Two monks fall to the intruders' counterattacks.

The blows between combatants and blasts of magic stir up flour in the air of the kitchen, and the already warm room makes its occupants begin to sweat.

---

Map updated!

Morg and Asano are up now, though as usual others should also feel free to post.

Round 2 Summary:

Morg attacks M2 - M2 uses reaction to Parry - MISS.

Asano casts Ray of Frost at M3 - HIT for 1 cold, and his speed is reduced by 10' until the start of Asano's next turn.

Monks:
M1 attacks Rona twice - HITS twice for 12 bludgeoning .
M2 attacks Morg twice - HITS twice for 11 bludgeoning .
M3 moves towards Mayon and attacks him twice - HITS twice for 15 bludgeoning.
M4 attacks Zora twice - CRITS once for 8 bludgeoning .

Zora uses her reaction to invoke Wrath of the Storm on M4, max damage with Channel Divinity Destructive Wrath - M4 FAILS the save and takes 16 thunder damage.
She then casts Healing Word on Mayon - Mayon recovers 6 hp .
She attacks M4 - MISS.

Mayon casts Agonizing Blast at M3 - HIT for 8 force. M3 is dead.

Rona attacks M4 twice - HIT once for 4 piercing. M4 is dead.

Round 3 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Jak (in case he returns)	22
Morg	19
Asano	14
Monks	13
Zora	11
Mayon	7
Rona'Aduur	5

Unable to hit the slippery monk, Morg steels himself for a second against the kicks and punches, before carefully aiming his warhammer at the monk's torso before hitting again.

---

Bonus action: second wind gives +7 HP.
Action: attack M2 with warhammer - hits with critical hit for 26 bludgeoning damage.

08:41, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 26 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 20.  M2 attacked with warhammer.
08:42, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 15 using 2d8+6 with rolls of 3,6.  M2's critical hit bludgeoning damage from warhammer.
08:43, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 11 using 2d8 with rolls of 5,6.  Critical menacing attack on M2 who must make a WIS save (DC 14) or be frightened.
08:47, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 7 using 1d10+3 with rolls of 4.  HP recovered from second wind.

If M2 failed its save, then the monk is frightened of Morg until the end of his next turn: it has disadvantage on Ability Checks and Attack rolls while the dwarf's within line of sight, and it can't willingly move closer to him.

Seeing the crushing blow the dwarf warrior landed, Zora was fairly confident that his monk wasn't getting past him. She moved up next to Rona to attack the monk next to him.

---

7 damage on AC 20. Move to L14

11:46, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 20 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 15.  attack on M1.

11:46, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 7 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 4.  damage on M1.


This message was last edited by the player at 15:30, Wed 28 Mar 2018.

Morg crushes the head of the nearest monk, leaving one remaining cultist in the kitchens. That cultist bull rushes Rona, kicking and punching him repeatedly, leaving the half-orc reeling and bleeding.

---

Mid round update! Map updated.

Zora, Mayon, and Rona are up now, though Asano can still post before the end of the round & Zora's already posted.

M1 attacks Rona twice - HIT twice for a total of 8 bludgeoning .

This message was last edited by the GM at 22:15, Wed 28 Mar 2018.

Seeing the last monk struggling to stay standing, Mayon aims his magic at him in hopes of finishing the fight before anyone gets too badly injured.


20:28, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 14,12 using d20+5,d10+3 with rolls of 9,9.  agonizing blast.

Mayon's blast takes the last monk in the chest, and he falls flat in front of Rona.

Quite suddenly the room becomes still, and the remaining occupants become more aware once again of their surroundings. Fire crackles from within the oven, and the smells of baking bread permeate the room.

---

Map updated! Where to now?

Round 3 Summary:

Morg uses Second Wind . He attacks M2 using Menacing Attack - CRIT for 26 bludgeoning. M2 is dead.

M1 attacks Rona twice - HIT twice for a total of 8 bludgeoning .

Zora moves next to Rona and attacks M1 - HIT for 7 bludgeoning.

Mayon casts Agonizing Blast at M1 - HIT for 9 force. M1 is dead.

Loot thread updated with new XP totals.

Zora quietly took the bread out of the oven. "No reason to alert anyone with the smell of burning bread. How badly is everyone hurt?"

Much as she loathed using her limited magic so early in their raid of the temple, it was better than anyone dying.

"Or could we take an hour to rest and recuperate? Seems dangerous to wait."

Morg looks around for anything usable as a shield, or makeshift shield, and then goes to stand guard at the southern door - ready to pounce any cultist coming thru.

He whispers "If no-one heard us, I'd also like to take a rest and eat something.", sniffing the bread.

---

Perception 9 or investigation 6 check for shield.

Action: ready warhammer attack until anyone looking hostile comes in, or we decide to rest.

If the bread smells and looks safe, he'll eat some.

18:58, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 6 using 1d20 with rolls of 6.  Perception (+3) or investigation check for a shield or makeshift shield.

"Between the reactions of these and the group yesterday, I think we can safely assume none of the other monks are willing to lay down arms," Asano sighs ruefully. "I am in no great need of rest, though I wasn't holding the front line against this lot. I can keep a watch while those who need it rest."

The bread and indeed all of the rest of the plentiful foodstuffs in the kitchen look edible to Morg, and he takes a taste of the bread. Much like Kaylessa's cooking, it isn't very good. It is nourishing however, after the brief but taxing fight.

Looking around, Morg doesn't see anything particularly well suited to crafting even a makeshift shield. The wheels of cheese hanging from one wall look fairly sturdy and round, though heavy and brittle. The casks of salted fish nearby and the large tubs of wash water in the room beyond both are topped by solid wooden covers and might serve in a pinch, for a short time, with some adaptation.

Crates of dried vegetables, sacks of flour, and well-worn work tables with various cooking implements sit around the room as well.

Silence descends as the hot coals burn low in the brick oven hearths, and the group ponders their next move.

---

Morg, if you want to craft a creative shield feel free to do so with the items I mentioned above plus anything else you're likely to find in a bare-bones kitchen of this sort.

Though it's unrelated to a shield, the vision of someone throwing a store of salted fish at unrushing monks makes for a nice visual image =D.

If you all decide to go for a short rest, please post what else you do for the hour, if anything (e.g., crafting a shield, standing watch, eating some of the food, making cookies, etc.) in addition to spending any hit dice for healing.

Mayon spends most of the long rest with his eyes closed, regaining strength and spells alike while scouting through his invisible familiar's eyes.

Mayon's going to spend at least part of the short rest having the Sprite scout around invisibly and looking through their eyes. Areas we haven't been to are top priority, seeing if anyone is approaching, etc.

Mayon's eyes roll up into the back of his head, as the invisible sprite slips out of the doorway from the kitchen into the hallway beyond. Beams of sunlight from the nearby inner courtyard spill into the passage, illuminating the bare stone floor and interior doors.

Through the narrow windows into the entrance hall, the sprite spies yet another monk near the heavy double doors leading out. The cultist is flanked by a pair of hulking creatures. Bare to the chest, both horned beasts carry large greataxes. A bull's head sits atop their powerful necks, and their equine snouts flare with each breath they take.

---

Mayon, make a stealth check for your sprite, with advantage since it's invisible.

There aren't any areas you haven't been to yet other than those behind closed doors. If you want to investigate any new areas, you'll just need to open one =). Just pick which one you want to open, if any - the map includes numbers of unopened doors to make that easier, if you choose to open one.

For a moment Mayon breaks contact with his familiar as it watches in silence, his eyes flying wide as he looks to the party.

"We may have trouble. There's a monk by the front stairs with two bull-men. Massive, strong-looking things. I don't fancy a fight with those." He says, keeping his voice soft.

18:05, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 19,28 using d20+8,d20+8 with rolls of 11,20.  Sprite Stealth (Advantage).

Nat 20, go sprite!
Not sure if the sprite is capable of opening any of those closed doors, so it'll just keep an eye on the baddies by the front to alert via telepathy to Mayon if they approach our location.

EDIT:

18:59, Today: Secret Roll: Mayon Graycross rolled 8 using 1d8+1 with rolls of 7.
18:58, Today: Secret Roll: Mayon Graycross rolled 6 using 1d8+1 with rolls of 5.
18:59, Today: Mayon Graycross rolled 22,15 using d20+4,d20+4 with rolls of 18,11.  Arcana Check--Bull Men.

22 Arcana check, and restored to max HP.

This message was last edited by the player at 01:00, Wed 04 Apr 2018.

The monk and bestial guards seem not to notice the invisible sprite, nor do they stray from the entrance hall. Otherwise, the corridor outside the kitchen remains quiet and free from sound or movement.

---

Mayon or others can make an Arcana check to determine what the bull-men are based on Mayon's description. Mayon can roll with advantage, since he's seen them thru his familiar's eyes.

Let's say you have a successful short rest - everyone can go ahead and roll any hit dice to recover hp that you'd like in your next post, and recover anything else you normally would during a short rest.

Also, continue to post anything else you'd like to do during the hour-long short rest, and where you're headed afterwards.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:59, Wed 04 Apr 2018.

"We're here only to establish a base of operations. If it is too well guarded, there is no shame in withdrawing. I don't know."

She prayed and rested during the hour, and looked refreshed and ready to move out as soon as the hour was up.

---

Spent 1 hd, recovered 9 hitpoints, puts me back at full.

Morg uses his goblin dirk to try and cut out 4 notches on the edges of a wooden cover from a wash water tub. He then empties 2 sacks of flour, and ties the sacks as makeshift enarmes for a rudimentary shield. With a piece of chalk he makes his insignia of rank on it, with a dwarven rune covering it.

He whispers "I personally don't like sneaking up on people and attacking them, even if they are cultists. That said, I'm not scared of cows, tho I'd prefer you wizards deal with these slippery monks."

---

10:03, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 12 using 1d10+2 with rolls of 10.  HP recovered from hit die.
10:18, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 4 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 3.  Dexterity check (?) to try to make a temporary shield from wooden cover and 2 sacks.

Morg probably knows that the makeshift shield isn't going to work, but he'll keep it because he's used to holding a shield while fighting.

Edit: It looks like private text (for e.g. languages, and messages to specific users) also isn't working.

Another edit: language test:  [Language unknown: es m isniun m ntmiut.]

[Language unknown: "e"]
This message was last edited by the player at 06:52, Fri 06 Apr 2018.

Asano scours his memory for creatures that match the description relayed by Mayon. "Mayon, can your familiar open any of the doors in the hall leading to the foyer?" he asks off hand, standing near the kitchen door as he watches for any other enemies approaching the kitchen or mess hall. "There were a couple of chambers between here and there, and if noticed, it may separate those guards a bit."


OOC:
Arcana- 14
Perception- 15

Morg's new makeshift shield looks surprisingly serviceable, though the heavy wood is a little unwieldy. Due to its repeated use around water, it also seems slightly warped in places.

---

Morg's shield can bestow a +1 to AC - for as long as it holds together... =D

Asano believes he may recognize the creatures as minotaurs. He's heard of them from physical descriptions, but doesn't know much about them.

Others can try arcana checks as well, to recall more details - Rona can make such a roll at advantage.

Let's assume the short rest is over, though if anyone else wants to recover hp by burning hit dice you can do so on your next post. @Rona, I'm looking at you...

This message was last edited by the GM at 22:38, Wed 04 Apr 2018.

"Minotaurs are said to be powerful opponents, but I don't much else about them," Asano says to the group after Mayon's description. "If we intend to fight them, we need to go in fast, armor to the front. We may be better served exploring other areas first." He nods to Zora, continuing, "But trying to take this monastery may be a larger task we can manage with our resources."

"We're in," she said grimly. "We're committed already. We won't get a better chance. This cult is obviously full of rotten people, and they are going to want revenge on us for killing their leader. I don't think we can get cold feet now."

"Morg and I can go up front, I can take a hit better than most. Move slow and careful. Let's go find those minotaurs."

Asano's lips thin grimly as he pulls both wands. "Agreed, we should move through and silence each group of guards we encounter. Leaving enemy's at our back is suicide."

Rona slips out the back door to the kitchen, bidding the party adieu. "Off to seek that ambush I told you about," he says tersely before he is gone.

Slipping through the kitchen door, the remaining group moves quietly through the mess hall and into the corridor beyond. No movement is evident, though they know of guards at least in the entrance hall, thanks to Mayon's scouting.

---

Map updated.

Anything you'd like to do especially as you make your way towards the entrance hall? If not I'll set you up as opening that door... and maybe getting a surprise round? Depending on your actions...

@Mayon, I have you at 1/2 hit points, so if you like you can still roll an HD or two to recover hp from the short rest. You also have recovered your spell slots, of course.

Moving at the front with Morg, she pressed on towards the entrance hall, ready for a fight.

---

Fine with pressing on. My stealth is abysmal in heavy armor and low dex, but if we can burst through the door I'm happy with a surprise round!

The group bursts through the door into the entrance hall, catching the waiting monk and minotaurs unawares. Seemingly ready for an attack through the exterior double doors, they are slow to react to the sudden arrivals of a group of robed monks.

Seeing the group's robes the monk visibly relaxes, until he says Morg's bare face. "It's them!" the monk cries, belatedly bracing for attack.

---

Surprise round! Do with it what you will. The map is updated.

Also, anyone who wishes to can make a perception check.

Round 1 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Sprite	22
Monk	20	Surprised
Minotaurs	13	Surprised
Asano	12
Morg	10
Zora	7
Mayon	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 21:25, Sat 14 Apr 2018.

Morg grips his makeshift shield and launches at the minotaur with his warhammer, grinning while saying "Surrender, or I'll be having some tenderized brisket tonight!"

---

Move: 5' to AA32 (or 15' to AC33 if Mi1 is out).

Action: attack on Mi1 (or Mi2 if Mi1 is out) with warhammer unless they've surrendered - hits AC 22 for 14 bludgeoning damage. If minotaur was hit, then it must make a WIS save (DC 14) or be frightened.

16:11, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 22 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 16.  Mi1 (or Mi2) attacked with warhammer if they haven't surrendered.
16:11, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 8 using 1d8+6 with rolls of 2.  Mi1 (or Mi2)'s bludgeoning damage from warhammer.
16:12, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 6 using 1d8 with rolls of 6.  Menacing attack on Mi1 (or Mi2) who must make a WIS save (DC 14) or be frightened.