Heading south following the main trade route from the Keep about an hour down the road the Whitcher steps off into the forest, this area during the dry season is wet and swampy, but nowhere near are thick as it would get during the Spring.

The branches hang down like arms reaching to grab you, the sound of birds, and animals slowly die away replaced only by your own breathing and the sounds of footfalls. Each step further the growth of the forest takes away the light as if the whole forest is sick and sapping the very life from all living things. Bugs, spiders, and insects of unnatural size crawl on the trees and across the ground. A thin fog obscures the forest floor, slowing even the most seasoned woodsmen. After walking for another hour through the trees and grasping branches. The air begins to change.

OOC
I need a WIS save from everyone and a Perception check. BTW the Whitcher is with you, but he will not be much help, he hasn't had a Long rest for two nights. Which is why he needs you all to help.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 1):

OOC Well, just rolled perception so I'll use that one.


19:23, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  Fenrick Perception.


19:39, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Fenrick Wisdom save.

OOC Hopefully I roll some of those 20's when it comes to battle.

19:41, Today: Gryphon rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  perception.

19:41, Today: Gryphon rolled 5 using 1d20+3.  wisdom save.

<OOC: Sora rolled 17 using 1d20+3.  Perception check.

Sora rolled 9 using 1d20+1.  wisdom save.>

 

Morwinyon moved through the strangely dying forest. Like any being full of life he found it disturbing. But he moved with careful steps. After walking for a while, his companions were bound to notice that his distinctive cloak seemed to aid him here and there, adjusting his direction with a nudge that clearly did not originate with him, or with a wrap around a branch to slightly change his footing.

OOC The dice roller was kind to me


21:17, Today: Morwinyon rolled 19 using 1d20+4.  Save, Wisdom.

21:16, Today: Morwinyon rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  Perception Roll.

Anders spoke up but quietly as they traveled, "Of course, our mysterious ally likely knows all this already, but I know but a few things of hags in general." He spoke calmly and matter-of-factly. "They are powerful fiends of pure evils, their very existence created from the evilest acts. Born of envy, jealousy, lust, and hatred, the Night Hag is one of the strongest of the Hag varieties. A lone Hag has power...but a coven? They are immensely strong." Slight pause. "I believe they are weakened by silver, but resist most other damage and spells."

He took note of the strangeness of the forest, how it didn't look as it should. He wondered if that was the influence of the hags, or their corrupting presence.

18:35, Today: Anders Greyven rolled 12,18 using d20+2,d20+2 with rolls of 10,16.  Wisdom Save, Perception check.

Alekos Eclipse rolled 14,21 using D20+3,d20+1. Perception, Wisdom Save

Very long few days of work, will make fuller post tomorrow.

Sora walked silently and timidly in the forest, looking around with the look of a lost child. She took comfort in tbenothers, walking behind Alekos and in front of Anders. She took comfort in the words of Anders, more for their presence as she knew most of what he said.

A sound caught her attention and she turned....her look of timidness turned to one of horror as a shadowy shape loomed up towards her.

The woman held her hand out, eyes wide as she muttered under her breath. Three red glowing spheres appeared in front of her hand and shot away as three orange/red scorching rays of energy.

<OOC: Attacks with scortching ray

Sora rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  attack - scorching ray 1
Sora rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  attack - scorching ray 2
Sora rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  attack - scorching ray 3

Sora rolled 13 using 2d8.  Damage - scortching ray>

This message was last edited by the player at 05:05, Thu 27 Aug 2020.

As Fenrick walked with the group, in the back protecting the rear, he noticed something in the trees, human like, maybe?

However, just as quick as he saw it, it disappeared and did not see it again.

"There's something in the trees, that way" Fenrick told the others, pointing towards the tree he lost the figure behind.

Fenrck was unsheathing(OOC is that a word) his sword as the young female unleashed her magic.  He looked over to see what was going on, having not seen anything else.

Gryphon quickly picks himself off the ground from where he was slammed. "Something with these trees, seen some faces on them."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:34, Thu 27 Aug 2020.

"oh crap." Anders slowed and then stopped, looking forwards and upwards with wide eyes as if something were rising up before him. He then said, "Run!" before starting to turn around to run. He didn't make it in time.

"Ugh!" He fell backwards and tumbled a bit, thrashing about as if he were fighting against something physical. And also looked like he was having trouble breathing as well. "Gruggalug!" He made some incoherent noises as he was sent tumbling some more.

"I am in agreement with you Fenrick" He'd seen someone too. There was a decision to be made here. Not correct or incorrect, simply the best method for aiding friends.

If they were merely seeing things, as they declared, like these faces on trees, that would be one thing. But it honestly seemed as if one of them was going to end up strangling himself without some help.

"If there were others about, now would be the prime moment to strike at us."

He moved to aid the thrashing Anders. With a word Morwinyon brought light to his hand and reached towards the face of the man on the ground. "Be at peace and feel the presence of the light. Pay attention to it and not whatever bedevils your mind at the moment."

OOC: Since Anders seems to be the one in the most trouble I'm just trying to help him find a way out of this. Perhaps consider this a kind of a Help action

OOC:

Sora, Anders, and Gyphon, give me another WIS Save, DC 14, Anders with Advantage because of the Help.

Sora, if you fail the roll you continue to see the creature and take 12 Psychic damage.

Anders, if you fail the waves continue to crash into you taking 12 Psychic damage also.

Gyphon, if you fail the trees continue to attack you also take 12 psychic damage.

***

Fenrick and Morwinyon you hear a woman cackle from the forest it is coming from the same direction you saw the creature, and then close behind it you hear a cackle from the other direction but don't see anything.

Alekos, you don't see what is happening to your companions, but you feel the magic in all the air, what is happening is affecting their minds.


This message was last edited by the GM at 23:27, Thu 27 Aug 2020.

As if from far away, Anders heard the words of Morwinyon, a recent and only somewhat familiar companion. But he tried desperately to heed them as his lungs BURNED for air, his jaw visibly clamped shut and being held that way through force of will.

...and then it was all gone, just as suddenly as it had arrived.

Anders lay on the ground, gasping in great gulps of air, ragged and shaking as if he'd been drowning, intermittently coughing as well.

OOC: 2 less if a Check and not a Save, but still makes it.
17:13, Today: Anders Greyven rolled 19 using 2d20+2, dropping the lowest dice only.  Wisdom Save.

Fenrick wasn't sure what was going on, but he had to do something.

He started running in the direction of the cackle that was in the direction he had seen the human like figure, sword drawn and ready.

As he took off, he yelled to Morwinyon "Stay here and help them!"

Gryphon appears to be battered about still by the trees or what he believes are trees.

Possible edit of post after input from DM

Well he hadn't planned on revealing that his sticky fingers had somehow got a hold of that rod he had thought was so interesting, but now seemed to be the moment to use it. With a few companions freaking out about invisible and unlikely enemies and Fenrick running off to confront whatever it was that was accosting their minds, Alekos did the only thing he could think of in the moment. Use the rod.

Pulling it seemingly from thin air, much like his earlier "magic" tricks. Unlike those though this green gemmed rod had real power. He slammed it into the ground aiming to invoke it's aura of protection Anders, or was it Sora, had explained it capable of. Bright light burst outward from it lighting their area and bathing those in its light with a greenish hue.

As he did this he called out after Fenrick. "Careful Fen, we don't want to be split up!"

The rod’s head sheds bright light in a 60-foot radius and dim light for an additional 60 feet. While in that bright light, you and any creature that is friendly to you gain a +1 bonus to AC and saving throws and can sense the location of any invisible hostile creature that is also in the bright light.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:21, Fri 28 Aug 2020.

Sora breathed heavily after the attack of her scorching ray's, one of her more potent spells. Of the three rays, one missed, while the other two went right through the shadow form of the troll that advanced on the young woman.

As the shadow dissipated like mist, she stood there, her outstretched hand still trembling a little. A lone tear welled in her left eye as she closed them tight, then opened them again.

The apparition was gone.

She dropped her arm as Fenrick took off and she heard the laughter from the forest. Again her eyes closed for a moment, then opened....but the scared woman was gone, and standing there was a young woman with determination and anger in her eyes, like a fire within stoked by the mental attack.

He looked as Fenrick fled and was torn.  The man was kind to her, and she wanted to help him, but knew that to split the group was not wise....but knew that if Fen went on his own he would be equally in danger.

She looked at Alekos. "He goes by himself and he will be ambushed by them....their mental spells are potent."

She turned and called out. "FEN...STOP!" She looked at Gryphon and Anders, then Morrowind. "Guard them."

She then went to catch up with Fenrick and placed a hand on his shoulder. "We go, but stay in sight of the others, and you stay in sight of me."

She follows the warrior two steps behind, making sure to stay in sight of the others.

Stay. Guard. People he barely knew were delivering pronouncements as if they had the right by higher power to do so. Perhaps they were.

"When admonisments attack like gales, thence thou shalt know thy place is proper" Morwinyon muttered a familiar to him passage. It chilled his reaction to these folk who were trying to do the right thing in the moment.

As Gryphon continued to flail against imagined foes, Morwinyon dodged his way in close to arrest the man's attention. His gloved hand still held a pleasant glow, added to by the newly arrived aura around them all. "There are real opponents here who need your attentions and your friends fly off to fend them without you. Gather yourself that you might aid them as they deserve."

OOC: Continuing to try to help get friends out of it, he seems to be one of the last ones still in it
This message was last edited by the player at 23:14, Fri 28 Aug 2020.

The Witcher blackouts, his body falls to the ground, his sword halfway unsheathed. As Fenrick launches into the dark after the foe a well-timed light falls around him eliminating his path, all the fog in the area disappears as the light banishes it from the area. Gryphon, looking at the light and the area getting put under protection woke from his mind-affecting nightmare. In a Triangle around you all at the edge of the dim light, three feminine figures stand watching you. One begins to speak, "You dare enter our forest." The other, "Those that are lost are forgotten." The third, "Those that wander alone will not be remembered." Each sentence switches between all three of them like one brain with three voices, "But, those that have courage." "A gift can be given." "To those that follow a path." "A road can be found." "Promises can be forgotten." "New Deals can be made." "To those with power." "Understanding can be received."

Four new humanoids appear on the edge of the dim light. A bold human, a taller than a normal dwarf, a female orc with dark black braided hair, and a man with a longbow over his shoulder. Yes, the four from the Keep.

"Those that came before." "A bargain was made." "To the victor." "The reward."

ROLL INITIATIVE!
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:59, Fri 28 Aug 2020.

Alekos Eclipse rolled 16 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Intiative (w/adv from Rod of Alertness).

20:19, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 8 using 1d20+2.  Fenrick intiiative.

(OOC Roll seems appropriate.  Not sure about the rest of you but I'm confused)

Asked to defend Morwinyon is slow to react.   The singsong nature of the witches makes him pause too as if a fight could be avoided

7 for init
This message was last edited by the player at 14:03, Sat 29 Aug 2020.

Gryphon quickly comes to his senses with the light and the  true threat of violence.

I would like to get some info are these 4 new bodies a threat as they appear and what can I see of armor to base my attacks off which ones to possibly attack for  AC.  After all Gryphon is the combat God of this party once again have a Crit for intiative  so  will be raining death upon  my enemies.

22:36, Today: Gryphon rolled 20 using 2d20+4, dropping the lowest dice only.  Wisdom.

22:35, Today: Gryphon rolled 27 using 2d20+7, dropping the lowest dice only.  initiative.

Anders blinked slowly as he stood up. The light helped. The fog was gone, both from his mind and around him in the world. But those hags and the four...other adventurers?...seemed dangerous.

23:16, Today: Anders Greyven rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

Sora stopped in her tracks as the fog lifted, hearing the Hag's speak,  she quickly took it all in, absorbing it. When the four others appeared, she narrowed her eyes. Having to fight the hags would be hard enough, these would make it near impossible.

<OOC: Sora rolled 5 using 1d20+2.  iniative.>

Gryphon quickly takes charge of the start of combat, taking 3 shots from his crossbow at the enemies while still moving 40' away from them. Wanting to keep his distance and also make it out of the light affect that the Rod was providing.Knowing it will be at least one more round before he is in darkness again.

His first two bolts were directed at the Bowman, the third was at the dwarven fighter. The bolt at the dwarf missed completely while the ones at the bowman were much more accurate.

21:02, Today: Gryphon rolled 9 using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 5,6.  Gloom Attack on Dwarf.sharp.

21:01, Today: Gryphon rolled 6 using 1d6 with rolls of 6.  SA damage.

20:47, Today: Gryphon rolled 21 using 1d6+19 with rolls of 2.  Damage.

20:47, Today: Gryphon rolled 17 using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 14,7.  BA attack with sharp, Archer if up then dwarf.

20:45, Today: Gryphon rolled 24 using 1d6+19 with rolls of 5.  Damage.

20:45, Today: Gryphon rolled 16 using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 9,13.  PA sharpshooter  on archer.

The  shot at the dwarf missed completely.
The bowman should be struck for 51 points of damage

Due to the amazing speed of Gryphon two bolts strike the Human archer, the body falls to its knees and the clothes, weapons, and skin all fall off revealing a skinless, featureless creature as it lays down dead. The other three let our screams. The hags, take a step backward disappearing from view.

OOC:
YES, Gryphon blew out my surprise. I thought we would get one round before you all learned the truth. lol.

To the old players, this instruction will be familiar, to the new players; We do our best to make each round 24hrs. Feel free to take your action out of turn, make a fun description for us all. I post the HP and AC of the enemies, on purpose so everyone knows when they post what happens. Once, I see that everyone posts, I make a summary of the round with the enemy's actions and your actions in order. Of course, there are cases where things need to change, like a monster going invisible that you shot at, I will do my best to change your characters attack to the best possible alternate. If needed I will PM you for the change. This way of doing combat has worked really well with this group so far and has really kept combat fast, fluid, and fun. Look at past threads for examples of how all this worked.

Iniative Order
Gryphon
Adventurer (Orc)
Adventurer (Archer)
Alekos
Anders
Night Hag (Red)
Adventurer (Human)
Adventurer (Dwarf)
Fenrick
Morwinyon
Sora
Night Hag (Orange)
Night Had (Blue)

Status
Adventurer (Archer) - DEAD
Adventurer (Human) - HP 47/47 AC 14
Adventurer (Orc) - HP 44/44 AC 14
Adventurer (Dwarf) - HP 60/60 AC 14
Night Hag (Orange) - HP 115/115 AC 17
Night Hag (Red) - HP 120/120 AC 17
Night Hag (Blue) - HP 122/122 AC 17
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:21, Sun 30 Aug 2020.

"Ugh, mind games...", Fenrick thought to himself.  Being a military man, these types of games were without honor.  Give him a straight up battle between foes, and let it come down to experience, tactics, and execution.  Toying with one's mind like this seemed like using dirty tricks.

However, he was no longer in the military, so he resigned himself to accepting he was going ot have to get used to it.  Plus there were more pressing concerns.

Fenrick decided that based on what he had seen and heard earlier in the tavern, the "Dwarf" was most likely to be the foe that needed to get up close and personal to do its damage, so he set that as his primary target.

OOC So if someone comes up to me where I am, I will attack them.  If no one comes to me but is in the bright light or I can attack them while staying in the bright light, I will move then attack them, starting with Dwarf, then Orc, then Human (as long as I don't incur an AOO). If none of them come forward, I will move into a position between the three "adventurers" and the group centered around the rod and choose the dodge option.


(OOC Sorry for the complicated action, it's hard to tell where everyone is going to be since they all move before i do, plus the rod adds another variable.  I hope it made sense.)


15:06, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 22 using 1d20+8.  Fenrick attack roll.


15:08, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 9 using 1d8+8.  Fenrick damage.

OOC At least I hit I guess
This message was last edited by the player at 19:12, Sun 30 Aug 2020.

In the span of time it took Alekos to realize that the rod had actually worked Gryphon was already out of his gaze and attacking one the four adventurers that seemed to be coming for them under the command of the hags.

They were still to far to do anything right away with his limited arsenal. He wasn't a fighter after all but he knew a thing or two about weak points if they came close enough. For now he needed to arm himself. Alekos looked at the fallen Witcher and the swords on his belt. If any of the weapons they had near them would be effective against the most does it was his. Letting go of the rod the half elf reached down to grab on of the swords while summoning his invisible spectral hand to quickly snatch the other. With a shortsword of unknown power in one hand and the other floating up to him, Alekos stood over the Witcher with weapons raised ready for whatever might come his way. "What sort of creature is that? You felled it and it changed."

Movement to the fallen Witcher and stand over him.
Free object interaction to grab one of the magical shortswords
Action to summon invisible Mage Hand
Bonus Action to control invisible Mage Hand and retrieve other magical shortsword from Witcher's person. (I won't sort about sleight of hand check seeing as the dudes unconscious)

They're 120ft away so unless they're real fast I don't think any of them will be on me this turn right?

These things always happened quickly. A walk through a threatening woods delivered on the threat. The hags put in an appearance, aided by some kind of foul minions. One of them went down in a heap already.

Pathways and choices. Dashing out into the midst of unknown foes would not allow him to continue protecting those here in the light. To be sure, he could get into them, be upon them, but to what end?

He opted for patience. There would be a time for less of that. It could be in just a moment. Instead, he found himself waiting.

OOC:

So here's the plan. If the Bad Guys never come within about 30 feet of us, I'm going to simply take the Dodge action and see what happens.

If they get within 30 feet, then I'm going to fling light darts at a likely target. I'll try to pile damage on, so if I can easily shoot the one Fen attacked, that will be the target.

I'll spend 1 ki point to make attacks so I get 3 attacks this round.
All 3 attacks hit.
Total of 17 damage, radiant

Planned 'reaction': If someone shoots something at me, use Deflect Missiles. If someone is close enough to Hand to Hand attack me, use Cloak to Block. (Block Roll 13, so that'll fail)

16:31, Today: Morwinyon rolled 18 using 1d20+6.  Attack 3.
16:31, Today: Morwinyon rolled 21 using 1d20+6.  Attack 2.
16:30, Today: Morwinyon rolled 23 using 1d20+6.  Attack 1.


16:32, Today: Morwinyon rolled 17 using 3d4+12.  Total Damage 3 Attacks.

16:34, Today: Morwinyon rolled 13 using 1d20+6.  Cloak Block Roll.

Sora was unsure of fighting people that not a day ago seemed normal, so she hesitated up until when Gryphon fired at the archer. Seeing the thing become featureless, she narrowed her eyes.

...they were not real.

The sorcorer knew the hags were the greater danger and that her major spells would be needed for them. Closing her eyes for a moment, she opened them, with a small flare making them appear orange for a second as she sent a bolt of fire towards the human.

<OOC: Action - Attack using firebolt

Sora rolled 17 using 1d20+5.  attack - firebolt.
Sora rolled 7 using 1d10.  Damage - firebolt.

Bonus action - none>


This message was last edited by the player at 03:26, Mon 31 Aug 2020.

Anders frowned as the 'adventurers' started moving towards them, and then it deepened and his eyes narrowed as Gryphon's attack seemed to...strip the 'person' of their...skin. If they were ever human before. He would start small and see what came of things.

His lip curled but he still focused his willpower, making a gesture as he uttered the phrase, "Fulmine Ignis!" A bolt of magical fire streaked out towards the orc, but the bolt missed them. He let out a sigh. Just his luck.

21:20, Today: Anders Greyven rolled 13,8 using d20+7,d10.  Fire Bolt vs Orc.

Like a flash of lightning, Gryphon takes down one of the adventures, revealing their true forms.

The Orc adventure double moves forward towards Gryphon, Anders, and Morwinyon.

Alekos takes the two swords off the Witcher's unconscious body. Waiting for an optimal time to strike, seeing how the foes are far away.

A bolt for fire misses the Orc shot from Anders.

The Night Hag disappears into the darkness beyond the lights reach.

The Human armed with spears, and bold moves closer to Fenrick and lets a Javelin fly. The Javelin fly wide missing Fenrick, the Human arms himself with another spear.

The Dwarf also moves forward throwing an ax at Sora, however, this too falls short of the women.

Just Fenricks luck, the Dwarf moves into his threat zone, and charges the Dwarf dealing a nasty blow with is the blade.

As the Orc moves up to take on Gryphon, he gets just in range of Morwinyon's deadly darts are three in quick succession strike the Orc.

Attacking the Human that threw the Javelin Sora scores a firey blow on him.

The last two hags disappear and slip into the darkness beyond the light.

Iniative Order
Gryphon
Adventurer (Orc)
Adventurer (Archer)
Alekos
Anders
Night Hag (Red)
Adventurer (Human)
Adventurer (Dwarf)
Fenrick
Morwinyon
Sora
Night Hag (Orange)
Night Had (Blue)

Status
Adventurer (Archer) - DEAD
Adventurer (Human) - HP 40/47 AC 14
Adventurer (Orc) - HP 27/44 AC 14
Adventurer (Dwarf) - HP 51/60 AC 14
Night Hag (Orange) - HP 115/115 AC 17
Night Hag (Red) - HP 120/120 AC 17
Night Hag (Blue) - HP 122/122 AC 17

End round 1 start round 2
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:52, Wed 02 Sept 2020.

(OOC PM sent to DM.  He is allowing me to change my action and based on the map and such, it doesn't make sense for me to not do anything since they're split so far apart.  I changed my action to move and attack the dwarf)

Fenrick continues his attack on the Dwarf-looking thing, dealing another solid blow to the creature.

11:38, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 19 using 1d20+8.  Fenrick attack roll - Dwarf.

11:39, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 16 using 1d8+8.  Fenrick Damage - Dwarf.

(OOC if the dwarf attacks and misses, I will use 1 superiority die to riposte)


11:42, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 28 using 1d20+8.  Fenrick riposte attack if needed.

11:43, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 16 using 3d8+8.  Fenrick riposte damage.  (OOC that was disappointing, 2d8 was for crit damage and 1d8 was superiority die.)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:48, Mon 31 Aug 2020.

Gryphon moved at an angle to keep the Orc at range and made his way a little closer to the Human which is advancing upon his new companion Sora. Firing two bolts, both of which strike the orc solid blows.

12:52, Today: Gryphon rolled 11 using 1d6+9.  Damage BA.

12:52, Today: Gryphon rolled 11 using 1d6+9.  Damage Attack.

12:51, Today: Gryphon rolled 16 using 1d20+8.  BA attack Orc.

12:51, Today: Gryphon rolled 24 using 1d20+8.  attack Orc.

Orc takes 22 damage.

Sora saw the damage inflicted to tbe human, and though not a major spell, she knew that every bit help, and while they were still not too close, she again tapped into the well of piwer, holding her hand out, sending another bolt of fire soaring towards the human.

This bolt, however, flew wide and missed the target. While this was happening, the light in her eyes remained a little longer, and Sora took a look of pain as she closed her eyes for a moment, pushing the power down.

<OOC: Action - Cast firebolt

Sora rolled 7 using 1d20+5 (attack - Firebolt)>

The doomed wood turned battlefield presented many possible targets, none so important as the ones who were slipping away, yet there was nothing to do but take these things one at a time.

Instead of trying to go one on one against any particular target, Morwinyon instead kept his focus on helping his friends. His first attention went to the thing combating Fen. If it happened to fall rapidly there would be more to do.

His hands moved as if redirecting invisible blows as he brought about light darts.


OOC: Attack the guy that Fen is attacking. If it falls, move close enough to attack the javelin throwing person.

Spend 1 Ki for Flurry of Blows.

2 attacks hit

Attacks 1 and 3 hit for 5 points each, so total of 10 Radiant.

Same prep as last time regarding Deflect Missiles or use of Cloak to Block (although that likely fails, 11 on the roll)

15:38, Today: Morwinyon rolled 11 using 1d20+6.  Cloak Block.

15:37, Today: Morwinyon rolled 5 using 1d4+4.  Attack 3 Damage.

15:37, Today: Morwinyon rolled 5 using 1d4+4.  Attack 1 Damage.

15:36, Today: Morwinyon rolled 15 using 1d20+6.  Attack 3.

15:36, Today: Morwinyon rolled 8 using 1d20+6.  Attack 2.

15:35, Today: Morwinyon rolled 24 using 1d20+6.  Attack 1.

Everyone else had engaged and Alekos felt a little useless standing there over their fallen Witcher. He tried to figure out who was where doing what real quick and saw Gryphon firing on the Orc. She looked real hurt. Well nothing for it then. He charged in and swung with his newly borrowed weapons having no idea what they might be capable of. Problem was he wasn't used to these weapons in his hand. If he wanted to be effective he needed more practice...


Move to Orc (BA dash if needed)
Action: Swing and miss
Bonus Action: offhand swing and miss (if BA wasn't used to dash.)

Alekos Eclipse rolled 11,8 using D20+7,d6+5.  Attack w/ Witcher blade

Alekos Eclipse rolled 13,5 using D20+7,d6.  Bonus Action: Offhand Witcher blade (if applicable)

Anders grimaced as he saw the hags fading back in to the darkness in the corners of his vision. He restrained a sigh, and focused on the matter at hand. He once again repeated the magical gestures and phrase, "Fulmine Ignis!" Another bolt of magical fire streaked out from his hands, this time a better-aimed one.

21:12, Today: Anders Greyven rolled 18,5 using d20+7,d10.  Fire Bolt vs Orc - or a different enemy if Orc is downed.

Gryphon with two quick blows strikes the Orc greatly wounding her.

The Orc charges Anders and strikes him with one fist dealing 6 damage, the second fist misses as Anders is able to move just enough.

Alekos swings and misses his intended target.

In retaliation, Anders blasts the Orc with a firebolt. And like the other, the body transforms into a featureless humanoid creature.

The Hags have disappeared, and seem to have left the fight completely.

The last human adventure makes to attacks against Fenrick with his spear however, Fenrick is able to block both blows. The two missed attacks leave the human open for a riposte where Fenrick is able to deal critical damage.

Swinging his greataxe Sora is unable to stop their crushing impact as both blows strike her dealing 11 damage.

In Sora's defense, Fenrick lashes out with great force and deals a devasting blow to the Dwarf, hoping to pull its aggression onto himself.

Morwinyon with great speed flings darts from his hands, almost as if he was throwing punches across the field of battle, the first hits, second glances off the dwarf's armor, the third finds its mark.

Attempting to make some kind of comeback, Sora unleashed a firebolt but shoots the ground at the dwarf's feet as one of the Dwarfs blows messed wit her aim.

Iniative Order
Gryphon
Adventurer (Orc)
Adventurer (Archer)
Alekos
Anders
Night Hag (Red)
Adventurer (Human)
Adventurer (Dwarf)
Fenrick
Morwinyon
Sora
Night Hag (Orange)
Night Had (Blue)

Status

Adventurer (Human) - HP 24/47 AC 14
Adventurer (Orc) - DEAD
Adventurer (Dwarf) - HP 25/60 AC 14


End round 2 start round 3

Fenrick continues his attacks on the creatures, hoping to end the battle now.  He lands a solid blow.

(OOC Fenrick will attack either whoever is left, or whoever looks closer to being defeated)

13:35, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 19 using 1d20+8.  Fenrick attack roll.

13:35, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 13 using 1d8+8.  Fenrick damage.

(OOC if there's still a creature standing, Fenrick will then use his Action surge to make a second attack)

13:37, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 19 using 1d20+8.  Fenrick action surge attack.

13:37, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 11 using 1d8+8.  Fenrick action surge damage.

(OOC since Gryphon hit them pretty hard I will not use my action surge as we should be able to finish them off.)
This message was last edited by the player at 22:58, Wed 02 Sept 2020.

Gryphon takes slightly more time to aim his shots, which for him is like the blinking of an eye. In quick succession two bolts  fly from his hand-crossbow. One strikes the human a wicked blow staggering  it with its force and precision. the next strikes the dwarf also staggering it with almost identical placement in the liver's of targets.

_{"Whistling Death you have never failed me nor I you."}

I get sneak attack on the Human because he is engaged with Fen, even though I do not have  advantage.

Both targets take 23 damage in total leaving 1 HP for each of them

14:29, Today: Gryphon rolled 23 using 1d6+19.  Damage.

14:29, Today: Gryphon rolled 14 using 1d20+3.  BA on swarf with sharp.

14:28, Today: Gryphon rolled 2 using 1d6.  Sneak attack  damage.

14:28, Today: Gryphon rolled 21 using 1d6+19.

14:28, Today: Gryphon rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  attack human with sharp .
This message was last edited by the player at 22:52, Wed 02 Sept 2020.

Alekos may have missed the Orc but Anders didn't. At least she wasn't a threat anymore. Strange that they kept changing form upon being vanquished. The half elf turned frantically again looking for where else he might try to help. The hags had vanished and all that remained were the two adventurer's in combat with Fen and Sora but Alekos couldn't cover that amount of space fast enough to be of help. Could he? Again he charged across the magically lit space but in desperation of failing to get there in time he spun with a step and hucked one of the witcher's swords across the remaining space yelling "Duck!", to Sora or Fen or both it didn't matter.

BA: Dash
Move: 60 ft closer to combatants
Action: Improvised sword throw (20/60 range) for 8 damage (+11 more if sneak attack applies but kinda pointless with their current health)

Alekos Eclipse rolled 19,8,11 using d20+5,d4+5,2d6.  Sword throw (no proficiency added), damage, sneak attack (if applicable)

Sora, sorely wounded from the attack of the dwarf, almost sways. Her harm almost lifeless at her side, blood running down her arm, the attack bit deep into her shoulder. The woman had tears in her eyes, but her focus was on the enemy.

She held her other hand out weakly and again cast the spell, sending a firebolt, this time towards the dwarf attacking her, but the sheer pain of her injury made her miss the target.

<OOC: Casts Firebolt at the dwarf

Sora rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  attack - firebolt.>

Morwinyon smoothly moved in the dank battlefield as if he'd been training for exactly this sort of thing. Sora looked like she could not take much more, while some of those from the original company looked as if they needed no help at all.

They were still at hazard. The hag witches lurked. But these things had to be dispatched first.

There was no reason to be up on top of the remaining combatants. Darts of light left his hands once more. His footing was solid but his attacks went wide as he tried to weave shots around closely embattled companions.

OOC: Attack and follow with monk's bonus action attack
And both attacks miss as I roll a 1 and a 3.


21:23, Today: Morwinyon rolled 7 using 1d20+6.  Attack 2.

21:23, Today: Morwinyon rolled 9 using 1d20+6.  Attack 1.

Anders was a bit surprised that the orcish woman reached him. He should have put his Shield just before then but he had been distracted. And she HIT him! He stumbled back from the blow and slammed a fire bolt in to her.

But then he tried to shift his attention to the two remaining 'adventurers' but he his aim and attention were off. He wasn't actually that used to being struck, and she had struck him with INTENT! His fire bolt sailed past the human and dwarf lackeys. He let out a sigh.

20:41, Today: Anders Greyven rolled 10,7 using d20+7,d10.  Fire Bolt vs ....whoever if any are still up?

Gryphon Deals to more quick shots both pierceing deep dealing great damage.

Alekos with great effort throws one of the whitcher swords the balde dealign the last needed damge to kill the Dwarf. Its body transforming into the same naked, featureless creature as the others.

Anders misses with is firebolt.

The Human takes a half effort to attack Fen, weakened by the assult of attacks and misses both times.

Fenrick, turning his body avoiding the two attacks chops off the head of the last enemy, and again it transformers into the naked featurless body.

END OF COMBAT

***
With the battle won, the companions come togther to check on the Whitcher, who still hasn't woken up. "I will take him to the road out of the forest and do my best to protect him." Chelonia says, the Turtle, that everyone has forgotten was still traveling with you. Almost like, she was there just to do this task.

Taking their time the group moves through the forest deeper, the mist and fog not effecting their minds anymore. Until, out of the fog and thick forest, they find a clearing. No fog, or mist invade the beautiful meadow. Flowers, and butterflies dot the bright green grass. Birds flutter about singing songs of joy. And like a story book a cottage with a white picket fence, and a small garden sits centered in the meadow. You all hear a angelic voice singing;

"O universal mother, who dost keep
From everlasting thy foundations deep,
Eldest of things, Great Earth, I sing of thee!
All shapes that have their dwelling in the sea,
All things that fly, or on the ground divine
Live, move, and there are nourished–these are thine;
These from thy wealth thou dost sustain; from thee
Fair babes are born, and fruits on every tree
Hang ripe and large, revered Divinity!"

As the group exits the forest and sees the meadow, Fenrick stops and mutters under his breath just loud enough for the others to hear "Something's not right here.."

He looks around for the source of the singing and readies his sword, sure that this is some sort of trap...

10:49, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 23 using 1d20+5.  Fenrick Perception.

(OOC Was there any loot of worth from the battle that we were able to find?)

Sora, injured from the battle, took a breath as she looked at the serene meadow. She stepped up to Fenrick, breathing a little heavily.

"If that fight was a test, so will this be." The young human was alert as she held her wounded side.

If this was the hags, she was glad she held back her major spells.

Her mind told her to look around and stay sharp, look for the singer, but her wounds distracted her mind, forcing her to focus more on calming down.

<OOC: Sora rolled 4 using 1d20+3 (perception check)

She saw nothing!>
This message was last edited by the player at 19:06, Tue 08 Sept 2020.

Gryphon made his away around the meadow inspecting the area letting his senses tell him what was what.

14:54, Today: Gryphon rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  perception.

The broad meadow was a welcome relief after the dank damp hostile lands they'd passed through earlier, a balm acting against the ache that came from fighting those shapeshifting horrors. The bright otherworldly voice told an ancient tale of earthlore, creating dynamic contrast, the tone angelic, the phrasing homely.

He took a deep breath to do nothing more than drink in the moment but then Morwinyon startled in a manner suggesting he'd just lost his balance.

"Did any of you see that?" His eyes darted as if trying to spot a will'o'wisp. "For just a moment, I'd have sworn I saw something else."

Alekos watched as Chelonia took the Witcher to presumed safety. He kept the swords though having collected the one he'd thrown. He'd be sure to return them once they'd completed this man's contract for him. Assuming they survived. He took another look at the featureless messes of the bodies they'd collectives dropped in a matter of moments. A few of the folks around him weren't looking as whole and hale as when this had begun but there was nothing he could do.

When they came upon the meadow it seemed like a place to good to be true. Something that shouldn't be trusted. "We've already seen servants of the hags change form and look like something that they weren't, and they were capable of manipulating some of our minds to see things that weren't there. I don't know much about these things but Anders or Sora, or anyone really, do you think they'd be able to make this place appear as something it is not?"

As he asked he peered around trying to perceive any flaw in a potential illusion or trick of the mind that could key him into what was going on here. As well as keeping his eye out for whatever it was Morwinyon had seen.

Alekos Eclipse rolled 18,18 using D20+3,d20+2.  Perception, Investigation.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:08, Tue 08 Sept 2020.

"They crafted horrors not delights." He took careful strides so as to not disturb the lush grass of this petite paradise. "Certainly they could not change their nature so as to frame and foster elation."

The song and verse kept him wanting to believe. "Perhaps we're meeting their polar opposites, some kind of balancing force here to aid us." He sounded hopeful but less confident. The flicker of an image before had him out of sorts. His eyes darted, trying to make it happen again.

****

His balance went out again, a hard step like he'd tripped over a rock and lunged to stay on his feet. It was none too graceful.

"Anders, beware!" It sounded like complete foolishness. Like the rest of them, Anders walked in a garden utopia. There were no perils at hand.

"This will sound crazed but I swear by my Prophecy that for a moment I caught a glimpse of some other reality than the one in which we all walk. And in that otherplace a foul Hag stood leering over the slumbering form of Anders."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:42, Wed 09 Sept 2020.

Anders walked up to Sora as the group stopped. He murmured an incantation, somewhat unfamiliar-sounding to himself. The red crystal atop of his staff glowed, a baleful angry red glare. "Remedium vulneribus!" And yet, healing energy flowed in to Sora's body, and some of her wounds closed or righted.

"There. I hope that helps." He smiled slightly and looked at everyone. "I'm no Chelonia, I know. That is not my forte and I cannot do it too often, but does anyone else require healing?"

He looked around the clearing with a light frown. Something...felt off. Wrong. But he couldn't quite put his finger on it. "I...am not slumbering...so...not sure what to make of that other than apparently our minds or at least eyes are being manipulated."

He then began another spell, "Magicae deprehendere!" and began to look around slowly once more, eyes open to magic.

13:54, Today: Anders Greyven rolled 8 using 1d8+5.  Cure Wounds on Sora.

Cast Detect Magic.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:02, Wed 09 Sept 2020.

Sora smiled at anders as her wounds closed up a little. "Wizard and healer....us there no end to your talents?" she rubbed her side and again looked at him. "Truely, thank you."

The sorceress looked around, saw Morwinyon stumble a little, but saw nothing.

The whole thing put her on  edge.

"Somethings not right Anders....stay alert." she muttered, less scared and more serious than he had ever seen her.

Anders, Sora, and Morwinyon all fall down passed out where they stood.

From the cottage, seven gnome looking creatures with razor-sharp teeth wielding scythes come charging out jumping out of windows and coming out the front and back doors. The song from the cottage changes as the beautiful voice turns into three voices from the Hags singing a moaning lullaby;

"The Rock-a-By Lady from Hush-a-By Forest
Comes stealing; comes creeping;
The poppies they hang from her head to her feet,
and each hath a dream that is tiny and fleet-
She bringeth her poppies to you, my sweet,
When she findeth you sleeping

Would you dream all these dreams that are tiny and fleet?
They'll come to you sleeping;
So shut the two eyes that are weary, my sweet,
For the Rock-a-by Lady from Hush-a-By Forest,
With poppies that hand from her head to her feet,
Comes stealing; comes creeping."


Entering Combat - Roll initiative
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:10, Wed 09 Sept 2020.

Gryphon  pauses for like the blinking of an eye when his companions dropped before reading himself for battle.

19:34, Today: Gryphon rolled 24 using 2d20+7, dropping the lowest dice only.  intiative.

Fenrick, getting more irritated with the shenanigans of the hags, screams to no one in particular "[Language unknown: "Fofo eauyining eau ncein larintder! Eauna resil o?!  Ivethahis!]

However, the sudden falling of his companions distracts him, delaying his readiness for the upcoming battle.

19:52, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 3 using 1d20+2.  Fenrick Initiative .

(OOC Well that's a bad sign...)
This message was last edited by the player at 23:54, Wed 09 Sept 2020.

"Well this doesn't look good eh?" Was all Alekos had time to quip before the threat loomed imminently.

Alekos Eclipse rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  Initiative.

Initiative Order:
Gryphon
Alekos
Redcaps
Fenrick

Synopsis:
Recap 1 - HP 52/52 AC 14
Recap 2 - HP 52/52 AC 14
Recap 3 - HP 52/52 AC 14
Recap 4 - HP 52/52 AC 14
Recap 5 - HP 52/52 AC 14
Recap 6 - HP 52/52 AC 14
Recap 7 - HP 52/52 AC 14

Start of Round 1

"I don't like this... I don't like this at all." Wielding a witcher's blade in one hand, the half elf muttered something else and snapped his fingers. It was an odd sound, almost like it was muffled by a glove. But nothing else happened right away. Instead he steeled himself and stepped back to stand over his fallen comrades, something happening fart to frequently for his likimg. Again he muttered something and a flicker of greenish sparks began to dance around one of the blades.

Bonus Action: Fast Hands to Use an Object and activate my gloves Blink.

Movement: Standing between Anders, Sora, and Morwinyon on the ground.

Action: Ready Action Green-Flame Blade the first hostile that comes within reach on this plane or the ethereal if I make it.

Blink Roll failed.

Reaction: GFB, Hits AC 18 for 7 slashing damage, and 4 fire damage to any other adjacent enemy.

Alekos Eclipse rolled 4 using 1d20.  Blink.

Alekos Eclipse rolled 18,7 using D20+7,d6+5.  GFB attack, base damage

(OOC I'm assuming at least 1 is going to attack me, so attack back)

22:27, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 13 using 1d20+8.  Fenrick Attack roll.

(OOC I will utilize a superiority die for precision attack, adding the d8 to my attack roll.)

22:30, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 2 using 1d8.  Fenrick superiority roll.

(OOC it's enough, barely, to hit one of them so I'll roll for damage)

22:31, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 10 using 1d8+8.  Fenrick Damage.

(OOC and the roller's back to hating me again)

Fenrick takes a swing and is just precise enough to catch one of the creatures, though he doesn't contact it as solidly as he'd like.

Gryphon  backs away keeping distance between himself and the creatures, angling away from the rest to try to stay out of the light that the  others are using as  much as possible.

Taking aim at the creature nearest him and letting loose with three bolts which only two strike but with such force and accuracy that the creature is killed.

12:02, Today: Gryphon rolled 5 using 1d8.  GA bonus damage.

12:01, Today: Gryphon rolled 5 using 1d6.  SA damage.

12:01, Today: Gryphon rolled 22 using 1d6+19.  GA damage.

12:00, Today: Gryphon rolled 24 using 1d6+19.  BA damage.

11:56, Today: Gryphon rolled 16 using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only.  GA with sharp.

11:56, Today: Gryphon rolled 17 using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only.  BA attack with sharp.

11:56, Today: Gryphon rolled 9 using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only.  PA  with Sharp

Creature takes 53 points of damage.

Gryphon is able to take down one of the Redcaps closest to himself.

Two moves up on Fenrick, Two on Alekos, Gryphon attempting to keep a distance from the Redcaps leaves the edge of the meadow into the forest, however, as he steps into the edge is body falls unconscious at the edge, the two Redcaps attempting to charge him turn towards those awake. They all used all their energy and unable to make an attack, but they all begin to scream with rage as you see their veins pop out and red in their eyes.

As the raging Redcap moves up into position to attack Fen, Fen deals it a nasty blow.

Initiative Order:
Gryphon left
Alekos
Redcaps
Fenrick

Synopsis:
Recap 1 - DEAD
Recap 2 - HP 41/52 AC 14 (Alekos attacked)
Recap 3 - HP 42/52 AC 14 (Fen attacked)
Recap 4 - HP 52/52 AC 14
Recap 5 - HP 52/52 AC 14
Recap 6 - HP 52/52 AC 14
Recap 7 - HP 52/52 AC 14

End of Round 1 start of Round 2
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:11, Fri 11 Sept 2020.

For a moment the thought of fleeing crossed Alekos' mind but Gryphon had just fallen unconscious for even stepping out of the meadow. This was it. He was going to die here at the hands of the minions of the hags. He could do nothing for his fallen allies. He could do nothing. "I think this is it Fen, we bit off something bigger than we could chew." There was only one other person left standing and he'd rather die back to back with a solider than standing alone over the bodies of the fallen. Dipping and dodging the half elf ducked and ran to where Fen faced the gnomes. Concentrated efforts were their best bet at end a glimmer of hope of survival. Again he muttered something and again the witcher's blade enflamed with a green fire not it's own. But something went wrong.

Bonus Action: Disengage
Move to Fen
Action: GFB Witcher's sword - Crit failure (unless any unique properties of this weapon make themselves known? Lol)

Blink roll: failed

Alekos Eclipse rolled 8,8,6 using D20+7,d6+5,2d6.  GFB attack, base damage, sneak attack (for adjacency)

Alekos Eclipse rolled 10 using 1d20.  Blink

"Gryphon!", Fenrick yelled as he saw possibly their only chance to get out of this fall as the others had.

"Well, the forest is out, so our only hope is the cottage.  But how to get there?", he thought to himself.   It would be somewhat defensible assuming they didn't fall unconscious either.  And if they did, it wouldn't matter anyways.

As if something read his mind, he heard in his mind, "You both can travel as dust".  He knew this was the amulet talking to him as before, but again, he had no idea what it meant.  But at least this time he felt he could trust it.

"Alekos, trust me" he said to his companion as he disengaged the redcaps (OOC disengage action) and thought to himself "Necklace, move us inside the cottage".  (OOC Use the necklace to case Storm Step, landing both of us inside the cottage near a window where I can see space for the two of us to 'land')

Once we're inside the cottage, Fenrick looks around the cottage for something, anything that seems like it could be responsible for this or a way to stop it.

(OOC) combat ends


With a few steps the bottom half of Fenrick begins to change turning into a sand tornado, he grabs Alekos‘ hand and engulfed in the tornado of sand are transported into the cottage.

***

You both find yourself standing on a pile of sand, yourselves not sandy, in a stone hallway. Looking down it you see that is twist, and as you walk gravity continues to pull you in the same direction as you twist with the path now hanging upside down, but feeling right side up. The Hall continues to go straight and continues to twist. Until after a few 100 yards, the floor turns to mud and starts to fall away, as you begin to be pulled down and away from the twisty never ending hallway. Down down down you fall through darkness until you land, on your feet softly at the door of Alekos’ old childhood home. The door opens as you watch a young Alekos run from mother to a black silloutte, the father he never new. As this mans face turns to regard you both you hear a strong but kind voice, “So it is time? Is there nothing I can say?”

The dark silloute looks straight at the two of you waiting an answer.

Fenrick stands there, unsure of the situation they're in, or what to say.  He is quite confused to say the least.

He stands there, deferring to Alekos to respond, but readying himself for the situation to turn into combat once again.

Something inside of Alekos broke. First having come to terms with his likely death and now this. He wanted so badly for whatever this was to be in some way reality. But as the dreams before he felt it in his heart that this couldn't be the man he had waited his whole life to meet. Of course this was a dream, he had never seen the man whose blood coursed through his veins that was why he was silhouetted wasn't it? That child may have been him in another life but in this life he would never know his father.

Would he?

Tears filled his eyes and unexpectedly his hand raised toward the silhouetted figure. He didn't even realize he'd dropped the witcher's blade. It was such a kind voice. "F-fa... Father? Is that you? I-I looked for so long. W-why are you here? What is.. what is this?"

The silhouette stands, his body language going from playing with his Son to formal as a solider would. Turning to his wife and son he gives them a nod. “Lead the way.” The silhouette walks though the two of you out the door as the son chases after him, “DADDY NO LEAVE!” The man stops for a second, but does not turn around. The black silhouette of the man falls as you both see the back of the man. Dressed in the uniform of one of the Dragon Empire army soldiers you see one star on his shoulder, he was the general.

Looking out beyond the man you see a battalion of soldiers standing in formation and on the horizon you see a massive army, the banners and signets of the houses of the Dragon Empire flying as they march to battle.

Fenrick looked around for someone that the silohuette could've been talking to.

"He must've been talking to someone else" Fenrick thought out loud, seeing as Alekos' plea went unheard or unnoticed.

None of this made any sense to Fenrick. Could they somehow be in Alekos' mind, and "watching" a forgotten memory, or being so young a memory he made but repressed?

And for what purpose?  To break his spirit?  To feed off the hurt and anguish this was likely causing him?

And what of the father?  How does Alekos know he was a general and went off to war?  Or is this the hags' knowledge, or just something made up all together?

Fenrick tried to think about any wars the Dragon Empire had fought in (OOC assuming he even knows who they are) but came up with nothing.

12:08, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 2 using 1d20-1 with rolls of 3.  Fenrick history roll (use other skill if more applicable).

(OOC updated post due to my confusion)
This message was last edited by the player at 17:27, Tue 15 Sept 2020.

As the figure that might very well be his father looked at him and walk towards him Alekos braced for the moment he had dreamed of so many times before. But the the figure walked through him and Alekos realized that the man hadn't been addressing him at all. Whatever this was, could it be real? Could it be some memory locked away.

A general? Those banners they seemed familiar as if something about them was connected to something Alekos should know or recall. But equally as important. Those were signs of a dragon. Could this be somehow related to his golden manifestation? Alekos looked down to see the golden scales hidden beneath his clothes. What was this dream trying to tell him?

Still there was a this sense of helplessness. He whispered words that echoed his childhood equivalent's.

"Don't go. I need to know..."

Alekos Eclipse rolled 5,10 using D20,d20.  History, Arcana

The memory fades like a page getting burned away, into nothing, blackness a void. All you two see is nothing, and each other. You see a bright light suddenly, and hear shouting, fighting, but still nothing appears.

Fenrick looked over to Alekos, "So, you got anything?  I'm pretty much at a loss at this point.  Only idea i have is to walk towards the sounds and see what happens.  Unless we're in your head and you can just think us out of this mess."

"I-I have nothing..." Maybe it was some deep memory recalled for unknown reasons. Maybe it was some sick mind game the hags were playing. A part of Alekos hoped against hopes that this was a revelation. A part of him feared it would be nothing more than another dream. "I don't think I can think is out of here but I suppose I can try."

He bent and picked up the sword he'd dropped.

Whether it was his mind or an illusion he would try to figure out some way out of this.

Alekos Eclipse rolled 17 using 1d20.  Intelligence (+2 if investigation is needed, +0 if any other int check).
This message was last edited by the player at 13:50, Fri 18 Sept 2020.

As Alekos did his thing, Fenrick started walking toward the sounds, hoping against the odds that the sounds were somehow related to the rest of the group.

The light and sounds of battle grow closer and louder. Then like reaching the surface of water after being submerged for hours, your eyes open and you both find yourselves strapped to beds in a a cottage.

I will now give you both access to the other threads. Have fun

This message was deleted by the player at 17:42, Fri 18 Sept 2020.

In a flurry of action, the Hag runs away attempting to save her life, only to find herself caught in webs, stabbed, shot, and arcaned to death. After the storm activity, the fight ended. Silence returned to the cottage. It was at this point you all realize, the Cottage is the one seen in the dream. The Forest around is also the same forest in the dream. Its haunting woods instead replaced by a tranquil grove. Birds and animals can be heard messing about in their various activities. The Whitcher, wakes and looks around, his face remaining calm. "It seems you were able to kill the Hags." He smiled Briefly. "It was all I could do to stop them from eating your souls. When we entered the woods the spells of the Hags took control faster and stronger than I expected. I knew together they were powerful, far too powerful for me at that weakened state. I fell to their power willing to attempt to hold them off in the other realm." He takes a deep breath. His strength obviously restored, standing his shoulders strong powerful. His once sunken eyes now focused, intelligent. "My sword if you would?" He reached out his hand to Alekos.

As the group explores the cabin they are able to find;

1,100cp 4,000sp, 1,500gp, 90pp
Amber, Amethyst, Jadex2, Pearl, Spinelx3, Tourmalinex2

A Scroll case
(within the case are 7 scrolls)
1 Summon Lesser Demons
2 Protection from Energy
3 Illusory Script
4 Gentle Repose
5 Stone Shape
6 Pyrotechnics
7 Life Transference

Ioun Stone,
Driftglobe
Helm
Sending Stones
Magic Longsword
A metal Gray Cube thas Magic,
Leather armor, Magic,
Magic Ring,
Plate Armor
Staff, Magic

"So if anyone can identify we can camp here in the cottage since it is safe now,  or we can return to town and get everything identified and appraised so that we can divide up the treasure."

we should also add the groups Rod  that was to be the Tortle's back into the selection for this division.

Fenrick silently went about gathering his things, irritated by his rather insignificant contribution to the battle against the hags.

Responding to Gryphon rather gruffly, "We are likely in a weakened state to defend ourselves adequately, so returning to the keep would be the more sensible option in my opinion.", wanting to move on and forget this.

When the witcher asked for his blade back the large Alekos immediately returned the enlarged sword and watched as it shrunk down to size as it transitioned ownership. "Glad your still with us mate."

It wasn't long before his own body returned to normal size and he'd helped look about the cottage finding many many things that must have belonged to other unfortunate souls who weren't so lucky as to survive these hags.

"I think Fen is right. We'd best return to the keep. Maybe only a short bit of rest here to take care of our immediate injuries and then make the return." Even as he spoke he continued his search. The cottage had been thoroughly vetted but now his interest returned to the hags. There was setting about the way they transitioned between worlds. It intrigued him.

"Witcher, do you know anything about how these beings crossed realms to attack us in our sleep? Chelonia had talked about a twilight zone sort of world an ethereal plane or some such...

Oh, I believe this may have been useful in my hands during our dreams but it should be up to the group how or who this goes too." He added the rod to the other things they had discovered and waited to see what the witcher had to say. Any insight would be amazing.

I ask about the hags as OOC knowledge about night hags and the items they have lends well to possibly furthering Alekos' Signature Item seeing as it has much to do with the ethereal plane. It would give a good IC reason for him to learn more and develop this thing he has. It's not me trying to immediately level up the Signature Equipment btw just start on the journey to potentially do so.

There was a significant collection of things, very likely taken from folks just like them over the years. "Camping here would be pleasant and not. The clearing is idyllic but this lovely cottage merely acts as a paint over the hideous acts done here over the years. If we choose to rest here, I suggest we do so outside the walls of this place."

He looked to Sora. "At least one of us nearly rose to the Sky permanently mere moments ago." He gave a shrug. "Is it better to rest here or there? I am open to either decision. We are in no condition to face moments like those recently passed any time soon."

Sora, silent for the most part, looked on as the others went about their tasks, collecting items. Her gaze fell to the hag, petrified in stone, and she couldn't avert her gaze.

She knew, in her heart, the hag was evil, and would have killed her... in fact her sisters almost did, she remembered with a sickening thought, but when the hag approached, something in her welled up and lashed out. Her inner fire attacked and tured her to stone.

...that had never happened before.

The young woman sat down, facing away from tbe hags, and spoke in a timid voice.

"It seems some of those items hold magic....maybe the shop owner will help us again identify them. if not, Anders has the spell in his book. He could with time."

It was obvious that sora was avoiding looking at the carnage and the cottage itself

Anders was silent while the others spoke, and for a moment after Sora finished speaking. Finally, his quiet voice broke the silence gently. "My only concern with returning to the Keep is exactly our weakened state and the potential of running in to someone or something along the way." He paused. "Having said that, I don't have a strong preference either way, but staying here affords us the time to rest and heal, and make certain we didn't miss anything."

He gave a nod. "Regardless of whether we stay or go, yes, I have the ability to Identify with some time."

He was looking at the corpse of one of the hags as he talked.

(OOC Not sure if we're waiting for group agreement?)

Fenrick responds "If the group wants to stay and rest up a bit before heading back, that is fine with me"

Fenrick searches the cottage more closely for secret doors or hidden containers, then rests with the others until it is time to leave.

20:44, Today: Fenrick (Fen) Uther rolled 18 using 1d20-1.  Fen Investigation for hidden doors/containers.

THE WRAP-UP

After the group dispatched the Hags the Witcher walked with them to the Keeps Gate. He said you all could enjoy the heroes welcome in store for them without his presence and as was the deal gave each of you 750gp. The other loot from the Hag the Witcher also let you keep, as he admitted, was your all victory not his. The Witcher imparted his calling card to you all also. He said if you ever need to reach him or request his assistance he would come. All you need do is Wish out loud as you hold the playing card. It would respond either with his location or that he will come. No guarantee that it will be quick or easy. Lastly, he imparted upon Gryphon one piece of knowledge, seeing within Gryphon's eyes a Witcher's spirit. "Look high in the lowest lands covered in clouds, where only winged Spirits dwell."

***

Loot (modified and preidentified):

Each of you an additional 500gp (this was the jewels sold and other currencies rounded)

A Scroll case (Anders)
(within the case are 7 scrolls)
1 Summon Lesser Demons
2 Protection from Energy
3 Illusory Script
4 Gentle Repose
5 Stone Shape
6 Pyrotechnics
7 Life Transference

Magic Items (modified)In parenthesis are my suggestions for whom would get it.

Ioun Stone, Sustenance (Gryphon)
Driftglobe (group as needed)
Helm of Comprehending Languages (Sora)
Sending Stones (group as needed)
Glamoured Studded Leather (Gryphon)
Magic Ring of Telekinesis (Alekos)
Plate Armor +1 (Fenrick)

***

News of the victory over the Hags spread quickly, especially when everyone realized their dreams were no longer fearful and nightmarish.

After a few nights in the Keep, you all received an invitation to dine with the Castilian and his court. He bestowed upon you a boon of the land. That while you traveled through his lands no law mattered other than your own. You all could fly his crest and act indiscriminately. This Boon would also get you some rights and privileges all through the Sverdkyst Republic. Though the boon is given, it can be taken away, this comes with great responsibility and great honor.

You all spend a few more days visiting, shopping deciding on the next direction to go.

(this ends this chapter, Chapter 3 will begin Monday)
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:01, Wed 02 Dec 2020.

Fenrick, never one to save money as he never had any, nor any place to settle down with it, decided he should peruse the local markets for some items that he had was familiar with that might help him going forward.

First he stopped at the 'Hammer and Anvil' to sell of his longsword and splint armor, having found some new items that would better serve him.  (OOC should be 107gp 5 sp based on normal selling is half purchase)

He then stopped at 'Antiques and Artifacts' to look around.

The 1st item he looked for was a headband that one of the generals in the army would put on when developing battle plans and searching thru enemy holdings to find useful information. (OOC Headband of Intellect)

He also looked for a pair of glasses that a spy he worked with had used to be able to see without the need for light.  (OOC Goggles of Night)

As he was looking around, he remembered an old charm that a friend had.  It was very unique, and he always seemed to heal faster than anyone else.  It had 2 hands holding up 3 red gems.  (OOC Periapt of Wound Closure).

If all else fails, he smiled at the thought of the time when they were in danger of being overrun, a commander placed this gray/silver rod in front of the door, and wouldn't you know it that door didn't budge.  It gave them the time they needed to prepare a counter attack and were able to turn the tide of battle.  (OOC Immoveable rod)

Having completed his shopping for the time being, he returned to the inn waiting for his companions to be ready to head out to their next adventure.

(OOC you'll just have to let me know what I got and how much it cost  Thanks)