Our story begins on a lazily winding road that runs through the rolling grasslands of the Greenfields. Sundown is approaching as our protagonists top a rise and see the town of Greenest just a few short miles away. Instead of the pleasant, welcoming town they expected, they see columns of black smoke rising from burning buildings, running figures that are little more than dots at this distance, and a dark, winged shape wheeling low over the keep that rises above the center of the town: Greenest is being attacked by a dragon!

Even after catching sight of the smoke over Greenest, the dwarf tromps forward several paces before stopping in her tracks. She squints into the distance, one hand on the shaft of her war hammer, with a displeased scowl growing on her face. Her narrow eyes widen as she realizes what it is she's seeing. "Dragon!" she announces loudly, before letting loose a muttered stream of dwarven profanities.

Isolde turns suddenly and heads for a nearby wagon to retrieve what gear she didn't carry personally. She straps her heavy pack upon her back and her heavy shield upon her arm and calls out: "Caravan master! Hold your position here, or withdraw. There is little to do but wait." She glances at the caravan guards and the other travelers. "But I want a closer look. Who's with me?" 

And with that, Isolde steps steadily forward on the road to Greenest. In truth, she has no idea what she will do as she approaches. She has no illusion that she can fight a dragon.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:39, Wed 23 Jan 2019.

Inanah had taken this caravan guard job to get an excuse for a change of scenery. Bounty hunting had become a boring repetition and even if slow moving caravan wasn't the most exciting thing in the world, at least the slow speed was taking her towards somewhere new.

She had been sitting next to one of the wagon drivers her bow at the ready when the caravan came to a halt. Standing up in her seat she saw the smoke and the dragon. One of the travellers, female dwarf called Isolde, announced it loudly. Inanah grinned to herself at the string of profanities that followed as the dwarven warrior came to realise the reality of facing a dragon. Her amusement didn't last for long, though, she felt the need to help the town in trouble, but what could they do about a dragon?

"You better move back behind the hill, at least then the dragon will not see the caravan immediately and we can hope it flies to another direction," she said to the wagon driver next to her. "Go and talk to the boss about it. I will join our dwarf friend."

Running towards the town would take some time, since it was still few miles away. Inanah approached Isolde and spoke to her, [Language unknown: "Ec weon eear sta, refor Er onssonles ica yin houameain ie ll oscemi. Ma ng leous wit fitin endine, t saet sisiisas moble an sanwe O to be tertinter el re arfiek ichearati. En i nte iou unmi ti ro ta wasounrat wil eilila pe evead pawe."]

Looking around the scene she tried to figure out a way to town that would offer some cover from a flying creature but still be fast.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:33, Wed 23 Jan 2019.

Hasan, whose path had inadvertently crossed with that of the caravan earlier in the day, gazes across the fields ahead of them at the burning town of Greenest. He watches the dragon, struck by the terrifying majesty of the giant creature, while listening to the two women make plans to approach the town.

"I'll come with you," he speaks up, resting his hand on the hilt of his longsword and adjusting his backpack. "We'd best get moving."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:55, Wed 23 Jan 2019.

Isolde gave the elf a quick, sharp glare, but after a moment a smile played on her lips, even as she observed the distant devastation.  Clearly, Inanah's fluency surprised her. Up to now, she had had little contact with her, but Isolde had certainly noticed her among the caravan guards. The two could not have seemed more different, elf and dwarf, despite that they shared that red hair, though Inanah's was more firey, and bright green eyes, though Inanah's were brighter. But the little elf was such a slight, scrawny thing, not much more than half Isolde's weight, even if she were a few inches taller.

Isolde surveyed the land, looking for cover, and answered in the common tongue. "The road is the quicker route."

She acknowledged Saqri with a curt nod. She glanced at the caravan behind them. If any others would join them, they'd best be quick about it.

[OOC: DM, is there cover? I have the sense that we're on open land, in which case it will be better to stick to the road for speed. But if there is cover as Inanah suggests, we might consider using it.]

"Well met, both of you. You're right, road will be faster, though I don't know what use it will be arriving sooner to dragon's mouth." Inanah said the last with dark humor and a crooked twist of lips."But maybe we can help the victims even if not able to slay the beast. I'll get my gear."

Inanah sprinted to get her pack before returning to the others. "I'm Inanah Nightbreeze." She introduced herself shortly as they prepared to sprint towards the smoke.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:39, Thu 24 Jan 2019.

"Isolde Glibhammer, of the Glibhammer clan," the dwarf returned the introduction and set her best pace forward. She was steady and relentless, but, alas, not fast.

Bencor had been busy trying to extort his guard wage from the driver. Voices were raised. Some people's parentage were called into question.

Not much later, scowling, Bencor caught up to the crew with heavy foot-falls and unslung his primative shield from his back. The dragon wheeling in the air far in the distance made him doubt what he was seeing. "I'll tread on your heels." he said slowly "Go forth. Play Helm's handmaidens to the folk - I have business." he listened to the introductions and gives his own "Bencor of the Wood of Sharp Teeth by the way. If you get caught in dragonfire and left horribly disfigured come find me; I might be able to keep you alive when you wish you weren't." he gives a syrupy smirk.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:26, Thu 24 Jan 2019.

Isolde gave Bencor a measured stare, unsure of what to make of the fellow. She didn't object to him trailing along.

Inanah wondered if one of Bencor's ancestors was a wolf or a bear, considering the generous amount of hair he seemed to have. Wasn't there stories about werecreatures from the woods he called home?

"Thanks for your kind offer," she said to Bencor with a baring of teeth that could be called a smile as much as her tone of voice could be called grateful. "I'm planning to dodge any fire."

She adjusted the straps of her backpack and walked towards Greenest with a pace that could be caught up with easily. If the others did that, then she would match her pace with theirs.

"Hasan Saqri."

Hasan keeps pace with Inanah, walking alongside her silently and carefully watching the dragon in the distance.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 21:37, Sat 26 Jan 2019.

The sun has fully set by the time the would-be heroes reach the edge of Greenest. The town is burning and in utter chaos, as bands of humans, kobolds, and giant lizards raid the undefended areas while the dragon continues to circle over the keep.

No care for dignity, head low, Bencour scuttled over to the nearest smouldering house on the edge of the town. He crouched down beside its outside wall, covered his mouth, and peeked around a corner to get another look at the raiders and scaleykind on the streets. Looting. Pillaging. "Any of you got a spare army floating around in your pockets?" he whispered if others drew near, making a pained, scrunched up face in response to their outnumbered situation. "No one? Pity. What now?" he coughed.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:46, Sun 27 Jan 2019.

Isolde had her hammer in hand as she approached Greenest. Her brow was furrowed. The light of the burning town reflected in her eyes, giving the dwarf a fiery glare. She was vigilant, watching for immediate threats to her small party and for townsfolk in danger. The mere presence of kobolds irked her, but she didn't seek them out. Yet. As the hairy man had observed, this group was no army.

[OOC: anything noteworthy about the human raiders? Do they seem to be working with the kobolds? What do these giant lizards look like? If there are townsfolk in danger, Isolde will likely intervene.]

Inanah was tense all the way up to the city, since she felt horribly exposed out in the open. When they arrived in town she hunkered down next to the nearest house feeling slightly better. Until she observed the amount of enemies in town, then she muttered string of profanities in a mixture of dwarvish, elvish and common. [Language unknown: "Leechawama om!"][Language unknown: "Atisom-ounthu verlinenc!"]"Why in the name of all gods did I come here? Run Inanah, run."

Not taking her own advice, but instead peeking around the corner of the building she tried to see a route towards the keep or a group of people that they could help to escape. After her peek she answered to Bencor with a hoarse whisper and crooked smile, "Who needs an army when there is a group of brave heroes like us, right?" Inanah had her bow at the ready, if an enemy happened to walk around the corner.

[OOC: Is there a group of people in trouble that are close to the edge of the town, so they could be lead out with some help? Is there a route to the keep that could be considered safe enough with some good sneaking?]

Hasan frowns as he looks around. This is bad, he thinks. He pauses for a moment, considering their options, then says, "We should make for the keep and see if we can help there. If the keep falls, the whole town is lost."

Without warning, five humans dash out from between two buildings to the left of where the would-be heroes stand. A limping man and three young children race across the street into more shadows, and a woman carrying a round shield and a broken spear turns and faces back in the direction whence they came. Eight kobolds stream out of the alley on the family's heels and fan out around the woman, who looks determined to delay the creatures for as long as possible.

Isolde didn't hesitate. "Strike now!"she called to the others in her company, and she strode forward boldly, a gleam in her eye, to aid the spear-woman. She swung mightily with her hammer ... .

[OOC: DM - Not sure how you manage combat. Is Isolde close enough with a 25' movement to close the distance and attack a kobold? If not, she'll dash to get even closer. Will you call for rolls, or shall we make assumptions and post attack rolls etc. when it seems they'll be needed?]


[OOC: Initiative = 14. Hit AC11 for 11 damage.

6:40, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 11,11 using 1d20+5,1d8+5.  attack and damage vs. kobold.
16:40, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 14 using 1d20-1.  intiative.]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:43, Tue 29 Jan 2019.

The kobolds rush forward to attack the woman (and anyone who gets in their way).

Begin combat. Roll initiative and post your actions for the first round.

Kobold 1: uninjured
Kobold 2: uninjured
Kobold 3: uninjured
Kobold 4: uninjured
Kobold 5: uninjured
Kobold 6: uninjured
Kobold 7: uninjured
Kobold 8: uninjured

Woman: uninjured

Hasan is slow to react, surprised by the sudden turn of events. As everyone else springs into action, he moves to attack the nearest kobold, swinging at with his longsword.

Initiative 3. Attack vs. a kobold hits AC 19 for 10 slashing damage.

13:16, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 3 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.
13:15, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 10 using 1d10+2.  Damage.
13:14, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 19 using 1d20+4.  Attack.

An angry snarl forms on her face as she sees the children in distress and their protectors. "Bossy one, aren't you..." She mutters to herself as Isolde calls for an attack.

Bow already trained towards the corner of the building Inanah loosens an arrow towards the closest kobold that blocks the way of the children and limping man towards safety.


Initiative 13. Attack vs. closest kobold 17 with 4 piercing damage (+5 sneak attack damage if there are allies near the target)


22:14, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 4,5 using 1d6+3,1d6.  Damage, sneak damage (if applicable).

22:10, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 17 using 1d20+5.  Shortbow attack.

22:09, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 13 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

From the opposite side of the Kobolds, a bolt of fire streaked towards the group of creatures. At its source stood a man clothed mostly in an assortment of rags. One hand remained outstretched while the other clutched something against his chest. Much of his body and face was covered with bits of white hair coming out from under the cloth wrapped hastily around his head. [Language unknown: "Lindnc neenc notie?!"] His voice called out angrily at the Kobalds. [Language unknown: "Ro ssul la eiri po st! Day anure weich siear!"]

15 Initiative
Move: approach from side of Kobolds opposite the main group / stopping 100 ft from nearest Kobald
Fire Bolt
9 to hit
5 fire damage

20:14, Today: N'Rell rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.
17:52, Today: N'Rell rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Ranged Spell Attack.
17:53, Today: N'Rell rolled 5 using 1d10.  damage if hit.

This message was last edited by the player at 04:26, Tue 29 Jan 2019.

Bencor glances around as his fellow travelers charge brazenly forward like fucking heroes from the stories. "Tempus' tits, are you serious!?" he groans, then suppresses a rueful grin whilst shaking his head.

Not brave (or stupid?) like Isolde, Bencor doesn't charge in up front; rather he hangs back and goes for any kobold flanking around the sides trying to exploit their superior numbers. He pretends to lower his shield and weapon as one approaches then gives the scaley a slicing backhand with his scimitar when it comes in to strike.

22:33, Today: Bencor Dekarrac rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  Initiative roll.
22:34, Today: Bencor Dekarrac rolled 14 using 1d20+4.  Scimitar melee atk to hit.
22:35, Today: Bencor Dekarrac rolled 7 using 1d6+2.  Scimitar Dmg.

This message was last edited by the player at 19:47, Tue 29 Jan 2019.

Bencor moves quickly, cutting down one of the kobolds on the edge of the group. Two of the kobolds nearby turn and attack Bencor; one of them stabs him in the gut. Isolde swings her hammer at the kobold closest to the spear-wielding woman, barely missing the spry little creature. Inanah takes advantage of Isolde's assault and fires an arrow at that same kobold, dropping it before it can counterattack. Another kobold stabs the woman, leaving a gash in her side. Hasan takes down a kobold with a powerful swipe of his sword.

N'Rell appears on the scene, hurling a fire bolt into the fray but hitting nothing.

Next round.

Kobold 1 (Woman): uninjured
Kobold 2: dying
Kobold 3 (Woman): uninjured
Kobold 4 (Isolde): uninjured
Kobold 5 (Isolde): uninjured
Kobold 6: dead
Kobold 7 (Bencor): uninjured
Kobold 8: dying

Woman: injured (-3 hp)

Inanah felt a surge of satisfaction seeing several of the kobolds fall, one to her arrow. With quick and experienced movement she nocked another arrow and sent it flying towards one of the kobolds that were harassing Isolde.

Attack 20, kobold #4. Piercing damage total 11 points.

22:04, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 8,3 using 1d6+3,1d6.  Shortbow damage, sneak damage.

22:03, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  Shortbow attack, kobold #4.

Kathra had been fighting for most of the day. She'd taken refuge in one of the slightly less burning buildings for a quick breather, and was just getting her .... twelfth wind? Fifteenth? Anyway, she was just starting to catch her breath again when she heard a commotion from the front of the building. Pausing only long enough to steal a drink of water from the abandoned meal in the house (Moradin's anvil, but she was hungry), before charging out to clean up some more kobolds.

14:51, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 1 using 1d20-1 ((2)). Initiative.

Move to engage, Attack Kobold 1 (or whoever is left) with warhammer and shield.

14:53, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 19 using 1d20+5 ((14)). Attack Kobold 1.

14:54, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 8 using 1d8+3 ((5)). Damage to Kobold 1.

Summary: Initiative 1: Moves, Hits AC 19 for 8 damage

Her blood-spattered armor and shield gleaming in the firelight of the apocalypse surrounding her, she charges towards one of the vile reptilian monsters. She smashes the creature's puny weapon out of the way with her shield, and uses the opening to bludgeon it in the head.

She doesn't even bother to acknowledge the others in the fray. The last four humans she had introduced herself to had fallen within minutes. Introductions can wait until we survive.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:32, Fri 22 Feb 2019.

N'Rell growled in frustration as the first flame didn't find a target. A flury of syllables came from him as his extended hand curled tightly before releasing and producing a fiery projectile aimed at one of the Kobolds attacking the woman with the broken spear. Seeing the others reducing the Kobalds' numbers rapidly, N'Rell moved forward to close distance. [Language unknown: "Llet'toll es nc mietng o p si trailliouble latsoncom lithu o uswiec!"]


17 Fire Bolt attack
6 fire damage

Move: approach 30 ft closer (now about 70 ft from Kobolds)

16:01, Today: N'Rell rolled 17 using 1d20+5.  Ranged Spell Attack.

16:02, Today: N'Rell rolled 6 using 1d10.  damage if hit.

Hasan continues to cut into the kobolds, barely noticing those who have arrived to assist.

Attack Kobold #7 (or whichever is closest). Hits AC 20 for 9 slashing damage.

15:23, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 9 using 1d10+2.  Damage.
15:22, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 20 using 1d20+4.  Attack.

Isolde gave a grunt of approval as Nightbreeze showed off her archery skills and dropped a few kobolds. The shield maiden herself had less success, swinging her hammer and keeping her shield moving but not connecting with any of the evasive vermin. If that frustrated her, she didn’t show it. Evidently, she was content to be a heavily armored distraction that allowed her allies to do their best work, and she fought on with a ferocious grin.

The flame-throwing newcomer drew her attention, but Isolde was much to busy to give him more than a cursory glance.

OOC: another miss.

Bencor staggered a few paces back and clutched his belly. He gritted his teeth and made a show of stooping forward to nurse his wound, really hamming it up, so he might draw the scaly little blighter in surprise him with a sucker swipe of his blade. Anyone watching the druid's in the fight might start to see a rather unsporting trend. When he went to take the swing however the pinching pain in his gut fouled up his attack making him pull his arm back into his body to actually nurse his cut gut for real.

22:17, Today: Bencor Dekarrac rolled 9 using 1d20+4.  Scimitar to hit. Likely a miss.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:35, Tue 29 Jan 2019.

Bencor, hurting from his wound, misses his opponent, who stabs the druid with his dagger, leaving him barely able to remain standing. Hasan cuts into the kobold with his longsword, dropping him. The woman stabs one of the kobolds with her spear, taking it down. N'Rell's fire bolt takes out the other kobold who was attacking her. Isolde attacks one of the kobolds attempting to overwhelm her but misses; Inanah kills it with an arrow in the back.

Kathra bursts onto the scene, cracking the last kobold's head with her warhammer.

"Thank you! I don't know what we would've done had you not shown up." The woman with the spear breathes a sigh of relief, then rushes toward her husband and children. "Come," she says to the group of heroes. "We have to get to the keep. It's the only safe place in Greenest."

End combat.

Isolde responded without hesitation to the spear-woman's sensible suggestion, taking up a position on the forward left flank of the family group, quite prepared to escort them to the keep. She stopped for only a moment to give an appraising once-over of the other dwarf who had burst onto the scene. With an eyebrow raised, Isolde nodded a silent greeting and offered a brief, approving scowl, then returned to the business at hand.

Isolde tapped the nearest child on the shoulder. She spoke urgently, but without panic. "We'll get your family to safety. Keep pace and stay behind me. I am your shield. And a stout one, at that."

The shield maiden pointed to Hasan. "You. Lead the way." To Bencor and Kathra: "You. And you. Right flank. Elf, you're with me. Wizard, behind us. Burn anything that tries to follow. Move, now."

[OOC: How far does it seem to the keep?]

Chewy vitriol arose in Bencor's throat, least that how it seems from his face as the party's shield maiden takes self-anointed command. The druid opens his mouth in a snarl but seems to think the better of it and holds his tongue. He then sheathed his scimitar and returned his shield to his back. The rush of the fight had left him and he found himself swooning down on one knee, pale and succumbing to the cold sweat of shock.

Reaching down to his belt he fetched a sprig of leaves bound in twine; Bencor held the small branch reverently, struggling not to sway and fall over. Muttering an obscured prayer he dangled the sprig over the dirt in front of him. A small vine is teased forth from the earth which sprouts up half a foot in the space of seconds. Tiny buds turn into flowers and leaves. The next moment those small blooms fade like a mayfly, turning into a cluster of dark plum coloured berries; which Bencor plucks from the wee sapling before it withers to dust before the eye.

Casting Goodberry giving 10 Berries that heal his missing 5 HP after Kathra heals him below  (with 5 left over). Bencor will start eating them as they move. He's hoping not to be left behind..
This message was last edited by the player at 05:15, Wed 30 Jan 2019.

A dwarf with a shaved face and full armor? She's clearly in charge, Kathra thinks, as she scratches her own beard.

Kathra does a weird spinning motion with the shield, leaving it hanging off her side in a deft but flashy move as she approaches the gathering adventurers. Unceremoniously and with little warning, she shoves her hand onto the gaping gut wound of the hairy, leather clad human as he swoons and drops to one knee. Kathra declares piously, [Language unknown: "Whistiwer, heivce ouserehisome evetracom! Ofssie stitraate iouom les ofine k pre ri eidieenire, esliai p?"] as she drags/guides Bencor to the flank where the shield maiden directed them to.

22:42, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 4 using 1d8+2 ((2)). Cure Wounds on Bencor.

As she sees the ill-kempt-but-impressively-bearded-for-a-human fighter guy mutter over some twigs, Kathra assumes that he must be in shock, and places herself on the outermost edge of the right flank instead of moving him.

Once Bencorr gets up and indicates he is ready to move, she says to the spear-woman, "City's been aflame for hours. Benson's Way is choked off. Should we try Old Bridge?" As the two discuss routes, it becomes clear that Kathra has been here long enough to learn a few street names, but is still obviously an outsider.

Edited for clarity and to resolve some timing issues
This message was last edited by the player at 05:03, Wed 30 Jan 2019.

"You would act with such authority over me without earning it?" As N'Rell approached, his attention had been on the bodies of the fallen Kobolds - giving Isolde only a brief glance when he had been addressed before setting himself to the task of searching the creatures. He ignored weapons, trinkets, or anything else of monetary value. Instead, he was looking for notes, letters, or any sort of messages they may have been carrying - muttering to himself a bit as he did so. [Language unknown: "Ou witus ast sanro, evyin striouprevorbut ssitatpr? Ast restictha moit menconere?"]

He glanced up to the others once he completed his search. "It seems we have a common enemy..."

Perhaps she didn't notice Dekarrak's scowl or hear N'Rell's question, or perhaps she didn't feel they merited a response. Isolde just scowled and kept vigilant for approaching threats until the company was ready to move -- but if the wizard spent too much time looting the vermin, she might very well might move without him, though she would strongly prefer to have a fire-slinging spell-caster along on the perilous way.

Sighing with relief but knowing that the respite might be very short, Inanah looked towards the keep after the woman comments that it is the safest place. Going towards the dragon sounded like a really bad idea to her, but on the other hand it was the only place of protection in this open country. They would have to hope that the dragon would not be able to burn the stones of the keep or that it had deep cellars.

She frowned on Isolde when she barked her commands, [Language unknown: "Thi ssst we ssiowhut t ilthha e t temisano, thi astsomnoters strng chive ol nc manousfor ave t fiwhac. Menaon-toll p pewer ughlarthe ast day."] Shaking her head she turned to Bencor who was injured, but seeing that he was taken care of by the newcomer, she said to the children and their protectors, "Don't worry, we help you to get to safety."

"I will scout us a safer way, if you are serious about being the point of the group, I'll whisper you if I see safer path. Expect to hear my voice in your ear." She spoke to Isolde, while already eyeing the street close by for openings. When she saw a gap in the flow of enemies she stealthily sneaked forward, using buildings, rubble and smoke as her cover. Moving from safe spot to safe spot she trid to guide the others between groups of enemies.


OOC: My idea is for Inanah to scout ahead of the others (about 60 feet ahead) and guide them towards the keep by directing where they go. She would use Message cantrip to whisper these instuctions to Isolde.
16:26, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 23 using 1d20+7.  Stealth for avoiding enemies while on the way to the keep.

16:26, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 9 using 1d20+6.  Perception to spot dangers on the way to the keep
This message was last edited by the player at 14:42, Wed 30 Jan 2019.

Isolde grunted and a small flicker of a smile broke her scowl. She answered Nightbreeze in the common tongue. "I'll worry about my manners and your respect when the children are safe. Your plan is sound. But I'm shielding the left flank. Send your whisperings to the bald one. He leads the way. Unless he wants to argue about it, too."

Hasan scans the battlefield as the others talk, his blade still drawn and ready, apparently not paying much attention to what they are saying.

"No argument here," he says to Isolde when she speaks about him. "I'll follow her directions and the rest of you follow me. Stay close together, everyone."

Before Inanah sneaks off, Hasan nods at her and says, "Don't get too far ahead of us. We won't be able to move as fast as you." He motions toward the injured man and the children to reinforce his words.

Once everyone is in formation, he sets off after Inanah, following her magically whispered directions.

Hasan will move slower than his normal pace so as to not leave anyone behind.

(I'm trying to make her Common sound vaguely Scottish, since all dwarves post-LOTR sound Scottish, not sure if it's too much. Let me know if you need me to tone it down.)

"Alrecht 'en, let's discuss strategy," she whispers to the group the next time they're all crouching behind some barrels.


The guy with the hawkfeathers on his cloak makes a gesture, and the group all scuttles forward to the next hiding spot. "We've awreddy got uir positions down. We need pick a'caapla words fur situations. Loch, if someain needs healin', ur backup. Anie ideas?"

"You are not from here..." It was clearly more of a statement than a question as he addressed the others as a group, not speaking to any one of them specifically. "You seem to handle yourselves better than the citizens here, but you cannot be of the guard. They locked themselves in the safety of their keep as soon as the attack happened." He practically spat out the last words of that sentence.

As he searched the last of the Kobolds only to come up empty-handed, N'Rell grunted in frustration and let loose a bolt of fire only inches away from its chest. He knew the creature was already dead, but it seemed to make him feel better.

"You are here for a reason..." He rose to his feet and moved to where they had gathered. "...even if you do not fully know what it is yet. Maybe our paths remain alongside each other's for a time."

Bencor squints at Kathra "I know you're speaking common, but the meaning of it escapes me." he gives a sheepish grin letting her know the failure is his, not hers. "I haven't traveled much before, or heard many of the accents that are out there. Bencor, by the by.." he gives a salute-like wave as introductions "..thanks for the assist."

Returning to address the priestesses original point. "Teach me the dwarvern word for 'Help'. Will that serve?"

In reply to Bencor Dekarrac (msg # 42):

"Och aye," she agrees. "Ah got 'at a lot. Ah dornt gie much chance tae practice. Ah probably hae a bit ay an accent."

She waits until the next lull in the sneaking before introducing herself. "Ah am Kathra ay Clan....weel, Cleric ay Moradin, at onie rate.

She teaches Belcor how to say [Language unknown: "Ione"] shortly thereafter.

At another moment, crouched behind a burning cart, she gestures to N'Rell and whispers to Belcor, "Wa is flam fingers sic' a [Language unknown: alioulsiivnd invir], anyway? His mammy tak' heem aff 'er tit tay yoong ur somethin'? Hoo lang hae ye knoon heem?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:18, Thu 31 Jan 2019.

The keep is about 600 feet southwest of where the party encountered the kobolds, as the crow flies. However, given the layout of the buildings in Greenest and the current chaos, Inanah will have to take a rather indirect route to reach the keep safely.

Dekarrac eyed the wrapped magic user "Oh, he swept into my life throwing firebolts about.. a few minutes ago." he shrugged. "Ain't sure 'bout his relationship to his 'mammy'." he can't hide a lip curl at that one.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:09, Thu 31 Jan 2019.

Isolde grunted.

__



Despite her focus on the dangers of the surroundings, that drew a long, serious look from Isolde. Then she grunted and returned to her vigilant watch, ready to move out when Hasan signaled that Inanah had signaled.

Inanah dodged into an alley between two smoking buildings when she discovered a group of enemies coming directly towards her. Fortunately she managed to hide in time and they didn't seem to notice her. The others might not be so lucky without warning, so Inanah raised her flimsy ring of copper wire to front of her mouth and whispered through it, bending some strands of the weave of magic to let her voice pierce through the ether to Hasan's ear.


After her message Inanah quietly took her bow out and waited for the enemies to pass. She would attack them from behind if the others didn't manage to hide and avoid them, or continue on towards the keep otherwise. She kept an eye out for other enemies that might be approaching from other directions and also to the sky, hoping selfishly that the dragon would be occupied by the keep until they got there.

Hasan stops and motions for the others to do the same when he hears Inanah's message. "Got it. We'll hide," he says. He looks around quickly then motions for everyone to follow him behind a stone fence nearby. "Raiders coming. We've got to move fast," he says as they rush to the fence.

"Raiders? Not simply more Kobalds like before?" N'Rell moves quickly towards Hasan to try and get a better view of the approaching threat. "What does your scout say they look like?"

"Two humans and three kobolds," Hasan replies. "Don't do anything stupid."

Isolde hustled the children toward the wall, putting herself and her shield between them and the reported raiders.

"Human? No, it wouldn't be her. She wouldn't simply be traveling with Kobolds... not without him." N'Rell was speaking more to himself at the moment rather than directly to Hasan. "...still..."



"We are poised for ambush. We should capture one of them. I have questions as I am sure you do."

"Thes ainae nae place fur an interrogation," Kathra objected. "Takin' a body noo means carryin' them tae th' keep. We awreddy hae a body injured,"

She gestures to the spearwoman's limping husband, by way of making her point.

Conceding the point for the sake of brevity in the face of impending combat, "Jist knock them it an' we'll figure it out ance th' coest is clear."

She starts to move in front of the children, but then, remembering the orders, places herself on the right flank, warhammer and shield at the ready.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:15, Thu 31 Jan 2019.

Just after the party takes cover behind the wall, a group of three kobolds and two humans in hooded cloaks rounds the corner. They do not appear to notice the party and quickly disappear around another corner.

N'Rell was about to respond when the raiders came into view. He simply gave a nod of acknowledgement and tapped any who hadn't seen them to get their attention. He gripped the crystal which hung from his neck and moved his other hand in a circular fashion. As they passed, a noticable mist, not quite enough to obscure any vision, rose up and engulfed the raiders. He paused a moment to gauge the effectiveness of his actions before moving from where he was.


Cast Sleep on the raiders. It affects up to 24 hp-worth of them (no save) starting with the lowest hp among them and continuing until the 24 hp limit is met.

18:41, Today: N'Rell rolled 24 using 5d8.  Sleep hp

Isolde held her position, vigilant, and waited to see the effects of the strange wizard's casting.

N'Rell's spell causes all of the kobolds and one of the humans to collapse to the ground unconscious. The remaining human scans the area, his sword drawn. He spots N'Rell, lets out a deranged cry, and rushes toward the magic-user.

Begin combat.

Human: uninjured

20:41, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 17 using 1d20-1 ((18)). Initiative.

As she's supposed to be guarding the flank that N'Rell is on, Kathra steps in front of the spellcaster and prepares to face the onslaught.

Move: 5' step to in front of N'Rell.
Hold action to attack any bad guys that come into range.

20:45, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 21 using 1d20+5 ((16)). Held attack.
20:45, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 4 using 1d8+3 ((1)). Warhammer damage, (non-lethal if it matters)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:47, Fri 01 Feb 2019.

Despite herself, Isolde was impressed by the effect of N'rell's spell. And right on Kathra's heels, she strode forward, raised her hammer. "Wizard, fall back!" she said firmly. "Please." She glared fiercely at the deranged raider over the edge of her squarish, stout shield and brought her hammer upon him, intent on taking him down without caving in his skull.


Initiative 15. Hit AC 23 for 6 points of damage. 18:57, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 23,6 using 1d20+5,1d8+5. attack deranged cultist non-lethal. 18:56, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 15 using 1d20-1. intiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:07, Fri 01 Feb 2019.

"Kill him and the kobolds. We only need one." he slips past the melee and doffs his head to the screaming raider whilst he tugs a forelock of hair with a 'how do you do? lovely day for you to die, isn't it?' gesture of respectful niceties. The other companions can slaughter these helpless lot. Bencor trots over to the other prone human to stand over him. This is before he starts taking a rope from his pack.

16:22, Today: Bencor Dekarrac rolled 15 using 1d20+2 ((13)) Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:23, Fri 01 Feb 2019.

Inanah sighed with relief when it looked like the group of raiders was going to pass the others without any incident. Then she saw how the strange ragged mage stepped out from behind the cover to cast a spell. Mumbling a curse under her breath until she saw the raiders fall all except one, she was impressed but also anxious, there could be more raiders approaching at any moment and then they would be the ones being overpowered.

The fallen enemies were hard to hit from this distance, so she sent an arrow flying towards the standing human, immediately retreating back into her hiding place. Afterwards she started observing the surroundings again, looking for anyone trying to surprise the group out in the open.

Initiative 10
Attack 14 (standing human)
Damage 5 piercing + 6 sneak
15:30, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 14,5,6 using 1d20+5,1d6+3,1d6.  Shortbow attack (standing human), shortbow damage, sneak damage.

15:15, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

Hasan grimaces when N'Rell casts his spell. When the remaining raider charges the group, he positions himself to shield the children and injured man, attacking the raider if he manages to get through the others.

09:54, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 7 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

Isolde intercepts the raider, striking him with her warhammer. Inanah finishes him off with an arrow to his back.

Meanwhile, Bencor proceeds to tie up the unconscious human.

End combat.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:31, Sat 02 Feb 2019.

Seeing what Bencor is doing Inanah goes anxiously to the next corner of the buildings and back, seeing if they had time to be restraining and carrying enemies. Currently it looked that they would not be approached immediately, but with dragon in the air it might change in moments notice. She made another Message to Hasan.

After telling him of the hiding place she was currently in, she went back to the other corner, planning the route ahead. They weren't near the keep yet.

While the others are tidying up in their own way, Kathra makes short work of the unconscious kobolds, carefully aiming her warhammer to cave in their heads like a mallet on nails.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:43, Fri 22 Feb 2019.

"Apparently," Hasan says to Inanah.

"Let's keep moving. We need to get to the keep," he says to the others. He does not look happy.

Isolde narrowed her eyes and sneered at the reprobate raider, having clonked him with her hammer and eager to repeat the performance. Then, her eyes widened and her foe went down. It took a moment to notice the arrow deep in him, and Isolde barely caught sight of Inanah before she ducked away again. Another excellent shot, she thought approvingly.

She was unperturbed by Kathra's execution of the kobolds. They were irredeemable vermin.

Isolde was ready to march, but she eyed N'rell and Bencor, to see what they had in mind for the prisoner.

Bencor gave the rope a final tug to tighten his knots around the captive's arms and wrists (which were bound together) then started to bat the raider's cheek to rouse him. "Time to see how well you travel, Lord Turd. Alar-m!" he drawls. The druid keeps one of his arms wound with the rope in the event the raider makes a bolt for it.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:59, Sun 03 Feb 2019.

With their prisoner bound, N'Rell tore off a piece of his ragged clothing and stuffed it in the man's mouth to silence him in case he woke up and decided to try and alert others before they could get him somewhere he could be properly questioned.

As Bencor began to wake the man, N'Rell stood in front of him and locked eyes. "Come with us quietly and you may yet see the sunrise..."

ready to continue on if everyone else is

The prisoner glares coldly at N'Rell but doesn't resist when the party starts walking again.

When they have covered more than half of the remaining distance to the keep, Inanah spots another group of raiders headed their direction.

Once again, Isolde hustled the children to the relative safety of cover and stood between them and the approaching raiders. Perhaps they would pass without noticing. Perhaps the wizard would let them pass. Either way, Isolde was ready with hammer and shield in case violence was called for.

Kathra once again takes the right-most flank, guarding N'Rell and the children on that side. She makes a silent but urgent gesture towards their prisoner.

DM, is there some way to knock out a bound and gagged prisoner quickly? If so, I do it.

As the group took positions, N'Rell led their prisoner into cover and, although the man was still gagged, produced a dagger and held it dangerously close to the raider's throat. He lifted a finger and pointed it upward across his mouth in a shushing motion. His silvery-grey eyes never broke contact.

Again Inanah surveyed other directions as she waited to see if the others could hide or if there was another battle. Her bow was ready for a shot.

"There are six more coming," Hasan says to his companions as he leads them to a hiding spot. "Let them pass. We already have one prisoner."

Isolde hunkered down, but she would advance to intercept the raiders if they seemed to notice the group.

The party takes cover just as the next group of raiders, four humans and two kobolds, comes into sight.

The party's prisoner glares at N'Rell but makes no attempt to escape or otherwise jeopardize the hiding party. The raiders pass by quickly.

Bencor pops his head up like a prairie dog to check the coast is clear and then throws out a cheesy grin to the others. "Nice nice. Let's go." he gives the rope tethered to his captive a none-too-gentle tug. "You too. Move."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:37, Tue 05 Feb 2019.

Isolde gave an encouraging but subdued smile to the children. She looked to Hasan for the signal, which she supposed he would relay from the elf scouting ahead, that all was clear before moving from cover.

Once the raiders have passed, Hasan checks with Inanah to make sure they are clear to keep moving. If/when she gives the affirmative, he leads the group out of their hiding spot and continues to follow Inanah's directions to the keep.

When the group of enemies passed the others oblivious, Inanah breathed deeply. They were closing on in the final stretch of houses towards the keep. Reaching it wouldn't mean they were safe until they got inside.


Inanah kept directing the group and stayed little ahead of them. She put all her effort on staying hidden and noticing danger for herself and the group following. She thought a prayer to Sehanine, 'Luminous lady, please guide my way and help mask my movents from my enemies'.

Following Inanah's directions, the party continues toward the keep...

"So, Tymora's own luck has been in our back pockets up till now.. but what are we going do about the dragon between us and the keep?"

Isolde looked to the sky, trying to catch a glimpse of the dragon. Dekarrac's question was a good one, and she didn't have an answer, other than to hope it's attention was elsewhere while the townsfolk found a way to enter into safety.

This time Inanah actually appeared peeking from behind a corner of a house, waving frantically towards herself, as if to hurry the party on quicker.

Seconds later Hasan could hear another whisper.

Then Inanah returned to keep watch towards the keep. She searched the walls for someone to Message, to delay the closing of the gates and call for support. Otherwise she prepared to help the other cross to the gate by shooting towards the raiders approaching.


OOC: If the keep is close enough and there is someone on the wall that she can see and Message to (range 120 feet) she will whisper to them. "This is Inanah Nightbreeze. I have a group of children and injured coming towards the keep. Hold the gate open and help us fend of the group of eight attackers approaching from opposite direction towards the gate. You can see me between houses right of the gate." She would wave from her hiding place towards the person on the wall.

Kathra mentally prepares herself to guard the rear during this final push, knowing that the only person in their group who might be slower than a dwarf is the human with the injured leg.

She looked around their hiding hole and considered her own supplies for materials to help bind the man's injury so that he might be able to handle this last push to safety.

Hasan slows down and motions for the group to keep moving toward Inanah and the keep, saying to them as they pass, "The gates are closing and there are more raiders coming! Hurry! Hurry!" He sheathes his sword and scoops up the two small children, one under each arm. "Don't worry," he says. "We're almost there." He then moves as quickly as he can with the kids in tow and commands the others, "Hold off those raiders! We've got to get this family to safety!" He motions for the mother and father to follow him and makes a beeline straight for the gates, praying that the others will provide enough cover for him to get the children and their parents inside the gates safely.

Isolde grunted, acknowledging Hasan's orders, and she looked around to get her bearings and find these reportedly approaching raiders. Depending on the lay of the land, she either held her ground, ready to take on the raiders as they reached her, or moved to put herself between the children and the raiders ... .

Inanah manages to get the attention of a couple of guards. The gates stop closing and a couple of guards step out, waving the party toward them. A band of three human raiders and five kobolds approaching from the other direction rushes toward the gate, attempting to intercept the party.

Begin combat. Roll initiative and post your actions for the first round. The gate is about 100 feet straight ahead. The raiders are about 60 feet away to the left of the party.

Human 1: uninjured
Human 2: uninjured
Human 3: uninjured
Kobold 1: uninjured
Kobold 2: uninjured
Kobold 3: uninjured
Kobold 4: uninjured
Kobold 5: uninjured

Isolde grunted, acknowledging Hasan's orders, and she looked around to get her bearings. There, approaching from the left. "Go!" she encouraged the children. Then she shared a ferocious smile with Kathra and turned from her path, moving directly toward the band of raiders. She trusted in her shield and in her hammer, but, gods, she hoped her companions would lend a hand.

Isolde shouted: [Language unknown: "Eciner! Atoulievin! Rompa rutri ati k!"]

Initiative = 10. Move 25'. Attack (if someone is in reach) or ready attack against first enemy to enter Isolde's reach. Hit AC23 for 9 damage.

If the enemy goes first and is already within stiking distance, she insteads holds her ground against the onslaught and attacks.

20:35, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 10 using 1d20-1. initiative.
20:36, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 23,9 using 1d20+5,1d8+5. readied attack vs. first enemy in reach.

Snarling through gritted teeth, Kathra advances to stand by Isolde's side, ready to strike any who come at them. She's been fighting all day, and there may finally be a light at the end of this tunnel.

Initiative 15
Move 25 feet to stand 5 feet from Isolde, such that we're a parallel line between the raiders and our charges.
Attack first one who comes near.
Hits AC 13 for 9 damage.

01:13, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 14 using 1d20-1 ((15)). Initiative
01:15, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 13,9 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((8,6)). Attack and damage.

Dekarrac drew his scimitar and coaxed the prisoner towards the gate at blade point.

No shield, AC drops to 13. Moving towards the gate.

Hasan rushes toward the still-open gate with the two children under his arms.

08:57, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 6 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

Inanah let the others run towards the gate and was the last leaving the hiding place. She waited for the others to rush towards the gates and some to melee with the enemies. Just as Kathra came in contact with the enemies Inanah let loose an arrow over her head. Then she also rushed towards the gate but trying to stay well away of becoming melee with the enemies.



OOC:
Initiative 22
Hold action attack, until Kathra is in melee of an enemy, then attack (preferring human)
Attack 23
Damage 6 piercing+ 5 sneak
Move 30 feet

17:32, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 22 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.
17:38, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 23,6,5 using 1d20+5,1d6+3,1d6.  Shortbow attack, shortbow damage, sneak damage.

N'Rell growled at the sight of the approaching Kobalds and Humans. He turned briefly to Bencor. "Get him to the keep. If he resists, I am sure we can find someone more... cooperative." As he spoke, he let his eyes shift to the prisoner. He hoped the man was smart enough to catch the implication.

He turned back towards the attacker and, with a hand grasping the crystal hanging from his neck, a chilled burst sprayed forth from his other outstretched hand.


Initiative: 11

Action: Ray of Frost at nearest attacker that hasn't been hit yet - prioritize Humans over Kobolds
22 to hit
8 damage
secondary effect: if target is hit and not taken out by damage, target's speed reduced by 10 for 1 round

Move: staying close to Bencor and the prisoner on approach to the keep

17:28, Today: N'Rell rolled 11 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

17:25, Today: N'Rell rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Ranged Spell Attack.

17:26, Today: N'Rell rolled 8 using 1d8.  damage if hit.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:12, Wed 06 Feb 2019.

The raiders move to intercept those rushing for the gates. Kathra moves to meet the raiders, taking out a kobold with a swing of her warhammer. Inanah fires an arrow, dropping the kobold next to the one Kathra hit. N'Rell's ray of frost hits one of the humans, badly injuring him and slowing his advance. Isolde then strikes down another kobold.

Meanwhile, Hasan rushes toward the gate with the family while Bencor drives their prisoner to the keep.

Next round.

Human 1: badly injured (-8 hp)
Human 2 (Kathra): uninjured
Human 3 (Isolde): uninjured
Kobold 1: dying
Kobold 2: dead
Kobold 3: dying
Kobold 4 (Kathra): uninjured
Kobold 5 (Isolde): uninjured

Kathra's warhammer barely slows as she caves in the head of one kobold, it's arc continuing to intersect with the second kobold attacking her.

22:59, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 17,9 using 1d20+5,1d8+3.  Round 2, warhammer against another kobold.

Attack hits AC 17
Damage: 9 bludgeoning


Quietly, she begins to hum to herself.

This is nice, she thinks. Fighting next to people, for a change. Everyone else was too busy saving their own lives to worry about others.

Kobold blood splatters her face as she glances back at N'Rell and Bencor. Even those two are helping, surly as they are.

The druid's hands were full. One hand on the rope tether, the other on his blade of prisoner persuasion. But it looked like the women were turning the tide.

"Where is that dragon?" he queried to the air.

Moving, hopefully, to drop the prisoner within the gates to the guards.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:08, Fri 08 Feb 2019.

Isolde kept at them, trying to keep any of the enemy from breaking past toward the vulnerable children. She took a swipe at a nearby cultist, kept her shield up knowing the yapping kobolds were everywhere. She took note of the nearly frozen human, and she wondered what other tricks that wizard had up his sleeve. "Take them down! Fast!" she called out to no one in particular.

HIt AC12 for 7 damage. If any enemy gets past her, Isolde will use a reaction for an opportunity attack, of course.

05:22, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 12,7 using 1d20+5,1d8+5. attack human #3.

With everyone fast approaching the gate, N'Rell released another icy blast into the group of raiders.

(busy day today - short post this time)
Action: Ray of Frost at nearest undamaged enemy
12 to hit
1 damage
secondary effect: reduce speed by 10 for one round

Move: Continuing closer to the keep

09:42, Today: N'Rell rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Ranged Spell Attack.

09:43, Today: N'Rell rolled 1 using 1d8.  damage if hit.

Inanah was satisfied that they seemed to be winning over the enemies, even when some of the group were helping the family to safety. The two dwarves made a good front line team. Inanah ran towards the gate and then turned back to loose another arrow on one of the human raiders. She prayed quietly that the dragon would not make an appearance.

OOC:
Move 30 feet towars the gate, stop outside.
Attack 15 to hit Human#2
Damage 4 piercing + 4 sneak (piercing)
21:37, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 15,4,4 using 1d20+5,1d6+3,1d6.  Shortbow attack, shortbow damage, sneak damage.

Hasan continues to help the family to safety, setting the children down just inside the gate then turning back to assist their injured father.

Inanah looses an arrow at one of the humans; it finds its mark but fails to take him down. Kathra takes out another kobold with a solid blow from her warhammer. N'Rell grazes a kobold with his ray of frost. Isolde hits one of the humans, badly injuring him.

Hasan safely delivers the children inside the gates. Bencor hands off the prisoner to one of the keep guards.

Next round.

Human 1 (Kathra): badly injured (-8 hp)
Human 2 (Kathra): badly injured (-8 hp)
Human 3 (Isolde): badly injured (-7 hp)
Kobold 1: dying
Kobold 2: dead
Kobold 3: dying
Kobold 4: dying
Kobold 5 (Isolde): injured (-1 hp)

Hasan assists the father and mother into the keep, then draws his sword and prepares to enter the fray.

With a fluid motion Inanah set to finish the human she had injured, an arrow straight to the throat.

OOC:
Attack 21 to hit human#2
Damage 9 piercing+ 5 sneak(piercing)
Move closer to the gate if possible
19:45, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 21,9,5 using 1d20+5,1d6+3,1d6.  Shortbow attack, shortbow damage, sneak damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:52, Sat 09 Feb 2019.

"Hullo! Dropping off one Very Naughty Boy." Bencor said to the guards manning the gates, his tone and face much darker than the content of his words. "Alright if he stays with you lot and think about what he's done? Be back for him later. Please and thank you." he growled, tossing the guards the rope tether then spanking the raider on the backside with the flat of his blade to drive him forward into the keep.

Isolde turned, keeping her shield between her and the attacking human raider, and making an off-balance swing with her war hammer at the pesky kobold nipping at her knees. "Gah!" she muttered, unsatisfied with her own form.

Hit AC11 for 8 damage vs. Kobold #5. I'm guessing that's a miss.
14:17, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 11,8 using 1d20+5,1d8+5.  attack kobold #5.

Kathra watches another arrow strike one of the humans crowding her in with their ineffectual strikes. She adjusts her swing, and effortlessly strikes down the other human, glancing over at Isolde as she hears the shieldmaiden's curses.


Attack 21, damage 11 on Human 1
22:02, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 21,11 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((16,8)).

Inanah's arrow strikes its target in the throat, killing him. Kathra takes out one of the remaining humans with a powerful blow; N'Rell takes out the other with an icy blast. The last kobold slips past Isolde's armor and stabs her. She swings at it, barely missing.

Meanwhile, the woman and her husband make it inside the gate with Hasan's assistance.

Next round.

Human 1: dead
Human 2: dead
Human 3: dying
Kobold 1: dying
Kobold 2: dead
Kobold 3: dying
Kobold 4: dying
Kobold 5 (Isolde): injured (-1 hp)

The remaining Kobold didn't seem to hold N'Rell's interest - at least not as much as the prisoner they captured. He followed the guards who took custody of the man.

The kobold's knife must have cut deep. Isolde swung wildly, attempting to finish off the vermin with a power-house blow that falls far from the mark.

Natural 1 to hit. Cripes.
19:50, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 6,11 using 1d20+5,1d8+5.  kill the last kobold?

After swatting down several attackers with a few deft strokes, Kathra steps to flank the remaining kobold with Isolde. In her thick south-dwarven accent, she offers the last swing to Isolde. [Language unknown: "Ecous itei ble e atisa etmisa ave, ndestiman. Omletr ad ckalen lesei, sieifi nt ut."]

Like a cat encouraging another cat to play with its food, Kathra tries to keep attention on the two dwarves while the remaining refugees flee into the keep.



Moves to flank kobold with Isolde. Holds action in case of surprise attack.

If kobold provokes attack of opportunity, or another target shows up, hits AC 23 (first die was higher on advantage roll anyway). Damage: 6

22:01, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 23 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only ((18,11)).
22:06, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 6 using 1d8+3 ((3)).

Isolde, you would have advantage on your attack.


This message was last edited by the player at 04:09, Tue 12 Feb 2019.

OOC: DM - are you using the "flanking = advantage" optional rule?

Bencor squinted over his shoulder and sees that the women were finishing off the last scaly dregs. He sticks a thumb and finger in his mouth blows a hard whistle at them.

Seeing the humans fall Inanah shot towards the last remaining enemy, but since she was anxiously glancing around for the dragon, her shot missed. And not only that, but her arrow almost grazed Kathra as she suddenly moved to flank the kobold, passing her almost close enough to touch. The arrow clattered harmlessly on the ground past both Inanah's attended target and Kathra.

Cursing quietly about her sudden clumsiness and deciding to concentrate to keeping an eye to the sky, she shouted to the other women. [Language unknown: "Hasionday der, nonoevac en unla wetich ieol etcom. Ncpamo olch tonowi."]

OOC:
Rolled natural one on the attack. I'm going with the PHB rule that it's always a miss and not the optional rule that there's special consequences, other than some narrative fluff.
19:50, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 6,6,5 using 1d20+5,1d6+3,1d6.  Shortbow attack, shortbow damage, sneak damage.

Hasan waits at the gate with his sword drawn, prepared to attack any raiders who dare to approach, and ready to help shut the gate as soon as the rest of his group is inside.

Inanah's arrow misses the kobold and almost hits Kathra instead. The kobold stabs Isolde again, then Kathra strikes it down.

A shadow falls over the two dwarves as they retreat into the keep. The guards shut the gates after them, sealing the party inside the structure.

End combat.

Isolde shook off the worst of her wounds as she hustled into the shelter of the keep. It seemed  The stabbings were not as deep as they first seemed.

Recover 5 hp using second wind.
12:40, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 5 using 1d10+1.  Second wind.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:53, Wed 13 Feb 2019.

At Innanah's call, and with the last of the immediate foes down, Kathra rushes to the gate, lockstep with the shield maiden.

Once the gate is closed, Hasan sheathes his sword and turns to the guards. "Who's in charge here?"

One of the guards points to the main building. "Governor Nighthill runs Greenest. He and the master of the keep, Escobert the Red, are inside coordinating the defenses." He glances up at the dark figure of the dragon in the sky above them. "You'd best get inside, too. It looks like the dragon's considering another pass."

Isolde grunted and secured her war hammer to its straps, though she kept the heavy, squarish shield on her arm. She surveyed the interior of the keep for carnage, following the guard's finger pointing to the main building. She gave Kathra a grin, despite the grim situation. "Well fought, all. But this day is not yet over!"

With a hand now free, Isolde could assist in keeping the prisoner secure while the group moved to meet this Governor and Master of the Keep.

Taking a flask from the inside pocket of her coat, Inanah toasted the air, took a tiny sip and said, "Cheers for making it alive." Then she looked up at the dragon above and took another sip. "And here's some numbing for when we'll be digested in the dragon's belly." Grinning to her own black humor, she put the flask back and headed towards where the guard had pointed the authorities were.

"We didn't do bad at all for a group working together for the first time." She didn't talk to anyone in particular, just made conversation while they walked.

Hasan notices the dragon overhead and hurries inside along with the others. Indeed, this is far from over, he thinks.

Once everyone is inside, he seeks out Nighthill and Escobert to deliver the prisoner and find out how they can be of assistance.

N'Rell watched the others enter the keep with mostly smiles and a sense of accomplishment. He did not share their excitement. He knew this would be a long night. Finding shelter to regroup was only the first step. N'Rell moved over near their prisoner and called over the guardsmen, motioning to the prisoner. "Our guest here was part of the attacking force. Is there somewhere we can take him appropriate for questions?"

Kathra enters the keep with the gates shutting behind her. She scans her surroundings, taking stock of the situation and listening to the conversation with guards, gathering in all the information she could.



She nods in accord, sliding her warhammer into the shield straps and hanging both over one shoulder, then asks of the crowd in general, "When it is safe tae open th' gates again, Ah woulds loch tae going back out lookin' fur other survivors. Will onie ay ye join me?"

Exhausted, she realizes her accent is thicker than usual. She repeats herself, carefully enunciating. "Later. Find other survivors. Join me?"

Isolde snorted. "Not bad. But the enemy was in disarray, without leadership. Kobolds, nothing more than vermin. The men among them, deranged. Had they skirted our line, children would have died."  After a moment, she scowled more deeply, then softened her tone. "But we fared not badly. You are a remarkable archer! ... Remind me of your name." Pause. "If you would? Please?"
___

To Kathra, Isolde answered promptly. "I'll join you, priest. But perhaps the authorities here have some perspective on this onslaught. And I'd like to hear what answers the wizard wrests from the prisoner."

The party locates Governor Tarbaw Nighthill inside the keep. He is a human male of about sixty years. The right side of his face and head are bandaged, his right arm hangs in a sling, and his light blue tunic is stained with his own blood. He is talking to a shield dwarf with knotted, tangled, bright red hair when they approach.

"I commend you for your heroics at the gate," Nighthill says as they approach. "Escobert and I were just discussing the situation we find ourselves in and were hoping you would be willing to provide further assistance.

"And I see you managed to capture one of the raiders. Excellent work! Guards, lock him up. We'll question him shortly."

Once the prisoner is out of earshot, Nighthill continues, "The raiders have isolated the keep from the town with encircling groups of guards, but they haven't organized an attack. I suspect they don't intend to attack the keep; they seem to be only interested in loot. The real danger is to the town and those people who didn't make it into the keep before it was cut off.

"We're hoping you could slip back into town and help people who are cut off. If you're stealthy enough, you should be able to make it out of the keep and back again without drawing the raiders' attention."

The shield dwarf speaks up, "Aye, good work so far. With yer help we might have a chance to survive the night. There's an old tunnel beneath the keep that runs to the bank of the stream. I'd say it's the best bet for sneakin' townsfolk into the keep without runnin' the gauntlet of attackers watching the gates. I can show ya how to get there if yer willin' to help."

"I heard one of you mention wanting to rescue more people," Nighthill says. "So, you ready to be heroes?"

"Ready to do what needs done," Isolde said, sizing up the dwarf. "As all Shield-Maidens do."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:19, Thu 14 Feb 2019.

Inanah grinned at Isolde's straightforward manner, it reminded of her friend Rurik. "The name is Inanah Nightbreeze, shieldmaiden of the Glibhammers." Then she continued with more seriousness. "If 50 years in the army hasn't taught me hit few kobolds, then I don't know what would. After the first shock you did well enough also."

***************

Kathra's suggestion suited her better than hiding in the keep so she nodded.

***************

When the leaders suggested going out to save more people, she spoke, "Show us this tunnel then, and even if we are not supposed to fight, could I get few arrows to restock my quiver?"

As the others began sharing names and giving introductions, N'Rell offered his own. "My name is N'Rell. I would rather you use that than 'Wizard'. That title is a poor representation of who and what I am, but there is little time for explanation. If we survive the night, I am sure we will learn much more about one another.



"I'll help but I'll be wanting to question the prisoner before going back out. Mainly, I want to know who is in charge of this raid."



"No sense rushing out blindly only to be taken by surprise."

The druid raises a hairy, pierced eyebrow at Isolde; at her & her readiness to volunteer, then crosses his arms.

"We would, and I can't stress this enough, love to be the heroes and saviors this town needs." he gave a forlorn sigh "..but our coin purses are so light."

Classic Dekarrak generosity of spirit right there.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:57, Thu 14 Feb 2019.

Hasan listens to Nighthill and Escobert describe the situation. He nods in the affirmative when asked if he is willing to help but says nothing.

When Bencor asks about payment, Hasan can feel his face start to grow warm and his muscles tense, but he still remains silent.

Isolde turned to Bencor and said matter-of-factory: “Mine is not. I’ll hire you. What is the going rate for a lackey?”

Inanah wasn't as disapproving of Bencor's mention of gold as the others seemed to be, she just thought that it came at the wrong time. As heroes and saviours they would have had better position for bargaining, than when the leaders were stressed and worried. And if they died doing the saving, having gold in their pocket wouldn't help at all anyway.

"Perhaps we should concentrate on getting people to safety first and then deal with other matters. I don't know if we have time to interrogate the prisoner, although I would also want to know if he knows anything useful."

Bencor fixed Isolde with a withering stare and gave her proposition the attention it deserved; he turned away to Inanah. He listened to the elf's points and tilted his head in concession. "Of course, apologies."

"N'Rell," Isolde said, trying out the strange name that sat oddly on his tongue. The adjacent consonants did not work well for her. "I, too, think we should know what the raider knows. How long do you need?"

"If he cooperates, then I will not need much time. If he does not... then I will need even less time." His tone was not sinister or malicious with the implication. It was simply matter of fact.

"Nature can lend me a charm of the fae folk if iron maidens and white hot pokers fail." he adds helpfully.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:28, Fri 15 Feb 2019.

Isolde scowled, not happy at the mention of hot pokers, but she nodded, appreciative but maybe a little skeptical of the alternative that Bencor offered. "Let's be at it then." Apparently, the shield-maiden intended to accompany N'Rell at the questioning.

"I would like to be present at the questioning also, if we are taking the time to do it before going out. It might give some insight into their minds even if the prisoner refuses to talk." Inanah nods to Bencor, "Perhaps starting with honey and ending in vinegar would be better than the other way around."

"We will start your way, then. We can get a measure of his loyalty."

Hasan follows the others as they prepare to interrogate the prisoner.

"You can question him," Nighthill says. "But I'm going to be there with you."

He then leads the party to where the prisoner is being held, chained to the wall with two guards standing nearby. The prisoner sneers at them as they approach.

"Hullo sirrah." Bencor greeted the prisoner cordially and business-like. Without much ado he waves and twists his hand, muttering a simple prayer over the raider in the language of dryads and nymphs. Maybe the feywild's enchantments would work, even in a place of chains and iron.

DC Wis save DC 13
This message was last edited by the player at 04:10, Sun 17 Feb 2019.

Kathra excuses herself from the questioning to look in on whatever injured and discomforted are in the keep, both to do the work of any cleric, but also to get a sense for how things have been inside, assure herself that there's no political funny business going on, that the Lord is truly let all flee into safety and not just certain groups or classes, etc.


Investigate (-1) roll : 10
00:29, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 10 using 1d20-1 ((11)).

Leaning on the wall, Inanah fixed the prisoner with a steady gaze. She was here mostly to listen, but if needed she would help Bencor and N'Rell. They didn't have much time, but the prisoner didn't need to hear it.

Isolde stood back, scowling with her arms crossed, to witness the interrogation. She wondered what could make a man fight against his civilization at the side of kobold-vermin. She left the questioning to N'rell and Bencor.

The druid cast the hex, then he said "Ugh-" like something had just occurred to him, Bencor turned to N'rell and whispered to the wizard.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:29, Mon 18 Feb 2019.

N'Rell simply shook his head in response to Bencor and then extended one arm in a sweeping motion to point towards the prisoner.

Dekarrac canted his head to N'rell and approached the prisoner wearing a smile of solidarity. "My friend, you've done well." he put a hand on the man's shoulder and the other hand on his own heart. "I am also of the Cult, and you, you've been chosen for a bigger task."

Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the prisoner Bencor cast a conspiratorial gaze around the dungeon, over the faces of the party before resting on Greenest's leader.

In soft tones he continued "Look at this 'Governor', Tarbaw Nighthill. He's weak. He hasn't protected the folk in his care. His town is burning to ashes, and the great dragon circles his teeny, little fort even now. Just a little push is all that's needed to plunge him to despair. Tell him, tell them, the doom that awaits them. They won't believe me. They will believe you."

21:19, Yesterday: Bencor Dekarrac rolled 17 using 1d20+3.  Deception vs Prisoner /w Adv.

21:20, Yesterday: Bencor Dekarrac rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  Deception vs Prisoner /w Adv #2.


One couldn't be sure how the other adventurers would react to Bencor knowing the affiliation of the raiders and not volunteering it earlier. Probably a souring of the little trust he did have. But now the druid had revealed he was better informed than some wandering tree hermit.

"What are you talking about?" the prisoner whispers to Bencor. "Don't you know why we're here?"

N'Rell leaned over and whispered to Bencor.

Bencor coughs, this deception wasn't going down too smooth. He clears his throat, listening to N'rell "Course I do. I've been.. under cover with this group. They won't regard what I say as true. I take my orders directly from Frulam Mondath."

I might have to rely on my deception roll, DM. Not sure I can concoct anything better.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:51, Mon 18 Feb 2019.

The prisoner leans in closer to Bencor and whispers, "And what does Frulam command you to do, brother?"

Isolde continued to stand, arms crossed, glaring moodily from a short distance at all the whispering.

"He commanded me to break the spirit of these defenders, now speak, brother."

"He!?" The prisoner recoils away from Bencor, a flash of realization on his face. "You'll pay for your deception!" He spits at Bencor then presses his back against the wall, bracing himself for the backlash.

Bencor's enchantment having lost its effectiveness, N'Rell stepped forward as the prisoner recoiled. "He may not be who he claims..." He reached a hand up and began to undo the rags wrapped about his head to expose his face and neck. He seemed mostly Human except for hints of Elven features mixed in. What stood out, though, was a layer of what appeared to be white scales cascading out from where his hair ended, running down the sides and back of his neck and disappearing down his back and shoulders beneath his ragged clothing. "...but I very much am." He approached the man until the prisoner could feel his chilled breath with each word. "You know as well as I do how the cult handles failure and, as you can see, you are in a position of failure." He took only a small step back so the prisoner could fully take view of his situation. "So we could either send you back out there where you know exactly how they will treat you or you can stay here and cooperate with those who have yet to make up their minds on the matter..." His grey eyes narrowed as he continued. "And so I ask you. Who leads this attack and where can we find them?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:00, Wed 20 Feb 2019.

Bencor wipes his face and grumbles darkly in disgust, something or other about the pulling out of fingernails.

The man glares back at N'Rell silently.

Without taking her eyes off the stubborn cultist, Isolde leaned toward Inanah and whispered.

N'Rell relaxes his posture a bit and gives an almost amused smile. "Either you do not know or will not tell me. Either way..." The Dragon-blooded Half-Elf lifted a hand with open palm aimed at the prisoner's head as he grabbed the crystal at his neck with the other hand. "...you are no longer necessary."

If anyone else has something they want to say to the prisoner, now would be the time. Otherwise N'Rell will just go ahead and end him so we can move on.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:20, Thu 21 Feb 2019.

"Don't!" Governor Nighthill interjects, placing his hand on N'Rell's shoulder. "That's not necessary... Escobert, show them to the tunnel. I'll work on getting him to talk."

Glad that the failed interrogation is over, Hasan turns to follow Escobert.

Inanah nodded to Isolde in agreement. It looked that they were loyal to their cause. Observing what was happening between the others and the prisoner she answered, [Language unknown: "Unec alwais it ichil le yinblente un con ntesi. Paerri eiul toan Isprisce om ictin eraonssomillera."]

She stood up from where she had been leaning on the wall and was ready to follow Escobert.

When the group gathers for their next mission, Kathra emerges from wherever she's been tending to the wounded. "Wot, back a'reddy? Ah s'pected t'would take an harn, t'least."

"We were thwarted by pronouns" says Bencor. He doesn't elaborate but gives N'rell an eyeroll.

Isolde followed Escobert and picked up her pace to move at his side. "You are Master of the Keep, yes? I am Isolde Glibhammer, of the Glibhammer clan. Shield-maiden of the Mithril Hall. What is the situation here? How many are sheltered, and how many remain without the walls?" Her tone was gruff and insistent, not intended to offend but clearly expecting answers. If the icon embossed upon her shield was not enough of an identifier, Isolde flashed him her signet ring.

"Hammer'n'tongs, Ah huvnae eaten since afair th' dragon strike. Coods Ah gie a wee bite while we gab abit whaur we're headed?" Kathra's stomach growls in agreement.

As Isolde dealt with the dwarvish lord of the keep, Kathra focused on the logistics question, much like she did in her father's caravan.

"Innanahn.....Innanananaran....Da lass wit the bow said she needed arrows, anyain else need supplies? " Kathra seemed to have no trouble saying Inanah's name, she just seemed to have trouble when she tried to stop saying it. Turning her gaze full force on the random guard she had dragooned into being their supply officer, she adds, "An' coods ye spaur us a drap ay healin' brew while yoo're at it?"

When he blinks in confusion at her thick accent, she enunciates slowly. "Arrows. Healing Potions. Lunch. What they ask fer." She gestures to the party with the last sentence.

Once the guard goes off with their list of supplies, she turns to the party. She shrinks briefly at the sight of just how many foreigners she was talking to, but she pushed herself to get past it. There was no time for such things. "Right, introductions proper afore we heed outa, then. Ah'm Kathra. That'un's Isolde of the Glibhammers. Yer Bencor, issun's N'Rell, and issun's Innnnn.....gonna name herself again. If yer please. An' t'rest ofya?"

After a pause, she adds, "Radge wark aheid ay us. Dae onie ay ye want tae leave a message in case ye dorn't come back? Want a blessin' fur luck?"

Inanah stared at Kathra with a mix of amusement and the look of someone that is doing hard work at trying to keep up with their speech. Her disfiguring her name spoke of someone not that familiar with elven names, but that wasn't uncommon in dwarves that didn't live in the more mixed cities.

She grinned at the confused guard, "Some arrows would be good, I wouldn't say no to a full new quiver. And a skin full of wine would be nice, killing kobolds is thirsty business." As an afterthought she said, "Little food would be good, I expect we will be out for a while."

Then she turned her eyes on Kathra, smiling at her request to say her name again, "It is I-na-nah, Kathra of the unnamed clan. If your tongue doesn't want to twist around it, you can also say Hana, even if that name I left behind to childhood hundred years ago. Where do you hail from, mysterious traveller, your speech is thick enough to walk on or maybe I could break it up and eat it, I have not decided yet."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:04, Fri 22 Feb 2019.

This was a moment that Kathra had been dreading for some weeks now. It was bad enough that she had spent her last coin on a room the night before, now here was someone asking about who she was and where she was from. Moradin's breath! I hope she doesn't know my Pa! No, that was silly. She was weeks away from anywhere her damn caravan had ever traveled. She was free. She was out from under that cursed shadow. This elf was just assuming that she came from a clan of note, that she was proud of her heritage.

As if her clan had ever done anything to be proud of.

[Language unknown: "Po mori saort heacur ripr Naplst, N ateit ratprowas ere thfo moen andill'rutlar p na man rolomiac."] She said in an Elvish as marred by her dwarven accent as her common. "Aam frae Clan Silvernode, ay th' Sunsit Moontains, ur roondabit thaur, if ye main ken. Nae 'at yoo're likely tae hae heard ay it." She forced herself to enunciate clearly. "I have not spoken Common in a while, it takes me a bit to remember how, is all. I'll get better in a few days."

As an afterthought, she stumbles through a very poorly concealed fib, blushing hotly with each lie she tells. Mah clan trades wi' Eastin', thaur was, uh, thaur was an accident, yeah, oan, like, th' road, yeah yeah, an' Ah was headed back thaur." By the end of it, her accent is probably twice as thick.

She mumbles to herself, [Language unknown: "Ioect pr oninnaet reusiv Resnceard aitoth na, ienimo? Stout ut onmiil leli eenentbut La lo erahouome mi chtho u, dinkorpro."]

Those familiar with geography might realize that she's implying that she hasn't spoken Common in all the time it would take to get here from the Sunset Mountains, even assuming a straight path -- which there couldn't be, since Greenest is in no way between Easting and the Sunset Mountains.

Formal introductions go out. Bencor adds his own congenial greetings to all; he had been fairly insular on the caravan. When he gets around to N'rell he gives a wry grin like he was shaking hands with a rival on the rise "We let our fish get away. Maybe next time."

Bencor was starting to get the hang on Kathra's thick dialect. Then she spoke of leaving a message in case the worst occurs. Bencor will ask Nighthill if its possible to leave a short written missive to be held and delivered to a certain well-known merchant if he's killed.

Kathra went on to speak of her clan and poorly fabricate some tall story. This only caused the druid to smirk with his fat and hairy caterpillar of an eyebrow to rise in imperious amusement.

14:33, Today: Bencor Dekarrac rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Insight vs Kathra. You guilty of something?

"..sounds like your clan needed a 'blessing fur luck'. Oh well." he mimics her accent crudely.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:45, Sat 23 Feb 2019.

22:35, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 21 using 1d20+1 ((20)).


"May'hap, but they didn't think to ask fer one. " Her face hardens into something cold and unreadable, but Bencorr could tell that although she felt guilty about what she said, Kathra had an air about her that was too gentle for criminality.

And then she puts on a glow like a cherry ray of sunshine. "Now, let's go save some lives!"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:49, Sat 23 Feb 2019.

Now it was Inanah's turn to look suprised when someone spoke in elven to her, she shrugged when Kathra said that she hadn't heard the name properly. [Language unknown: "Antha taol Oneruttin Wipetr-beth, Roal Tedntebut Oubewhwant."]

Then as the dwarven woman went on to explain her path Inanah noticed the blush and stammering, but thought that perhaps she was shy or just didn't prefer to speak about her past. Something Inanah could understand all too well.

So she patted the shoulder of Kathra offering silent support and avoided asking questions, for now. Perhaps later there would be time to talk and share stories, if they survived the day.





OOC
11:51, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 13 using 1d20+4.  Insight Kathra.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:38, Sat 23 Feb 2019.

"Aye," Escobert grunts. "Follow me." He leads the party to a cellar below the keep, grabbing a quiver full of arrows along the way and handing it to Inanah. When they reach the cellar, he sighs in frustration. "The door's on the other side of that," he says, pointing to a pile of barrels and crates. "The tunnel leads to the stream. It should give ya a stealthy way in and out of the keep. Let me know when it's clear and we'll work on gettin' the remainin' villagers inside." He then turns around and heads back upstairs, leaving the party alone in the cellar.

Isolde emptied her waterskin, taking moderate mouthfuls, and refilled it. At the same time, she offered a chunk of her road rations to Kathra. It was not palatable, but it was nourishing. Along the way, she gave Bencor Dekarrac a frank, disapproving scowl for his mocking tone directed toward Kathra.

In the cellar, Isolde didn't hesitate. She set aside her helm, set down her shield, and got to work, hauling away the blockade of barrels and crates without apparent haste, but with steady strength. "When we're out, stay together," she said gruffly. It was somewhat short of being a command. "It worked well when Nightbreeze was our scout. But do not scatter." She grunted as she lifted, dropped, and slid aside a heavy crate. "Above all, do not lead the enemy to this secret portal. Anything else we do will be for naught, if the enemy breaches the keep. Second priority is the safety of the villagers. The enemy -- " (another grunt, moving a large barrel) -- "the enemy deserves to be slain. But that is not the goal. We know not their numbers, or their motives."

When the door was clear, Isolde bent to retrieve her light steel helm, which she settled firmly upon her head of tight and intricate braids. She strapped her squarish, heavy shield upon her left arm, took her hammer in her right, and was ready to move.

"Thank you, I'll make these count," she nodded to Escobar when handed the quiver. She let Isolde do the work while moving the crates and barrels, using the time to take few drinks of water and eat some of her own rations.

When there was enough room close to the door, she went to it and pressed her delicate pointed ear to it, listening carefully. It was possible that the enemy might have found the entrance on their own and be waiting on the other side, trying to find their way in.

"I can do the scouting again. I suggest trying to avoid the enemy as much as possible or at least try to ambush them rather than go out of our way to find combat. There must be many of them, so if they figure out there's just one small group of us they can band together and overwhelm us. They might be scum deserving to be killed, but our mission is to save the citizens of Greenest, let's concentrate on that." She said quietly from next of the door after Isolde had said her piece. It looked like she was keen to bloody her weapon again, but quieter tactic sounded better for Inanah.

Then she looked at the door to see if it was simply barred close from this side or if there was a lock. Escobar hadn't provided them with a key, but that wasn't a large concern for Inanah, she could get it open if needed. She was thinking more about how would they close it from the other side if there was no lock, they couldn't well leave it open and unguarded.


OOC
Perception to listen what's happening on the other side of the door.
19:31, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 21 using 1d20+6.  Perception.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:36, Sun 24 Feb 2019.

Inanah doesn't hear anything on the other side of the door. The door is locked.

"I can't hear anything on the other side, so maybe we will be able to sneak out undiscovered."

Turning her back on the others and reaching for the inside her coat to a hidden pocket Inanah takes out her lock picking set. With practised moves, she drops little oil to the hinges of the door, to loosen them up and keep them from creaking, then she does the same for the lock.

Even if there was a key somewhere to be found, she liked to keep up with the skill and using it on a lock without much hurry and pressure was a good way to do that. As a practise she also checked to see if there was any holes that could hold poisoned needles, any other telltale signs of traps or runes carved that could tell of magical traps around the lock and the door.

After satisfied there was not traps, she started working on opening the lock listening what the others did and said at the same time.


OOC
20:40, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Thieves' tools for opening lock (and disarming traps).

20:40, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 19 using 1d20+4.  Investigating the door and lock for traps.

Kathra starts a fireman's chain, grabbing each object from Isolde and handing it to someone behind her, to move things further from the door. She says little, but listens well.

Inanah easily unlocks and opens the door. The long, narrow tunnel on the other side is dark and damp. The party will have to walk single-file in it.

Isolde was ready to follow Inanah into the damp tunnel. She looked to Hasan Saqri to confer. "Nightbreeze first, either you or I second. If you, I'll guard the rear."

"You follow her," Hasan says, drawing his sword. "I'll take up the rear."

Inanah nodded and took out her sword, it would be more useful in cramped spaces than a bow. It could also be used to test the floor and walls.

"Let me be at least 10 feet ahead of you, shieldmaiden, unless something happens. I will need to lock the door behind us, we can't really leave it open, can we?"

After the group had all in the tunnel she squeesed past them to lock the door from the outside. The she looked at Hasan, him being human and last of the line, "Do you want to follow blindly or do you have light? I can borrow you my lantern, but please only shine it at the floor to not attract enemies to us." If Hasan wanted, she would hand him her hooded lantern, light it and put the sides down, so it only lighted up a tiny area.

Preparations done and after the others confirmed they were ready to follow, she would make it back to the front and start quietly and slowly making way forward, checking the tunnel for anything dangerous, whether enemies, traps or structurally weak spots.



15:45, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 14 using 1d20+7.  Stealth.

Isolde nodded her understanding, keeping a slow pace several paces behind the scout. For her part, she tried to keep her own thomping and jostling to a minimum, although she was not expecting an enemy incursion in this tunnel.

Stealth = 11.
05:58, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 11 using 2d20-1, dropping the highest dice only. stealth at disadvantage.

Hasan takes the lantern from Inanah. "Thanks. Let's get moving."

N'Rell did not seem to mirror Bencor's amusement at their inability to get any useful information. Clearly the prisoner answered to someone he feared more than any whatever interrogation tactic was being used. Unfortunately, that only served to raise more questions for N'Rell than it answered.

By the time they had followed Nighthill, N'Rell had already begun to wrap the rags which had previously covered his neck and most of his head in order to conceal the scales. Should anyone question why he had done this, he would have simply responded that "The people of this town are not my enemy. In their panic, given the situation, some might believe otherwise. There is no sense giving them reason to act more irrationally than they would already.

When they approached the tunnel to the secret entrance, N'Rell did not express any particular preference of how close he would have been to the front. Clearly, there were others more suited to scouting than he was. He likely would have taken up a position to the rear of the line. The mage, while confident in his ability, knew there was also benefit to recognizing when another would serve a role better than himself in a given moment.

Bencor drew his shield and fell into line somewhere in the middle of the party. "So, friend, how are you informed 'bout cult leadership. Inquiring minds want to know." he asked N'rell softly.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:59, Tue 26 Feb 2019.

"Because I was once one of them, but no longer." N'Rell responded in an even, matter-of-fact manner. "And you? You seem to know more than most here - at least enough to recognize them as a group."

For just a heartbeat, Isolde froze in her tracks, turned her head slightly, and leveled a questioning glare at N'Rell, before turning back and continuing on after Inanah.

Upon N'tell first admitting that Bencor laughs as if the wizard was pulling his leg, but it quickly becomes apparent that isn't the case.

"Wait, what?"

"For a time..." N'Rell continued "...they seemed to have a singular clear vision. Those like my family and myself with a strong Draconic bloodline had a way to gather with others like ourselves. Those in leadership, however, began taking things in a new direction. It became more and more about the power above all else. Power at any cost. My family and I had never been in favor of necromantic persuits. That path, coupled with a clear desire for power, will not end well for anyone. We spoke out against it and were soon silenced. To my knowledge, I am the only one who survived the attack. My family's blood is on their hands... and I will see them all burn for it."

Bencor opens his mouth to respond initially then closes it again, brow furrowed and thoughtful. A normal, decent person might show some sympathy but the best the druid can manage is a mumbled "That's fucked." as a way of condolences.

"Indeed..." N'Rell gave a few rapid exhales through his nose, amused at the simplistic yet accurate response. "And what of you? You haven't answered my question."

"I was pretending you'd forgotten." he gave a sour sigh. "I'm part of a group who'd become aware of the Cult's movements.. and had sent me to stymie them. Obviously they had grossly underestimated how advanced the Cult's plan was; I was expecting to run into an agent or two, maybe a small cell - not whole town already burning, with a gods damn chromatic dragon doing victory laps above."

He cast an glance over his shoulder at N'rell. "....you're not satisfied." he groused.

"I'm with the Zhentarim."

He cast a glance at the non-humans. The Zhentarim of today had created the civilized exterior of a multi-national organization willing to play well with others. But it was within living memory of the elves and dwarves where Zhents were ambitious, martial crimelords out to disrupt nations and screw people over. Its not even certain that behind the curtain they still aren't plotting and hatching to crush kingdoms and thrust them under their control.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:46, Wed 27 Feb 2019.

Isolde glanced back again. Bencor was behind her, then Kathra, then N'rell, and the two men were talking ... gods, had she heard that right? The dwarf maiden took a deep breath and put on a deep scowl and kept focus on the mission. Later, there would be conversations.

Inanah concentrated of the path ahead and while she heard that there was chatter in the back of the line, she didn't concentrate on what was said. Only on that it wasn't a time for sharing stories just then.

"Quiet," she hissed at the others, they may be in a tunnel, but sometimes the voices carried oddly at such spaces. She didn't want to meet enemies in the cramped path.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:13, Thu 28 Feb 2019.

After following the web-choked but otherwise clear tunnel for about 100 feet, Inanah reaches an exit grate by the stream. The grate is locked and the lock is badly corroded.

Chastised by the party leader for gossiping like a fish-wife Bencor fell silent and sullen, especially after Isolde's dirty look. When they reached the grate the druid squeezed forward and spoke a small prayer over the metal. A rime of frost grew over the bars and lock, slightly shrinking the iron with a creaking groan and hopefully making them more brittle. He gets back in position after.

Taking the Help action to give advantage to whomever wants to try and force the grate open.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:05, Thu 28 Feb 2019.

Isolde watched the druid throw down his frost spell, and she raised an eyebrow and nodded, which might have been a sign of approval. She peered out of the grate, looking for dangers. "All clear," she announced in a low whisper. She was willing to shoulder open the grate, if Nightbreeze didn't have something more subtle in mind.

21:00, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 2 using 1d20+1. perception - looking out the grate.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:02, Thu 28 Feb 2019.

Kathra, long schooled in the art of keeping her opinions to herself, had been silent and expressionless during the walk through the tunnel. She only speaks up when Bencor freezes the metals, raising her finger and opening her mouth a few times before interjecting. She enunciates slowly and clearly, feeling that the time spent enunciating was better spent than what might be wasted if she was unintelligible.

"Might want tae shut this door behin' us oan th' way back. Let me try somethin', an' then Inanah can try tae pick th' lock."



She spends a minute casting Mending on the lock, to restore the corrosion. Hopefully, between this and the frozen metal, they would be able to pick it more quickly.

Once done, she gesture for Inanah towards the lock. While Inanah works, Kathra speculates as to the relative strength of her party, in case we need to try to force the lock.

Not sure what I should roll to try to guess if anybody has a stronger Strength score than I do, but it'll be 10+whatever you feel is appropriate.

07:59, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 10 using 1d20 ((10)).

Getting to the grate was a relief, until she saw what condition it was in. Before doing anything about the lock or the grate she took a good look out for any hidden enemies.  Then turning back she noticed the others working on the lock. Frown formed on her smooth brow as she considered it. Even with the repairing and freezing spells it was looking pretty bad. The hinges were rusted, so she applied some oil to them to possibly make them move easier.

But Kathra was right, they might want to lock it later, so better not break it yet. Taking a small mirror out from her tool and taking her lantern back from Hasan, she shone light into the lock to see if she would have any chance of opening it with her delicate tools or if it would be just better to break it.

"They really should have taken better care of this route, since it's meant as an escape," she muttered while working. "I'm not sure this will work, but we'll see. I have a tools for breaking it, but someone else better do that, if needed." Inanah would borrow her crowbar and hammer for the breaking, if needed.


OOC
Making a lot of if this happens, then I do this, but for the sake of cutting down on the posting:
Inanah looked out of the grate to see what's outside. Perception =17
Tries to see if there's any chance of opening the lock with Thieves' Tools. Investigation =12
If there might be a chance. Thieves' Tools for lockpicking =24


19:12, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Thieves' Tools, picking the lock if it looks possible.

19:11, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  Investigation, checking out the lock.

19:10, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 17 using 1d20+6.  Perception, looking out the grate.

The grate opens next to the shallow stream that runs through Greenest. Inanah manages to unlock the lock on the grate and open it. When she does, she notices a group of eight raiders--two humans and six kobolds--walking along the stream in their direction, about 100 feet away. They do not seem to notice her.

Inanah retreated back into the tunnel immediately. Talking to the others with a low voice, she told what she saw and outlined a plan. "There are 8 enemies coming this way, 2 humans and 6 kobolds. We could set them an ambush here. It's important to get all of them so they don't run to tell of this tunnel to anyone. If we let them get close enough that the melee people can get to them in seconds, then burst out of the tunnel and everyone able to takes a ranged attack at them at almost the same time. That sound acceptable to everyone?"

If there were no other plans presented she would flatten herself against the wall, bow in hand, waiting for the enemies.

OOC
Trying to set up a surprise round here for us.

"Ah'll go ranged this time, since mah wee feet dunna go verra far." Kathra suggested, wiggling her fingers to demonstrate her intent.

Bencor bobbed his head and got in position to ambush with ease like he'd done it many times.

13:46, Today: Bencor Dekarrac rolled 12 using 1d20+2.  Initiative roll.

Readying Frostbite as part of the ambush ranged strike, Con save DC 13, 1d6 dmg + disadvantage on victim's next attack
This message was last edited by the player at 00:48, Tue 05 Mar 2019.

Hasan nods and readies his sword. He moves toward the front of the group, as he will be rushing into melee with the raiders when they spring the ambush.

N'Rell listened to Inanah's assessment. It was a sound enough strategy. Granted, his motivation was less about protecting the path as it was about eliminating the raiders. Still, he would do his part. The mage waited at the back of the group as he grabbed the crystal at his neck and prepared to loose magical energies when the ambush began.

Isolde hefted her hammer. Her eyes glinted in the dim light. At Hasan's side, she was ready to charge into battle. There was little opportunity for discussion, but Isolde was in agreement that the raiding party would need to be put down quickly. Not that any of the others they had met up with had shown any inclination to flee, even when defeat was imminent ... .

It didn't look like there was anyone that wasn't happy with the plan, or at least willing to try it, so Inanah nodded to Isolde and Hasan. "I'll start with shot, then you get close."

Steadying her breath she aimed her bow and waited... Until finally the first raider appeared close enough, about 25 feet from the mouth of the tunnel. Inanah leaned to target her arrow at one of the humans, then flattened against the tunnel wall to let others pass.

OOC

Initiative 4

18 to hit one of the humans
11 piercing damage

21:46, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 6,5 using 1d6+3,1d6.  Shortbow damage, sneak damage.

21:45, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Shortbow attack.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:48, Tue 05 Mar 2019.

Hasan waits for Inanah to launch the attack, then rushes out attacking the nearest opponent with his sword.

Initiative 14 (will hold until after Inanah goes if necessary). Attack hits AC 24 for 6 slashing damage.

20:22, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 6 using 2d10+2.  Damage (critical).
20:22, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 24 using 1d20+4.  Attack.
20:22, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 14 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

At the best time, Isolde tromped forward out of the tunnel toward the squad of raiders, her shield between her and danger and her hammer swinging in a wide, powerful arc ... catching nothing but air. Still, she kept herself between the raiders and her companions attacking at range, serving as their shield, she hoped, more effectively than serving as their hammer.

19:37, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 9,12 using 1d20+5,1d8+5. attack nearest enemy.
 19:37, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 11 using 1d20-1. initiative

It's been awhile since I've had such consistently bad luck with attack rolls on this dice roller!

Kathra charges out, her squat form racing along the innermost path that could circle around the enemies, ineffectively swiping at someone on the flank as she goes.


09:46, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 13 using 1d20-1 ((14)). Initiative 13

09:49, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 10,10 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((5,7)). Attack and damage.

As the group lept into action, N'Rell launched a flaming projectile over both ally and foe in an attempt to pick off any who might try to flee.


Fire Bolt aimed at the furthest enemy
13 attack
8 fire damage if hit

00:59, Today: N'Rell rolled 11 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.
00:58, Today: N'Rell rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Ranged Spell Attack.
00:58, Today: N'Rell rolled 8 using 1d10.  Fire Bolt damage.

The party springs the ambush on the raiders. N'Rell picks off one of the kobolds with his fire bolt. Inanah's arrow finds its mark, taking out one of the two humans in the group. Hasan drops a kobold with a swipe of his sword. Isolde and Kathra rush out into the fray but fail to hit any of the raiders. Bencor's spell fails to affect its target.

Next round.

Human 1: dying
Human 2: uninjured
Kobold 1: dying
Kobold 2: uninjured
Kobold 3: uninjured
Kobold 4: uninjured
Kobold 5: uninjured
Kobold 6: dying

Slowing down a bit, Kathra takes a second swing at the kobold nuisance who had dodged her previous blow. [Language unknown: "Po his pr!"] she hisses at the vermin, spitting on it for good measure before continuing to move behind their foes.


Hits: AC 20
Dmg: 7
Move: If this downs the target, she moves to the rear flank of their opponents, blocking their retreat and engaging Isolde's next target from behind (flanking them).

21:07, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 20,10 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((15,7)).

Isolde worked to find a rhythm with Saqri and Silvernode. With an almost casual swipe, she hammered one of the kobolds and worked to keep her shield between her and the remaining foes.

Hit AC17 for 8 damage.

19:23, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 17,8 using 1d20+5,1d8+5. attack any kobold.

Muttering, Bencor unsheathes his scimitar and charges into the fray... and misses again.

6 to hit

Hasan moves toward the remaining human, attacking with his longsword. His accuracy remains excellent, though he continues to have difficulty getting much power behind his attacks.

Attack Human 2 (if possible). Hits AC 23 for 3 slashing damage.

09:45, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 3 using 1d10+2.  Damage.
09:45, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 23 using 1d20+4.  Attack.

Keeping close to the entrance of the tunnel Inanah releases another arrow towards the enemies. She was pleased that the plan seemed to be working, if they could keep this up perhaps nobody of them would need to get hurt.


OOC
19 to hit. Targeting any kobold that is unhurt and has an ally next to it
9 piercing damage


17:55, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 5,4 using 1d6+3,1d6.  Shortbow damage, sneak damage.

17:54, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  Shortbow attack, any unhurt kobold that has ally next to them.

From his position, N'Rell had trouble finding his target as his Fire Bolt left his hand.


Doubt it matters the target with that attack roll.

01:02, Today: N'Rell rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Ranged Spell Attack.

01:02, Today: N'Rell rolled 6 using 1d10.  damage if hit.

The kobolds swarm Isolde and Kathra. One of them manages to get past the dwarves' defenses, stabbing Kathra with its blade. Kathra takes it down with a solid blow from her warhammer. Hasan slashes the remaining human, leaving a minor wound across his chest. Bencor enters the melee but fails to hit his target. Isolde takes out another kobold, as does Inanah. N'Rell's fire bolt misses.

Next round.

Human 1: dying
Human 2 (Hasan): injured (-3 hp)
Kobold 1: dying
Kobold 2: dying
Kobold 3 (Isolde): uninjured
Kobold 4: dying
Kobold 5: dying
Kobold 6: dying

"Keep that shield up!" Isolde encouraged Kathra, and she took a mighty swing at the remaining kobold -- right on target, and with enough force to send the vermin flying!

Hit AC21 for 9 damage.
12:46, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 21,9 using 1d20+5,1d8+5. attack kobold.

The dwarvern women were quite the pair in battle. Feeling left out Bencor tries to get in on the murder before the stragglers are all wiped up.


Hit AC22 for 6 dmg
10:33, Today: Bencor Dekarrac rolled 22,6 using 1d20+4,1d6+2.  Scimitar melee atk to hit.

Inanah nocked another arrow and waited to see if her companions would be able to kill the enemies without her having to release it.


Inanah will hold her attack until everyone else has attacked, only if the human hasn't been killed by the end of the turn will she attack.

23:24, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 22,4,4 using 1d20+5,1d6+3,1d6.  Shortbow attack, shortbow damage, sneak.

Hasan swings at the human again, still having difficulty getting much force behind his attack.

Attack Human 2. Hits AC 14 for 3 slashing damage.

15:58, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 3 using 1d10+2.  Damage.
15:58, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 14 using 1d20+4.  Attack.

Clutching the wound in her flank with her shield hand, Kathra swipes her warhammer at the nearest foe, her eyes seeing colors and stars. She stumbles away from the skirmish, falling to one knee after several yards.



18:11, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 12,4 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((7,1)).

Attack: 12
Damage: 4
Move: If she can move without provoking an AoO, she moves 25 feet away from the skirmish, towards where they came from.

N'Rell cursed himself for missing with his last spell. They needed to eliminate this group quickly. He narrowed his eyes and changed to a colder element to hinder any attempt to flee should the remaining enemies turn tail.


Ray of Frost aimed at the furthest available target.
25 crit hit
6 cold damage
If target is still up, speed is reduced by 10 ft for 1 round

00:57, Today: N'Rell rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Ranged Spell Attack.
00:56, Today: N'Rell rolled 4 using 1d8.  cold damage.
00:57, Today: N'Rell rolled 2 using 1d8.  crit damage.

The last kobold stabs Isolde, bypassing her armor to hit her in the gut with his small blade. Kathra swings at it but misses. Then Isolde smacks it, taking it out of the fight.

Hasan slashes the last human again. Bencor then moves in and finishes him off, ending the fight.

End combat.

Inanah let the tension drop from her bowstring as she saw the last of the enemies die. She took the arrow and stashed it back to her quiver. Kathra had been hit and she went to the dwarf. "Will you be able to continue? Rest for a moment while we move these bodies a bit away from the entrance. We wouldn't want someone to come investigating here."

She eyed the surroundings for bushes or other handy hiding places for the bodies, grabbing one of them to move it so it couldn't be immediately seen.

"We need to move these bodies away from the entrance to the tunnel, or else we'll give its location away," Hasan says when the last raider falls. He then notices the two injured dwarves. "Are you okay?" he asks, sheathing his sword and moving to their side. "Do we need to get you back inside?"

Dekarrac cuts down the last cultist and lets fly an irreverent and obscene 'whooop' "That's what you get; die and water the earth!"

He's awfully jubilant considering how little he contributed to the fight. Once he's cooled down he gives the five remaining goodberries to Silvernode so she can oversee the party's well-being.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:05, Mon 11 Mar 2019.

Kathra takes the goodberries without comment, but does not eat them. Instead, she bandages her wound, then does the same for Isolde. She instructs the other dwarf to sit in the shade and protection of the tunnel and take a Short Rest while the others hide the bodies.

After the hour passes, she'll use the goodberries if needed. She'll return any unused berries to Bencor.

OOC: 1HD recovered during short rest. 8hp recovered
This message was last edited by the player at 22:23, Mon 11 Mar 2019.

N'Rell set to the task of bringing the bodies into the bushes. Once that was completed, he checked the clothing they had been wearing to see if anyone had any identifying symbols or patches to mark them as belonging to the group of raiders. Should he find a suitable outfit that may reasonably fit, whether robe or jacket, he would take it from the deceased raider just in case it would be useful later.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:02, Tue 12 Mar 2019.

When the others checked on her condition, Isolde ground her teeth and an angry light flared up in her green eyes -- angry not at the questions, but at her necessary answer. Too injured to continue, at least not without putting the others at risk, the proud shield maiden withdrew with Kathra and allowed the cleric to tend to her wounds. During that time, she spoke quietly with Kathra in dwarven.

OOC: If the short rest is successful, Isolde regains 9 hp bringing her back to full health.

Kathra considers Isolde's question carefully as she cleans and wraps Glibhammer's wound, weighing her words carefully. When she does speak, she does so in Common, so that the others might hear and understand.

"A pop'lar debate in t' halls o' Moradin is iffen t' kobolds are like t' maggots wot infest t' dung, their movements attractin' greater vermin; or iffen they're akin t'  flies, signalin' a greater rot nearby. In either case, Moradin teaches us that our smithy is like'n a mirror which r'flects our soul into our craft. A dirty mirror reflects only poorly. Whether we speak offta forge wot smelts metal or t' forge of our mind, where we fashion laws 'n' society, 'tis our duty to keep this space clean. Nae cuz we hate t' smear, nor wherein it came hence, but cuz our best work kin only be wrought inna space free o' corruption and vileness. Sweep away yer hate, shield maiden, just as you sweep t' vermin from yer path. Moradin's commands thee not t' hate, but t' smelt t' dross from yer heart n hearth."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:20, Wed 13 Mar 2019.

Bencor listens to Kathra's musings, scratching his chin



"I don't know if I agree, priestess. Heard people in my life say that hate is healthy, that hate gets shit done." he shrugs, not terribly invested in being either right or wrong. When the warrior women rest to recuperate the druid gathers with the others to have a meeting of the minds:

"Look. I know the good man Escobert wants us to rescue villagers. That's... lovely, and all." he rolls his eyes "-but its only a stop-gap solution. We need to find real leads on what the cult's endgame is, then how to stop it."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:06, Wed 13 Mar 2019.

Kathra's musings on the significance of Kobolds caught N'Rell's ear. "For as little as they actually are like the Dragons whose relation they cling to, they are among the most fanatical when it comes to a task they think will prove their worth to the cause... under a leader who knows how to exploit that fanaticism, that is. For the ones we have encountered so far, this is not a simple raid or they would have more easily scattered when the first among them was slain." He continued to speak as he donned a suitable cloak he had removed from one of the Human raiders. "I and my family were removed from the picture before we could learn the full detail of what the cult is planning." Bencor's thoughts echoed his own. "I agree. Protecting villagers will do little to stop their greater plans."

Isolde followed along with Kathra's answer, watching her bind Isolde's wounds. Her eyes glinted. She grunted, glancing at Bencor and N'Rell, who threw their two-coppers in, but Isolde's attention went right back to Kathra. Her face was stone. Her voice was gravel. "You're betrothed.  Since you were a child, you've been betrothed. You make a vow, that before you marry -- before you take up your duty, to defend the halls and cellars and gods-damned kitchens of your lord, to bear him daughters and sons of honor -- before that, before you marry, you will slay five-score enemies of your people. To prove your worth." She paused. "I ask again: do kobolds count?"

"Are you in a hurry to prove your worth, shieldmaiden? Wanting to get married?" Inanah asked from Isolde, with little tact and an impish grin on her face. She considered the possibility that the dwarf had left her home halls to find adventure just to speed up an betrothral that could take long time for slow moving people like the dwarves. But then, her people were slow moving as well, only those living with humans tried to keep up with their fast paced ways.

Bencor and N'rell had brought up an interesting point about finding out what the raiders wanted. "How likely would you think that there is someone with them that knows what is going on? Other than the big one in the sky?" She nudged her head upward in a motion that encompassed the dragon she imagined flying somewhere over the keep. "With it I don't have any interest in conversing with, but we could try a vantage place and see if the movements of the raiders follow a pattern. That could lead us to a temporary command place. I have to say that getting the people to safety is my top concern, but if we can accomplish both, that would be better."

At first, Kathra blanched in terror, thinking that Isolde somehow knew something, that Isolde was going to tell on her, that her father had arranged for her marriage and not even told her! But as Isolde continues, Kathra begins to relax, understanding that the shield-maiden was speaking not of Kathra's situation, but her own.

Kathra considered the "hypothetical" situation with several seconds of thought, as she put the bandages and other supplies back into her belt pouch. After much deliberation, during which the other cynics in her merry band spoke other thoughts, she finally decided what to say.

"Nae," Kathra offers, believing this to be the answer Isolde hopes for. "I dornt 'hink so. Nae in th' eye'n of Moradin. [Language unknown: Nc, one a widi allatitio, a ul osdi an diutus werss. Outprohis, ioupredin sanionandred k llai acel icasanant ta la ers. Esmeal was etomho ble meesch et lar ou u Eenousest, adngmo paasha tha el pl alleauoun Butvenmen ncmi t illvenain sieeom. Ver ec, ad oerticcon n in, eeningame illa Wasredhou n undthacon'manure ourenchateau ilhi'fobe."

Ie i ncnd si isli maol ieprreilel entdayast, whe u ne hou a rutameoun und Usmear ta oupa stadec'usre mechtoan e omicur linven'resresear.]

Full of enough pious intent to overcome her normal shyness, Kathra turns to N'Rell and Belcor. "As fur da res' of ye, we're hardly capable of takin' oan a dragon by oorselves! Right noo, we ha'e information which can sa'e li'es. Let's focus on doin' th' wark 'at we, an' only we, can dae. Dornt try tae polish an ingot that's yit tae be hammered intae shape."

Isolde threw Inanah a scowl and a squinting glare before shrugging off her comments as irrelevant. In truth, she couldn't tell if the elf was mocking her, and, in truth, she wasn't sure she cared.

After Kathra's assessment of the standing of kobolds in the eyes of Moradin, Isolde took a deep breath and seemed relieved. She said firmly, and perhaps a bit too loudly: "Good. Then I won't keep count. Thank you." Finding after a bit of rest and some care from Silvernode, she was recovered and ready, Isolde shrugged herself back into her armor.

"If you have any reason," she offered N'Rell and Dekarrac, "to think another of those twice-damned cultists will be more forthcoming that the one you had at the tip of your sword, I will help you take one alive."

Hasan helps move the bodies, then follows everyone back into the keep to inform Escobert that the path is clear and then rest.

He doesn't contribute to their conversation, as he knows little about dwarven ways.

not much else to add during the short rest for N'Rell right now

After roughly an hour of resting and planning our next move, Kathra checks Isolde's wounds, nods in approval, and suggests we start moving again. Presumably, after the bodies were cleared away, there was still some time left to consult with the locals about our next move.

After resting for an hour in the safety of the keep, the party prepares to move out again. As they are deciding what to do next, Escobert approaches them with a concerned look on his face. "There you are!" he says. "A small group of raiders forced open the sally port and rushed through. We've got enough defenders to deal with the raiders who got inside but we need to reseal the sally port immediately before any more get in. The sally port is on the west wall. Hurry! There's no time to waste!" Escobert then hurries off to further coordinate the keep's defenses.

Isolde nodded. "West wall, then." To the others, she said bruskly, "Fall in line. Let's go." Pause. "Please." Following the previous marching order, she allowed Nightbreeze to take the lead and followed behind in the second rank.

Not wasting time on talking, Inanah just nodded. She went in front of the group and lead them towards the breach. Unless something stopped them before it, she would find a safe place near the sally port so they could have few seconds to form a plan before being noticed by the enemy.

"'Do this, do that'" he grouses at Isolde's back, if he elicits their leader's attention he holds his palms up in mock surrender "Kidding; I kid. Lets go be heroes." before offering his best shiteating grin and falling in line.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:44, Sun 17 Mar 2019.

His posture relaxed momentarily as a brief chuckle was offered at the correction. He decided to let the moment pass as arguing over who was in charge of who wouldn't serve to help anything at the moment. N'Rell moved quickly along with the others.

Hasan draws his longsword and waits for everyone to leave the area they had been resting in, then takes up the rear and follows them to the west wall.

Kathra takes her position in the center of the line, mildly concerned that they're using the same line order for a wall defense situation as they were using for a stealth operation.

Stealth operation? She thinks to herself. Sneaking operation? Sneak mission?

She shakes her head, dismissing her linguistic distraction.

The party quickly reaches the west wall of the keep. As they approach the sally port, which is about 50 feet away, they can see that the 10-foot-by-20-foot ready room is occupied by four kobolds, one human in long robes, and a wingless drake, who do not seem to notice the approaching heroes yet. The door to the room is shut but the party can see in through a small window in the door and a larger window on the inside of the keep; both windows are covered in thick iron bars. The raiders appear to be waiting for reinforcements to arrive from the outside.

The party will need to clear out the raiders in order to regain control of the sally port.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:06, Wed 20 Mar 2019.

"How do you want to proceed?" Hasan asks his companions. He is ready to rush in and hack his way through the raiders but knows that not everyone might be up for such a move and that some of them might have other tricks up their sleeves. "We'll have to drive them out of there and it looks like it'll be close quarters work, unless any of you who use magic have something to assist us."

“Hasan, right flank. Kathra, left.” Isolde indicated those two should position themselves on either side of the doorway. “I’ll take center, open the door, and draw them out one by one. You others, take them down as you can, or if any get past me.”

She looked to the others for agreement and let the others get into position or offer alternative plans.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:04, Wed 20 Mar 2019.

"Wot do we ken a'out drakes?" Kathra hisses as she takes the left flank. "I say Inanah 'n' 'Rell should focus on t' drake, iffen she can. 'Case it takes lon'er t' put dain."

Bencor sheathes his scimitar, but keeps his shield out; pulling back from the choke point of the doorway and keeping at range.

"I would suggest that perhaps keeping in tight formation is not the best option. The robed one probably uses magic and we wouldn't want to give a caster several easy targets together. I would also suggest that we take the caster out first, then concentrate on the drake. If you can keep them coming from the door one by one, that's good. I can probably shoot through the bars of the window, even if it might be harder." Inanah had served long time in the troops of Waterdeep, so she had met and fought all kinds of foes, the drake was unknown and probably dangerous, but magic was almost always the biggest threat. Good thing was, that mages rarely bothered with armor, so they were easy to pick out.

After saying her thoughts Inanah looked around and moved to an vantage point for herself that had good line of sight to the door and through the window, but that was also safe distance away from the melee fighters. She readied her bow for the moment that Isolde opened the door, as that happened, she was planning to shoot the robed figure, if possible.

Hasan nods and moves to the right side of the door, sword drawn, trying his best to escape the notice of the raiders in the ready room.

12:15, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 6 using 1d20+2.  Stealth.

N'Rell observed from their vantage point before offering whispered reply to the others. "The robed man and the drake should be first target. The Kobalds are bold to breech the keep, but they may be less so without them."


Gonna roll for any hidden details...

18:29, Today: N'Rell rolled 6 using 1d20+2.  Perception.

Never mind.

Kathra sidles up against the wall in her chainmail and prepares for action. She is as cool and stealthy as a dark shaft in an abandoned tunnel. She is the silent, deadly things that sneak into your room at night. She is the embodiment of all that kobolds fear. Tonight, these kobolds will learn to fear the battlecry of Moradin's cho....

Oh, hey, have we started already? Better smash something good.

17:58, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 8 using 2d20-1, keeping the lowest dice only ((15,9)). Stealth, disadvantage.

17:59, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 1 using 1d20-1 ((2)). Initiative.

18:00, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 18,10 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((13,7)). Attack and damage.

Stealth: 8
Initiative: 1
Attack: 18
Damage: 10

Once everyone was in position, Isolde opened the door. (If she could do that with her war hammer in hand, she did. Otherwise, she tucked away her weapon to open the door, ready to draw it again at the first opportunity.)

Oh, for Moradin's sake.
16:27, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 0 using 1d20-1. initiative.

If my initiative is higher than others, I will intentionally go at a lower spot to let our main ambushers move first.

19:30, Today: N'Rell rolled 12 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

Inanah aimed her arrow through the bars of the window, targeting the robed figure.


Initiative 9
15 to hit the cloaked figure
6 piercing damage if hit (assuming no sneak damage)
21:26, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  shortbow attack, disadvantage roll.
18:07, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 15,6 using 1d20+5,1d6+3.  Shortbow attack, shortbow damage.
18:03, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 9 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

This message was last edited by the player at 19:26, Sat 23 Mar 2019.

01:32, Today: Bencor Dekarrac rolled 21 using 1d20+2 ((19))

Readying Frostbite on whatever approaches.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:31, Sat 23 Mar 2019.

Hasan is quick to attack the first opponent at the door. Unfortunately, he is a bit too quick and careless and fails to organize a sufficient offense to hit his target.

14:30, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 10 using 1d20+4.  Attack.
14:30, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 20 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

Once everyone is in position, Isolde opens the door.

* If she can do that with her war hammer in hand, she does, and then steps back 5' and readies an attack on the first creature to leave the ready room. (That creature will also be flanked by Hasan and Kathra on either side of the doorway.)
* If she needs to put aside her hammer to open the door, she does that before opening the door, then she takes the dodge action and steps back 5' to give her allies at least the chance to attack if something follows.

Sorry for the OOC post. I'm a bit swamped this weekend.

If I get a readied attack, I hit AC 22 for 6 damage.
17:28, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 22,6 using 1d20+5,1d8+5.  readied attack vs. first enemy in reach.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:29, Mon 25 Mar 2019.

The raiders in the ready room spot the approaching party and, before Isolde can open the door, one of the kobolds steps out to attack her. Bencor immediately hits the kobold with his frostbite spell. Hasan attacks it, too, but misses. The kobold stabs at Isolde but misses, thanks to the effects of Bencor's spell. N'Rell shoots a fire bolt at it, killing it instantly. Inanah takes aim at the cloaked human and looses an arrow through the window, striking him in the neck. He ducks out of sight.

It is Kathra's turn (and then Isolde's). In order to attack in melee, you'll have to move into the room, as there is no one standing in the doorway now. Let me know what you want to do.

Human: badly injured (-6 hp)
Kobold 1: dead
Kobold 2: uninjured
Kobold 3: uninjured
Kobold 4: uninjured
Drake: uninjured

The battle starts in earnest while Kathra is still momentarily distracted. Recovering from her confusion, she realizes that The Enemy will not be charging through the door towards them, so she charges towards her foe.

She remembered someone saying something about a drake, and assumed they were saying that the drake should be taken out first. So she heads towards the drake, warhammer raised high, shield aloft, chainmail ringing with each step, a warcry ululating from her throat.

[Language unknown: "Ore et traeenout caev, utee ngeiio Pa Lohas Ri!"]

It was one of the old songs, faintly overheard from her place locked in the wagon. A bard had been singing at the campfire her father and family had joined on one of their many failed trading missions. She, of course, had been told to keep out of sight, so that if these merry singers turned out to be bandits, she would be able to save her family.

Her voice cracked and wandered across the notes. It had been decades since she'd raised her voice so high, since she had felt so free.

Isolde had not intended to enter the ready room, preferring the advantage of drawing them out ...  but, as the enemy was not obliging, and as Kathra had charged in, Isolde scowled and went in after her. Following the cleric's lead, she went after the drake, if she could get to it. If she could not reach the drake, she would attack the human instead.

Hit AC 19 for 13 bludgeoning damage.
21:42, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 19,13 using 1d20+5,1d8+5. attack drake if possible.

Kathra and Isolde rush into the room, attacking the drake and striking it dead before it has a chance to retaliate.

Next round.

Human: badly injured (-6 hp)
Kobold 1: dead
Kobold 2: uninjured
Kobold 3: uninjured
Kobold 4: uninjured
Drake: dying

Inanah's target disappeared out of sight, but she got the feeling that her hit wasn't lethal. Determined to finish the cloaked person she nocked another arrow moving to a place where she could better sight through the door. Then she waited to see if the cloaked figure appeared again, so she could shoot it. Kathra's unconventional choice for a warsong sang in her ears and Inanah found herself humming, it was good to fight together with allies again.



Move to a better position to target through the door.
Hold attack to shoot the human if it appears to her sight.
15 to hit.
5 piercing damage (+2 sneak damage if allies stand next to him)

20:00, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 15,15,5,2 using 1d20+5,1d20+5,1d6+3,1d6.  Shortbow attack, shortbow attack disadvantage, shortbow damage, sneak damage.

Isolde struck firmly and whirled her hammer back, ready to wallop the drake when it rose to counter-attack ... but the beast was dead. She caught Kathra's gaze for a moment, with a fierce light in her green eyes and a wicked smile, before turning to lash out at the nearby human.  "You're next."

Attack human, if possible, or kobold if not. Hit AC19 for 9 damage.
15:39, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 19,9 using 1d20+5,1d8+5. attack human.

Bencor approaches the door since the women have rushed in, casting as he goes whilst picking out a victim for his next icy hex.

Casting frostbite on the human, or if he's dead a kobold

Kathra continues to badly sing a song she has only heard once from the opposite side of a wall, but somehow, it just feel really right. She swings her hammer and shield in time to the beat. She even shuffles her feet a little.

[Language unknown:
"Din maers hatai lar, wer, adlo, re, ovehaswer m ma ietrca?
Niart int poit caie? Ent wi ie encpe!
Illticugh!]

Emphasizing the beat change with an exploding kobold head, she triumphantly urges her companions, "Everybody!"

[Language unknown:
"T we linousthipro il, llast seusma hall,
Thi,
Our!"]


21:18, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 18,10 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((13,7)).

Attack: 18
Dmg: 10

Hasan follows the dwarves into the room and attacks the nearest kobold.

Attack hits AC 13 for 8 slashing damage.

10:59, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 8 using 1d10+2.  Damage.
10:58, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 13 using 1d20+4.  Attack.

Bencor steps into the room and casts frostbite on the human, covering him in ice and nearly taking him out of the fight. Hasan follows Bencor inside, taking down a kobold with a swipe of his sword. One of the remaining kobolds slips through Isolde's armor, stabbing her. N'Rell hurls a fire bolt at it; he hits the kobold but fails to kill it. Inanah positions herself to where she can see the human; she fires another arrow at him, taking him out. Kathra easily kills one of the remaining kobolds, and Isolde kills the one who hit her, ending the fight.

Surveying the ready room, the party can see that the door to the outside is heavily damaged and will need to be secured somehow to prevent any other raiders from accessing the keep.

End combat.

Kathra steps out into view of the keep's defenders and gestures for them to send in reinforcements and civilian assistance. Returning to the room, she suggests "Let's pile up th' bodies ower 'at openin' while Ah tak' quick swatch. Sumbaddie will be up in a second tae secure th' room, sae we can gie back oan mission."

She examines the door and room critically, using her dwarvish cunning.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:40, Fri 29 Mar 2019.

Isolde began tossing dead kobolds out the sally port. She was no engineer, and she left the assessment of the damage and the means of repair for someone more suited for the job.

The door to the outside is badly damaged beyond any quick, non-magical repair. A keep guard rushes off to fetch someone who might be able to help. "Hold the room," he says. "I'll be right back with help."

Peeking out of the sally port, the party spots a group of eight raiders rapidly approaching. The group consists of four kobolds, three humans in cult robes, and a human who appears to be a mercenary wearing a chain shirt and carrying a shield and spear.

"Maybe we should meet them outside, so we have a place to retreat to? Or the melee stand just out of the door and I'll stand in the doorway with N'rell?" Inanah makes her suggestion peeking outside, her bow had never left her hand and she had another arrow ready to go.

Isolde waggled her shield at Hasan and her hammer at Kathra, indicating that the three of them should advance to the gate and hold that position, leaving the other three behind to make their ranged attacks. "Let them come to us," she said bruskly, "and take down the armored one first."

Hasan nods at Isolde and follows her to the gate, taking up his position to stop the raiders from entering the keep. He grips his sword with both hands, readying himself to attack as soon as one of them gets within reach.

Ready action to Attack when opponent comes within reach.

15:39, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 8 using 1d10+2.  Damage.
15:39, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 13 using 1d20+4.  Attack.
15:39, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 21 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:41, Wed 03 Apr 2019.

Kathra sighs heavily, thinking of all the poor terrified civilians still out there. "Well, if'n we're going to take a stand here, might'n well draw a wee draught o'ttention."

She steps into her position blocking the sally port and calls forth the Sacred Flame of Moradin, to smite her enemies and attract the attention of others away from weaker targets.



 Initiative 19.
Sacred Flame versus chainmail'd opponent who is 50ft from the Sally Port. He must make a Dex save vs 12 or else take 2 pts of radiant damage.

18:58, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 19 using 1d20-1 ((20)). Initiative
00:58, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 2 using 1d8 ((2)). Sacred Flame damage


This message was last edited by the player at 00:00, Thu 04 Apr 2019.

Bencor cups his hands together and blows on them to warm them up before he channeled more of nature's frigid magic. Then he inches up to draw a bead on the armored merc so his line of sight isn't blocked by the sally port.

3rd verse, same as the 1st. Readying a frostbite on the chainmailed human, choosing a kobold instead if he's slain. Ready trigger: when an ally attacks.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:48, Wed 03 Apr 2019.

Inanah stays a step behind the others intending to shoot the armored person but steps on an piece of rubble that makes her aim unsteady.


Initiative 22
Hold action, attack, until armored person is at melee with an ally.
Natural 1 isn't going to hit.

20:55, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 6,4,4 using 1d20+5,1d6+3,1d6.  Shortbow attack, shortbow damage, sneak damage.

20:52, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 22 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

Isolde took her position in the center of the sally port, in clear sight of the raiders, with a fierce grin and bright eyes. Her hammer was ready, as were her allies on each side of her, and she waited for the fanatic enemies to charge ... .

Initiative = 19.

Ready Action: attack first enemy that comes within reach, preferring the merc as target if multiple options are open. Hit AC 23 for 9 damage.

16:32, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 19 using 1d20-1. initiative.
16:34, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 23,9 using 1d20+5,1d8+5.  readied attack vs. first enemy in reach.

The mercenary is the first to make it to the gate. Inanah and Hasan both attack him and both fail to hit. He stabs at Hasan, who easily dodges out of the way. Kathra calls down sacred flame, which strikes the mercenary. Isolde then takes him out with a powerful swipe of her warhammer. Bencor then casts frostbite on the nearest kobold, badly injuring him. The humans are the next to reach the gate. They attack Hasan, Kathra, and Isolde but are unable to hit any of them.

Next round.

Kobold 1: severely injured (-4 hp)
Kobold 2: uninjured
Kobold 3: uninjured
Kobold 4: uninjured
Cultist 1 (Hasan): uninjured
Cultist 2 (Kathra): uninjured
Cultist 3 (Isolde): uninjured
Mercenary: dying

Isolde grunted in satisfaction as she took down the armored mercenary. She easily batted aside a cultist's attack with her heavy, square shield, she spun her hammer in a forceful, almost graceful arc ... forceful enough, she hoped, to send her opponent sprawling crumpled to the ground.

Attack cultist #3, hit AC20 for 12 damage. 20:44, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 20,12 using 1d20+5,1d8+5. attack cultist #3.

Hoisting her shield back into position after making the divine hand gesture which Kathra had assumed, since her earliest days in the priesthood, had rude undertones, she deflects the cultist's blow. Next, Kathra swings her warhammer at this next foe in line, aiming for the human's kneecap.

A frown creases her forehead as she thinks back to her earlier conversation with Isolde, and Kathra realizes that she has lost count of how many she has already killed this day. "Hey, Isolde," Kathra asks solemnly, [Language unknown: "Derallhat ndean e maiv we erne as o entrutver een menou sheit ticlin'asture wheherpre was di esadan? To lalar caeve wi ive oulreaion ac avedayredthu are enev whne, E manefi."]

Attack: 17
Damage: 4

00:57, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 17,4 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((12,1)). Attack and damage, Cultist #2.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:15, Thu 04 Apr 2019.

Inanah snarled a curse in elvish when her foot found another piece of rubble while she tried to shoot the cultist next to Hasan.


7 to hit cultist #1
13 damage if hit.
19:30, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 7,7,6 using 1d20+5,1d6+3,1d6.  SB attack, SB damage, sneak damage.

Hasan swipes at the human in front of him, this time with better accuracy.

Attack vs. Cultist 1 hits AC 17 for 7 slashing damage.

15:02, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 7 using 1d10+2.  Damage.
15:02, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 17 using 1d20+4.  Attack.

Bencor keeps icing the weaker kobolds who should be more susceptible to his cold magic.

Frostbite on the injured kobold, or a healthy kobold if it falls beforehand.

Inanah fires another arrow but misses again. Hasan slashes the human in front of him, leaving a large gash across his chest. The cultist responds, though not with nearly the same force or accuracy, and cuts Hasan's arm. Kathra strikes her opponent in the leg but he remains standing, though he fails to hit her. Isolde slams her warhammer into her opponent, sending him to the ground. One of the kobolds immediately steps up to fill the fallen cultist's spot in front of Isolde. Bencor continues to assail his target with frostbite; the kobold collapses, out of the fight.

Next round.

Kobold 1: dying
Kobold 2 (Isolde): uninjured
Kobold 3: uninjured
Kobold 4: uninjured
Cultist 1 (Hasan): severely injured (-7 hp)
Cultist 2 (Kathra): injured (-4 hp)
Cultist 3: dying
Mercenary: dying

Isolde looked at Kathra, opened her mouth to answer, and took a swing at the kobold. Whatever answer she was about to utter she cut short into a curse. The distraction had thrown her off balance, and the little vermin evaded her blow.

20:14, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 9,6 using 1d20+5,1d8+5.  attack kobold #2.

Kathra pulls her warhammer up and uses the recoil from bouncing off the cultist's knee to slam him right in the sweet spot between his legs before shield-bashing him in the face.

"It'll take me a wee minute to forge this door shut wit Mor'din grace," she informs her friends. "Can't rightly do that iffen we's standing inna door, though."


Attack: 25 (nat 20)
Damage: 10

22:29, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 25,7 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((20,4)). Attack and damage, Cultist #2.
11:40, Today: Kathra Silvernode rolled 3 using 1d8 ((3)). Bonus damage from crit.

This message was last edited by the player at 16:41, Sun 07 Apr 2019.

Inanah shot another arrow, this time aiming for the kobold harassing Isolde, but her arrow hit the ground between it's legs. Dismayed by her continued inability to make a hit, Inanah retreated from the combat for few steps. She closed her eyes for few seconds, sending a fervent prayer to her favorite god. [Language unknown: "Ratticlar Proar, reec ee oveatiive rohist tedtincon n m eraherthi peine hat p olofal be of. Plera o ntitrawit siilmiolnc ha roei terha i ho, Ng m Nasare."]


That's a third miss in a row...
21:28, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 7,5,6 using 1d20+5,1d6+3,1d6.  SB attack kobold 2, SB damage, sneak damage.

If Hasan is fazed by his wound, he doesn't let it show on his face. However, when he swings his sword again, he swings too wide, badly missing the cultist.

15:01, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  Attack.

"Oh, ow, ouch." Bencor's fingers are numb with cold by now, he gives them a brief shake to push some blood back into them whilst blowing on the pale digits. Then he recommences his frost spell attacks.

Targeting Kobold 3 with Frostbite

Inanah and Hasan both fail to hit the injured cultist in front of Hasan. The cultist slashes Hasan again. Kathra connects with her opponent, dropping him with a brutal blow to his groin. Isolde attacks a kobold but misses. Bencor's target shrugs off his frostbite spell.

Next round.

Kobold 1: dying
Kobold 2 (Isolde): uninjured
Kobold 3 (Kathra): uninjured
Kobold 4: uninjured
Cultist 1 (Hasan): severely injured (-7 hp)
Cultist 2: dying
Cultist 3: dying
Mercenary: dying

Isolde swiped at the kobold, with a satisfactory THOMP!

Hit AC17 for 8 damage.
12:57, Today: Isolde Glibhammer rolled 17,8 using 1d20+5,1d8+5. attack kobold again.

Heartened by her prayer Inanah steps back into the fray and shoots the kobold harassing Kathra.

15 to hit kobold #3
9 piercing damage
22:59, Today: Inanah Nightbreeze rolled 15,6,3 using 1d20+5,1d6+3,1d6.  SB attack kobold #3, SB damage, sneak damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:01, Sun 07 Apr 2019.

Hasan swings at his opponent again but is apparently quite distracted by something and nearly loses his grip on his sword.

15:08, Today: Hasan Saqri rolled 5 using 1d20+4.  Attack.