The air is still and heavy as the morning sun shines through the shutters of Feathergale Spire. Despite the early hour the heat seems to radiate from stone of the tower. The swirling mists in the valley below seem almost like steam, boiling out of a heated cauldron.

Aside from the stirrings of the party who conquered the air cultists here, all is still within the Spire.

Mayon groans as he awakens, as he slept fitfully. Though he has no memories of any particular dreams, he has the distinct impression that his patron is not pleased with him. He doesn't feel as rejuvenated as he should.

---

Jak earns Inspiration for completing his second "secret mission", clearing out the raiders who he swore to stop attacking nearby hamlets and caravans!

Mayon's crummy hp roll has to have an in-world explanation, right? =)

What's next?
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:20, Sat 11 Aug 2018.

Jak finished up last watch and began waking people. Then he wandered off - well, not wandered, really. He knew exactly where he was going. He headed down to the stables to check in on Sharpwind and make sure she was okay, had food, was brushed if she needed to be, and anything else he could think of - but mainly making sure she was okay.

Then he began to thoroughly search Thurl's room and the other knight's at the top-most rooms, working his way down until the rest of the party informed him they were ready to go or what the consensus on a plan was.

Jak wakes before the others, and spends a fair amount of time rooting through the knight's chambers and the supplies strewn about the stables. With a flash of insight, he realizes these all must be stolen goods, from the "knights'" raiding parties.

Some of the items are ruined, but others seem to be in good condition.

---

Jak finds 12 feathered cloaks and enough gold in the knights' chests to increase the Day 7 per-PC payout to 149 gp/apiece. There's also a laundry list of stolen goods available from the stables - see below.

Here's an updated list of everything to be distributed to everyone's character sheets, plus the stuff that's also available to be claimed/investigated:

Treasure to be distributed:
- 149 gp each to all (including Alnessa)
- Thurl's ring, a feather-patterned golden ring set with a garnet - 250gp
- Potion of Heroism: For 1 hour after drinking it, you gain 10 Temporary Hit Points that last for 1 hour. For the same Duration, you are under the effect of the bless spell (no Concentration required). This blue potion bubbles and steams as if boiling.
- Spell scroll: unidentified
- Spell scroll: Skywrite - Jak is the only one in the party currently who can cast this, because he's a bard.

In addition, there are some items that aren't necessarily treasure per se, but that the group did acquire and would be good to distribute to folks' character sheets:
- 2 keys recovered from Qarbo's corpse in the Standing Stone monastery
- 4 trade bars from Mirabar worth 5 gp each, found in the tunnels below Red Larch
- Monk garb, recovered from monks in the Standing Stone monastery - 9 robes & masks

There's also the question about the magic dagger Reszur, whether Morg or Zora should carry that by default - if Zora's keeping the magic dagger we should probably move the description to her character sheet.


Other stuff available at the Spire - will be left behind unless claimed:
From the stables - items in good enough working order to use:
- 5 healing potions
- shovel
- empty chest
- portable ram
- 10 iron spikes
- hooded lantern
- hunting trap
- abacus
- robes
- vial of unidentified liquid
- grappling hook

From the armory:
- 3 longswords
- 3 suits of scale mail w/ matching helmets (one dwarf sized)
- 4 shields
- 4 longbows
- 4 quivers of 20 arrows each

From the knights's rooms:
- 12 feathered cloaks
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:04, Mon 13 Aug 2018.

After waking and eating, Morg takes a piton and starts scraping off the mountain-peak-shaped chevron insignia and dwarven rune on his shield, muttering "[Language unknown: Ithestrom waisho el ounstaint ee hisol lo ombero wasdayrat pr arill neut'icrithsa u hiieio dinortnti ntliss...]" under his breath.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:46, Mon 13 Aug 2018.

"If you're going to swear, might as well make it so we can all understand," she joked at Morg after she'd taken time to pray and eat. She helped herself to a longsword to compliment her morning star and reszur.

"Are you sure you don't want this back?" she asked Morg, indicating the dagger. "It is quite a lovely weapon."

Alnessa steeled herself, peeking over the window ledge and into the castle. She dangled high above the grounds below, her bare feet gripping the rough stone, but she didn't mind. Climbing something so high was new to her, and the challenge had been worth it.

Seeing it clear, she pulled herself up the rest of the way, the lithe Elf slipping through the human-sized window and into the castle proper. Her features were hidden by the hood over her head and the scarf around her mouth, and though she carried a spear on her back, she made no move to pull it out. There was no need to fight just yet. Not until she got a better lay of the place. Hearing far off voices, she crept closer, curious. Once she found a good vantage point, she would hunker down and observe, looking for the one called Savra.

OOC: Hi everyone! Didn't know how to push my way into the game, so I hope you don't mind if she spies on Zora, Morg and company go over their loot!

Alnessa'Elbrani rolled 25 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 18.  stealth.

Mayon rubs his forehead, exhausted and irritable from a restless night. Apparently his patron wasn't too thrilled with his actions, though there wasn't exactly a lot he could do on his own. Fey just didn't understand mortal limitations, it seemed.

"I'd like to get that other scroll looked at if we get the chance. Can't figure it out myself, unfortunately." He says with a sigh. "The blue potion's got some effects that would be more useful for Morg or Zora, I think. And we can each take a healing potion. Might be nice in an emergency.

Jak smiled at Sharpwind and gave her one last pet before he turned and began gathering all the things he had found in to a pile. There was no way he could carry it all himself, of course. He shook his head slightly at the 'raiding' the 'knights' had done. He scoffed ot himself. Knight, indeed. Just airborne bandits! Rude hosts, too!

He began making trips while the others were still waking up to pile the stuff in the room for them to look at. He was still at as Morg ate, which earned him a stink-eye. "Good t'see ya up an' lazin' 'bout. Don't mind me, just gath'rin' everythin' t'gether for you, yer majesty." He flashed a wicked grin at the group.

He finally finished up and collapsed in to a heap against a wall just a short distance from the pile of goods. "Also...found...money..." He sat there, catching his breath.

"You can hold on to Dweeble's dagger for now," Morg says to Zora, "it might help against that river pirate who may know where your Shadowkeel fella is."

"Do we secure this tower as a stronghold, keep looking for the delegation, or do something else?" he says, looking thru Jak's loot.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:21, Tue 14 Aug 2018.

Huet opens the door to his chamber, already fully armored, as the group gathers recovered goods together from the rest of the tower. A brief scowl flits across his face at the sight of the loot, but it is gone in an instant.

"Prithee," he begins, rubbing his eyes. "what doth my rescuers plan to do from hither?"

Jak shrugged. "Well....I mean....this place DOES have a nice stable already set up for Sharpwind, which is cool....but I'm dubious of our holdin' this place if we leave for any amount o'time."

He thought about things, but Huet entered and spoke. Jak's face scrunched up a bit at the weird language the knight used. "Um...We may go hither an' yon, but we are discussin' right now." He grinned, and then looked at his compatriots. "I mean we have stuff we should get t'doin', but...havin' a place t'hole up ain't bad."

"I agree, a place to hole up would be ideal. We should search it thoroughly though (or have we already?) I'd hate to have any unpleasant discoveries."

She shrugged at Morg. "I want to pursue Shadowkeel of course, but I feel we should have a place to call home before we launch new raids."

The group spends some time pawing through loot collected from various areas around the Spire. Hauling it into the Great Hall was a chore, but at least now it was all collected together.

During a pause in the conversation, a soft sneeze echos from the stairwell.

---

Alnessa was the one who sneezed - in case I wasn't being obvious enough! =D

@Zora yup, you can assume you've thoroughly searched the Spire at this point, though if there's any particular additional investigation you want to make feel free to post that.

To move things along I'm going to suggest the following loot split based on the discussion I've seen so far - this is really up to the PCs to decide however, so if the group wants to change this at all please feel free to discuss/post changes.

Treasure to be distributed to everyone:
- 149 gp each to all (including Alnessa)
- Potion of Healing
- Monk garb, recovered from monks in the Standing Stone monastery
- 1 feathered cloak, recovered from Feathergale Spire

Treasure to be given to individuals:
- Potion of Heroism --> Zora
- Spell scroll: unidentified --> Mayon
- Spell scroll: Skywrite --> Jak
- 2 keys recovered from Qarbo's corpse in the Standing Stone monastery --> Morg
- 4 trade bars from Mirabar worth 5 gp each, found in the tunnels below Red Larch --> Zora
- Longsword --> Zora
- Longbow & up to 4 quivers of arrows --> Alnessa
- Thurl's ring, a feather-patterned golden ring set with a garnet - 250gp --> Jak
- other stuff --> left behind

Alnessa wasn't used to dust, especially the dusty dust of closed confines and buildings made of stone. So when the sneeze overtook her, she was just as surprised as the rest of them, sneezing right into her scarf loud enough to echo off the walls.

But it didn't matter. These people were interlopers, and these speaks of making camp here and raiding, they had to be bandits! So without missing a beat, the young Elf jumped to her feet, spear in hand and stepped out of the shadows. "Hold, bandits! What have you done to the inhabitants of this monastery! Where is the one called Savra?" she demanded as harshly as she could, though the words came out in the sing-song cadence of an Elf.

She turned towards the newcomer in shock and alarm. Seeing she was alone, or hoping she was, she looked over the new girl's compact, graceful form. She looked formidable, but not so much that Zora was in full battle mode. Not yet at least.

"Guess we missed a spot," she muttered to herself about the thoroughness of their search of the spire.

"You want to field the Savra question?" she asked her companion.

"The double-crossing knights were the bandits." Morg says. "Well, except for Savha and fancy-pants Huet, who helped us."

"You're not with the Sacred Stone Monastery, right?" he says, looking at her green cloak. He holds out an empty hand, "My name's Morg."

"Savra seems to have left sometime during the night, I'm afraid. The rest of the folk here were, as they say, the bandits who forced us to defend ourselves." Mayon says, holding up his hands in hopes of defusing the situation.

"I am Mayon Graycross. Perhaps you can tell us what brings you here yourself?" He adds, somewhat more calmly.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:01, Sat 18 Aug 2018.

Alnessa took a step back when Mayon held out his hand, her eyes narrowing at the half-human. "Stay back," she said, waving her spear in their general direction. But she did lower it when they assured her that they were not bandits, and that Savra was not here. She let out a frustrated sigh, her graceful body rising up to her full height as she dropped her battle-stance.

"My apologies. The road has been long, and I have not met many non-elves, or learned of your strange ways," she said, slipping her spear back into its scabbard on her back. Even without the weapon, she was sure she could defend herself. She pulled down her scarf, revealing the youthful, beautiful face of a Wood Elf. "I am Alnessa'Elbrani, of High Forest," she said, a fist to her heart and a bow to her head. "I am looking for the half-human Savra. She may be connected to the disappearance of human homesteaders who were allies of my clan. Last I heard, she was here."

Jak raised an eyebrow as the person sneezed and then burst in on them with a spear. He turned to look at them but otherwise didn't react. There was only one of them, after all, and many of his group. He shook his head as the others explained.

He smirked. "Yeah, she was here last we knew, too - but 'parently not any more." He raised an eyebrow at her again. "Uh huh." Pause. "Half-human, huh? Nice." The tone of his words made it clear he didn't think it was nice at all.

He paused ."Hey, how'd you get in here? Just curious since we may have security issues with this place still."

"Yes, half-human. An Elf with human blood. Is that not what they are called in human languages?" Alnessa said, raising an eyebrow of her own. These humans were so strange. Still. she persevered. Savra had been here, and perhaps these confusing humans, dwarves and half-humans would bring her to some answers. "How did I get in? I climbed," she answered simply, with a very human shrug.

She looked back at Mayon. "That is frustrating news, kinsman. I hoped she would have answers. Why did she leave? And why are you here? What happened to the original inhabitants?"

(OOC: I already know, so no need to write a summary. Someone can just write something like "He/She explained what had happened" and I'll be fine.)

Asano studies the letter recovered from Thurl's chamber, and looks up at mention of Savra. "I think Savra got in over her head here," Asano muses. "She hoped to somehow find a weapon, or allies, against Bastian Thermandar. But from her comments and actions I think she found herself helping with things she should not have been doing..."

The half-elf holds out the parchment in his hand. "This letter mentions recovery of prisoners from the Black Earth cult, the monks in the Sacred Stone monastery. Those prisoners could have been captured from anywhere, presumably, but something..." He trails off. "Savra told me that she had seen some members of the Mirabar delegation and that Elessina was among them." A pained expression crosses his face, and he continues quickly. "I wonder if the captives from the letter had any connection with the missing delegation? If so, Elessina might be among them. And they may be prisoners of the Air Cult."

Huet looks uncomfortable during the discussion of Savra, but says nothing. Eventually he moves to the window and looks out on the valley below.

Jak smirked at the elf and restrained himself shaking his head again. The elf seemed a bit...snobby? Elitist? Maybe a touch racist? But that could all be perception, or misperception on his part. After all, humans were the ones who had likely created the term 'half-elf' but he didn't know for sure. "I've always heard humans an' elves both call 'em 'half-elves' personally." He shrugged his shoulders.

She climbed in? That...seemed intense. She must be one hell of a climber.

To Asano's words he frowned slightly. "Wait...these guys here recovered prisoners from those monks, an' they might've been part o'the missin' delegation?" He looked around. "We didn't find any prisoners here. Dunno who this 'Air Cult' is though..." One eyebrow went up and he looked annoyed. "ANOTHER group we gotta deal with? Man. No rest for the wicked."

"If the feathergale knights weren't an air cult, I don't know what is," she muttered angrily. She looked at Huet looking uncomfortable in the corner.

"You! knight. What do you know of air cults? And of Savra's mission?"

---

12:55, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 14 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 8.  insight on huet, is he hiding something?

"Perhaps we will have a chance to debate the finer points of the Elven language, but not now," Alnessa shrugged to the tenacious human. To be called Half-Elf seemed distasteful. Why diminish the better half?

She turned her attention to the brooding knight, and though she only half-understood what was happening, she too joined in the chorus with the pretty human. "Yes! Answer her questions! Where is Savra? I will not stop my hunt until she answers for her..."

She trailed off. Crimes? She wasn't sure if any crime had been committed.

"...Absence!"

Asano shrugs. "It stands to reason they are a cult. They fight against the Earth Cult we discovered at the monastery. Savra said they sought to master elemental air. They have some rather extreme ceremonies - such as threatening their guests with being thrown off the top of their tower." He shrugs again. "Sounded like a cult to me."

Huet scowls at Zora, Alnessa, and Asano in turn. "We are - or perhaps were - a group of flying enthusiasts, hunters, sportsmen and women, and protectors of the valley. Many of us came from Waterdeep and are fine upstanding citizens of that city."

His haughty tone falters after a moment, and his shoulders slump. "Whilst time went on, I began to have my suspicious that not all was as it seemed. Thurl met on occasion with other groups, and he was sometimes secretive about what those groups wanted and what they would ask of us. Some of our rituals were indeed extreme, more than merely passing strange. I suppose the leadership of the group could have been wrapped up in a cult after all."

He mops his brow in the heat radiating from the stone. "Savra did speak of attacking that group to the northeast of here, associated with Bastian Thermandar, but Thurl always redirected her towards other targets, never quite saying no to her. I suspecteth he never would have attacked them despite Savra's belief that he would, once we had gained enough power. I think now her plan is to find some other way to get at Thermandar, and she's left to find it. And probably she feeleth some shame in her actions, which spurred her to leave suddenly."
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:36, Tue 21 Aug 2018.

"That's not all you were," she scowled at the knight as she listened to his story. She could tell there was more to what he was saying.

"You need to tell us everything. No holding back. Thurl is gone and you WERE serving a cult! You need to make a clean break from that and redeem yourself good knight."

I've got nothing for charisma skills, but insight? He's not telling us everything. Someone want to browbeat him more effectively than me?

Jak made some gestures with his hands towards Zora as if to say 'calm down' or 'okay, okay, hang on'. But with his back to Suet, he gave her a wink. Then he turned to the knight with a concerned frown on his face. He lowered his voice a bit, but not enough so his companions couldn't hear him if they wanted to.

"Look. Huet. We've all been through quite a lot lately. It's been beyond rough, honestly. Some of us," He deliberately didn't look around at any of his companions, "are a bit cranky an' agitated...an' I know you're tryin' t'be helpful here, but if there's anythin' more you could tell us, somethin' important that might..." He put up a hand to say the next bit behind as if a secret between just the two of them, though he didn't lower his voice, "placate others...that would be very much appreciated." He winked at the knight. "I mean, I have t'travel with these people, y'unnerstand. You'd really be doin' me a solid here."

09:00, Today: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 18 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 12.  Persuasion.

Huet sighs, then reluctantly begins. "Mayhap there are some other bits of knowledge I can pass along. The - group - nameth themselves the Howling Hatred. Verily, Asano is right, its members dedicate themselves to harnessing the destructive powers of wind and storm. Wind can be a powerful ally." Huet's eyes gleam. "Channeled properly, it can express your innermost desires, gain you things wrongfully denied, e'en punish those who have wronged you."

Seemingly freed of his reticence, Huet continues eagerly on. "The Howling Hatred is ledeth by our prophet and queen, Aerisi Kalinoth, and we are her loyal subjects. Ne'er have I met her, yet I am betold that musicians and courtiers come from far and wide to flatter and amuse her."

Huet pauses again, a little abashed at his excitement. "I am told she is very formidable, and that she bears a divine token as a weapon - a mighty spear. She dwells within a temple devoted to elemental air, and that temple is heavily guarded. I would not recommend making an enemy of her. Her skill with the spear - and her anger - ar't formidable indeed."

Huet turns to Alnessa. "Savra did participate in the raids, along with the other knights. There may have been one as far distant as the High Forest, I suppose, though I heard not a word from her of enmity towards the elves. Always from her it was plans to attack the fire-worshippers." Huet peers at Jak, Zora, and the rest, his face a question. "Dost thou now haveth the information ye seek?"

---

It's clear this is all Huet will volunteer on his own, but if you have other specific questions ask away!

She shrugged and replied, "Thank you for being open with us. It seems we have a bigger problem than we thought. Though it seems approaching Kalinoth and The Howling Hatred in their temple is too much for us right now."

"I have my own problems with Shatterkeel and Quanderil. If no one has any more pressing suggestion, I say we travel to Womford and track them down. There may be clues to your missing delegation along the way."

She turned again to Huet and asked, "about this delegation. Have you any knowledge of them? What happened to them? I think Thurl did, perhaps you overheard something?"

OOC: Did we search Thurl's office thoroughly?

Morg nods as Zora speaks, "If it's even possible the Mirabar delegation's been captured and there are still members alive as prisoners - then I think we have to go look in Womford."

Jak smiled at Huet. "Thanks, Huet. I think that's good. You've been a solid ally, an' comin' from the Feathergale Knight ranks, that's sayin' somethin'!" He offered his hand to shake.

Then to Zora and Morg he gave a nod. "Yeah, I'd like t'try an' find the missin' delegates if we could." He gave a shrug and frowned. "Womford? Sure. Okay. Can I take Sharpwind?"

Huet looks regretful. "I was not part of the raiding party that intercepted them, but I have overheard conversations. Methinks that the earth cult did attack the Mirabar delegation. We Knights did attack them in turn on their way back to their lair, and we recovered several of the Mirabar delegation in that raid. Methinks the dead may be buried to the south of here, wherest I did first encounter some of you and did slay the remains of an ogre."

---

You did search Thurl's office thoroughly =)
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:50, Thu 30 Aug 2018.

The discussion is interrupted with a bell ring. Someone is trying to get into the Spire.

Though the bell rings from beyond the twenty foot gap between the ledge and drawbridge to Feathergale Spire, its clarion call clearly reaches the second floor where the group stands discussing plans.

---

I will assume the prior day's riches are distributed as previously discussed, unless anyone posts alternative plans.

Mayon jolted at the sound, glancing in the direction of the front entrance.  He murmured softly to the sprite on his shoulder, which nodded and turned invisible, going to scout out their new arrival.

A tall figure in dark cloak stands near the drawbridge, watching the spire in silence. The hood fails to conceal two long, pointy ears.

Absent-mindedly, they fiddle with a coin in one hand. The gold piece weaves in and out of sight in a practiced sleight of hand show.

Myr moves quickly out the window to observe the figure on the other side of the gap. The figure's head moves slightly in Myr's direction.

After a few seconds the newcomer sighs and stops fiddling with the coin.

"Invisible is not imperceptible. Now, will you lower the drawbridge or continue to be rude?"

While waiting on Mayon's scout, Morg turns to Huet, "Were any of the recovered delegation still alive, and if so do you know where they could be now?"

"If any did remain alive, they were likely taken to the Temple of Howling Hatred," Huet replies.

Jak moved to the window and called down in his best arrogant knight voice. "Halt!" Even though he clearly already had. "Who goes there? State your name and business or be turned away!" He leaned back slightly and turned his face towards his companions to let out a little giggle that was definitely not knight-like. He had barely stopped himself from giving some long-winded and/or flowery language about what this place was that the person had approached. Instead he simply waited for the response.

"A weary traveller by the name of Findarion... Looking for answers to a few questions." The man answers cautiously in a melodic voice, turning towards Jak.

He shifts back a little and stopped playing with the coin, asking with a bit of hesitation. "...What is it that has you so amused?"

Morg looks Huet over. "I think one of the stone monastery monks said you lot were the Howling Hatred, so where's this air temple?"

---

12:25, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 11 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 10.  Insight check on Huet, to see if he's being honest.

Huet looks at Morg warily. "There are'est a few ways in and out, I understand. The one I know of lies below, in the Sighing Valley." He points out the window to the swirling mists below the tower, to the east.

Jak looked back down at the person for a moment in silence, mirth gone. "One moment."

To his companions he quietly asked while facing away from the window, "Whaddya think? Should we let 'im in? Ask his questions from our current position? Tell 'im t'piss off?" He raised an eyebrow. "I mean, it's not really our place anyway. Or are we plannin' on makin' a home here? It's got a stable already set up for Sharpwind, which is nice."

"I'm always willing to listen. Let's be nice. Until it turns out there's a reason to not be nice?"

"I don't see a reason not to let him in, myself." Mayon said, snapping his fingers to recall  Myr and shaking his head faintly. "Though this place has certainly gotten popular."

Jak gave a slight raise of his shoulders to indicate a shrug. He turned back to look down and called down to the person. "It has been decided that we shall grant you a brief audience. It will take a moment, but we are coming down." He moved away from the window and idly thought about taking Sharpwind down to 'meet' the new arrival and see if he pooped his pants. He thought better of it and just headed down to open the door.

The drawbridge lowers to a rest near Findarion's feet.

"Splendid. Now, would you mind telling me, first and foremost, what is this spire?" Findarion replies more jovially, taking off his hood to reveal a youthful elven face with quite the ears, long and sharp like a dagger. "I saw it from miles away. Stands out from the environment, it does."

Jak  "Wellllll...up until yesterday it was called Feathergale Spire." He paused and scratched his chin, looking thoughtful. "I'm not sure if we're gonna re-name it. Heck, I'm not sure if we're gonna continue t'stay here actually. We've been discussin' it."

His head tilted to the side. "Oh. Right. I'm Jakrynn Redgate." He paused again and one eyebrow rose. "So. You saw the spire an' just...came t'investigate it? That's why you're here?"

Stopping midway, the elf asks. "...What happened yesterday? Who are you?" He glances at the gathered crowd.

"I'm Findarion, and yes, I came to investigate, hoping to find answers... I'm looking for a particular group of people, who have something very dear to me."

As the group stands on either side of the drawbridge a sudden rainstorm breaks the heat of the day. Within minutes the sky darkens and the temperature drops to more comfortable levels.

A brief glance around reveals that Alnessa has disappeared as quickly as she appeared. The pathway that leads along the western edge of the Sighing Valley appears to have a small cloud of dust at the edge of sight to the north, as if one or more people are approaching.

---

Alnessa has left us, unfortunately. I'll be seeking a replacement in due time. Recommendations welcome!
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:53, Mon 10 Sept 2018.

Who or whatever is approaching from the north is approaching quickly. A cloud of mist and dirt shrouds it, swirling in the morning sun.

Jakrynn gave a slow shrug and spread his hands. "We cleaned house. The people who used t'live here were asshole murders an' pyschopaths claimin' t'be Knights, forced  us t'go attack others, tried t'burn us t'death in our sleep when we didn't want t'join up - generally all-around nice guys."

His head tilted to the side. "Toldja'lready. I'm Jakrynn. Bard an' adventurer!" His eyes narrowed slightly. "What group'a people y'lookin' for, an' whatta they got o'yours?"

Then his attention was drawn to the north. "Huh. Guess who's comin' t'dinner..." He began stepping back inside and shutting the place up once more. "Come in if you're comin' in, cause we're closin'!"

With but a moment of hesitation Findarion heads inside.

"I suppose I should be happy I arrived here after your 'cleaning', if what you say is true." he remarks. "Well, let us see who has arrived."

As the group approaches, their forms become more distinct through the haze and dust. Three large, dark, canine forms approach the far side of the lowered drawbridge, moving quickly along the trail.

"I was going to suggest we go eastwards to this Temple of Howling Hatred," Morg says, narrowing his eyes at the canines, "but if those things are Worgs, then I'd rather make sure they don't get into the spire. Or anywhere else for that matter."

The hounds reach the far side of the drawbridge and slow to a stop, their red eyes glinting in the misty air. Steam rises from their nostrils from the exertion of their run, and hard muscles tense beneath jet black fur. They paw restively at the earth as they stare warily into the front hall at the group assembled there.

Morg backs up a bit, asking the rest of the party "Are those worgs?"

---

14:11, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 4 using 1d20 with rolls of 4.  Nature/Arcana/History check to ID the red eyed, black hounds.

The beasts stare hungrily at the party as the drawbridge goes up and Jak closes the heavy wooden doors.

---

Morg doesn't have a clue what these beasts are, though they all look large and powerful.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:14, Thu 13 Sept 2018.

"The day turns out to be interesting..."

12:04, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 16 using 1d20 with rolls of 16.  What are these? +3, +5 if history.

Jak stepped back from Findarion so as to not hurt his ears and then yelled up towards the rest of those in the Spire. "OY! You lot upstairs! We got an uninvited guest t'meet an' some....hounds?...or somethin' just outside." He paused and then called up a question, "Anybody able t'talk with dogs??" He let out a chuckle. It was possible, but he knew he couldn't actually speak with them himself aside from the "Who's a good boy?" sort of thing and that seemed unlikely to work here.

He tried to find a vantage point where he could see and call out to the dogs nearby just in case.

The Spire seems quiet, though a glance through the windows near the main entrance shows that the hounds remain on the other side of the raised drawbridge.

"Hellhounds. The name describes them well. I may have seen them from a distance on my way here... They're quite capable trackers."

"Are they devils, or just named that way?" Morg says, struggling to look at the hounds thru any windows or balistraria.

"Are they here tracking you Mr. Findahion?"

"Not sure. I know they are fiends. And no, they aren't tracking me as far as I know. Are they tracking one of you?"

"I try not to aggravate fiends, so I don't think they're here for me." Morg says, and then, smiling at the bard "I can't speak for Jak tho."

He makes a little bow to the new elf, "The names Morg Danforge."

"As far as I know they're not looking for us. Perhaps they were sent to target the previous residents." Mayon says, frowning and looking out the window. He glances over briefly at Findarion. "Ah, Mayon, by the way. Mayon Graycross. And Myr." He motions to the now visible sprite beside him, which is still scowling over having been noted.

Findarion winks at the sprite.

"Well, I have a suspicion... You know anything about the fire cultists? I managed to narrow my search to this approximate area. The hellhounds might be with them." Realization strikes him. "Which might mean they are tracking me, after all."

Jak looked surprised and then mildly offended, hamming it up with appropriate exaggeration for a moment of course, at Morg's words. "HEY! I resemble that remark! Actually...I've not had anythin' t'do with fiends that I know."

He shivered slightly when informed they were hellhounds. "Don't like the looks of 'em. Should we kill 'em?" A long pause. "....how do we kill 'em? I mean, are they kind of just tougher, meaner, fire-breathin' dogs?"

He looked over at Findarion. "Of course they're trackin' you. They were hot on your heels!" He glanced at Morg with a slight chuckle and 'did you hear what I did there' sort of face. Then he sobered and shrugged. "You met us, didn't you? We're trouble magnets, so it's not like....wait Fire Cultists? Damn! What is it with all these cultists of an elemental nature??"

A short chuckle was quickly stifled as Jak expressed surprise. "You mean there is more of these rascals, AND you don't know anything? Just great, then." The elf rolled his eyes, sighing and leaning against the wall.

"Well, what do you know of the other elemental cults then? My best chance seems to be to get to the fire cult through the other three elements, somehow."

"Well, there was a base of sorts for the Air Cult here, under the guise of knights from Waterdeep. They seem to have others elsewhere based on a letter we found, but we cleared out the ones here. There's a monastery that belongs to the Earth Cult, members wear stone masks." Mayon says, still eyeing the Hellhounds warily.

"Mind if I ask why exactly why a bunch of fire cultists are hunting you? We haven't really encountered them thus far."

Findarion seems to hesitate for a moment before opening up a bit to these strangers with similar distaste for elemental cultists.

"Kidnapping, Mayon, they kidnapped my brother. Messed with the wrong elf, is all I have to say."

"Zora," she finally introduced herself to their new companion, roused from her thoughts. "And kidnapping is a serious problem. she moved forward to defend her group from the hounds.

After several minutes, the hellhounds slink way into the surrounding hills.

Jak watched outside and then leaned back in slowly. "Huh." He scratched his chin. "Suppose we caught a break an' they got bored? Or more like our luck's been goin' an' they're off t'get reinforcements?"

He let out a sigh, figuring it was likely the latter. "A'right. So. Do we go help this person who just showed up chased by hellhounds with a kidnapped siblin' story?" He grinned widely. While his tone was a bit flippant, he sounded ready to go do just that.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:06, Fri 21 Sept 2018.

Findarion's keen eyes follow the hellhounds as they hide in the hills. His face was slowly singing while they had the conversation, losing its cheer.

"Somehow I doubt it is the last we've seen of these... I suppose we should be grateful they got bored quickly." He chuckled dryly.

"Well, it would be quite weird that the elemental cults were NOT connected with each other. Have you searched this place thoroughly?"

I'd like to give this place a good shakedown for clues to whereabouts of the Fire Cult.

Huet clears his throat. "The fire cult hath some sort of a camp to the northeast of here, in the heart of the Sumber Hills. I canst describe its location for you, though you mayhaps find it easily by following the smoke. I willn't accompany you there if you decide to go."

---

Huet describes the distances a bit more precisely, and I've marked its rough location on the The Dessarin Valley map.

"Oh I think they're connected. Given our experience with the knights and the earth priests I think they're all at war with each other. "

She watched the hounds go with a frown. "It's probably best to chase them down, deal with them alone before they show up when we're engaged with something else, no?"

Jak gave a shrug and nodded at Zora. "Sure! Why not? My day's free thus far." He winked at Morg, "So many cultists, so little time." He let out a chuckle and then stopped suddenly, looking back at Zora.

"Aw, do we have to?" He let out a sigh. "Bleh. Fine. Do we have someone good at trackin'?"

"Some good news at last, thank you!" Findarion nods at Huet. "Who would you be, sir?"

He turns towards the window, watching the surrounding hills. "I am not the best at tracking, but I'm fairly good at spotting." He winks at the sprite.

"I'm not fast enough to catch the hounds" Morg says, and looking at Jak, "and I'd rather not fall off some flying thing; but I'd like to go east anyway towards this air cult temple to look for any remaining delegation hostages."

"So, a thoro search here, then east to the smokey camp, and farther east to the air temple?"

Huet bows formally to Findarion. "I am Huet, Feathergale Knight and acquaintance of this band of - cult hunters." His cultured voice takes on an edge as he pronounces the word 'cult'.

"Master dwarf, a slight correction to your geography," Huet says carefully to Morg, sketching an invisible map into the flagstones of the entrance hall with his sword tip. "The nearest entrance to the Temple of Howling Hatred lyeth on the far side of the Sighing Valley just below us, thus." He taps an imaginary point not far from his indication of the location of the Spire. "Though I have not visited the temple, I understandeth that the stair down to it lies in Knifepoint Gully, from whence the Lost River originates. I advise you again to steer clear of the Temple - Aerisi Kalinoth is not said to suffer intruders gladly."

"The camp with fire cultists is beyond the Sighing Valley, in the heart of the Sumber Hills." He moves the tip of his sword a couple of flagstones to his right.

---

It's a little confusing, but the Sighing Valley is the steep-sided misty location where Feathergale Spire is located, and where you are now. It lies within the Sumber Hills region, which is much larger.

See maps of Feathergale Spire & Sighing Valley and The Dessarin Valley for reference to locations.

Hope that helps!

"The camp seems to be our best bet. If  nothing else it's close and on the way to anything else that we may have planned." Mayon remarks with a nod.

Jak listened to Huet and gave a nod. That seemed to make sense. He tilted his head to Morg and  glanced at Mayon and shrugged but with a grin. "That sounds best. Fire cult camp it is. Hmm, Fire Cult Camp. Try sayin' that 3 times fast."

He then lit up. "I'll catch up!" He took off upstairs at a run, heading to grab his stuff but then angling to get Sharpwind ready to go. "Hey there girl! Ready to stretch your legs and wings?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:58, Sun 23 Sept 2018.

"I see your point," she smiled and looked down at Morg's short legs. "Perhaps running down hell hounds isn't in our future, with your gait and my heavy armor. Let's head to the camp. Lead on, friend dwarf!"

Lowering the drawbridge, the group crosses the short gap to the far side, then starts heading into the heart of the Sumber Hills, skirting the edge of the misty Sighing Valley. After several miles Huet and Asano announce that they are leaving the group to pursue Savra, who disappeared from the tower the day before, after her rescue.

Farewells exchanged, the remainder of the party continues nearly due east, struggling through the rough hills of the region. A cool breeze rises in the air, and clouds roll in as the group trudges along. The temperature drops, and a light drizzle turns the footing slippery. Still, the group makes steady progress.

Difficult as it is to tell the time of day through the clouds above, the party estimates it as early afternoon when they first become aware of a smoky odor. As they move forward, the misty air thickens with smoke. After some time a tall hill becomes visible in the distance.

Visible through the haze that covers the hill is a square tower ringed by ruined walls. In front of the tower burns a bonfire shaped like a fiery giant. Scattered on the slope below the tower are seven bonfires with tents clustered around them. Humanoid figures huddle near these closer fires. A trail leads up to these hillside encampments.

---

This whole area is lightly obscured. In a lightly obscured area, such as dim light, patchy fog, or moderate foliage, creatures have disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight. Exception: if you have darkvision you can see up to 60' away as if it were bright light.

"Well, well. This is it." Findarion takes a comfortable position and peers through the dim environments.

"How do you usually approach... things? I prefer stealth."

Findarion is looking for a way to the tower, any section of the ruined walls that would be easy to climb?

A path between the scattered encampments that would give him an opportunity to approach stealthily?

Peering through the haze, Findarion can see rough paths through the rocky terrain between the various campfires on this side of the hillside. The camps are dispersed around various places below the tower at the top of the hill, all with a good view of the giant bonfire.

Though the terrain is rough, the slopes farther away from the camps do seem gradual enough to climb, though there is precious little cover aside from the smoky air. The backside of the hillside isn't visible from the party's present location.

The tower itself is ringed with walls in various stages of disrepair.

---

Map updated - see maps thread or here: Fire Camp. It's a little small at the moment, but should give you a high-level visual of the hillside. Don't worry if you can't see the coordinates; if it becomes relevant I'll post a zoomed-in version.




This message was last edited by the GM at 23:29, Tue 25 Sept 2018.

"Stealth is not really my strong point," Zora grumbled, clanking around in her heavy armor. "Not sure there's a much better option. We can go tent by tent, or sneak around to get close to the tower itself. A familiar scouting out ahead might be helpful."

"Should we try to scout out the other side, keeping our distance while watching out for the hellhounds?"

Turning to Findarion, he says "Any chance there's a way to discuss the release of your brother? What's his name, and why was he kidnapped?"

---

10:26, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 2 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 1.  Insight check on Findarion about anything he says about his brother, and the fire cult.

"Agreed. Let's stay far out, I clank like a kitchen at dinner in this armor."

Morg, Findarion has this lovely bridge he'd like to sell you.

"If I had to guess, ransom. But they have not sent any demands yet, as far as I know... And Morg, the last thing I want is to deal with suspicious scoundrels.

My brother's name is Merellien."

Jakrynn flew out on the griffon mount Sharpwind. He stayed aloft and tried to keep an long eyeview out for hellhounds as they traveled. When they approached the fire camp, he swung out wide in a lazy circle around the entire camp to see what was all around it - and if there were any good ways to get in or get to the tower without going through all the tent camps. He stayed a bit back to not only avoid being spotted, but also because there was so much smoke!

Once he'd finished his 'scouting', such as it was, he landed a bit away and bade Sharpwind to stay back from the camp. He didn't want her getting killed or eating any horses the fire camp may have.

He moved quietly up to the party and listened to what they had to say. "Wait, am I the only one good at sneakin'? That seems odd. I mean, we can't fight our way though EVERYTHIN' we come across." He gave a chuckle but then looked at Findarion. "How 'bout you? You stealthy?"

"Yes, like I said it is my preferred approach."

"You boys go have fun, scout out the tower if you like. They're going to hear me coming a mile away, unless I go in naked which kind of defeats the purpose of heavy armor trainin'."

Jak and Findarion circle around the hill warily. They find the back side of the hill to be steep yet climbable. There don't appear to be any fires or creatures on this side of the hill, and no movement is visible.

The light from the bonfire atop the hill casts the ruined walls and the tower in silhouette against the smoky air.

---

There doesn't seem to be anything stopping the group from climbing the backside of the hill. Let me know if that's the way you all want to go, if you want to split up, or do something else.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:57, Fri 28 Sept 2018.

Jak reported back what he'd seen and raised an eyebrow at his more well-armored allies. "How about climbin'? Better at climbin' than sneakin'? The backside o'the hill is steep but we might could climb it."

He scratched his chin a bit in thought then shrugged. "I don't mind sneakin' in, but if we get in t'trouble, there's no way you'll be able t'help us. If we all climb t'gether, there's a chance we get caught or have problems, but we'd be all together, yeah?"

Zora encouraged Morg and anyone else to circle around the tower as well, but taking a much larger circle, so their lack of stealth wouldn't get anyone killed. They regrouped at the far side of the tower, she agreed with Jak.

Together is better, agreed. Ready to move in?"

The group makes their way up the back side of the hill. Rough rocks and underbrush make the going arduous, though not difficult.

Approaching the summit, the half-ruined walls encircling the tower give way to rocky rubble, which continues in a circle around the hilltop. The tower comes into clearer focus through the haze as the party ascends. The tower itself looks none too sturdy. Wooden scaffolding brackets the tower on two sides.

---

I've placed you all most of the way up the backside of the hill (see map). Though you have a clear view of the tower and the top half of the bonfire beyond, from where you are you can't see anything at ground level around the base of the tower.

If you decide to move, it's easiest to refer to the map and post the coordinates of where you're moving to.

Morg tiptoes past the deteriorating walls, keeping a lookout for guards and tall kidnapped elves.

---

18:27, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 7 using 2d20+1, dropping the highest dice only with rolls of 6,17.  Stealth check with disadvantage (from chain mail), moving towards tower.

Move: to AE6, either thru the deteriorating walls, or over if that's not possible.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:30, Mon 01 Oct 2018.

OOC: Oh hell, well if Morg is rolling stealth, what the hell? I did the clicking wrong, but helpfully recorded all dice, so it's an 8 :-)

14:44, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 25 using 2d20 with rolls of 17,8.  strealth with disadvantage.

Zora moved with Morg, hoping at least if they got discovered they wouldn't finger their allies. She stealthed about as well as the dwarf did.

While the heavily armored warriors were not too stealthy, for obvious reasons, Findarion was in his spirit. The elf moved with swiftness and grace, quietly approaching the scaffolding looking for the best way to climb it.

"My guess is..." he whispered, cautiously keeping an ear out for trouble, "...that my brother is in the tower. I don't see any other place where you could securely keep prisoners."


22:52, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 25 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 17.  Stealth

Upon approaching the ruined walls, Findarion, Morg, and Zora can see the ground falls away sharply on the far side. The shallow pit is ringed with cut stones, as if it were once the basement of another structure.

Within the pit, two large hounds roam around a singular figure dressed in a dirty, dark breastplate. The man seems to be playing games with the beasts, which are recognizable as hellhounds. Wrestling a large stick out of their mouths, he throws it a few feet away. Instead of fetching the stick, one of the beasts belches forth a blast of flame that scorches the wood and incinerates it in an instant. Guffawing, the man steps back to drag another branch from a small pile behind him.

The hellhounds glance up at the new arrivals at the ruined rock wall, though they don't otherwise react to Morg, Findarion, and Zora's appearance - yet.

---

Map updated. Be advised there's a steep 7' drop beyond the wall here into the pit with the guard & hellhounds.

Morg ducks, hoping to evade the breastplated figure's sight should it follow the hounds' glances.

He points to what would be the western corner of the scaffolding, and shrugs in a questioning manner.

Zora ducked with Morg. No reason to draw attention to themselves before they were ready.

She frowned at Morg's gesture with a confused look on her face, not sure what he was suggesting.

Jak took a step and found that there was a rock in his shoe. "Ow!" He took his boot off and dumped it out, tapping it a few times to get the rock out of it. He glanced up and noticed his companions were already gone, moving up to the ruined walls. "Hey, wait up!"

He hurried to catch up to them, slipping a bit and almost falling over. "Whoops!" He caught himself and righted himself after a second. He looked around slowly and his lip curled up when he saw the hellhounds.

OOC: Moved up to the wall next to Findarion.
12:10, Today: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 5 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 1.  Stealth.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:16, Tue 02 Oct 2018.

Morg curves his arm, indicating going around the short wall he saw to the west connected to the tower. He then looks at Fin, uses his fingers in a spider-climbing-like way and points to his eyes, indicating possibly scrambling up and looking over the wall at the northwest corner.

Halfway to the pile of wood, the man turns at the noise at the broken wall. "Who goes there?" he rasps, swiftly grabbing a crossbow from his back and aiming it up at the wall above the pit.

---

Map updated.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:06, Thu 04 Oct 2018.

Thinking quickly, Findarion creates an illusory sound of a bear. "ROAR!"

He quickly followed it up with the sound of said bear moving away from the tower.

Minor Illusion, twice.

Jak started to think of what he could do to possibly resolve the situation. He opened his mouth but nearly crapped his pants when what sounded like a bear's roar went off right near him. He started and then froze solid as he heard it moving away. He held his breath as he watched the man with the dogs, mainly because he was still unfreezing slowly.

Immediately, the hounds bolt for the side of the pit, scrambling up it and over the rocky remains of the outer wall.

Careening around towards the source of the noise, they suddenly stop, seeing nothing in the area. Their smoking snouts turns slowly towards the group overlooking the pit.

The man takes a few steps closer to the edge of the pit, then calls up again. "What you all playin' at up there? The show ain't on this side, go 'round the other side if yer here for the Rite. Otherwise I'll sick me dogs on yeh."

---

Map updated.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:32, Fri 05 Oct 2018.

"Round the other side." Morg says and nods to the man, and then starts walking westwards.

---

Move: towards V6.

Zora moved close in with Morg, ready to get discovered at any moment.

---

Also moving towards V6

Jak made a low noise, his voice also becoming deeper and gruffer. "Sure, alright." He then turned towards the others with a wide-eyed look that said 'Wow, we got lucky'. He followed after them when they started moving.

Slightly bewildered, the elf follows the group in silence, dismissing his illusions.

The group moves away towards an offshoot of the broken wall, this one still in fairly good condition. The hellhounds follow slowly, keeping a watchful eye on the group from a distance.

Around the corner of the tower the scaffolding is more easily visible. Standing about thirty feet high, many walkways crisscross the structure about every seven feet up the wall. A rough-looking man walks slowly away from the group towards the front of the hill, then rounds the corner lazily. He holds a smoking lantern in one hand.

Partway down the western side of the hill, a lone dwarf is visible. A few of the campfires can be seen on the southern side, though the figures around them are too distant to make out.

---

Map updated. Where to now?

Findarion plays along with the guard with hellhounds, moving around the tower as advised. He shares a concerned look with the rest of the party.

Morg spots the handsome fellow to the west and nods [Language unknown: "Ingonsher."]

He rounds the wall, keeping an eye out for the hellhounds.

---

Does Morg recognize Magdrak's uniform and shield symbol? Does Magdrak look like one of the fire camp cultists?

If Jak tries to climb the wall, Morg may try to distract the hounds.

Move: towards T5.

The dwarf down the hill stands looking up at the tower, in front of a makeshift campsite. Even from a distance he seems quite tall for one of his kind. Through the smoky air his fair skin, short red hair, and hazel eyes appear washed out, and his features indistinct.  Facing up the hill, a shield with symbols resembling clasped hands and a silver pitcher emblazoned on its surface is driven into the ground nearby.

---

Morg can make a history check with advantage to recognize the symbols and/or Magdrak's uniform.

Jak looked both ways before crossing, and then hopped up to the top of the wall. He walked closer to the scaffolding and hopped across to land nimbly on it. He looked around again to see if he had been noticed, before looking back at his allies to see if any of them were going to join him.

Wow.
17:00, Today: Secret Roll: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 20 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 17.  Acrobatics.

Reacting quickly to Jakrynn, Findarion attempts an illusory distraction in the form of the sound of stones rolling down upon the hellhounds. Quickly, he hops onto the scaffolding and tiptoes to a hiding spot.

Minor Illusion - sound of stones rolling down from above. Hope that's enough to distract the hounds for a second.

01:21, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 16 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 10.  Acrobatics.

Immediately going to try and hide after that.
01:18, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 14 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 6.  Stealth.

Both hounds yelp and jump into the air at the sounds of the falling boulders. One of the beasts belches fire and runs around in place, searching for the source of the sound. The other, however, quickly recovers and latches its burning gaze onto the group, slowly advancing on Zora and the others.

Jak and Findarion nimbly leap to the top of the wall and darts forward to the lower level of the scaffolding, just beyond the corner of the wall. Apparently no one has noticed them.

---

Map updated.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:21, Sun 14 Oct 2018.

Morg tries to stomp up some dust to distract the hounds from seeing Jak, but is himself startled at a rockfall somewhere.

---

09:05, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 17 using 2d20, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 17,15.  History check with advantage on Magdrak's uniform and shield symbol.

Zora moved to interpose herself between the hound and Findarion, intent on protecting her new ally. She's not attacking the hound, not yet.

"Git!" she shooed the hound off.

The nearby hellhound's eyes blaze at Zora's approach, then it growls and moves to strike.

---

Map updated!

Findarion, Zora, Morg, Mayon, and Jak are up now before the hellhound(s) turn. Magdrak and Mayon's familiar Myr can post now too, and amend their posts after the hellhounds go if needed.

Round 1 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Findarion	18
Zora	18	Inspiration
Morg	15
Mayon	15
Jak	12
Hellhounds	10
Magdrak	8
Myr (sprite)	5

This message was last edited by the GM at 20:55, Thu 11 Oct 2018.

Jak had turned back to look at his companions, to see if any would be following after him. Instead, he saw Findarion about ready to make a move when Zora 'interacted' with one of the hellhounds. And the hound went aggressive immediately.

Not wanting to give his position away with any loud spellcasting, he thought he would try something a bit different. He pulled out a dart, took aim and threw it at the hellhound. He immediately lost sight of the dart, and could clearly see it didn't hit the hound. "damnit!"

OOC: That was supposed to be dart, not dagger. Regardless...it missed. By a lot.
21:23, Today: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 6,4 using d20+4,1d4+2 with rolls of 2,2.  Dagger throw at H1.

Morg runs to the hound menacing Zora, and shouts "Down!"

He takes out his greatsword, and with the side swings down at the hound, trying to just knock it out and not to kill it.

---

Move: 25' to z5.

Action: knock-out attack on H1 (or if H1 is out, using a spear on another enemy) with greatsword - hits AC 21 for 12 slashing damage.

14:50, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 21 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 14.  Attack H1 with greatsword.
14:50, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 12 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 3,4.  Slashing damage to H1 from greatsword (reroll 1 or 2 once).

Zora for her part drew reszur and conjured her spiritual weapon, swinging at the pup with the spiritual weapon.

---

Hit AC 24 for 5. spiritual hammer summoned.
16:36, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 24 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 18.  spiritual weapon hit.
16:36, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 5 using 1d8+4 with rolls of 1.  damage.

"Well this went poorly..." Findarion mutters, mostly to himself, drawing the newly acquired longbow and striking a weak spot of the hound while it is engaged in melee with Zora. He ducks around the corner of the tower immediately after and looks down towards the camp. "Not long before the cultists find out." He says to Jak as he gives his surroundings a quick scan.


17:16, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 24 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 16.  Hide bonus action.

17:16, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 16 using 1d8+4+2d6 with rolls of 8,1,3.  Sneak Attack damage.

17:15, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 21 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 15.  Longbow on H1.

An arrow flies through the smoky air and sinks into the flesh of the nearest hellhound, prompting it to roar in pain. Both Zora and Morg draw steel, the cleric pausing in her attack to first cast a spell. Morg's massive blade and Zora's misty weapon both strike true.

Seeing its companion beset with foes, the second hellhound races to its side. The beasts both leap at Zora's chest, scratching at her armor and gnashing their teeth on the gaps in her armor. Both bites find flesh, and a blazing pain shoots through Zora's body as their jaws erupt in flame.

---

Mid round update! Map updated!

Magdrak and Myr are up now. Mayon (if you're still there!) can also post before the end of the round.

H2 runs up to Zora and attacks with bite - HIT for 4 piercing  and 6 fire.
H1 attacks Zora with bite - HIT for 4 piercing  and 9 fire.


This message was last edited by the GM at 02:53, Tue 16 Oct 2018.

Magdrak was studying the cultists' camp when the noise of a skirmish reached him from nearby.  Turning his head, he saw a group battling with a pair of hellhounds.

He muttered to himself.  "What in the 'Fells do they think they're doing?"  He considered for a moment whether or not to help, before groaning and shaking his head.  He started moving toward the action, mumbling "... gonna be the death of me, and I don't even know 'em..."

---

Move 25' to R3
This message was last edited by the player at 18:32, Thu 25 Oct 2018.

One of the hounds goes down, pierced through the flank by an arrow from Findarion. Seeing this, the approaching man on the other side of the hill rushes forward, screaming incoherently, waving his flaming sword aloft.

The other hound sits back on its haunches, opening is jaws freakishly wide. A great gout of flame erupts from its maw, engulfing Morg and Zora.

---

Map updated!

Round 2 Summary:
Asano hangs out.

Findarion fires an arrow at H1 - HIT for 14 piercing. H1 is dead.

Zora uses her reaction from the previous round to use Wrath of the Storm on H2 - H2 SAVES. H2 takes 8 lightning. She attacks with Reszur - HIT for 8 piercing. She attacks with Spiritual Weapon - HIT for 8 force.

Morg steps up and attacks H2 with Menacing Attack - HIT for 13 slashing. H2 makes Wis save vs. fright - SAVE.

Mayon hangs out.

Jak casts V. Mockery vs. H2 - H2 SAVES.

Hellhounds
H2 uses Fire Breath, affecting Zora and Morg. Both must make Dex saves and take 21 fire on a failure (10 on a success).

Magdrak moves up.

Guardian approaches.

Round 2 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Asano	22	Inspiration
Findarion	18
Zora	18	Inspiration
Morg	15
Mayon	15
Jak	12
Hellhounds	10
Magdrak	8
Myr (sprite)	5
Guardian	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 23:58, Thu 25 Oct 2018.

OOC: Ouch fire damage! I can handle the teeth, but the flames, yow! Nothing else to do buy swing away!

"Bad dog!" she cried as a bolt of lightning crashed into her first attacker, singeing him. She followed up with nasty swings of Rezsur while her spiritual hammer swung at him from behind.

Zora will use her reaction to use the tempest cleric ability to deal 2d8 (half on successful dex save) lightning damage to the first pooch that hits her. She'll use her channel divinity to make that damage maximal (so 8 on successful save, 16 on fail)

And then she'll swing at the wounded hellhound.

21:41, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 24 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 18.  attack with Rezsur.
21:41, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 18 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 12.  attack with spiritual weapon.
21:41, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 8 using 1d8+4 with rolls of 4.  spiritual weapon damage.
21:41, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 8 using 1d4+4 with rolls of 4.  Rezsur damage.

"Call off your hounds, or you won't have any." Morg shouts at the guardian.

He swings down again at the hound, snarling at it.

---

Action: knock-out attack on H1 (or if H1 is out, moving 5' to AA4 and attacking H2) with greatsword - hits AC 19 for 13 slashing damage.

14:52, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 19 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 12.  Attack H1 with greatsword.
14:52, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 10 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 3,2.  Slashing damage to H1 from greatsword (reroll 1 or 2 once).
14:53, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 3 using 1d6 with rolls of 3.  Rerolling the 2 slashing damage to H1.
14:53, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 2 using 1d8 with rolls of 2.  Menacing attack on H1 who must make a WIS save (DC 15) or be frightened.

"His shouting will soon bring us some company. Quick, let us be done with them!"

Findarion sends another arrow at the hellhound, then ducks behind the corner of the tower again.

Advantage from hiding.

15:11, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 29 using 2d20+6 with rolls of 14,9.  Longbow on H1.

Forgot drop lowest. 14+6=20 to hit.

15:11, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 14 using 1d8+4+2d6 with rolls of 8,1,1.

15:12, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 28 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 20.  Hide bonus action.

Jak heard the hound's master coming after them and screaming. He let out a sigh. So much for the stealthy approach. He leaned forward from where he was standing and aimed his voice towards the nearest hellhound, though trying not to yell. "Hey pooch! Didja know the other hound gets better scraps'n you? Master must love 'em more!"

OOC: Vicious Mockery on Hellhound 1.
14:13, Today: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 4 using 1d4 with rolls of 4.  Vicious Mockery damage.

One of the hounds goes down, pierced through the flank by an arrow from Findarion. Seeing this, the approaching man on the other side of the hill rushes forward, screaming incoherently, waving his flaming sword aloft.

The other hound sits back on its haunches, opening its jaws freakishly wide. A great gout of flame erupts from its maw, engulfing Morg and Zora.

---

Mid round update! Map updated.

Magdrak is up now, though Mayon (x2) and Asano can still take their turns this round.

H2 uses Fire Breath, affecting Zora and Morg. Both must make Dex saves (DC 12) and take 21 fire on a failure (10 on a success).


This message was last edited by the GM at 12:36, Fri 19 Oct 2018.

---

Even if Morg's save fails, he's still conscious right after the fire breath.

Is H2 frightened of Morg? If so, then it has disadvantage on ability checks and attack rolls while Morg's within its line of sight, and it can't willingly move closer to him, until the end of his next turn.

05:50, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 14 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 13.  Dexterity save against H2's fire breath.

Magdrak continued moving closer to the remaining hellhound, now close enough to pull out a javelin and heave it.

---

Move 25' to W3.
Pull javelin and throw at hellhound.
22:27, Today: Secret Roll: Magdrak rolled 20 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 14.  Attack with Javelin (STR-thrown).
22:27, Today: Secret Roll: Magdrak rolled 10 using 1d6+4 with rolls of 6.  Damage with Javelin (STR-thrown). (Piercing)

Magdrak's javelin pierces the still smoking maw of the hellhound, and the beast collapses.

"BURN!" the guard screams, racing across the hilltop to close with Morg and Zora.

Quick footsteps sound above Findarion and Jak's heads as another guard appears on the levels of scaffolding above them. A third guard appears on the far side of the tower. Both pull out heavy crossbows and fire them down towards the party.

---

Map updated! NOTE that G1 is a couple of levels above Jak and Findarion on the scaffolding.

Everyone is up now.

Round 2 Summary:
Asano hangs out.

Findarion attacks H1 - HIT for 14 piercing. H1 is dead.

Zora uses her reaction (previous round) to invoke Wrath of the Storm - H2 makes save and takes 8 lightning. She attacks with Reszur - HIT for 8 piercing. She attacks with Spiritual Weapon - HIT for 8 force.

Morg moves and attacks H2 with Menacing Attack - HIT for 13 slashing. H2 saves vs. fright.

Jak casts Vicious Mockery vs. H2 - H2 saves.

H2 uses Fire Breath, affecting Zora and Morg. Both must make Dex saves (DC 12) and take 21 fire on a failure (10 on a success). Morg saves and takes 10 fire .

Magdrak moves up the hill and throws a javelin at H2 - HIT for 10 piercing. H2 is dead.

Guardians
G doublemoves toward Morg and Zora
G1 fires a crossbow bolt at Magdrak - MISS.
G2 fires a crossbow bolt at Morg - MISS.

Round 3 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Asano	22	Inspiration
Findarion	18
Zora	18	Inspiration
Morg	15
Jak	12
Magdrak	8
Guardians	2

"We didn't come here to... ugh," Morg says, but then flanks the screaming guard and lashes out with his sword "but we'll end it."

---

Move: 10' to AC5 (or if G is out, then 20' to AE5 to see G2).

Action: attack G (or G2 if G is out, with javelin1) with greatsword - hits AC 22 for 15 slashing (or 14 piercing).

21:46, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 22 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 15.  Attack G with greatsword (or G2 with javelin1).
21:47, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 8 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 1,2.  Slashing damage to G from greatsword (reroll 1 or 2 once) (or piercing G2 from javelin1).
21:48, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 10 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 4,1.  Rerolling slashing damage to G from greatsword.
21:49, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 5 using 1d8 with rolls of 5.  Menacing attack on G (or G2) who must make a WIS save (DC 15) or be frightened.

OOC: Burned my inspiration to succeed at the save, took 10 fire damage. Think I'm still up.

Seeing herself and Morg badly burned by the flames, she looked around at what was left.

OOC: Holding an action for a sec until I hear if there's a reasonable chance to blow down the scaffolding with 'blast of wind'.

Hearing the commotion above him, the elf investigates the scaffolding briefly. He fired yet another arrow, this time at one of the guards, but he must've seen where they were coming from and dodges out of the way.

He whispers to Jak as he moved backwards: "I've an idea, take a couple steps back."

12:59, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 10 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 4.  Perception.
12:59, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 6 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 1.  Investigation.

13:01, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 13 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 5.  Stealth.

13:02, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 17 using 1d8+4+2d6 with rolls of 8,4,1. Damage.

13:02, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 12 using 2d20+6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 3,6. To hit.

A round of terrible rolls, wow.

I move as far south as I can on the scaffolding.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:17, Wed 24 Oct 2018.

Zora could tell that the scaffolding had weak points and could be brought down, but had no idea how to do it. She focused instead on the guards. She focused on the closest guard on the scaffolding and commanded him to jump down. She sent her spiritual weapon against the guard Morg was fighting

---

Command: on G2 to 'jump'
Spiritual weapon hits AC 13 for 6

13:02, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 6 using 1d8+4 with rolls of 2.  damage if hit.

13:02, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 13 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 7.  spiritual weapon hit.


12:56, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 19 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 13.  perception on scaffolding.

12:57, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 1 using 1d20-1 with rolls of 2.  investigation on how to exploit it.

After being abandoned by Huet mere days into their hunt, Asano retraced their steps to the Spire. Finding the rest of the group gone, he took his time in tracking the party...and not terribly well. As night fell once more, Asano found himself continuing to follow the path left by his companions. As he was tempted to find a defensible area to get some rest, his hal-elven ears pick up the sounds of combat from over a nearby hill. He shakes his wands loose, and hurries to investigate.

He can barely conatin his elation as he finds his companions. Somewhat dampening the mood are the monstrous hellhounds, recently slain, and the numerous guard engaging his friends in battle. He doesn't recognize the second dwqarf or the elf, but judges that they must be new companions, as they direct their attacks against the guards.

Asano concentrates for a moment, his focus glowing with an ephemeral purple light. The magic coalesces around the heads of the two scaffold-borne guards, as the magic sunk into each guard's head, their crossbows transformed into deadly, venomous creatures in their hands.

---

---

Action: Cast twinned phantasmal force on the crossbow guards (Int save DC 14, 3 psychic damage)
Move Action:
Bonus Action:

---

HP: 29/29 AC 12
Buffs/Debuffs:
Conditions:
Spells/SPs: 1st- 4/4 2nd 2/3, 2/4

---

Jak called out, but sort of like in a stage whisper, to Zora. "C'mon Zora! You're awesome! Time t'shine!"

He stepped away from Findarion, about mid-way between the two guards above them. He leaned back a bit and hucked a dart up at one of them, trying to see if he could throw better than the last time he'd thrown one, just a minute ago.

Move to AB-8.
Bardic Inspiration to Zora.
Dart throw at G-2 (or G-1).

15:53, Today: Secret Roll: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 13,4 using d20+4,d4+2 with rolls of 9,2.  Dart throw.

Magdrak moved to the dead hellhound and retrieved his javelin.  He then continued positioning himself to where he could see the sentries in the scaffolding above.

---

If picking up my javelin is a free action, then I'll move to AD4, otherwise I'll move to AA3.

At Asano's spell, one of the guards throws down his crossbow in apparent horror. Then at Zora's Command he leaps from the scaffolding, landing heavily on the ground. His fellow aims another bolt below, this time at Asano.

Still incoherent with rage, the nearby guard aims a blow at Morg. The blade strikes the dwarf just as its flames disappear.

Findarion and Zora can tell that both sides of the wooden scaffolding are quite dry, possibly from the heat emanating from the nearby bonfire. Looking at the structure from the inside, Findarion can see each level is supported by vertical beams that, if dislodged, could bring down an entire section of the structure.

---

Map updated!

Everyone is up now.

From Zora & Findarion's observations, it seems like a section of the scaffolding could be brought down by dislodging, removing, or severely damaging one of the few support beams on each level. Due to the "domino effect", the higher the level affected the more of the structure below it could fall.

Round 3 Summary:
Asano casts Phantasmal Force (Twinned) on G1 and G2. G1 saves, G2 FAILS and takes 3 psychic.

Findarion observes the scaffolding structure around him, then fires another arrow at G - MISS.

Zora saves from the hellhound fire from last round . Zora also observes the scaffolding structure. Her Spiritual Weapon attacks G - MISS. She casts Command - G2 FAILS save. G2 jumps and plummets to the ground and takes 7 bludgeoning. G2 is prone.

Morg circles G and attacks - HIT for 15 slashing.

Jak uses Bardic Inspiration on Zora. Zora has Bardic Inspiration and can add a d6 to any ability check, attack roll, or saving throw that she makes in the next 10 minutes. He throws a dart - MISS.

Magdrak double moves & retrieves his javelin.

Guardians
G attacks Morg twice - HIT once for 8 slashing .
G1 fires a crossbow bolt at Asano - HIT for 9 piercing .
G2 stands and approaches the wall.

Round 4 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Asano	22	Inspiration; Conc: P. Force
Findarion	18
Zora	18	B. Inspiration
Morg	15
Jak	12
Magdrak	8
Guardians	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:27, Fri 26 Oct 2018.

Morg grits his teeth and steels himself, before continuing trading blows with the guardian.

---

Bonus action: 2nd wind - heals 6 HP.

(If G is out, then move into melee range with G2 if possible.)

Action: attack: G (or if G is out, then attack G2 instead (if can't get into melee then us javelin1, and only 1st d6)) with greatsword - hits AC 17 for 14 slashing damage (or 9 piercing damage with javelin1).

13:15, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 6 using 1d10+4 with rolls of 2.  HP recovered from second wind.
13:17, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 10 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 3.  Attack G with greatsword (or G2 with it or javelin1).
13:18, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 7 using 1d8 with rolls of 7.  Precision attack on G added to hit roll (or G2).
13:20, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 14 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 4,5.  Slashing damage to G from greatsword (reroll 1 or 2 once) (or G2).
This message was last edited by the player at 11:44, Sat 27 Oct 2018.

After realizing how shoddy the construction was, Findarion couldn't help but chuckle. "Watch this." He boasted to Jak, notching an arrow. Findarion leaned to the side and fired at one of the supports, the arrow hitting the weak spot perfectly.

14:34, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 26 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 20.  Shoot the supports!
This message was last edited by the player at 12:36, Sat 27 Oct 2018.

Not wanting to waste her inspiration, Zora took a step forward and tried to finish off the guard with her spiritual hammer and rezsur. This guard was tougher than he looked. She hoped she could finish him off, then focus on healing herself and Morg.

---

Hits AC 19 for 8 then another 4.

10:27, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 19 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 13.  spiritual weapon attack.
10:27, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 16 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 10.  reszur attack.
10:28, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 3 using 1d6 with rolls of 3.  bardic inspiration on reszur attack.
10:28, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 12 using 1d8+4 with rolls of 8.  spiritual weapon damage.
10:28, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 8 using 1d4+4 with rolls of 4.  reszur damage.

Jak had moved out of the way of whatever Findarion was attempting to do. He looked over at the guard and called out, though a bit quietly so as not to attract TOO much more attention. "What did the guard say when he fell off the scaffolding? .....wait for it...."

OOC: Vicious Mockery on Guard 1.

17:57, Today: Secret Roll: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 2 using 1d4 with rolls of 2.  Vicious Mockery.

At Findarion's artfully placed arrow, the upper support beam on the north side of the scaffolding folds. Fully half of the structure comes crashing down, boards and timbers splintering as the upper levels fall on the levels below. The guard stumbles as the floor beneath his feet buckles, then he is lost to sight in a cloud of dust and a hail of small bits of wood. A lantern, cracked and broken in the rubble, burns bright as the broken kindling around it sparks alight.

The southern end of the scaffolding still stands erect, seemingly unaffected by the collapse. Jak and Findarion shift their weight slightly as the boards they stand on quiver.

On the ground, Zora and Morg trade blows with the still enraged guard. The guard who had jumped from the eastern side of the tower stumbles forward and climbs over the broken wall. Approaching Magdrak, he draws his own longsword. The blade bursts into flame with a word, and he advances on the dwarven paladin.

---

Map updated!

Everyone is up now.

Round 4 Summary:
Asano hangs out.

Findarion fires an arrow at one of the upper level supports to the scaffolding. CRIT - the support collapses. G1 makes Dex save - FAIL. G1 takes a total of 17 bludgeoning damage from the fall & from falling pieces of scaffolding.

Zora attacks G with Reszur - HIT for 8 piercing. She attacks with Spiritual Weapon (using bardic inspiration) - HIT for 4 force.

Morg uses Second Wind and heals 6hp. He attacks G - HIT for 14 slashing.

Jak Viciously Mocks G1 - G1 saves.

Magdrak hangs out.

Guardians
G attacks Morg twice with longsword - HIT once for 7 slashing .
G1 tries digging himself out from the debris.
G2 moves over the broken wall and attacks Magdrak twice with flaming longsword - MISS.

Round 5 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Asano	22	Inspiration; Conc: P. Force
Findarion	18
Zora	18
Morg	15
Jak	12
Magdrak	8
Guardians	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 00:50, Fri 02 Nov 2018.

"Lay down your weapons!" Morg shouts at the guard, "You can't win against a cleric and 2 dwarves." as he slashes again with his sword.

---

(If G still fighting) Move: 10' to AA5 (otherwise, if G2 is still fighting, move 5' to AD5.)

Action: attack: G (or if G is out, then G2 instead) with greatsword - hits AC 20 for 12 slashing damage

13:26, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 12 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 5.  Attack G (or if G is out, then G2) with greatsword.
13:27, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 8 using 1d8 with rolls of 8.  Precision attack on G (or G2) added to hit roll.
13:27, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 12 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 3,4.  Slashing damage to G (or G2) from greatsword (reroll 1 or 2 once).


This message was last edited by the player at 11:41, Thu 01 Nov 2018.

Findarion carefully moves on the unstable scaffolding, wary it might give way under him, and surprise attacks the guard buried in the debris.

If the scaffolding looks like it's gonna crumble I'll retreat back and ready a bow attack for if anyone comes into view.

12:43, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 10 using 1d8+4+2d6 with rolls of 2,1,3.  Sneak Attack damage.

12:43, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 24 using 2d20+6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 18,4.  Attack with longbow.

12:42, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 18 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 10.  Stealth.

G is still up? Whoa... Welp my heals are quite puny against the hitpoints being taken out, but don't think I can avoid them any longer :-(

I don't think I can use healing word and attack with spiritual hammer on the same turn, but will roll it in case I'm wrong... it missed anyways :-)

Frustrated at the durability of this guard, she focused on keeping Morg alive, while still managing to poke at the guard with her enchanted dagger.

---

16:15, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 5 using 1d4+4 with rolls of 1.  healing word on morg.
16:15, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 23 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 17.  reszur attack.
16:16, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 7 using 1d4+4 with rolls of 3.  reszur damage.
16:17, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 9 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 3.  spiritual weapon attack if possible.

Magdrak with a primal cry marked the man in front of him as prey.  He then thrust his javelin at the target, using it as he would a spear.

---

OOC:  Cast Hunter's Mark at G2. (Bonus Action)
23:56, Today: Secret Roll: Magdrak rolled 9 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 3.  Attack with Javelin (STR-melee).

Findarion's arrow pierces the guard as he succeeds in extracting himself from the wreckage of the northern scaffolding. As he darts toward a ladder leading up to Findarion and Jak's position, flames begin to dance out of the piles of wood on the ground, rapidly spreading through the dry boards as if through kindling. Dirty black smoke issues from the fire, adding to the haze around the top of the hill. The heavily wounded man's clothes and armor smoke, and he reeks of ash.

Zora cuts down the mourning guard with a vicious slash to his throat. With a last gasp of defiance at Zora, and a wail at the loss of his hellhound pets, he collapses to the grassy hillside.

The remaining guard, still looking around warily for an apparently imaginary attacker, takes a nasty cut from Morg's sword. Baring teeth he retaliates, slicing the dwarf across the midsection with his flaming blade. The flames dancing around the guard's sword extinguish themselves quickly after he lands the blow.

A voice calls down from a doorway in the tower, near the top of the scaffolding. It's too faint to make out specific words, however.

On the western slope of the hill, a woman dressed in greens and browns is visible ascending the hill. Through the haze it's difficult to make out her features, but she appears to be flanked by two small winged creatures.

---

Map updated!

Everyone is up now. The remains of the scaffolding to the northwest of the tower are now beginning to catch fire.

Round 5 Summary:
Asano hangs out.

Findarion attacks G1 - HIT for 10 piercing.

Zora heals Morg with Healing Word - Morg is healed for 5 . She attacks G with Reszur - HIT for 7 piercing. G is dead.

Morg moves towards G2 and makes Precision Attack - HIT for 12 slashing.

Jak hangs out.

Magdrak casts Hunter's Mark on G2, then attacks - MISS.

Guardians
G1 finishes digging himself out of the wreckage, then moves to the southern ladder up the scaffolding. He climbs the ladder and joins Findarion and Jak on the southern scaffolding.

G2 attacks Morg twice - HIT once for 9 slashing and 4 fire .

Round 6 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Asano	22	Inspiration; Conc: P. Force
Findarion	18
Zora	18
Morg	15
Jak	12
Magdrak	8	Conc: Hunter's Mark: G2
Guardians	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:00, Mon 05 Nov 2018.

Morg nods a thanks to Zora for her prayer, and slashes at the guard who burned him, "There's a sleet storm coming laddie, to douse you all."

---

Action: attack G2 with greatsword - hits AC 16 for 14 slashing damage

14:22, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 16 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 9.  Attack G2 with greatsword.
14:22, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 14 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 4,5.  Slashing damage to G2 from greatsword (reroll 1 or 2 once).

Jak hadn't had a lot of good options for the guard nearest them so he had waited, biding his time for a better option. That presented itself when the guard made his way up to their level of the scaffolding. Jak flashed a grin and drew his shortsword as he rushed at the climbing guard. The shortsword stabbed at the man but the guard as quicker than Jak had thought and the weapon missed.

10:41, Today: Secret Roll: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 9,3 using d20+4,d6+2 with rolls of 5,1.  Shortsword  vs Guard.

She wasn't going to keep him up at this rate. The punishment Morg was taking far outclassed her ability to heal it. Still she persisted, moving to attack the guard while sending another healing word Morg's way.

---

12:26, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 8 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 2.  attack guard with rezsur.

12:26, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 6 using 1d4+4 with rolls of 2.  heal morg.

Asano had spent far too long studying the skirmish. His focus flared with a chill flash, a thin frozen ray lashing out at the guard facing Morg and Mayon. He takes a position along some of the ruined walls, eyeing the approaching figure carefully. "Enemy reinforcements coming up the hill, guys," he calls to the group on the ground. He ducks behind the wall, not hiding, but making good use of the cover the tumbled stones provide.

---

13:01, Today: Asano Breathkill rolled 4 using 1d8 with rolls of 4.  Ray of Frost dmg.
13:00, Today: Asano Breathkill rolled 19 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 13.  Ray of Frost att.

---

Action: Cast ray of frost at G2 (Hit- 19  Dmg- 4, speed reduced by 10')
Move Action: Move to X5
Bonus Action:

---

HP: 20/29 AC 12
Buffs/Debuffs:
Conditions:
Spells/Sorcery Points: 1st- 4/4 2nd- 2/3, 2/4

---

This message was lightly edited by the player at 20:50, Tue 06 Nov 2018.

Findarion scrambles for his rapier and stabs at the guardian quickly, missing as a result.

22:29, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 11 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 5.  Booming Blade. Booo

Magdrak impaled the guard in front of him with his javelin, enhanced by his hunter's instincts.

---

OOC:
03:06, Today: Secret Roll: Magdrak rolled 17 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 11.  Attack with Javelin (STR-melee).
03:06, Today: Secret Roll: Magdrak rolled 9 using 1d6+4 with rolls of 5.  Damage with Javelin (STR-melee). (Piercing)
03:07, Today: Secret Roll: Magdrak rolled 5 using 1d6 with rolls of 5.  Damage - Hunter's Mark. (Piercing)

The two guards stagger under their multiple wounds, though they both manage to score strikes against their assailants. The wreckage of half of the scaffolding begins to burn in earnest below Jak, Findarion, and the guard in melee. The loud crackling of the flames drowns out any other sound on the western side of the hill.

The woman approaches up the hill, flanked by two sprites that flit to the top of the broken walls and gape at the burning wreckage of scaffolding, then up at the combatants on the remaining planks above. Her elven features look concernedly towards the scaffolding, then uncertainly at the melee on the northern side of the hill. She leans on her quarterstaff but says nothing, indecision painted on her face.

---

Map updated!

Everyone is up now.

Round 6 Summary:
Asano casts Ray of Frost at G2 - HIT for 4 cold. G2 is slowed by 10' until the start of Asano's next turn.

Findarion attacks G1 - MISS.

Zora moves to AD3 and attacks G2 - MISS. She uses Healing Word on Morg and heals 6 hp Private to Morg Danforge: Current hp: 13].

Morg attacks G2 - MISS.

Jak attacks G1 - MISS.

Magdrak attacks G2 - HIT for 14 piercing.

Guardians
G1 attacks Magdrak twice - HIT once for 9 slashing . Magdrak should make a Concentration check to see if he can maintain concentration on Hunter's Mark.

G2 attacks Findarion twice - HIT once for 8 slashing .

Round 7 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Asano	22	Inspiration; Conc: P. Force
Findarion	18
Zora	18
Morg	15
Jak	12
Magdrak	8	Conc: Hunter's Mark: G2
Guardians	2	G2 slowed by 10' until SoANT

Morg again thanks Zora, and feeling a bit sheepish for missing the guard in front of his fellow dwarf lashes out too quickly, missing again.

---

Action: attack G2 with greatsword - hits AC 15 for 15 slashing damage (or if G2 is dead or surrendered, sheath sword as an action interact with object to take out javelin1).

13:22, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 15 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 8.  Attack G2 with greatsword.
13:23, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 15 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 4,6.  Slashing damage to G2 from greatsword (reroll 1 or 2 once).

The definition of insanity was trying the same thing again and again while expecting a different result. Luckily for Jak, his aim was a bit better this time around so maybe he wasn't quite insane yet. He swung out the shortsword on the guard again, glancing down towards the fire that seemed to have started below them. He wasn't nervous...yet.

08:21, Today: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 17,6 using d20+4,d6+2 with rolls of 13,4.  Shortsword  vs Guard.

Finally able to call in her spiritual hammer, Zora brought both to bear on the guard, hoping to finish him off.

---

16:00, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 13 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 7.  rezsur attack.
16:00, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 24 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 18.  spiritual weapon attack.
16:01, Today: Secret Roll: Zora Jilkina rolled 11 using 1d8+4 with rolls of 7.  spiritual weapon damage.

Asasno straightens as the elven woman approaches the tumbled walls. He smooths his clothing quickly, doing his best to ignore the crossbow quarrel still impaling his leg. [Language unknown: "Popofi, ad ncev cared n?"] he calls to her, tone impatient and frustrated. [Language unknown: "M lias k stpa o itenlapopl out isus ustaca p caers ereoerwit na pehat eeour, aveat k icdin ulwi pl hasareugh."]



Putting every bit of my noble upbringing in to play with this exchange. His tone is dripping with the frustration of one who is unaccustomed to having to ask for aid. His body langauge is tense, pained, and annoyed. There is a slight petulance, as though he shouldn't have to ask, as if this annoyance should have resolved itself before ever coming to his attention.

---

14:38, Today: Asano Breathkill rolled 22 using 1d20+6 ((16)).

---

Action: Speaking to Ga
Move Action:
Bonus Action:

---

HP: 20/29 AC 12
Buffs/Debuffs:
Conditions:
Spells/Sorcery Points: 1st- 4/4 2nd- 2/3, 2/4

---

Zora's spiritual hammer flies through the air and crunches in the guard's skull, who promptly collapses to the dry ground beneath.

Jak's shortsword catches the other guard in the side. Choking on blood, the man keels over and falls from the scaffolding. He lands in the pile of burning timbers beneath, launching a cascade of sparks towards the dusky sky. The fire burns quickly now, starting to lap even at the remaining upright supports of the southern scaffolding on which Jak and Findarion stand.

The elven woman turns to Asano.  She gestures towards the burning wreckage of the scaffolding, whose flames seem to burn brighter by the second. She gives Asano an appraising look.

Behind the elven woman, three more figures ascend the slope. The first, a woman dressed in robes, is flanked by two human men. All are dressed in rugged clothing and breastplates. One of the men absently takes a bite of meat from a wooden kebab as he approaches.

---

Out of initiative! Map updated.

XP total (3 hellhounds, 3 Eternal Flame Guardians): 2750
Total XP per PC: 3931

As the last enemies fell, Magdrak turned on the other two nearby him.  "What the 'Fells do ya think yer doin', attacking a pair of devil dogs?  Then ye go an' light a signal fire big enough fer all of 'em ta come runnin'."  He gestured at the expanding fire of the scaffolding.  "I'm all fer takin' out these blasted cultists."
He paused to spit on the ground. "But use yer noggins."

Still on the scaffolding with Jak, the elf quietly whispers. "Not sure about this woman, she talks of some Rite of the Wicker Giant. Seems to be with the cultists."

Findarion made sure to attract as little attention as possible for the time being.

Morg eyes the fire cult sprite(s), and says to the paladin "The dogs instigated the fight, after it looked like their minder was going to let us go around. He also didn't call them off despite our warnings."

"The name's Morg Danforge, "

Magdrak nodded.  "The name's Magdrak of Cl-"  He paused for a second before continuing.  "It's just Magdrak."

Jak grimaced as the guard fell. He frowned and angrily snapped at the dwarf, "Yah, 'cause we TOTALLY started the fire on purpose!" He rolled his eyes and quickly got off the burning scaffolding and back to the ground.

He eyed the elven woman, as well as those coming up behind her. He glanced at Morg and quietly said, "Heal!"

He raised an eyebrow, "So...now what?"

OOC: Screw you, dice roller! Lol
10:05, Today: Secret Roll: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 5 using 1d4+4 with rolls of 1.  Healing Word on Morg.

Zora knew enough to not say anything. Let Jak or Asano do the talking. It was almost always the best idea.

OOC: I can toss out a prayer of healing to try to top everyone up, but need ten minutes uninterrupted. Don't think I have that here, do I?

The elven woman looks on with a slightly bemused expression, then looks up at the scaffolding with some concern. "You'd best get down from there," she calls out to Findarion, "it looks like the base of that part of the scaffolding is starting to catch as well."

The three figures from further down the hill are joined by a fourth as they approach the western edge of the walled courtyard. Hurrying forward, they look with alarm at the burning scaffolding. "What is the meaning of this?" the leader calls out over the wall to Jak and Findarion. The figure's dark robes reflect none of the growing light from the flickering flames. Her hood frames a slightly dirty half-elven face, perhaps streaked with soot from a campfire. Her companions, rangers by the look of them, finger their crossbows.

Once again a voice calls down from the tower above. "What's going on down there?" The scaffolding ends at a jagged doorway-sized hole about thirty feet up the western tower wall, where a figure leans out to survey the scene.

---

Map updated!

@Zora correct, 10 minutes have not yet elapsed, we're still pretty much only a few seconds after the last guards fell.

This message was last edited by the GM at 21:15, Sat 10 Nov 2018.

Jak hesitated only a moment and then went with it, tossing the elven woman a wink just before he started talking. "Well...we heard about a big fire rite was happenin', thought we'd come see what it was all about - but we weren't sure if we'd be allowed t'just show up or anythin'. So we were..." He gave a shrug and adopted a sheepish look on his face, looking down slightly and everything, "..sneakin' in t'look." But then he straightened and looked a mixture of angry and apologetic at the same time. "But then some hellhounds back there attacked us an' the guards joined in as well! So...we defended ourselves...an' this fire got started." He let out a sigh. "Sorry for causin' trouble."

16:10, Today: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 12 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 6.  Deception or Persuasion (and I can roll the other if you want, same bonus).

Findarion descends from the scaffolding quickly after Jakryn, knowing well trouble was brewing.

Expecting the situation to go downhill quickly, his eyes dart towards the tents next to him, ready to tumble there and take cover at the slightest sign of trouble.

Though he was plainly visible by the newcomers, he nonetheless moved quietly to avoid being seen by the guard on top of the scaffolding.

Moving down the ladder to X14, looking to dash to Y16 should combat start.

If I can take a moment to investigate the area, can I try to deduce where the hostages (and my brother) are located?

"As he said," Asano says, nodding to Jak, "we came to observe the Rite, but were unsure of the welcome we may receive. There has been unrest, recently, especially since the destruction of Triboar. Such exposure cannot bode well." Asano watches the woman's features carefully for any recognition or opinion.

---

00:33, Today: Secret Roll: Asano Breathkill rolled 6 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 3.  Insight.
00:32, Today: Secret Roll: Asano Breathkill rolled 8 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 2.  Persuasion w/ wild magic adv.
00:32, Today: Secret Roll: Asano Breathkill rolled 10 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 4.  Persuasion.

---

Action: Speaking to Ga
Move Action:
Bonus Action:

---

HP: 20/29 AC 12
Buffs/Debuffs:
Conditions:
Spells/Sorcery Points: 1st- 4/4 2nd- 2/3, 2/4

---

The fire spreads quickly just as Findarion moves away from the ladder. Flames rise up the wooden supports of the remaining section of scaffolding, hissing and popping as the wood chars.

The elven woman nods to Jak and Asano, and introduces herself as Gariena. Her two sprites, named Flix and Afid, bow in turn as she introduces them.

Before she can continue the conversation however, she is cut off by another shout from the tower above. "Hel-LO down there? What in blazes is going on? Why is the flaming scaffolding on fire? Someone answer me!" He pauses, squinting down through the smoke at the four newcomers from further down the hill. "Is that you Lytin? What's happening?"

The half elven woman, named Lytin if the guard in fact recognized her, ignores the shout and looks angrily at Jak. "If you had half a wit in your brains you would have just come up the front side of the hill," she snaps. "The Rite of the Wicker Giant will restore nature's balance in the Hills, but burning down the tower around Elizar won't help him restore anything!" Flix covers his eyes at her harsh tones, and Afid shakes a tiny finger at her from the nearby stone wall.

Lytin turns to her companions. "Biart, Orm, Malin, please escort this group to our campsite - I think we should have a discussion with them before they be presented to the Circle." The three rangers step forward reluctantly, but motion expectantly for the group to accompany them.

Gariena clears her throat. "Should we not check around the area for any who might be hurt first?" She looks questioningly at Lytin, then Jak and Asano.

Rounding the corner, another wave of heat blows into Findarion's face. On the south side of the central tower is a courtyard cluttered with tents. A humanoid-shaped wicker giant, two stories tall, burns brightly. Near it, two figures in robes stand with their heads bowed in prayer.

Rubble chokes a wide but impassible doorway on this side of the tower, likely once the main entrance.

---

Map updated! Lots of folks on this map ;) - let me know if you have any questions about what any of the letters mean.

To Asano, Gariena doesn't betray any surprise at hearing of the burning of Triarbor, but neither does she show any sign of recognition of the name. She seems like a druid of the forest.

Findarion, you should probably make a stealth roll =)

Morg wipes and sheathes his sword, and starts walking westwards - roughly from where he heard Jak's voice.

---

Can he see any fire cultists other than Flix  and G4?

Magdrak shook his head and muttered, "This will not end well."  He then turned and followed Morg.

As the attention is turned elsewhere, the elf moves behind the tent.

10:58, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 21 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 13.  Stealth.

I want to get in the tent, possibly by cutting my way in with a dagger?

"A moment before we enjoy your hospitality, lady," Asano says, with a half bow. He turns to the burning scaffolding and directs a number of frozen rays to control and eventually snuff the burning fire.

Morg and Magdrak round the corner of the northwestern wall. From their vantage point the two dwarves can see two campsites partway down this side of the hill, both with tents centered around small cookfires. Further to the southern side the several other campsites are visible. Through the haze it's difficult to see whether any people are in the camps, but the two nearest appear deserted. The nearest one on the southern side of the hill might have two figures huddled over the campfire, but even after squinting Morg can't be sure.

Gariena nods in approval at Asano's efforts to put out the flames, though Lytin watches with a scowl. She finally answers the repeated calls from the tower. "I'll handle it Sikheir - if you need to get down, just climb the wall. The fire will be out shortly." Lytin's companions finger their crossbows anxiously.

Findarion slips inside one of the small tents, finding the usual assortment of camping gear, clothing, and food strewn about. A small belt pouch sits in the pile.

---

Map updated!

To answer Morg's question, everyone can see all the figures on the map with the exception of P1 & P2, which only Findarion could see from his position before entering the tent.

It'll take several minutes for Asano to put out the flames, but he can stem the fire enough to prevent it from spreading to the front of the tower.

This message was last edited by the GM at 21:38, Thu 15 Nov 2018.

Findarion spares a moment to check the contents of the pouch, as well as to find any signs that captives were held in this tent. Afterwards, he makes his way to the next one.

Moving to AA15 tent
21:25, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 8 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 3.  Investigation.

Findarion finds some coins in the pouch but nothing else of value. Moving to the next tent he finds a similar array of bedrolls and clothing strewn on the floor, and another belt pouch. An unlit lantern hangs from the ceiling rod.

A glint of metal under a blanket catches his eye, and he finds a dagger with the crest of House Aur'aver crafted into the hilt.

---

Findarion finds a total of 28 gp between the two pouches.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:18, Fri 16 Nov 2018.

The elf's grip on the dagger tightens, his knucklebones going white. He inhales sharply, pocketing the dagger and the money.

Looking around the tent, Findarion attempts to figure out where did they take his brother.

Looking for tracks from the tent, or maybe drag marks if he was taken against his will. Anything that will give me directions.

Otherwise I would like to attempt to sneak into the tower as I feel like that's my best bet.

Jak gave a nod to the lady, "Lady Gariena, a pleasure to meet you! Friendly people call me Jak." And then he bemusedly nodded a greeting to the two sprites. He smiled and then deliberately did NOT look back to see who, if any, among his allies had stepped out with him. He tried hard to restrain a sigh of relief as he heard Asano speak up. At least I won't be alone... he thought.

The man above called down and Jak smirked, muttering quietly, "blazes is right!" Then the rest arrived and he gave a flourishing bow to Lytin, "Milady, if I had half a wit in my brains, I wouldn't be a bard! Jakrynn Redgate, at your service!" There was only the slightest of hiccups in the telling of his name. He gestured towards the tower, "My humblest apologies! It was certainly not our intent to cause this issue, as I said."

Asano tried to put out the fire. Jak didn't have a way to really help with that so he just ignored it for the time being but waited for him to finish, seemingly content to follow their 'escorts' when all was ready.

Asano goes about the task of putting out the fire as Lytin and her companions look on impatiently. Gariena's sprites join in the process, occasionally scavenging burning timbers and tossing them into the path of Asano's cold magic. Finally the blaze is contained, then put out entirely.

Gariena claps her hands delightedly at Jak. "Oh good, a bard! You must entertain us this evening during the festivities! I do hope Lytin and her companions will share you with us?" She looks inquiringly at the other druid.

Lytin returns her hopeful look with a glare. When the fire is out, she motions to Asano and the rest imperiously. "Come with us."

Findarion looks around the interior of the tent, then peeks out carefully at the nearby ground. He finds no evidence of his brother or anyone else being dragged from the tent.

Looking to the tower, the only entrances seem to be the south-facing main entrance and the rough doorway partway up the western side of the tower. From his vantage point near the tents, the main entrance looks to be choked with rubble and completely impassible. The doorway sits roughly 30 feet up the western side of the tower, directly above where the now-ruined scaffolding used to sit. Sooty and smoky open air now lie between the ground and the doorway.

Jak gave a flourishing bow to Gariena. "I would be absolutely delighted to enterntain you, milady, whether it be during the festivities or perhaps a private showing after or another time." He tossed her a wink as he righted himself.

He gave a nod to Lytin, "Of course." And he followed in step behind her. He offered his arm to Gariena to see if she would accompany them, and had any desire for his mock-gallantry.

Morg follows Lytin's directions, and tries to figure out from Gariena's face and voice if she's sincere, considering the dead guards and dogs.

---

11:14, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 21 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 20.  Insight check on Gariena to see if she seems sincere.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:16, Fri 23 Nov 2018.

Gariena follows along behind the group, albeit more slowly. Her sprites cavort around her as the group descends the hill toward Lytin's camp.

---

Lytin begins leading the group down the hill, toward campfire #4 on the map.

Lytin leads the balance of the group down the hillside and approaches one of the campfires.

Findarion, still within a tent at the top of the hill, studies the nearby tower.

---

Map updated!

Now back in town from vacation, it's easier for me to post - sorry for the delay! Post if anyone would like to do anything prior to arriving at Lytin's campsite.

Jak kept following along, glancing first at his companions and then at Lytin. "So." He flashed a smile, knowing she wasn't biting at his charm. "Where are you takin' us?" He made a show of looking slowly around. "We get t'meet the person in charge?"

Lytin turns to look back over her shoulder at Jak as she walks. "I'm taking you to my camp for questioning," she replies, her voice tight. Then, she slows, her eye apparently catching something back at the top of the hill near the tower.

Findarion, crouching under the short ceiling of the tent, hears one of the figures in front of the bonfire call out clearly. "Arise, and cleanse this place of the unworthy!" The voice sounds startlingly close through the thin canvas of the tent. In response, the crackling coming from the wicker giant surges, as if a great bonfire had just been sprayed with lamp oil.

Down the hill, Lytin's eyes widen. Movement stirs in several other camps, just visible through the smoky air. Indistinct figures stand up from their seats by the fire, emerge from within their tents to look up the slope.

Morg sheathes his sword, and tries to casually grip a javelin sticking out from his backpack. He also tries to see Gariena's reaction to the wicker fire-surge and the figures emerging.

---

Action: ready javelin attack on either an attacking enemy mage, or if there are only mundane enemy attackers then the most dangerous looking one.

09:52, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 15 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 14.  Sleight of hand check to try to to casually grip a javelin.
09:52, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 10 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 9.  Insight check on Gariena's reaction to wicker and figures.

Findarion was about to climb to the tower rooftop, but the booming voice completely threw him off. Curious and cautious, he stays put and observes how the situation develops further.

As the party follows Lytin down the hill, Asano tries to get a sense of the gathering. He listens carefully to the chanting, does his best to read the body language of the visible persons, and just tries to get a sense of the mood of the ritual itself. When Lytin glances up the hill, Asano follows her gaze, trying to spy what it is that drew her attention.


OOC:
Insight- 17
Perception- 9/7
Wild Magic roll- 40, Asano regains 2d10 HP (7 HP restored)

Findarion hears the call repeated, ""Arise, and cleanse this place of the unworthy!" The crackling flames surge in response.

Morg tenses, gripping the haft of a javelin. Their attention fixed on the hill, nobody from Lytin's group seems to notice.

The flames within the wicker giant surge, spewing forth gouts of black smoke towards the heavens. The flame itself, burning brightly, obscures the humanoid-shaped wooden structure. Biart and Orm, flanking the group, squint at its brilliance, and Malin puts his hands over his eyes. "It's the Rite of the Wicker Giant," Lytin murmurs. "The time is at hand."

Two other figures approach the watching group from the campsite nearby, splitting their attention between the conflagration on the hill and the assembled group. The two humans wear scraps of armor and threadbare clothing, and their faces seem sooty from grime or fire smoke.

---

Map updated!

S & W on the map are the new arrivals from camp #3.

Morg tries to see if anyone around may be Fin's brother, looking at the ears of even females since to him male elves oftentimes look like young females.

---

Action (continuously): ready javelin attack on either an attacking enemy mage, or if there are only mundane enemy attackers then the most dangerous looking one.

09:40, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 16 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 13.  Perception check, looking for elves who could be Fin's brother.

Magdrak leaned over and whispered at Morg. 

Gripping his javelin, he waited until the humans were closer before calling out.  " 'Ello Wiglaf.  I see that you joined up as well.  Been wondering where you had disappeared to, but I should have guessed.  You always did have an eye for a good deal."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:49, Tue 04 Dec 2018.

Gathering his resolve to finally do something, Findarion muttered under his breath, staring at the back of one of the chanting cultists.

I've made up my mind. Let's try something daring!

Tasha's Hideous Laughter on P1. DC 13

17:29, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 27 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 19.  Stealth.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:30, Tue 04 Dec 2018.

Jak looked over at Lytin curiously. She didn't appear to be looking like this was supposed to be happening - or at least, not yet. That made him frown. The little hairs on the back of his neck started to stand up. He got the feeling, like a pit in his stomach, that things were about to go horribly wrong.

"Oh, that's disappointing that it's already started without us. Can we go see it at least?"

Asano continued to study the ritual as it was being performed. He racked his memory for anything that sounded familiar from his past studies and experiences. He doesn't even notice when he begins glowing with a blinding light.


OOC:
Arcana- 15/4, advantage from Tides of ChaosWild Magic table- 75

quote:

You glow with bright light in a 30-foot radius for the next minute. Any creature that ends its turn within 5 feet of you is blinded until the end of its next turn

The flaring light from the top of the hill is abruptly eclipsed by a coruscating brilliance emitted from around Asano, abruptly taking Jak unawares. The two newcomers avert their eyes, while the rest of the assembled simply shrink back from the new light source.

Lytin doesn't respond to Jak at all, seemingly transfixed by the events at the top of the hill. She seems to pay no mind however. She and her companions don't move to stop Jak or anyone else from the group she was escorting.

---

Jak is blinded for the next 6 seconds, unless he moves away from Asano in the next post.

Jak was looking a bit wide-eyed in excitement and then suddenly was blinded from almost right next to him. "Gods! Ow! Fuck!" He stumbled a few steps away from...whatever it was, rubbing at his eyes and looking away. "Damn!" He stumbled a bit but didn't trip and fall.

He blinked several more times and slowly turned his head, ever so slowly, to see what was causing the bright blinding light in the vicinity. "Asano? What the hell?" He immediately had to hold up a hand to block incoming light if Asano turned to look at him.

He let out a growling sigh and looked back towards the ritual, and keeping a hand up to the the side of his eyes to block Asano's light. He idly wondered if they should be stopping the ritual and spoke quietly to Morg out of the side of his mouth, "should we stop this?"

Morg kept an eye on the former Bloodaxe, per Magdrak's request, but quickly changed his focus when Asano turned into the sun. His hand shifted to his waterskin, but looking around at all the fire cultists he moved it back towards a javelin.

To Jak he replied "I don't think so, not unless we know what it is."

---

Action (continuously): ready javelin attack on either an attacking enemy mage, or if there are only mundane enemy attackers then the most dangerous looking one.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:37, Wed 05 Dec 2018.

Wiglaf shrinks at Magdrak's greeting, then covers his eyes entirely at the blazing light from Asano. His companion looks a question at him, then scratches his dirty cheek.

"Eh, hi Magdrak," Wiglaf finally replies gruffly, squinting. "Didn't realize you were still here. I've just a mind to figure out what this Rite is all about." He looks hungrily towards the blazing pyre at the top of the hill. He looks leaner than Magdrak remembers, and much dirtier. The feral look in his eyes is new as well.

Findarion pokes his head out of the tent, and casts a spell at one of the figure's backs. The cultist straightens suddenly, though she remains facing away from Findarion, attention fixed on the flames in front of her. She turns just enough to speak briefly to her companion however, who peers through the smoke down the hillside looking for who might have cast the spell.

"Arise, and cleanse this place of the unworthy!" the first figure calls out once again, and the flames surge in response. Orange and white radiance coalesce into a humanoid outline within the flames, fire licking at the edges of its form. It steps slowly forth, directly though the wooden frame of the wicker, and flames begin to lick the wood in its wake. The immense form of fire strides towards one of the nearby tents, its foot landing mere feet away. Small flames bloom from the tent's canvas walls.

---

Map updated! The form of a fire elemental has stepped out of the frame of the wicker giant, and the wood is burning in its wake.

P1 makes the save on Findarion's Hideous Laughter spell.

Asano doesn't recognize the ritual, but intuits that the ritual's purpose was to call forth the fire elemental, for whatever purpose. He knows the basics about elementals (e.g., that they're very magical & dangerous, and that fire elementals are susceptible to damage from water).

Morg doesn't see anyone in the camp with elvish features, other than Lytin and Gariena.

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:39, Fri 07 Dec 2018.

Scolding himself quietly, Findarion hesitates; the rogue is not in the greatest of positions, the tower seems barely accessible and the fire elemental is a foe he doesn't want to face.

And thus, the rogue bides his time, observing the priests' and the elemental's movement.

Morg starts to slowly back away to the west, hoping the big magical bonfire distracts the cultists.

Jak wasn't sure what to do. Were the cultists going to try and direct the fire elemental? Were they going to kill Jak and his allies? Who exactly decided who was 'the unworthy'? He glanced at Gariena to see what her reaction to all this was. He noticed Morg backing away but didn't follow suit for the moment. He opened his mouth...hesitated...and then closed it for the moment. They were too spread out and there were too many cultists to start a fight reasonably.

Magdrak looked at the fire elemental and scratched his beard.  "Hmmm," is all he could say, however, as the enormous creature stood burning.

Gariena eyes were like saucers as she stared up the hillside. "This... this does not seem right," she breathes, nearly panting as her features alternate between anger and horror. The giant creature of fire walks slowly but blithely through a canvas tent on the hillside, incautiously scattering bedrolls and belongings. In its wake the wreckage of the campsite blazes, smoke rolling downhill.

"How a destructive elemental will restore nature's balance..." she looks worriedly at Lytin. Her sprites gather near her closely, seeking her protection, or perhaps trying to ward off any danger. Afid perches on her quarterstaff, glaring angrily at the towering elemental as it approaches. The two priests follow in its wake, seemingly prodding it somehow, guiding it down the rough path of the hillside towards the lower campsites.

Lytin glares triumphantly at Gariena. "The unworthy will be scourged from the face of the earth. Thus will balance be restored. Do you fear the just judgement of elemental fire?" She caresses the hilt of a dagger, jutting from her waist, then glances at Biart and Orm, who nod slightly. Flix, her second sprite companion, makes a rude gesture at Malin.

---

Map updated!

The elemental flanked by the two priests are passing by close to the group, but they appear headed to some camps lower down on the hillside.

Jak looked surprised, eyes wide and an incredulous frown on his face as he looked at Gariena, "You're just NOW figuring that out? Yeah, fire is for cleansing, burning away things unwanted." He shook his head. "It's version of restoring balance is likely scorched earth."

He turned to face Lytin. "Fear? Nah. Dislike it burning everything away for no good reason? Yep." He glanced at the teammates with him casually. "Whattya think, boys 'n' girls?"

Morg takes out his waterskin, and moves towards Jak and Gariena.

---

Today I learned that you can't ready an action outside initiative: https://mobile.twitter.com/Jer...s/778650357824040961

"Fear a just judgement? No," Asano says, looking away from the elemental. "But the elementals don't have the same viewpoints we do. There is no just or un-just, they simply do what they do. And fire burns. The only balance is when all elements are equal." He breaks off, shaking his head with a chuckle. "And now I sound like every arcane theory tutor my parents hired. Sad. Anyway," he looks to Gariena. "Was that a bound summoning? Or is that elemental free of a summoner's binding?" As he asks, he looks over the fire elemental, attempting  to identify any symbols, marks, or other indications of a binding laid upon the elemental when it was summoned.


OOC:
Persuasion- 9/19
Arcana- 16
Wild Magic- 20  "You cast Grease centered on yourself." Haha! Oops.

The form of the fire elemental continues inexorably down the slope, trailed by the two cultist priests. Waves of heat radiate from its humanoid form, and wisps of smoke trail behind in its wake as the rough grass of the hillside is incinerated.

Lytin smirks and waves her companions to join her. "You all are unworthy, all of you. You all will burn. Soon." Her feral grin flashes as she turns to follow the elemental. Her three companions move to follow.

Wiglaf and his companion both approach closer, their filthy appearance and hungry eyes becoming more and more apparent the closer they come. "I think I done learned what this whole Rite is about," Wiglaf says earnestly to Magdrak. "Seems they're like to burn down this whole hillside, maybe even everyone on it. Don't suppose you're keen to help 'em with that, are ye? Could be fun, belike old times." He flashes a feral grin, matched by Storol.

Gariena's eyes remain wide, anger warring with confusion on her face. "N-no, that elemental doesn't seem bound to me at all. If they let t-that creature loose in this wilderness, it will make things worse instead of better. I'm starting to think this was a mistake." The druid's sprite companions both mime lowering visors, then draw their swords.

The light emanating from Asano flares briefly, then a gout of black oil spills all around the sorcerer, staining the tufts of grass with greasy ichor. The sprites spin toward the oily spill centered around Asano, then grin with mirth.

---

Map updated!

Asano does not believe that this elemental is controlled as a normal Conjure Elemental spell would work.

Magdrak stared at the retreating form of Lytin, shaking his head in thinly veiled disgust.  "If we're unworthy, why'd ya want ta hire us, ya crazy berk?"  Turning to Wiglaf, he shook his head again and continued.  "Sounds like she's planning on siccing that fiery beast on us even if we help.  I'm not keen on diggin' me own grave."

Following the priests, the rogue remains unseen, waiting. It seemed that confrontation was inevitable... thus, he kept his bow drawn, an arrow pointed at one of the priest's backs.

As he moved in to the new tent he spared a moment to survey his new surroundings.

Move to Y22.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:37, Fri 14 Dec 2018.

Findarion slides out of the tent, then moves through the courtyard towards another cluster of tents. Looking into a large tent nearby, he sees a similar array of bedrolls and clothing, along with some scattered other personal belongings. A couple of lanterns hang from the tent ceiling, unlit.

The towering fire elemental continues moving down the hill, seemingly headed toward one of the encampments near the bottom of the hill. Lytin and her companions stream after it, catching up to the two priests accompanying the blazing figure.

Gariena shakes her head, looking disgusted. "Such a thing should not be let loose in this land. I will take no further part in this." She starts to head down the western slope of the hill. Her two sprite companions, steel still bared, hesitate, looking fiercely to the south toward the smoking giant.

Wiglaf scratches at the mass of snarly hair on his head, then looks at Storol. "He's prob-ly right. But we could hang around, look for some spoils." He looks hopefully at the other shabby man, who scratches his midsection.

Storol looks at the retreating Gariena, then the two sprites. "They looks like tasty morsels. We could roast them on a spit once the big fires are a burnin'. If we can dodge that flaming beast." He yanks a spear from a filthy backpack on his thin frame, then brandishes it towards the pair of sprites. The sprites twirl their swords in his direction, though neither makes a move toward the other. Finally, Storal laughs and leans on the spear, but his eyes still betray a wolfish hunger when he looks at the sprites.

---

Map updated!

Morg looks to Gariena, "Don't you want to help douse it, instead of just walking away?"

Gariena pauses, then turns back to look at Morg. She opens her mouth but doesn't say anything, looking uncertain.

---

Morg can make a persuasion check on this one.

Jak nodded and grinned looking back at Gariena. "Aye! You said it yourself - we can't just leave it t'walk around unchecked, now can we? And this lot have no clue what's worthy or what's controlled." He nodded derisively towards the cultists.

He got ready to make a move, calling out to Storol. "Aw, whassa matter? Only pick on creatures half your size or less??" He let out a laugh.

Morg nods at Jak, and says to Gariena "Aye. If you've been helping these people, it's only right to try to stop the harm that's about to be done."

---

00:33, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 19 using 1d20 with rolls of 19.  Persuasion check on Gariena to help with the fire elemental.

Gariena nods reluctantly, then turns back to the group. She rejoins her sprites, who are now capering about, brandishing their swords at the empty air.

Storol growls at Jak's comment, his face practically a snarl, but says nothing.

The fire elemental continues down the hill, nearly reaching one of the encampments at the bottom of the hill. The smoke in the air makes it difficult to tell what's happening down there from this distance.

Jak let out a sigh and rolled his eyes. Things were not going according to plan at all. "Fine, eff it, let's get this started." He hurried at an angle after the fire elemental. Once he was around sixty feet from it he tapped out on his drum a bit and called out an arcane word, "Shatter!" His will sent out a sudden loud ringing noise from his drum and erupting in to a sonic explosion of pain centered on the fire elemental.

Shatter, 10 foot radius on the Elemental, Constitution saving throw for half damage. 16 thunder damage is the total.

20:20, Today: Secret Roll: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 16 using 3d8 with rolls of 8,7,1.  Shatter damage.

As Magdrak watched Jak cast a spell, a thought came unbidden to his mind, and he spoke it aloud.  "What the 'Fells can I use that will even dent that thing?  Walking fire, and I don't have a bucket of water handy."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:46, Thu 27 Dec 2018.

Morg charges towards the walking fire, throws and puts away his partially opened waterskin. at it, and then takes out his greatsword looking for any hostile cultists.

---

Move: 25' to N30. to within 20' of fire elemental if possible.

Action: dash 25' to Q35. if getting to within 20', attack, throw waterskin - hits because critical hit for 9 bludgeoning damage, and unknown amount of water damage (less than 5 lb. because waterskin probably not full anymore).

13:20, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 23 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 20.  Attack fire elemental by throwing waterskin (asuming proficiency because fighter, otherwise -2).
13:21, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 9 using 2d4+1 with rolls of 4,4.  Crit bludgeoning damage to fire elemental from throwing waterskin (improvised) (reroll 1 or 2 once).

This message was last edited by the player at 08:15, Thu 27 Dec 2018.

Asano nods to Gariena as she makes to join forces, then moves toward the fire elemental. His alder focusing wand glows icy, its crystal tip covered in frost as a small beam jets across the field. Asano watches the wolfish Storol warily, a shield spell on his mind, just in case.


OOC:

---

12:29, Today: Secret Roll: Asano Breathkill rolled 5 using 1d8 with rolls of 5.  Ray of frost dmg.

12:29, Today: Secret Roll: Asano Breathkill rolled 16 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 10.  Ray of frost att.

---

Action: Cast ray of frost at fire elemental (hit- 16  dmg- 5)
Move Action: To N32
Bonus Action:

---

HP: 27/29 AC 12
Buffs/Debuffs:
Conditions: If someone attacks me, I will cast shield as a reaction
Spells/Sorcery Points: 1st- 4/4 2nd- 2/3, 2/4

---

As the fight started, the elf took the opportunity and let loose an arrow from the longbow at the unsuspecting cultists. Hidden from their view, it was an easy shot.

After the attack, Findarion tried to hide in the tent to the best of his ability.

Attacking P1. Bonus action hide. No movement.

11:49, Today: Findarion rolled 13 using 1d20+4 ((9)). Initiative

11:48, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 11 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 3.  Hide bonus action.

11:48, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 10 using 1d8+4+2d6 with rolls of 2,3,1.  Damage.

11:47, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 18 using 2d20+6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 8,12.  Longbow (adv. from hiding).

Magdrak watched as the others moved to intercept the fire elemental, shrugged, and went along with them.

OOC:  Use Move and Dash action (50') to Q38.

Findarion's arrow strikes true into the cultist's back. She cries out, spinning around and glaring back up the hill towards the hilltop, but continues with the collection of cultists following in the wake of the elemental.

The group starts moving toward the fire elemental and its retinue further down the slope, but nobody manages to get within range before the creature approaches the campsite. As they approach, the elemental slows acrid black smoke rising from its form. Four figures scurry around the campsite below, hurriedly collecting belongings and looking at the towering figure of flame in terror. The elemental raises a flaming fist as it advances towards one of the humans.

Gariena continues moving reluctantly down the hill, though her sprite companions seem eager for battle. After getting a better view of the unfortunate campsite below however, Afid and Flix quickly stow their swords and reach for their bows.

Storol and Wiglaf accompany the group, descending the slope and passing near their own campsite. Storol grins eagerly as the elemental closes on the campsite, anticipating violence. His grin splits his face, almost unnaturally wide. The air about his shimmers suddenly, as his form - melts. Arms shorten, his chest and head grow think, grayish hair, and he falls forward onto all fours. He lets out a reverberating howl as his transformation completes. Storol the wolf looks eagerly downhill.

Wiglaf too seems eager to descend, and abruptly his body too begins a transformation. His nose elongates, fur grows on his face, and tufts of fur sprout all up and down his thickening chest, though he remains humanoid enough to remain upgright. His wolf's head turns towards Magdrak, a seemingly abashed look on his lupine features.

---

Findarion's arrow hits P1 for 10 piercing.

Map updated!

Asano, Magdrak, and Findarion are up now. Jak and Morg are welcome to post now as well, and they can change posts after the rest of this motley crew on the hillside take their turns.

Happy New Year!

Round 1 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Asano	21
Magdrak	19	Conc: Hunter's Mark: ??
Eternal Flame Priests (P1, P2, Lytin)	17
Sprites (Afid, Flix)	15
Werewolves (Storol, Wiglaf)	15
Findarion	13
Druids (Gariena, Varigo, Mahoon, Iniri, Fariya)	11
Fire Elemental	10
Eternal Flame Guardians (Biart, Orm, Malin)	10
Jak	5
Morg	2

Jak looked wide-eyed in surprise and disbelief at the two...changing...people? "Are those....freakin' werewolves????"</small> He looked at Magdrak who had seemed to be friends with them or at least knew them. "They good or bad? They gonna come after us?"

He moved forward to where he could get a bit better vantage on the Fire Elemental and spoke an arcane word of power, "Shatter!"


OOC: Move to S-39 (I believe will put me in range). Cast Shatter on Fire Elemental.

Don't suppose I can keep the damage roll for before for the same spell? Lol.
12 Damage (or 16 if you're generous) from Shatter, Constitution saving throw DC 14.

Magdrak gave Wiglaf a sad but knowing smile, and a quick nod.  "Good man.  I'm sorry.  Fight with honor."  With a scream, he focused his hunter's instincts on the apparent leader of this rabble, and heaved his javelin.  He then charged to within melee distance, prepared to do battle.  "Let's see if you are worthy then."

OOC:
Focus Hunter's Mark on Lytin.
Throw Javelin at Lytin.
Move 20' (Q42)
16:39, Today: Secret Roll: Magdrak rolled 12 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 6.  Attack with Javelin (STR-thrown).
16:40, Today: Secret Roll: Magdrak rolled 7 using 1d6+4 with rolls of 3.  Damage with Javelin. (Piercing)

The elf grows confused by the minute as more join the frey. As the men turn to werewolves, he almost drops his bow!

Seeing Jak's efforts, he switches targets and sends an arrow flying at the fire elemental. He's not even sure if it'd work.

01:12, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 18 using 2d20+8, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 10,10.  On elemental.
Wrong mod. Should be 16.

01:13, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 13 using 1d8+4+2d6 with rolls of 5,2,2.

If 11 was enough to hide, that's 16 to hit 13 damage.
If not it's 16 to hit 9 damage.

01:13, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 25 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 17.  Hide bonus action.

Asano moves toward the elemental and the southern encampment, the crystal of his wand glowing with a dread light as he stalks down the hill. He smiles as he draws abreast of Jak,encouraging his confused companion. "One problem at a time, friend," he whispers, keeping a wary eye on the newly transformed werewolves. The half-elf's wand slices through the air, an almost imperceptible clawed hand slashing against the fire elemental's bulk as he does so.

---

11:31, Today: Secret Roll: Asano Breathkill rolled 6 using 1d8 with rolls of 6.  Chill touch dmg.
11:31, Today: Secret Roll: Asano Breathkill rolled 22 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 16.  Chill touch.

---

Action: Cast chill touch against fire elemental (Hit- 22  Dmg- 6, can't regain HP)
Move Action: Move to P37
Bonus Action:

---

HP: 27/29 AC 12
Buffs/Debuffs:
Conditions:
Spells/Sorcery Points: 1st- 4/4 2nd- 2/3, 2/4

---

Asano's spell latches onto the lumbering fire elemental as it lurches towards the campsite at the bottom of the hill, just as an arrow flies from far above and sinks into it's flaming form. The beast roars but doesn't flinch, and continues on.

Magdrak's javelin strikes true as he closes with Lytin and one of her guards. Turning to face him, her smirking face is ringed with the light from the flames behind her. "I was hoping you'd give me the chance to do this," she drawls. Quickly extending her hands, flames leap from them and engulf Magdrak's form, just as Biart wordlessly unsheathes his blade and strikes the dwarf twice in quick succession. The campfire roars as it expands, beginning to overtake the entire campsite.

Below, two of the priests cast spells at the fire, causing it to leap out at the druids as if alive. The druids scatter to the western side of the hill, yet one of them casts a quick spell back uphill at one of the priests, snaring her in a thicket of quickly growing vines and thorny branches.

Another of the fleeing druids spurs on a pair of elk who charge at the towering elemental. Two swipes of a fiery hand leaves one of the beasts dead on the hillside, a smoldering ruin.

The two sprites, alarmed at the sudden appearance of the werewolves, fire tiny arrows at Wiglaf, who brushes them aside as they stick into his fur. He growls at the sprites, but his attention is quickly drawn downhill towards the sound of melee below. The wolf who was once Storol, standing on four legs to the other side of the tent, growls deep in his throat.

---

Mid round update! Map updated!

Morg is up now, and Jak can update his post if desired.

Magdrak needs to make a Dex save to avoid the Burning Hands, and a Concentration check to maintain concentration on Hunter's Mark.

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:51, Thu 10 Jan 2019.

Morg runs towards the entangled priest, takes out a javelin, and hurls it at her. He then turns to the guardian (Biart) attacking Magdrak and shouts "The dwarves are upon you!"

---

Move: 25' to s40.

Interaction: take out javelin1.

Action: attack P1 by throwing javelin1 at her with advantage because restrained by Mahoon's Entangle - hits AC 21 for 8 piercing damage.

10:13, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 21 using 2d20+7, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 14,11.  Attack P1 with javelin1, with advantage because she's restrained and not beyond 30'.
10:13, Today: Secret Roll: Morg Danforge rolled 8 using 1d6+5 with rolls of 3.  Piercing damage to P1 from javelin1.

Biart snarls at both dwarves as they approach.

Over her shoulder, Lytin calls to the other guards. "Leave the druids to the Fire Elemental! Help me obliterate these outsiders."

---

Map updated!

Asano and Findarion are up now, and Magdrak has already posted his Round 2 action. Jak and Morg are welcome to post now or later as well.

Round 1 Summary:

Asano moves down the hill and casts Chill Touch on the Fire Elemental - HIT for 6 necrotic.

Magdrak shifts Hunter's Mark to Lytin and throws a javelin at her - HIT for 10 piercing (I rolled a 3 on 1d6 for Hunter's Mark for Magdrak in the dice roller).

EF Priests:
P1 casts Control Flames at bonfire 1 and expands the area to Q54. V makes a Dex save - Success (no damage).

P2 casts Control Flames at bonfire 1 and expands the area to T56. I makes a Dex save - FAIL. I takes 10 fire damage.

Lytin casts Burning Hands towards Magdrak for 11 fire damage.


Sprites:
Fx attacks Wiglaf with shortbow - HIT for 0 piercing.

Af attacks Wiglaf with shortbow - HIT for 0 piercing.


Werewolves:
Wiglaf & Storol stay put.

Findarion fires an arrow at the fire elemental - HIT for 13 piercing.

Druids
Gariena casts Barkskin and moves further downslope.
Varigo takes 1 fire damage, then double moves out of the fire to the west.
Mahoon moves toward the west and casts Entangle at O43-R46 (now difficult terrain). P1 makes a Strength save - FAIL. P1 is restrained.
Iniri takes 2 fire damage, then double moves out of the fire to the west.
Fariya spurs on two elk to attack the fire elemental, then moves west.

E1 & E2 charge elemental - MISS.

Fire Elemental attacks E1 twice - HIT twice for 24 fire. E1 is dead.

EF Guardians
Biart attacks Magdrak twice - HITS twice for 16 slashing [reduced to 10].

Orm & Malin double move toward Mh


Jak casts Shatter on the Elemental - Elemental saves, takes 8 thunder.

Morg moves downhill and attacks P1 with javelin - HIT for 8 piercing.


Round 2 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Asano	21
Magdrak	19	Conc: Hunter's Mark: Lytin
Eternal Flame Priests (P1, P2, Lytin)	17	P1 is restrained
Sprites (Afid, Flix)	15
Werewolves (Storol, Wiglaf)	15
Findarion	13
Druids (Gariena, Varigo, Mahoon, Iniri, Fariya)	11	Gariena Conc: Barkskin, Mahoon Conc: Entangle
Fire Elemental	10
Eternal Flame Guardians (Biart, Orm, Malin)	10
Jak	5
Morg	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 23:09, Fri 11 Jan 2019.

Magdrak feels the pain of the damage from his two foes, but manages to hold concentration on his spell of the hunt.  As the enlarging spell his him, he grows in size.  He pulls out his battleaxe and gives a mighty swing at the gloating spellcaster, fueled by righteous fury.

---

OOC:
Attack Lytin with Battleaxe.
Add Hunter's Mark.
Add Divine Smite (1st level slot).
01:35, Today: Secret Roll: Magdrak rolled 8 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 7.  DEX Save (DC 13).
01:36, Today: Secret Roll: Magdrak rolled 13 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 10.  Concentration Check.
01:46, Today: Secret Roll: Magdrak rolled 20 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 17.  Concentration Check.
01:47, Today: Secret Roll: Magdrak rolled 22 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 16.  Attack with Battleaxe.
01:48, Today: Secret Roll: Magdrak rolled 10 using 1d8+4 with rolls of 6.  Damage with Battleaxe. (Slashing)
01:49, Today: Secret Roll: Magdrak rolled 4 using 1d6 with rolls of 4.  Hunter's Mark.
02:09, Today: Secret Roll: Magdrak rolled 11 using 2d8 with rolls of 6,5.  Divine Smite. (Radiant)
15:49, Today: Secret Roll: Magdrak rolled 3 using 1d4 with rolls of 3.  Enlarge Extra Damage.
TOTAL DAMAGE: 17 Slashing + 11 Radiant (28)

This message was last edited by the player at 05:30, Fri 11 Jan 2019.

As Morg moves to join the fray, a thought makes Asano smile. His wand shifts, a silver thread reaching for both Morg and Magdrak. the thread swiftly covers both dwarves' forms, immediatley adding bulk and size to each warrior. Both dwarves double in size and power, their weapons and gear growing to match their new size.

---

---

Action: Cast enlarge, twinned, on Morg and Magdrak
Move Action:
Bonus Action:

---

HP: 27/29 AC 12
Buffs/Debuffs:
Conditions: Concentration (Enlarge)
Spells/Sorcery Points: 1st- 4/4 2nd- 1/3, 0/4

---

This message was last edited by the player at 19:18, Thu 10 Jan 2019.

Arrows continue to rain upon the fire elemental from the faraway elf.

23:58, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 18 using 1d8+2d6+4 with rolls of 6,4,4.  Sneak Attack damage.

23:58, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 19 using 2d20+6 with rolls of 1,12.  On elemental. (didn't drop lowest, should be 18 to hit)

23:59, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 18 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 10.  Hide bonus action.

Morg and Magdrak abruptly grow in size, their stout forms elongating and widening. Their now massive boots leave indentations in the soft ground beneath their bulk. Magdrak smashes Lytin, who quickly reacts with a spell. She retreats eastward along the slope of the hill at an unnaturally fast pace.

Biart stumbles backward as the two dwarves tower over him. Undeterred, he brandishes his longsword in front of him, which bursts into a nimbus of flame around the blade. He quickly strikes at Morg to no avail, but his thrust at Magdrak is true. The now giant dwarf falls heavily to his knees, then face down on the hillside.

Wiglaf growls menacingly at the sprites, who quickly disappear. "You wanted to get involved in this mess," Gariena says crossly to the now invisible sprites. "Go attack the priests if you feel so strongly about it!" Suiting her own words, she casts a spell at two of the guards harrying the druids.

Filled with bloodlust, the two werewolves can restrain themselves no longer. Wiglaf plunges down the hill, headed for the struggling priest caught up in the strangling vines, will the Storol-wolf charges after the fleeing Lytin.

Another arrow plunges into the fiery elemental's back. Though it strikes true, Morg catches glimpses of the arrow shaft bursting into flame just as it strikes its target. Still, the towering elemental turns when the arrow strikes. Smoke coalesces momentarily around its face, forming two dark eye sockets and the impressions of sharp eyebrows. Gazing up the hill towards the tower, it looks displeased.

Turning back towards the camp, the elemental hammers the elk out of his way, then crashes through one of the nearby tents. Now a smouldering wreck, the ruined tent smoulders in its wake. Pursuing one of the druids, it moves directly over one of them, straddling him as he attempts to fight back against the surrounding cultists. He screams in pain as his clothes and flesh begin burning in the searing heat. As the druid loses concentration on his earlier spell, the creeping vines wither away around the trapped priestess.

---

Mid round update! Map updated!

Jak and Morg are up now. Magdrak will need to start death saves next round unless healed before his turn.

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:05, Wed 16 Jan 2019.

Jak turned his attention away from the fire elemental, for the moment, as he saw that jerk Biart attacking the two....suddenly...much larger....dwarves, with a flaming sword. Magdrak dropped and Jak let out a sigh. "Oh, Biart! You're a distraction more than anythin' else - but ya like t'play with fire an' heat, do ya? Let's see how much you can REALLY take, shall we?" He made a gesture, tapped on his drum and sang out a single word, "Heat!"

OOC: Move to O-37. Cast Heat Metal on Biart's armor (10 fire damage).

Constitution saving throws (DC 14) on subsequent turns or have disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks, or until he removes the armor (which I think takes a little while lol).<

08:01, Today: Jakrynn Redgate rolled 10 using 2d8 with rolls of 3,7.  Heat Metal fire damage.

"Marthammor Duin has blessed us!" Morg says as he and Magdrak suddenly grow in size. As Magdrak falls, he says "Or not...", takes out his greatsword, and attacks the guardian(s).

---

Interaction: take out greatsword.

If Biart is dead, or dies from an attack by Morg, then
Move: 25' to t45/u46.

Action: if Biart is alive, attack him with greatsword, otherwise attack Orm - hits AC 12 for 19 slashing damage.

Action surge: if Biart is alive, attack him with greatsword, otherwise attack Orm - hits AC 22 for 18 slashing damage.

11:43, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 12 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 5.  Attack Biart or Orm with greatsword.
11:43, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 15 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 4,6.  Slashing damage to Biart or Orm from greatsword (reroll 1 or 2 once).
11:43, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 4 using 1d4 with rolls of 4.  Slashing damage to Biart or Orm from enlarged greatsword (I don't think GWF applies).

11:45, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 22 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 15.  (Action surge) Attack Biart or Orm with greatsword.
11:45, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 12 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 5,2.  (Action surge) Slashing damage to Biart or Orm from greatsword (reroll 1 or 2 once).
11:46, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 6 using 1d6 with rolls of 6.  Reroll of 2nd die of (Action surge) Slashing damage to Biart or Orm from greatsword.
11:46, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 2 using 1d4 with rolls of 2.  (Action surge) Slashing damage to Biart or Orm from enlarged greatsword (I don't think GWF applies).

Biart's metal breastplate suddenly glows with unnatural heat, and the guard screams as it burns his flesh. "The heat will consume us both!" Biart yells, looking up the hill at Jak.

Morg's enlarged form swipes his massive blade at the screaming man, scoring him once from his shoulder to his midsection. The man's enraged glare takes in both Morg and Jak as he readies his next assault.

---

Asano and Findarion are up now. Magdrak will need to start death saves next round unless healed before his turn.

Round 2 Summary:

Asano casts Enlarge/Reduce Twinned on Magdrak and Morg.

Magdrak attacks Lytin with Divine Smite - HIT for 17 slashing and 11 radiant - total of 28 damage.

EF Priests:
P1 attempts to disentangle - FAIL.

P2 moves and casts Scorching Ray at V - HIT once for 7 fire.

Lytin Disengages and casts Expeditious Retreat, then moves east.


Sprites:
Fx turns invisible.

Af turns invisible.


Werewolves:
Wiglaf double-moves down the hill.

Storol moves after Lytin and attacks - CRIT for 7 piercing.

Findarion fires an arrow at the elemental - HIT for 18 piercing damage.

Druids
Gariena casts Entangle at O47-R50. O & M pass their strength saves vs. being restrained.
Varigo casts Barkskin and moves toward Mahoon.
Mahoon casts Thunderwave - both O & M pass con saves, take 3 thunder.
Iniri casts Thunderwave - O fails, M pass con save - O takes 7 thunder and is pushed 10' away. M takes 3 thunder.
Fariya moves up the hill (difficult terrain when climbing) and casts Barkskin.

E2 attacks elemental - MISS.

Fire Elemental attacks E2 twice - HIT twice for 17 damage. E2 is dead. Moves west and stops in Mh's space - Mh takes 3 fire and FAILS concentration check.

EF Guardians
Biart activates his flaming longsword, then attacks Magdrak - HIT for 8 slashing (reduced to 5) and 4 fire damage, for a total of 9. Magdrak is unconscious. He attacks Morg - MISS.

Orm moves uphill and activates his flaming longsword, then attacks Wiglaf - HIT twice for 6 fire.

Malin moves and activates his flaming longsword, then attacks Iniri - HITS twice for a total of 20 damage. Iniri is dead.

Jak casts Heat Metal at Biart - Biart takes 10 fire.

Morg attacks Biart - MISS. Morg uses Action Surge to attack Biart again - HIT for 18 slashing.

Round 3 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Asano	21	Conc: Enlarge/Reduce
Magdrak	19	Unconscious
Eternal Flame Priests (P1, P2, Lytin)	17	Lytin Conc: Exped. Retreat
Sprites (Afid, Flix)	15
Werewolves (Storol, Wiglaf)	15
Findarion	13
Druids (Gariena, Varigo, Mahoon, Fariya)	11	Varigo, Fariya Conc: Barkskin, Gariena Conc: Entangle
Fire Elemental	10
Eternal Flame Guardians (Biart, Orm, Malin)	10
Jak	5	Conc: Heat Metal
Morg	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:09, Wed 16 Jan 2019.

Seeing Lytin isolated, and fending off a werewolf, the rogue switches his targets and sends an arrow her way. As it flies, he runs out of his hiding spot and moves behind another tent, getting closer to the combat.

10:20, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 18 using 1d8+2d6+4 with rolls of 5,4,5.  Sneak Attack damage.

10:20, Today: Secret Roll: Findarion rolled 28 using 2d20+6 with rolls of 11,11.  On Lytin.
Didn't drop lowest. 17 to hit.

BA dash and move to U32.

As the sword slash bites into him, Magdrak falls unconscious from the weight of his injuries.

---

OOC:  Hunter's Mark concentration ends.

Current HP: -4/32
Lay on Hands: 20/20
Remaining Spells:
1st: 1/3

As Lytin fends off the werewolf with a blast of fire, Findarion's arrow arcs high, then lands squarely in Lytin's chest. She collapses to the hillside.

Abruptly the two sprites reappear further down the hillside, then fire arrows at the approaching cultists. One of the priests immediately collapses. The sprites quickly high five each other before pulling another arrow from their quivers. Gariena moves down the hillside to join them, conjuring up another mass of ensnaring vines around the some of the cultists as she walks.

As the druids from the camp below fight back valiantly, a loud explosion of fire erupts around one of them. The elemental pursues another of the druids, savagely burning him with multiple blows. Both figures collapse to the hillside, their still bodies smoking.

Biart, looking woozy from the sprite's arrow, swings his flaming blade wildly in Morg's direction, hitting only air. A moment later the blade's flames evaporate. Malin moves quickly to one of the priests. Her form is held tightly by Gariena's vines. Shaking her, she wakes and begins struggling against her bonds.

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Mid round update! Map updated!

Jak and Morg are up now. Asano hasn't posted yet this round, so he can post now also. Magdrak will need to continue death saves unless healed before his turn.

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:21, Wed 23 Jan 2019.