Map in hand, you set out for the hunting grounds. With Nutcracker's skill, you can make it in a day.

Letting Nutcracker take the lead, Victor follows close behind the Kenku. The tiefling's greatsword is hanging from his belt, one hand steadying it as they move along.

His breath mists in the air as he scans the area around them, hoping to spot anything that might threaten them while the ranger focuses on getting them travelling in the right direction.

OOC: Don't worry guys, Victor will spot any danger.
17:38, Today: Victor Iusticia rolled 4 using 1d20.  Perception.

Keeping her cool, Carmen followed the others as they headed out to the hunting grounds. This was definitely risky business for the small party, but she had confidence after their last outing that they had what it would take to pull through.

"We've had some luck so far. I've been studying since our last quest and can now cast a sleep spell upon a large number of enemies. It could come in most useful. Does anybody else have any talents they have acquired since then that they should share?"

Victor gestures towards Wendel, "I haven't tried it yet but I'm pretty sure I can conjure that ice armour like you did, that and imbue my blade with flames or the roar of the storm. I might be able to compel someone to do something for a moment, but only if they understand my command."

He frowns briefly, followed by a strange grin, "It's hard to tell what I can do until I do it, the visions I've seen while praying can be confusing. It is reassuring to know that power is within my reach should I prove mighty enough to seize it."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:13, Mon 05 Apr 2021.

It is a nice change of pace, traveling at any time other than night time. Wendel seems to be in high spirits almost having to stop himself from whistling now and then. It's still cold of course but there's something more biting about the cold in darkness. Here, now, it seems almost bearable.

"That's great Victor! It will be a blessing to know you and Lathander have our backs out here. Power seems to come quickly in this cold place..." His thoughts turn inward momentarily before he looks over to Carmen. "Well there's a few things I can do that I couldn't before but mostly it's the same sort of stuff. I don't know if any of you ever got a clear view of my friend here but he's a pretty helpful little fella." There's that rock in his hand that looks pretty much like a rock. Wendel tosses is up and catches it once before pocketing it again.

"It seems our friend the cracker of nuts and arrow slinger has picked up a few friends of his own. Where did all those bees come from Nutcracker? Conjured from nothing or called to arms by your queen-bee-like charm?"

Even as he idly chatters Wendel keeps his eyes on the horizon and their surroundings. Not looking for anything in particular but just trying to be aware.

"Say, after what the chief said back there, I figure it's prudent to ask.. Do any of feel like you'd understand or be able to communicate with the goblins out here if they don't know common? We might have to fall back on rudimentary communication but I can do some very small illusion's in the hand. That coupled with what you can do with illusion, Carmen, might work to get our point across."

"I keep being surprised by how much I can do," adds Chelsie. "I can evidently understand strange languages at times, so I might be able to help understand the goblins. But I haven't figured out how to speak in those languages yet... And then there's this." She takes her staff and outlines a long shape in front of her other hand. A glimmering rapier appears there; it is delicate, light, and perfectly balanced as she takes a few swings with it.

She keeps up with the others, trying to stay near the middle of the group.

OOC: Pact weapon!

Catching up with the rest, Nutcracker heard the question of skills that could help out along the way. Much like in town, he conjured up a brief flash of weather prediction for the journey. Aside from that, the presence of the blue bees using him as a rest between flights seemed explanation enough. "Bees are a sign of a healthy forest," he said in that jovial contrabass.

Checking the map provided, he got his bearings and began leading the party on the start of their journey. He was excited, but still cautious because of the unknown dangers that could be lurking anywhere.

OOC: Casting Druidcraft for local area weather forecast for the day.
13:07, Today: Nutcracker rolled 12 using 1d20+2.  Perception on the path.
13:07, Today: Nutcracker rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  Survival for Leading purposes.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:20, Mon 05 Apr 2021.

Nutcracker discovers the local weather today will be clear.

Take advantage on your Survival check, Nutcracker, since you have a map.

OOC: Nutcracker rolled 19 using 2d20+4, dropping the lowest dice only.  Survival for Leading purposes (ADV).

Nutcracker leads the group, his ranger training allowing him to pick the shortest paths and guide the rest of you confidently through terrain that would slow others down. You make it halfway to the hunting grounds before you begin to tire. As you begin deciding where you will set up camp, you spot a small cave opening, with large pawprints in the snow around it. Just then, the head of a huge owl pokes out and looks around, noticing you. Its huge round eyes bear a malice owls are not capable of, but then, the body that propels the head in your direction at high speeds isn't that of an owl... you've stumbled into the territory of an owlbear!

Roll initiative, and if you go before the Owlbear, you can post your first turn's action along with it.

Owlbear 3


E1= Owlbear (there's just one, it takes up all four spaces.)
### The cave
t= Tree (rough terrain, up to 1/2 cover for medium creatures, up to 3/4 cover for small creatures, up to full cover for tiny creatures.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:43, Tue 06 Apr 2021.

Victor is quick to move forward to engage the creature, opting to draw his glaive over the greatsword in order to keep the thing at a distance.

A hot pressure suddenly seems to emanate from the tiefling, an aura of palpable murderous threat that may be enough to raise the hairs on one's arms or the back of the neck as a nearby ally and could be terrifying for foes.

---

HP: 25/25 | THP: 0 | AC: 16 | Spd: 30ft. | Lay On Hands 15/15 | Divine Sense 4/4 | S1 3/3 | Sear 1/1 | Chan Div 0/1 | Resist Fire | Immune Disease |
06:57, Today: Victor Iusticia rolled 12 using 1d20.  Initiative.
Move towards Owlbear so that it is within 30 feet but no closer than 10 feet. E10
Action: Conquering Presence, Owlbear must make a DC 13 Wisdom Save or be frightened of Victor.
All creatures of my choice within a 30-ft radius must make a Wisdom save
If failed, a target is frightened for 1 minute; It can save again at the end of each turn
This message was last edited by the player at 09:46, Tue 06 Apr 2021.

Chelsie sees the strange beast, and takes a moment to collect her thoughts. Victor rushes forward to intimidate the owlbear, and all she can think is she wants to block the creature's charge. Instinctively, Chelsie begins to recite an incantation she's never said before. She points her staff at the owlbear as she steps behind Victor, and a sphere of flame appears.

Initiative: 5
Action: Casts flaming sphere, positioning it at least 10 ft. away from Victor and no more than 5 ft. away from the owlbear. E5
The owlbear must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 8 fire damage on a failed save or 4 fire damage on a successful save.
(The sphere deals damage to all within 5 ft. So if Victor closed to within 10 ft. of the owlbear, then I place it in the owlbear's space; if Victor is more than 10 ft. from the owlbear, I place it directly in front of the owlbear to encourage it to turn around.)
Movement: Forward to maybe 10 ft. behind Victor, trying to add to the intimidation factor. E12
Concentration: Flaming sphere.

OOC: Chelsie figures out another spell she can use!
16:13, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 5 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.
16:24, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 8 using 2d6.  flaming sphere damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:49, Tue 06 Apr 2021.

Big owl! Big bear owl! Owlbear! There really wasn't going to be an easy way out of this situation since they had managed to come across its den without seeing any other tracks. Just the way the world worked sometimes. Seeing as how it wasn't going to understand anything other than force, Nutcracker pulled his bow and fired a shot, complete with bee escort, impacting nearly into the creature's head. At the same time the bee escort crashed into the beast with their spectral stingers.

OOC: Side move to have a clear shot without swinging too wide.
Attacking the owlbear with longbow, Favored Foe, additional swarm damage.
Nutcracker rolled 13 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.
Nutcracker rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Bow vs Owlbear.
Nutcracker rolled 19 using 1d8+3+1d6+1d4.  Attack Damage.
No additional bee effects just yet. Don't want to potentially spoil anyone's effect. Yet. =D

Carmen had never been one to venture far from the front line. She advanced, putting herself between Nutcracker and Wendel and the owlbear. She still had range as an advantage, so she summoned up her eldritch energies and threw a bolt of dark energy towards the beast. It looked like she had summoned a powerful bolt indeed!

HP: 22/22 | AC: 18 | Spd: 30ft. | Hexblade's Curse 1/1 (SR)| Divine Soul 1/1
Action: Eldritch Blast hits AC 16 for 13 damage | Move:  Step forward to be with Victor  | Bonus: N/A

07:11, Today: Carmen Diaz rolled 14 using 1d20+2.  Initiative. – [roll=1617664285.59472.352983]
07:07, Today: Carmen Diaz rolled 13 using 1d10+3.  Damage. – [roll=1617664065.48274.352983]
07:06, Today: Carmen Diaz rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  Eldritch Blast. – [roll=1617664003.45655.352983]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:11, Mon 05 Apr 2021.

With everyone else looking ready to put down this strange creature, Wendel joins in the fray. With his more commonly heard Terran incantation summoning the beam of force swirling with sand and stone to blast at the bear owl hybrid creature, he throws his air punch at the creature but something about this instance feels off. His beam goes wide.

Initiative: 9
Move: About 30 behind Carmen and Victor
Action: Eldritch Blast miss.

Carmen moves forward and fires a blast, which strikes the creature a solid blow!
Nutcracker moves to get a clear shot and shoots the owlbear in the neck, a swarm of bees following the arrow.
Victor moves forward, and suddenly the owlbear stops in its tracks!
Wendel fires his own blast, but he didn't expect his target to stop so suddenly, and led it too much.
Chelsie moves behind Victor, and conjures a floating sphere of some magical burning material next to the owlbear, which burns the monster's fur and feathers
The owlbear, struggling with an unfamiliar feeling, lets out a loud roar/hoot hybrid, much to Nutcracker's delight, I'm sure. It glares at Victor, to afraid to come closer, but too stubborn to retreat. It waits for the next attack (it takes the dodge action, so all attacks against it have disadvantage.)


Initiative

Carmen 14
Nutcracker 13
Victor 12
Wendel 9
Chelsie 5
Owlbear 3

Owlbear has taken 40 damage and is frightened of Victor


E1= Owlbear (there's just one, it takes up all four spaces.)
### The cave
fs= Flaming sphere
t= Tree (rough terrain, up to 1/2 cover for medium creatures, up to 3/4 cover for small creatures, up to full cover for tiny creatures.)

"It might be guarding something in that cave if it doesn't want to retreat..." Wendel muses aloud as he steps up to get a better look at the creature before launching another beam with an air punch. There's not much power behind this beam... Almost like Wendel isn't sure about this action but they are committed now.

Move: to H12
Action: Eldritch Blast AC 20 for 1 Force and 2 Bludgeoning damage

Wendel rolled 20,3 using d20+5,d10+2.  Eldritch Blast, Damage+Genie's Wrath.

Seeing as how the owlbear did not charge, Nutcracker took the opportunity to try something out. Moving up closer, he sent one of his bees to land on the creature's head and attempted to make contact. Hopefully this worked. Back away. Fearsome! Dangerous! Back away!

OOC: Moving to D 11
Casting Speak with Animals
Maintaining concentration on Favored Foe
This message was last edited by the player at 21:43, Wed 07 Apr 2021.

"If it backs down, we can probably just let it be and pass by," adds Chelsie. She holds her sphere in place, and points her staff at the owlbear in preparation for any new aggression.

Action: Readied eldritch blast vs. any owlbear that charges towards the party (hits AC 6 for 10 force damage, lol).
Amended Action: Dodge.
Concentration: Flaming sphere (round 2 of 10).

• If the owlbear doesn't move or otherwise ends its turn within 5 ft. of the sphere, it will have to make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 2d6 fire damage on a failed save or half damage on a successful save.

OOC: I'm hoping it just heads into the cave, with the sphere encouraging that outcome. But the readied blast should definitely miss. I'm dodging, as I'd rather not kill this thing if it backs away, and there's not much else to do while concentrating on the spell. Thank you, Wendel.
15:14, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 6 using 2d20+5, dropping the highest dice only with rolls of 1,6.  readied eldritch blast attack (disadvantage).
15:14, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 10 using 1d10+3.  readied eldritch blast damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:47, Wed 07 Apr 2021.

Victor notes the creature's freezing in place and bares his teeth at it but takes a step backwards, "Back up," it is unclear if it is a demand to the owlbear or an instruction to his allies.

His glaive is held at the ready to protect Carmen if the thing charges.

OOC: Victor will move back to E11 and ready an attack on E9 if the Owlbear should move into that space.

This message was last edited by the player at 22:07, Wed 07 Apr 2021.

Carmen backs away but has an Eldritch blast readied in case it all of a sudden turns feral and attempts to charge the party.

Carmen readies to fire a blast if the owlbear continues to attack. (remember, when you ready an attack, you're supposed to roll it when you declare it, unless you want me to roll it for you.)
Nutcracker casts a spell to communicate with animals, but it doesn't seem to respond. (You don't have to state that you're maintaining concentration, but it's nice to have the reminder!)
Victor moves back, and readies to swing his glaive if it moves in to attack.
Wendel moves up and fires a weak blast, striking the Owlbear in the shoulder.
Chelsie prepares to dodge if the creature tries to attack her
The owlbear, having shrugged off the fear, moves around the flaming sphere, and tries to attack Victor. Victor slashes it with his glaive, wounding it horribly, while Carmen's blast misses. The owlbear pecks and claws at Victor, but it fails to get past his defenses. (BTW, Victor, there is no penalty for using a glaive on adjacent opponents, in case you're unaware.)

Initiative

Carmen 14
Nutcracker 13
Victor 12
Wendel 9
Chelsie 5
Owlbear 3

Owlbear has taken 54 damage.


E1= Owlbear (there's just one, it takes up all four spaces.)
### The cave
fs= Flaming sphere
t= Tree (rough terrain, up to 1/2 cover for medium creatures, up to 3/4 cover for small creatures, up to full cover for tiny creatures.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:36, Wed 07 Apr 2021.

Dodging the beak and feeling the claws glance off his armor, Victor tosses his glaive to one side as he feels somewhat hampered in close quarters.

"Enough!" he yells at the owlbear as he swings his greatsword in a fearsome upwards diagonal drawing strike.

OOC: Drop glaive and draw greatsword as part of the attack action.
Greatsword attack hits AC 14 for 10 slashing damage.

I know there is no penalty for using the glaive up close, I'm just RPing him having to experiment with different fighting styles and ranges. When we get back to Smith's Gambit Victor will have arrived at the conclusion that his war training with the greater weapons isn't as effective as he'd like and he will opt for a longsword and shield instead :)

09:27, Today: Victor Iusticia rolled 14,10 using 1d20+5,2d6+3.  Greatsword attack.

Attack misses.

The spell didn't seem to work at all on the giant beast. So then there was only one way out of this for them. He would have to do better in the future to not stumble upon a creature's territory that he did not mean to find.

Taking a step back he loosed another bee-escorted arrow, but the monster's hide made it glance off.

OOC: Backstep to D 12
Nutcracker rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Bow vs Owlbear.

Well the creature is responding as one would expect a territorial creature to do when attacked so there's only so much they can do in this situation.

OOC: If its still alive I'll try and blast it again I suppose.
Action: Eldritch Blast AC 17 for 8 Force and 2 Bludgeoning damage

Wendel rolled 17,10 using d20+5,d10+2.  Eldritch Blast, Damage+Genie's Wrath.

Seeing the owlbear charge, Chelsie directs her flaming sphere to follow it. Then she fires a blast of white and gold energy in its general direction, but aiming the blast proves challenging while concentrating on her fiery spell.

Noting her proximity to the beast, Chelsie draws her magical rapier, preparing to defend herself physically.

Bonus Action: Move flaming sphere to E8, ramming it into the owlbear (or E9, but I think it stops before entering the creature's space when ramming).

• The owlbear must make a DC 13 Dexterity save, taking 6 fire damage on a failed save, or 3 fire damage on a successful save.

Action: Eldritch blast vs. the owlbear, hitting AC 7 for 9 force damage.
Object Interaction: Draw pact weapon rapier.
Concentration: Flaming sphere, round 3 of 10.

OOC: I should really stop rolling higher damage than attack...
23:12, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 6 using 2d6.  Flaming sphere damage.
23:12, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 7,9 using 1d20+5,1d10+3.  Eldritch blast attack, damage.

Carmen fires another blast, but it misses
Nutcracker fires an arrow, put fails to penetrate the thick hide.
Victor drops his glaive and draws his greatsword. It carves into the snow and mud as he swings it upward, opening the beasts throat at is rears back for another peck! It stumble back, falling on its back.

Congratulations! You each gain 140 xp.

Chelsie lets her flaming sphere fade away as she sees the owlbear fall to its death, while mentally reviewing the words and gestures she used to cast the spell. "Well! That was a new one, for me at least. What a strange creature!" She takes a minute to examine it, then turns her attention to the cave.

"Should we check out its den? It might be a good place to keep warm for the night."

Victor kneels to pick up some om the snow and begin cleaning off his weapons, "Yes, any extra shelter from the night cold will be welcome."

He looks to the dead owlbear, "It seems such a waste. I don't know much about wilderness survival but maybe we can salvage something from the creature?"

Carmen nods in agreement with Victor.
“ We should see what it was protecting, if anything. There's as much chance it has attacked and defeated adventurers as anything else, and there could be riches to be found.”
This message was last edited by the player at 00:21, Fri 09 Apr 2021.

Such a majestic - and violent - beast, it was saddening that it had to be killed in this way. If only Nutcracker had been a better scout and saw the signs he possibly could have avoided this. But it may have been for the better. Whatever was in the cave would ultimately decide if this was benevolent or tragic.

With the danger passed, it would be a good time to set up camp for the night and they could make it to the grounds tomorrow. He could occupy his mind finding food and water while the camp was being set.

Wendel follows the others in their decision making. He agrees with Victor about the potential waste but has nothing to offer as a solution. As for exploring the den, they might as well if they were to both learn more and potentially find a place to settle in.

Having finished cleaning off his weapons, Victor stands and moves towards the cave's mouth.

"Alright then, the body can wait. Let's check this is clear first."

He lights the lantern hanging from his belt and leads the way inside.

The cave doesn't go very deep, but it opens up a bit past the mouth. There's just enough room that you could line your tents against the back wall, and be completely covered in darkness. In the lantern light, you see no signs of humanoid victims. The creature likely made this its den sometime after the hunting party last passed through.

Seeing that the cave had nothing worthwhile having, Carmen did her best to assess how the group were faring. "We could probably do with a bit of rest, but I'm mindful of tracking the hunting party and giving them aid as soon as we can. Are you all fit and ready to burn the midnight oil?" she asks.

With the cave shown to be nothing more than a small location that would fit their tents and no surprises, Nutcracker dropped off his tent and set out to track down food and water for the night. "I beg yer pardon," came Smith's voice, "a tent," now it was Jessop. "Please." That last one wasn't a voice from around these parts, nor was it the usual contrabass. Someone from another part of the world or on the boat?

OOC: Using 'Wanderer' background feature to find food and water for 5 for the night.
Depositing tent for camp assembly. If y'all would be so kind. =D
This message was last edited by the player at 19:08, Sun 11 Apr 2021.

"I'm as concerned about the cold of the night as its darkness, so I'd rather camp for the night and keep going in the morning." Chelsie sets down her things and stretches her muscles after a long day of traveling.

"But should we start a fire, or might that be too much of a beacon to whatever's taken those hunters?"

OOC: I'm not keen to regain exhaustion! Not until there's a more urgent reason, anyway. Also, I assume we need to set up watches, and Chelsie's not picky about which shift to take.

Victor moves to set up Nutcracker's tent along with his own, talking with the others while he does so.

"Exhausting ourselves in the cold and dark is not wise until we have more information. A fire just outside for whoever is on watch is a good idea, Chelsie, the warmth will be needed and while a number of us can see in the dark being able to see further is better."

He looks up from fiddling with the tent canvas, "Once I am finished with this I will take the first watch, if there is anything out there that might be drawn to fire then I will be able to deal with it in my armour or wake you all if needed. I just need to know who I am waking up when I am done and will need their help in doffing my chainmail."

"I don't mind which watch you place me on, but a woman needs her beauty sleep you know." says Carmen, clearly looking to avoid the dreaded graveyard shift. "Maybe if I take the last few hours of watch duty? I hear that dawn in these parts is a beauty to behold."

She doesn't seem at all fazed by the groups decision to stay. "I do hope those lost hunters aren't chilled to the bone already...."

Victor nods, "First or last watch is best so that we aren't getting in and out of heavy armour multiple times. As for the hunters, well, they have been out in the woods for quite some time by now, hopefully they will have found somewhere to protect themselves from the elements."

OOC: With 5 of us we can do 1 hour and 40 minutes of watch each with a little overlap to cover the 8 hours of a long rest. Whoever is taking over from Victor or waking Carmen will probably be asked to help them out/into their armour.
1st: Victor, 2nd: Wendel, 3rd: Chelsie, 4th: The Nuts, 5th: Carmen
This message was last edited by the player at 05:23, Mon 12 Apr 2021.

As Nutcracker returns with the food, you all hear wingbeats. Above you, you see a monstrous creature: It has a vaguely human face, but with rows of sharp teeth, the body of a white tiger, and the wings of a dragon. A mane of spines runs from its head to the tip of its long, powerful tail. It says, "lay down your weapons and surrender, and I'll kill you quickly!"

Initiative
Monster 21

Victor turns to face the interloper and moves forward, holding his greatsword at the ready.

"Before you try to kill us, tell me, did you kill the hunters that came this way two weeks ago?"

---

HP: 25/25 | THP: 0 | AC: 16 | Spd: 30ft. | Lay On Hands 15/15 | Divine Sense 4/4 | S1 2/3 | Sear 1/1 | Chan Div 0/1 | Resist Fire | Immune Disease |

Victor will move forward 30ft towards the creature then take the Dodge action.

21:22, Today: Victor Iusticia rolled 14 using 1d20.  Initiative.

I'm assuming we didn't get a short rest in while The Nuts was grabbing food.

Carmen saw the beast and wondered what it might be. She hadn't seen such a thing lately. However, she stood close enough to Victor to be of aid, but far enough away in case it had some sort of breath weapon. Holding her energies, she held off attacking until it was obvious that the creature would not parley.

HP: 22/22 | AC: 18 | Spd: 30ft. | Hexblade's Curse 1/1 (SR)| Divine Soul 1/1
Action: Eldritch Blast critically hits for 17 damage (readied action for if the beast attacks | Move:  Step forward to be with Victor  | Bonus: N/A
21:46, Today: Carmen Diaz rolled 17 using 2d20+3.  Critical Hit damage. – [roll=1618235161.86465.352983]
21:45, Today: Carmen Diaz rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Readied action - Eldritch Blast. – [roll=1618235116.89724.352983]
21:42, Today: Carmen Diaz rolled 8 using 1d20+2.  Adventure initiative. – [roll=1618234979.81817.352983]

"Interesting offer, but we have a counteroffer. We've just slain this massive beast that lies before you; spare us and you may have it for a meal. Or else..." And with that, Chelsie once again conjures a sphere of flame, as a barrier and a warning. "We may prove more trouble than it's worth."

She holds the sphere in place—a show of strength to back up their standing to negotiate.

Initiative: 18
Persuasion: 7 (that would be Intimidation 5 if I picked the wrong skill).
Action: Cast flaming sphere, placing it at maybe F4 (Victor and Carmen can pass by as long as they don't end their turns within 5 ft. of it).
Movement: F2
Concentration: Flaming sphere round 1 of 10.

OOC: By my reckoning, the owlbear carcass should still be around E9–F10. I'm aware the sphere is less than ideal against a flying creature, but I'm trying to use it for area denial rather than straight damage. Maybe the intimidating sphere can give me advantage? ...
08:51, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.
09:07, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 7 using 1d20+5.  Persuasion.

Having been glad to find food for everyone for the night despite the constant winter conditions, Nutcracker's mood was quickly soured when some abomination of a creature swooped in and demanded they die. Seeing those spines reminded him of the devil they fought in the cave the other night, so the ranger took cover behind a nearby tree and made ready to take a shot at the thing; again with a bee escort.

OOC: Moving to take cover behind the nearest tree with a vantage of the creature.
Initiative: 16  Concentration on Favored Foe.

14:03, Today: Nutcracker rolled 4,2,3 using 1d8+3,1d6,1d4.  Damage if Hit.
14:01, Today: Nutcracker rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Bow vs Creature.
13:59, Today: Nutcracker rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

Wendel, hearing the commotion outside the cave moves to get a good look and immediately gets ready to fight whatever this thing is. The others all seem keen on trying to negotiate with it or scare it away and honestly that sounds like a good idea. He waits to see exactly what might happen

As he does so he sends a thought to his new friend who finally reveals themself. A tiny creature seemingly made of sand and shadow peaks up and out of Wendel's pocket where he had put the rock he'd taken to carrying around. It's face, if you can call it a face, seems like an empty mask with neo-primordial sigils scrawled across it. Nimbly it climbs up to a good vantage point on Wendel's shoulder getting a good solid grip on his hair with one hand. It tilts its tiny head and looks at the thing threatening it's big friend.

Wendel Initiative: 5

Gritt Initiative: 22
Action: Exit stone
Move: climb up to Wendel's shoulder

Wendel rolled 5,22 using D20+3,d20+5.  Initiative, Gritt Initiative.

Gritt climbs out of Wendel's pocket to see what's going on.
The monster waits for an answer.
Chelsie offers up the owlbear carcass, and conjures a flaming sphere.
Nutcracker takes cover under a tree, and readies to fire an arrow.
Victor moved toward the creature and prepared to dodge.
Carmen moves parallel to Victor, and readies a blast, should the monster attack.
Wendel waits to see what happens.
The monster replies to Chelsie, "Slow death it is then!" and fires three tail spikes at Victor! The first two miss, while the third hits for 12 piercing damage.
Nutcracker and Carmen are ready, and fire at the monster. Nutcracker misses by a hair, but Carmen strikes true! After firing, it flies upward, and away a bit.

Initiative

Chelsie 18
Nutcracker 16
Victor 14
Carmen 8
Wendel 5
Gritt 22
Monster 21

The monster is 125 feet off the ground. It has taken 17 damage.

Carmen wasn't concerned for Victor, she knew he was a hardy soul. She expected the monster to retaliate by deliberately waiting for a time to attack. She readied herself for an impending flurry from the monster, hoping to have another excellent hit like her last.

HP: 22/22 | AC: 18 | Spd: 30ft. | Hexblade's Curse 1/1 (SR)| Divine Soul 1/1
Action: Eldritch Blast hits AC 21 for 6 damage (range 120') | Move:  N/A  | Bonus: N/A
19:12, Today: Carmen Diaz rolled 6 using 1d10+3.  Damage. – [roll=1618398766.51478.352983]
19:12, Today: Carmen Diaz rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  Eldritch Blast (readied). – [roll=1618398754.42365.352983]

I see what you're doing....exactly 1 square out of range of my blasts even if I were underneath. I shall not try to work on pythagoras theory tonight :)
This message was last edited by the player at 12:03, Wed 14 Apr 2021.

"Answer me! Did you kill others here two weeks ago?" the tiefling calls up at the thing, pulling the spine out from where it was embedded and tossing it aside. It is unclear if he thinks the monstrosity will answer or if he is merely trying to keep it's attention on him.

Stepping behind a nearby tree, Victor makes a gesture like tracing a circle in the air, "[Language unknown: Fota'teca]."

---

HP: 13/25 | THP: 0 | AC: 16 | Spd: 30ft. | Lay On Hands 15/15 | Divine Sense 4/4 | S1 1/3 | Sear 1/1 | Chan Div 0/1 | Resist Fire | Immune Disease |

Victor will move to F8 for some partial cover behind the tree then cast Bless on Carmen, Chelsie and Nutcracker.
Concentrating on: Bless

Seeing her tactic fail, the monster happy to attack from range, and her party dispersed, Chelsie lets her flaming sphere drop. She directs a wave of celestial energy towards her damaged companion, moves behind a tree for cover, and prepares to fire a blast of energy at their insistent enemy.

Action: Ready an eldritch blast for when the creature appears to be at their closest point (probably turning to go back up, or stopping), which will miss (even with bless, it hits AC 8 for 13 force damage).
Bonus Action: Use Healing Light to heal Victor for 8 HP.
Movement: Move to D5.

OOC: Another attack roll lower than the damage roll. I figure my range will be less obvious if I don't hit it the moment it's in range.
07:40, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 8 using 2d6.  Healing Light.
07:42, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 7,13 using 1d20+5,1d10+3.  Eldritch Blast attack, damage.
07:59, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 1 using 1d4.  Bless to attack roll.

This thing was going to be a problem. Very single-minded and very not wanting to answer Victor. As it took to the sky, Nutcracker moved up a bit closer behind another tree and took another shot, also with a bee escort, that managed to connect this time with the divine aid provided. This time, instead of their stingers, the bees were attempting to push the creature by ramming into it.

OOC: Move to I 04
Bow hits with Favored Foe for 10 Piercing Damage
Creature must make DC 10 STR Save or be moved towards Victor by 15 feet
Concentration on Favored Foe 2/10
15:32, Today: Nutcracker rolled 7,3 using 1d8+3,d4.  Bow & Favored Damage.
15:30, Today: Nutcracker rolled 4 using 1d4.  Bless.
13:21, Today: Nutcracker rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Bow vs Creature.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:37, Wed 14 Apr 2021.

Wendel grips his fist tight and gets ready to attack. Gritt for it's part pats wendel on the top of his head with it's free hand and makes a strange sound.


Ready action: Eldritch Blast AC 12 for 8 force damage and 2 Bludgeoning.
 Trigger: When it looks like it's about to attack again. (Effect hoping to achieve: push it 10ft with repelling Blast to throw off it's aim) (probably won't hit)

Gritt action: Resistance on Wendel. Adds a d4 on next save.

Chelsie heals Victor, readies a blast for when the monster gets close, and moves behind a tree.
Nutcracker fires a shot with his bow, striking the creature, while the bees in its wake try, but fail push the monster back.
Victor repeats his question, and Blesses some of his teammates, while moving behind a tree.
Carmen moves parallel to Victor, and readies a blast, should the monster attack.
Wendel readies to blast when the creature attacks.
The monster replies to Victor "Probably, fiend-spawn! I kill so many. None as ugly as you, though!" and moves forward. As it does, the three warlocks launch their blasts, but only Carmen hits. It fires three more tail spikes at Victor! The first hits for 5 piercing damage, the second hits the tree, and the third falls short! After firing, it flies upward, once more
Initiative

Chelsie 18
Nutcracker 16
Victor 14
Carmen 8
Wendel 5
Gritt 22
Monster 21

The monster is 125 feet off the ground. It has taken 33 damage.

"That's hurtful, coming from you! Have you seen yourself? Ugly and cowardly, no wonder you are all alone!"" the paladin calls out from where he is behind the tree, trying to gauge which angle the next volley will come from.

He plucks the spike from his flesh before again casting casting his blessing upon his allies "[Language unknown: Pluromev]."

---

HP: 16/25 | THP: 0 | AC: 16 | Spd: 30ft. | Lay On Hands 15/15 | Divine Sense 4/4 | S1 0/3 | Sear 1/1 | Chan Div 0/1 | Resist Fire | Immune Disease |
12:59, Today: Victor Iusticia rolled 8 using 1d20+1.  Concentration: Bless.
Action: Recast Bless on Carmen, Nutcracker and Chelsie
Concentrating on: New Bless

Carmen had timed things perfectly, so she relied on doing exactly the same thing again. She waited for the beast to descend, then launched another bolt at it.

HP: 22/22 | AC: 18 | Spd: 30ft. | Hexblade's Curse 1/1 (SR)| Divine Soul 1/1
Action: Eldritch Blast hits AC 17 for 5 damage | Move:  Stay  | Bonus: N/A
11:17, Today: Carmen Diaz rolled 3 using 1d4.  Bless on EB. – [roll=1618543035.02262.352983]
11:16, Today: Carmen Diaz rolled 5 using 1d10+3.  Damage. – [roll=1618543002.15925.352983]
11:16, Today: Carmen Diaz rolled 14 using 1d20+5.  Readied EB vs monster. – [roll=1618542964.77601.352983]

"Hey, no one talks to my friend like that! I'll end you!" Even Chelsie is surprised at the strength of her righteous fury. Hardly bothering to think, she flicks healing energy at Victor and aims her blast of energy towards the monster, while stepping into cover.

Action: Readied eldritch blast vs. the monster (as soon as it's in range), hits AC 25 for 12 force damage.
Bonus Action: Use Healing Light to heal Victor for 3 HP.
Movement: to D6 for cover from the tree.

OOC: That's more like it. Not a crit, a nat 19 plus a 1 from bless.
22:15, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 3 using 1d6.  Healing Light for Victor.
22:16, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 25,12 using 1d20+1d4+5,1d10+3 ((19,1;9)). Eldritch blast attack (with Bless), damage.

Victor is out there pretty much all alone and here wendel is missing with his blasts. Time to try it again because what else can he do?

Gritt for it's part, hangs out looking like it's just having a blast.

"Victor, nutcracker all of you. Get back in the cave. Make it fight on our terms not out here in the open!"

Action: Eldritch blast misses
This message was last edited by the player at 00:51, Sat 17 Apr 2021.

The creature insisted on being a royal pain in Victor's torso. And moving away from them all to make shooting it dead all the harder. If he wanted to be of use, Nutcracker was going to have to get closer. Once he was in what he believed to be cover, another arrow was loosed with the bees going stinger-first again.

OOC: Move from I 04 to H 08.
Bow Attack hits for 15 damage.
Favored Foe 3/10
19:38, Today: Nutcracker rolled 15 using 1d8+3+1d6+1d4.  Bow Damage + Bees + Favored Foe.
19:37, Today: Nutcracker rolled 3 using 1d4.  Bless.
19:37, Today: Nutcracker rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Bow vs Creature.

Chelsie stands up for Victor, healing him again, and readies to blast the creature again.
Nutcracker fires another shot with his bow, missing (bless was inactive, because Victor had lost his concentration!)
Victor taunts the monster back, and renews his bless spell.
Carmen readies another blast.
Wendel calls out for the others to join him in the cave, as he readies another blast.
Gritt enjoys the ride.
The monster sneers and to Victor "Listen to your little friend, fiend-spawn! Go hide in the cave!" and moves forward again. As it does, the three warlocks launch their blasts again. This time, all but Wendel hit. It continues launching tail spikes at Victor! The first hits for 9 piercing damage, the second once again hits the tree, and the third hits the snow near Chelsie! After firing, it flies upward, once more.

Initiative

Chelsie 18
Nutcracker 16
Victor 14
Carmen 8
Wendel 5
Gritt 22
Monster 21

The monster is 125 feet off the ground. It has taken 50 damage.

Carmen readied again to attack, but this time misses.

10:18, Today: Carmen Diaz rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  Attack Monster. – [roll=1618625910.51828.352983]

Chelsie groans as Victor is hit with yet another tail spike. "Enough!"

She presses forward to the next tree and carries forth her routine once more; a healing wave of golden light, and her staff pointed at the ready for another blast.

Action: Readied eldritch blast hits AC 12 13 for 9 force damage (assuming there won't be another bless).
Bonus Action: Healing Light to heal Victor for 4 HP.
Movement: to D10, for cover.

21:15, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 12,9 using 1d20+5,1d10+3.  Readied eldritch blast attack, damage.
21:15, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 4 using 1d6.  Healing Light for Victor.
Added: 17:28, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 1 using 1d4.  Bless.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:31, Sat 17 Apr 2021.

Once again waiting for the right moment Wendel speaks, clenches his fist ignoring the arthritic feeling of continually abusing his body with an energy that didn't want to course through him... Regardless he pushes the feeling aside and waits for the right moment.

Readied action: Eldritch Blast AC 22 for 6 force and 2 Bludgeoning. Right when it looks like the creature will attack. (Trying to push it 10ft back with Repelling Blast to throw off it's strike)

Wendel rolled 22,8 using D20+5,d10+2.  Eldritch Blast, damage w/genie's wrath.

This fight was getting repetitive with that creature's ability to fly up and out of the reach of the others. Victor likely wasn't going to be able to take much more of the getting shot thing by all the spines. Getting himself closer, Nutcracker took aim for what seemed like a soft spot and hoped it would fell this creature. This time his focus held and the bees spiraled around the arrow as it took to the creature's underside.

OOC: Move from H 08 to J 12
Bow shot hits AC 17
Damage: 17 - Arrow + Bees + Favored
Maintain concentration on Favored Foe 4/10

04:21, Today: Nutcracker rolled 11,2,4 using 1d8+3,1d6,1d4.  Bow Damage with Bees and Favored Foe.
04:20, Today: Nutcracker rolled 17 using 1d20+5.  Bow vs Creature.

This message was last edited by the player at 09:26, Sun 18 Apr 2021.

Tearing the next spike from his body, he lays his hand on the wounds and watches as the warm white light knits his flesh back together.

Instead of moving back towards the cave, seeing Nutcracker rush forward, Victor ducks around the spike peppered tree he had been trying to shield himself with and moves ahead to another, calling out, "You are a terrible aim, one in three? With performance issues like that no wonder you don't have a mate!"

While outwardly showing bravado and apparently completely unharmed due to Chelsie's administrations, Victor knows that he is getting tired. Still, he has faith in his companions.

---

HP: 25/25 | THP: 0 | AC: 16 | Spd: 30ft. | Lay On Hands 1/15 | Divine Sense 4/4 | S1 0/3 | Sear 1/1 | Chan Div 0/1 | Resist Fire | Immune Disease |

Action: Lay on Hands for 14 HP on self.
Move to G12
Concentrating on: Bless
07:37, Today: Victor Iusticia rolled 14 using 1d20+1.  Concentration: Bless.
It's gotta run out of spikes sometime right?
This message was last edited by the player at 22:34, Sat 17 Apr 2021.

Chelsie readies another blast, heals Victor some more and moves for cover
Nutcracker fires another shot with his bow, hitting, and his bees swarm the creature, stinging it viciously!
Victor heals himself, and continues to taunt the monster.
Carmen readies another blast.
Wendel grits his teeth against the pain, and readies another blast.
The creature says, "You creatures aren't worth it!" and flies away!

Congratulations! You each get 140xp!

After dashing 100 feet, it's 225 feet away. If Nutcracker gives chase, and fires each round, it would take 5 turns to get out of longbow range, so I'm just gonna call it here and grant full XP. If you gave chase, you finished it off, and the body landed in a tree nearby with a loud crash, scaring any wildlife away. You can rest safely. Otherwise, it gets away, uses its remaining tail spikes to hunt things that can't shoot back, and you can still rest safely.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 21:38, Sun 18 Apr 2021.

With the creature taking off, Nutcracker decided to give chase. Whatever this was it was dangerous to everything around. It was quite malicious and did not belong in an area where other people would come through. When at last it fell with a crash into a tree, the kenku went about removing it as to not be some grim frozen sculpture until the carrion eaters took care of it. Plus it might have some useful parts that might be salvageable; much like the owlbear.

OOC: Giving chase and checking for parts that can be harvested for use. Tigerskin-pattern leather, spikes, claws, etc. Anything.
Have handaxe to cut the body free if needed and dagger to cut.

Carmen had also given chase, but her own ranged attacks are too short to affect the monster. She does watch in satisfaction as "The Nuts' manages to get a half-decent shot on the creature though, and as it crashes into the ground she can't help but feel pleased that the threat to life is now over for so many creatures. Perhaps the area will flourish in its absence.

"Let's finish up, get cleaned up and return to our rest." she suggests.

Nutcracker, give me one survival check for hide, one for teeth, one for claws and one for tail spikes. Carmen can aid you so you get advantage on each.

OOC: Chop chop chop!
Mending can be used if something happens to the handaxe and a whetstone will restore the edge.

13:51, Today: Nutcracker rolled 24 using 2d20+4, keeping the highest dice only.  Survival - Harvest Spikes (ADV).
13:51, Today: Nutcracker rolled 24 using 2d20+4, keeping the highest dice only.  Survival - Harvest Claws (ADV).
13:51, Today: Nutcracker rolled 23 using 2d20+4, keeping the highest dice only.  Survival - Harvest Teeth (ADV).
13:50, Today: Nutcracker rolled 22 using 2d20+4, keeping the highest dice only.  Survival - Harvest Hide (ADV).

Carmen watches as the skilled hunter goes to town on the monster. He seems something of an expert at dissecting flesh, skin and bone from the beast.

"I wonder if these hunt in packs." she says, considering that they may not be best placed. "Let's finish up quickly and get into shelter for the night." she recommends as they get closer to stripping the hide away.

"Yes," agrees Chelsie, "we must rest well for tomorrow's search."

She takes some of the gathered firewood and sets up a small campfire at the edge of the cave, lighting it with a dash of magical energy from her staff.

Prestidigitation. Pretty sure we already agreed to keep a fire going for whoever's watch it is, and I seem to recall volunteering for the middle shift.

Once the camp is set up properly and the rest are ready to turn in, Victor takes up his sentry position at the mouth of the cave for the first watch, ready to peer into the frigid darkness for things that go bump in the night.

Nutcracker harvests, 15 tail spikes, worth 1gp each. 20 claws worth 2sp each, 80 teeth worth 5cp each, and a pelt worth 4gp.

Victor's watch has barely begun before he sees, coming out of the shadows, a pack of wolves. Some begin eating the owlbear corpse, while others snarl threateningly at him, though none approach.

Victor leaves the wolves to their meal then later wakes Wendel for his watch. He has the other man help him doff his armor then crawls into his tent to sleep.

*snoozes*

After all the excitement Wendel finds peace for a short while as he sleeps until woken by Victor for his watch. He helps the tiefling doff his armor and looks out at the remains of the owlbear that the wolves had taken advantage of. Shuddering slightly he takes up his watch with Gritt beside running around in near the entrance of the cave around the fire up to a tree and back all the while seemingly unbothered by the elements it called home. Though the others didn't see it, Wendel spent most of his watch time smiling at his tiny friend's antics. Most.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:31, Wed 21 Apr 2021.

You each get 30xp for Victor's decision to let the wolves eat in peace.

The wolves finish their meal, and leave. Victor wakes up Wendel for the next watch.

How many separate watches were you all doing?

OOC: Everyone had one 1 hour 40 minute watch each - Victor, Wendel, Chelsie, Nutcracker, Carmen - in that order.

After carving up the creature in an oddly bountiful harvest of parts, Nutcracker bundled the various parts into the skin and tied with his hempen rope securely. Because there was an abundance of sudden lumber, he chopped up what he could to be used for the fire and carried it to the cave before settling into his tent to sleep before his watch.

Wendel's watch passes in peace, as does Chelsie's. Nutcracker sees a winged shape high in the sky above, as it crosses over the moon. From this distance, it is too difficult to tell for sure, but it might have been a dragon. It disappears over the horizon to the north. Carmen's watches the sunrise through the broken trees to the east.

With no further action throughout the night, Carmen wakes the others when appropriate. She wonders if seeing the sunrise would be of interest to many, and decided that if they had had enough rest she would wake them to bear witness to the wonderful scene.

"Let's hope that we can find the trail of the missing hunting party today, and with all the luck in the world I hope they are still alive and safe."

The second to last watch was an awkward one, but this felt much more normal for the ranger than sleeping in that padded bed at the inn before his first mission. Carmen had decided that waking up a little early to see the sun come up was a good idea. Did she think it wouldn't come up unless it was watched? Strange person. "You look beautiful as ever today," came her own voice.

Packing up camp, Nutcracker saw to it that any leftover wood was properly stacked inside the cave for future use by anyone who sought shelter there. The wolves had taken care of the remains of the owlbear and likely what was left of the creature a short distance away. It would have been nice to have both of the pelts for possible use, but nothing was going to rot.

After filling himself with forage and securing his gear, Nutcracker consulted the map again, gained his bearings, and checked the weather with his bees.

OOC: Spells refreshed!
Druidcraft for the daily weather forecast.
Survival Check 19 to find the trail and the missing hunters.

01:06, Today: Nutcracker rolled 19 using 2d20+4, dropping the lowest dice only ((6,15)).
This message was last edited by the player at 09:19, Tue 27 Apr 2021.

Victor thanks Carmen when she wakes him, leaving his tent to go outside and watch the sun rise while he makes his daily prayers to Lathander.

Once this is done he breaks down his tent and packs his things away before eating some  breakfast and having one of the others help him don his heavy armor in preparation of moving out for the day's search.

OOC: Swapping out Thunderous Smite for Compelled Duel

Carmens eyes lit up as she heard Nutcracker repeat the phrase she had said in the tavern. “You remembered!” she exclaimed stepping over to the Kenku and giving him a great hug. “See boys, this is how you treat a girl nice.”  she said, looking towards Wendel and Victor.

She sits down and hugs her legs as she watches the sunrise. “Sure would be nice to hear some of your tales Nuts. Maybe one day?”  she suggests, taking out her pan flute. She plays a few bars.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:48, Thu 29 Apr 2021.

Nutcracker predicts another clear, cold day. As the group chat and play your music, he picks up the trail of the hunters. An hour quickly passes as you follow the tracks.

Nutcracker, please roll another survival check to continue tracking. You may all keep chatting and such, of course!

Aw, hugs are nice. But it didn't do much to keep the ranger from thinking the warlock was a little on the strange side. Must be something that happens with dealing with otherworldly beings. The irony of such a thought from one who frequently had associated with fey creatures was - indeed - totally lost on Nutcracker. Much like a bird, he could only cock his head to the side in contemplation. Thinking was hard; action was good.

Not having an instrument to play nor an easy way to share stories while tracking, Nuts settled on repeating some music from more mellow times in the woods, with the occasional break for breath. Satyrs liked to party, but they liked to relax as well. He really liked when they were around. Less rigid than the centaurs.


OOC: Forgot to hit the drop the lowest 1, but nat 20~

02:04, Today: Nutcracker rolled 31 using 2d20+4 ((20,7)).

Victor raises an eyebrow and smirks at Carmen's comment but otherwise doesn't respond, instead he nudges Wendel gently and casts his voice low, "There's your invitation, are you taking notes?"

---

Later, as the troope make their noise, Victor frowns as he considers the attention they are drawing to themselves but otherwise figures it best in case the hunters are nearby.

Letting Nutcracker take the lead and seeing Wendel and Carmen not far behind the kenku, Victor drops back a little to walk with Chelsie and protect the rear from anything that might be following after them.

"Thank you for last night by the way, that was some helpful healing magic you had there. I've not seen many within my order who can do that without needing to be up close. Are you classically trained at all?" he asks her.

Chelsie blushes a bit at the focus on her new skillset. "My training was as a librarian, a researcher. The magic and healing I channel is quite new to me, and not from training. In my research, I discovered this ancient order, empowered by an angel's blessing, that confronted dangers to make the world better. Once I parsed out the initiation pact, I decided to do it, and now I keep getting surprised by new powers that I suddenly understand when I need them. Like that fire sphere, that one's new."

She pauses there, almost bewildered by how quickly she's grown accustomed to the adventurer's life.

The melody that the nuts was mimicing sounded somewhat familiar to Carmen. She couldn't place it, but it was haunting. She did her best to add to it, but it was a difficult task and she often missed her timing.

She stopped, it was clearly a cacaphony for her to attempt it.

22:40, Today: Carmen Diaz rolled 9 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 6.  Performance check. – [roll=1619793648.04802.352983]

Sighing, she put away her flute and listened to the stories of Chelsie. She pondered her own situation, having traveled to Smith's Gambit chasing a mark, she had somehow found herself becoming integrated into the town as easily as that. Tracing the veins in her hands, the greenish blue tinge forked at the wrist and Carmen wondered to herself whether now was a fork in her life.

Could she conquer her fears and begin to trust people again? She hadn't let her guard down so far...

"An academic? It's pretty brave of you to leave that life behind for this one. I came out here because of some writings I found that are about an angel as well, perhaps a coincidence and perhaps not. In any case, if you are willing to confront dangers to make this world better I am very happy to have met you in this place."

He winces at Carmen's attempts at flautistry but otherwise carries on.

"I'd like to read through your notes sometime if you have them, what was this angel's name?"

"My parents were explorers, and as much as my aunt and uncle steered me away from it, I think the adventuring life was in my blood all along."

Chelsie's a bit surprised at Victor's interest in the angel, but happy to keep explaining. "Well, I didn't exactly bring everything over from the Great Library. 'Twould be a shame to lose old documents in the field. But the angel's name was Larazel, and the order's called the Wings of Larazel."

"So what did bring you out here, then," she asks Victor in turn, "what kind of angel writings?"

Having put her flute away for now, Carmen was overhearing the conversation between Victor and Chelsie. It was a trait she had picked up as a hunter of villains, to listen in on any information that might become useful at a later date. She pondered over the name Larazel and the details of the order that Chelsie had named.

All the while, she looked ahead with Nutcracker, wondering how the large bird creature made sense of all of the sounds that it heard. "You must have very good instincts." she said to the Kenku. "I have yet to figure out how you make sense of it all." she said, shaking her head. It was a talent that she would very much like to have.

Would the skilled tracker know how to interpret the different swear words correctly? She had heard a few in the tavern already. Could it only imitate the exact way the words had been spoken? She felt herself chuckling a little. Imagine if all it had ever heard were angry words, or words of desperation. The kenku must be extremely intelligent to put it all together, and she had to wonder if it would cut and assemble words from multiple speakers.

It wasn't doing her listening game any good thinking about all of this. She set her mind to eavesdropping again, trying to figure out why the name Larazel sounded so familiar to her....

22:16, Today: Carmen Diaz rolled 14 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 11.  Arcana check. – [roll=1619878580.78928.352983]

Victor nods at Chelsie's comments before replying to her questions, "One of my shieldbrothers and I found an old text deep in one of the long abandoned archives of our order. It outlined a series of events that occurred between our god Lathander and one of his most trusted solars. Along with her teachings, it described a series of principals and orders that Lathander gave this solar which had not been canonically taught within the core dogma of our religion."

He grimaces, sucking air through his teeth slightly before continuing, "While we both believed  that this new narrative radically changes things, I had a hard time convincing Adris to come with me to show the head of our order."

He sighs heavily, "Long story short, the two of us were declared heretics and expelled from the Khoprian order but before they could destroy the text I stole it and fled. I later found out that things went worse for Adris. While I was still a just a novitiate in training he was a full fledged knight. He was formally denounced as an Oathbreaker for helping me escape even though he had nothing to do with it."

The tiefling shrugs, "So I am here to build my strength and hopefully find others mighty enough to join her in the fight to end the need for devils to harvest mortal souls for their Blood War. I could prattle on for hours about it but really you only have to read the text to understand the importance of Saint Zariel's task."

He smiles toothily, his pointed canines clearly visible but not threatening, "This place has an abundance of potential powerful allies, many whose potency seems to grow with every passing week."

Chelsie listens intently, wracking her brains for any memory of these details in the Great Library.

Biscuits. I didn't want to roll a critical success for this one...
22:23, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Religion, for knowledge of Zariel.

Nutcracker follows the trail for another hour, noticing the forest getting increasingly quiet as you go further. All is silent as you reach a point where the hunters' tracks meet some very strange tracks (nature check to identify.) From there, the tracks stop, but there are drag-marks leading from there. There is, notably, almost no blood in the snow, but there is a fair amount of an unidentified, thick blue fluid, leading in the same way as the drag-marks (also nature check.)

Carmen was just full of questions that Nutcracker wasn't immediately prepared to answer. Not having a voice of his own was indeed a curse and his limited mental faculties were already taxed with tracking down the missing hunters. Not that he was stupid, just not as sharp as the arrows in his quiver. More like the fletched end: feathered and blunt.

Trying to find words to explain would have to wait for the moment as a change in the tracks had come up. It was a definite lead, but what was it leading to? Letting out a snowy owl's hoot to catch everyone's attention, Nutcracker pointed to the drags and the blue stuff. The lack of blood was both good and bad, but he wasn't sure which one outweighed the other.

OOC: No proficiency in Nature, just seeing if anything rings a bell in his empty head.
02:33, Today: Nutcracker rolled 12 using 1d20-1.  INT check Blue Fluid.
02:33, Today: Nutcracker rolled 16 using 1d20-1.  INT check tracks.

The tracks seemed to belong to about four large (as in, much bigger than you) arthropods, but Nutcracker couldn't tell what kind. With that in mind, the blue stuff kind of reminded him of bug guts. Whatever it was that leaked the goo, the hunters hurt it more than it hurt them... and it still lived to help drag them away

As he looked at the tracks, cocking his head this way and that to try to make better sense of them, Nutcracker made all manner of insect noises as though the sound might help spark a thought - crickets, swarming bees, cicada, all manner of insects - but nothing really brought anything new to mind.

He dipped a clawed finger into the blue stuff to see if it was still recent and made ready to follow the tracks.

OOC: Ready to make another Survival check, but not sure if the map will help out at this point, so didn't want to roll with advantage unless I have it.

The blue stuff doesn't seem recent.

OOC: The map won't help here.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:11, Sun 02 May 2021.

OOC: Tracking the tracks of the tracker trackers.
16:53, Today: Nutcracker rolled 19 using 1d20+4 ((15)).

Carmens questions went unanswered. She didn't mind, as it looked like the Nuts was doing his job as tracker and needed the brainspace to calculate the right direction to head in. Victor and Chelsie seemed to be hitting it off, both on the same page religiously in some sense. Wendel had been quiet though...he often thought about his sisters wellbeing, so perhaps Luna hadn't been feeling too well of late.

Keeping her thoughts to herself, Carmen followed as the Nuts pursued their quarry.

Even when Victor had tried to draw him out momentarily by making his comment about having a chance, Wendel had indeed stayed fairly quiet. Introspective even, whatever it was that was on his mind was enough to keep him withdrawn from any conversation. Once their resident tracker, Nutcracker, started doing his thing though Wendel cam out of his reverie at least enough to start casting glances around at their surroundings. So much had already passed by without his paying attention and now he worried if he ever got separated from the others he'd be lost for good out here. Lost and alone. Mostly alone.

But that hadn't happened yet. The others were here and doing what they had been sent out here to do. Track down the missing folks.

With Gritt climbing up onto his shoulder and helping point things out a little bit Wendel started watching for anything off that the others might not see.

Perception: 25

Wendel rolled 23 using 2d20+4, dropping the lowest dice only.  Perception (With help from gritt)

Wendel rolled 2 using 1d4.  Gritt guidance.

As Nutcracker followed the trail, Wendel looked around. After awhile, he noticed, on the forest floor ahead, a glint, that as you all got a bit closer (about 100 feet) he recognized as giant spider webs. Among them, he spots a large spider, partially hidden. Nutcracker knows, where there's one giant spider, there are usually more not far...

Carmen follows, keeping herself to herself. It seemed like they were onto something though, with Wendel and Nutcracker both looking into the forest at something. She readied herself for the inevitible battle. If she spied something that looked like it was approaching to attack, she would unleash one of her trademark blasts at it.

HP: 22/22 | AC: 18 | Spd: 30ft. | Hexblade's Curse 1/1 (SR)| Divine Soul 1/1
Spell Slots: | Sorcerer | 2/2 | Warlock 2/2 |
Action: Eldritch Blast hits AC 15 for 7 damage | Move:  N/A  | Bonus: N/A
21:36, Today: Carmen Diaz rolled 15,7 using 1d20+5,1d10+3 with rolls of 10,4.  Eldritch Blast attack and damage. – [roll=1620221766.51904.352983]
21:35, Today: Carmen Diaz rolled 20 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 18.  Initiative roll. – [roll=1620221754.07112.352983]

Chelsie brushes her concerns at the name of Zariel, unsure how to judge whether orthodox or heretical teachings are more true. As her companions note the spider webs, she follows Carmen's lead in preparing herself to launch a blast of sacred power, her blade at the ready.

*She moves forward, taking cover from a tree while anticipating a possible attack.

Initiative: 13
Action: Readied eldritch blast vs. any spider that approaches, hitting AC 14 for 6 force damage.
Object Interaction: Draw pact rapier.
Movement: to B34.
09:20, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 13 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.
09:22, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 14,6 using 1d20+5,1d10+3.  Eldritch blast attack, damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:39, Thu 06 May 2021.

Spider. Spiders. Where there was one, there was another. Halting the party with a gesture and pointing to the one in their path, Nutcracker looked overhead to see if there were any waiting to ambush them as they struck at the one who was likely acting as bait. Smart predators worked as a team. Like the group did.

Preparing his bow, he loosed a shot at a spider and saw it go wide.


OOC: Initiative: 21
Perception to see if any spiders above us: 19
No concentration right now.

11:37, Today: Nutcracker rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  Perception.
11:25, Today: Nutcracker rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:33, Wed 05 May 2021.

Noting Nutcracker's gesture, Victor stops talking and focuses his attention on the surroundings.

He moves into position between the party and the threat, aiming to at the very least be a barrier to any charge.

OOC: Looking for additional threats.
06:55, Today: Victor Iusticia rolled 20 using 1d20.  Initiative.
06:55, Today: Victor Iusticia rolled 6 using 1d20 {passive is 10 for what it's worth}
Victor will move to E32
This message was last edited by the player at 22:38, Wed 05 May 2021.

Wendel was sure glad to be surrounded by such competent individuals. How quick they all responded after he and Nutcracker noticed the spider. With Nutcracker's gesture to halt, the half elf did just that, Gritt nearly falling off his shoulder as he did so. He did not wince or let out a sharp little yelp when the tiny little rocky creature grabbed his hair to keep it's balance...

Instead, full of composure, he raised his fists ready to send a punch of stoney energy at the spider when everybody else began acting. Realizing it was further away than he originally thought Wendel moves again up to some cover and gets ready to release his energy on anything that shows itself and isn't beyond the range of his energies.

Wendel Initiative: 18
 Move: F35
 Action: Ready Eldritch Blast any foes that comes to close to any allies: AC 21 for 8 force and 2 bludgeoning. On hit, push enemy 10 ft away with repelling blast invocation.

Wendel rolled 21,10 using D20+5,d10+2.  Eldritch Blast, damage w/genie's wrath.

Gritt Initiative: 6
 Action: Cast Resistance on Wendel

Wendel rolled 18,6 using D20+3,d20+5.  Initiative, Gritt Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:26, Wed 05 May 2021.

The spider, noticing the party has spotted it, retreats further into the webbing.
Nutcracker, realizes these trees wouldn't be a good place for a spider that size to hide, but checks for smaller ones anyway. Glancing on the forest floor, he sees no sign of any other spiders, but confirms that what appeared to be thick snow covering the underbrush is indeed, webbing, several feet deep. Enough for a large spider to hide in, if it wished.
Victor, moved ahead and looked for any other threats, but he could barely even see the spider that had been pointed out to him!
Wendel, moved up behind a tree and prepared to blast any foes that come too close to allies.
Carmen, the same.
Chelsie draws a rapier and readies to blast any spider that approaches.
Grit casts a defensive spell on Wendel

Sorry folks, I should have posted a map sooner. Everyone can edit their actions, and I'll edit this post when done. Please post in the OOC thread for the quest when you're ready.

Initiative:
Spider 23
Nutcracker 21
Victor 20
Carmen and Wendel 18
Chelsie 13
Gritt 6



Dark squares are webbed: Diffiult terrain. Once per turn when starting in or entering a webbed square, make a DC 12 Dex save or you are restrained. A creature restrained by the webs can use its action to make a Strength check against DC 12. If it succeeds, it is no longer restrained.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:27, Fri 07 May 2021.

Carmen heads further forward than Victor, trying to get into position and also to put herself in harms way before the others such as Wendel. Her scale armour provides a great measure of protection against poisonous fangs.

"If these are what caused the hunters downfall, we should be wary about lighting their webs on fire. The hunters may still be alive, but parcelled up for later." she suggests.

Double move to D26

Chelsie continues to move forward, visually scanning the webbing for bumps and shadows in the hopes of identifying any other spiders or, as Carmen suggested, victims.

Action: Search action. Perception 3 (natural 1). Wasted search action, but search action nonetheless.
Movement: From B34 (after edited post) to C28, behind another tree.
21:43, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 3 using 1d20+2.  Perception.

The thick blanket of webbing on the ground was disturbing to the kenku - and his bees. Though of course they were intangible; until they weren't. But the missing hunters could be under there as Carmen suggested. Likely more spiders under there as well. There had to be some way to safely flush any of them out without risking harm to anyone in there - provided there were any there and not deeper in.

Getting a better vantage point would be best, so repositioning took priority as Nutcracker moved to look for a clearer shot.

OOC: Move + Dash to J 35

Victor rushes further forward, staying abreast with Carmen before splitting to take up position on the other side of a tree from the red-headed woman.

Knowing the creature to be well past the range of his magic he decides to goad it instead, "Oi, hairy legs! Dinner's over here, come and get me!"

---

HP: 25/25 | THP: 0 | AC: 16 | Spd: 30ft. | Lay On Hands 15/15 | Divine Sense 4/4 | S1 3/3 | Sear 1/1 | Chan Div 1/1 | Resist Fire | Immune Disease |
Move: forward 30 ft to F26
Action: DODGE
Free action: look delicious

Wendel cautiously made his way up to the next tree. It should put him just close enough to blast the spider since it hasn't seemed to move for a few seconds. Why would it do that? Did it know something they didn't know? The little half elf didn't like this one bit. Gritt started looking around from it's vantage point on Wendel's shoulder. Supposedly looking out for threats the rocky little fella seemed pretty distracted with all the webs.

Wendel
 Move: I30
 Action: Eldritch Blast spider, AC 17 for 2 force and 2 Bludgeoning damage. (Grasp of Hadar to pull the thing 10 ft closer to us.)

Wendel rolled 17,4 using D20+5,d10+2.  Eldritch Blast, damage w/genie's wrath.

Gritt
 Action: Perception 8 (nat 1...)

Wendel rolled 8 using 1d20+7.  Gritt perception.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:05, Sat 08 May 2021.

I never realised I was as close as I was. I can actually do my initial action of moving forward and using eldritch blast

Nutcracker runs forward (no dash necessary. Do you wish to move farther, or ready an attack?)
Victor runs forward and taunt's the spider, prepared to dodge any attack.
Wendel moves further. He fires a leash of Eldritch energy, that squeezes and pulls the spider closer! At the same time, Carmen moves ahead and blasts the beast.
Chelsie moves ahead and looks around, but notices nothing new.
Gritt takes a look around, too. He admires the play of sunlight on spiderwebs.
The spider  moves away and Dodges.


Initiative:
Nutcracker 21
Victor 20
Carmen and Wendel 18
Chelsie 13
Gritt 6
Spider 23

Spider has taken 11 damage.


Dark squares are webbed: Diffiult terrain. Once per turn when starting in or entering a webbed square, make a DC 12 Dex save or you are restrained. A creature restrained by the webs can use its action to make a Strength check against DC 12. If it succeeds, it is no longer restrained.

Making a small move forward, Carmen gets a better vantage point at which to direct her fire. She unleashes another shot, hitting unerringly for a second time.

HP: 22/22 | AC: 18 | Spd: 30ft. | Hexblade's Curse 1/1 (SR)| Divine Soul 1/1
Spell Slots: | Sorcerer | 2/2 | Warlock 2/2 |
Action: Eldritch Blast hits AC 17 for 6 force damage | Move:  Move to F23  | Bonus: N/A
08:08, Today: Carmen Diaz rolled 24,6 using 1d20+5,1d10+3 with rolls of 19,3.  Eldritch Blast attack and damage. – [roll=1620691724.0463.352983]
11:38, Today: Carmen Diaz rolled 17 using 1d20+5.  Attack (disadvantage roll). – [roll=1620704338.90661.352983]
This message was last edited by the player at 03:39, Tue 11 May 2021.

Chelsie moves forward again, unleashing a blast from her staff which fails to hit its intended target, before ducking behind another tree right next to Carmen. "There's so much webbing there! If the hunters are trapped in there, I don't know where to start."

Action: Cast eldritch blast at the spider, 8 to hit.
Movement: To E23

OOC: Once again, higher damage roll than attack roll, alas.
20:09, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 8,13 using 1d20+5,1d10+3.  Eldritch blast attack, damage.

Having what looked to be a clear shot, Nutcracker took it with a bee escort as though they would help guide the arrow through the trees.

With everyone moving forward towards the web line, Nutcracker moved up as well, trying to keep an eye out for any signs of more spiders hiding under the webbing in ambush.


OOC: Last round's Bow attack AC 15
Damage 10 with Bees
20:30, Today: Nutcracker rolled 15 using 1d20+5
20:31, Today: Nutcracker rolled 10 using 1d8+3+1d6

This round: Move to J 29
Wisdom (Perception) search for spiders in ambush = 21
20:37, Today: Nutcracker rolled 21 using 1d20+2 ((19))

Seeing as the spider was just sort of dancing around back there and not going on the offensive, something on the nape of Wendel's neck tickled. Maybe it was Gritt moving around and finding new perches or maybe it was something else causing him to worry that they might be walking into an attack. Whatever it was there was an easy, well not so easy target back in those webs and letting it get away seemed like a bad idea...

Wendel moved up to the next tree, clenched his fist, ignoring the all to familiar feeling of pain as he forced the genies power through his rocky air punch again speaking the terran incantation to try to slam the spider and pull it this way again. Another thought sent to his tiny friend had Gritt refocusing, trying so hard not to be distracted by this wonderful wonderful strangeness that was the webbing.

Wendel
 Move: I25 (Before attack)
 Action: Eldritch Blast Spider AC 18/11(disadv) for 3 force and 2 bludgeoning damage (Grasp of Hadar invocation to pull it 10ft closer on hit)
 Move: H26 (After attack)

Wendel rolled 18,5,11 using 1d20+5,d10+2,d20+5.  Eldritch Blast, Damage+Genie's Wrath, (Disadvantage roll)

Gritt
 Action: Perception

Wendel rolled 11 using 1d20+7.  Gritt Perception.

Victor continues to move forward up to the edge of the webbing, hesitant to move any farther.

"Come on you eight-legged freak, I'm right here!" he bellows.

OOC: Move to D21 and take the DODGE action.

Nutcracker runs some more, and looks around for more hidden spiders. He finds none.
Victor once again runs forward and taunt's the spider, prepared to dodge any attack.
Wendel moves fires another leash, which the spider dodges, and continues moving. Carmen moves and fires at the same time, confounding the spider's attempt to dodge.
The Spider falls! Congrats, you each receive 40 XP!

"Is it dead?" Chelsie looks into the webs again, taking a few steps to get closer.

She calls out, "Is anyone in there?!" She hasn't seen anything, but at this point she's just trying to decide if they should go digging through the webs in search of the missing hunters.

Perception 22.
OOC: I rolled that check just to make a more complete post, with no expectation of a decent result. Of course.
14:52, Today: Chelsie Primrose rolled 22 using 1d20+2.  Perception.

Victor prods the webbing with the butt of his glaive to test it's stickiness.

"The spider is down, and I don't see anyone. If we're going to try going through this I think it'll take a while."

Confident that there were no more spiders in hiding when the one finally fell, Nutcracker put his bow away and approached the edge of the webs. Chelsie was calling out if there was anyone below the webs while Victor was poking at them with a stick. Was fire still out? Probably not a good idea. Crouching down, he looked for any possible sign of anything beneath the webs - be it bodies or even something resembling a way through.

The webbing can also be attacked and destroyed (AC 10; hp 5; vulnerability to fire damage; immunity to bludgeoning, poison, and psychic damage).

"Until we are sure about where our hunters went to, I'm really not sure that sending flames ripping through these webs is a good idea. They may be already dead, but if they are barely alive I don't want to risk sending them to an early grave." suggests Carmen. "Do you sense their trail anywhere Nutcracker?"

The butt of Victor's glaive sticks to the web. He will need a DC 12 Str Check to rip it free (with advantage, because its only the end of the glaive.)

As he struggles, an incredibly well hidden spider revealed itself, firing sticky strands of webbing from its abdomen at Nutcracker! Nutcracker is restrained by webbing. As an action, he can make a DC 12 Strength check, bursting the webbing on a success. The webbing can also be attacked and destroyed (AC 10; hp 5; vulnerability to fire damage; immunity to bludgeoning, poison, and psychic damage).

New initiative! If you beat an 18, post your first round actions!


Dark squares are webbed: Difficult terrain. Once per turn when starting in or entering a webbed square, make a DC 12 Dex save or you are restrained. A creature restrained by the webs can use its action to make a Strength check against DC 12. If it succeeds, it is no longer restrained.

Initiative 17
09:57, Today: Carmen Diaz rolled 17 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 15.  Initiative roll. – [roll=1620957470.50472.352983]

With the new spider making it's presence known, Wendel hesitated for the briefest of moments. Gritt however, lacked any hesitation. Leaping from Wendel's shoulder to the tree and down to the ground in one quick almost adorably acrobatic move he toddled over to the next tree near to where Nutcracker had just been caught. For just a moment it looked like he was going to reach out and grab the sticky stuff he appeared to be fascinated with but at the last moment his tiny appendage diverted to a point on the Kenku that was not covered.

Gritt Initiative: 24
 Movement: H22
 Action: Guidance on Nutcracker. Add a d4 to an ability check of your choice in the next minute. (Maybe bursting the webs? ;) )

Wendel Initiative: 12

Wendel rolled 12,24 using D20+3,d20+5.  Initiative, Gritt Initiative.

OOC: 22:26, Today: Victor Iusticia rolled 11 using 1d20.  Initiative.

Just to clarify for next turn, will it take Victor's action to attempt a strength check to free his glaive from the webbing?

12:21, Fri 14 May: Nutcracker rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.
11:54, Fri 14 May: Chelsie Primrose rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

Grit casts a spell of guidance on Nutckracker (Yes, it applies to breaking the webs, its a check, not a save)
The Spider moves up, fires a web at Carmen, but it misses, and retreats.
Yes, Victor, pulling the glaive free is an action.

Initiative!
Carmen 17
Wendel 12
Victor 11
Chelsie 10
Nutcracker 10
Gritt 24
Enemy 18



Dark squares are webbed: Difficult terrain. Once per turn when starting in or entering a webbed square, make a DC 12 Dex save or you are restrained. A creature restrained by the webs can use its action to make a Strength check against DC 12. If it succeeds, it is no longer restrained.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:22, Mon 17 May 2021.