The day dawns cold on the hillside, a grey sky blanketing a chilly and misty morning. The thick smoke that covered the hill on days past has completely disappeared, leaving only black and white ash clinging to scrubby bushes and stunted trees growing from the rocky soil. The cold air carries a smell of impending winter.

As Greaek looks on from the opening of the tower, the group camping below begins to stir. Faces already somewhat somber after the departure of Jak with Sharpwind the day before, the mood only grows more grey as they bid farewell to Wiglaf and Asano, who set out to the south towards Goldenfields, in search of a cure for Wiglaf's case of lycanthropy. Findarion and his brother also depart after making their farewells, headed back to the relative safety of their family estates.

Before the remaining party members can depart, a man comes running, clearly somewhat panicked, being chased by a group of what look to be mercenaries. Seeing the party, he diverts toward you. "Hey, over here! Any chance I can get some help with these villains?"

While telling Magdrak about the adventures he and Jak had in Baldur's Gate, and how Fin wasn't bad for an elf, he looks up at the shouting human running towards them.

---

Do the mercenaries look like they have the same clasped hands and a silver pitcher symbols as Magdrak?

14:48, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 20 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 16.  Perception check, looking at mercenaries.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:04, Fri 06 Dec 2019.

Having just finished his morning prayers and preparing of his equipment, Durik is just finishing putting his armor on when Rowan races up.  Calmly grabbing his shield and hammer he straightens himself and then says; "Why are they chasing you?  What is it that they claim you have done?"

This message was deleted by the player at 14:22, Thu 05 Dec 2019.

"They think I hold weapons that were heirlooms of my former count's family. He hired these men to capture me, and they've pursued me across multiple kingdoms! I tell you, my skill in magic aside, before all this I was only a simple farmer. It's not my fault that my village chose to revolt against the count's cruel taxes."
The man says this as he skids to a stop in front of you, gasping for air, and backing away from the mercenaries who eye the party warily.

Magdrak listens with interest in Morg's tales of their previous adventures.  He opens his mouth a few times to comment, then closes it each time without speaking.  When the lone person approaches their campsite followed by a group of mercenaries, Magdrak stands up with his battleaxe in hand, though he eyes each with equal suspicion.  "Well now, that is an interesting tale.  Not one to generally interfere in others makin' their fees, but if what you say is true then it is not right and probably will not end well for you if taken."

---

OOC:

The hands and pitcher symbols are actually those of Magdrak's deity, Valkauna. His Bloodaxes uniform (which he hasn't worn yet) is a simple dark grey with a bit of dark red trim, and he doesn't wear his Bloodaxes sigil openly.  Not sure if Morg would know Vakauna's symbol or not, but just wanted to throw it out there.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Current HP: 51/51
Current AC: 19 (+ Heavy Armor Master Feat)
Lay on Hands: 25/25
Channel Divinity: 1/1
Current Spell Slots:
1st: 4/4
2nd: 2/2

---

Observing from the trees, a considerable distance away from either pack of humanoids, sits a large but quiet brown bear.  Rather than hasteling anyone, or running away, like most animals would be inclined to do it simply sits there watching the exchange as it goes back and forth almost like it can understand the words being spoken.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:07, Wed 18 Dec 2019.

"Then will you aid me in driving them off? I'm afraid I lost my spell component pouch several cities back, and without it I can no longer slip into invisibility to escape them like I once did." The man pleads.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:20, Sat 07 Dec 2019.

The group chasing Rowan slides to a halt as they see the small encampment. Whispering among themselves, they play close attention to the activity in the small camp.

Abruptly the door halfway up the decaying tower opens, and Greaek's form appears. Behind him, three other figures wave, all of their forms blazing from the chin like he does, their beards afire. Greaek and the other step away, though they leave the door open.

"Drive them off? Why not just submit to one of their clerics' truth zones if you don't know the location their weapons? Do you not trust their clerics?" Morg says to the human.

And then more softly "Do you actually know where the cache is?"

In reply to Morg Danforge (msg # 11):

(Whispering only loud enough for the party to hear him) "I really don't. I think some of my fellow rebels fled the battle when things turned for the worse. Most of the weapons were both old and strong enough to be considered artifacts in their own right, so I imagine the cowards sold them for a hefty sum. The reason I'm being chased in particular is that the count blames me for the original theft."

"Are you prepared to submit to their truth zone? You could then end this without anyone losing their heads." Morg says.

Morg looks to Magdrak, "Can't you also do that, uh... ceremony, ritual? Tho that probably won't help since these hirelings probably don't know you."

A half-elf slowly made his way towards the tower, and thus the small party gathered, though from a different direction than Rowan had show up. He walked with confidence though a tiny bit of hesitance could be seen as well. After all, he was only one and who knew how many he would be facing.

He had a quarterstaff in one hand, with expertly-carved runic work in it. He gripped more like a weapon than a walking stick, and strode with purpose towards the tower. He stopped when he came within talking distance of the small group. He cleared his throat.

"Are you with the brigands and raiders from this place?" It sounded like the answer might start a fight or a more harsh discussion at least.

In reply to Makari (msg # 14):

"sir, are you talking to me, the mercenaries over there, or this party of adventurers?" Rowan asks in confusion, taking the initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:28, Tue 10 Dec 2019.

In the forest, the slight music from a flute could be heard among the trees. It was a soft, delicate tune, accompanied by the chirp of some nearby birds in the early morning.

"Mind if I sit with you, friend?" Jo settled down in the grass next to the bear, who seemed calm enough. He watched the camp and the mercenaries - which seemed engaged in some matter - resting his flute in his lap and removing his hat.

"Which side are we rooting for?" Of course, he was not expecting a response from the bear. "It seems like those fellows are chasing those fellows." He pointed to the mercenaries, then to the encampment. "Or maybe just him. Perhaps he slept with one of the band's wives" Jo continued, pointing to the panicked man as he spun his own narrative. "And now they're all collectively angry, chasing him to the ends of the earth. A noble cause, admittedly - you have to admire their companionship." As he saw the half-elf approach, he raised an eyebrow. "Now this complicates things."

Casting Animal Friendship on the 'bear' :). Of course it fails automatically, since I assume her int is higher than 4, but Jo doesn't realize.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:42, Tue 10 Dec 2019.

Wind blows over the hilltop, rustling some of the scant brush near the decaying tower. Some of the burned scaffolding, leaning precariously against the tower wall, suddenly falls over with a small clatter.

The group of mercenaries continues staring in Rowan's direction, various members pointing as new arrivals seem to appear as if from thin air.

Finally, one of the brigands steps forward and cups a hand to her mouth. "Selling the sword to this band of misfits, are we Rowan? You'll not make it far with or without the sword. Best hand it over, or tell us where it is if you're not hauling it around on ye!"

Behaving very much like a charmed animal the bear turns her head to look at Jo, not as food, or as a threat, but just as something one might want to be more familiar with.  The odd thing is that she looks at him that way before he even begins to cast his spell, as he approaches.

Jo startled as the bear talked. Somehow, he had missed the barrel tied around its neck. So a magical bear, or not a bear at all.

"Ah." Jo exclaimed after hearing the mention of the sword. He was curious as to how this would unfold. "Yes, I like that better. How does the half-elf fit into this?"

The half-elf turned a curious face to the person who responded to him with a question. One eyebrow rose upward. "Well. The...mercenaries, as you call them....are too far away to hear me unless I shout." His head tilted to one side in what could be taken as acknowledgement. "And I did not know to differentiate you from the other people you are standing near and speaking with. My apologies for making an assumption."

His eyes swept over the lot of them, "My question is to all of you, however."

The "mercenaries" shouted towards the group...but especially towards the one who had asked him the question. "It seems you have some people interested in you already."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:55, Thu 12 Dec 2019.

To Rowan, Morg says "Will you let her", pointing to the brigand who spoke, "search you, or submit to a zone?
If they try anything else, well, things will have to be reevaluated; but if we all stay frosty, we could try to talk this out."

To Makari he says "I'm not with this place's fire cultists, or the group demanding the sword. Where's your allegiances, friend?"

The bear shakes her head as if able to understand No and replying to his whispered question where they remain hidden in the trees.

Rowan considers this proposal for a moment. "A compromise maybe? If the mercenaries agree, one of you searches me, to prove my innocence. I'm afraid I don't trust them not to simply capture me swords or no the moment I submit myself to them. I wish to believe you would rescue me if they went back on their word, but I'm afraid I simply don't know you well enough to bet my life on that, so it seems like the best compromise.

Morg looks at the brigand leader, "How long is this sword? The human can then show he doesn't have anything that big on him or in his pack."

"If that's not enough for you, and you don't have a cleric you trust with you, then I suggest you go talk to Harburk in Red Larch - he's the constable."

Observing the exchange Durik stands behind Morg in a position of support and then crosses his arms; "Its as my fellow dwarf said, you should submit to the search.  Under the eyes of the All-Father we will make sure that it is a fair search."

Makari was a little confused. This wasn't going at all how he had thought it would. There were several parties that seemed to have nothing to do with the raiders here at all. He frowned a bit as he heard the things said and the questions asked across multiple people.

To the dwarf who had addressed him directly. "I do not have an allegiance, really. I heard there were raiders here, stealing and burning and such. I thought I would see about stopping them. I am new to this area so I thought engendering some good will, maybe meeting some like-minded individuals at some point, might be a good idea." He gave a small bow, his thickly-accented words pouring forth from his smiling mouth. "I am Makari Dyerna."

Rowan sighs. "I suppose a cleric swearing upon his god is sufficient. Very well, I will submit to a search if the mercenaries will swear not to take me should they find none of the stolen weapons. I hold you to your word to rescue me though, should they break such a promise.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:06, Thu 12 Dec 2019.

The mercenaries look at each other uneasily, wondering about a lack of response. Finally, they decide to approach, though they eye the entire group warily. About twenty feet away they stop, and the apparent leader speaks up again.

"Well, where is it Laren? Hand it over."

"I don't have your swords! How many more times do I need to tell you?" Rowan throws his hands up in exasperation. If you wish, I will submit to an inspection, on the condition that you let me go if you don't find them. These adventurers have agreed to enforce the terms if you agree.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:09, Mon 16 Dec 2019.

Stepping forward and then to the side in a position of authority; "Conduct your inspection-but it will be fair under the eyes of the All-Father.  If he has your swords then he will go with you.  If he does not have your swords on him...then you will go in peace."

The woman nods, and a few mercenaries step forward and search Rowan, pawing through his backpack, but it quickly becomes clear that the sword is not to be found. The men look questioningly back to the mercenary leader.

She gives Rowan a hard look. "Alright, what have you done with it?"

---

Feel free to make persuasion/intimidation/etc. rolls as you see fit or as it appropriate. Folks can take the Help action as well, cast spells, etc...

In reply to DM (msg # 31):

"As I've said from the beginning, I don't have the sword. I don't have any of the weapons from the armory. I'm a sorcerer, what would I do with a sword?"

Rowan Laren rolled 6 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 1. (For persuasion)

Makari watched without much interest as the search happened. One eyebrow rose up and he decided to play devil's advocate for just a moment of amusement. He asked Rowan, "You said you do not have the swords, and have been seemingly very careful with your word choices. Did you help in them being 'liberated' and/or know who did take them?"

He didn't even keep looking at Rowan to see the reaction or hear the answer. He went back to looking at the tower and the fiery dwarves that had been looking out.

"What a brilliant turn of events. I mean, it was pretty clear he didn't have a sword by the fact that he didn't have a sword. Where was he going to hide it? His trousers and walk with one stiff leg?" He thought for a second. "I suppose it could have been a really short sword." Jo pinched his thumb and index finger and squinted. He sighed. "This isn't going to go over well, is it?"

In reply to Makari (msg # 33):

Rowan coughs awkwardly. "I may have used an invisibility spell or two to help in their liberation. You must understand though, my family was starving. We had a verdant, bountiful farm, but the taxes were so heavy that it was impossible for us to survive. We had no choice. Given a choice between a slow death by starvation, and a quick death to a blade, I knew which one I preferred.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:49, Tue 17 Dec 2019.

Sitting back on her haunches at the edge of the forest the bear seems to be settling in for a longer stay than simply pausing in search of food to glance into the clearing.

"Your jurisdiction?" Jo raised an eyebrow, curious. "So you're not just a random bear able to communicate through magical means? And here I thought I had you all figured out."

"Who did you give them to after stealing them?" Morg asks Rowan.

Listening to the conversations; Durik strokes his greying beard deep in thought.  "Answer the questions with straight answers.  Did you take the swords?  If so what did you do with them after you took them?  I remind you that the All-father is watching and knows all."

The leader of the mercenaries tsks. "Did you sell the sword to those river brigands? Or did they steal it from you?"

"I distributed them to the other villagers. I didn't keep any for myself. I have magic, what use would I have for a sword when there were others wielding rusty pitchforks?" Rowan uses the minor illusion cantrip to conjure an illusory flame in the palm of his hand, seeking to illustrate his point about magic. After letting it burn for a second, Rowan closes his palm, simultaneously dispelling the illusion.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:06, Wed 18 Dec 2019.

The bear snorts a bit, at first quite a normal sound, but as it repeats for several seconds it begins to seem like laughter.

To the mercenary leader Morg says "The sword is not here, and you and the count employing you dinnae have any authority in Tyar-Besil", emphasizing and rolling his Rs. He puts the blade of his greatsword on his shoulder.

---

12:02, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 9 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 6.  Try to intimidate mercenary leader.

The mercenary looks down her nose at Morg, then returns her gaze to Rowan. "I don't believe you any farther than I can throw a boulder, but it's clear at least you don't have the sword. And maybe you don't know where it is. Maybe."

She pauses, looking at the other mercenaries. "In any case, I think it's likely the sword ended up in the hands of a group of river brigands. They operate to the east of here, along the River Dessarin. We, of course, have been charged with returning the sword to its rightful owner - the count of Rowan's village." She shoots Rowan a disgusted look, then continues on.

"Whether or not Rowan cares about the people in his village, it just so happens I have family there. And the count is making life there a living hell for the villagers until all his stolen weapons are returned." She pauses, waiting for any reaction from Rowan or the others. "I'm fixing to return the last weapon to the count, and set things right. Any chance I can get any help with that?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:43, Thu 19 Dec 2019.

In reply to DM (msg # 44):

Rowan nods. "I would be more than happy to help if it means reducing the counts ire. I'm rather tired of being chased across the continent. Simply direct me to where you think the sword is located, and I will take care of it." Rowan turns to the party of nearby adventurers. "What do you think friends, will you accompany me? There is bound to be ample wealth at any bandit camp able to purchase or steal such a weapon. I fully understand if you need time to prepare, and offer my services as a sorcerer in the meantime. I do not mind paying for your aid with my labor."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:21, Thu 19 Dec 2019.

As the situation is resolved, Magdrak crosses his arms with a self-satisfied smile.  "Glad that we could come to an accord.  I am generally not one to work for free, however.  Will we be sharing in the reward for the recovery of the merchandise?  I would assume that a noble pays well."

"Is this the pirate Shoalah?" Morg says. "From what I've heard they sound like someone who needs to be separated from their head."

Turning to Magdrak and Durik, he says [Language unknown: "Ri saate mincnt t tedurenot sati il theingeveoer elwi Oullaroneanylin, ess it ughck ntilaryin unwa ereoreson wasessyin lail ulur is sonck mireekdi yinonslin?"]

---

The pirate's name is actually "Shoalar", but Morg hasn't heard a dwarf pronounce the name yet. Family name "Quanderil".

[Language unknown: "Bessbeeene e lo usurli pehatose hosiutatan."]

The mercenary captain frowns.

"I haven't heard that name, though we're only recently in this area. Rowan here puts up quite a little chase - we've traveled pretty far. The name we've heard is Jolliver Grimjaw, and we've heard he leads a group of pirates and sellswords based in a place called Rivergard Keep. I suppose they could be working together though."

Makari was a little confused by the direction the conversation was going. It was about a sword, but it was also about a people. There were apparently two separate groups of water bandits that may or may not have the sword.

He gave a small shrug. "If I am not needed here to help stop these raiders, then I suppose I could help with clearing out some bandits."

The soft snickering laugh of the bear quiets and her focus returns fully to the conversation when the discussion turns in the direction of the bandits.

“It just so happens I’m in search of a bandit myself. Though I do suspect he’s trudged off in another direction and I’m following a fruitless trail.” Jo brushed some dirt off his hat and donned it. “But I suppose it’s worth a shot. And you? I’m sure someone like you would be useful.”

"My name is Morg. My goal is to reclaim Tyar-Besil, underground" he says to the mercenary leader, pointing down, "for the All-Father's people; but pirates and brigands are bad for trade - which we need to rebuild. Do you wish to join forces in finding these pirates? This sword for your employer, pirate treasure for those looking for riches, and a safe land for the surface folk?"

The mercenary leader frowns. "We are not well-suited for exploring underground ruins. Nor are we suited for storming a keep full of bandits. Though we will aid you however we can in finding and recovering the sword."

She turns to Rowan, looking at him skeptically. "If you're willing to recover the sword, we will stay with you, nearby, and return it to the town when you have it. But we'll not let you walk away from this before it is returned to the town, with or without the sword."

Turning to look at the human next to her the bear shakes her head almost sadly, then returns her focus to the folks in the nearby clearing.

In reply to DM (msg # 53):

Rowan shakes his head. "I wouldn't dream of walking away from this. I want this over with as soon as possible."

"Very well," the captain says. "We will accompany you to Rivergard Keep if that's where you're headed, or where ever you think the sword is now."

"We'll need to reconnoiter the pirates, keep, river, and boats." Morg says. "Are there any bridges we can destroy to make fords to prevent the ships from using the river? We can't lay siege to the keep, tho we should see if we can flood it. We'll probably have to infiltrate the keep and use partisan tactics."

"Mag, Durik, and I probably won't be much good at sneaking around tho."

"If I have the chance to acquire some spell components, I can help the parties stealth with invisibility and illusion spells."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:59, Mon 30 Dec 2019.

"Who would be frightened of you? Know that I find you adorable!" Jo grinned at the bear. "You're planning to follow them? I'll leave you to it. I'm not too good at remaining inconspicuous, we're lucky I haven't drawn their attention here yet." He stood to depart. "Terribly sorry to disturb you in your work, guardian."

The mercenary captain shakes her head at Morg emphatically. "Only the Stone Bridge is close enough to make such a dramatic effect on the flow of water on the Dessarin River. And good luck to you in destroying a stone archway two miles long."

---

Anyone who would like to can make a History check on the Stone Bridge - dwarves can make it with advantage.

Magdrak frowns.  "Not sure I would hold with destroying such a work anyway.  Assuming that it is dwarven made, as all the best ones are, then it is an affront to Moradin to desecrate such a wonder."

---

OOC:

01:28, Today: Secret Roll: Magdrak rolled 13 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 6,8.  History Check - Stonework (Advantage).

Makari frowned as one of the dwarves spoke. He seemed hesitant and as if he didn't like what was being discussed. "I...." He cleared his throat. "I don't like the idea of destroying a bridge in the possibly incorrect hope that it will hinder the bandits. Especially when we can be assured it will certainly hinder people that aren't bandits."

He shook his head. "Why not hold off on such rash measures, even in discussion, until we see more of what we are up against? We should go take a look first, then make plans. Yes?"

"Agreed.  The All father would find displeasure in the unneeded destruction of stone work.  Especially if our kin made it.  I think we can reconnoiter the Keep first and then decide our next actions."

_____________________________________________________________________________________
OOC:  History check is a 20 with Advantage.
07:46, Today: Secret Roll: Durik rolled 31 using 2d20+3 with rolls of 20,8.  History w advantage.
This message was last updated by the player at 12:48, Fri 03 Jan 2020.

As the human with it departs the bear looks at it for a moment and nods, very much as if thanking him for something.

The mercenary captain looks doubtfully at Durik. "If you could destroy it," she says.

---

Rowan rubs his chin in thought. I doubt we have the firepower to destroy such a large structure. Certainly most of my spells are geared around stealth, and illusion.

Morg draws a rough map on the sooty ground of the river, Sumber hills, stone bridge, and fire-cult camp. "Okay, recon the keep first. Where is it approximately?" he says.

The mercenary captain approaches and examines the crude map on the hillside. After a few moments, she points to the bend of the river near the southern end of the Sumber Hills. "Rivergard Keep is there," she says simply.

---

Map updated. Morg would note that the location of Rivergard Keep more or less corresponds with the "South Door" from his map.

Jo bowed to the bear before making his leave. "Much appreciated. Safe travels, guardian." He tried his best to remain hidden as he left, emerging from the woods a ways away so not to draw suspicion towards the bear.

"Morning!" Jo called out to the ensemble. "I couldn't help but eavesdrop on your conversation. Might I accompany you to this keep of yours?"

Shaking his head in disagreement.  "The stone bridge was built by our kin and would not easy to destroy.  In fact it is a sacred site of pilgrimage for many dwarves. Long ago it is said the All-Father himself appeared atop the Stone Bridge to rally dwarves of the Ironstar clan against a horde of orcs.  Years later King Torhild Flametongue, the founder of Besilmer, died fighting a hill giant atop the Stone Bridge, and rumor has it he and his greataxe are entombed somewhere near Beliard."

Looking over Morgs map; "Lets get as close as we can and then let those that are stealthy do the close I recon."

The mercenaries tense at the arrival of yet another person to the assembled, but go back to patiently waiting for the group's next steps once Jo shows no apparent hostility.

Magdrak smiles as Durik speaks about dwarven history to the others.  "I have not yet made my pilgrimage to the Stone Bridge, although now does not exactly seem the time to be doing so.  Perhaps when we are done with our current mission..."

While waiting, Magdrak moves up to the mercenary captain.  "I have not had the chance to ask before, but how is old Nalaskur doing?  It has been ages since I was at the Bargewright, swapping stories with him."

The captain raises her eyebrows, but recovers from her apparent surprise quickly. "Nalaskur is well, though I've heard the Inn is having supply problems of late. No wonder with so many bandits about."

She turns her head to spit to the side, then continues. "You a - mercenary?" she asks inquiringly. "I've heard there may be a caravan heading out from Womford to Triboar soon, with plenty of protection to ensure a safe journey. Might be worth your whiles to check out."
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:10, Tue 14 Jan 2020.

As the group heads to the south and east, the mercenary company follows close behind, keeping tabs on their charge.

As the day progresses a cover of clouds turns the air cool, and fog billows in the low-lying areas between hills. After nearly three hours of travel over the rough ground, the group approaches Rivergard Keep in the near distance.

Looking down from a nearby hill, the group can see Rivergard Keep sits in the curve of the mighty Dessarin River, which is a good half-mile wide at this point. Although it is a small castle it appears strongly built, though even from this distance its age is apparent. A gatehouse and keep stand atop a low bluff, but the walls are built to the water's edge. On the river bank, another low tower guards a boat basin where some keelboats are moored.

Despite the keep's old and worn appearance, new timbers and shingles indicate that repairs are underway. A white banner with a blue gauntlet flies over the keep.

The front gate is closed.

---

Map updated.

What now? =)

Over the first part of the trip the same bear, or one very much like it, can be seen occasionally following the party, never from nearby but often enough to suggest that they may be in its territory.  For the last hour it seemed to have given up, but has been visible again for the last few minutes before they reach the overview of the keep.

"Well their it is." Durik says pointing at the keep.  Resting his hammer on his shoulder; "Lets head down carefully and then see what is going on.  It definitely looks like someone is at home. Anyone recognize the banner?"

Makari was a little wary, keeping an eye out as they traveled. He was in unfamiliar territory with unfamiliar people. He watched the rest of the group and the mercenaries just as much as he tried to watch their surrounding. It would eventually be exhausting to try and keep up for a long time. Hopefully he will trust someone by then. He kept a quarterstaff in hand, using it as a walking stick when needed, gripped tightly.

"Indeed." He glanced at Durik. "Should we attempt to be stealthy in our approach?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:29, Thu 16 Jan 2020.

In reply to Makari (msg # 77):

Rowan looks up from where he has been carving something as he walked. "I usually prefer the stealthy approach myself."

The mercenary captain snorts at Rowan's remark, but otherwise waits patiently as the group studies the keep below.

---

If folks want to make perception checks on their observation of the Keep or its environs, or other checks as appropriate, feel free.

"Well lets have a look first and then decide what is next." Durik says as he squints his eyes and trys to san the keep.

08:27, Today: Secret Roll:  Durik rolled 6 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 2.  Perception.

Makari certainly wasn't at the forefront of the group as they moved in. He kept his senses tuned, still, to their surroundings for anything out of the ordinary, like the bear that was following them. But for the moment, since the bear was staying back, he focused more on their destination ahead to see and hear what he could.

As the group watches, a keelboat appears from downriver, approaching the south east tower of the castle. After a few moments, the keelboat proceeds through a gap in the castle wall, into an interior area of the castle beyond view.

---

What now? =)

Makari noticed guards atop the walls - one guard standing atop each of the four wall sections, pacing back and forth. He pointed this out to the others, just in case they didn't notice or weren't looking for that. "So there's those. Night time might be a better approach time if we are going to try for stealthy. If we are going to attempt to talk to them...well...now is fine then."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:19, Mon 20 Jan 2020.

Jo kept a jovial demeanor throughout the travel, humming a cheerful tune if he wasn't chatting the with some of his traveling-companions. He recounted his visit to Mithril Hall to the dwarves, regardless if they wanted to listen or not. If asked for his motives, he merely said he was looking for someone, and the keep seemed the best bet. Occasionally he glanced backward to the mysterious talking bear, seeing if she still on their trail.

As they came across the keep and talk turned to planning, he chimed in with the information he had gotten from the bear. "I'm just a tag-along so feel free to dismiss me, but is it reasonable to expect them to hand over the sword if we just asked? Doubtful. If we're opting for infiltration I suggest investigating the waterways as an option." He pointed to the disappearing keelboat to illustrate his point. "Or stage an ambush, depending on how agreeable we wish to be. Regardless, waiting until nightfall is a good idea."

Finishing up his scan of the keep Durik shakes his head; "My old eyes are beginning to fail me.  I can't make much out from here."  Then turning to the others as they discuss options. "Night is probably best, but I am going to need some help getting up and over a wall.  Probably best to come through a door or gate that one opens for me." he says slapping his large belly.

"I can contribute some illusion spells that might help someone sneak in if anyone wants to try later.

Makari absorbed the gist of what was being discussed. He glanced at Rowan and then gave a nod. "I can cast invisibility on up to two people, or myself and one another, for up to an hour, though it takes concentration to maintain." He eyed what some were wearing, "However, the spell does not make you silent and some of the group are wearing armor and might not be as stealthy as others."

He gave a light shrug.

Magdrak looks doubtfully at his armor before responding.  "This armor will not let me move around quietly.  And I am not too keen on sneaking in anyway.  But if we are going to do that, I definitely should be one of the last ones through, as I do not expect to keep my chain noiseless."

While the debate is going on, Magdrak leans in to quietly speak with the mercenary captain.

Nodding in agreement with Magdrak; "Same with me.  I'm a bit old to be climbing over walls and this armor will just slow me down.  We can wait until the other are across the wall."  Scratching his greying beard; "Perhaps we could be a distraction?"

Makari frowned and hesitated. "Well...I mean...mounting an assault with only who we have here is foolhardy. Stealth would be an optimal course of action if we could." His eyes narrowed and he looked down as he thought about it.

"I know it's not...an idea that you will gladly take but...what if you...took off your armor until we are inside at least? We find a room where you can put your armor back on." He shrugged. "Then at least we aren't trying to get in while the alarm is raised and they can shoot at us from behind the walls?" He made a face that was part hopeful and part ready for backlash.

Rowan mills over the group's options for a moment. "I'm not certain having a distraction is the best course here. While it would draw attention, it would also put the guards on alert, which might do more harm than good. Especially since it's likely a number of sleeping foes would be woken in the process if we're going at night."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:56, Wed 29 Jan 2020.

As the group watches Rivergard Keep from the windswept badlands of the nearby Sumber Hills, the sun slowly sets behind them. Shadows of sparse dry grass lengthen across the landscape, and hills with exposed rock faces above steep escarpments darken in the growing dimness. A tiny stream flows from a hidden spring nearby, quietly babbling its way down the slope toward the Dessarin River below.

---

You are here. What now?

As the group studies the Keep, the mercenary discusses something in low tones with Magdrak.

"Aye an assault is Not what I'm talking about.  I'm thinking that the quitter folks get across first...then scout around.  The hopefully find an easier way for us to get in."

As the sun descends and finally dips beneath the horizon, dots of light from small oil lamps appear in the arrow slits of the Keep.

---

Anyone wanting to sneak around, approach the Keep or the river, etc. can do so - just post what you're doing with an accompanying stealth or other appropriate ability check.

Makari waited until nightfall. That would be the best time. He glanced at three armored dwarves who hadn't apparently taken a liking to his de-armored sneaking plan. He shrugged. Casting Invisibility on two of them wouldn't help as it wouldn't mask their noise at all.

He started trying to make his way stealthily towards the door they had seen near the water.

20:12, Today: Secret Roll: Makari rolled 15 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 12.  Stealth.

Using the disguise self spell, Rowan changes his skin and clothing to a dark brown color, with small green streaks that match the color of the local grass. Giving himself one last once over to confirm, Rowan nods in satisfaction, and begins sneaking toward the encampment.

Rowan rolled a 15.


18:24, Today: Secret Roll: Rowan Laren rolled 21 using 2d20+2 with rolls of 13,6.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:30, Wed 05 Feb 2020.

Not so much hidden, as taking a path not quite normal to two legged creatures the bear that had spent most of the day sunning herself on rocks a few dozen yards upstream from the dwarves and their discussion about armored stealth chooses this moment to head into the water,  not making nearly as much noise as one would expect for such a large animal it doesn't even splash into the river so much as slide in.

The approach to the river's edge is steep in places but not difficult, and none of the guards atop the southern wall of the Keep seems to vary in their patrols.

The waters of the Dessarin River flow smoothly here, babbling softly over rocks worn smooth by its passage. The Keep's eastern wall is built into the river, forming a long pier that encloses a boat basin. A heavy chain that emerges from the tower to the south stretches across the entrance.

The river appears to be shallow enough for wading perhaps 5-10 feet or so from the shore, but it deepens quickly from there.

---

Map updated.

I placed the group on the map, to the south of the keep, along the river. Feel free to move about in general or according to coordinates indicated on the map where I have everyone placed at the moment (e.g., Jo is currently at AI46), and of course to do stuff as per usual =).
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:07, Thu 06 Feb 2020.

Rowan continues moving toward the keep, examining the space where the river meets the walls in hopes of finding a submerged entrance such as a sewer grate.

Rowan notices nothing, except that the outer wall near the river starts to curve. Looking up, it's clear in the fading light that there is a guard tower of some sort on the south-eastern edge of the keep.

Abruptly a loud splashing sound can be heard on the other side of the river, some distance to the north.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:03, Sun 09 Feb 2020.

Makari had just started to climb in to the water quietly and had said, "I think we should go in to the river and around this tower to sneak in past the area that is just chained, not gated."

Then he heard a splash in the water from the north and frowned. "Uhhh...maybe we check that out too? It's on the way."

Durik follows behind at a distance.  Knowing that his armor might give the scouts away.

The swimming bear comes to a stop against the wall that extends out into the river, half floating next to it, half standing on it, watching both the party of humans and the source of the splash to the north, but mostly just waiting.

The splashing stops abruptly.

Magdrak follows along to the rear of the group.  At the sound of the splashing, his head whips around to look for the source.  Unfortunately the noise stops before he can determine the location.  He consciously walks as delicately as he can to avoid his armor giving him away.

Jo had just nodded along at the suggestions - they all seemed sound. While the dwarves might not be stealthy, Jo himself would not be a hindrance in this plan.

Now, the bear had been whispering information in his head, and he had tried to broach the matter carefully with the group - the last he wanted was to be suspected a mole. After all, where would he be getting all this information from?

Still, he tried to inform the group as elegantly as possible. "I've heard tale that the master of this here keep likes to take his evening hunt at right around this time. If we so wish we could stage an ambush. I'm not sure if he'll be alone or-" he trailed off at the sound of the splash.

Do I roll for stealth here?

Makari had stopped suddenly when the splashing sounds stopped suddenly. Had something made it to shore, or in to the keep? Or was something now under the water's surface, in the water with them? He frowned but then began to head towards where he to where he might be able to see where the splashing had come from while still heading towards his destination of entering the keep from the water.

The splashing of water echoes on the low hills off the banks of the river.

---

Yes, anyone who's trying to remain quiet or hidden as they move beyond their position on the banks of the river to the south of the keep should make a stealth or otherwise applicable check.

Makari attempted to swim or wade quietly as he slowly moved towards his goal. He kept an eye out but was having trouble being vigilant while navigating the dark waters quietly.

Rowan nods, glancing at the splash, but unable to make out anything in the darkness. "An ambush seems like a good idea, but I'd rather do it with the full group, not with half of us in the water."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:48, Wed 12 Feb 2020.

Time passes, and the darkness outside of the Keep deepens.

Abruptly, clearly visible as a dark shadow on a hill on the far bank of the river, a large shape of a boar is outlined against the backdrop of the half-moon in the sky, rummaging through the thick grass and digging at something.

Morg takes off his chainmail and straps it onto his backpack under his shield. Walking in front of Magdrak, he tries to help him by pointing out the quietest places.

He takes note of the location of the bear and boar, and approaches the chained entrance with the rest of the party.

---

AC=11.

Action: Help Magdrak to be stealthy, if that's possible.

09:09, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 18 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 17.  Stealth check (not disadvantage because chainmail taken off).

If needed, can breathe underwater for 3 minutes, and will lift up his mouth above the surface for breaths if still in submerged after that.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:13, Fri 14 Feb 2020.

Durek continue to hang back.  Not as confidant as Morg to remove his armor.  He says a silent prayer to himself.

Makari kept moving towards the water-sided opening in the fort's walls, swimming quietly...and keeping an eye on the boar? that had appeared. Very strange. He kept his eyes and ears open, especially to make sure no alarm had been raised by the guards.

OOC: Can we tell if the boar looked wet, like it was dripping water having just climbed out of the water or anything?

Do we need to continue making Stealth checks every post?

Boars, Bears, the animals are out in style tonight.  Still just hanging out on the wall watching the humanoids approach from up river the Bear doesn't seem to be paying much attention to the boar, having glanced that direction a while ago and discarded it as a non threat.

The silhouette of the boar lifts his head up to sniff the gusty wind, snorting at something.

Makari and Morg make their way as quietly as possible towards the chain across the entrance to the Keep's boat basin. The water near the gate flows slower than out in the river proper. From their position swimming through the water, the dwarf and the half elf can see into the Keep grounds. A twenty-foot tall bluff of rock and earth separates the landing and a nearby tower from the rest of the castle grounds. To the north, a wide stream flows out of a cave mouth into the boat basin. An iron gate blocks access to the stream.

They can see no movement atop the wall or from within the nearby guard tower.

The chain appears to be easily passed by swimmers; it seems likely it is only in place to block the passage of boats.

---

Map updated.


No need to make a stealth check with every post unless you want to - if you don't I'll just reuse your recent one. If you haven't yet made a stealth check and you're trying to stealth then yes, please do roll one.

I rolled for a couple of folks:

16:37, Today: Secret Roll: DM, on behalf of Magdrak, rolled 11 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 10.  stealth check (using help from Morg).
16:38, Today: Secret Roll: DM, on behalf of Jo Tyrihans, rolled 11 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 7.  Jo stealth check.

This message was last edited by the GM at 21:55, Fri 14 Feb 2020.

Morg slowly swims towards the landing, keeping an eye out for people and lit areas to avoid if possible, and crates on the landing or ship which the party could carry up the stairs pretending to be dockers.

---

20:14, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 23 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 19.  Perception check for people, lit areas, crates, etc.

Makari concentrated for just a second and an owl appeared on his shoulder, before immediately making a quiet noise of disgust at the water and flying up slightly. It stayed low, however, and flew along the wall in to the open area beyond the chain, swooping around to make sure no one was actually there. If there was, it would let Makari know telepathically.

Makari, meanwhile, went ahead and slipped past the chain with the intention of getting out of the water slowly and entering the keep itself.

Moon beams light the surface of the river as the party seems to move in two different directions, at least for the moment.

---

Map updated!
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:33, Tue 18 Feb 2020.

Whispering to those close to him; "Well it looks like they are in.  Hopefully then can get the gate open or at least signal us the way they took.  Gorm can you tell what that Boar is doing?  Any chance its a pet or a guard that we have to deal with?"

OOC:  DM is the boar in the area we were at?  I'm just wondering if its picking up our scent?

Makari looked back and suddenly noticed no one but one of the dwarves was following him. He looked surprised and then a mixture anger and disgust. He shook his head violently and banished the feelings and thoughts away for the moment.

He carefully crept up on to the landing, trying to make as little noise as possible coming out of the water and on to the stone. He started head towards where they might be able to access the gate, but then stopped.

He turned to Morg and bid him come close. He then, as quietly as he could, cast Invisibility on the both of them, and kept a hand on the dwarf as he lead the way towards their destination so they wouldn't get separated...hopefully.

Now mostly just drifting, or even standing against the current the Bear slowly turns its head from side to side, its eyes and nose the only part above water barely make any ripples as it keeps watch on both groups of humanoids, and the silhouette of the bear on the hill up the eastern bank.

Morg pointed up the stairs and then towards the iron grate covering the underground stream. It took him a while to realize that being invisible meant pointing didn't help, so he tried to quietly make two arrows on the ground with his soggy boots, pointing in the two directions.

The boar snorts and starts rushing down the hill towards the river, then leaps into the water. Swimming hard, it fights the current and makes for the opposite shore, heading towards where the remainder of the party stands.

---

Map updated!
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:58, Fri 21 Feb 2020.

Makari spoke in a very quiet hushed but not a whisper voice. "If we go up the stairs to the wall, we will need to take out the one guard, but we can lower a rope for everyone. No one else seemed keen on getting in to the water to get here like we did."

He suddenly stopped talking as the boar aggressively headed in to the river and towards the rest of the group. "what the hell??

"I'll try to go knock out the guard on the southern wall." Morg whispers, and dashes up the stairs.

---

Move: 25' to AA36.
Action: Dash 25' up difficult terrain stairs to about AA39.

Makari and Morg, invisible, turn towards the steps leading up to the south wall of the keep.

---

Let's move to initiative. Map updated.

Round 1 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Rowan	22	Disguise Self: Camo
Makari	19	Invisible; Conc: Invisibility
Morg	19	Inspiration; Invisible
Guard	15
Gorm	15
Jo	6
Boar	6
Magdrak	3	Inspiration
Durik	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 21:09, Thu 27 Feb 2020.

Makari began to move in to a position up a set of stairs to where he'd be able to see the guard and theoretically not hit Morg when the dwarf became visible. He then waited and held, his arm pointed in the guard's direction, getting ready to unleash his primary attack to aid the dwarf in putting the guard down, a pair of blasts of magical force. The owl on his shoulder watched the guard on the other wall in the distance.

Magdrak attempts to make himself as small as possible, as he looks back and forth between the guard and the boar, unsure of where his invisible companions are.  He fears to move over concern of catching the eye of one or the other potential foes, and so stays still.

This message was deleted by the player at 21:22, Sat 22 Feb 2020.

Seeing his companions plight, Rowan moves toward the brewing combat.
int roll 21

The boar continues to make its way as quickly as possible towards the far shore.

The guard continues to stand watch atop the wall, unaware of the two invisible figures making their way up the nearby stairs.

Rowan slips along the rocky riverbank, making his way along the shore in the shallows.

---

Map updated! Rowan, Makari, and Morg are up now.

Makari, if you like you can move in addition to readying an action, or if you prefer just use that attack on your regular turn.

Gorm and Jo, if you like you can go ahead and take your turns also, as it seems unlikely B1's turn will affect you.

And, of course Magdrak and Durik are welcome to post, and if needed you can alter your post once I post the Mid Round Update (on the boar's turn).

Keep in mind everyone that actions get resolved in initiative order.

Round 1 Summary:

Rowan moves along the riverbank.

Makari moves to the stairs.

Morg moves to the stairs.

Guard does nothing.

Gorm does nothing.

Jo does nothing.

Boar moves east towards the Keep.

Magdrak does nothing.

Durik has stepped away from the game for a time.

Round 2 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Rowan	22	Disguise Self: Camo
Makari	19	Invisible; Conc: Invisibility
Morg	19	Inspiration; Invisible
Guard	15
Gorm	15
Jo	6
Boar	6
Magdrak	3	Inspiration
Durik	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 21:09, Thu 27 Feb 2020.

Invisible Morg pulls out a torch, scraping it on the stairs to try to get the nearby guard to come investigate. He reverses his grip on his greatsword in his right hand, pommel forward.

---

Move: 25' to x40.

Interaction: take out an unlit torch.

Action: scrape the torch on the stairs near x41, trying to get guard B1 at q41's attention, but not loud enough to get guard B2 at as18's attention.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:48, Tue 25 Feb 2020.

Makari waited for Morg to make his move. Then he started to hear...scraping? A nearby noise, on the stairs right next to him. He carefully moved away from the stairs a little bit and then readied himself to unleash his arcane power in to blasts on the guard should when Morg made his move or the guard got within ten feet.

OOC: Still readying but moving back to AE-41.

Curious, the nearby guard walks towards the noise, heading towards the stairs.

The swimming boar turns and angles toward the riverbank south of the castle.

---

Mid round update! Map updated.

Gorm, Jo, Magdrak, and Rowan remain to take their turns this round (Rowan, Jo, and Gorm's turn would happen before the boar's turn due to the initiative order).

Boar moves toward riverbank.

B1 moves toward Morg.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:06, Thu 27 Feb 2020.

Deciding that maintaining stealth is more important than fighting a random boar for no reason in the middle of a stealth mission, Rowan swims to AP-38 as stealthily as possible.

Magdrak watches as the boar gets ever closer to him, and finally sighs.  Realizing that he cannot avoid being seen by the creature, he moves into melee range and swings with his battleaxe.  He mutters to himself along the way.  "Of all the dumb luck..."

---

OOC:

Move to AL47 (Movement)
Attack with Battleaxe - 2 attacks (Action)
Miss - Natural 1
Hit AC 15 for 12 Slashing


22:04, Today: Magdrak rolled 8 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 1.  Attack with Battleaxe.
22:04, Today: Magdrak rolled 15 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 8.  Attack with Battleaxe.
22:05, Today: Magdrak rolled 12 using 1d8+4 with rolls of 8.  Damage with Battleaxe. (Slashing)

Current HP: 51/51
Lay on Hands: 25/25
Channel Divinity: 1/1
Current Spells:
1st: 4/4
2nd: 2/2

The boar snarls as Magdrak's battleaxe strikes the creature squarely. Yet surprisingly the blade glances off the beast's flesh, not even leaving a mark to Magdrak's keen dwarven eyes.

Abruptly Magdrak finds himself alone on the side of the riverbank, as both Jo and Durik have wandered off somewhere.

---

Map updated!

Tana, Rowan, Makari, and Morg are up now. Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik can also post now and may change their posts after the boar and guards take their turns.

Round 2 Summary:

Rowan moves along the riverbank to AP47.

Makari moves along the top of the castle wall to AE41.

Morg moves along the top of the castle wall to X40.

Guards
B1 moves along the top of the castle wall to W41.

Gorm moves back towards Magdrak.

Boar swims to the shore, to AM47.

Magdrak hits the boar once for 0 damage.

Durik has stepped away from the game for a time.


Round 3 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Tana	23
Rowan	22
Makari	19	Invisible; Conc: Invisibility
Morg	19	Inspiration; Invisible
Guard	15
Gorm	15
Boar	6
Magdrak	3	Inspiration
Durik	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:08, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

Morg strikes the guard with the pommel of his greatsword, and now visible immediately tackles it - with both of them going over the wall. Morg tries to land on top of the guard, and then stands up next to it.

---

Interaction: put unlit torch back.

Action: knock-out attack on B1 with greatsword - critical hit for 16 slashing damage.
Extra attack: try to shove B1 off wall, southwards - 19 vs B1's Athletics or Acrobatics check.

If shove unsuccessful, then:
Action surge: try to shove B1 off wall, southwards - 20 vs B1's Athletics or Acrobatics check.
Action surge, extra attack: try to shove B1 off wall, southwards - 27 vs B1's Athletics or Acrobatics check.

Move: If shove successful, try to go 10' with B1 off the wall, landing on the guard if possible. On the ground, use 10' (half of speed) to stand up, and then go 5' to stand next to B1 at about ¿v42?


10:57, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 28 using 2d20+8, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 20,6.  Attack B1 with greatsword (knock out - PHB p.198) with advantage for being invisible.
11:00, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 14 using 4d6+5 with rolls of 1,1,2,5.  Critical hit slashing damage to B1 from greatsword (reroll a 1 or 2 once).
11:01, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 3 using 1d6 with rolls of 3.  Reroll a 1 or 2 with Great weapon fighting fighting style.
11:01, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 1 using 1d6 with rolls of 1.  Reroll a 1 or 2 with Great weapon fighting fighting style.
11:01, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 2 using 1d6 with rolls of 2.  Reroll a 1 or 2 with Great weapon fighting fighting style.
11:03, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 19 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 11.  Athletics check (vs. B1's Athletics or Acrobatics check) to try to shove B1 off wall, southwards.
11:06, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 20 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 12.  Athletics check 2 (vs. B1's Athletics or Acrobatics check) to try to shove B1 off wall, southwards.
11:06, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 27 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 19.  Athletics check 3 (vs. B1's Athletics or Acrobatics check) to try to shove B1 off wall, southwards.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:16, Wed 04 Mar 2020.

There was a sudden surge of water next to Magdrak, an explosion as a massive serpent emerged from the water in a shower of droplets.  It had to have been at least ten feet over the surface of the water, and below twisting shadows gave hints at its remaining bulk.  Thicker than a man's body, the long neck was, with rippling coils of muscle visible beneath the shimmering green scales.  It opened its maw wide, fangs as large as daggers dripping with sickly green venom, and let out what should have been a menacing hiss at the giant boar.

Yet strangely, though it moved between the raging boar and the dwarf, it moved in absolute silence.   Even the frothing water about it made no noise, as if it were somehow both a part of this world and separate.

Far behind, likely as not none saw the small figure hunched behind a rock, their fingers weaving and twisting in perfect concert to the strange serpent's sinuous swaying.

---

Starting in AB 49
17:16, Today: Tana Nim rolled 23 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 20.  Initiative.
Action:  Casting Silent Image
Rolling Deception to try and make it convincing.
18:30, Today: Secret Roll: Tana Nim rolled 24 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 19.  Deception.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:40, Thu 05 Mar 2020.

Following in the wake of the serpent a large bear leaps out of the water and grabs the boar with its massive paws, not bothering to bite the creature it just tries to hold on to it.

Two green beams of dull green energy lanced out of Makari, who suddenly became visible with a long sigh. The blasts shot at, and possibly in to, the guard Morg had already knocked out. Makari slowly shook his head. Things were going so well.

He asked his owl friend to fly up a bit to see if the other guard had noticed the noise or fireworks.

Meanwhile he began to pull rope out of his pack, not realizing that almost no one was still down there to need it.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:24, Thu 05 Mar 2020.

Morg abruptly appears on the wall, slashing his sword into the lone guard. Makari's twin blasts of emerald magic combine with Morg's momentum to push the guard off the side of the wall to the steep hill below.

The green light from atop the southern wall attracts the attention of the guard on the eastern wall. Sauntering slowly towards the source of the light, she squints towards the castle, trying to make out any signs of movement.

The boar snarls at the sudden appearance of the water serpent. Seemingly alarmed, it slashes it tusks viciously at Magdrak, then abruptly turns and tries to escape up the hill. The nearby brown bear stops its movement however, and wrestles the boar back into the shallow water.

---

Mid round update! Map updated.

Magdrak and Durik are up now, and Rowan can still post retroactively.

Tana gets Inspiration for the great first post!

Magdrak, you have a DC 12 Con save to make.

Guards
B2 moves south along the castle wall in the river.

Gorm Grapples the boar.

Boar attacks Magdrak with tusks - CRIT for 13 slashing. Magdrak must make a DC 12 Con save.

This message was last edited by the GM at 17:21, Fri 06 Mar 2020.

"Silver or magic?  Just what kind of a boar is th-"

Magdrak gasps as the creature gores him with its tusks.  A tingling sensation travels his body, and he just stands there stunned as the boar moves away.  Dropping to his knees, he attempts to focus his body on fighting the strange infection, even saying a short prayer to Sharindlar.  "Lady of Mercy, please help me!"

A panic sets in as he attempts to use his healing ability on himself, to no avail.  His eyes take on a faint reddish tinge of madness as he begins giggling uncontrollably.  "Is this what Wiglaf felt, I wonder?  Is the same happening to me?"

---

OOC:

Failed Constitution save x2 - 10/8 (Used Inspiration)
No Attack of Opportunity
Drop to knees (Half Movement)
Lay on Hands on Self (Action)

09:28, Yesterday: Magdrak rolled 10 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 7.  Constitution Save.
09:34, Yesterday: Magdrak rolled 8 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 5.  Constitution Save (Inspiration).

Current HP: 41/51
Lay on Hands: 20/25
Channel Divinity: 1/1
Current Spells:
1st: 4/4
2nd: 2/2

This message was last edited by the player at 16:39, Fri 20 Mar 2020.

Amid darkening skies, the boar struggles in the strong grasp of the bear.

---

Map updated!

Tana, Rowan, Makari, and Morg are up now. Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik can also post now and may change their posts after the boar and/or guards take their turns.

Round 3 Summary:

Tana casts Silent Image.

Rowan stays put.

Makari readies an action & takes out his rope.

Morg attacks B1 with greatsword - CRIT for 16 slashing. B1 is unconscious. Makari's readied action triggers, hitting B1 for an additional 18 force. B1 falls off the wall.

Moonclaw (Makari's owl familiar) flies up.

Guards
B2 moves south along the castle wall in the river.

Gorm Grapples the boar.

Boar attacks Magdrak with tusks - CRIT for 13 slashing (reduced to 10 by Heavy Armor Master). Magdrak fails DC 12 Con save vs. lycanthropy.

Magdrak attempts to cure his lycanthropy with Lay on Hands.


Round 4 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Tana	23	Inspiration
Rowan	22
Makari	19
Morg	19	Inspiration
Moonclaw	15
Guard	15
Gorm	15	Grappling Boar
Boar	6	Grappled by Gorm
Magdrak	3	Inspiration
Durik	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 15:31, Fri 20 Mar 2020.

Where one moment it had been a writhing, living thing, now the serpent was as utterly still as it had been silent.  The waves that lapped about it did so no longer, and the waves that the boar and the bear's tussle caused lapped through it.  It was something not of this world, neither effecting it or effecting by it.   It was shadow and light, and. while very pretty, ephemeral and fleeting in comparison to the roaring, dueling beasts.

The figure crouching behind the rock rose to her full height, a mightily impressive 3'5".  For only a moment, her fingers had ceased, but once again they began dancing strange and arcane patterns.   A glyph of power, searing red and black, formed in her right palm.  The arcane energy burned through her veins, darkness and light traveling beneath the skin of her hand and forearm as she contained the energies she wove.  With a howl, she launched two bright burning streaks of magic at the boar, crimson energy cascading in a shower of sparks.

---

18:39, Today: Tana Nim rolled 12 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 7.  Eldritch Blast 1.
19:14, Today: Secret Roll: Tana Nim rolled 3 using 1d6 with rolls of 3.  Using Inspiration.
19:15, Today: Secret Roll: Tana Nim rolled 5 using 1d10+2 with rolls of 3.  Force damage.
18:39, Today: Tana Nim rolled 17 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 12.  Eldritch Blast 2.
18:40, Today: Tana Nim rolled 12 using 1d10+2 with rolls of 10.  Force damage.

Action:  Attack twice with Eldritch Blast at 15 and 17, damage at 5 and 10
This message was last edited by the player at 02:17, Mon 09 Mar 2020.

Morg looks to see if the guard is still alive, but then notices all sorts of strange things in the water, looks up at the elf and points in Magdrak's direction before runing towards the dwarf who seems to be surrounded by a serpent, boar, and bear.

---

If Morg took >14 damage from falling off the wall onto the guard, then:
Bonus action: 2nd wind (I'll roll later for it if needed).

Move: 25' from ¿v42? to ¿ad46?.

Action: dash 25' from ¿ad46? to ¿ai46?.
Rolls, stands, and dashes to ac46.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:20, Thu 12 Mar 2020.

Makari glanced over the wall before he started to set the rope up for everyone to climb up.

.....there was no one there. He frowned and looked around, but only saw the dead or unconscious guard below. He heard some sounds from around the corner but couldn't see what was going.

He looked at Morg. "where is everyone??" He noticed Morg's alarmed face and the dwarf hurrying towards him. "what is it?"

OOC: Is there a place to tie the rope off securely at the top of the wall? And I know you said it but I can't find it now - how much of a drop from the top of the wall to the ground is it?

Twin blasts of magical energy slam into the struggling boar as it tries to escape the hugging bear.

Morg leaps over the crenelated wall and tumbles down the steep hill, then regains his footing and tries to get as close as possible to the struggle at the water's edge.

---

Mid round update!

Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik are up now. Rowan can also post now.

Gorm, the boar is using its action to escape the grapple - it rolled a 15. If it escapes (if you roll a 15 or lower on an athletics check) then it will move to AP40 and you can make an attack of opportunity against it if you choose. Otherwise, it stays put and does nothing else.

Morg, I rolled an athletics check for you and - well, you failed it ;). Morg takes 2 damage and rolls down part of the steep hill, then regains his footing. You made it to AC46 on the map.

19:02, Today: Secret Roll: DM rolled 15 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 12.  wereboar grapple escape.
18:53, Today: Secret Roll: DM, on behalf of Morg Danforge, rolled 9 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 1.  athletics check - jump down.
18:54, Today: Secret Roll: DM rolled 2 using 2d6 with rolls of 1,1.  Morg falling damage.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:42, Wed 11 Mar 2020.

The slippery boar manages to wriggle its way free of the bear's grasp, but undaunted by this failure the bear chases after it and grapples it again, same thing, different place.

Makari blinked several times rapidly and then shook his head as Morg went over the side. He let out a sigh and tied the rope off - which was possibly only necessary for himself at that point. He then began to climb down the rope once it was secure.

The boar slips through the bear's grasp and runs north along the riverbank, headed for the river gate into the castle. The bear gives chase.

Atop the eastern wall of the castle, a lone guard squints into the dying light of evening, trying to make out what looks like movement near the water's edge.

---

Map updated!

Tana, Rowan, Makari, Morg, and Gorm are up now. Magdrak and Durik can also post now and may change their posts after the boar and/or guards take their turns.

Round 4 Summary:

Tana casts Agonizing Blast at the boar - HITS twice for 17 force.

Rowan stays put.

Makari ties a rope to the wall and climbs down.

Morg jumps the wall - athletics check FAILS. Morg takes 2 falling damage and is prone. Morg stands and continues moving toward Magdrak.

Guards
B2 stays put, looking around.

Boar escapes Gorm's grapple and moves north. Gorm gives chase and re-grapples the boar.

Magdrak stays put.


Round 5 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Tana	23	Inspiration
Rowan	22
Makari	19
Morg	19	Inspiration
Moonclaw	15
Guard	15
Gorm	15	Grappling Boar
Boar	6	Grappled by Gorm
Magdrak	3	Inspiration
Durik	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 12:23, Fri 13 Mar 2020.

Tana lost sight of the enormous boar as it smashed its way through the riverbank.  She cursed under her breath, and took a moment to evaluate her choices.  None of them were good, and quite literally all of them were far more flashy than she was comfortable with.  Still, she had played her hand already, it was time to deal with the consequences.

Her right hand was still smoking from where her power had seared it, so she used her left to reach into her belt pouch and withdraw a small black raven's feather.  With a muttered curse, she slapped the black feather into her right fist and clenched it tight.  Flames burst between her clenched fingers, as if the feather itself had lit the moment she had attempted to quench it.  She hissed in pain, and a trio of glowing crimson runes spun in a circle about her closed fist.  With a whisper, she opened her hand, and a surge of power crackled over her form.  She arched her back as the magic infused her, contorting as the essence of it lifted her bodily off her feet.  Yet she remained there, utterly unnatural, floating an inch off the crowd.  As the last crackle of power flowed through her, her eyes snapped open, and she shot over the earth like a tiny comet to rise over the river.

Morg saw the beasts move north, and the serpent disappear, and was about to motion to Mag to came to the rope Makari had tied when he saw a small creature fly towards the other dwarf. He ran towards the water, hoping to help Mag against the flying pirate.

---

Move: 25' from ac46 ah47.

Action: dash 15' from ah47 to ak47.

Makari climbed down and then walked away from the wall to look around and see the river once more. He didn't see anything untoward and looked at Morg with the equivalent of a "what the hell, dude?" sort of look. He heard some splashing somewhere he couldn't see around the corner but there didn't look to be any immediate danger.

"what the hell? where did everyone-?" He cut off as someone he didn't know glowed with a red light and then flew upwards. "who is that??" He made a frustrated noise and gesture. Things were happening and he didn't know what was going on anymore.

He mentally asked Moonclaw to move to the edge closest to the river where she was on top to see what was going on, and he looked through her keen eyes.

OOC: Makari moved to AG-45, leaning against the wall currently.
Moonclaw moved to AO-37, but up on top.
Makari uses his action to look/listen through the familiar's senses.

16:25, Today: Secret Roll: Makari rolled 15 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 12.  Familiar stealth

The guard atop the wall cups his hands around his mouth and shouts up at the nearby tower. "Reash, put down yer grog and look out yer window, ya filthy dog! Looks like there's some commotion on the river's edge!"

With a frustrated growl, the boar swings its tusks around at the bear grappling with it, raking its chest.

---

Mid round update! Map updated.

Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik are up now. Rowan can also post for his turn this round. (Technically, the boar's action comes after Gorm's).

Gorm needs to make a Con save (see below)

Guards
B2 shouts at the tower.

Boar attacks Gorm - HIT for 5 slashing. Gorm must make a DC 12 Con save.

Magdrak

This message was last edited by the GM at 21:29, Mon 16 Mar 2020.

Magdrak spends a long pause on his knees, looking at his hands and wondering how he failed.  Finally he shakes it off and rises, quickly charging after the creature that poisoned him.  At the last moment remembering the words in his head, he casts an empowerment spell on his weapon and swings it at the wereboar.

---

OOC:

Stand up (1/2 Movement)
Move to AM48 (5' Movement)
Cast Magic Weapon (Bonus Action)
Attack with Battleaxe x2 (Action)
Hit AC 18 for 6 Slashing
Hit AC 27 for 9 Slashing


23:19, Today: Magdrak rolled 18 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 10.  Attack with Battleaxe.
23:19, Today: Magdrak rolled 27 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 19.  Attack with Battleaxe.
23:32, Today: Magdrak rolled 6 using 1d8+5 with rolls of 1.  Damage with Battleaxe. (Slashing)
23:33, Today: Magdrak rolled 9 using 1d8+5 with rolls of 4.  Damage with Battleaxe. (Slashing)


Current HP: 41/51
Lay on Hands: 20/25
Channel Divinity: 1/1
Current Spells:
1st: 4/4
2nd: 1/2

This message was last edited by the player at 16:39, Fri 20 Mar 2020.

Having successfully grappled the boar in its paws the larger bear drags the thing back in the direction of the land, slowly but surely bringing it closer to those armed with magic and weapons able to hurt the thing, the small scratch from its tusks is effectively ignored.

Shouts issue from the windows of the nearby tower echo off castle walls.

Struggling against its captor's powerful arms, the boar is dragged back to the river's edge just south of the castle.

---

Map updated!

Tana, Rowan, Makari, Morg, and Gorm are up now. Magdrak and Durik can also post now and may change their posts after the boar and/or guards take their turns.

Round 5 Summary:

Tana casts Fly, and flies over the river.

Rowan stays put.

Makari moves along the base of the castle's southeast tower.

Morg moves towards Magdrak.

Guards
B2 shouts at the tower.

Gorm drags Boar south.

Boar attacks Gorm - HIT for 5 slashing. Gorm makes a DC 12 Con save.

Magdrak casts Magic Weapon. He moves toward the boar and attacks - HIT twice for a total of 15 slashing.


Round 6 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Tana	23	Inspiration, Conc: Fly
Rowan	22
Makari	19
Morg	19	Inspiration
Moonclaw	15
Guard	15
Gorm	15	Grappling Boar
Boar	6	Grappled by Gorm
Magdrak	3
Durik	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 21:45, Sat 21 Mar 2020.

Makari came back to his own senses and blinked a few times. Then he saw a boar fighting a bear and....stuff. He remembered the bear and boar both from earlier and thought the bear MIGHT not be a threat. He made a gesture, uttered an arcane phrase, and let loose two golden beams at the boar.

As almost an afterthought, he fired a beam of faint silver moonlight at Morg as well.

Then he moved back to the rope and started climbing back up.

Action: Eldritch Blasts. Hit AC 17 for 13 force damage, and AC 26 for 10 force damage.
Bonus Action: Healing Light on Morg for 6 points of healing.

Tana rose heigh enough that she was in no danger of the boar catching her, even if it leapt, settling to land gently on the roof of the tower in a place that none of the guards would have a clear line of sight of her.    Her right hand began to sizzle and smoke as she muttered a grim curse under her breath, the glowing red rune that had manifested before sending tendrils of burning light through the veins of her hand and forearm.  Two more sizzling bursts of energy streaked out with a high pitched whine to strike at the boar, slamming into its meaty flank.

Rowan, seeing there's no way to get around the guard marked as B2 without being seen, takes out one of his daggers. Cursing under his breath, he casts the spell catapult to launch it at the guard before ducking underwater, and swimming to hide behind the wall at AP-37 in hopes of reentering stealth.

01:44, Today: Secret Roll: Rowan Laren rolled 21 using 3d8+5 with rolls of 4,4,8.  Catapult.
Dexterity save negates all damage

Morg nods a thanks to Makari for magically undoing the fall damage, but confused by ruckus ahead of him, lifts his sword - ready to strike anyone who attacks him, the other dwarfs, and the elf.

---

Action: ready attack if known party members are attacked.

"Alarm! Alarm!" shouts echo from the arrow slits in the tower. Movement can be seen in the interior of the tower, though not too much is visible from the ground outside.

Blasts of magic crash into the boar from several directions, and the beast continues to thrash against the powerful bear's body, slashing its tusks as well as it can.

---

Mid round update! Map updated.

Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik are up now. Gorm needs to make a Con save (see below).

Guards
B2 shouts towards the castle.

Boar attacks Gorm with tusks - HIT for 10 slashing . Gorm must make a DC 12 Con save.

The bear continues to behave in an oddly intelligent way and drags the slashing angry boar both farther away from the keep it clearly wants to be in, and up onto the riverbank where it is easier for the folks slinging bolts of magical energy to attack it.

Lights from inside the castle turret shines out intermittently as figures inside peer out.

Magdrak puts down the still struggling boar with two vicious slices. Its form slumps between the bear's massive paws. Abruptly its tusks shorten and disappear, its piglike snout forms into a crooked nose, and its torso and legs elongate. The scarred face of the motionless human now lying on the ground is contorted into a rictus of anger.

---

Map updated!

Tana, Rowan, Makari, Morg, and Gorm are up now. Magdrak and Durik can also post now and may change their posts after the boar and/or guards take their turns.

Magdrak can also recon his turn from the prior round.

Round 6 Summary:

Tana casts Eldritch Blast at boar - HIT twice for 14 force.

Rowan casts Catapult (using his dagger) at B2 - guard saves. Rowan dives into the flowing river.

Makari casts Eldritch Blast at boar - HIT twice for 23 force. He casts Healing Word on Morg - Morg regains 6 hp.

Morg readies an action.

Guards
B2 shouts towards the castle.

Gorm drags the boar up the hill and tries to avoid its attacks.

Boar attacks Gorm with tusks at disadvantage - HIT for 10 slashing . Gorm fails Con save and is stricken with lycanthropy.

Magdrak attacks the boar - hit twice for 17 slashing. Boar is dead.


Round 7 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Tana	23	Inspiration, Conc: Fly
Rowan	22
Makari	19
Morg	19	Inspiration
Reavers	16
Moonclaw	15
Guard	15
Gorm	15
Magdrak	3	Inspiration
Durik	2
Reash	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 12:08, Tue 24 Mar 2020.

The grey skinned gnome was having trouble getting a clean shot, and though her arcane power sizzled and burned with its ferocity, the streaking bolts of energy found little but the dock at the sellsword's feet.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:09, Wed 25 Mar 2020.

<Previous Round post>

Magdrak watches as the bear drags the boar away from him, and quickly follows after.  He attacks again with his now-magical weapon, hoping to finally put the creature down.  Muttering to himself, he swings twice in succession.  "The 'Fells... Blasted thing, what did you do to me?"

---

OOC:

Move to AJ50 (Movement)
Attack with Battleaxe x2 (Action)
Hit AC 12 for 9 Slashing
Hit AC 15 for 8 Slashing

00:28, Today: Magdrak rolled 12 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 4.  Attack with Battleaxe.
00:28, Today: Magdrak rolled 15 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 7.  Attack with Battleaxe.
00:28, Today: Magdrak rolled 9 using 1d8+5 with rolls of 4.  Damage with Battleaxe. (Slashing)
00:28, Today: Magdrak rolled 8 using 1d8+5 with rolls of 3.  Damage with Battleaxe. (Slashing)


Current HP: 41/51
Lay on Hands: 20/25
Channel Divinity: 1/1
Current Spells:
1st: 4/4
2nd: 1/2

Deciding he doesn't want to deplete his limited supply of daggers too quickly, Rowan pokes his head around the wall, and casts bonfire at the guard for 8 damage.


15:29, Today: Secret Roll: Rowan Laren rolled 8 using 1d8 with rolls of 8.  Bonfire.
Dexterity save will negate.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:35, Tue 24 Mar 2020.

Makari peeked up over the wall a little and his eyes widened as he saw the amount of bandits quickly converging their general direction. He lowered himself out of sight a bit again and hissed towards the two dwarves. "guys! we have a lot of bandits coming this way! are we fighting or retreating??"

He peeked around the corner of the tower and fired two more blasts of energy at the boar, hoping to help finish it off so they could focus on either the bandits or fleeing.

OOC: No action this round as he is surveying the scene and waiting on responses from the dwarves before he opens up a can of whoop-ass.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:31, Tue 24 Mar 2020.

"Argh!" cries the guard atop the wall as flames rise up around him. Backing away from them, he continues to cry out as he tamps down his smoking leather armor.

Visible to Tana atop the tower turret, three motley dressed figures charge out of the door below carrying strangely shaped shields and head for the nearby stairs leading up to the nearby castle wall. They join a pair of other castle guards on the wall, running from somewhere in the interior of the castle.

---

Mid round update! Map updated.

Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik are up now. Morg can also post this round.

Reavers double-move out of the tower to the stairs up the wall.

Guards
B2 steps back.
B5 and B6 double move to climb the stairs of the southern wall
Other guards move towards the other castle walls.

This message was last updated by the GM at 01:16, Fri 27 Mar 2020.

Morg looks up, and says "I'm no good down here, I think we should retreat." He runs into the river but keeps an eye on the rest by looking over his shoulder.

---

Move: 25' southeast.

Action: dash 25' southeast, trying to get deep into the river for some cover.

With the boar limp, and probably dead the bear lets its body drop to the ground and heads back into the water, heading back into the keep.

Magdrak watches as the bear and the other dwarf head to the water, grunting in response.  "Retreat? Not sure what that word means exactly."  He shrugs, however, and follows along behind the two, making an attempt to keep up as best he can.  As the two paths diverge, he chooses to follow Morg.

---

OOC:

Dash (Action)
Follow Morg (Movement)

Current HP: 41/51
Lay on Hands: 20/25
Channel Divinity: 1/1
Current Spells:
1st: 4/4
2nd: 1/2

The boar's body changes further, its elongating legs morphing into two human arms and legs. Ragged clothes cover the motionless body, the ripped clothing revealing deep gashes.

"That there dwarf done murdered Jolliver!" Reash yells out the arrow slit of the tower. Pointing, a bolt of energy shoots from his hand and splashes harmlessly in the nearby water.

---

Map updated!

Tana, Rowan, Makari, and Morg are up now. Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik can also post now and may change their posts after the reavers and guards take their turns.

Round 7 Summary:

Rowan gains Inspiration for the defeat of Jolliver Grimjaw!

Magdrak (belatedly) gains Inspiration for clearing out Scarlet Moon Hall!

Tana casts Agonizing Blast at B2 - MISS.

Rowan casts Create Bonfire at B2 - B2 FAILS the save and takes 8 fire.

Makari stays put.

Morg heads into the river.

Reavers double-move out of the tower to the stairs up the wall.

Guards
B2 steps back.
B5 and B6 double move to climb the stairs of the southern wall
Other guards move towards the other castle walls.

Gorm heads into the river, heading towards the entrance to the keep. Bonus action to regain 7 hp .

Magdrak follows Morg into the river.

Reash casts Hex on Magdrak - Magdrak has disadvantage on Dex saves. Then he casts Eldritch Blast at Magdrak - MISS.


Round 8 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Tana	23	Inspiration, Conc: Fly
Rowan	22
Makari	19
Morg	19	Inspiration
Reavers	16
Moonclaw	15
Guard	15
Gorm	15
Magdrak	3	Inspiration, Hex (disadv on Dex saves)
Durik	2
Reash	2	Conc: Hex

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:16, Tue 31 Mar 2020.

This message was deleted by the player at 23:02, Wed 01 Apr 2020.

Tana heard the cries coming from the other side of the tower, and made a quick choice.  She leapt from the rooftop, the magic propelling her up into the air with a roar of wind.  She reached into her belt pouch as she rose, pulling out two small metal flasks that were each barely larger than her thumb.  Chanting unheard words over the wind, she clenched her fists and tried to bring them together.  Some force resisted her, causing her to clench her teeth as she tried to power through the effort.  Her muscles strained, tendrils of black and glowing red surging along her hands and wrists along her veins as she shuddered and shook.  Bright  arcane runes of glowing crimson flared to life around each wrist, shuddering and convulsing as she tried to bring them closer.  Just behind the assembled mercenaries, almost too small to see if not for its brightness, a searing mote of flame had materialized as if from nothing.  As Tana forced the components within each fist closer, the dot of flame intensified, becoming a searing white hot ball of fire no bigger than her own tiny fist.  With what was almost a scream of effort, the magic practically burning her alive, she slammed her fists together.

The mirroring bead of fire detonated in an explosion of sound and violence, hurling searing flame in great gouts in all directions.

Exhausted, and seemingly depleted, Tana fell back to the top of the tower.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:15, Wed 01 Apr 2020.

Morg keeps an eye on all the action at the walls, and swims further southeast, keeping below the surface when possible for some cover.

---

The the others need help, Morg will move towards the keep, otherwise

Move: swim southeast.

Action: dash: swim southeast.

Rowan casts create bonfire at b2 again, for 5 damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:55, Wed 01 Apr 2020.

A loud, concussive explosion of fire rocks the top of the castle wall. Large chunks of stone fall to the ground as echos of the blast reverberate off the hills and over the water. Staggering away from the charred stone back down the stairs, the lone survivor of the blast hurries back towards the shelter of the tower, then gets cut down by a blast from Makari.

Atop the eastern wall, a second bonfire rises next to the first, incinerating the guard there before he can cry out.

---

Mid round update! Map updated.

Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik are up now. Makari can also post as he hasn't taken an action yet this round.

R1, R2, R3, B2, B5, & B6 are dead. R2 moves back into the tower next to Reash.

Other guards position themselves atop the walls.

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:01, Thu 02 Apr 2020.

Paddling along through the river the Bear continues to move quickly through the small docking area and into the shallow water inside the keep, clearly aiming to join the festivities going on within.

Makari heard the footsteps above him and then a loud whoosh and saw some fire above. He flinched but it wasn't that close to him. He frowned, gripped his staff and gestured at it while uttering a different phrase. The staff glowed for just a second then the aura faded.

He climbed back up to the top of the wall once more and peeked his head above, looking for any targets to unleash his blast on again.

Bonus Action: Cast Shillelagh on my staff.
Movement: Climbing back up the rope to see if anyone is within sight.
Action: Holding Eldritch Blast until I see an enemy (if I can't do that, or if no one's in sight, then move over the wall and down the stairs towards the tower's entrance).

Shillelagh: 1 minute.

As Magdrak is attacked he starts glancing behind him.  At the sight of the fireball explosion, he stops and turns around to stare.  He murmurs to himself.  "Impressive."

Suddenly realizing that he might still be attacked from the arrowslits, he decides that he might be better off regrouping against the wall where he can't be reached from above.  He heads in the direction of the bear, but focused on getting to cover.

---

OOC:

Dash (Action)
Move to AO45 (Action + Movement, assuming difficult terrain - otherwise, keep going north along the wall as far as I can)


Current HP: 41/51
Lay on Hands: 20/25
Channel Divinity: 1/1
Current Spells:
1st: 4/4
2nd: 1/2

Reash curses as Magdrak swims out of sight, then closes his eyes. His form blurs, becoming translucent, and elongates into a watery serpent.

Leaping from the arrow slit, the serpent of water speeds towards Magdrak through the water and surrounds him.

---

Map updated!

I edited the mid-round update to include Makari attacking R2 and killing him.

Tana, Rowan, Makari, and Morg are up now. Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik can also post now and may change their posts after the reavers and guards take their turns.

Round 8 Summary:

Tana casts Fireball, affecting R1-3, B5-6. R2 makes the save and takes 15 fire, the others perish.

Rowan casts Create Bonfire at B2 - FAILS save and takes 5 fire. B2 is dead.

Makari climbs the rope and casts Eldritch Blast at R2 - HIT once for 8 force. R2 is dead. Makari casts Shillelagh.

Morg swims southeast.

Guards position themselves atop the walls.

Gorm swims towards the castle gate.

Magdrak moves out of the water towards the wall of the castle.

Reash shapechanges into a serpent of water, then moves into the river in Magdrak's space.

Round 9 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Tana	23	Inspiration, Conc: Fly
Rowan	22
Makari	19	Shillelagh cast round 8
Morg	19	Inspiration
Reavers	16
Moonclaw	15
Guard	15
Gorm	15
Magdrak	3	Inspiration, Hex (disadv on Dex saves), Conc: Magic Weapon
Durik	2
Reash	2	Conc: Hex

13:59, Yesterday: Secret Roll: DM, on behalf of Makari, rolled 8 using 1d10+5 with rolls of 3.  e blast damage vs. R2.
13:58, Yesterday: Secret Roll: DM, on behalf of Makari, rolled 11 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 3.  Makari Eldritch Blast 2 vs. R2.
13:58, Yesterday: Secret Roll: DM, on behalf of Makari, rolled 21 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 13.  Makari Eldritch Blast 1.

This message was last edited by the GM at 14:58, Fri 03 Apr 2020.

Tana sunk to the slanted roof of the tower gasping for breath, her wrists still smoking from where he magic had burned her.  Wiping sweat from her brow, she stared down at the serpant encircling Magdrak, and with a weary sigh raised her hands.  The sigil of power burned in her palm as she chanted the words, gathering up two more bolts of eldritch power to hurl at the creature.  She hoped it was a foe, but at this point she had lost track.

Morg, dismayed by the deadly attacks, swims back towards Magdrak after seeing a serpent (not silent this time) jumping towards his fellow dwarf.

---

Move: swim towards Magdrak.

Action: dash: swim towards Magdrak.

Makari heard the noise of more bandits moving around, but not very close by. He looked one way, then another, he stepped away from the wall he was up against. He gestured and said the arcane-infused word before pointing while holding his staff. Twin beams of pale force shot out towards one of the guards, and Makari stepped back to the wall, and hopefully out of sight.

OOC:
Movement: Ending back in the same spot, but might have to step out a bit for LoS.
Action: Firing 2 Eldritch Blasts (AC 22 for 8 force damage, AC 15 for 11 force damage) at one of the guards on the easternmost wall, since I don't know if Makari can see the one guard to the far north and west.
Bonus: None.

14:59, Yesterday: Secret Roll: Makari rolled 22,8,15,11 using d20+8,1d10+5,d20+8,1d10+5 with rolls of 14,3,7,6.  Eldritch Blasts on guard on wall.

Twin blasts of force collide with the watery serpent surrounding Magdrak, causing gouts of water to splash upward.

Two guards hurry towards the burning bonfires at the southern tip of the eastern wall. Two blasts of energy from the southern wall catch one of them in the chest, and she crashes to the stone. The remaining guard hurries as best she can, ducking as she runs. Finding the remains of the guard on duty, she quickly raises her crossbow, searching for a target from behind the still-smouldering bonfire.

---

Mid round update! Map updated.

Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik are up now.

Rowan should probably edit his post as he's attacked someone already dead (B9 and B10 move into range after his turn, so he can't attack them this round).

Guards B9 & B10 investigate the bonfires atop the eastern wall and arm themselves with crossbows.

Rowan takes the opportunity to submerge, dipping back into stealth as he swims to am-34.

rolled a new stealth roll of 18.

Swimming past the underwater cable the bear makes the sharp corner quite easily and continues on to make landfall just at the edge of the beach, now looking around inside the keep for the first time to see if there is anything interesting.

The water serpent surrounding Magdrak tries to squeeze his swimming form, but his stiff metal armor protects him for the time being.

---

Map updated!

Tana, Rowan, Makari, and Morg are up now. Magdrak can also still post from his turn last round. Gorm and Durik can also post now and may change their posts after the reavers and guards take their turns.

Round 9 Summary:

Tana casts Agonizing Blast at Reash - HIT twice for 8 force.

Rowan swims under the chain across the water gate.

Makari casts Agonizing Blast at B10 - HIT twice for 19 force. B10 is dead.

Morg swims northwest.

Guard B9 double-moves and drops prone, investigating the bonfires.

Gorm swims inside the castle, moving to the stairs near a small keelboat.

Magdrak attacks Reach/serpent - HIT twice for 22 slashing.

Reash/serpent attacks Magdrak using Constrict - MISS.

Round 10 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Tana	23	Inspiration, Conc: Fly
Rowan	22
Makari	19
Morg	19	Inspiration
Reavers	16
Moonclaw	15
Guard	15
Gorm	15
Magdrak	3	Inspiration, Hex (disadv on Dex saves), Conc: Magic Weapon
Durik	2
Reash/serpent (F)	2	Conc: Hex

This message was last edited by the GM at 22:24, Mon 13 Apr 2020.

Makari couldn't easily see any other guards or bandits around at the moment, and had lost sight of most of his allies as well. He frowned a little and then decided he would see what he could see a further away. He moved quickly up the far set of stars along going up the wall he was on.

OOC: Move and Dash to around T-40.

Morg swims as fast as he can towards Magdrak, kicking hard above the surface of the water to try and attract the serpent's attention.

---

Move: swim towards Magdrak.

Action: dash: swim towards Magdrak.

---

Last Round Action

---

Magdrak looks at the elemental creature attacking him, and he snarls.  "First fire, and now water!"  He swings his magical weapon twice in succession, attempting to end the battle quickly.

---

OOC:

Maintain concentration (Magic Weapon)
Attack with Battleaxe x2 (Action)
Hit AC 25 for 9 Slashing
Hit AC 22 for 13 Slashing

14:10, Today: Magdrak rolled 25 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 17.  Attack with Battleaxe.
14:10, Today: Magdrak rolled 22 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 14.  Attack with Battleaxe.
14:10, Today: Magdrak rolled 9 using 1d8+5 with rolls of 4.  Damage with Battleaxe. (Slashing)
14:10, Today: Magdrak rolled 13 using 1d8+5 with rolls of 8.  Damage with Battleaxe. (Slashing)


Current HP: 41/51
Lay on Hands: 20/25
Channel Divinity: 1/1
Current Spells:
1st: 4/4
2nd: 1/2

Between the frothing water and the thrashing dwarf, Tana couldn't get a clear shot.  She fired off two more pulses of magic, striking the water harmlessly and sending up two more spurts.

Rowan swims to aj34

Twin blasts of force fly from atop the tower at the serpent encircling Magdrak. The water seethes around the serpent as its form begins to thin.

The remaining guard atop the eastern wall stands quickly, searching the surrounding for a target, then fires a crossbow bolt at the hulking bear on the shore of the inlet, missing wide.

---

Mid round update! Map updated.

Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik are up now.

Guards
B9 fires a crossbow at Gorm - MISS. B9 drops prone.

The bear somehow not only notices the near miss from the crossbow but also correctly backtracks it's path to look the guard in the eye for a brief moment before it charges along the shortest possible path to that same guard.

"For Moradin" Durik utters and then races to help his fellow dwarves struggling in the water.

OOC:  Move from AH 48 to AM or AN 46-not sure based upon how much water slows me down
Action:  Move:
Bonus Action:  Dash

Magdrak continues his attack against the watery creature in front of him.  "Just what are you, anyway?"  He slashes again with his battleaxe in an "X" pattern, one after the other in succession.

---

OOC:

Maintain concentration (Magic Weapon)
Attack with Battleaxe x2 (Action)
Miss AC 11
Hit AC 26 for 10 Slashing


20:34, Today: Magdrak rolled 11 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 3.  Attack with Battleaxe.
20:34, Today: Magdrak rolled 26 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 18.  Attack with Battleaxe.
20:34, Today: Magdrak rolled 10 using 1d8+5 with rolls of 5.  Damage with Battleaxe. (Slashing)


Current HP: 41/51
Lay on Hands: 20/25
Channel Divinity: 1/1
Current Spells:
1st: 4/4
2nd: 1/2

The serpent hisses at Magdrak's question, then dissolves into the cold flowing water at the dwarf's twin strikes at the creature.

---

Map updated!

Tana, Rowan, Makari, and Morg are up now. Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik can also post now and may change their posts after the reavers and guards take their turns.

Round 10 Summary:

Tana casts Agonizing Blast at Reach/serpent - HIT once for 5 force.

Rowan swims farther into the castle.

Makari runs across the wall, up the stairs to the west.

Morg swims up to Magdrak.

Guards
B9 fires a crossbow at Gorm - MISS.

Gorm moves through the castle.

Magdrak attacks Reash/serpent - HIT twice for 22 slashing. Reash is dead.

Durik moves into the water.

Round 11 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Tana	23	Inspiration, Conc: Fly
Rowan	22
Makari	19
Morg	19	Inspiration
Reavers	16
Moonclaw	15
Guards	15
Gorm	15
Magdrak	3	Inspiration, Conc: Magic Weapon
Durik	2

21:29, Today: Secret Roll: DM, on behalf of Magdrak, rolled 12 using 1d8+5 with rolls of 7.  damage for 2nd hit on Reash.

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:09, Tue 21 Apr 2020.

From her rooftop, she couldn't see where the water serpent had gone, but she could see the last remaining guard.  She turned her sizzling hand towards him, and the twin streaks of fiery red magic burned their way out of the sigil in her palm and left two enormous gaping craters in the guard's armor.   Then she leapt off the tower, and plummeted towards the water below, coming to a rest just over the heads of those in the river.

"Three days of tracking, and I finally find you what, laying siege to a castle?"

She whispered just loudly enough to be heard, her voice the rasp of a file on iron.

---

19:18, Today: Secret Roll: Tana Nim rolled 24 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 20.  EB 1.  Crit
19:18, Today: Secret Roll: Tana Nim rolled 20 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 16.  EB 2.
19:18, Today: Secret Roll: Tana Nim rolled 18 using 3d10+4 with rolls of 1,3,10.  Lots of damage.
Moving 5ft. South and then down so that I'm 15ft. over the water, hugging the tower.

Morg saw the small flying figure, but figuring it wasn't hostile swam west ,and ran towards the rope.

---

Move: swim west.

Action: dash: towards rope on southern wall.

Makari slid a step forward, and peeked around the corner of the wall. He saw at least two more of the bandits and nodded to himself. Dangerous, but work needing to be completed. He took aim, gestured and muttered the arcane incantation to fire a couple of blasts outward, targeting one of the new guards.

Then he stepped back around the corner of the wall.

OOC: Move out from the wall and then back to where he started from.

19:28, Today: Secret Roll: Makari rolled 19,10,22,7 using d20+8,1d10+5,d20+8,1d10+5 with rolls of 11,5,14,2.  Eldritch Blasts on B7.

Rowan decides to link up with the group again, moving to AD36 to catch up with makari

Following his fellow dwarves to lend them any support needed.

OOC: Swim west following Morg and then dash towards the rope on southern wall. Try and end up behind him.

Blasts from Makari and Tana pick off two more guards.

Rowan emerges from the water and heads towards Makari's position on the southern wall.

Durik and Morg head for the riverbank, then retrace their steps along the southern castle wall.

---

Mid round update! Map updated.

B7 and B9 are dead.

Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik are up now.

Guards
B3 goes prone, then readies an action
B8 moves south and goes prone, then readies an action
B4 moves east and readies an action
B11 readies an action
B12 moves east and readies an action

Continuing north through the keep the bear begins to move more cautiously, dodging between buildings, taking advantage of cover when possible, and zig-zagging a bit, clearly aware of the capabilities of guards with crossbows.

Magdrak looks around and sees the other dwarves moving away from him.  With a grunt and a nod, he quickly follows them as fast as he can, hugging the wall as much as possible.  He mutters to himself as he walks along.  "Not going to wait for me, are ya? I will just have to catch up then."

---

OOC:

Dash (Action)
Move to AI-46 (Movement)
Maintain concentration on Magic Weapon


Current HP: 41/51
Lay on Hands: 20/25
Channel Divinity: 1/1
Current Spells:
1st: 4/4
2nd: 1/2

As the large bear comes into view, the bandit atop the north wall fires at him. The bear dodges the bolt easily, and the guard calls out, "Bear!"

---

Map updated!

Tana, Rowan, Makari, and Morg are up now. Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik can also post now and may change their posts after the guards take their turns.

Round 11 Summary:

Tana attacks B9 with Agonizing Blast - HIT twice for a lot of damage. B9 is dead.

Rowan moves towards Makari.

Makari attacks B7 with Agonizing Blast - HIT twice for 17 force. B7 is dead.

Morg moves towards Makari's rope.

Guards
B3 goes prone, then readies an action
B8 moves south and goes prone, then readies an action
B4 moves east and readies an action
B11 readies an action
B12 moves east and readies an action

Gorm Dodges, and moves towards the north wall.
Gorm triggers B11's readied action - B11 fires a crossbow bolt at Gorm, at disadvantage - MISS.

Magdrak follows the other dwarves.

Durik follows Morg.

Round 12 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Tana	23	Inspiration, Conc: Fly
Rowan	22
Makari	19
Morg	19	Inspiration
Moonclaw	15
Guard	15	B3 and B8 are prone
Gorm	15
Magdrak	3	Inspiration, Conc: Magic Weapon
Durik	2

Hovering fifteen feet above the water, Tana watched the three dwarves swim away from her without responding to her.  She looked down at herself, confirming for a moment that she wasn't invisible.  As they reached the bank and began trudging along the shore, she shot over them like a bullet, looking for one of the others who she had seen breaching the keep.  She spotted Makari on the castle wall, and dipped down to keep the battlements between her and and any archers within the keep.  When she was close enough for him to hear, she dipped closer to the battlements.

"Please tell me at least one of you speaks the Common tongue."

She muttered, her voice stone and gravel.

Move and Dash for 120ft, enough to get me to 42 S.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:57, Thu 23 Apr 2020.

Makari turned to look at the glowing woman hovering just below the lip of the wall he was standing on. He spread his hands in a 'what the hell' sort of gesture, face screwed up for a moment in a mixture of confusion and possibly anger. "Sorry, but who the bloody hell ARE you, pixie woman?"

He glanced behind him and saw Rowan coming up towards him as well. "guess this is the popular spot to be now."

He decided to do some reconnaissance before blasting again and peeked around the corner to see where the guards are now after he blasted one recently.

OOC: Taking the Dodge action. Peeking around the corner (likely triggering readied attacks, lol), but hopefully with good cover though from them.

As Morg scrambles to and up the rope, he softly calls to Durik and Mag, "[Language unknown: Ss sompreate oretinati encwasand th nceyinect, miio-asteee ersto entateion siunll nceavence po ee mansonvor. Ons nietie e olss mienc wasforlin hipoli, etcon wh bledayourtra tetra alaios treknt, ilil verundwas st ek m m ersaststr onmaon.]"

---

Move: to and up the rope.

Interaction: sheathe sword.

Action: dash up rope and get as close to Makari as possible.

The two western guards fire at Makari, but the bolts bounce uselessly off the side of the building.

"There's a flarging bear charging towards us!" the guard yells to her fellows on the northern wall. The bolt from her crossbow lodges into the bear's shoulder and she flees east along the wall to join her companions.

---

Mid round update! Map updated.

Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik are up now. Rowan can also take his turn.

Guards
B3 readies action.
B8 readies action.
B4 moves west along the wall and readies an action.
B11 attacks Gorm with a crossbow bolt - HIT for 4 piercing. Current hp: 22
B12 moves west along the wall and readies an action.

Having been quite successful at dodging the crossbows so far the bear continues its oddly alert avoidance of the majority of the bolts.  The one that did hit it is pushed out of its shoulder by some kind of rapid healing or regeneration.

Rowan sneaks up to the space behind Makari, possibly catching him off guard.
"Hello, I'm here to help. Do you have a preferred target?"

Durik races to the wall where Makari's rope is and readies himself for the climb; "Now lets see if these old bones still have it in them..." he growls to himself.

OOC
Action: Move to AE 45
Bonus Action:  Dash to AE 42 and ready to climb

Magdrak dashes after Morg, running along the wall and starts to climb the rope.  He grumbles to himself.  "This is not dwarf work, not meant to climb to the heights."

---

OOC:

Dash (Action)
Move to AE-42 (40' Movement)
Climb Rope 5' (10' Movement)
Maintain concentration on Magic Weapon


Current HP: 41/51
Lay on Hands: 20/25
Channel Divinity: 1/1
Current Spells:
1st: 4/4
2nd: 1/2

Two of the guards fire bolts at the bear as he rounds the corner. One of them grazes the beast's shoulder.

The dwarves clamber to climb the rope.

---

Map updated!

Tana, Rowan, Makari, and Morg are up now. Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik can also post now and may change their posts after the reavers and guards take their turns.

Round 12 Summary:

Tana flies towards Makari.

Rowan approaches Makari.

Makari dodges, then peeks around corner. He triggers B3 and B8 to attack (disadv & half cover) - MISS.

Morg climbs the rope.

Guards
B3 readies action.
B8 readies action.
B4 moves west along the wall and readies an action.
B11 attacks Gorm with a crossbow bolt - HIT for 4 piercing.
B12 moves west along the wall and readies an action.

Gorm uses a bonus action to invoke Combat Wild Shape and heals 6, then moves up the stairs around the corner. This triggers attacks from B4 & B12 - B4 HITS for 2 piercing . Gorm dodges.

Magdrak hurries to Makari's rope and makes it up 10' (5' from the top of the wall).

Durik makes it to the top of the rope.

Round 13 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Tana	23	Inspiration, Conc: Fly
Rowan	22
Makari	19
Morg	19	Inspiration
Reavers	16
Moonclaw	15
Guard	15	B3 & B8 are prone
Gorm	15
Magdrak	3	Inspiration, Conc: Magic Weapon
Durik	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:20, Fri 01 May 2020.

Tana kept her head down as the quarrels struck the battlements.

"Pixie?"

She rasped incredulously, looking down at herself hovering twenty feet over the ground.

"Fair enough.  You get that one for free.  Now, where are those bastards shooting at you?"

Morg sees crossbow bolts flying towards the others, and runs at full speed towards the tower's door up ahead.

---

Interaction: unsheathe sword.

Move: 25' west towards Makari, Rowan, and the flying creature.

Action: dash 25' west.

Suddenly after being left alone for almost a full minute, everyone was over by him and talking to him. He glanced at Rowan and then at the woman. "Well there are bad guys around this corner along the wall over there," he said pointing to the west wall, "lying down prone and waiting for someone to pop their head around the corner."

He pointed over his shoulder to the north. "I'm fairly certain I saw a few more bandits on the north wall as well though I didn't have good line of sight to blast them. So. Ideas?"

He looked at the flying woman. "I'm Makari. What's your name?"

OOC: I figure all the talking took up a bit more than a free action anyway. =)

The guards try to slow down the bear's advance, but to no avail.

---

Mid round update! Map updated.

Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik are up now. Rowan can also post.

Guards
B3 readies action.
B8 readies action.
B4 fires another crossbow bolt (disadv from Dodge) - MISS. She then moves away from Gorm.
B11 drops his crossbow, steps forward, draws a scimitar, and attacks Gorm (disadv from Dodge) - MISS.
B12 drops his crossbow, draws a scimitar and attacks Gorm (disadv from Dodge) - MISS.

Catching his breath briefly a he gets to the top of the wall; "My old bones are not made for all this running." With that he heads off as fast as he can along the tower wall using his shield a best he can to block any bolts.

OOC:
Action-Move to AA
Bonus Actions-Dash to V

Finally having reached its targets the unusually evasive bear unleashes its power in a far more typical bear like way, clawing and biting at the guards in front of it, completely ignoring their swords, and easily over powering their shields and armor as it rips into them.

Magdrak grunts as he finishes his climb.  He continues to follow the others, muttering all the way.  "Dunno where we are goin' in such a flamin' hurry!  I do not see anyone else around at the moment."

---

OOC:

Dash (Action)
Move to X-41 (Movement)
Maintain concentration on Magic Weapon


Current HP: 41/51
Lay on Hands: 20/25
Channel Divinity: 1/1
Current Spells:
1st: 4/4
2nd: 1/2

This message was last edited by the player at 17:21, Sat 02 May 2020.

One of the guards falls under the bear's savage attacks, and the remaining two look at each other uncertainly.

---

Map updated!

Tana, Rowan, Makari, and Morg are up now. Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik can also post now and may change their posts after the guards take their turns.

Round 13 Summary:

Tana chats with Makari.

Rowan stays put.

Makari chats with Tana.

Morg runs along the wall toward Makari and Rowan.

Guards
B3 readies action.
B8 readies action.
B4 fires another crossbow bolt (disadv from Dodge) - MISS. She then moves away from Gorm.
B11 drops his crossbow, steps forward, draws a scimitar, and attacks Gorm (disadv from Dodge) - MISS.
B12 drops his crossbow, draws a scimitar and attacks Gorm (disadv from Dodge) - MISS.

Gorm attacks B12 with claw & bite - HIT for 10 slashing and 9 piercing. B12 is dead.

Magdrak climbs the rest of the way up the rope and moves west along the wall.

Durik moves west along the wall.


Round 14 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Tana	23	Inspiration, Conc: Fly
Rowan	22
Makari	19
Morg	19	Inspiration
Moonclaw	15
Guard	15	B3 and B8 are prone
Gorm	15
Magdrak	3	Inspiration, Conc: Magic Weapon
Durik	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:31, Tue 05 May 2020.

"Very well, I'll disrupt their ambush then."
using his continued camo-boosted stealth to his advantage, Rowan moves to R40, casting sleep for 18 points, centered to catch both guards.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:40, Mon 04 May 2020.

Although Makari couldn't see her, Tana nodded.

"Tana Nim, of the Second Calling."

She answered, though the title was meaningless to the others.

"I'll see what I can do."

She added, and with a rush of wind she was gone, tracking along the wall to try and come up behind those lying in wait for those to whom she had offered her aid and her magic.

Action:  Use all movement and the Dash action to Fly to E30, staying under the wall.

Morg runs towards the tower door, trying to open it.

---

Move: 25' from t41 to o41.
Action: dash 25' from o41 to n41.
Interaction: try to open door.
If the door opens, go in and dash 20' northwest.
(If Morg takes 15+ damage, he'll Bonus: 2nd wind.)

Makari watched in a little surprise as after being left on his own for so long, people were suddenly around and willing to help. He watched as Morg rushed past him towards the door. He blinked and then shrugged, figuring this was all as good a distraction as any. He stepped to the corner of the wall and attempted to blast the other guard, which was more difficult since he was lying down - gripping his staff and pointing at the guards as he uttered the arcane phrase once more.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:41, Mon 04 May 2020.

Tana flies around the gatehouse, staying low to avoid being seen by the guards on the west wall. Shouts arise out of the southwestern gatehouse tower at her passage however, and two twangs of crossbows ring out as guards behind the arrow slit windows fire as she passes by.

At Rowan's spell, one of the guards on the western wall slumps in his prone position, his head bouncing slightly on the worn stone. The other guard raises his crossbow at a shadow of movement to the south, but is blasted against the outer wall by the force of Makari's spell. A similar blast shakes the sleeping guard awake. Recovering quickly, he stands and fires a return bolt at Makari, then makes for the door into the gatehouse to the south.

The guard next to the bear on the north wall backs away slowly, then turns and hurries away from Gorm along the wall. The second guard fires a bolt at the bear, missing wide, then jumps down into the interior courtyard of the castle, rolling as she hits the ground, then stands and starts making her way towards the eastern wall.

Morg hurries to the door on the western side of the wall. It doesn't budge, and appears to be barred from the inside.

---

Mid round update! Map updated.

Tana should make a concentration check to maintain concentration on Fly.

Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik are up now.

Tana flies around the gatehouse. This triggers attacks from hidden guards in the southwestern gatehouse: B13 attacks Tana with crossbow - HIT for 7 piercing.
B14 attacks Tana with crossbow - MISS.

Rowan moves to R40 to cast a spell (he passes a stealth check with adv), Rowan casts Sleep - B3 falls asleep.

Makari steps forward and triggers B8's readied action. B8 attacks Makari with crossbow - MISS. Makari casts Agonizing Blast on the guards - HIT B8 for 15 force. B8 is dead. HIT B3 for 8 force. B3 wakes up.

Morg moves up to the door into the southwest tower. The door appears to be barred from the inside.

Guards
B3 stands and fires the crossbow at Makari - HIT for 3 piercing.  B3 moves south on the wall.
B4 fires a bolt at Gorm - MISS. He jumps off the wall and takes 5 bludgeoning, then runs towards the eastern wall.
B11 disengages and runs east along the wall.
B13 readies an action.
B14 readies an action.

Continuing to rampage seemingly unhindered through the northern section of the fort the bear closes with the guard foolish enough to stay on top of the wall and ripps into him with tooth and claw.

Moving along the wall, keeping his shield at the high ready.  Closing the gap to Morg.  "Lets both try to bust the door down, lets put our shoulders into it."

OOC:
Action:  Move to Q41
Bonus Action:  Dash to M40 (Door)

Magdrak moves to the corner next to the door, prepared to burst through after the others force it open, or else assist in the job if necessary.  "Are we there yet?"

---

OOC:

Dash (Action)
Move to N-41 (Movement)
Maintain concentration on Magic Weapon


Current HP: 41/51
Lay on Hands: 20/25
Channel Divinity: 1/1
Current Spells:
1st: 4/4
2nd: 1/2

The bear charges forward and overwhelms the remaining guard on the wall, as her companion rushes away. The two dwarves approach the door to the second floor of the guardhouse.

---

Map updated!

Tana, Rowan, Makari, and Morg are up now. Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik can also post now and may change their posts after the reavers and guards take their turns.

Round 14 Summary:

Tana flies around the gatehouse. This triggers attacks from hidden guards in the southwestern gatehouse: B13 attacks Tana with crossbow - HIT for 7 piercing.
B14 attacks Tana with crossbow - MISS.  Tana makes concentration save.

Rowan moves to R40 to cast a spell (he passes a stealth check with adv), Rowan casts Sleep - B3 falls asleep.

Makari steps forward and triggers B8's readied action. B8 attacks Makari with crossbow - MISS. Makari casts Agonizing Blast on the guards - HIT B8 for 15 force. B8 is dead. HIT B3 for 8 force. B3 wakes up.

Morg moves up to the door into the southwest tower. The door appears to be barred from the inside.

Reavers
K8 4 Reavers arrive at source of trouble on round 16

Guards
B3 stands and fires the crossbow at Makari - HIT for 3 piercing.  B3 moves south on the wall.
B4 fires a bolt at Gorm - MISS. She jumps off the wall and takes 5 bludgeoning, then runs towards the eastern wall.
B11 disengages and runs east along the wall.
B13 readies an action.
B14 readies an action.

Gorm moves after B11 and attacks - HIT with claws and bite for a total of 17 damage. B11 is dead.

Magdrak moves next to Morg in front of the door.

Durik moves next to Morg in front of the door.

Round 15 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Tana	23	Inspiration, Conc: Fly
Rowan	22
Makari	19
Morg	19	Inspiration
Reavers	16
Moonclaw	15
Guards	15
Gorm	15
Holger	12
Magdrak	3	Inspiration, Conc: Magic Weapon
Durik	2

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:19, Fri 08 May 2020.

The bolt caught her high in the thigh, and she suppressed a scream of pain as her magic wobbled and sought to leave her.  She held onto it, keeping herself aloft and gritting her teeth through the agony as she tore the bolt free.  It was deep, and would have bled profusely, yet as she tore the quarrel free the gash sizzled and smoked.  In an instant, it had cauterized itself closed with infernal power, the scar fading to little more than an angry red line.  She gave far better than she got, floating over the lip of the battlements with a glyph of power searing the flesh of her right hand.  Two brilliant bolts of crimson energy struck the guard in the back, smoke curling from her fingertips as the magic crackled and burned.

Tana had 7 temporary hit points from killing all those guards with a fireball due to.

Dark One’s Blessing - PHB, pg. 109
When you reduce a hostile creature to 0 HP, you gain 7 temp HP.

Assuming the crit kills the guard, she has 7 new temp HP.  I love Warlocks, but I'd never made an Infernal one before.  Infernal Warlocks are awesome!

Action:  Double Eldritch Blast hit at 22 and 24 (crit), for 22 force damage.
Move:  Peek over the wall, shoot the guard, and then duck back down somewhere where there isn't an arrow slit menacing me.

09:41, Today: Secret Roll: Tana Nim rolled 17 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 16.  Concentration.
09:44, Today: Secret Roll: Tana Nim rolled 22 using 3d10+4 with rolls of 6,2,10.  Damage:  2 hits, 1 a crit.
09:43, Today: Secret Roll: Tana Nim rolled 24 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 20.  EB 2.
09:43, Today: Secret Roll: Tana Nim rolled 22 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 18.  EB 1.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:41, Wed 06 May 2020.

Morg drops his sword, and with his crowbar tries to pry open the door.

---

Free action: drop sword.

Interaction: withdraw crowbar from backpack. (Like a potion per PHB p.190? If not, then instead use interaction to pick up dropped sword after trying to kick open the door.)

Action: use crowbar, giving strength check advantage (PHB p.151) to try to leverage open the door: 21 strength check if crowbar can be used as leverage, otherwise 17.

Move: make space for others to get past or to the door.

(If Morg takes 15+ damage, he'll Bonus: 2nd wind.)

15:26, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 21 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 12,16.  Strength check to try to open door with crowbar (which gives advantage if leveragable).

Makari pulled back to the wall and waited. He saw Morg and Magdrak trying to open the door - which appeared to be locked or something. He didn't have any immediate targets to blast, so he wasn't sure if there was anywhere he should go. So for the moment he opted to wait until the door was opened, or a target presented itself.

He telepathically told Moonclaw to keep an eye on the bear and for any more enemies.

OOC: Moving back to the wall, to the east of Rowan, (S-40 I think) and then Dodging for my aciton.

Rowan casts mold earth, taking a chunk out of the wall, and molding it to fill in the arrow slits on b14s tower, leaving a blank stone wall.

Tana's blasts cut down the guard on the western wall, just before he makes it to the gatehouse door.

The northern guard, still wounded from her jump off the wall, stumbles and runs for the eastern wall and the long keelboat moored there.

Morg pries open the reinforced door with a groan of creaking hinges and a spray of partially-rotted wooden splinters. The guards on the inside of the gatehouse spin towards the sound, and raise their crossbows to fire on the dwarf.

"Rally to Holger, ya filthy dogs!" one of the defenders hollers towards the stairs. "You two," he shouts to the two guards manning the arrow slits as he drops his massive crossbow and hefts a wicked mace, "with me to the door!" The other guards drop their crossbows and hurry to attack Morg hand to hand, drawing curved scimitars.

Sitting from its perch high atop the southeastern tower, Makari's familiar watches four more human figures appear out of the building in the center of the castle courtyard, hurrying out the eastern door towards Moonclaw. To the owl's sharp eyes, the figures carry strange looking shields made of hard shells that look as though they belong on a sea creature, and long swords decorated with teeth that give their sharp edges a serrated look.

---

Mid round update! Map updated.

Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik are up now.


Tana casts Agonizing Blast at B3 HIT twice (1 CRIT) for 22 force. B3 is dead.

Rowan casts Mold Earth, closing the nearby arrow slit.

Makari dodges.

Morg drops his sword & breaks down the door with a crowbar. This triggers readied actions:
B13 spins and attacks Morg with a crossbow - HIT for 2 piercing.
Holger attacks Morg with heavy crossbow - MISS. Morg moves into the gatehouse.

Reavers
R4 dashes.
R5 dashes.
R6 dashes.
R7 dashes.

Guards
B4 dashes to the eastern wall.
B13 drops his crossbow and moves to attack Morg with a scimitar - MISS.
B14 drops his crossbow and moves to attack Morg with a scimitar - HIT for 6 slashing.

Holger drops his crossbow and moves to attack Morg with a mace - HIT twice for 14 bludgeoning .

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:27, Fri 08 May 2020.

Without any more visible, or even detectable, threats in its immediate area the Bear proves why running away is not always the best option, climbing down the wall as easily as it would a steep mountain side the bear then dashes up the easy slope of the stairs to the east in pursuit of the crossbow wielding person that is running away.

---

Morg Danforge:

(If Morg takes 15+ damage, he'll Bonus: 2nd wind.)

I misread the initiative order, and rolled for 2nd wind too early, it should only happen in round 16:

Bonus: 2nd wind for +14 HP.

22:32, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 14 using 1d10+5 with rolls of 9.  HP recovered from second wind.

Magdrak moves around through the doorway to the other side of the wall, swinging with his battleaxe at one of Morg's assailants.  "More of these 'Fell-blasted...?"  His voice trails off as he gets to work, chopping twice in succession with his blade at the nearest enemy.  Upon striking, he channels the power of Valkauna and smites the man.

---

OOC:

Move to M-41 (Movement)
Attack Guard B13 with Battleaxe x2 (Action)
Hit AC 15 for 7 Slashing-Magic
Hit AC 21 for 10 Slashing-Magic
Divine Smite for 4 Radiant
Maintain concentration on Magic Weapon


18:26, Today: Magdrak rolled 15 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 7.  Attack with Battleaxe.
18:26, Today: Magdrak rolled 21 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 13.  Attack with Battleaxe.
18:26, Today: Magdrak rolled 7 using 1d8+5 with rolls of 2.  Damage with Battleaxe. (Slashing-Magic)
18:26, Today: Magdrak rolled 10 using 1d8+5 with rolls of 5.  Damage with Battleaxe. (Slashing-Magic)
18:34, Today: Magdrak rolled 4 using 2d8 with rolls of 2,2.  Divine Smite Damage. (Radiant)


Current HP: 41/51
Lay on Hands: 20/25
Channel Divinity: 1/1
Current Spells:
1st: 3/4
2nd: 1/2

Following Magdrak into the room, Durik raises his shield and swings his hammer at the closest target.

OOC:
Move: Start at N41 and move into the tower to M41 near enemy B13
Action:  Attack B13 missing with a 7.

If I'm looking at the map wrong-then put me in the room near a target.

08:42, Today: Durik rolled 7 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 2.  attack.

The guard sprints onto the eastern wall, the bear in close pursuit. "Shoalar! Pike! We're under attack!" she cries as she approaches the keelboat.

The two dwarves behind Morg storm into the gatehouse, and cut down one of the guards there.

---

Map updated!

Tana, Rowan, Makari, and Morg are up now. Gorm, Magdrak, and Durik can also post now and may change their posts after the reavers and guards take their turns.

Round 15 Summary:

Tana casts Agonizing Blast at B3 HIT twice (1 CRIT) for 22 force. B3 is dead.

Rowan casts Mold Earth, closing the nearby arrow slit.

Makari dodges.

Morg drops his sword & breaks down the door with a crowbar. This triggers readied actions:
B13 spins and attacks Morg with a crossbow - HIT for 2 piercing.
Holger attacks Morg with heavy crossbow - MISS. Morg moves into the gatehouse.

Reavers
R4 dashes.
R5 dashes.
R6 dashes.
R7 dashes.

Guards
B4 dashes to the eastern wall.
B13 drops his crossbow and moves to attack Morg with a scimitar - MISS.
B14 drops his crossbow and moves to attack Morg with a scimitar - HIT for 6 slashing.

Gorm climbs down the wall and chases the remaining guard near him.

Holger drops his crossbow and moves to attack Morg with a mace twice - HIT twice for 14 bludgeoning .

Magdrak moves into the guardhouse and attacks B13 - HIT twice for 21 mixed damage. B13 is dead.

Durik moves into the guardhouse and attacks B14 - MISS.

Round 16 Initiative Order:

Who	Init	Status
Tana	23	Inspiration, Conc: Fly
Rowan	22
Makari	19
Morg	19	Inspiration
Reavers	16
Moonclaw	15
Guards	15
Gorm	15
Holger	12
Magdrak	3	Inspiration, Conc: Magic Weapon
Durik	2

"The dwarves are upon you! Surrender or die!" Morg shouts as he charges in and attacks.

---

Interaction: pick up greatsword.

Bonus action: 2nd wind - see link to a message in this game

Action: knock-out (not lethal) attack on H (or B14 if H is out) with greatsword - hits AC 20 for 17 slashing damage. Maneuver: menacing attack: target must make a WIS save vs DC 16 or be frightened of Morg until end of Morg's next turn.
Extra attack: knock-out (not lethal) attack on H (or B14 if H is out) with greatsword - hits AC 21 for 11 slashing damage.

If H and B14 is still standing,
Action surge: Attack: knock-out (not lethal) attack on H (or B14 if H is out) with greatsword - critical fail.
Action surge: Extra attack: knock-out (not lethal) attack on H (or B14 if H is out) with greatsword - hits AC 23 for 12 slashing damage.

Move: If H is down but B14 is still up, move 10' to j40. If both are down, move 25' to i36.

18:59, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 20 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 12.  Attack H (or B14) with greatsword.
18:59, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 12 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 6,1.  Slashing damage to H (or B14) from greatsword (reroll a 1 or 2 once).
18:59, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 3 using 1d6 with rolls of 3.  Reroll the 1 with Great weapon fighting fighting style.
19:08, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 3 using 1d8 with rolls of 3.  Maneuver: menacing attack on H/B14 (WIS save vs DC 16) or be frightened until end of M's next turn.
19:13, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 21 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 13.  Attack H (or B14) with greatsword.
19:13, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 7 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 1,1.  Slashing damage to H (or B14) from greatsword (reroll a 1 or 2 once).
19:14, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 3 using 1d6 with rolls of 3.  Reroll 1st 1 with Great weapon fighting fighting style.
19:14, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 3 using 1d6 with rolls of 3.  Reroll 2nd 1 with Great weapon fighting fighting style.
19:19, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 9 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 1.  Action surge attack H (or B14) with greatsword.
19:20, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 23 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 15.  Action surge extra attack H (or B14) with greatsword.
19:21, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 13 using 2d6+5 with rolls of 6,2.  Action surge extra attack slashing damage to H (or B14) from greatsword (reroll a 1 or 2 once).
19:21, Today: Morg Danforge rolled 1 using 1d6 with rolls of 1.  Reroll the 2 with Great weapon fighting fighting style.