qarbo and his guards an anomaly.

The guards seem to be simple humans clad in unusual rock-like armor. It seems to cover the body roughly the same way as plate mail would.

The stairwell is as dim as the corners of the shrine Morg stands in, but the floor down there seems to be just natural earth, with a reddish tinge.

"That depends entirely on why you believe someone may desire your death," Asano speaks up, watching the man's reaction. "We were faced with a choice: take your life or lose ours. Why would another apparently elemental-based organization desire your death?"


OOC:
Persuasion- 23
Insight- 6

Qarbo considers for a moment, then smirks. "So it was the air cultists who sent you," he says disdainfully. "Or was it the fire? No matter. Whichever cult it was, they probably sent you here to get rid of you, expecting me to annihilate you for them. The air cultists are too disconnected from reality to do their own dirty work, and the fire cult is... unpredictable."

Narrowing his eyes, he leans forward. "Well, now you're in quite a pickle aren't you? I'm not dead yet, and you've lost the element of surprise. But, you can't go back to your betters with hands empty." A mocking smile spreads across his face. "Have you come to join our cause then, to seek our protection?"

---

"Neither." Morg says. "I have no quarrel with you or the monks here, tho the air cultists are on my list."

"We're looking for a missing delegation from Mirabar, and was wondering if you knew what happened to them. They may have been to Summit Hall, heading past here towards Red Larch."

"We also saw some fresh graves south of the Feathergale Spire. Do you know what happened there?"

"Aye," she agreed with Morg. "I think it's pretty clear we were never seeking the element of surprise. We're not your enemies, unless you make us your enemies."

"Hurl, on the other hand, he isn't my favorite person in the world. He took something of mine, something I value greatly. I plan on getting it back."

"It's pretty clear, given that he sent us here to kill you, that you have a feud with the Feathergale Knights as well. What is it they say about an enemy of my enemy?"

"

Qarbo raises an eyebrow but his smirk never wavers. "What concern of yours is a delegation from Mirabar? Compassion?"

He turns to Zora. "What do you want of me then? Permission to go kill Thurl Merosska? You have it."

"Well, how about our weapons back for one. I'm not sure we need your permission, but I guess it's nice to have."

She thought about it for a second then gathered her courage and continued.

"How about some help then? we don't need any of your men, but information is always helpful. what do you know about the knights? about their spire? we'll need to get back in, naturally."

"Compassion? Just basic dwarvish decency." Morg says, and then adding onto Zora's query "Also, what are your and the knights' causes?"

Jak frowned a bit as he listened to their 'quarry' speak. "Soooo. How long has your...faction....been around? 'Cause it seems like these elemental-based factions are poppin' up a lot right now, but have been around for a little while at least. What's the deal? You all tryin' t'angle each other out in a bid t'rule all'a creation or somethin'?"

"By all means, you may have your 'weapons' back when you leave," Qarbo replies, inflecting his tone with sarcasm as if doubting the effectiveness of the group's blades. "Much good they will do you if the skyriders spot you from above. Maybe traversing the Sighing Valley, under cover of the mists, will protect you for a time."

"But you all ask too many questions," Qarbo continues with a sneer. "If you want answers before you go, proceed below and ask them of the elders of our monastery." He makes an inviting gesture toward the stairs leading down in the middle of the room.

Morg tries to read the sneering Qarbo's intentions.

---

06:45, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 14 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 13.  Insight check Qarbo: is he sane, and is asking the elders a trap?

Zora's thoughts mirror Morg's. Just what is Qarbo telling them about these 'elders'?

---

16:22, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 24 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 19. insight, what is Qarbo really saying about the elders.

Mayon studies the man in stubborn silence, afraid that if he speaks he may lash out. The mention of 'elders' is deeply concerning to him, particularly if these people are connected to the 'Bringers of Woe' and, by extension, Marlos himself.


15:56, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 17 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 13.  Insight check for bad intentions; Elders safe or a trap?

Qarbo continues to smile as the silence stretches, gazing intently at the visiting group.

---

Jak let out an exasperated sigh. He rolled his eyes back at his group and then shrugged his shoulders. "Fine." Then he headed to the stairs and started down them.

"Jak get back over here!" she shouted at her companion in a commanding tone. But her eyes were pleading him not to go further.

"We don't need to bother these elders now. we have all the answers we need. We should go."

"No need to bother your 'elders', Master Qarbo," Asano follows Zora's worried shout. "However, there is a potential for some mutual satisfactions here. Is there perhaps some trinket or personal item you could lend us to return to the Spire? We may gain more insight into this plot against you, as well as get Thurl's lackeys off our backs. I care nothing for your machinations here, but I dislike living under a headsman's axe, metaphorically speaking." He watches the monastic leader carefully, trying to divine the man's intentions or ambitions.


OOC:
Persuasion- 19
Insight- 10

Morg stops following Jak downstairs when he hears Zora. He turns to her, "Before we met, the rest of us told the Red Larch constable that we'd try to help find the delegation. Do you and Asano want to stay up here, or wait outside, while the rest go ask the elders?"

Qarbo seems dourly amused by Zora's alarmed shout, and by Asano's proposal. "Shall I give you something to prove your mission was a success? A body part, perhaps?" He glances to his guards, and to the robed monks. "Easier to simply kill you here and now I think."

Qarbo continues after a pause, considering. "As a pious monk I have few personal items to my name, and I'm not at liberty to give valuable items to anyone who has not joined our ranks."

---

"Why are you people like this?" Asano mutters under his breath, shaking his head as his gaze drops. A furious fire of frustration burns in his eyes, as he looks back up. "Do none of you damn people know how to compromise in the SLIGHTEST!? I didn't come here to fight you! Hells, I barely want to be back in this thrice-damned valley, but my family called, and I came. I have one goal: find Bastian Thermander and bring him to justice. That's it. I don't care about your little power struggles between whatever factions you are building here. So, Qarbo, last question, were the Bringers of Woe some of your people? Because they were wearing that symbol when we killed them below Red Larch." He points to the symbol the monks are wearing across their chests as he nearly shouts the last sentence.

Zora watched qarbo after asano' s outburst in shock, ready for what might be coming.

"Now, if you are quite finished with your games," Asano says, smoothing his hair back and otherwise comporting himself as though he had not just shouted at an entire room of strangers. "Help us help you. If your enemies believe you dead, you have an advantage. If your enemies believe we have killed you, we regain what we have placed in trust. Or, and I beg you not to do this, force us to kill you and make the lie truth. Your choice." His wands slide through palms, Asano gripping the handles tightly as he waits for Qarbo's response.

Mayon takes a deep breath at Asano's words, clenching his fists and resting a hand on his component pouch instinctively. His familiar takes aim with their bow, but remains hidden for the time being. This looked like it was getting ugly, but if they were linked to Marlos, it had been bound to reach this eventually.

Qarbo's smirk turns feral. "You seem remarkably well informed for floundering assassins. That, and killing the fool Larrakh, make you dangerous. You'd best proceed below. Guards, escort them."

He turns away, towards the corner of the darkening temple near a lever in the floor. The guards and monks both move towards their guests.

---

Map updated! I zoomed in a bit too.

Nobody has drawn their weapons yet & they don't seem to be in any rush, though from everyone's manner they seem to be coming to escort the party to the stairs, forcibly if necessary.

I rolled initiative for everyone in case that becomes relevant, and good news! You all act before any of the monastery-dwellers.

Round 1 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Mayon	19
Zora	19
Asano	18
Jak	16
Morg	14
Guards	14
Sprite familiar	13
Qarbo	13
Monks	8

This message was last edited by the GM at 00:56, Sun 14 Jan 2018.

Mayon narrows his eyes a bit as the guards and monks approach. He issues a quiet command in Sylvan and his sprite reappears, firing an arrow at the nearest monk. Nothing overly harmful, but with luck the poison would take effect. He pulls out a handful of spell components, ready to attack should things grow any more hostile. Perhaps these people would have info on the man he's looking for.


Action: Forgoing attack to allow Sprite to attack instead. Shooting M2:
11:54, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 14 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 8.  Sprite attack M2.
Hits 14 AC for 1 piercing damage, and M2 must make a Con saving throw or be Poisoned for one minute. If they fail by 5 or more they immediately fall unconscious until they take damage or are woken up.
On the Sprite's turn, it will use its action to turn invisible once more and attempt to use Mayon as full cover as well.
13:23, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 13 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 9.  Sprite initiative.
Sprite's initiative is 13

This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Sat 13 Jan 2018.

"The stairs are a trap, stay off of them!" she cried to her companions as their discussions devolved into violence. She cursed herself, now they were doing the bidding of the Feathergale Knights and that just made her angry!

Having seen through his deception about the stairs, Zora thought to use them to their benefit. She pointed a finger at Qarbo and commanded him to "Descend!" (cast spell 'Command' with DC 13 using command word 'descend')

She drew the belaying pin (club - if available) she kept hidden on her and raised her shield, moving to engage the main group of guards and monks at the eastern end of the room. (move to eastern wall then north towards guards and monks : edit: to AH 17 I think I have room)
This message was last edited by the player at 21:05, Mon 15 Jan 2018.

Seeing the others resist, Morg takes out Reszur and joins the fray.

---

If M2 is still standing, then:
Move: 5' to AA19 (or elsewhere into melee range if that spot is occupied).
Action: knock-out attack on M2 with Reszur - hits AC 25 for 10 magical piercing damage.

If M2 is down, then:
Move: 10' to AD18 if that spot is free.

If action not used because M2 was already down, then
Action: Ready an attack with Reszur on any enemies who come into melee range.

19:33, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 25 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 18.  Attack M2 with Reszur (magical dagger).
19:34, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 10 using 1d4+7 with rolls of 3.  Reszur (magical dagger) piercing damage to M2.

(Morg's AC is lower than normal because he doesn't have his shield.)

Trusting Morg to take care of the nearest enemy, Asano moves to the nearest pillar. Muttering a brief incantation, he steps around the corner and targets the first two enemies he sees. Though invisible to everyone but the targets and Asano, the targets' shadows peel themselves from the ground and begin slashing at their respective owners.


OOC:
Move to AF19
Cast phantasmal force on M1, twinned to hit G1 as well. Int save vs DC 13, or 1d6 psychic damage.

Jak stopped at his companion's shout. He looked back at her in clear surprise, used to being yelled at, but not for just walking. He frowned and things started to move quickly. The monks moved to 'escort' them, and his companions started attacking. He let out a sigh and then changed it to a roar even as he mingled the sound with a flurry of drum beats and a gesture at the group of monks and guards.

OOC: Casting Shatter on the group of baddies. Con saving throw vs 14.
Fine with staying where Jak's at.

If he had to leave his drum behind, he will sing instead.

13:22, Today: Secret Roll: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 15 using 3d8 with rolls of 2,8,5.  Shatter spell on the group of baddies (G1,G2,M1).

Spells and attacks fly at the approaching guards suddenly as they approach.

A thunderous clap sprays loose stone from one of the stone pillars, and the nearby guards cover their ears in pain. Two of the figures start attacking something that seemingly isn't there.

Qarbo calmly turns to observe the attacks, and waives away the one spell sent in his direction. "Fools, stop fighting the air, move in and grab them. Since they want to fight, Berthie can have them for some sport." He then casts a spell of his own at his attackers.

The guards and monks advance menacingly, one of the monks looking severely wounded, but all moving with the practiced smoothness of trained killers.

---

Map updated.

Everyone should make a Wisdom Save vs. the Slow spell that Qarbo casts before their next post (DC 13). Anyone who fails is slowed (see details below), and you can try a 2nd save at the end of your turn (in the same post).

Jak & Morg, you also need to make a Grapple check - see details below.

The advancing assailants look particularly formidable.

Round 1 Summary:

Mayon's sprite uses reaction to shoot an arrow at M2: HIT for 1 piercing (M2 saves vs. poison).

Zora casts Command on Qarbo, who saves.

Asano casts Phantasmal Force on M1 & G1 - both FAIL the save and take 2 psychic damage. Check for Wild Magic surge: 10 (no surge).

Jak casts Shatter on AH11 (affects G1, G2, and M1) - all FAIL and take 15 thunder damage.

Morg moves toward M2 and attacks - HIT for 10 piercing.

Guards:
G1 attacks his own shadow twice, then moves to AG16.
G2 moves to AC16 and attempts to grapple Jak - Jak needs to make an athletics or acrobatics check and beat a 12 or be Grappled.

Sprite turns invisible.

Qarbo moves 5' to AG8 and casts Slow at all party members - make a Wisdom save or be Slowed (detailed below).

Monks:
M1 attacks his own shadow twice, then moves to AD19.
M2 attempts to grapple Morg - Morg needs to make an athletics or acrobatics check and beat an 8 or be Grappled.

Round 2 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Mayon	19
Zora	19
Asano	18	Conc: P. Force
Jak	16
Morg	14
Guards	14	G1 under P. Force
Sprite familiar	13
Qarbo	13	Conc: Slow
Monks	8	M1 under P. Force

Slowed creatures:
- speed is halved.
- -2 penalty to AC and Dexterity saving throws.
- can't use reactions.
- on your turn use either an Action or a Bonus Action, not both.
- regardless of abilities or magic items, can't make more than one melee or ranged Attack during your turn.
- if you attempt to Cast a Spell with a Casting Time of 1 action, roll a d20. On an 11 or higher, the spell doesn't take effect until your next turn, and you must use your action on that turn to complete the spell. If you can't, the spell is wasted.
- make another Wisdom saving throw at the end of each turn until the spell ends.

Grappled creatures:
- speed becomes 0, can’t benefit from any bonus to speed.
- condition ends if the Grappler is incapacitated (see the condition).
- condition also ends if an effect removes the grappled creature from the reach of the Grappler or Grappling effect, such as when a creature is hurled away by the Thunderwave spell.
- Grappled creatures can be carried or dragged at half the grappler's movement speed.
- Grappled creature can use its action to escape. To do so, it must succeed on a Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check contested by the grappler's Strength (Athletics) check.


This message was last edited by the GM at 19:44, Thu 18 Jan 2018.

Jak let out a fierce hiss of triumph as his spell seemed to go off as it was supposed to, hurting the monk and guards. But then one of the guards came towards him even as he felt some magical force attempt to slow him down. He shrugged off the spell and the guard's attempt to grab him, moving both his body and his spirit at the same time. He grinned at the guard with a raised eyebrow. "Did your trainin' actually cover grapplin'? If so, y'might wanna refresher course!"


17:38, Today: Secret Roll: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 15 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 13.  Wisdom check to resist Slow.
17:38, Today: Secret Roll: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 15 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 12.  Acrobatics check to resist grapple.

17:42, Today: Secret Roll: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 2 using 1d4 with rolls of 2.  Vicious Mockery psychic damage.

Asano shakes off Qarbo's spell effect, smirking. He steps around the pillar again, focus wand leading. He mutters a few words, and a flood of magical missiles pour from the wand tip, each mimicking an enormous, razor-sharp snowflake.


OOC:
Cast magic missile at Qarbo, twinned. Stay in cover behind pillar.

Wis save- 15
Magic Missile dmg- 21
Wild Magic surge- 2

Aww, why won't my wild magic proc already. C'mon!

Morg feels lethargic as some unseen magic trick befuddles him, just as the monk he stabbed tries to put him into a hold. He manages to pull his arm free, and stabs again silently with Reszur.

---

Slowed: speed is halved, no bonus action, no action surge.

Action: knock-out (instead of fatal) attack on M2 (or M1 [after moving 10' to it] if M2 is out) with Razor - hits AC 17 for 10 piercing damage.

Move: 10' towards nearest hostile if M2 down and if he didn't already move towards M1.

Slowed: speed still halved, AC-2 and without shield, can't use reactions.

13:02, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 10 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 9.  Wisdom saving throw vs. Qarbo's Slow spell, DC 13.
13:06, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 25 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 19.  Athletics check against M2's grapple attempt.
13:11, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 17 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 10.  Attack M2 with Reszur (magical dagger).
13:13, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 10 using 1d4+7 with rolls of 3.  Reszur (magical dagger) piercing damage to M2.
13:16, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 4 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 3.  End of round Wisdom saving throw vs. Qarbo's Slow spell, DC 13.

Mayon grunts as suddenly everything around him seems to speed up, as his own movements and those of his companion are uncomfortably slowed. His voice feels heavy and distorted even as he lifts his hand to force a spell on the nearby monk, trying to make it seem as though another assailant has slipped behind him and is attacking from the back with a gleaming blade. The sprite remains invisible at his side. As the spell surges from him, his movements slowly begin to free up and everything returns to normal speed.


Casting Phantasmal Force on M1. DC 13 Intelligence save or be attacked by new assailants and take 1d6 psychic damage each turn. Spell does take effect this turn.
07:51, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 7 using 1d20 with rolls of 7.  Spellcasting?
07:47, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 10 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 6.  Sprite save against slow.
07:47, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 8 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 4.  Save--Slow.
The sprite is remaining invisible for now.
End of Round Saves:
07:54, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 23 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 19.  Mayon end of round save.
07:55, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 19 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 18.  Sprite end of round save.
Note: The sprite's initial save should have been 7, not 10, but it doesn't matter much anyway in this context. I just forgot to change the numbers when I rolled. Whoops!

Zora also felt the clinging hands of Qarbo's spell sap her speed, even as he shrugged her own spell off.

Concerned about Qarbo's magic and intent on boosting her team, she tried to cast a blessing on them, mentally cursing herself for not doing it when she tried to command Qarbo.

---

Oof! Sorry guys should have blessed last turn, thought the command would work well!

Regardless, Zora is slowed. She will attempt to cast bless now to help with shrugging off the slow. I used my power to roll crap for good this time, and the bless takes effect this turn, so you should get a 1d4 to add to resist the slow at end of turn.

15:37, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 9 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 4.  wisdom saving throw (qarbo's slow).

15:42, Today: Zora Jilkina rolled 9 using 1d20 with rolls of 9.  when does bless happen (11+ on next turn).

15:43, Today: Zora Jilkina rolled 10 using 1d20+5+1d4 with rolls of 2,3.  end of turn save against Qarbo's slow.

Oh come ON! Still slowed next turn :-(

Already harried by his shadow, the bloodied monk's eyes widen behind his mask. The gleaming blade, held by an Air Cultist that appeared suddenly from midair, sliced at his head. In shock as the blade slices through his exposed neck, the monk collapses to the stone floor.

Several glowing bolts of force streak from behind one of the pillars at Qarbo, throwing odd shadows around the temple. The man smirks back at Asano as he waves his hand, and the glowing bolts slam harmlessly into an invisible barrier, inches from the man's face.

He turns with displeasure to glance at the fallen monk, then takes his hand off the nearby lever and moves behind the altar. "Perhaps Berthie will need some help after all with this lot. Rough them up a bit then toss them down the stairs." He casts another spell, lashing out at Jak.

The guards and remaining monk move to do his bidding, though one pauses and looks away briefly. He shakes his head, as if to clear his vision.

---

Map updated.

Jak and Morg, you need to make a Grapple check and/or Dex save - see details below.

Round 2 Summary:

Mayon casts P. Force on M1 - FAIL save, takes 6 psychic damage. M1 is dead.

Zora casts Bless on Zora, Morg, and Mayon.

Asano casts Magic Missile (not twinned) at Qarbo - he casts Shield as a reaction and incurs no damage.

Jak casts Vicious Mockery on G2, who saves.

Morg attacks M2 - HIT for 10 piercing.

Guards:
G1 examines the shadow attacking him - 15. G1 is no longer affected by Asano's P. Force spell.
G2 attempts to grapple - Jak needs to make an athletics or acrobatics check and beat a 10 or be Grappled. If he is grappled, G2 will move to AC13 and drag Jak to AB13 (I'll update the map if needed).

Sprite stays invisible.

Qarbo moves to AC8 and casts Acid Splash at Jak - make a Dex save or take 6 acid damage.

M2 attempts to grapple - Morg needs to make an athletics or acrobatics check and beat a 23 or be Grappled. If he is grappled, M2 will move to AA16 and push Morg to AA15 (I'll update the map if needed).

Round 3 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Mayon	19	Blessed
Zora	19	Slowed, Blessed, Conc: Bless
Asano	18
Jak	16
Morg	14	Slowed, Blessed
Guards	14
Sprite familiar	13
Qarbo	13	Conc: Slow
Monks	8

Slowed creatures:
- speed is halved.
- -2 penalty to AC and Dexterity saving throws.
- can't use reactions.
- on your turn use either an Action or a Bonus Action, not both.
- regardless of abilities or magic items, can't make more than one melee or ranged Attack during your turn.
- if you attempt to Cast a Spell with a Casting Time of 1 action, roll a d20. On an 11 or higher, the spell doesn't take effect until your next turn, and you must use your action on that turn to complete the spell. If you can't, the spell is wasted.
- make another Wisdom saving throw at the end of each turn until the spell ends.

Grappled creatures:
- speed becomes 0, can’t benefit from any bonus to speed.
- condition ends if the Grappler is incapacitated (see the condition).
- condition also ends if an effect removes the grappled creature from the reach of the Grappler or Grappling effect, such as when a creature is hurled away by the Thunderwave spell.


This message was last edited by the GM at 22:41, Fri 19 Jan 2018.

Morg, still feeling sluggish, is gripped in a hold by the handsy monk and pushed towards the stairs. Surprised by the monk's strength, he stops resisting and instead focuses on trying to knock it unconscious with Reszur while shouting "[Language unknown: VERANYOUR CK NAIC Entderhispro ESMAUR!]"

After the strike he feels his sluggishness fade, and he looks to Zora "Praise Valkur!"

---

At start of round: slowed: speed halved, no bonus action, no extra attack with action surge; grappled: speed 0; location: AA15.

Action: knock-out (instead of fatal) attack on M2 (or G2 after moving towards it [max of 10'] if M2 is out) with Reszur - hits AC 17 for 12 piercing magical damage. Target must make a WIS save (vs a DC of 14) or be frightened (disadv. on ability checks and attack rolls while I'm in their line of sight, and they can't willingly move closer to me) until the end of my next turn.

Move: if M2 is unconscious, go (maximum of 10' total for round) towards nearest conscious hostile, e.g. G2.

09:36, Today: Secret Roll: Morg Danforge rolled 8 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 2.  Athletics check against M2's round 2 grapple attempt (DC 23).
09:47, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 17 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 10.  Attack M2 with Reszur (magical dagger). [Forgot Bless bonus, but same as previous successful to hit total as last time.]
09:49, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 8 using 1d4+7 with rolls of 1.  Reszur (magical dagger) piercing damage to M2.
10:05, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 4 using 1d8 with rolls of 4.  Battle master maneuver: menacing attack on M2.
09:52, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 18 using 1d20+1+1d4 with rolls of 13,4.  End of round blessed Wisdom saving throw vs. Qarbo's Slow spell (DC 13).

Not slowed anymore: -2 AC penalty gone; can make reactions, take bonus actions, and extra attacks again.
If M2 is unconscious, then not grappled anymore.

Jak frowned as the guard shook his mockery and tried to grab him again. "Ah, ah, ah! Not on the first date, handsy!" He then defensively stepped back and away from both the guard and the stairs, getting a bit of cover and better visual on most of his allies and enemies.

He then glanced at Morg and sang out, "Heed my words, oh brave dwarf! Your ancestors be watching! Rally and fight on, oh brave dwarf! Soon your axe you'll be notching!"

OOC: Avoid Grapple.
Avoid Acid.
Disengage.
Move to AF-21.
Bardic Inspiration (d6) to Morg.
Will use Cutting Words on the Guard (or anyone) that attempts to grapple/attack me next (unless a spell with no attack roll), if applicable.

09:58, Today: Secret Roll: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 19 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 16.  Acrobatics check to resist grapple.
10:05, Today: Secret Roll: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 23 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 19.  Dexterity save vs acid.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:14, Fri 19 Jan 2018.

With her blessing on her allies her priority was to break Qarbo's slowing magic on herself and the others affected. She quickly cast her spiritual weapon, and a disembodied hammer appeared next to the leader, swinging at him.

With the lethargy still overtaking her, she could do nothing else, though she could feel the sluggishness leave her soon afterwards.

---

OOC:

Spiritual weapon cast as bonus action, appearing next to Qarbo. Attacks Qarbo. The Zora saves vs. the slow at the end of her turn.

13:14, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 12 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 7.  spiritual weapon attack Qarbo.
13:16, Today: Zora Jilkina rolled 3 using 1d4 with rolls of 3.  forgot to add bless bonus! .
13:15, Today: Zora Jilkina rolled 4 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 1.  Spritual weapon damage hits AC 15 (as if).
13:16, Today: Zora Jilkina rolled 23 using 1d20+5+1d4 with rolls of 15,3.  resist slow end of turn. Success!

Feeling Zora's magic sweep over him soothingly, Mayon casts a quick smile of thanks in her direction before sending a burst of magic at the man currently targeting their bard. As he does, his sprite flits invisibly over to Morg and the guard beside him, zipping around distractingly and shouting out insults in Sylvan.

Sprite moves to AB19 and takes the Help action with Morg to give him advantage on attacking next turn...mostly since I'm not sure how well a sprite could help with escaping a grapple.
Mayon's action: Eldritch Blast on G2. 19 to hit for 4 force damage.
16:07, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 4 using 1d10+3 with rolls of 1.  Force damage.
16:07, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 16,3 using d20+5,d4 with rolls of 11,3.  Agonizing Blast G2.

Asano gathers his power, shoving more power than normally required into his next casting. Focusing the power through his wand, he looses a small ball of energy that explodes with a gentle, lavender-scented breeze. The magic washes over the remaining enemies, but wafts around each of Asano's allies leaving them untouched. He comes around the pillar, passing by Zora carefully.

---

15:40, Today: Asano Breathkill rolled 31 using 7d8 ((5,7,1,5,4,8,1)).

---

Action: Cast sleep at 2nd level, using careful spell. Target AC17
Move Action: AH14
Bonus Action: Shield if necessary

---

HP: 18/18 AC 13
Buffs/Debuffs:
Conditions:
Spell Slots/Sorcery Point Remaining: 1st-4/4  2nd-0/2 , 0/3

---

This message was last edited by the player at 23:50, Sat 20 Jan 2018.

Qarbo sighs as the second monk and a guard slump to the floor. He quickly skirts around the altar and casts a spell. Another crash of thunder splits the room, causing nearby pebbles to dance on the floor briefly.

The remaining guard hefts his stony morningstar and viciously attacks, abandoning the attempt to drag Zora to the stairs for now.

Abruptly another figure appears at the top of the stairs, a half-orc looking somewhat disheveled.

---

Map updated - Zora's Spiritual Weapon is marked as "SW".

Asano, go ahead and roll on the Wild Magic table in your next post, and get Tides of Chaos back.

Morg needs to make a Con save, and Zora should make 2 Concentration checks (DC 10 Con saves) - see below.

Also, Rona has arrived! He's just climbed the stairs, though he's last in the initiative order. You're welcome to post now, though the guards & Qarbo's actions will be resolved first. If you prefer to wait to post we can have your turn happen at the top of the next round, after I post the baddies' moves for Round 3.

Round 3 Summary:

Mayon attacks G2 with Agonizing Blast - HIT for 4 force.

Zora casts Spiritual Weapon and attacks Qarbo - MISS.

Asano casts Sleep at level 2 on AG12 - G2 falls asleep. Asano moves past Zora, triggering an opportunity attack from G1 - HIT (Shield would not help) for 6 piercing .

Jak moves away from the fray and bardic-ly inspires Morg.

Morg makes a Menacing Attack on M2 - HIT for 12 piercing. M2 is unconscious.

Guards:
- G1 multiattacks Zora twice - HIT once, CRIT once for a total of 12 piercing, reduced to 6 after Heavy Armor Master . Zora should make 2 Concentration checks.
- G2 is asleep.

Invisible Sprite falls asleep.

Qarbo moves to AA10 and casts Shatter at point AB16 - Morg must make a DC 13 Con save or take 9 thunder damage (4 on a successful save). G2 takes damage and wakes up, M2 takes damage and remains unconscious.

Round 4 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Mayon	19	Blessed
Zora	19	Conc: Bless, Blessed
Asano	18
Jak	16
Morg	14	Blessed, B. Inspiration (d6)
Guards	14
Sprite familiar	13	Asleep
Qarbo	13
Rona'Aduur	8

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:46, Mon 22 Jan 2018.

That got her attention. The guard she had been ignoring as a nuisance hit her not once but twice. Her armor caught the worst of it but both blows drew blood, one quite deep. She focused and forced herself to retain her concentration. She channeled the fury of the storm into him in a nasty bolt of lightning. "Touch me again!" she taunted.

She shuffled around the guardo and swung a clumsy shot at him, while directing her spiritual weapon to follow qarbo and swing at him. Both swings were clumsy though.

---

Both concentration checks succeeded. forgot to add bless bonuses to attack rolls but don't think they'dmatter. used channel divinity to max lightning damage on guard that hit me, 16 to him half on dex save.

, Today: Zora Jilkina rolled 8 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 3.  Hit qarbo spiritual weapon.

09:04, Today: Zora Jilkina rolled 10 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 5.  Hit guard.

08:57, Today: Zora Jilkina rolled 21 using 1d20+2+1d4 with rolls of 16,3.  Second concentration check.

08:56, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 20 using 1d20+2+1d4 with rolls of 17,1.  Concentration check number 1.

"Behind you, Morg," Asano shouts as a new figure appears from below, then continues moving, taking cover behind the nearest pillar. He peeks around, launching twin blasts of ice at Qarbo as a cloud of butterflies  and flower petals burst into existence around him, fluttering in a non-existent wind.

---

Asano Breathkill rolled 7 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 2.  !st ray of frost.
Asano Breathkill rolled 11 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 6.  1st ray w/ Tides.
Asano Breathkill rolled 3 using 1d8 with rolls of 3.  1st ray dmg.
Asano Breathkill rolled 18 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 13.  2nd ray.
Asano Breathkill rolled 1 using 1d8 with rolls of 1.  2nd ray dmg.
Asano Breathkill rolled 80 using 1d100 with rolls of 80.  Tides of Chaos.

---

Action: Twin Ray of Frost, Tides of Chaos of 1st Ray. (Hit 7/11 Dmg 3) (Hit 18  Dmg 1)
Move Action: Move to Ag 11
Bonus Action:

---

HP: 12/18 AC 13
Buffs/Debuffs:
Conditions: Tides of Chaos 80 (Illusory butterflies/flower petals flutter w/in 10', 1 min)
Spell Slots/Sorcery Point Remaining: 1st- 4/4  2nd- 0/2, 2/3

---

Jak noted that things seemed to be both going FOR and AGAINST them in the grand scheme of things. Morg and Zora both got hammered a bit by the monks and guards. He frowned, unsure of what to do. He decided to try and help both. He tapped a bit on his drum and sent some magic Morg's way to bolster the dwarf, "Stay upright, Morg!"

To the guard facing off against Zora he called out, "Not only will you hit a lady...you do it so POORLY t'boot! You should be ashamed!"

OOC: Healing Word on Morg for 8 hit points.
Meant to do Cutting Words on G1 (-4 to his next attack roll if he makes one), the one facing Zora, trying to split my focus on supporting the group. If the DM is not okay with that since roll stated G2, that's fine.

18:03, Today: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 8 using 1d4+4 with rolls of 4.  Healing Word on Morg.
18:04, Today: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 4 using 1d6 with rolls of 4.  Cutting Words on G2 (if he makes an attack).

Mayon looks curiously at the newcomer, but focuses on the fight at hand. HE can sense his familiar passed out on the floor, and the unfamiliar sensation of a sleeping connected consciousness causes his blast to fly wide.


18:25, Today: Secret Roll: Mayon Graycross rolled 6,2,13 using d20+5,d4,d10+3 with rolls of 1,2,10.  Agonizing Blast G2.
Sigh.

Morg is surprised to see the guard near him suddenly fall to the ground with his eyes closed, only to then wake up when both his and the guard's teeth rattle from some thunderous magic trick. A blast from young Mayon shoots past, he hears Asano shout a warning about something behind him, and feels some non-divine healing surging thru him from somewhere.

Intent on finishing the guard on the floor, he stabs with Reszur holding the enemy at bay while circling around to see what Asano warned about.

---

Action: knock-out (instead of fatal) attack on G2 (or G1, if G2 is already out, after moving 20' to AF16) with Reszur - hits AC 21 (9+4+8) for 9 piercing magical damage.

If G2 is still conscious, then Morg will use an action surge to attack G2 again.
If G2 is unconscious, and G1 is still conscious, then Morg will move 20' to AF16 to use an action surge to attack G1.

Action: knock-out (instead of fatal) attack on G2 (or G1, if G2 is already out) with Reszur - hits AC 29 (26+3) for 11 piercing magical damage.

Move: if G2 still conscious, then move 15' to AD16. If G2 is unconscious and G1 is still conscious and Morg hasn't already moved, go 20' to AF16.

12:27, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 6 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 2.  Con save against Qarbo's Shatter (DC13). [Forgot Bless, but even +4 wouldn't have met the DC.]
12:49, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 9 using 2d20+7, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 2,1.  Attack prone G2 with advantage with Reszur (magical dagger).
12:49, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 4 using 1d4 with rolls of 4.  Add Bless to attack.
12:52, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 8 using 1d8 with rolls of 8.  Precision attack added to hit roll. [Battle master maneuver.]
12:54, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 9 using 1d4+7 with rolls of 2.  Reszur (magical dagger) piercing damage to G2.

Possible action surge:

13:05, Today: Secret Roll: Morg Danforge rolled 26 using 2d20+7, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 19,19.  If G2 still conscious, attack prone G2 with advantage (roller can't add Bless now) with Reszur.
13:06, Today: Secret Roll: Morg Danforge rolled 3 using 1d4 with rolls of 3.  Add Bless now to action surge Reszur attack roll.
13:07, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 11 using 1d4+7 with rolls of 4.  Reszur (magical dagger) piercing damage to G2 or G1.

The guard stays down on the floor next to Morg, after a solid blow to the head.

Qarbo watches sardonically as the dwarf steps over several of his defeated attendants and moves toward the remaining guard. Wordlessly he casts another spell towards the far end of the room.

---

Map updated.

Rona can still act in Round 4; would be the same as if he'd acted at the top of Round 5.

Mayon and Jak need to make Con saves (see below).

Round 4 Summary:

Mayon attacks someone with Agonizing Blast - MISS.

Zora uses her reaction to invoke Wrath of the Storm vs. G1, and Channel Divinity to maximize damage - save FAILS; G1 takes 16 lightning damage. Zora attacks G1 - MISS. Bonus action to attack Qarbo with S. Weapon - MISS.

Asano attacks Qarbo with twinned Ray of Frost - HITS once for 1 cold damage. Qarbo's speed is reduced by 10' until the start of Asano's next turn.

Jak casts Healing Word on Morg, healing 8 HP .

Morg attacks G2 twice - HITS for a total of 20 piercing. G2 is unconscious. Morg moves toward G1.

G1 attacks Zora twice - Jak spends his reaction to use Cutting Words - both attacks MISS.

Invisible Sprite is asleep.

Qarbo casts Shatter at Level 3 at a point between AD20 and AE21 - Mayon and Jak need to make Con saves (DC 13) or take 17 thunder damage (8 on a successful save).

Round 5 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Mayon	19	Blessed
Zora	19	Conc: Blessed
Asano	18
Jak	16
Morg	14	Blessed, B. Inspiration (d6)
Guards	14
Sprite familiar	13
Qarbo	13	speed -10' until SoANT
Rona'Aduur	8

This message was last edited by the GM at 00:32, Thu 25 Jan 2018.

"You have a choice, Qarbo," Asano calls to the near-lone leader. "Surrender to our mercy, or die mewling. You will not have another chance to save your skin." His wand is held ready, power glowing in it's crystal tip.

---

Today: Asano Breathkill rolled 7 using 1d20+5 ((2))

---

Action: Readied until Qarbo answers
Move Action:
Bonus Action:

---

HP: 12/18 AC 13
Buffs/Debuffs:
Conditions: Butterflies and flower petals
Spell Slots/Sorcery Point Remaining: 1st- 3/4  2nd- 0/2, 2/3

---

This message was last edited by the player at 23:22, Tue 23 Jan 2018.

Qarbo turns slowly in Asano's direction, with a rictus sneer frozen on his face. Moving almost mechanically, he begins casting another spell.

---

Qarbo ain't surrendering yet =)

By the way Asano, I think your current stats are as follows:

HP: 12/18 AC 13
Buffs/Debuffs:
Conditions:
Spell Slots/Sorcery Point Remaining: 1st- 3/4  2nd- 0/2, 0/3


This message was last edited by the GM at 23:15, Tue 23 Jan 2018.

"that door up there just opened!" she cried to her companions pointing at the door to the west near v13.

Frustrated by Qarbo's spell sniping she was determined to put an end to it. She cast her own spell just past the earth monk, while directing her spiritual hammer to keep getting him.

---

Spiritual hammer hits ac 9 forgot the 1d4 from bless again but doesn't matter

Zora casts silence at AA9. Sorry for your silent debut Rona!

Jak saw that Zora was being aided by Morg, so he left that situation alone. Something caught his eye, a moment of movement, and he tossed a nod at Zora's exclamation.. His eyes narrowed and he moved that way, glancing over at Qarbo as he did so, calling out, "What's the difference between a monk an' a monkey? One can open doors, an' one stinks."

OOC: Moving to Z-19. Casting Slightly Less Than Vicious Mockery on Qarbo during movement.

Jak honestly almost cast Faerie Fire on Qarbo and Rona, since Jak assumes Rona is Qarbo's backup, but Qarbo seems to save against everything, lol!

21:14, Today: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 4 using 1d4 with rolls of 4.  Vicious Mockery on Qarbo.

As his offer is met with a sneer, Asano blasts away with another frozen ray of power.

---

09:37, Today: Asano Breathkill rolled 5 using 1d8 with rolls of 5.  Ray of Frost dmg.
09:36, Today: Asano Breathkill rolled 18 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 13.  Ray of Frost att.

---

Action: Cast Ray of Frost (Att- 18  Dmg- 5)
Move Action:
Bonus Action:

---

HP: 12/18 AC 13
Buffs/Debuffs:
Conditions: Butterflies and flower petals
Spell Slots/Sorcery Point Remaining: 1st- 3/4  2nd- 0/2, 0/3

---

Mayon gasped in pain at the burst of magic from Qarbo, barely managing to stay on his feet. He takes a few deep breaths, then glares and reaches into his component pouch to cast the same spell right back. "Two can play at that game." He mutters softly, then stumbles behind one of the pillars, trying to breathe around cracked ribs.


10:51, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 3 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 2.  Con save.
Mayon is now at 1 HP D:
Action: Casting Shatter on AA10 at level 2. DC 13 Con save or take 19 thunder damage (9 on a save)
10:55, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 19 using 3d8 with rolls of 8,7,4.  Shatter damage.
Move after casting to AF19.

Morg focuses on stabbing the guard menacing Zora and tries to scare it with a dwarven curse; blocking out for the moment the orc from the stairs, whatever's coming thru the western door, and... butterflies?!

---

Bonus action: if damage taken, then take a 2nd wind (which I'll roll for later if needed).

Action: if G1 is still conscious, then knock-out (instead of fatal) attack on G1 with Reszur  - hits AC 23 for 10 magical piercing damage with menacing attack maneuver: if G1 still conscious after that, it must make a WIS save (vs a DC of 14) or be frightened of Morg.

Move: if G1 is unconscious, then move 25' to AH11.

02:08, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 23 using 1d20+4+1d4 with rolls of 17,2. Constitution save +Bless. I think Jak should be saving vs. Qarbo's Shatter instead of Morg tho.
02:20, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 22 using 1d20+7+1d4 with rolls of 13,2. Attack G1 with Reszur (magical dagger).
02:29, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 10 using 1d4+7+1d8 with rolls of 1,2.  Reszur (magical dagger) piercing damage +Menacing attack maneuver on G1.

"You!" The disheveled half-orc roars, pointing his shortsword towards Qarbo, "Now we'll have a fair fight!" With that the half-man rushes towards the human, stabbing at his torso with his blades.

---

Move Action: Move to AA11.
Action: Attack Qarbo with shortsword. Hits AC 11.
Bonus Action: Off-hand attack at Qarbo with shortsword. Hit AC 7.

Rona'Aduur rolled 11 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 6.  Attack Q, shortsword.
Rona'Aduur rolled 7 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 2.  Off-hand Attack Q, shortsword.

The new arrival bellows a challenge at Qarbo, yet slips as he tries to skirt the narrow ledge between the room's column and the stairs. Qarbo ignores the challenge as his last companion collapses to the flagstones, unconscious.

His face a thundercloud, the priest retreats back behind the altar and begins motioning to cast another spell. Abruptly realizing something is wrong, his mien shows the first signs of concern.

---

Map updated. The circle indicates the area under the influence of Silence.

Round 5 Summary:

Rona attempts to skirt the stairs and approach Qarbo, but stumbles and lands near the top step (I rolled an athletics check to do this more successfully, but got an 8). Rona manages to move to Z10 however (note you can't cross the stairs except to descend to a lower level, from where Rona appeared).

Mayon casts Shatter on Qarbo - Qarbo saves, takes 9 thunder. Mayon moves behind a pillar.

Zora uses bonus action to attack Qarbo with Spiritual Weapon - MISS. She casts Silence centered at AA9, losing concentration on Bless.

Asano casts Ray of Frost at Qarbo - HIT for 5 cold damage. Qarbo's speed is reduced by 10' until the start of Asano's next turn.

Jak saves and takes 8 thunder damage. Jak casts Vicious Mockery at Qarbo, who FAILS the save. Qarbo takes 4 psychic damage and has disadvantage on his next attack roll made before the end of his next turn.

Morg attacks G1 - HIT for 10 piercing. G1 is unconscious. Morg moves up next to Asano.

Invisible Sprite is asleep.

Qarbo moves to AA8, and can't cast any spell due to Silence.

Round 6 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Mayon	19
Zora	19	Conc: Silence
Asano	18
Jak	16
Morg	14	B. Inspiration (d6)
Sprite familiar	13	Asleep
Qarbo	13	speed -10' until SoANT, in Silence
Rona'Aduur	8

Asano nods to Morg as the dwarf comes alongside him. He waits for the dwarf to start moving again before firing his frosty ray of power. For a brief moment, Asano's eyes shift, taking on a rectangular pupil. His jaw almost seems to elongate, as his hair turns white scrunching into tight curls. For a moment, the half-elf seems in great pain.

And the next, he is fine, his ray of frost splattering a fractal across the wall behind Qarbo.

---

21:54, Today: Asano Breathkill rolled 16 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 15.  Wis vs Wild Magic! Polymorph Sheep!
21:52, Today: Asano Breathkill rolled 77 using 1d100 with rolls of 77.  Wild Magic!
21:52, Today: Asano Breathkill rolled 10 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 5.  Ray of Frost att (Tides).
21:51, Today: Asano Breathkill rolled 8 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 3.  Ray of Frost att.

---

Action: Cast ray of frost (Hit 8), Pop Tides of Chaos, save vs polymorph (DC 13, rolled 16)
Move Action:
Bonus Action:

---

HP: 12/18 AC 13
Buffs/Debuffs:
Conditions: Butterflies and flower petals
Spell Slots/Sorcery Point Remaining: 1st- 3/4  2nd- 0/2, 0/3

---

Morg shakes his head wondering if the butterflies got stuck in his ears. He quickly realizes that his sudden deafness must just be a magic trick, and focuses on trying to look as menacing as he can.

---

If Qarbo is still conscious, then:

Movement: 25' to AC8.

Action: Dash 5' to AB8.

Free action: trying to look scary while running full tilt at Qarbo. I don't know if this a viable, but I rolled in case it is.

If Qarbo offers an attack of opportunity, then:
Reaction: Reszur attack crit fail.

15:23, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 20 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 18.  Try to intimidate Qarbo, a scary silent dwarf is upon you!
15:25, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 8 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 1.  If AOO happens, attack Q with Reszur (magical dagger).
This message was last edited by the player at 16:09, Thu 25 Jan 2018.

Feeling Qarbo was well under control with her companions converging on him, she turned her attention to the worst of the wounded. She moved next to Mayon and focused on mending his wounds, laying her hands on him and channeling her divine patron's power through them. Though not before directing her spiritual hammer to smack Qarbo another time. OOC: we using flanking rules? Can Morg line up opposite the hammer to flank Qarbo? Regardless her hammer misses Qarbo, but she heals Mayon for 8.

---

15:20, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 9 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 4.  spiritual hammer attack qarbo (bonus attack).
15:20, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 8 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 5.

Jak frowned a bit as things seemed to go quiet over by Qarbo. Like, really quiet. Like, deathly quiet. He pondered his next move and happened to glance over and see that his ally Mayon looked pretty rough. So he stayed where he was and sang out a magical word to send some healing that way.

18:32, Today: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 7 using 1d4+4 with rolls of 3.  Healing Word on Mayon.

Mayon lets out a gasp of relief at the healing from his comrades and a quick grin. "Thanks! I owe you one!" He calls out, then sends another attack at Qarbo.

Action:
19:11, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 20,4 using d20+5,d10+3 with rolls of 15,1.  Agonizing Blast Q.
Moving to cast as needed before stepping back behind the pillar.

Qarbo suppresses a dour chuckle as Morg hastens up to him, scowling and trying to heft his dagger in a threatening way. He carefully distances himself from Rona and the dwarf, then backs his way as quickly as possible toward the western door. He smiles as his steps once again ring from the stones beneath him, free of the silencing effect.

Moments later, sounds of multiple footfalls echo from behind the western door.

---

Map updated.

Round 6 Summary:

Rona recovers himself.

Mayon casts Agonizing Blast at Qarbo - HIT for 4 force damage.

Zora uses her bonus action to attack Qarbo with Spiritual Weapon - MISS. Zora moves back and casts Cure Wounds on Mayon, who regains 8 hp.

Asano attacks Qarbo with Ray of Frost - MISS.

Jak casts Healing Word on Mayon - he heals 7 hp.

Morg runs up to Qarbo, looking menacing.

Invisible Sprite is asleep.

Qarbo disengages and moves to W13.

Round 7 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Mayon	19
Zora	19	Conc: Silence
Asano	18
Jak	16
Morg	14	B. Inspiration (d6)
Sprite familiar	13	Asleep
Qarbo	13
Rona'Aduur	8

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:56, Sat 27 Jan 2018.

Zora kept her silence zone up, for now, concentrating to maintain it. Even if Qarbo was out of it, he could be pushed back in.

"Don't let him get away!" She shouted to her companions. "And I think he's got friends coming in."

She moved her spiritual hammer to engage with him again, and moved closer herself.

---

Bonus Action: Move spiritual hammer to Qarbo, hit him with it, hits AC 14 ... pretty sure that's a miss
Move: to X14, taking the dash action

Seeing Qarbo moving to escape, Asano shifts the target of his next frozen ray. Stepping to the southern side of the pillar, he launches his icy ray at the door on the far side of the room.

---

15:14, Today: Asano Breathkill rolled 24 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only ((1,19)).
15:17, Today: Asano Breathkill rolled 5 using 1d8 ((5)).

---

Action: Cast Ray of Frost at western door
Move Action: AE14
Bonus Action:

---

HP: 12/18 AC 13
Buffs/Debuffs:
Conditions: Butterflies and flower petals
Spell Slots/Sorcery Point Remaining: 1st- 3/4  2nd- 0/2, 0/3

---

Rona moves to reengage the fleeing monk, doggedly pursuing his foe. Upon approaching his foe, he lashes out with his trusty blades.

---

Move Action: Move to W12
Action: Attack Qarbo with shortsword, hitting AC 15 dealing 7 piercing damage
Bonus Action: Attack Qarbo with off-hand shortsword, hitting AC 21 dealing 6 piercing damage.

Rona'Aduur rolled 15 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 10.
Rona'Aduur rolled 7 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 4.  Damage.
Rona'Aduur rolled 21,6 using 1d20+5,d6+3 with rolls of 16,3.  offhand attack at Q.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:09, Sat 27 Jan 2018.

Morg runs as fast as his little legs can carry him but doesn't manage to catch the fake monk. Without his whip, and not wanting to lose Dweeble's dagger by throwing it, he focuses on just running as fast as possible instead of attacking, and tries to block Qarbo from leaving the chamber.

---

If Qarbo is still conscious, then:

Move: 25' to X11.

Action: dash 20' to V13.

If Qarbo offers an attack of opportunity, then:
Reaction: attack using Reszur: crit fail. (I think my patron may be telling me not to roll for an AOO before it happens ;))

19:36, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 8 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 1.  Possible attack of opportunity on Q with Reszur.

"Not so fast." Mayon hisses to himself, feeling much better and running to get a better line of sight on the monk before sending another bolt of magic his way.


Movement: Moving to AD15 before taking action.
Action:
11:16, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 20,9 using d20+5,d10+3 with rolls of 15,6.  Agonizing Blast Q.
20 to hit for 9 force damage.

Jak took stock of the situation before shaking his head and making a tsking noise at Qarbo. "So Earth Monks're all about startin' a fight they can't finish? Or were you always a coward?" He infused his words with harmful magic and sent them spinning towards Qarbo.


08:17, Today: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 1 using 1d4 with rolls of 1.  Vicious Mockery on Qarbo.

The flash of blue ice flashes past Qarbo and crashes into the door behind him, coating the sturdy wooden door with a layer of ice near its handle. Moments later something heavy slams into the door from the other side, though the door doesn't open.

"It's frozen shut! Come around to the double doors!" Qarbo calls over his shoulder as he quickly waves his arms wide and calls out some incomprehensible words. The floor immediately around him buckles and quakes, though Qarbo himself keeps his feet.

Casting another spell he darts toward the double doors at the entrance to the shrine, legs churning unnaturally fast.

Spinning in the doorway, he smirks yet again. "Who needs to escape now?"

---

Map updated. As before, Rona can act at the top of Round 8 for his Round 7 turn.

Zora, Morg, and Rona need to make a save & can make AoO if they wish - see below. I'll amend the post if you manage to take him down before Qarbo leaves your reach ;).

Round 7 Summary:

Rona (in round 6) attacks Qarbo - MISS. Offhand bonus action attack - HIT for 6 piercing.

Mayon moves and casts Agonizing Blast at Qarbo - HIT for 9 force damage.

Zora Dashes to near Qarbo. Bonus action attack with Spiritual Weapon - MISS.

Asano casts Ray of Frost at the western door - HIT, and the door is frozen shut.

Jak casts Vicious Mockery at Qarbo, who saves.

Morg dashes behind Qarbo.

Invisible Sprite is asleep.

Qarbo casts Earth Tremor at 2nd level - Zora, Morg, and Rona must make Dex saves or take 9 bludgeoning damage and fall prone (no effect on a successful save). As a bonus action, he casts Expeditious Retreat and moves to AB24 - Zora, Morg, and Rona can make AoO as a reaction in Round 7 on their next post (at disadvantage if prone).

Round 8 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Mayon	19
Zora	19	Conc: Silence
Asano	18
Jak	16
Morg	14	B. Inspiration (d6)
Sprite familiar	13	Asleep
Qarbo	13	Conc: Expeditious Retreat
Rona'Aduur	8

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:11, Sun 28 Jan 2018.

Morg falls and misses his swipe at the fake monk running away. He steels himself, gets up, and runs to go fetch a morningstar from one of the unconscious guards.

On the way he says "Reszur" which lights up the magic dagger, and glances at Zora shouting "Magic dagger?" while holding it ready to toss to her if she indicates interest.

---

Reaction: Reszur attack against Q: crit fail (3rd crit fail in the last 3 attacks!).

Move: 10' to stand up from prone.

Bonus action: 2nd wind - heals 7 HP.

Move: 10' to X15.

Action: dash 25' to AB18, including an
interact with one object: taking morningstar from G2.

21:03, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 3 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 2.  Dexterity save against Qarbo's earth tremor (DC 13?).
21:12, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 19 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 12.  Opportunity attack on Qarbo with Reszur.
21:15, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 16 using 1d4+7+1d8 with rolls of 3,6.  Reszur (magical dagger) piercing damage to Qarbo +menacing attack.
21:27, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 8 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 1.  Forgot to roll with disadvantage on AOO because prone and can't use movement before Morg's turn, attack Q with Reszur.
21:42, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 7 using 1d10+3 with rolls of 4.  HP recovered from second wind.


Edit: get ready to toss Reszur, go grab morning star.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:45, Tue 30 Jan 2018.

Rona manages to keep his footing when the ground bucks and swells beneath his feet, lashing out at the fleeing monk with his blade, though the ground causes his attack to miss narrowly.

Not wanting his quarry to get away, Rona speaks in tongues for a moment and his eyes flare red for a second, whilst moving towards where the fleeing priest ran to.

---

Move Action: Move to W18
Action: Dash - Move to AB23
Bonus Action: Cast Hunter's Mark on Q


Rona'Aduur rolled 17 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 14.  Dex save.
Rona'Aduur rolled 10 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 5.  Attack Q, shortsword.

She was nearly able to keep her feet, but stumbled in the end. As the monk fled, she lashed out from the ground with her club hoping to get in a lick before he was out of her range.

As he moved away with incredible speed, she stood up and steeled herself. She was nearly out of spells, and they still had to escape this temple, but she couldn't let him get away. She'd tried this gambit before and it failed miserably, setting up this long fight. But it was all she could think of now.

She focused her mind and addressed Qarbo in a commanding voice, requiring him to "Approach".

---

Dex save of 12, I think that fails. Taking 6 damage and falling prone. Taking attack of opportunity with her club, hits AC 17 for 5 damage.

She drops her silence concentration. She then takes half her move action to stand, moves 15' to the east to get line of sight (AA15). She directs her spiritual weapon beside her. Finally she casts command on Qarbo with command "Approach". Come on big guy, fail your save finally!

21:20, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 5 using 1d4+3 with rolls of 2.  club damage if hit AC 17.

21:20, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 18 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 13.  disadvantage roll.

21:20, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 17 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 12.  AoO with club on Qarbo (disadvantage).

21:17, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 12 using 1d20 with rolls of 12.  dex save (going with DC 13!).
This message was last edited by the player at 04:05, Tue 30 Jan 2018.

Not having many options, Mayon decides to keep doing what he has been doing, running forward and sending another blast of magic after the fleeing Monk. It flies wide, but he runs to pursue nonetheless.


11:49, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 8,5 using d20+5,d10+3 with rolls of 3,2.  Agonizing Blast Q.
Moving to AB18.

Jak saw that his vicious words, and in some case not-so-vicious words, were not having the desired effect on Qarbo. He hissed a sigh of frustration. He hurriedly made his way to the nearest guard (that Morg WASN'T looting already), and grabbed the morningstar from the ground, restraining the urge to give the guard a good kick to make sure he stayed down.

OOC: Move, Dash action, total movement (and free object interaction to pick up the morningstar) ending in AG-18.

Hurried footsteps retreat away from the far side of the frozen door, while Qarbo leans a lazy hand on the side of the temple's main doors. He hazards a quick glance over his left shoulder, then returns a wary eye to the hulking half-orc in front of him.

"The rest of the monks aren't here yet. But they will be." He punctuates his grin with another spell, this time hurled over Rona'Aduur's shoulder towards the center of the temple.

---

Map updated. As before, Rona can act at the top of Round 8 for his Round 7 turn.

Mayon and Morg have Con saves to make - see below.

Round 8 Summary:

Rona (in round 7) attacks Qarbo with AoO - MISS. He runs up to Qarbo and casts Hunter's Mark on him.

Mayon casts Agonizing Blast at Qarbo - MISS.

Zora falls prone and takes 9 bludgeoning damage, reduced to 6 . She attacks Qarbo with AoO - HIT for 5 bludgeoning (Qarbo passes concentration check). She stands and moves closer and casts Command on Qarbo - he saves.

Asano does nothing.

Jak retrieves G1's morningstar.

Morg falls prone and takes 9 bludgeoning damage. Morg attacks Qarbo with AoO - MISS. He uses Second Wind to regain 7 hp , then hurries after Qarbo and retrieves G2's morningstar.

Invisible Sprite is asleep.

Qarbo casts Shatter at point AB18 - Morg & Mayon must make a DC 13 Con save or take 12 thunder damage (6 on a successful save).

Round 9 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Mayon	19
Zora	19
Asano	18
Jak	16
Morg	14	B. Inspiration (d6)
Sprite familiar	13	Asleep
Qarbo	13	Conc: Expeditious Retreat
Rona'Aduur	8	Conc: Hunter's Mark (Qarbo)

Asano rushes forward, the second wand he holds glowing as he begins uttering the command word. As Qarbo falls, he stops, the wand falling dark. He continues moving forward, moving to pull the doors closed. He looks at the half-orc, sizing him up quickly. "I'm Asano, these are my companions," he starts, "If we can seal the doors, that may hold them for a bit. What's down below?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:39, Thu 01 Feb 2018.

Cursing his resistance to her mind controlling spells, she moved to close with qarbo. Unable to reach him quickly enough she instead attacked him with what little magic she had left.

---

move to ad21. move spiritual hammer to aa19. sacred flame qarbo for 4 unless he makes dex save. Also swap her club with jak's morning star somehow if he wants.

"Then let them come!" Roars the half-orc, striking at the priest with his twin blades. Sheathing one of his blades into the mans chest, Rona'Aduur smiles grimly, twisting the steel savagely as he withdraws it.

---

Action: Attack Q with shortsword, hitting AC 20 for 11 piercing damage.
Bonus Action: Off-hand attack Q with shortsword, Critical hit for 18 piercing damage.

Rona'Aduur rolled 20 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 15.  Attack Q, shortsword.
   Rona'Aduur rolled 11 using 1d6+3+1d6 with rolls of 4,4.  Main hand damage.
Rona'Aduur rolled 25 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 20.  Off-hand Attack Q, shortsword. Critical Hit.
   Rona'Aduur rolled 18 using 2d6+3+2d6 with rolls of 2,6,4,3.  Off-hand damage, crit.

Morg powers thru the thunderous attack from Qarbo and drops the morningstar near Zora and Jak.

Before he can use Dweeble's now glowing dagger, he sees the slippery cultist falling with only the hilt of the orc's sword's sticking out.

Nodding to Zora, he takes a low stance, ready to pierce anyone entering.

---

Move: 10' to AC20.

Free action: drop morningstar.

Move: 15' to AC23.

Action: attack Q with Reszur hits AC 20 for 8 piercing damage.

Action: ready knock-out (instead of fatal) attack with dagger on whoever comes thru the door.

19:13, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 22 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 18.  Constitution save against Q's Shatter (vs. DC 13).
19:18, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 11 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 4.  Attack Q with Reszur (magical dagger).
19:21, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 4 using 1d6 with rolls of 4. Bardic inspiration to add to Reszur attack. .
19:31, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 5 using 1d8 with rolls of 5. Precision attack to add to Reszur attack.
19:32, Today: Morg Danforge rolled
8 using 1d4+7 with rolls of 1. Reszur (magical dagger) piercing damage to Q.

Edit: undo attack on now dead Q, getting back Bardic inspiration and 1 maneuver dice.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:59, Thu 01 Feb 2018.

Rona's vicious attack is met with almost lazy indifference from Qarbo, who waves a hand. The half-orc's blade slides off an invisible barrier half an inch from his face.

"You cannot help but fail, you filthy-" Qarbo cuts off as his sarcastic grin slides from his face, then morphs into a rictus of pain. Unseen by his quarry, Rona's second blade slices around the monk's shield and into a weak spot in the man's armor, buried nearly to the hilt.

Qarbo crumples to the stone floor, as distant footfalls echo down the dark corridor. They seem to be coming closer.

The last of the dim light filtering through the windows at the back of the shrine fades imperceptibly closer to the darkness of night.

---

Rona kills Qarbo in Round 8! We're now at the top of the order for Round 9.

We're still in initiative since "reinforcements" are approaching, but Asano, Zora, and Morg can update their posts. E.g., it doesn't make sense for Asano to use the wand of magic missiles; you may be able to trade weapons more easily, do double moves, bar doors, run away, summon a black dragon to help you, etc.

Here's XP so far - these were some tough opponents ;)

2 monks - 100x2
2 guards - 450x2
Qarbo - 700
XP Total (so far): 1,800

Round 9 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Mayon	19
Zora	19
Asano	18
Jak	16
Morg	14	B. Inspiration (d6)
Sprite familiar	13	Asleep
Rona'Aduur	8	Conc: Hunter's Mark (Qarbo)

Zora actually cursed when Qarbo fell. "We are now hired assassin's of the feather gale knights. Valkur help us!"

She moved to take the morning star offered her club to jak or anyone who wanted it.

"My magic is depleted. but the head is off the snake and standing to fight seems preferable to running blindly away from these monks. "

She was hurting and her healing magic depleted, but she moved to the door regardless, shield and weapon ready.

---

move to stand ready at north door. move spiritual weapon (while it lasts) beside her. Z to ac23 beside Rona,
sw to ab24 over qarbo.

Jak shook his head and wagged a finger at Zora, even as he moved next to her to hand her the Morningstar and take the club from her. "Ah, ah, ah! Technically, he attacked us. Or at least threatened us. An' planned nefarious things against us. We came here in mostly good faith t'see what's what. Not our fault he's paranoid an' obviously such a disreputable fella." He gave a dramatic shrug.

"He did start the fight; we simply finished it." Mayon agrees with Jak, a bit shaken from the spell but relieved that Qarbo is down. Regardless, the arrival of reinforcements is concerning, so for now he dismisses his familiar so they don't get trampled underfoot in the coming storm.

He glances over to the half-orc who had slain the monk in the first place. "And it seems we owe you for your help as well. But I think formalities can wait until after the new arrivals are dealt with." He says with a faint smile.

Action: Dismiss familiar. They're out of initiative, but can be re-summoned with an action later.
10:20, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 13 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 12.  Constitution Save (Shatter).

The doors to the shrine slide shut at Asano's push. The light of Reszur illuminates the southern end of the room in its dim, cold light. Footsteps approaching from the corridor beyond the doors begin to get louder.

Judging by the footfalls, there are at least five sets of feet approaching.

---

Map updated!

Round 9 Summary:

Mayon saves from Qarbo's Shatter .

Zora moves next to Rona, in the southern doorway.

Asano closes the doors to the southern doorway.

Jak stays put.

Morg saves from Qarbo's Shatter .

Round 10 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Mayon	19
Zora	19
Asano	18
Jak	16
Morg	14	B. Inspiration (d6)
Rona'Aduur	8	Conc: Hunter's Mark (Qarbo)

"Call me Rona, there's a creature down below, big, armor plated, been disfigured as well. Might be able to give more information if I take another look. Seems to be guarding a door, another door leads off in the opposite direction of it.", The half-orc speaks softly, his rage seemingly taken with the life of the dead priest. While he speaks he bends down and unlimbers from his pack what seems to be a bear trap, quickly setting it up with skilled hands and deft movements of long practice before stepping back.

"This should help."

---

Action: Set hunting trap in AB23 - DC 13 Dex save or take 1d4 piercing damage and stop moving. Thereafter, until the creature breaks free of the trap, its movement is limited by the length of the chain (typically 3 feet long). A creature can use its action to make a DC 13 Strength check, freeing itself or another creature within its reach on a success. Each failed check deals 1 piercing damage to the trapped creature.

Move Action: Move to AA23

Morg looks around the room to see if there's anything usable as a shield.

---

10:38, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 7 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 4.  Perception check looking for anything usable as a shield.

"Rona, was it?" Asano asks, looking the door over for any manner of a locking mechanism. "Many thinks for the aid, apologies for the initial mistrust. Was the door below a possible method of egress from this place? And can someone make sure that other door is closed, as well?"


OOC:
Investigation (?)- 9

Jak stepped back from Zora, giving the club a couple of experimental swings to get used to the weight. He still had his shield and armor, though the club was differently-weighted than the shortsword he was used to. For the moment, he stayed back a bit in case there were going to be any more area of effect spells tossed around. He could always move in to melee later.

Move to AC-20.
Ready to cast Vicious Mockery on 1st foe entering if possible.

15:26, Today: Secret Roll: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 1 using 1d4 with rolls of 1.  Readied Vicious Mockery damage (if possible).

Zora looked at Morg and her own wounds and realized he should be the one taking the brunt of any new guards arriving. She stepped back (to AC 22) and said "Morg, you stand in the door, I'll try to back you up from here."

OOC: Are those stairs at AB35 or so the ones we came in at?

Also, She steps back, but if Morg doesn't seem inclined to step into the gap, she'll fill it again when she sees anyone approaching.

The footsteps continue to get louder beyond the main doors of the temple, and other hurried footsteps seem to echo from behind the frozen door at the west end of the shrine.

---

Mid round update!

Map updated - feel free to move around more if needed to situate yourselves as you like around the doors, before we close this round out (I'll probably post again tomorrow with the setup for round 11).

Also note, the doors are currently closed since Asano closed them. You can choose whether to have Qarbo's body inside the shrine with you or outside the closed doors.

Asano sees that the double doors can be latched with a simple hook and eye - not likely to repel any advancing hordes.

Morg looks around the room and doesn't see any shields or shield-like objects, but does notice the door on the eastern wall (near AI13-14) is reinforced with iron bands, similar to the exterior doors that you entered through to the south, but without any visible panel for speaking through.

To clarify for Asano's question, Rona knows the metal door down the stairs on the east wall is easily accessible, though Rona does remember seeing a keyhole above the door handle... The door on the west wall is behind the creature, who is behind iron bars.

For Zora: yes, the stairs at AB35 are the ones leading up to the main entrance doors of the monastery, and you entered the building up those stairs and into the entrance hall where AC31 is.

Sounds of banging on the western door ring through the dim shrine.

The rapid footfalls get louder as they approach the main doors, then slow and finally stop. "Are you in there, Qarbo?" an expectant voice asks from beyond the closed doors.

---

Round 10 Summary:

Mayon stays put.

Zora steps back.

Asano finds a light lock on the door.

Jak moves closer to the doors and readies an action that ends up not being used.

Morg scans the room and notices the eastern door is banded with iron, as if it's an external door.

Rona sets a trap.

Round 11 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Mayon	19
Zora	19
Asano	18
Jak	16
Morg	14	B. Inspiration (d6)
Rona'Aduur	8	Conc: Hunter's Mark (Qarbo)

This message was last edited by the GM at 14:58, Sun 04 Feb 2018.

"He's gone below with our 'guests'," Asano says, a rough burr in his throat. "Well, what's left of them. He said he doesn't want to be disturbed." He made a face, hoping the doors would further distort his voice into and approximation of one of the guards or monks.


OOC:
Deception- 18

Without reply, several of the footsteps approach the door, and it swings open. Five monks clad identically to the earlier guards at the door, and one stands frozen in the doorway, staring blankly from behind a bronzed mask.

A mighty crash sounds from the western door, but it remains frozen shut.

---

Surprise round! Monks won't act this turn, and won't act until the end of Round 13 either.

Map updated - 'T' indicates the location of Rona's trap, and 'SW' is Zora's spiritual weapon.

Round 12 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Mayon	19
Zora	19	SW expires after this round
Asano	18
Jak	16
Morg	14	B. Inspiration (d6)
Rona'Aduur	8	Conc: Hunter's Mark (Qarbo)
Monks	7

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:45, Wed 07 Feb 2018.

Asano grimaced, then sighed and shrugged at the dumbfounded monks. The focus wand lit up as he lifted it and jettisoned a blast of freezing wind at the lead monk.

---

14:50, Today: Secret Roll: Asano Breathkill rolled 9 using 2d8 with rolls of 3,6.  Ray of Frost dmg (Crit!).
14:50, Today: Secret Roll: Asano Breathkill rolled 25 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 20.  Ray of Frost att.

---

Action: Cast ray of frost at nearest monk
Move Action:
Bonus Action:

---

HP: 12/18 AC 13
Buffs/Debuffs:
Conditions: Butterflies and flower petals
Spell Slots/Sorcery Point Remaining: 1st- 3/4  2nd- 0/2, 0/3

---

Mayon steps, attempting to aim past his comrades with his magic. "See if we can take any alive as well." He calls out as he does.


19:30, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 13,8 using d20+5,d10+3 with rolls of 8,5.  Eldritch Blast T.
13 to hit for 8 damage.

Jak, even readied as he was, jumped slightly when the doors were hit, and when the doors in front of him crashed open. "Last big spell...", he muttered to himself. He let out a piercing and keening note even as he tapped the drum strapped to him. A sudden loud ringing noise, painfully intense, erupted near the monks as they stop for a moment.

OOC: Cast Shatter on as many of the 5 monks I can get without allies.

20:55, Today: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 19 using 3d8 with rolls of 6,6,7.  Shatter damage on as many of the 5 monks as I can get.

Morg stabs at another cultist, trying not to break its golden mask or get blood on its dun robes, saying "Collect their costumes." to the rest of the party.

---

Action: knock-out (instead of fatal) attack on M5 (or ready attack on any other monk entering reach if M5 is already out) with Reszur - hits AC 17 for 9 magical piercing damage.

Free interaction with one object: grab and stow a mask from a downed monk if one is easily grabbable.

07:46, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 13 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 6.  Attack M5 with Reszur (magical dagger).
08:01, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 4 using 1d6 with rolls of 4. Bardic inspiration added to attack roll on M5 if its not already down.
08:03, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 9 using 1d4+7 with rolls of 2. Reszur magical piercing damage to M5.

Rona makes a simple gesture towards the front monk, then stands ready to strike.

---

Round 12 turn:
Bonus Action: Transfer Hunter's Mark to M5
Action: Dodge

Round 13 turn:
Action: Ready attack on any enemy entering reach. Hitting AC 21 for 7 points of piercing damage.

Rona'Aduur rolled 21 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 16.  Ready attack roll.
Rona'Aduur rolled 7 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 4.  Ready damage roll.

The monks stand dumbfounded as attacks rain in from Qarbo's assassins. A thunderous explosion echos from the center of the group of monks, and one of their number falls.

The pounding on the frozen door quickens in response, though the door still holds.

---

Map updated!

Round 10 Summary:

Mayon attacks one of the monks with Agonizing Blast - MISS.

Zora's spiritual weapon expires.

Asano attacks M4 with Ray of Frost - CRIT for 9 cold damage. M4's speed is reduced by 10' until the start of Asano's next turn.

Jak casts Shatter centered on AC26 - M7 saves for 9 thunder, M3, M4, and M6 fail for 19 thunder. M4 is dead.

Morg attacks M5 - HIT for 9 piercing.

Rona transfers Hunter's Mark to M5, then Dodges.

Monks do nothing during surprise round.

Round 11 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Mayon	19
Zora	19
Asano	18
Jak	16
Morg	14
Rona'Aduur	8	Conc: Hunter's Mark (M5)
Monks	7

An almost terrifying sense of calm comes over Asano's face as another monk falls under his friends' blows. Casually, he calls over his shoulder, "Mayon, if you would kindly watch the frozen door. Jak, please chesk the opposite. Where does it lead?" His focusing wand glows blue-white, the magic within held at bay until an enemy shows violent intent.

---

20:21, Today: Secret Roll: Asano Breathkill rolled 5 using 1d8 with rolls of 5.  Ray of Frost dmg.
20:20, Today: Secret Roll: Asano Breathkill rolled 11 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 6.  Ray of Frost att.

---

Action: Ready action. Ray of frost (AC 11, 5 dmg)
Move Action:
Bonus Action:

---

HP: 12/18 AC 13
Buffs/Debuffs:
Conditions: Butterflies and flower petals
Spell Slots/Sorcery Point Remaining: 1st- 3/4  2nd- 0/2, 0/3

---

Morg again stabs at the cultist, trying not to ruin its mask and robes.

---

Action: knock-out (instead of fatal) attack on M5 (or ready attack on any other monk entering reach if M5 is already out) with Reszur - hits AC 16 for 11 magical piercing damage.

Free interaction with one object: grab and stow a mask from a downed monk if one is easily grabbable.

13:01, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 13 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 6.  Attack M5 with Reszur (magical dagger).
13:02, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 3 using 1d8 with rolls of 3.  Precision attack on M5, added to hit roll.
13:03, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 11 using 1d4+7 with rolls of 4.  Reszur (magical dagger) piercing damage to M5.

"That door isn't going to hold forever!" she cried moving away from the battle that seemed well in hand to the crashing sound.

She swung her morning star at the monk in front of her, then moved away from him towards the western door.

---

Sorry for the delay!
:edited because I don't think I can disengage after an attack:

Swing at M5, hits AC 22 for 11 damage.
If he's still alive, disengage, then move to AC19 move to AA16, eating a possible attack of opportunity to do so. If he's dead or down at this point, move to AA16 freely.

This message was last edited by the player at 17:40, Wed 07 Feb 2018.

"Of course." Mayon calls back to Asano, moving to face the other door. Knowing he lacks the strength to keep it shut, he instead focuses on holding a spell should it open.

Movement: Moving to AB14
Ready action: Eldritch Blast first person to come through the door should it open. Will edit post with a roll if needed.

Jak looked, a bit wide-eyed, at his handiwork for a moment before blinking several times. He wasn't used to doing damage like that to a group of people. Usually he was more of a supporting helper in the combats the group had been in thus far - at least in his mind. He shook it off, however, and shot a raised eyebrow at Asano taking the lead with 'suggestions'. He then gave a shrug and a smile, whirling the club around a bit as he moved to stand just a bit from the non-frozen doors, ready and waiting should anyone enter from that way.

Like a well-practiced team of acrobats, the brown robed monks overcome their surprise at finding unwelcome guests in their shrine and advance swiftly.

Hopping nimbly forward, one monk springs through the left side of the partially closed double-door and carefully avoids the trap laid just inside the room. Ducking and spinning, the other pair engage with Asano and Morg, limbs flying in carefully orchestrated feints and parries.

Despite their prowess, two of the monks fall to Morg and Rona's attacks. Morg is caught unawares however, as a second monk lands a combination of blows with its hands and feet.

The ice around the frozen door cracks at another blow from outside the room, and the door cracks open slightly.

---

Map updated!

Round 11 Summary:

Mayon moves further into the room and readies an attack.

Zora attacks M5 - HIT for 11 piercing. She retreats to the center of the room, triggering a attack of opportunity from M5 - MISS.

Asano readies an attack.

Jak moves close to the frozen door.

Morg attacks M5 - HIT for 11 piercing. M5 is unconscious.

Rona readies an attack.

Monks:
M3 moves to AB23, saves vs. Rona's trap. Rona's attack is triggered - HITS M3 for 7 slashing. M3 is dead.

M6 moves to AC22. Asano's attack is triggered - MISS. M6 attacks Asano twice - MISS.

M7 moves to AC23 and attacks Morg twice - HITS twice for a total of 12 bludgeoning .

Round 12 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Mayon	19
Zora	19
Asano	18
Jak	16
Morg	14
Rona'Aduur	8	Conc: Hunter's Mark (M5)
Monks	7

This message was last edited by the GM at 23:02, Thu 08 Feb 2018.

Morg's eyes goes wide, surprised by the power of the unarmed monk's hits, and says "Asano, please send ma shield to ma maw and paw via Laviguer."

Instead of jabbing with Reszur, he then attempts his own unarmed attack by trying to push the masked cultist into the orc's trap.

---

Action: try to shove M7 5' to AB23 - athletics check 13 vs M7's athletics or acrobatics check.

Free interaction with one object: close door.

02:59, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 13 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 7.  Athletics check to try and shove M7 5'.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:57, Sat 10 Feb 2018.

Zora paused for a moment to focus a spell on one of the monks. She then moved to the ice covered door and set her shield and weapon, ready to act as a rear guard.

"finish those and we can run! Come on morg! Hang in there!" she cried and waited for the door to break.

---

down to the crap cantrips. sacred flame on m6 for 4, dc 13 dex check for no damage.

Rona skirts around Asano, his dual blades at hand. He strikes at the closest monk, intent on keeping the unconscious one from being awoken. "Don't die on me dwarf! Can't let an orc upstage you, now can ye?"

---

Move action: Move to AC23
Action: Attack M6 with shortsword, hitting AC 19 for  piercing 8 damage
Bonus Action: Off-hand attack M6 with shortsword, hitting AC  for 8 piercing damage

Rona'Aduur rolled 19 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 14.  Attack M6, shortsword.
Rona'Aduur rolled 8 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 5.  Main hand damage.
Rona'Aduur rolled 17 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 12.  Off-hand Attack M6, shortsword.
Rona'Aduur rolled 8 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 5.  Off-hand damage.

OOC: Would I be able to move Hunter's Mark from M5 since it's unconscious?

Asano stands his ground, the wand in his left hand suddenly spitting a multitude of missiles at the pair of monks moving into the room. "Zora, Morg could use a blessing, if your god be willing," he calls over his shoulder. "We must secure this door before we can retreat."

---

12:03, Today: Secret Roll: Asano Breathkill rolled 14 using 4d4+4 with rolls of 3,3,1,3.  Missile dmg M7.
12:02, Today: Secret Roll: Asano Breathkill rolled 5 using 2d4+2 with rolls of 2,1.  Missile dmg M6.

---

Action: Activate Wand of Missiles, 6 missiles (2 @ M6- 5 dmg, 4 @ M7- 14 dmg)
Move Action:
Bonus Action:

---

HP: 12/18 AC 13
Buffs/Debuffs:
Conditions: Butterflies and flower petals
Spell Slots/Sorcery Point Remaining: 1st- 3/4  2nd- 0/2, 0/3

---

Mayon keeps his eye on the frozen door, tensed to run should the opportunity arise at the other end and ready to attack if it does not.

When the door opens, he immediately looses the magic and shouts a warning to the others. "They're breaking through!"


Continuing to hold action to attack if the frozen door is opened.
EDIT:
08:53, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 22,10 using d20+5,d10+3 with rolls of 17,7.  Readied Attack trigger.
Hits 22 AC for 10 damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:54, Sat 10 Feb 2018.

"I've used all of Valkur's grace I can, until I get a chance to pray again! If anyone has anything else to lend him, now is the time."

Zora and Asano each cut down one of the monks with respective magics. The shrine falls briefly quiet as the frozen door continues to creak open slowly.

---

Mid round update! Map updated.

Zora and Asano's turns have resulted in M6 & M7 dying, so I suspect Jak, Morg, and Rona will want to take that into account for their turns. If you've already posted in Round 12 you can either update your post or delete it and post a new one.

@Mayon, go ahead and roll an attack for your readied Agonizing Blast - it will probably be used ;).

@Asano, I only debited 4 charges from the wand of magic missiles, since M6 died before your turn.

@Rona, yes, you can transfer Hunter's Mark using a bonus action as usual next round.

Jak backpedaled from the frozen door since too many people were worrying about it and not enough worrying about the monks and the open door that were a threat right then and there! He moved to a spot he could still see both the frozen doors and the open doors for the moment. He saw Morg looking shaky and head him cry out, so he used the club to beat on his drum and called out, "VIGOR!", sending healing magic the dwarf's way.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Vicious Mockery if triggered
His eyes narrowed at the next enemy to show itself and he spat out mocking words at them as well, focusing on the one closest to his friend. "I'd say t'pick on someone yer own size, but you're a bully so I'm not sure you CAN!"

---

OOC: Move to AD-17.
Cast Healing Word on Morg for 6hp.
Cast Vicious Mockery, 4 dmg, readied action on first person to come through one of the doors he can see.

17:45, Today: Secret Roll: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 6 using 1d4+4 with rolls of 2.  Healing Word on Morg.

17:49, Today: Secret Roll: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 4 using 1d4 with rolls of 4.  Vicious Mockery damage on M7.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:18, Sat 10 Feb 2018.

"Down the stairs or out the other door?" Asano asks of the group, speaking quietly to keep his voice from carrying through the doors or halls.

Morg prepares to push the monk who clobbered him into the orc's trap, but sees the two nearby cultists killed in a flurry of magic before he can do so.

Feeling his bruised body healing from an unknown direction, he looks around and says "The iron banded eastern door looks similar to the exterior ones."

Morg grabs one of Qarbo's arms and starts dragging him. "Any long legs who can help with this body?"

---

Free interaction with one object: grab Qarbo's arm.

Move and Action: Dash 25' (halved for dragging) from AD23 to AD18.

The frozen door finally swings open and a pair of monks burst through. They dart forward, leveling vicious kicks and punches at Zora and Mayon, who both evade all of their initial attacks.

---

Map updated!

Round 12 Summary:

Mayon readies Agonizing Blast vs. enemies if they come thru the frozen door.

Zora casts Sacred Flame on M6 - save FAILS. M6 takes 4 radiant. M6 is dead.

Asano burns 4 charges from his wand of magic missiles - M7 takes 14 force damage. M7 is dead.

Jak casts Healing Word on Morg - Morg regains 6 hp . Jak readies Vicious Mockery.

Morg drags Qarbo away.

Rona moves in front of the double doors.

Monks:
M8 enters the shrine, and triggers Mayon's Agonizing Blast - HITS for 10 force. Also triggers Jak's Vicious Mockery - M8 saves. M8 moves to AA14 and attacks Mayon twice - MISS.

M9 enters and moves to Z15, then attacks Zora twice - MISS.

Round 13 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Mayon	19
Zora	19
Asano	18
Jak	16
Morg	14
Rona'Aduur	8	Conc: Hunter's Mark (M5)
Monks	7

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:52, Sat 10 Feb 2018.

Rona moves to striking distance of the new enemies, gesturing again on his way.

---

Move Action + Dash Action: Move to AA15
Bonus Action: Transfer Hunter's Mark to M9

OOC: Sorry bout not changing my post last round, must've missed the update post.

Morg drops Qarbo when he sees two new monks trying to attack his friends, and despite not wanting to lose Dweeble's dagger throws it at one of the monks. He then runs back to go pick up the morningstar he dropped before, and charges at the monks with the spiked weapon.

---

Action: Attack M8 (or M9 if M8 is down) with Reszur, thrown 20' - hits AC 18 for 9 magical piercing damage.

Move: 10' to AC20'.

Free interaction with one object: grab morningstar at AC20.

Move: 15' AC20 to AB17.

17:52, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 18 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 11.  M8 (or M9) attacked with Reszur, thrown 20'.
17:53, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 9 using 1d4+7 with rolls of 2.  M8 (or M9)'s magical piercing damage from Reszur.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:00, Mon 12 Feb 2018.

Jak frowned as more monks rushed in. This was getting to be a serious situation. If more and more monks and guards kept coming in with no chance to rest or escape, they were going to eventually be beaten down or killed. He glanced at Morg. "If this keeps up too much longer we ain't gonna be able t'get outta here alive. We need t'get outta here or get somewhere more defensible."

He then looked at the monk attacking Mayon and called out, "Are you usin' drunken style, or are you just new t'fightin'?"


OOC: Just realized that Jak does potentially much less damage with a club than he does with Vicious Mockery since it's not a Finesse weapon. Sad. =)

12:16, Today: Secret Roll: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 2 using 1d4 with rolls of 2.  Vicious Mockery damage on M8.

"Well, they're going to run out eventually!" she laughed at Jakrynn's call to move. "But agreed, we need to catch our breaths and find a safe place to rest. Let's finish up with these and get out of here."

She swung the morning star at the closest monk, hoping to wear him down.

---

Hits AC 10 (riiiight) for 8 piercing damage

Trapped in close combat, a place that he surely doesn't want to stay, Mayon grits his teeth and raises his quarterstaff defensively, backing away quickly without taking his eyes off the monk.

Action: Disengage
Movement: Moving to AE17
I hate to waste a potential attack but Mayon's useless in close combat without his spell slots :P

Morg throws the glowing dagger. Flashing through the air as it spins, dim shadows whirl around the stone pillars of the room. The dagger lodges itself in the side of one of the monks, and its cold light continues to illuminate the darkness.

The monks continue to spin and whirl, attacking Zora and the half-orc with well-placed punches and kicks. One kick lands in Rona's chest, briefly doubling him over in pain.

---

Map updated!

Round 13 Summary:

Mayon disengages and moves back.

Zora attacks M9 - MISS.

Asano stays put.

Jak casts Vicious Mockery at M8 - FAIL. M8 takes 2 psychic and has disadvantage on its next attack roll.

Morg throws Reszur at M8 - HIT for 9 piercing. He reacquires a stone-like morningstar.

Rona moves in to engage the new arrivals and transfers Hunter's Mark to M9.

Monks:
M8 attacks Rona twice with unarmed attacks (1st attack at disadvantage) - HIT Rona once for 6 bludgeoning .

M9 attacks Zora twice with unarmed attacks - MISS.

Round 14 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Mayon	19
Zora	19
Asano	18
Jak	16
Morg	14
Rona'Aduur	8	Conc: Hunter's Mark (M9)
Monks	7

Morg charges the monks with the spiky goodness he just picked up.

---

If M8 is still conscious on round 14 initiative 14, then
move: 15' from AB17 to AB14, and
action: knock-out (instead of fatal) attack on M8 with morningstar - hits AC 14 for 10 piercing damage.
If M8 now unconscious, then
free interaction with one object: try to grab Reszur from M8's body.
If M9 conscious, then:
move: 5' from AB14 to AA14.
If M9 not conscious, then
move: 10' from AB14 to AC16.

If M8 not conscious on round 14 initiative 14, then
move: 15' from AB17 to AA14, and
free interaction with one object: try to grab Reszur from M8's body.
If Reszur not retrieved, then
action: knock-out (instead of fatal) attack on M9 with morningstar - hits AC 14 for 10 piercing damage.
If M9 now unconscious, then
move: 10' from AA14 to AC16.
If Reszur retrieved, then
free drop morningstar, and
action: knock-out (instead of fatal) attack on M9 with Reszur - hits AC 9.

12:49, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 14 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 8.  M8 (or M9) attacked with morningstar.
12:49, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 10 using 1d8+6 with rolls of 4.  M8 (or M9)'s piercing damage from morningstar.
17:32, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 9 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 2.  If M8 not conscious and Reszur retrieved, M9 attacked with Reszur (magical dagger).

Edit: rolled for Reszur because of different damage die, but unlikely to hit with a 9.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:35, Wed 14 Feb 2018.

Mayon took advantage of his reclaimed distance, taking aim and unleashing another spell towards the monk harassing the half-orc. The beam is shaky, but stronger than usual.


07:24, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 11,13 using d20+5,d10+3 with rolls of 6,10.  Agonizing Blast M8.
11 to hit for 13 damage on M8.

Zora stepped around one of the monks carefully, moving around him while swinging her weapon at him, and ending up within reach of both of them. "Finish these quickly, and we can catch our breath."

---

Moves around M9 to Z14, staying in combat range with M9 the whole time and hopefully not provoking AoO. She swings her morningstar at M9 and hits AC 13 for 7.

Asano shakes his head, stepping back into the audience chamber. Raising his wand, he blasts at the nearest enemy monk with a ray of frost.

---

10:10, Today: Secret Roll: Asano Breathkill rolled 8 using 1d8 with rolls of 8.  Ray of frost dmg.
10:09, Today: Secret Roll: Asano Breathkill rolled 16 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 11.  Ray of frost att.

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Action: Cast ray of frost at M9 (Hit- 16  Dmg- 8)
Move Action: AB18
Bonus Action:

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HP: 12/18 AC 13
Buffs/Debuffs:
Conditions: Butterflies and flower petals
Spell Slots/Sorcery Point Remaining: 1st- 3/4  2nd- 0/2, 0/3

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Jak thought about running in to the melee to help, but the club in his hands felt unfamiliar and foreign. He wasn't sure how effective he would, and not for the first time he wished for his shortsword. For the moment, he settled on trying to help how he could, by trying to rattle the 'cages' of the attacking monks.

"Does it make y'angry t'see your friends lyin' on the ground an' see that yer punches an' kicks're hittin' only air? Boy it would make me mad!"


21:53, Today: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 4 using 1d4 with rolls of 4.  Vicious Mockery on M8 (or M9 if M8 goes down).

Rona strikes at his target with both blades, before turning one of his blades against the other monk.

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Action: Attack M9, hit AC 10 for 15 piercing damage.
Bonus Action: Attack M9, hit AC 7 for 11 piercing damage.
Hordebreaker: Attack M8, hit AC 12 for 6 piercing damage.

Rona'Aduur rolled 10 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 5.  Attack M9, shortsword.
Rona'Aduur rolled 7 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 2.  Off-hand Attack M9, shortsword.
Rona'Aduur rolled 12 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 7.  Hordebreaker attack, M8 with shortsword.

Rona'Aduur rolled 9 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 6.  Main hand damage.
Rona'Aduur rolled 6 using 1d6 with rolls of 6.  Hunter's mark damage for main hand.
Rona'Aduur rolled 14 using 1d6+6+1d6 with rolls of 5,3.  Off-hand damage. Accidentally put in a +6 there my bad, total is 11.
Rona'Aduur rolled 6 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 3.  Hordebreaker damage.

Dodging left and right, the monks continue to avoid several attacks.

A blast of icy air from Asano finally finds its mark, and Jak's jibe seems to hit one of the monks with the force of a physical blow. The latter figure slows his movements, then throws one last half-hearted punch at Rona before slumping to the floor a moment later.

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Map updated!

Round 14 Summary:

Mayon attacks M8 with Agonizing Blast - MISS.

Zora circles M9 and attacks with her morningstar - MISS.

Asano casts Ray of Frost at M9 - HIT for 8 cold damage. M9's speed is reduced by 10' until the start of Asano's next turn.

Jak casts Vicious Mockery on M8, who FAILS the save and takes 4 psychic damage. M8 is dead.

Morg moves closer to the fray and recovers Reszur from M8's body. Morg attacks M9 (I'm using Morg's initial higher roll plus 1 more for Reszur) - M9 uses Reaction to dodge out of the way.

Rona loses concentration on Hunter's Mark from the hit last round - we forgot to check for this before, but I rolled for it just now. Rona attacks M9 twice - MISS.
17:58, Today: Secret Roll: DM, on behalf of Rona'Aduur, rolled 5 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 4.  Rona concentration save - Round 13.

M9 attacks Rona twice with unarmed attacks - MISS.

Round 15 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Mayon	19
Zora	19
Asano	18
Jak	16
Morg	14
Rona'Aduur	8
Monk	7	speed reduced by 10' until SoANT