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)