Three days later...

Our heroes find themselves back in Greenest. The town's ambiance has not gotten much better since the raid, in fact it has worsened somewhat, as now the people of the town have had some time to take complete stock of the ruin that was visited upon them. What was supposed to be a joyous time with a county fair, has instead turned into a dour and somber event, where the the town's bell never seems to stop ringing for the dead.

Governor Nighthill had ordered a plot of land previously owned by a farmer, who had not survived the raid, be dug into a mass grave to prevent the death that pervades the town from festering into plague.

On the day our heroes returned they were witness to the public hanging of several captured raiders, and the prisoners the group took at the mill, along with a local girl who apparently collaborated with the raiders.

Felosiel however was spared the same fate as the rest of the raiders, as per her deal with Governor Nighthill about divulging information. She has instead been sentenced to life imprisonment in a hanging iron cell along the main road into town, as a warning to any future attackers.

Leosin was delivered into the care of the town of Greenest and has been recuperating for the last few days.

---

Our heroes once again find themselves in the town's keep at the main hall, one of the few places left to get a hot meal should one need it; when in walks Leosin.

He marches straight to the group and speaks. "After all you've done for me personally, and for the town of Greenest. I hate to ask anything more from you. But the need is too great, and I dare to hope that you can aid me one more time.

I need you to return to the cultists' camp; after all, you know your way around it now.

If the cultists are preparing to conduct another raid, or a large body of them marches away, or if anything substantial is carried into or out of that cave, I need to know. I have... lets call them friends, who can get things done, and I need to let them know about what is going on here. I have detailed knowledge of this cult and my suspicions and theories have proven correct.

I will offer each of you one hundred fifty gold pieces to complete this quest. I myself am headed to the city of Elturel to meet with one of my... Friends, I can pay you there; though if I must move on from there seek out a paladin Ontharr Frume, he can pay you in my stead.

What say you? Up for another task?"

-------
o.o.c. For their part in rescuing Leosin, Anarkun, and investigating the camp, Governor Nighthill true to his word, delivered on his reward of 250gp
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:29, Fri 29 Oct 2021.

Oraphina spends the next few days in Greenest helping where she can - while not much use rebuilding structures, she helps to tend to the children of the town... whether orphaned by the attacks or their guardians are just tending to more somber, adult tasks.  No need for them to be caught up in this madness any more than they already have been.

When Leosin walks in though, Fina has been helping dole out food in the hall, and sat down a few minutes earlier too take a rest and munch on some cheese.  She lights up when she sees him walking, and waves to him.  "You look so much better!" she cries.  "Come, sit down."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:56, Fri 29 Oct 2021.

Hope watched as the group, carrying Leosin into the town, a grimn look on her face. She watched as he was taken away.

The next few days, Hope spent her time between helping Oraphina with the children, showing her softer side, and on her own, throwing daggers or firing a crossbow at a target with a grim, focused look.

When Leosin came into the room, Hope was with Oraphina, and while not as enthuastic as her, was still helping, allowing a smile and nod to the man.

---

At the towns keep, Hope leaned against the wall, absently spinning a dagger hint in her hand, listening to the govenors request. The half elf smiled when he finished. "Last few days i've been praticing my climbing - getting pretty good to, for when we return back. Long story short, I was planning on going back with or without your offer - those bastards need a lesson and damn me, i want to help teach them."

She kicked herself up off the wall and walked over and sat beside Oraphina. "Though the gold is good incentive, I am in reguardless...On the provision that when the time comes to infiltrate, i come along. I have seen the camp, and i can move unseen. I want to bring teh fight to them."

She looked at Einar. "Oh...and i want to personally deliever that bastard half dragon's head to this town."

Grune spends his time helping to see to the health of the community as they sprang back from tragedy. The dwarf, having seen his fair share of death, took charge over committing the deceased to the earth and helping the survivors to heal from wounds that were less apparent.

Korym spends most of the days sequestered with Willcot, copying the last spell from Felosiel's spellbook into his own tome; and discussing magical theory with the Greenest wizard.

He emerges only for the evening meal with his companions.

Sitting with the group, he is quite excited to advise, "I have unlocked a spell to teleport myself a short distance, and also to turn a person invisible!"

When Leosin offers a quest to the group, Korym remains silent waiting to hear what the others think.

Hope is the first to speak, and her answer is as expected.

It seemed for the better part of the three days Einar couldn't be found. He'd taken a step that had be lost to him for many years before finally unlocking his totem, the bear. When he returns his body looks thicker and maybe a little bit hairy but he carries a light smile as he sits down for the meal.

"Good to see everyone is doing alright sorry I was away for so long had a minor rite to perform as I gain experience in my path."

There's a light laugh at hope's comment with a bright grin. "Next time I won't have to fight him on my last leg, with nothing more than a few breaths left in my chest." He chuckles taking a seat near Oraphina before looking at the other man.

"I have no issues taking your quest, it would be quite the issue to help deal with."




OOC: 250 gold each or total (If total it's 50 each I think?)

Leosin looks about the group with a smile. "I had a good feeling about you lot; glad to see my gut wasn't wrong.

Now If you want to go into that cave system I wont stop you, but I can say that it is rather large, be careful. But you know that already.

But, what you may not know is that while I was in there being interrogated by Rezmir I noticed that I could hear echoes from further inside the cave system, so... sound will travel in there, so I would refrain from rather loud magic, unless you want to bring everyone in the cave system to you.

Well then, unless there are any last minute questions for me, I and my traveling companions must be underway. Some have already left for Berdusk, but I am off for Elturel."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:49, Sun 31 Oct 2021.

Hope couldn’t help but smile. “Moving quietly is something I do….and unless Korym here has mastered magic that masks sounds, then we will need to be careful.”

"To be clear, Leosin, you are simply looking for us to observe the cultists. Should we expect to there for a day, a week, longer?

Are you expecting a large portion of them to move in the near future?

And what kind of thing are we looking to be moved in or out of the cave? Something large and easily seen?

And if we do see what you expect, where in Elturel will we find you? Or your friend Ontharr Frume?

Be assured, I am as committed as my friends to end these cultists, but I fear to lack any information that may help us."

Oraphina gave both Einar and Hope a quick hug as they sat down near her, then listened intently to the conversation.  "I'm not all that sneaky, even for a wee little girl," she said.  "Never was much for skulking around.  But count me in - I'll do whatever I can to help get rid of these jerks, one way or another."

Einar laughs a bit at Oraphina wrapping an arm around her lightly as he waits to hear what answers if any Korym gets.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:05, Tue 02 Nov 2021.

Hope grimaced (half heartedly) at the hug from Oraphina. “Every time….you saw me a few hours ago. It’s not like I died and came back, like that big oaf.” She indicated einar.

She waited for confirmation of Korym’s question to be answered

Grune listens on as he noisily slurps his soup.

"I am simply asking you to observe the cultists, As for the duration, no more than seven days at most.

I don't expect anything major will happen, in the near future, all my previous intel suggests they will just sit fat and happy for a while planning their next assault, which should give me enough time to round up some folks for what needs to be done, and deliver what I have learned to my friends.

As for what to look for? Well... something unusual, either they begin packing up and moving out, or Tiamat herself shows up, or maybe they bring in a giant person sized ruby, or take one away." He says his smile growing. "Just anything you think would be a big deal, you've seen these people, they raid villagers, nothing they have will be of the greatest material value, most likely.

As for where I will be staying, it is a tavern called 'A Pair of Black Antlers'". He says snatching up a roll as he finishes.

Korym nods, as he absorbs what the monk tells them.

"Did you chance to see Nesim? He was very worried about you!"

Hope nods at the time and what was expected of them. "In that time i may try to explore a little bit to see what they have going in that cave"

Fina grinned at Hope's objection.  "What can I say?  I'm huggy."

At the description of their task, she grew a bit - just a bit - more somber.  "The area we had scouted out last time seemed like a good vantage point to keep an eye on things... think we should just find our way back to there again?"

Hope nodded at Oraphina. “Maybe….it’s a good vantage, but no doubt they found our friends tracks as well as ours. May not be wise to return there. My suggestion is somewhere above the cave entrance to overlook the camp, and if we need to go down, find somewhere close.”

"I think it would prudent to stay on the north side of canyon...where we initially climbed up as there is cover to keep us hidden.

If we end up there for days, we want to reduce the chance of being spotted."

Leosin swallows the bit of roll he is munching on and responds. "Indeed, he and the others were by my side the whole time I was recovering. And they will be leaving with me on my journey.

Now if there are no further questions for me I must be on my way gathering my supplies for my journey.

Thank you all again for all you have done for me personally, and be safe out there."

Hope nodded at Koryn's words. "That's a good idea. During the I can explore some areas that may lead to the cave - a chute perhaps. We don't need all eyes on it at all times, and mine are more sensitive at night."

Our heroes are able to make the journey to the canyon by nightfall; the trip there, now a familiar one. Along the way nothing of any note is noticed, and the climb is even uneventful.

Though once at the canyon and scaling the cliffs, a strange feeling begins to wash over the group, as if this whole ordeal was simply too easy, no guards, no patrols, no nothing; cresting the cliff and coming to the top of the mesa again, also reveals no cultist activity.

It isn't until the group makes it once more to the inside facing cliff that the group's strange feeling is revealed. The reason there were no guards or patrols to harass the group along the way is now very clear, there are none.

The inside of the canyon is pitch black, all the tents, torches, and guards are gone, the only light source now visible is at the cave entrance, a faint warm glow emanating from inside.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 03:19, Sun 07 Nov 2021.

Hope, leading the way towards the mesa, had an uneasy feeling, looking around as she went. the unease was common to her, but this felt easy.

....too easy.

At the mesa, she held her finger up and crawled to the edge, and pearing in, whispered a curse in elvish[Language unknown: "O ur menblewilundvor, wa bleratoul venkoryin hat p p ndbero!"]

she turned to the others. "Their on the move, or all in the cave.....either one....and either way, we need to look."

Korym stays crouched behind the scrub as he surveys the empty canyon, assuming there may still be a few hidden guards.

"I expect this would be considered something important to advise Leosin, and Governor Nighthill, as well."

"My guess is that the bulk of them are on the move. Maybe we can determine in which direction they headed.

But you are right, some of them must have stayed behind, in the cave.

Shall head back down and enter the canyon?

If we get within 30 or 40 paces of the cave, I can send Shadow to sit in the entrance, and I can look through her eyes."

With that said, the elf, gives the bat's head a rub, and speaks to her [Language unknown: Ta ee wial wilourder naul erreat ma ha tho ing ss ol ulrut commo mima ntetinons.]

Oraphina wrinkled her nose.  "There's no way we passed all of them on the way back here, right?  Like, we're checking this out while they're heading back to Greenest?"

Hope, looking at the cave, shook her head. “Oraphina is right - if they moved on greenest we would have seen them moving. No, the town may be safe for now, but I’m concerned about where in the nine hells they all went. If their in the cave, I want to know what their doing, and if not, then where the hell they went.”

Grune nodded to Hope. The group needed to know more.

"Well what does everyone think we can do, go in quiet and investigate? Hunt around for tracks?"

"Yes and yes.

If we enter the canyon from the ground-level opening, we should be able to see where the raiders are headed.

If we sneak toward the cave, we should be able to watch for any individual guards that might be hidden.

And, as I said, I can have Shadow fly to the cave entrance and I can watch through her eyes to determine what we are facing, at least to enter the cave.

Once we are in, I think we can rely on Hope to scout ahead."

"Let's do it then," said Fina, her hand already on the hilt of her sword.  "Knowing they're on their way somewhere else, and what they can do when they get there... I'm for action."

Grune nodded at Oraphina's words and then offered to the group.

"To be fair, once again stealth isn't really my thing."

Hope nodded. "Give me 20 paces ahead to scout.  you see me run or look like I'm going to attack, stealth won't be needed then. Let's get to the cave and I'll see what rats are hiding in their den"

Shadow, heeding her master's call, quickly flits silently into the night to scout out the canyon.

It takes roughly half an hour for the small bat to return.

Those with the vision to see, notice as Shadow returns and lands on Korym, taking a position on his shoulder.

[Language unknown: "Staterest nteartour u ch eau e nteeul. Hisineratter."]
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:40, Wed 10 Nov 2021.

Korym feeds Shadow some raisins.

[Language unknown: Lar ma son witthiureted?]

"It appears that there are some people still in the canyon. Shadow said they are sleeping, she should be able to point them out to us and we can find out if they are prisoners or raiders."

As Shadow feasts on the raisin, she relays her findings. [Language unknown: Ss ivmiat larvenblende]

"We should be ready for anything then, but we also need to move quick. We can give hope the space she needs to stay hidden and check out the cave."

The half elf nodded. "We take care of those sleeping...quickly and quietly then we go to the cave."

She looked at each. "Let's make one thing clear....no hesitation, no mercy and no sound."

"I will not kill a helpless foe, but for the atrocity of the days past, I will stay my hand while your bloodlust takes its fill. This is all that I can do for you."
Grune rumbles from deep in his chest.

The dwarf smirked.

"Again, I think I need to mention-not so good on the stealth thing."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:44, Thu 11 Nov 2021.

"Let's make sure they are cultists first!

Before we enter the canyon we should look for tracks which point the direction the raiders took. Just in case we have to leave in a hurry, after visiting the cave!"

Korym will look around, although he has no skill in tracking.

"Shadow can lead us to those sleeping outside."

[Language unknown: A, esssanwil the! Ame p we stroerthu iero firoie undonelin te whfi.]

---

Korym Nightstar rolled 12 for WIS (Survival) to look for tracks.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:32, Fri 12 Nov 2021.

"I have to imagine they are cultists," says Fina, motioning toward the canyon.  "Just can't imagine they all left and just let a few former prisoners camp out afterward."

She smiled to the dwarf.  "I get it, Grune, but we've seen what they can do given the chance to cause damage.  If we have the opportunity to deal with them before they have the ability to hurt others, I don't know if we can't take it."

Hope looked at Grune with a sour look. "This is not a question of bloodlust - trust me, its something id rather not do. But when there are 6 of us and hundreds, literally hundreds of them, we need to take what advantage we have. Would you rather i wake them, offer them a fair fight while they scream and betray us? They will swarm us like a plague, and when we are tired or injured, they will not stop for us to rest and heal - They will slaughter us."

She looked down in the darkness. "If they found us, asleep, they would not hesitate out of their bloodlust and ways - me, i'm protecting myself and my friends."

She looked at Korym and nodded. "We agree on that - any innocents need to be helped, and i won't kill innocents, but if it comes to killing cultists in their sleep to make sure we are alive, i will."

"You are no doubt correct, Oraphina...but you have made me think of a third option...one that I hate to say is most likely...the people sleeping might well be the former prisoners...executed and left behind.

Shadow likely could not tell the difference between sleep and death."

The elf's eyes drop to the ground, as he makes to look for tracks on the ground.

Grune nodded at Oraphina's words. He couldn't deny the wisdom that they contained even as they slashed against his long-held convictions.

"Aye-but doesn't adopting their way turn us into them? Do what ye must-I'll take the guards or warriors or whatever that we find."

Grune stared down Hope's soured look "I will not debate the morality of killing people in their sleep. Do

what

you

will." he said slowly punctuating each word.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:54, Fri 12 Nov 2021.

Hope glared at the dwarf, but drew a dagger. “It’s not what I will, it’s what I must - to protect who I must.”  She started walking, but muttered a last sentence.

“…and I will.”

The climb down from the cliff into the canyon is a surreal one, as just a few days ago there was a small army in the canyon, and now it is as quiet and dark as can be.

Shadow leads the group toward the mouth of the canyon away from the main cave at the rear, until the group can see the watchtower that is at the front of the canyon. The group has held back roughly sixty feet while the small familiar scouts ahead.

When she returns she once more crawls around Korym, until she rests on his shoulder. [Language unknown: "Fiard ll hou etaiur urarof."]

O.O.C. Only those with darkvision out at least 60ft can see the site that Shadow had scouted.

From the vantage point of the party only two people can be seen asleep next to the watch tower though there may be others; the area the group climbed down to is at a lower vantage than where the watch tower is; so the group has had to walk back up hill so to speak at a gentle angle to get back to the watch tower. The ground in the canyon slopes downward at a gentle but noticeable angle until it reaches the back of the canyon where the cave is.

The group can also see two mules standing tied to one of the watch tower's poles.

Next to the mules is a large pile of supplies, A barrel some sacks, and draped across the barrel is a small pile of animal skins.

[Language unknown: Et eiou, Inaimo.] Korym gives the little bat some raisins. [Language unknown: Li liel evtio me seng nterut ticse ecio of di wh manredereder leera.]

He whispers to the group, for the benefit of those who cannot see well in the dark, "I can see two sleeping, next to the watchtower. Also two mules, and a lot of supplies. Unlikely to be prisoners with mules and supplies, but you never know.

I've sent Shadow to look at them, I can see through her eyes, and maybe I can confirm their identity and number.

---

As an action, you can see through your familiar’s eyes and hear what it hears until the start of your next turn, gaining the benefits of any ⁠special sense⁠s that the familiar has. During this time, you are deaf and blind with regard to your own sen⁠ses.

"That is quite the friend you have there," whispers Oraphina to Korym, smiling and waving at the bat in the darkness.  "And she has excellent choice in food - raisins are delicious.  As for the people, maybe they're left behind to clean up the site?"

"Go ahead and feast on the flies!"

Korym gives his head a little shake, "Sorry I was talking to Shadow."


The elf gives a quiet chuckle, "And yet she is at the moment gorging on flies and mosquitoes!

There's four human men, ragged leather armour, swords and loaded crossbows at hand.

Probably not cultists, but very likely mercenaries that worked for the cultists. Most likely guilty of killing and looting, but perhaps more valuable as prisoners?

Einar remained quiet for most of the trek and the conversation that followed listening quietly. He takes a moment and puts on his shield adjusting it as they talk quietly, looking out at the direction the cultists were in.

"We should move, we need to find out quickly so we can relay the information. That is our current role." He says softly pulling out the rapier he'd bought giving it a test swing and reading himself for the worst.

Hope, silently ahead of everyone, held her hand up when they got close and listened to Korym's comments. "Stay here....let me look. Any movement, come in quick and quiet as you can."

She drew a dagger and moved forward slowly and quietly, dagger in hand to the two sleeping figures, ready to inspect (Or attack) if needed.

"You got it, Hope.  Be careful - we're right here."  Fina smiled at her friend, urging her on with a shooing motion with her hands.  "You go do your sneaky thing."

As Hope makes her way to where the men sleep; she is able to count four men asleep in a circle formation around each other, as if a campfire were in the middle of them, even though there is not one.

The men before her are all human men with long beards, probably in or near their fifties. All look like they have seen hard lives and wear their age in a rugged manner. They all wear ragged and worn leather armor, and sleep with a short sword and loaded crossbow next to them.

The supplies look fairly mundane, nothing stands out as interesting, A barrel with some sacks leaning up against it, and maybe a dozen animal pelts draped across the barrel.

Hope moves in, taking note of the men and their weapons. She moved in slowly, moving like a shadow to each man, taking their weapons and moving them away from their reach - she knew this would take time but this would avoid bloodshed. She kept a crossbow and aimed it at them, indicating the others move up silently as they could.

"I think Hope wants us to join her," Korym whispered to the group.

The elf concentrated for a moment to conjure a small club, which glowed dimly, and handed it to Oraphina. "Not as bright as a torch, but it will not attract as much attention, and it should let you Einar see well enough."

The elf then slowly and cautiously moves toward Hope.

---

Minor Conjuration: radiates dim light to 5 feet
Korym Nightstar rolled 17 for Stealth check (if needed).

Fina takes the glowing club, nodding in thanks to Korym.  "Onward!" she said enthusiastically, then proceeded to stumble over a rock even before taking her first step.  She looked around in fear, anxious that her noise had alerted someone, but hopeful they were still too far away for it to be audible.

---

HEY LOOK I'M BEING STEALTHY

18:57, Today: Oraphina Weatherbee rolled 5 using 1d20+2.  Stealth Check (if necessary).

Grune crept forward as silently as he was able.

---

Grune Darkhammer rolled 5 using 1d20+1.  Stealth Check (Disadvantage).
Grune Darkhammer rolled 8 using 1d20+1.  Stealth Check.

The silence and stillness of the night is broken quite abruptly as both Grune and Oraphina make their way toward the camp.

The more they try and conceal their movement, and lessen their approach, the louder the noises they make seem to get.

It isn't long before the men at the camp rouse from their slumber. The men are either well trained, or very light sleepers, as the are awake and react almost instinctively without hesitation; in a heartbeat they reach for their weapons, while one chants a few words causing his hand to glow, and soon his whole vest, as he touches his chest, having cast a light spell on himself.

"The hell... My weapons..." One of the men says until he and the others realize that not only are they disarmed but surrounded, with a half-elven woman pointing a crossbow at them.

Hope, pointing a crossbow at them smiles as she eyes them. "You'd do well to stay quiet." Though not a whisper, her voice was soft in the darkness. "We ask, you answer....You misbehave, you die."

Her tone was even and serious - she left no hesitation that she meant what she said.

"Let's just take this nice and slow no need for things to get out of hand."

Korym stays a few paces behind Oraphina, knowing that he will not add to the intimidation of the prisoners, and it will give him a moment to send Shadow on another errand.

[Language unknown: Ieenul...his o wa ess ive uliool. Wh ant beio'eces ent washe...ee wi.]

Grune scanned the area with his eyes looking for any contingencies that might have been put in place, thinking that Hope and the others had their new captives well in hand.

---

Perception or Investigation Check included here.
Grune Darkhammer rolled 15 using 1d20.  Investigation Check.
Grune Darkhammer rolled 5 using 1d20+3.  Perception Check .

This message was last edited by the player at 22:48, Wed 01 Dec 2021.

One of men snorts and spits before he speaks. "The hell we ever do to you lot?" He says standing, the other men standing as well.

Shadow flits off into the night, as Grune scans the area, finding little more than the bones of the men's dinner.

"You tell us," said Oraphina, stepping forward with her rapier and shield at the ready.  "You're the one hanging around with a bunch of murderpsychos, you let us know what you're doing.  And quickly," she added, swishing the blade in the air before them.

She cast a sidelong glance at Hope.  "Scary, huh?"

Hope stood there, her gaze even, murderous as she looked at them. "Hanging around with the dragon cult, murdering women, children!" She casually aimed her crossbow at the man. "Tell me where everyone is, or by every god, you will beg for death."

The men look at one another as the crimes are listed off. The one who cast light upon himself shrugs, before the man who spoke earlier continues speaking.

"Didn't know what happened. Didn't ask no questions. We are simple hunters, they hired us to bring in game from around the area for months; they payed well, and left us well enough alone.

So we didn't bother them none, simple business transactions.

Don't know where the bulk of'em went, they packed up right quick one day and left with several caravans, we were asked to keep brining game to those in the cave." He says matter of fact.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:03, Thu 02 Dec 2021.

The woman narrowed her eyes. "How many in the cave?"

"Dunno, never been inside, just make our sales at the entrance. Seen at least a dozen before, but no real clue." The man who had cast light upon himself says.

Korym steps forward from the shadows.

"Simple. Business. Transactions.

And in all the months that you engaged in your simple business transactions it did not bother you that your partners were raiding villages.

Murdering, kidnapping and enslaving innocent people?

The cultists are deluded in their beliefs which causes their actions. You. You are far worse. You look to them for profit when you could have done the right thing.

You. You are a pure scum."

The elf's tone is rigid and quiet, but he is shaking with rage.

The half elf didn’t lower her crossbow, but understood the motivation of gold - she too once followed that. If it was not for Oraphina, she still would be (or be dead). The woman looked at the men closely. “You sat by as they strung men up and let them starve. Even hunters have ears and know what’s happening, so don’t go the ‘it was business only’ ploy. You knew what they were doing and either accepted it or ignored it - and I don’t know what’s worse.”

She snorted as Korym finished speaking. “On that one, I agree. Now what do we do with these rats?”

Oraphina looked troubled, even above and beyond the current confrontation warranted.  "When an entire army moved out, they made you feed people staying behind in the cave?" she asked, looking back over her shoulder to the cavern's entrance.  "What the hell is in there that they couldn't bring with them?"

She returned her attention to the matter at hand.  "Mercenary hunters.  For as long as you've been here, you must have pretty much cleared this area of game, right?  Tell me.  What was your pay from the cult?  How much did they give to you to fill their unworthy bellies?"

Einar shakes his head lightly before stepping back, likely the hunters knew little and he wasn't one to kill someone who was just trying to make a living.

"Take them to Greenest for the Governor's justice?"

"As I am sure you've sat by a time or two upon witnessing an injustice, the world is full of inequality it's not our problem, we just make due as best we can. And our pay is none of your concern little one." The individual who cast light upon himself says, before his friend speaks up; upon hearing Korym's comment.

"You come into our camp at night, take our weapons, hold a crossbow at us, threaten us, and we're the bad guys? We have done nothing wrong, and we're not going anywhere with you.

Your going to give us our weapons back and then you're going to go on your merry way or we are going to have issues." The man says flatly.

"Everybody just WAIT A MINUTE."

If color was discernible in the darkness, one would notice that Fina had turned a rather fetching shade of scarlet.  "Wait.  Waitwaitwait. I'm not proposing we start brawling right here, so we all use up our strength and resources and whatever the heck is in that cave comes out and just eats all of us because we're being dumb and loud."  She takes a deep breath to compose herself, and looks to the glowing huntsman.

"You're hunters, and have been bringing food to whoever's in there.  And I'm not saying we all haven't seen our share of bad stuff in the world.  But I want to make the bad stuff a bit better.  I was asking how much you were paid, because I'd like to offer a business proposition.  Heavier on the coinpurse, lighter on the conscience, knowwhatimean?"  Her smile was back, not like it could be kept away for long, and she added a wink for good measure.

She looked back at the cave quickly to make sure nobody was coming out, then turned back to the hunters.  "Let's put those skills of yours to good use.  For good.  There's an entire city that these bastards decimated.  Burned, pillaged, the whole nine yards.  They need food, and I'm offering to pay you some coin to take your hunting towards Greenest, and let them benefit from your talents.  You feed them.  You get gold.  Penance is done, nobody dies, and a city benefits.  Whattaya say?"

---

Going to try and Persuasion them into this plan, and using the point of inspiration I've still got banked for Advantage on the roll.

04:15, Today: Oraphina Weatherbee rolled 21 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 10,16.  Diplomacy (Advantage from Inspiration).

Oops.  Diplomacy is Pathfinder.  I meant Persuasion.  :)

Hope was about to pull the trigger to the crossbow when oraphina spoke, a slight roll of her eyes, she let the charismatic halfling say her piece

The man who has been doing most of the speaking looks to the man who cast light upon himself, they share a glance and then he looks back to Oraphina.

"Give us our property back, and lower the crossbow, and then we will be willing to talk business."

"I give you my word, if and when we reach an agreement, I'll make sure everything is returned," said Oraphina.  "And it's a simple agreement, but given the company you were just keeping, it's just a safeguard for the moment to make sure everything goes smoothly.  Same goes for the crossbow - it's simply a precaution given the circumstances and the *ahem* nature of your current employer."

She sheathes her rapier, holding her open hand out to the side in a gesture of goodwill.  "All I want is to help out some people with their current food situation and try to avoid any absolutely needless bloodshed here.  That's all."

"No." The man says narrowing his eyes.

"We will not negotiate anything while under duress. Either we get our property back and you stop threatening us or we have nothing to negotiate."

Korym takes a couple of steps backward, [Language unknown: Ut e ngic heravehis lesa.] he says quietly, [Language unknown: Hasndetinsanoul ivelesthi.]

Hope smiles at the man's hostility, raising an eyebrow. "You sure you want to go that way with us? We are protecting ourselves from a known evil cult your associated with, and while you may just be money hungry fools who plead ignorant, I know your smarter than that."

She sighs and speaks in elven  She looks at the man who spoke. "Last chance....you agree, i will personally hand the crossbow back and won't take this further. Not....well" She smiled, shrugging

[Language unknown: "Ar witbe ourit asbut ugh u echo i asaice e nget outereoerave, reas E care astantstiherred eiev powifona di sstrplseur, not p foev not, e oldi iteau senoei a ore ek i leble wh latoel, hat ilera p ati son ev ni icheraand ingpo.

Omead astpreugh riati M evebe u vorndeere chulthiola, Es ich Ch nisi ieweno pa ounthuhas ursi oun uleiadil llngneouie plec i sanrutone ome e en undereone ardateart. Ousartest ndme andartpre ck nd hari ne alurhour, k ic powil ortonsort es ev camast.

Som eltodi k, ersanyone plss noneev ur teerad evous verartere ereec en fi siri all er it virderain nti ate."] The man says flatly.

Hope looked at the man with an even glare, then chuckled. "Smarter than you look." She lowered the crossbow, putting it on the ground. "Your crossbow is down. You promise me that you will not make a move to harm us unless we move first, i will step back and you grab your things. Not that you'd trust us, but you have our word that we will not attack unless you attack first - self defense only. That's the best offer you will get from me - no deception, no flattery, just the truth."

She glanced at the others, then back at the man. "What YOU have to get is we aren't scared of you - we are being cautious is all. We don't want you dead, but you attack us, and i GUARENTEE you, that should it go violent, it will go exactly how i think it will, and both of us won't like it"

She indicated Einar. "...well he might a bit, but he likes a good fight"

She waits his answer

Einar rolls his eyes a bit at the comment about him enjoing fighting, it wasn't like he liked killing people. He just had a very violent style of fighting, but at in the end he didn't say anything as there was little point in correcting her at this time.

Oraphina's eyes go wide when the hunter starts talking in another language.  "What was that?" she says incredulously, then looks back as Hope responds to him.  "What language was that?  What'd he say?"  The halfling looks back and forth again between them, trying to get a grasp of the situation - she thought she had it under control, then suddenly found herself out of the loop.

After Hope's words (in common!) though, she relaxed a little bit.  "Okay, this is good, this is promising.  Yeesh, just can't be easy," Fina added as she also stole a sidelong glance at Einar.  "I've fought next to this stunning chunk of muscle.  He's damn good."

With Hope's assurance the man raises his hand, a signal the man behind him seems to understand; the other man then moves off to go retrieve their property. "Thats all I have been asking for."

As the weapons are being redistributed back to their respective owners, the man who's been doing most of the talking thus far speaks up. "The language was Elven little one. Your friends here were attempting to set up a battle plan, hoping we didn't know their language." He says as he slings the crossbow back over his shoulder. "A poor tactic, if your whole group doesn't speak the language, if I may say so.

Anyway there was talk of a job offer to help some town? Our pay here is really good, so in order to break our deal with the cult, we will require a down payment... I think two hundred gold should be enough to cover us should this town of yours not want to pay."

Grune shifted his weight uncomfortably back and forth between his front foot and rear heel while eying the man with the glowing vestments. He didn't like him, not one bit, Grune decided as he calloused grip closed around the hilt of his battle hammer.

Nope, not one bit

Korym watches and listens to discussion, standing a few paces behind the rest of his companions. He shakes his head when the mercenaries are allowed to pick up their weapons.

~I thought I was the naive one!~ he thinks, when Oraphina asks them to head to Greenest and work for the Governor and the villagers. ~They are knowingly being paid by the group that pillaged and razed Greenest how likely is it that they will return there to help!~

~As I thought...completely ludicrous!~

Hope looked at the man, her thoughts a mix of stunned disbelief and seething anger. every urge wanted her to get this man and rip his throat out, but she stood there, with a neutral expression. she smiled as her hand subtlty reached around to her crossbow tucked in the small of her back

she looked at him and though she smiled, her eyes were cold. "You help the group that pillage and enslave the village and then demand that to help them you will extort them of what little they have left?"

She looked at Korym, then Oraphina, then back to the man. "I tell you what i'll do.  I'll let you and your scumbag friends walk away and never return, because if i see you again i'll break your leg, bury you up to your neck and watch as fire ants eat your skull."

As quick as a flash, she snaps her hand up, hand crossbow aimed at his head, the smile gone. "Now....walk. You speak again and i'll kill you"

---

<OOC: Oh, this shit's getting real now!

Uses sleight opf hand to draw her crossbow and aim at this guys head.

'Hope' rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  Sleight of hand.>

Oraphina sighed, closing her eyes and rubbing the bridge of her nose as if trying to stave off a rapidly oncoming headache.  "Yondalla, give me strength," she muttered under her breath.  Weapons were being drawn, words other than "oh hey, that seems like a swell plan" were being said, and the situation was degenerating.

"Last, best, final offer," she said, despite the uptick in tensions around her.  "I give each of you 15 gold apiece right now to take this on.  You get 5 gold apiece at the end of each week that you deliver ample food to them.  At the end of four weeks - a solid month - you've each get an additional 15 apiece provided you've done your jobs.  There's your 200 gold total.  50 gold apiece for supplying a rebuilding village with food."  She shrugged, and jerked a thumb over her shoulder to Hope.

"Or we go with her plan."

"Aye, my only concern be with killing men in their sleep, but scum such as this can merely be considered to be men." Grune after spitting a loogie which was filled with his abundant disdain

The man nods and raises his hand to Oraphina to politely cut her off. "I am sorry little one, but I will not negotiate a business deal with a weapon pointed at me." He says stepping up to Hope his chest centimeters from her raised bow, his arms spread wide.

"You keep poking the bear little girl, well here he is... Do it. Take whatever action you think will end my life, because that is what you want right? To simply murder those you don't agree with?

I will give you one, just one; and then I rip your throat out.

You have all tried my patience enough, and it is clear we won't see eye to eye or be able to make any kind of deal so let's end this charade and dick measuring contest of yours and play our cards? Only other option is you and your friends leave us alone and go about whatever business you came here for." He says, his voice shifting from polite to deep and guttural almost animalistic as he speaks, his allies drawing their weapons and preparing for an attack.

Hope glared at the man, his words cutting her deeply. Months ago she would have pulled the trigger, killed him without a thought, just for self preservation....but her time with oraphina had softened her a bit. She would have killed - she wouldn't have liked it, but would have just slit his throat.

She clenched her jaw, then lowered her Crossbow. "I don't kill for no reason - unlike your employers. Go." she turned her back and looked at the cave, no longer wanting to face the men

...or who she could have been.

Fina watched Hope lower her weapon and smiled, then turned back to the men.  "Let's go our own ways," she offered, her shield still hefted in case one of them tried to take a shot at Hope with her back turned.  "If I can't convince you to do good, at least let's limit the bad, okay?  Safe travels, good hunting, and maybe, just maybe, a closer vetting of employers."

With a nod of her head in lieu of a wave, the paladin took a few steps back to join Hope and the others.  "Thank you," she said quietly to her friend, glancing sideways to look at her.

With the tension relieved and the groups going their own ways the men watch as our heroes trek off into the pitch black darkness of the canyon, before they reset their camp, though with one staying up as a lookout this time.

The still and quiet of the night once more settles in, as our heroes now must decide their next course of action.

"I worry that we have left an enemy behind us."

Korym reaches out to Shadow, [Language unknown: Din earin set ate allcomugh camidick, ndecomres rut?]

[Language unknown: Pohaio laanut ss, itev esesur.] Shadow says as she flits about the area she was told to protect.

Hope, still looking at the cave, barely hears oraphina as she thanks her, moments later, she looks at the halfling woman with a clouded, unknown look in her eyes. She then looks at the cave. "We still need to find out what's in that cave, and I don't like those guys at our backs."

She hears Korym's comments and nods. "Their not enemies, but their not friends either. they know if theirs a fight coming that they will either need to step up or run. They back the cult and we have them at both sides. They back us or run, the cult will kill them. Sitting there, they don't know how bad they have it." she snorted.

"They should have ran....get a head start on the cult. That's what I'd do, especially with us coming they'll be more focused on us than them."

"Believe me, Hope, I wish they had run.  I just don't get it.  I literally offered them money AND an out to the situation, and they turned it down.  They were just mercenaries, not brainwashed cultists, right?  Why didn't they just take it?"  Oraphina seemed legitimately distraught at the situation - or more specifically, the failure of the situation - and she was definitely having issues wrapping her brain around what just happened.

"Regardless," she continued, glancing back at the hunters, "I'll keep an eye out behind us as we go, just in case.  For now though, let's figure out what the heck is in the cave, and get done with it."

"It doesn't do us any good to worry about it now we just have to stay on our guard and figure things out as we go." He gives Oraphina's shoulder a light squeeze as he looks over to the cave entrance, nice dark cave. He wasn't a great cave fighter you know being unable to see and all.

Hope nodded and made her way towards the cave.

Took to guiding the larger Einar through the darkness. His rough calloused hand found the small of his back as he whispered gruff descriptions of the landscape that lay before the barbarian.

Korym sees Grune helping to guide Einar and he reaches to place his hand on Oraphina's shoulder, to help her move in the darkness. The elf glances over his shoulder several times, worried that the hunters might be preparing to ambush from behind.

When the group is about fifty or sixty feet from the cave entrance, he will whisper, "Let's hold up for a moment. I can look through Shadow's eyes and see what is inside the entrance."

He looks to Hope, "If it looks clear to me, you can go ahead and confirm, and then we will join you. Hopefully, they are enough humans that they are keeping the place lit."

If the group agrees, he will sit on the ground and concentrate.

---

As an action, you can see through your familiar's eyes and hear what it hears until the start of your next turn, gaining the benefits of any special senses that the familiar has. During this time, you are deaf and blind with regard to your own senses.

Hope, moving silently, nods at the elf's words and waits his go ahead, circling wide and stopping at the edge of the cave entrance, back to the wall, as quiet as the wind

---

<OOC: 'Hope' rolled 22 using 1d20+7.  stealth check.>

Hope once again disappears into the night as Korym begins to channel his familiar.

Korym is able to see with perfect clarity inside the cave despite the low light of a single light source somewhere inside.

Flitting about the entrance Shadow can see one guard leaning casually up against a stone column and can hear another nearby, and soon is able to detect Hope as she edges up to the side of the entrance.

The cave itself is wide and tall on the outside cliff face, but by the time it begins to descend inwards the roof becomes only fifteen feet high.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:57, Wed 05 Jan 2022.

Korym's attention returns after a few moments.

"There is some light in the cave...not much...two guards just inside the entrance...one is questioning why they are part of the cult...the other...named Jorgen...seems scared of the cultists.

I think they might be convinced to flee instead of dying for the Cult.

Also...Cyanwrath...," his eyes flick to where Einar is standing, glad the human cannot see him in the dark, "...the half-dragon...he must die."

Orafina's face scrunches up in a a tiny visage of anger.  "Cyanwrath's in there?" she asks quietly, her head pivoting toward Korym even though she can't see him.  "You're right, he can't leave unless it's in pieces.  Einar, buddy, big guy, my friend."

She turns her head to him in the darkness.  "You know what to do."

Hope,her body flat on the wall looked equally angered as Korym, drawing a hand crossbow and a dagger, she looked at the group and nodded.

She hoped they knew what to do....if they were lured out she could catch one by surprise

"This time I'm not on my last leg, if he's in there I should be able to take him out"

"And, we will have your back, Einar."

Grune slowly spoke the words that came to him as a gift from his god in low hushed tones. He removed his hand from the small of Einar's back, picked up a rock.

"Just one wee moment lad."

Looking over the rock Grune tossed it into the air, caught it, and measured its weight before he wrapped it flush against his hand with a sun-tanned cloth and so by doing imbued Einar, Hope, and Korym with the durability of stone.


[OOC Grune casts the Aid spell:


Aid
Casting Time: 1 action
Range:        30 feet
Target:       Up to three creatures within range
Components:   V S M (A tiny strip of white cloth)
Duration:     8 hours
Classes:      Cleric, Paladin
Your spell bolsters your allies with toughness and resolve. Choose up to three creatures within range. Each target’s hit point maximum and current hit points increase by 5 for the duration.

Targeting Einar, Hope, and Korym.
+5 Temp HP and HP for 8 hours.]


"There that is bett'r"

"Hang on a moment," Korym whispers. "I'll see if I can reach Hope see what she wants us to do."

"Nuntius...Hope it's Korym, we're about 60 feet from the cave, do you want us to enter? You can whisper a reply and I'll hear it."

---

Cast Message.

Hope hears the voice of Korym and smiles. "Lure them out. I'll let them pass and attack the back one."

Korym whispers, "She wants us to draw them out, so she can attack from behind. I suggest we get a bit closer, and see if we can't get them to come out just by lighting a torch!"

Grune crept forward to lure out the cultist.

"Oh good, we can be conspicuous now?  I was getting tired of all that sneak-ery.  Plus, I'm awful at it."  Fina drew her rapier and held it at the ready, standing next the mouth of the cavern.  "Ready, everyone?" she asked, still keeping an eye on where the hunters re-set their camp, just in case.

"Let's do this."

"I'm ready to go." He speaks softly and pulls out his rapier and shield as well ready to engage as soon as he was able.

Creeping forward the group advances to Hope's location with the intent to take up position along the cliff face opposite her, with little care as to whether or not they would be noticed.


O.O.C. I have placed the party into the formation I figured you would want on the battlemat; once you reach the site, currently the party is still only thirty feet from their actual destination. I just put you on the map so that you could decide if the positioning will be okay. If you would prefer a different position let me know and I will edit accordingly.

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:31, Mon 17 Jan 2022.

Grune crept forward.


Grune Darkhammer rolled 7 using 1d20+1.  Stealth Check.
Grune Darkhammer rolled 10 using 1d20+1.  Stealth Check (Disadvantage).

Hope grimaced as she looked at the rest and cursed. She made her way over to the others. "Bastards had a signal. Their suspicious now and are setting up an ambush."

She looked at the others. "Better trained than I thought. Can you send your friend to see if there's a back entrance....a chute or something? otherwise we'll have to fight through them."

Korym nods, [Language unknown: Ileiic nti urho nceth ndicad naou ugh his, k P wer ekday ame eccapliv semo ionri cking!]

He sits on the ground and concentrates to see and hear through the bat's senses.

O.C.C. The battle mat is updated.

Shadow flits into the cave, the dim flickering light of the surroundings growing brighter as the number of torches increases the further inside the cave the small creature flies.

Shadow, going largely unnoticed by the men, as a bat in a cave would, is able to easily spot the men; one hiding behind a floor to ceiling column, and the other behind a bend in the wall, their scimitars drawn and ready to attack.

The cave looks to to be a largely natural structure, but there is evidence of some crude stone working in places, and behind the men's ambush location, the entrance of the cave comes to an end with a ten foot drop off. To the right broad roughly hewn steps are carved into a natural stone ramp. The cavern below is carpeted with a profusion of fungi ranging from a few inches high to nearly as tall as a human adult. Two paths lead through the fungi; one on the left and one on the right.

[Language unknown: Res amewa, riiliv nees! Uttin anusom set oulstaave set nc ekwil rom re na ta os.]

"The two guards have moved further back into the cave and are waiting for us. They carry swords, not bows...there are no others in sight...and there is more light inside the cave.

I am no soldier, but it seems that we have an advantage if we use arrows or spells to attack from a distance since they will have to move closer to engage."

Oraphina shakes herself from her reverie, her attention turning back to the cavern entrance from keeping an eye out for the hunters behind them.  "Well, at least we know where to set up defenses if those guys try to follow us in there later," she says, jerking a tiny thumb over her shoulder toward the men camping outside.  "But it is kind of cramped quarters in there, and there's no way we lure them out now."

She thinks for a moment, then shrugs and hefts her shield.  "I need to find me something I can do from afar.  Hucking javelins down a cave doesn't seem all that effective to me, especially with them hiding behind rocks."

He sighs and shakes his head he was in the same situation as Oraphina. "Yeah I'm not great at hucking them either, we are in the same boat of not having a great option if I can't fight face to face."

Hope removed her hand crossbow, and set several bolts in a custom made bracer, holding them in place. "They will think themselves superior as they think they surprised us.  If you take the front and be ready, we..." Indicating Herself and Korym "...can attack as they spring their supposed trap. We know where they are, you stand ready and we will be fine. Kor...if you assist Einar, I'll back the mother hen. Grune, you can be between them and judge who is needed more. That way if someone needs healing, you can help."

Korym nods in agreement with Hope's plan and takes position on Einar's side.

"Invisibilis Sectam Arma." The elf incants a spell as the sword wielders prepare to move forward.

---

Cast Mage Armour, AC 15 for 8 hours.

O.O.C.
Initiative:
Korym
Einar
Guards
Hope
Grune
Oraphina


Prepared as they could be the group decided to move into the cave.

---------

As they crept along awaiting the ambush they knew would come, the light in the cave became brighter and brighter until it was easy enough to see by but not as illuminated as one would prefer. (O.O.C. Low Light.)

As he stepped forward Einar raised his hand in the air to alert his allies, as he heard the soft shifting of dirt and pebbles, almost imperceptible, but to an alert man in the still of the cave it was as loud as an explosion.

It was all the warning the group had as the two men quickly leap from their hiding spots and lay into Einar and Oraphina, their skill with the sword much greater than their friends that had invaded Greenest.

The two work together with an almost impressive amount of skill, charging in with feints and bluffed attacks, making it hard to guess their actual attack patterns, leading to one landing a grievous wound on Einar's neck. (Crit on Einar for 12 dmg. That is with the disadvantage from Oraphina.)

End Held Actions Round.
-----
Begin Round 1
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:39, Sun 23 Jan 2022.

Korym is shocked at the rapid attack from the guards. He stops in his tracks and sends a bolt of cold at the guard attacking Einar, but his aim is faulty.

---

Korym Nightstar rolled 6 using 1d20+5 for Ray of Frost.
Just getting that natural 1 out of the way!

Grune wiped the blood from Einar's wound to clear his vision and struck out with his warhammer.


Grune Darkhammer rolled 10 using 1d20+4.  Attack on C2 with Warhammer.
Grune Darkhammer rolled 9 using 1d8+2.  Warhammer Damage


This message was last edited by the player at 13:50, Tue 25 Jan 2022.

Einar just growls at the man as he sort of pulls the weapon 9ut of his neck and looks at him. "That wasn't very pleasant." He growls out at the man before whipping his own rapier at the man's neck.

11:03, Today: Einar rolled 7 using 1d8+3.

11:02, Today: Einar rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  Return attack.

Hope, behind Einar, saw the men jump out and was not surprised in the least - in fact she was unimpressed with their lack of imagination. She raised her hand crossbow and fires at the one to Einar's left, only to miss.

....now hope was equally unimpressed with herself.

---

<OOC: Action - Shoots hand crossbow

'Hope' rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  Attack - hand crossbow

Bonus Action- none


....well that didn't work!>

"No!" yells Oraphina as Einar takes a blade to the neck.  Her rapier flashes out in retaliation, aiming from her lower angle with an upward strike toward the man's ribs.

---

00:38, Today: Oraphina Weatherbee rolled 22 using 1d20+4.  Attack the one who hit Einar.
00:38, Today: Oraphina Weatherbee rolled 6 using 1d8+2.  Damage (hits AC 22).

O.O.C.
Initiative:
Korym
Einar
Guards
Hope
Grune
Oraphina


As Korym slings his spell wide an angry Einar retaliates against the foe who struck him (C1), landing a grievous blow to the man's shoulder.

"Fuck! He's tougher than he looks." The man says as he swings his scimitar once more at the barbarian. Only to have it slide harmlessly off Einar's shield.

The second man (C2) takes advantage of Oraphina's distracted attention to strike out at her, landing a solid blow against the tiny woman (5dmg)

As the melee begins in earnest Hope attempts to assist her allies, only to watch as the bolt she fired misses wide.

Grune not one to be left out of a tussle swings his hammer narrowly missing his opponent's knee.

Oraphina too far away to strike at the man that had struck at Einar, instead opts to retaliate against the man who had sliced her. Catching the man in the thigh as he maneuvers out of the way of Grune's attack.

End Round 1.
-----
Begin Round 2

Korym sends another bolt of frosty magic at the cultist engaged with Einar.

---

Korym Nightstar rolled 12 for 6 damage and -10 to speed.

Seeing her friend hit, the half elf took a look of anger and she loaded her hand crossbow, aiming with a trained eye. "Not my friend..." she muttered, as her bolt flew.

---

<OOC: Action - Shoot hand crossbow at the enemy who attacked Oraphila

Hope rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  attack - crossbow.
Hope rolled 4 using 1d6+3.  damage - crossbow.
Hope rolled 8 using 2d6.  sneak attack.


Total damage - 12

Bonus action - None>

Einar cracks his neck a bit as he swipes at the man again but not as well as he focuses on his defense. "Well that is an understatement I'm as tough as they come"



19:13, Today: Einar rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  More attack.

Grune swings his hammer low like boulders from an avalanche attempting to crush the feet (or foot) of the C2 cultist.


OOC: Attack action:  Grune Darkhammer rolled 9 using 1d8+2.  Warhammer Damage.
08:33, Today: Grune Darkhammer rolled 13 using 1d20+4.  Attack on C2 with Warhammer.

Oraphina recovers from her attack just in time to have the cultist's blade rake across her ribs, drawing a spray of blood from beneath her armor.  She grits her teeth, her rapier this time jabbing out with a direct stab at her enemy's thigh.

---

13:15, Today: Oraphina Weatherbee rolled 17 using 1d20+4.  Attack the guy who hit me!
13:16, Today: Oraphina Weatherbee rolled 7 using 1d8+2.  Damage (hits AC 17).

O.O.C.
Initiative:
Korym
Einar
Guards
Hope
Grune
Oraphina

As his friends and his foes begin to melee with each other, Korym finds it difficult to narrow in on his target without hitting one of his allie. Taking a guess, he finds himself wrong, and the beam narrowly misses hitting his ally Einar, as he jerks his hand at the last second to avoid hitting him.

Einar seeing the icy beam coming in reflexively pulls back to avoid it; causing his attack to miss as he moves back.

The guard who Einar had been in melee with, watches as the icy beam flies by harmlessly; swinging his scimitar after it has passed, but too late to take advantage of Einar's unbalance, as he brings the scimitar down once more upon a recovered Einar's hefted shield.

The other guard swings hard, his blade poised to take Oraphina's head off, but his blow stops short as he is shot between the eyes by Hope's crossbow bolt; and instead he is the one who crumples to the ground dead.

Grune all ready to smash some toes, finds his intended prey felled, and instead has to reposition himself, but in the process he finds that he simply can't land a solid blow, the other guard reacting too quickly for the dwarf's hammer.

Oraphina seeing an opening made from Grune's assault, jumps over the dead man and brings her weapon about on the new foe, her attack finding purchase in the man's lower back as he jumps back from Grune's attack.

End Round 2.
-----
Begin Round 3

will update the battle mat tomorrow, I am not on the computer that has the saved data right now. But I have moved Grune to M21 and Oraphina to M23, to accommodate their intended attacks.

Korym moves to the side of the tunnel to get a better angle on the remaining guard but it does not help as his magical ray once again misses the target.

---

Korym Nightstar rolled 11 for Ray of Frost.

Grune strikes out with his battle hammer once more attempting to hobble his enemy.


OOC:
 Grune rolled 5 using 1d8+2.  Battlehammer damage.
 Grune rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Grune strikes at C1 with his battlehammer.

Einar readjusts his footing staring at the man with and unflinching coldness "That's enough of this." his rapier whips forth going for the man's throat once again and pushing the man so even if his attack fails his allies can pick up the slack easy enough.


12:23, Today: Einar rolled 10 using 1d8+3.

12:23, Today: Einar rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  Finish Him.

Hope, always focused as she was hidden in the shadow, reloaded her hand crossbow, and aimed at the sole man left, holding to see if the others dispatched him first.

---

<OOC: If still alive by her turn, she fires.

'Hope' rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  attack - crossbow.

...and misses anyway>

O.O.C.
Initiative:
Kobolds
Korym
Einar
Hope
Grune
Oraphina

Once more Korym's blast misses it's intended target flying off into the distance above the mushrooms ahead. Narrowly missing a pair of winged Kobolds who are flying as hard as they can toward the group, soon hissing, screeching, and indistinct draconic speech can be heard ahead.

Einar having had enough of the man in front of him runs his rapier through the man's chest as Grune shatters his knee, sending the dead man crumpling to the ground


End Round 3.
-----
Begin Round 4

The two winged kobolds come swooping in, their positions too high to strike as they pass by and make a straight line for Korym and Hope hovering just above and out of reach as they drop heavy stones down at them. Narrowly missing the agile rogue but landing square upon Korym's shoulder (3dmg)

Charging up the stairs and fanning out, several more non-flying kobolds enter the fray, with some move to one side and loosing slings while two others charge forward to Oraphina and begin assaulting her with their daggers.

Grune takes the brunt of the assault; one of the stones hitting him in the mouth hard and another upon his forehead. (13dmg, one crit.)

Einar however fares somewhat better as only one stone pelts him upon his chest. (4dmg)

Oraphina not being as tall as the others is able to take the kobolds who fell upon her more easily as she is able to parry and guard against foes her size.


Battle Mat updated

Hope you can take your held action against a Kobold if you would like, let me know which one.

"Oof!" Korym exclaims as the rock drops from above.

"Somnus!" the wizard sends a spell toward the two flying kobolds.

---

Action: Cast Sleep, targeting the two flying kobolds.

Korym Nightstar rolled 22 for total hit points affected by Sleep.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:16, Fri 11 Feb 2022.

Einar will move forward slightly and take a swing after activating his rage. He misses his attack in the process but readies his defense.

"Get back!" cries the paladin, swiping at the kobolds with her blade.  She deflects their dagger strikes with her shield, then lunges at one of the creatures when she spies a gap in its defenses.

---

22:44, Today: Oraphina Weatherbee rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  Attack K1 with rapier.
22:44, Today: Oraphina Weatherbee rolled 6 using 1d8+2.  Damage! (hits AC 21).

Hope saw the kobolds coming, and her shot she had in wait of the human went like an instinct towards the kobold heading straight for her dwarven friend as he hit the priest.

<OOC: Held action at the kobold attacking Grune (K1)
'Hope' rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  attack - crossbow.

'Hope' rolled 6 using 1d6+3.  damage - crossbow.
'Hope' rolled 7 using 2d6.  sneak attack.>

She then noticed the flying kobold. "Oh, bloody hell!" She muttered and she leaned back, again firing her hand crossbow, this time at the one trying to drop a rock on her, while her other hand, drew a dagger and she scrambled around the rock into shadow

<OCC: Action - Fire crossbow at the flying kobold (U2)

'Hope' rolled 23 using 1d20+5.  attack - crossbow.
'Hope' rolled 6 using 1d6+3. Damage - Crossbow

Misc action - Draw Dagger (off hand)

Bonus action - hide (Cunning action)

'Hope' rolled 14 using 1d20+7.  hide.>

Grune intones a few words in dwarvish and calls down sacred flame upon the kobold (K6).


OOC: Grune Darkhammer rolled 4 using 1d8.  Sacred Flame damage.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

Sacred Flame
cantrip evocation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Target: A creature that you can see within range
Components: V S
Duration: Instantaneous
Classes: Cleric
Flame-like radiance descends on a creature that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw (DC 13) or take 1d8 radiant damage (4). The target gains no benefit from cover for this saving throw.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 12:53, Thu 10 Feb 2022.

O.O.C.
Initiative:
Kobolds
Korym
Einar
Hope
Grune
Oraphina

Korym's sleep spell goes off without a hitch, the two flying kobolds succumbing to the effects of the spell; as they fall, Hope fires her crossbow, ending the life of one before he even hits the ground, as Einar charges forward into the fray.

While Einar strikes out in a mad rage at the kobolds, Hope reloads her crossbow and fires once more, this time ending the life of one of the scaly creatures assaulting Oraphina, before sliding into the shadows of the cave.

Grune clutches his holy symbol and calls forth the fire of the gods upon his foe; the Kobold caught unaware is immediately engulfed in flames, but remains standing though hideously burnt.

As Oraphina is about to lung out at her foe a crossbow bolt slams into his skull, and he crumples to the ground. Not wanting to loose her momentum she instead shifts slightly and thrusts forth at the other kobold driving straight through his heart, ending his life in the process.

End Round 4.
-----
Begin Round 5

Seeing that the enemy has come to them, the kobolds drop their slings and draw their daggers; they then move into their now familiar packs and combine their efforts in an attempt to fell Einar, their assault amounting to little more than superficial scratches upon his thigh (4dmg)

The winged kobold who had fallen unconscious is rudely awoken as he slams into the ground face first. The creature stands and attempts to take flight once more.


Battle Mat updated

Hope and Korym you have a chance to make an attack of opportunity on the flying kobold.

Korym is pleased to see his spell drop the two flying kobolds, but is not as happy when the spell ends when they hit the ground.

Hoping to disable the kobold in front of him, the wizard draws his dagger and slashes at the creature as it tries to take flight, and scores a deep slash on the beast.

The wizard moves to get a better angle on the remaining attackers from which to launch a spell.

---

Reaction: opportunity attack with dagger
Korym Nightstar rolled 22 for 6 damage with dagger.

If flying kobold is killed by Korym's opportunity attack:
Move: to L17, cast Ray of Frost at K4.

If flying kobold is NOT killed by Korym's opportunity attack:
Ready: move to L17, cast Ray of Frost at K4 WHEN the flying kobold is dropped.

Korym Nightstar rolled 16, for 8 damage with Ray of Frost; -10 to K4's speed.

Einar doesn't even bother to react to the scratch he was given before swiftly striking at the kobold in front of him gotta take them out one at a time after all.




18:29, Today: Einar rolled 9 using 1d8+3.  Time for some damage!

18:29, Today: Einar rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Let's attack some kobolds.

Hope, from her hidden position, reloaded her crossbow and took aim again at the kobolds, and fired, the bolt skipping off the stone.

---

<OOC: Action - Attack Kobold with crossbow

'Hope' rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  attack - hand crossbow.

...Nope

Bonus action - None>

Grune swings wildly at the kobold (K5)



OOC:Grune rolled 9 using 1d20+4.  Attack with Battlehammer at K5.

This message was lightly edited by the player at 12:52, Thu 24 Feb 2022.

O.O.C.
Initiative:
Kobolds
Korym
Einar
Hope
Grune
Oraphina

The tides of the battle shift quickly as Korym deftly dispatches his beleaguered flying foe before he could even get off the ground, and hurriedly makes his way to a better vantage point where his frost magics freeze another kobold almost solid, for a brief moment, eliminating another foe.

Einar stabs forward impaling one of the creatures on his blade while Hope's attack narrowly misses.

Oraphina rushes forward to defend her dwarven ally, but in her hasty enthusiasm, instead trips on a rock stumbling forward and into Grune throwing off his swing. (rolled a nat 1)

End Round 5.
-----
Begin Round 6

Sensing the tide has changed on them the remaining kobolds redouble their efforts to even the odds, stabbing furiously at Grune, one of their blades finding purchase in the dwarf's neck as the other feints Grune drawing his defense away at the wrong moment. (7dmg Crit!)


Battle Mat updated

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:13, Thu 24 Feb 2022.

Heartened by his success, Korym steps forward and sends another blast of icy magic toward the closest kobold, but once gain his aim is off.

---

Korym Nightstar rolled 7.

Hope, seeing the dwarf savagly attacked, dropped the crossbow, and drawing her dagger, went in for a twin blow, both blades missing their mark.

---

<OOC: Misc action - drop hand crossbow and draw dagger

Action - Attack with dagger

'Hope' rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  attack - dagger.

Bonus Action - Attack with dagger

'Hope' rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  attack - dagger.


DAMNIT!>

Einar Continues to try and make quick work of the kobold In his range so he can move forward to assist the others and prevent anyone getting overwhelmed.



08:07, Today: Einar rolled 5 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 2.  Stab!!!
08:06, Today: Einar rolled 23 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 18.  Stabby stab.

Grune intones a few words in dwarvish and calls down sacred flame once again.


OOC: Grune Darkhammer rolled 3 using 1d8.  Sacred Flame damage.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

Sacred Flame
cantrip evocation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Target: A creature that you can see within range
Components: V S
Duration: Instantaneous
Classes: Cleric
Flame-like radiance descends on a creature that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw (DC 13) or take 1d8 radiant damage (3). The target gains no benefit from cover for this saving throw.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 12:18, Tue 01 Mar 2022.

O.O.C.
Initiative:
Kobolds
Korym
Einar
Hope
Grune
Oraphina

With one final push the group combines their efforts on the remaining kobolds, Korym and Hope pinning them down with their attacks preventing them from escaping; while Grune ignites one of them as Einar runs him through, All while Oraphina expertly extinguishes the life of the last kobold as her blade manages to sweep across his throat.

End Round 6.
--------
End Combat


It takes only a few moments for the last kobold to choke to death on his own blood as he gasps for air. And then the cave which had been so loud with the sounds and echos of combat until now, dies back down to almost complete silence; only the natural sounds of the cave and the faint soft sound of flowing air keep the cave from being completely silent.

Einar takes a moment to look around for anything that might be useful before they move on. "Well they know we are here now." He says softly.

The half elf sighed and nodded at the man's assumption, searching the bodies quicky for anything of use

"Possibly...neither the guards nor the kobolds are going to be providing a status report any time soon."

Korym beckons to the little bat, "OK Shadow, time to fly ahead and let me know if there are any more creatures waiting for us."

He watches bat fly further into the tunnel. "Are we ready to move on?"

O.O.C. The guards carry little more than their leather armor and scimitars, but between the two 12gp worth of coins is found.

The kobolds had only daggers and slings, unless you want their ratty loin cloths.

Ahead is a ten foot drop off. To the right broad roughly hewn steps are carved into a natural stone ramp. The cavern below is carpeted with a profusion of fungi ranging from a few inches high to nearly as tall as a human adult. Two paths lead through the fungi; one on the left and one on the right.

Shadow flits out and circles around the fungal area past the drop off. Upon returning she once again informs her master of what she saw telepathically
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:15, Wed 09 Mar 2022.

"Shadow did not see any more guards ahead, left or right path?"

Hope looked at the meagre gear, collecting a few daggers and the coin. She then followed the others to the fungus grove

She looked over with a sniff. "Either way is as good as any now.....expecially if the path is clear. What say you....right?"

"It's a coin toss either way, so Right works fine for me as well just be at the ready for anything that could happen." He sighs a bit stretching his arms and shoulders out as he gets his shield ready to move down the next path.

Grune nodded once as well, right was as fine of a direction as any.

Having decided upon the right trail the group begins descending the stairs, until five feet from the bottom Einar's foot lands on a step that shifts quickly underneath him.

With the sound of shifting stone the remaining steps to the bottom collapse into a ramp. Einar can feel his legs give way beneath him and soon he is sliding down into the fungal growths feet first; coming to a stop only after he plows into a large group of mushroom stalks, sending a large cloud of spores flying into the air and coating him.

The spores thankfully turn out to be harmless, but soon four nearby human sized purple mushrooms, that had been hidden from your view above by the caps of larger mushrooms writhe and tentacles burst forth from them swiping at the prone barbarian, while other shamble to a position near him and strike out.

Four of the tendrils land upon the the barbarian's flesh, bringing with them a horrible burning sensation as the flesh begins to wither and rot. (15 necrotic dmg. (6,1,5,3))

---------
Initiative:

Korym 16 (Supprised Condition.)
Oraphina 15 (Supprised Condition.)
Einar 7 (Supprised Condition; Prone Condition.)
Hope 7 (Supprised Condition.)
Violet Fungus 3
Grune 1 (Supprised Condition.)

End Round 1
----
Begin Round 2

Initiative:

Korym 16
Oraphina 15
Einar 7 (Prone Condition.)
Hope 7
Violet Fungus 3
Grune 1

"Sentient mushrooms! Amazing!"

Korym's curiosity is quelled by Einar's shouts of pain.

"Somnus!" Korym incants, as he tries to put the ambulatory fungi to sleep.

---

Korym Nightstar rolled 37 for hit points affected - upcast with level 2 slot.

Hope was surprised by the obvious trap, and should have guessed such might happen. But her shock in the mushrooms was even moreso. She winced as she raised her hand crossbow. "Yes....fascinating - but let's kill them please!" she fired a bolt at one of the fungus.

---

<OOC: Action - Fires Hand crossbow

'Hope' rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  attack - crossbow.
'Hope' rolled 4 using 1d6+3.  damage - crossbow.

Bonus Action - None>

Grune targets one of the mushrooms (V1) hoping that the sacred flame that he could conjure would drive them back.

4 pts of damage.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

Sacred Flame
cantrip evocation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Target: A creature that you can see within range
Components: V S
Duration: Instantaneous
Classes: Cleric
Flame-like radiance descends on a creature that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or take 1d8 radiant damage <<4>>. The target gains no benefit from cover for this saving throw.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 20:14, Mon 14 Mar 2022.

Einar works to quickly regain his footing bringing his shield up and striking out against one of the many enemies that had taken upon him. Cursing under his breath as he was in a bad position and that damage wasn't pleasant to experience.


Half move speed to stand back up then strike the enemies!
12:22, Today: Einar rolled 7 using 1d8+3.

12:22, Today: Einar rolled 23 using 1d20+5.  attack!

---------
Initiative:

Korym 16
Oraphina 15
Einar 7
Hope 7
Violet Fungus 3
Grune 1

Korym's spell washes over the melee, friend and foe alike, however stalwart as ever, Einar is able to shrug off the effects of the spell. And while the fungi are difficult to read the reactions of, it becomes apparent that two of the fungi now have stopped moving, their tentacles retracting back into their caps and remaining motionless(V2 and V3). The other two, on the other hand. continue their assault.

Oraphina hops onto the new slide in front of her and uses it to quickly reach Einar, coming to a stop only as she slides into the Barbarian as he begins to stand. Readying her shield she stikes out, her blade easily finding purchase in the cap of one of the fungi.

unfazed by the halfling sliding into him, Einar rises, and not to be outdone, lands a vicious blow into the meat of the purple fungus, just as Hope's bolt buries in just above the wound he had made.

Undeterred by the assault against one of them the fungi lash out viciously with multiple tentacles, landing two hits upon Einar's exposed flesh. (5+1 = 6total dmg from two tentacles.)

Seeing his ally once again get struck and once again having his flesh rotted, Grune prays once more resulting in a flame that engulfs the purple monster leaving only a shriveled and burnt pile of flesh. (V1 dead, will update the battle mat tomorrow.)

End Round 2
----
Begin Round 3

Hope reloads the crossbow and takes aim, noting her friends in the way, she scowls. "Get out of the bloody way." she muttered, as she sent a bolt out, missing the enemy

---

<OOC: Action - Attack With crossbow

'Hope' rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  attack - crossbow.
'Hope' rolled 7 using 2d6.

Bonus Action - None>
This message was last edited by the player at 03:02, Mon 21 Mar 2022.

Korym breathes a sigh of relief when he sees his Sleep spell affected the mushrooms. "They'll be asleep for only a minute!" he warns.

The elf then sends a ray of icy cold at the remaining mushroom, "Radius Gelu!"

---

Cast Ray of Frost.
Korym Nightstar rolled 23, for 2 damage on V4, also -10 to speed.
[Edit: added name of spell for clarity.]
This message was last edited by the player at 01:42, Fri 18 Mar 2022.

Einar just moves on to the next one swiping at the enemy before him just trying to kill them before the rest wake up.


19:02, Today: Einar rolled 9 using 1d8+3.

19:02, Today: Einar rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  aNOTHER ATTACK

Grune attempted to summon another gout of divine flame at V2.


Grune Darkhammer rolled 7 using 1d8 ((7)) DC: 13


This message was last edited by the player at 11:26, Fri 18 Mar 2022.

---------
Initiative:

Korym 16
Oraphina 15
Einar 7
Hope 7
Violet Fungus 3
Grune 1

As the last of the awake fungi lashes out with it's tentacles toward Einar the combined assault of the group rips it apart before any more withering damage can befall Einar.

Now the group is left with two sleeping fungi...


End Round 3
----
Begin Round 4

Korym sends a blast of cold toward at one of the sleeping mushrooms, looking to end its existence before it can cause the group any more damage.

---

Korym Nightstar rolled 11, for 5 cold damage, -10 to speed.

[Edit: should have rolled with ADV]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:40, Sun 27 Mar 2022.

Grune stepped forward and touched his holy symbol. His hand fell away as it met his resolve and distaste at attacking a sleeping foe.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:30, Fri 25 Mar 2022.

Einar has no qualms as he stabs down at the sleeping foe nearest him after all had they gotten lucky he'd have died.


Total damage would be 14
11:03, Today: Einar rolled 9 using 1d8+3.

11:07, Today: Einar rolled 5 using 1d8.
11:03, Today: Einar rolled 11 using 1d20+5.


This message was last edited by the player at 16:08, Sat 26 Mar 2022.

Hope reloads her crossbow and aims it at the mushroom, again firing - and missing. [Language unknown: "I str allom m ll..."] she curses.

---

<OOC: 'Hope' rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  attack - Hand Crossbow.

'Hope' rolled 6 using 2d6.  sneak attack.
'Hope' rolled 4 using 1d6+3.  damage - crossbow.>
This message was last edited by the player at 02:07, Sun 27 Mar 2022.

---------
Initiative:

Korym 16
Oraphina 15
Einar 7
Hope 7
Violet Fungus 3
Grune 1

With the exception of their dwarven cleric, the group combines their assault upon one of the sleeping mushrooms; leaving little more than a pulverized, punctured, and slightly chilled mound of fungus in their wake.

Only one fungal foe now remains.


O.O.C. I had everyone focus down one shroom as I never got a response to whether or not you really wanted to target a separate foe from the rest Korym. Either way one foe down.

End Round 4
----
Begin Round 5

Korym looks to blast the remaining mushroom with his icy ray.

---

Korym Nightstar rolled 7 for 5 cold damage; speed is reduced by 10.

[Edit: apparently only a 1 misses! I vote that we fight mushrooms for the rest of the adventure! :-D
This message was last edited by the player at 07:45, Sat 02 Apr 2022.

Einar goes for the last mushroom, trying to take out the last one before it awakes and goes on the attack again.

21:00, Today: Einar rolled 15 using 2d8+3, unique dice with rolls of 4,8.
21:00, Today: Einar rolled 34 using 2d20+5, unique dice with rolls of 10,19.  can murder shrooms.

Hope quickly reloaded her hand crossbow, and rolling for a better angle, took aim and shot the last fungus.

---

<OOC: Action - Attack the fungus
'Hope' rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  attack - Hand Crossbow.
'Hope' rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  attack - Hand Crossbow (Advantage).

'Hope' rolled 5 using 1d6+3.  damage  hand crossbow.
'Hope' rolled 6 using 2d6.  sneak attack.>

---------
Initiative:

Korym 16
Oraphina 15
Einar 7
Hope 7
Violet Fungus 3
Grune 1

With one foe down the group once more focuses their attacks, this time against the one remaining fungal foe; their combined assault leaving the slumbering fungus little more than a crumpled pile of plant matter.




End Round 5
----
End Combat

o.o.c. I know the map is lagging behind, I will try to update it tomorrow after work.



Now all that is left for our heroes to decide is whether to continue to the right or go down the left path.

edit: corrected the paths.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:28, Tue 05 Apr 2022.

Hope snorted at the plants, putting away her crossbow. She looked back, then forward. "I doubt ant of them came through here - they'd need to deal with these too. But saying that, it could hold something interesting. It may cut around towards the back of them."

"Or the mushrooms recognise the kobolds as allies, perhaps? In any case, one way is as good as the other when you are travelling unknown paths. Let's continue on our chosen route."

---

I thought we chose the right path? In any case, Korym has no preference!

Now that they were done with the mushrooms Einar dust himself off a bit and put away his sword opting to keep his shield out for now at least. "Let's just keep moving this way for the moment no point and going back."

The group continues down the right pathway through the forest of fungus, a haze of spores floating in front of them as they march on; until the group reaches the end of the trail, the mushrooms then begin to thin out gradually and become smaller, until the thicket disappears altogether emptying the group into another large cavern.

The area has three floor to ceiling natural stone pillars in it that reach up to the dark stalactite covered roof and are aligned in such a way that they largely obscure what lies beyond them. Lining the floor are more mushrooms and thick layers of bat guano, that have been shoveled up as one might snow to carve numerous walkways through the filth, but the most noticeable fact in this area are the dead bats that line the floor, dozens of them, and many more bat skeletons. Plus one beat up and battered spear that lies upon the floor, near one of the furthest pillars.

o.o.c. Edited to put the spear in the right place.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:27, Fri 08 Apr 2022.

Hope stops at the cavern, holding up her hand she is instantly on alert. this much bat guano was not her issue - the dead bats and the skeletons was. She looked at the others and held her finger up to her lips, indicating silence.

She reached behind herself, grabbing one f her many daggers, and with a flick, threw it towards the spear, all the while, her eyes scanning for any signs of movement.

---

<OOC: 'Hope' rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  perception check.>

The dagger clatters across the floor striking the battered spear knocking it away from the pillar it was near, with no visible results.

Hope threw the dagger, hitting the spear, but her eyes were elsewhere. She squinted as she saw movement, and mouthed a curse. Slapping Korym on the shoulder, she pointed up towards what she saw - cat sized insectoids, several of them.

She leaned in and whispered to him so only he heard.

As Korym takes in the dead bats and skeletons on the floor of the cave. He reaches to his shoulder and gently picks up Shadow. [Language unknown: P is der sheer ofart wh adiv ate, U siit ha ain eeol earthende.]

A quick nod of his head and the bat disappears.

He pulls Hope back toward the others, all the while watching the creatures on the ceiling. He whispers, "Stirges, bloodsucking beasts that have been known to drain men of all of their blood in mere moments. They latch onto their victims and stab into them with their proboscis and begin drinking blood. They tend to swarm like mosquitoes.

Another route? Or I can try to put them to sleep."

Hope looked at him. "How strong are these blood suckers?"

"Not powerful, nor hardy, but if 2 or 3 of them attach to any one of us we could be dead in a few moments."

The half elf smiled. "Don't let them attach then. There are but 10 i see if we can take half before they know, then we will have odds of one each....plus, this place could hide something - nice"

"Sleep it is!" Somnus!

---

Cast Sleep; aimed to include the first visible stirges and to go as far back as possible.
Korym Nightstar rolled 22 for total hit points affected.

Well as everything is about to kick off Einar takes his position in the front shield and sword in hand. "I guess we are doing this."

Hope  nods as Elnar casts his spell, her hand crossbow in one hand, dagger in the otehr, ready for any stragglers.

Only moments after Korym casts his spell, bodies begin to fall from the ceiling. Loud thuds can be heard as the bodies of the Stirge break upon the stone floor, and as quickly as the sickly rain sound began it was once again quiet.

Hope smiled as the spell took effect and the beasts fell, splatting on the round like over-ripe fruit onto stone.  She looked at Korym and nodded, and with dagger out, went to collect her dagger and search the area.

---

<OOC: 'Hope' rolled 7 using 1d20+3.  investigation check.

Well, thats a flop of a search check>

Although he moved for far less grace than the lith dexterous Hope, Grune moved forward to aid in her investigations.


OOC: Grune Darkhammer rolled 18 using 1d20.  Investigation Check.

As Hope and Grune advance into the filth and broken bodies of small animals, the area opens up beyond the pillars that had previously blocked much of the line of sight.

Now before the group the cave system splits into three directions. Straight ahead the floor drops off immediately and then again into inky blackness.

To the left the cave system narrows to ten feet wide before expanding out again into another cavernous room, this one with another hall leading from it, and sheer drop off also into inky blackness, but there seems to be a wooden set of stairs leading down into the darkness, with iron bars built into them to form a sort of cage around the stairs. In this room one winged kobold and four normal ones sit on the floor playing with dice.

To the right of the room with the guano and dead stirge, is a narrow stairway leading down to a set of heavy leather straps that drape like a curtain from the roof of the ceiling.

---

As Hope searches for her dagger in the bat shit nearest the broken spear, Grune thoughtfully looks about the stone pillars and notices something out of place; a pile of freshly agitated guano piled up against the pillar, while all the other guano looks to have settled and begun to harden. Moving aside the pile Grune is faced with a cut out in the pillar filled with a stone shaped to match, but upon removing that stone he is faced with a haversack set into a recess in the pillar.

Hope, silent as always, retrieved her dagger, and with a look of disgust, wiped the guano off it. She noticed Grune finding the haversack, and sighed silently Typical she thought to herself. He finds a pack and i have trouble finding my own dagger in a pile of shit!.

She heard the sounds before seeing the enemy, then returned back to teh others, describing the layout and the enemies. "I think we should take care of them first before we explore more - i don't want enemies at my back."

"Sound thinking." Korym replied, his brow creased slightly as the thought of the hunters they had spared out side the cave.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:14, Fri 22 Apr 2022.

"Agreed, we should take them quick and fast. Those with range take out that flyer first." Einar speaks softly as he prepares to rush in with his weapons drawn.

Korym follows, a few paces behind Einar, to get a better look at the kobolds in the cave.

"Radius Gelu." The familiar magic bolt of cold rushes toward the winged kobold.

---

Korym Nightstar rolled 9 using 1d20+2 for Initiative.
Korym Nightstar rolled 11, for 8 cold damage, and -10 to speed.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:28, Wed 04 May 2022.

Hope, her crossbow in one hand, a dagger in the other, nodded, and went towards the enemy silently. even as he started uttering his spell, Hope took aim with her hand crossbow and let fly at the flying kobold.

---

<OOC: 'Hope' rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  iniative.

Action - Attack with hand crossbow

'Hope' rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  attack - Hand Crossbow.
'Hope' rolled 6 using 1d6+3.  damage - hand crossbow (If Hits).
'Hope' rolled 7 using 2d6.  sneak attack.

Bonus Action - Cunning action (Hide)>

Oraphina had no good ranged option so she stayed a few feet behind Hope, sword and shield in hand, delaying her action to intervene when, not if, the kobold mass would be coming in.

I really need a bow... be careful, honey!

Einar rushes in shield up whipping his rapier at one of the now aware kobolds, unfortunately his focus was much more on his defense than his offense as he aims just a bit to high missing completely.

Hope stumbled back, but managed to knock some loose rocks, causing her to curse in elvish. She groaned at her own stupidity, and forgoing her hiding, took aim again with the crossbow and fired at one of the kobolds.

---

<OOC: 'Hope' rolled 10 using 1d20+7.  stealth check.

Action - Attack with crossbow

'Hope' rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  attack - crossbow.
'Hope' rolled 6 using 1d6+3.  damage - crossbow.

Bonus Action - Hide

'Hope' rolled 15 using 1d20+7.  hide.>

Korym chooses to send another icy blast, toward the kobolds.

---

Korym Nightstar rolled 24 for 2 damage against Kobold 1, with Ray of Frost; -10 to its speed for this turn.

The halfling decided that she had waited enough and moved forward, striking the first kobold in her way with a majestic strike

---

strike a kobold with 24 to hit (crit) for 9 damage

Today: Oraphina Weatherbee rolled 6 using 1d8 with rolls of 6.  crit damage.

22:45, Today: Oraphina Weatherbee rolled 24,3 using 1d20+4,1d8+2 with rolls of 20,1.  attack plus damage.

Initiative:
Hope 21
Grune 14
Einar 13
Korym 9
Kobold 6
Oraphina 22 - (New initiative after holding)
---------


Hope once more manages to land another bolt into one of the kobolds, this one in his neck, ending his life as well, and sending him off to join his winged friend.

Grune once more casts his sacred flame spell, The kobold (k3) however is far to quick and jumps forward just in time to avoid the fiery eruption.

Unable to wait any longer Einar charges headlong into the fray and joins the scaly fiends in melee combat.

Standing in the back Korym once more slings his trademark spell striking one of the kobolds (K1) dead in the chest, the impact is not enough to incapacitate him, but the rime that spreads out from the impact does begin to hamper his movement.

With Einar powering into melee with them one of the kobolds (K2) moves forward to aid his friend in the fight, but Einar has begun to catch onto the Kobolds tricks and is easily able to hold the both of them off. (They missed their attacks.)

The last kobold looks down at his feet and begins awkwardly staggering down the stairs with his half frozen legs until he reaches the iron gate at the bottom, he then grabs a key ring from the wall next to him.

Unable to hold any longer Oraphina rushes forward and lands a grievous wound upon one of the kobold foes; running him clean through, and with a boot to the chest pushes the kobold corpse from her blade.


End Round 1
----
Begin Round 2

Battle-Mat Updated.

Deleted the previous combat round post because instead of making a new post I accidentally edited it over with this post, and so people don't get confused I deleted it.


This message was last edited by the GM at 20:07, Thu 05 May 2022.

"That one's trying to escape!"

---

Edit: Removed attack to see what happens in initiative order.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:16, Sat 07 May 2022.

In reply to Korym Nightstar (msg # 219):

That target is well out of view for you; you would have to move to get line of sight.

If you want to move and attack I will let you keep your attack and dmg rolls, but to get to a place where you can see the target you would have to move through some threatened squares.

Hope cursed as she saw the kobold escaping. "Fina....stop the bastard1" Even as she did, she had the crossbow lined up and shot at the last kobold she could see. Even with that the bolt flew high, ricocheting off the rock.

---

<OOC:  'Hope' rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  attack - Hand Crossbow.>

On it!

Furiously pumping her little legs, the halfling jumped after the fleeing kobold (K1), able to stay within the reach of the kobold (K3) facing her, to avoid an hit in her back, striking the moment she was in range of her target, but hitting only air.

---

Today: Oraphina Weatherbee rolled 8,6 using 1d20+4,1d8+2 with rolls of 4,4.  rapier attack+damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:24, Sat 07 May 2022.

Einar just goes for the one in front of him swinging quickly at it's throat trying to take it out of the combat as quick as he can. Before moving to follow if he manages to actually take it out.

19:44, Today: Einar rolled 7 using 1d8+3.

19:44, Today: Einar rolled 13 using 1d20+5.

Seeing Einar strike the closer of the two remaining kobolds, Korym steps forward to get a clear line of sight to the other kobold, and sends an icy bolt toward it.

---

Move to U6.
Cast Ray of Frost: Korym Nightstar rolled 15, for 3 damage on K1, -10 to speed.

Initiative:
Hope 21
Grune 14
Einar 13
Korym 9
Kobold 6
Oraphina 22
---------


As hope fires her crossbow Grune moves forward getting a better vantage to heal whoever would need it, should the need arise.

With a renewed sense of urgency Einar makes short work of the kobold before him, running the beast through, and waving Korym forward indicating that it is now safe to advance, as the kobold slumps to the ground dead.

With elven nimbleness Korym moves across the kobold corpses near Einar and turns to face down the stairs into the inky darkness, where Oraphina struggles with a kobold who is trying to unlock a gate at the bottom, the darkness thwarting her every attempt. And just before the kobold is able to drive the key into the gate, Koryms icy blast lands just in time.

Freeezing solid just as the key would go into the lock the kobold then thaws almost as quickly as it froze, his body slumping bit by bit as he thaws out until he slumps entirely upon the wooden stairs.


End Round 2
----
End Combat

Battle-Mat Updated.



From this new vantage point Korym can see the hall behind him is a long set of stairs leading down into some larger room.

Hope came forward, searching the room and kobolds for anything of worth. She held a finger over her lips indicating they should stay quiet as she quickly worked.

when she was done, she went to the door and started moving downstairs, her senses on alert

---

<OOC: Search the area.

'Hope' rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  investigation check. (Natural 20!)

'Hope' rolled 21 using 1d20+7.  stealth check.
'Hope' rolled 16 using 1d20+2.  perception check.>

Spotting the stairs leading into another cave, Korym whispers, "I need you, Shadow."

He then moves to peek around the corner to see if he can see or hear anything.

[Language unknown: She has stil ntion ni ar illiet les hou comsta'ounica t isdire. Artess-hishasnti wibe t ektale.] He points to the dead kobolds.

---

Recall familiar.
Move to S6 and peer around the corner: Korym Nightstar rolled 10 for Perception.
Send familiar to look at the cave at the bottom of the stairs.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:48, Sun 08 May 2022.

Grune shows the haversack he found to the group, now that things have calmed a bit, while Korym and hope begin their investigating.

Hope's investigation of the room reveals little of value but there are whips, chains, and some riding crops hanging from one of the walls in the room.



Grune hands the haversack over to Einar. A quick examination reveals it to be far more than just a sack, a strange extra-dimensional hole just inside the lip of the main part of the bag, and one inside the smaller pockets on the bag as well indicate this is a very magical bag.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:39, Wed 11 May 2022.

Oraphina followed the scouts down the stairs, picking up the key the kobold has dropped, examining it, before pocketing it.

It's black as a oven in there, can we risk a torch? I don't see anything.

"I can't see a thing either but it is probably best to not give our selves away just yet" Einar follows behind slowly waiting for Grune to go through the bag or pass it to him so he could.

Hope backed out of teh stairs, holding her hand up and a finger over her lips. "Four of those dragon lizard things - in a cage. May i suggest we go elsewhere?"

Korym moves to re-group with the others. "Lots more kobolds down there", he whispered, pointing to the stairs to the southwest.

"I've only two more spells left, but is it better to surprise them or to leave them behind us if we explore further?"

And risk them falling on our backs? That is not sound tactics, honey.

She shrugged, but still with a glint in her eye, she obviously didn't like the idea of leaving enemies behind her.

Is there another path to explore then? I'm blind here.

OOC the previous message got the wrong char account posting it, it should have been Oraphina , sorry!

Hope reloads her crossbow. "Fina is right....don't look at me like that - sheesh!" She sighed then looked at them. "You've used some of your magic, and in a room of lizards or a cave of kobolds, we need all the strength we can"

The half elf sighed as she looked around. "I say we either take out the lizards or double back. Until we can take out a lot of them bastards quickly, let's leave the big group alone"

She however makes her way to the door of the kobolds to try and jam it so they weren't followed.

---

<OOC: In terms of Oraphina, I assumed that>

In reply to 'Hope' (msg # 235):

There is no door to jam, just a stairwell down to a room.

"I am more than willing to take on this room of kobolds, now. If that is what is agreed on. If we can afford even a short respite, I can regain some of my magicks."

---

Taking on these kobolds makes sense. If we have to retreat, there will be no foes behind to trap us. And if we can sneak a short rest, Korym gets a couple of spells back.

Hope looked at teh wizard and with a smile, shrugged. Kobold mop up time it is then, but let's take a small rest - i'm fine so i'll watch the door. I'd hate any of them to come out on us."

---

<OOC: Short rest it is then>

"A small rest would be good for me" It should be notted that Einar still looks fairly beat up having been attacked more than a few times in these dark caves.


I'll be using some HD if/when we do get the rest

I could go on, but a rest sounds good.

The halfling broke out some rations and made sure everybody had a bite to eat, before straining her senses to do her part for the watch.

Initiative:
Grune 20
Einar 19
Kobold 10
Hope 9
Oraphina 6
Korym 5
---------

Twenty minutes into the rest the party has begun laughter can be heard coming from the direction the party had entered this room from shortly before a large group of winged kobolds round the corner. One is holding a large haunch of meat and eating as he walks. Upon seeing the party he stares for a brief moment in suprprise, before shouting  and drawing his dagger.

Thankfully their laughter had alerted everyone to their approach, but it was too late to get the drop on them before they had arrived, the party having only enough time to get to their feet before the new threat arrived.

However Grune was quick to act, and once more grabbed his holy symbol and prayed for a sacred flame; the flame striking where the kobold was, as he leaps aside just in time.


End Round 1
----
Begin Round 2

Battle-Mat Updated.

Hope, on guard nearest the door, was thinking to herself when she heard the noise, cursing herself for her lapse in concentration. Her hand crossbow away, she drew on her instincts and had two daggers in hand, throwing both in a smooth motion at the kobold.

---

<OOC: Action - Attack using dagger (thrown)

'Hope' rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  attack - dagger.
'Hope' rolled 6 using 1d4+3.  damage - dagger.
'Hope' rolled 7 using 2d6.  sneak attack.

Bonus Action - Attack using dagger (Thrown)

'Hope' rolled 14 using 1d20+5.  Attack - Dagger.
'Hope' rolled 2 using 1d4  damage - dagger.>

Einar will quickly get up and move to strike one of the Kobold in the front.

11:14, Today: Einar rolled 9 using 1d8+3.  damage .

11:14, Today: Einar rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  attack.

The paladin moved to follow Einar but the poor visibility and her short stature made that she missed the flying creature

---

Oraphina Weatherbee rolled 7,5 using 1d20+4,1d8+2 with rolls of 3,3.  attack damage.

"There'll be more coming from down the stairs!" Korym calls out, before sending a spell toward the furthest of the winged kobolds, "Radius Gelu"

---

Cast Ray of Frost, at WK5.
Korym Nightstar rolled 16, for 7 cold damage; -10 to speed for WK5.

Edited from casting Sleep to casting Ray of Frost to account for change in battle mat.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:16, Thu 19 May 2022.

Quickly finding her bearing, the paladin struck at the first kobold she could stab with her blade, driving it deep in the flesh.

Leave my friend alone you smelly beast!

---

Rapier attack, 17 to hit for 7 damage

Today: Oraphina Weatherbee rolled 17,7 using 1d20+4,1d8+2.  rapier attack+damage.

As his allies have things handled Einar focuses on defense has his body weakens from continual damage.

rtaking the dodge action

WSith her two daggers thrown, Hope reaches and gets her hand crossbow, and aiming it, mutters to herself. "Need to get more daggers..."

she aims and fires at the kobold her halfling friend is attacking

---

<OOC: Action - Attack using hand crossbow

'Hope' rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  attack - Hand Crossbow.

'Hope' rolled 7 using 1d6+3.  damage - hand crossbow.
'Hope' rolled 6 using 2d6.  sneak attack.>

Initiative:
Grune 20
Einar 19
Kobold 10
Hope 9
Oraphina 6
Korym 5
---------

Twenty minutes into the rest the party notices that laughter can be heard coming from the direction the party had entered this room from shortly before a large group of winged kobolds round the corner. One is holding a large haunch of meat and eating as he walks. Upon seeing the party he stares for a brief moment in suprprise, before shouting  and drawing his dagger.

Thankfully their laughter had alerted everyone to their approach, but it was too late to get the drop on them before they had arrived, the party having only enough time to get to their feet before the new threat arrived.

However Grune was quick to act, and once more grabbed his holy symbol and prayed for a sacred flame; the flame striking where the kobold was, as he leaps aside just in time.

Like Grune Einar wastes no time in springing forward, his blade driving through the heart of the beast who began shouting.

With their friend now dead the kobolds spring to action themselves, one in the back grabbing a large stone from the ground and taking to the air, while the two nearest Einar dog-pile him, stabbing with their daggers, while the last one in the rear searches for a stone to no avail and simply grabs his dagger waiting for his chance to get into the fight.

Einar now all to familiar with the tactics of the kobolds is able to anticipate and deflect their assaults with his shield, though the large stone dropped from above does land solidly upon the top of Einar's head. (6dmg)

Seeing the mess that Einar has once more been thrust into, Hope chucks her daggers at the kobolds assaulting the barbarian, her aim flawless. One dagger lands between the eyes of one kobold dropping him instantly, and the other lodges deep in the bicep of another.

With one kobold down Oraphina jumps through the opening Hope had made in an attempt to drive hard at the enemy in the rear, but her assault does little more than occupy the enemies attention, as she is unable to land any kind of damaging strike.

Korym's aim is true as his icy bolt flies past Oraphina and slams into the chest of the kobold she is engaged in melee with, he quickly freezes over with rhime and just as quickly thaws his limp body falling to the floor as he does.


End Round 1
----
Begin Round 2


Seeing his friend in danger Grune grasps his holy symbol tightly and begins to pray, as he does the room is briefly illuminated as Einar is bathed in holy light, causing his bruises to begin to fade, and his wounds to stitch up. (Using Preserve Life giving Einar 15hp back.)

Frustrated with Einar being healed and the defensive stance he has taken, the winged kobold drops behind him stabbing with his dagger, hoping to catch him off guard while the one in front of him presses his assault. Neither are able to break Einar's new defense.

Seeing the kobold that Oraphina had been engaged with die a cold death Hope fires at the other kobold next to Oraphina, who is assaulting Einar, her aim is true and the kobold joins his allies in the afterlife as he crumples to the ground with a bolt in his neck.

Seeing only one foe left Oraphina moves to a position near him and stabs forth with her rapier; even in the darkened conditions of the cave she manages to find the reptile's heart with her sword, ending his life as well.

Even though the foes in this room have been dealt with the sounds of a kobold warband rushing for the stairs can be heard coming from below.


End Round 2
----
Begin Round 3


Battle-Mat Not Updated!

I have changed certain targets since the flow of battle has changed and I assume that is whom you would have struck given the chance.

"Here they come!" Korym calls out unnecessarily at the sound of more kobolds approaching. The elf steps past Grune to get a clear view of the stairs so he can cast his spell when the kobolds reach the top.

---

Move 10 ft to T5.
Ready action: cast Sleep when the closest enemy is in Q7 (top of stairs).
Korym Nightstar rolled 20 for hit points affected.

Hope quickly retrieved her daggers, wiping the blood from them and stowed away her crossbow, making sure it was ready should she need it. She looked at them. "We need to disable them quickly."

The half elf stood to the side, flattening her body against the wall, but knew in her heart the room was too narrow to hide correctly.

She however held close to Oraphina and Einar, ready to hold the line.

---

<OOC: 'Hope' rolled 10 using 1d20+7.  stealth roll.>

The halfling looked at the elf and smiled. "Don't you worry, honey, we can hold them, don't we, Einar? Grune, keep those spells close!"

Taking position beside the barbarian, she prepared to face the horde.

Einar just nods keeping his shield at the ready and striking when on comes in his range, his slow rage activating to increase his defense as he awaits the horde.

11:29, Today: Einar rolled 8 using 1d8+3.

11:29, Today: Einar rolled 7 using 1d20+5.

Initiative:
Grune 20
Einar 19
Kobold 10
Hope 9
Oraphina 6
Korym 5
---------

A brief respite is had as the group repositions and braces for the oncoming assault.

Loud hisses and cries can be heard as the kobolds come streaming up the stairs, their weapons in hand. Though unfortunately for them Korym was prepared, his spell going off as soon as the first kobold is about to step on the lest step, instead he simply slumps to the ground snoring with several of his allies behind him.

Though successful the spell only slowed the onslaught as more kobolds come streaming up the stairs past their slumbering comrades. and spilling out into the small battlefield and slamming right into Einar and Oraphina's shield wall.



End Round 4
----
Begin Round 5


Battle-Mat Updated,

Since only Einar and Grune go before the kobolds, I am saying it took 1 round before they arrived, So I can just roll with the moves and preparations you planned on, for my own sanity.

I am considering Korym to have held his action last round (the skipped round I mentioned above) until he saw the kobolds and then let loose when that was triggered so I will still need attack rolls or other actions from Oraphina and Hope to finish up the round.

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:49, Tue 24 May 2022.

Mindful of the chasm right beside her, Oraphina did not pay enough attention to the kobold in her face and fanned on her strike.

---

Today: Oraphina Weatherbee rolled 6,7 using 1d20+4,1d8+2 with rolls of 2,5.  rapier attack+damage.

Waiting for one of the kobolds to come through, Hope sprang into action, twirling with her daggers, feeling one sink deep into the flesh of the enemy

---

<OOC: Action - Attack with dagger

'Hope' rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Attack - Dagger
'Hope' rolled 4 using 1d4+3.  damage - dagger.
'Hope' rolled 7 using 2d6.  sneak attack.

Bonus Action - Attack with OTHER Dagger

'Hope' rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  Attack - Dagger.>

Initiative:
Grune 20
Einar 19
Kobold 10
Hope 9
Oraphina 6
Korym 5
---------

A brief respite is had as the group repositions and braces for the oncoming assault.

Loud hisses and cries can be heard as the kobolds come streaming up the stairs, their weapons in hand. Though unfortunately for them Korym was prepared, his spell going off as soon as the first kobold is about to step on the last step, instead he simply slumps to the ground snoring with several of his allies behind him.

Though successful the spell only slowed the onslaught as more kobolds come streaming up the stairs past their slumbering comrades spilling out into the small battlefield and slamming right into Einar and Oraphina's shield wall.

Grune reaches out and places one of his hands upon Einar's back and once more prays, soon light begins to emanate from his hand and washes across Einar before fading away, stitching up wounds and healing bruises as it washes across him. (14 dmg healed)

The horde of kobolds is relentless and in their fervor they are causing Einar to block with his shield more than he would like, leading only to potshots of little value as none seem to be able to land before the onslaught begins again, though the defense wall holds, none of the kobolds finding much purchase either.

Hope on the other hand steps from the wall she had pressed herself against and sights down the kobold in front of Oraphina and lands a dagger in his forehead, dropping him, and quickly tries for another, but her dagger misses, and is lost somewhere in the crowd.


End Round 4
----
Begin Round 5


Battle-Mat Not Updated


This message was last edited by the GM at 04:34, Fri 27 May 2022.

Einar will strike the nearest to him or at least attempt to which while keeping g his shield high. Taking stock of the enemies he can see with a frown.

22:05, Today: Einar rolled 11 using 1d8+3.

22:04, Today: Einar rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  attack.

Drawing her last two daggers, the half elf (Irritated at losing one of her daggers), two on hand, let fly again with them, both finding mark with two separate kobolds.

---

<OOC: Action - Attack - Dagger

'Hope' rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Attack - Dagger.

'Hope' rolled 6 using 1d4+3.  Attack - Dagger.
'Hope' rolled 5 using 2d6.  Sneak Attack.

Bonus Action - Attack - Dagger

'Hope' rolled 17 using 1d20+5.  Attack - Dagger

'Hope' rolled 5 using 1d4+3.  Attack - Dagger.>

Frustrated at her lack of previous success, the halfling paladin took a deep breath to recenter herself, remembering the lessons of her blademasters, and after a complex flourish, struck true, impaling the kobold she was facing.

Now that's better! Hope, you better had seen that, honey!

---

Attack the koblod in front of her with 24 to hit for 12 damage, that's a crit!

Today: Oraphina Weatherbee rolled 5 using 1d8.  extra damage dice for crit.

06:25, Today: Oraphina Weatherbee rolled 24,7 using 1d20+4,1d8+2.  rapier attack+damage.

Korym focuses on the staircase, from which the kobolds are emerging.

"Somnus!" he speaks the word of power to put more foes to sleep.

---

Cast Sleep, upcast to second level, aiming at WK5.
Korym Nightstar rolled 40 for hit points affected (upcast to second level).

Initiative:
Grune 20
Einar 19
Kobold 10
Hope 9
Oraphina 6
Korym 5
---------

Einar's strikes do little as he focuses mostly on defending against the, all too familiar, overwhelming assault being levied at him. with only one kobold managing to get past his defense and strike him in the bicep. (4dmg)

Hope sees an opening in the kobold's defenses as one strikes Einar; and she presses the advantage, her daggers managing to fell both kobolds assaulting the barbarian.

Now foe-less Oraphina moves forward to strike the conscious one on the stairs, her rapier striking true and running the beast through, felling one more.

Korym however outdoes the rest of his allies as he casts another spell, this time putting all the rest of the Kobolds in the stairwell to sleep.


End Round 5
----
Begin Round 6


Battle-Mat Updated

Had to move Hope and Oraphina on battle mat to get them within range and or line of sight of foes.

With all the kobolds now asleep, you can coup de grace the rest (instead of wasting time making attack rolls against them all. If you want.).

Korym pulls out his dagger and starts the grisly task of slitting kobold throats. "The spell won't last too long, they need to be finished quickly!" he said, even as he retched slightly.

"Should we throw these bodies to the creatures in the cage, or simply push them out of sight, as best we can?

I have exhausted all of my spells, and will need to sleep before I can recover them again, although I can continue to cast my ray of frost cantrip.

Perhaps we can use the cave below," he points down the stairs, "as a safe haven, but I have my doubts."

Hope, mirroring Korym's words, retrieved her daggers, and began the grizzly work of killing the kobolds as well. At the question, she looked back. "We feed them they may stay quiet, and it will cover some of the carnage we have caused. But i for one don't want to get too close"

She began searching the kobolds for any valuables.

Einar sets to work as well killing off the sleeping enemies before they have a chance to reawaken. "Seems taking a quick break in here was not the greatest plan but at least it didn't turn out too poorly."

The halfling looked at the other killing the sleeping kobolds with distaste, but did not try to stop them, she knew it was necessary.

With the grim task complete, and the kobold bodies chucked down to the drakes below, Hope finishes the count of the money the kobolds had on them (4gp all in copper pieces. There are also plenty of daggers for hope to pick up.)

Descent down the slick blood-soaked stairs is slow going and as it turns out dangerous, the blood covering the bottom step helps to conceal the fact that it's a pressure plate.

Unaware that he is stepping into a trap Einar once more takes the lead, each step slow and sure, until the last one; when the step collapses beneath his weight a low cracking noise is then heard before a large portion of the stairwell roof above Oraphina and Hope collapses. Three large boulders fall down upon them. (13dmg or 7dmg is DEX save DC 15 is passed. 5dmg to Hope or 2 on a DEX save DC 15. This is assuming a marching order of Einar, Oraphina, Hope, Korym, Grune. If this is incorrect let me know.)

Hope follows after the others down the stairs after collecting the copper, her original daggers as well as four others. Placing two on her belt, and two in her pach, she walked quietly until she heard the crack. She looked up. "Oh shi....." she dove out of the way, but the boulder still clipped her shoulder as she fell.

she sat on the ground, wincing at her shoulder as she moved it. "I shuld have been more careful - this was my fault."

---

<OOC: 'Hope' rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  dex save.>
This message was last edited by the player at 12:06, Fri 24 June 2022.

Korym is startled by what appears to be the ceiling collapsing, but turns out to be yet another trap.

"How do the little bastards move around without killing themselves?" he asks rhetorically as he scrambles over the boulders and helps Hope and Oraphina to move off the stairs and into the cave below.

"Sweet mother!". The halfling jumped to the side when she saw the boulders drop, barely avoiding being crushed, the rock still clipping her on the leg.

---

Today: Oraphina Weatherbee rolled 15 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 13.  dex save.

Einar growls and annoince as he tries to stay outta the way so people can avoid the rocks. "Well for one they can see way better than me down here."

Inside the room thin mattresses of straw with badly cured furs form small beds that are haphazardly positioned around the chamber. Rats and small lizards scurry through food scraps and moldy skins littering the floor.

To the south of the chamber, an almost immediate turn from the base of the stairs starts another set of stairs leading further down, indistinct noises can be heard coming from the new set of stairs, possibly voices.

Grune pipes up with a whisper. "Anyone need any magical healing, now that we have a chance to breath?"

-----
Battle mat updated.

The new stairs lead under part of the map you have already explored, so I have marked it with CP for Connection Point, so you can more easily see where it leads.

Hope had a few small scratches (From the boulder fall), but was relatively unharmed. In the next room, her attention went to the door - she was determined not to be surprised again. "My wounds are minor - i need no healing. Anyone who does, be quick.....I'll guard the way."

---

<OOC:  'Hope' rolled 15 using 1d20+2.  perception check.
'Hope' rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  investigation check.>

Einar sighs and leans against a wall once he's able to find one with his lack of sight. "I could almost always use more healing but I'm fine for the time being. I can manage with the cuts and breaks that I currently have.

“Einar, if Grune has any healing spells left they are best used on you in case we end up in another battle.”

Noticing that the warrior is having difficulty navigating in the dark cave, the elf concentrates for a moment and a glowing bracer appears in his hand. Passing it to Einar, he says, “This will provide you with a little bit of light.”

---

Minor conjuration - item lasts for one hour and gives off dim light to 5 feet.

Hope cranes her head toward the new set of stairs to gather what intel she can on the noise coming from down that way.


Grune huffs and says "Have it your way." to Einar as he refuses any further healing.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 03:43, Thu 30 June 2022.

He nods and accepts the bracers putting them on "Many thanks Korym these will at least help a fair bit more than total darkness

Hope comes back up quickly, and looks at them, and with her finger over her lip, indicates quiet, then points behind her. She mouths a single word….HIDE, and she goes to a darkened place, hiding, drawing two daggers and disappearing into the shadows.

---

<OOC:  'Hope' rolled 27 using 1d20+7.  stealth check.>
This message was last edited by the player at 06:46, Sun 03 July 2022.

“It will last but an hour, but I can replenish it as needed.

Korym nods in reply to Hope’s command, and does his best to flatten himself against a wall in the darkened stairs.

---

Korym Nightstar rolled 16 for Stealth. Attempt to hide in square I6.

Edit: grid location for hiding.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:56, Mon 04 July 2022.

Rubbing her leg where the boulder had crashed on her, her hand briefly glowing as she healed the bruise, she saw her friend entreat them to hide. Looking in the feeble light the bracers gave out, she found a hole in the wall and slipped thought it, disappearing almost entirely.

---

Healing touch for 7, bringing her back to full, 22 stealth

Today: Oraphina Weatherbee rolled 22 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 20.  stealth.

Einar presses the gauntlets behind him against the wall and uses his shirt to cover the dim light as he ducks down a bit in one of the corners.


19:41, Today: Einar rolled 22 using 1d20+5 ((17)).

Shadow flits down the stairwell, while everyone else darts for cover.

It is only moments before Shadow darts back into the room followed by two men dressed in black robes with armor underneath; one of the men swiping at the bat as he comes into the room.

"Damn bat, shoo..." He says before noticing the large pool of blood at the base of the stairs to his right, with yet still, more weeping down. "By Tiamat, what in the nine hells happened here?"

O.O.C. Go ahead and give me an initiative roll along with your actions, the group has successfuly hidden themselves and thus will have supprise on their new foes.

Hearing that Shadow is being harassed, or worse, Korym steps forward, "Radius Gelu," he intones, sending a bolt of icy blue cold at the leading figure, before stepping back.

---

Korym Nightstar rolled 8 for Initiative.
Move to L5
Cast Ray of Frost at Cultist 1.
Korym Nightstar rolled 16, for 2 cold damage; -10 to speed.
Move to K3.

Seeing the cultists pass beside her, she waited a moment for them to get distracted by her companions and struck, her rapier attack missing the mark

---

Today: Oraphina Weatherbee rolled 10,4 using 1d20+4,1d8+2 with rolls of 6,2.  rapier attack+damage.

22:23, Today: Oraphina Weatherbee rolled 8 using 1d20+2.  init. –