Great. Fighting drow was definitely something I wanted to do tonight. Not!

Alaric! Rory! Corsica! Get everyone who cannot fight out of here! I do not wish there to be unnecessary casualties! I shouted above the din of the tavern and I pulled out my rapier and wand to prepare to fight.

Althaea Sylvaranth rolled 14 using 1d20+4. Initiative.

Sebastien tried hard not to be flustered by Althaea’s sudden action, but subtle signs did show that the half-elf was not comfortable. He did regain some of his previous bravado while trying to convince Althaea that she should go outside the wall to recover something or another, but with Andraste and Sand. Thorin bursts his bubble quickly, and Sand couldn’t hide his nodding, representing smiling. Sebastien had a way of getting on people nerves and had already found its way on the synthetic ones of the construct. Then Sand realized that he would be travelling with the blustering man, and he stopped nodding…

Sand was about to open  his mouth to ask details about the quest when Althaea started issuing orders for everyone to leave, and he had time to see the two dark skinned, white haired creatures before everything went dark.

Scamp, Sand’s spear!

The owl took flight in the darkness to fetch the weapon, trying to get out of the globe, as the right arm of the warforged unraveled, a wicked looking blade extruding from the metal and wood, Clacker standing at his side.

If only he could see something!

Sand rolled 3 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:18, Thu 09 July 2020.

In reply to Sand (msg # 31):

Not how I thought the night would go. Got to keep this contained! Civilians except for two are out of the way for now. Ohh, Drow's like crossbows...Sugar. And now I cannot see. That is okay just got to be patient. I can do this!

Andraste Giltris rolled 6 using 1d20. Initiative.

OOC: Just to be clear this is the current layout?


This message was last edited by the player at 03:33, Thu 09 July 2020.

In reply to Andraste Giltris (msg # 32):

OOC:  You are one square North.  Thorin is still sitting on the bench.

The 1st drow is one square south of it's current location.  The 2nd drow is in the current 1st drows location.

Meanwhile in the shadowed corner furthest from the fire . . .

Drow. Thorn's heart stopped, even as her mind raced. Only two males. So they weren't expecting resistance, their mission was relatively unimportant or a nasty surprise was coming in under that Darkness. Based on its extent, both Drow must have cast the spell, meaning that they couldn't pull that trick again. Better yet, they were sloppy - she could just make out one of them in the hearth's dim glow. And maintaining Darkness required concentration. A rare smiled graced her lips as she readied her chakrams. As it happened, she knew two excellent ways to distract them. Or three, she recalled as Aisling silently spread his wings. She was going to enjoy this.

Panicked humans fled past her hiding place, but the three figures she had been observing most closely readied for combat. She hadn't misjudged their courage nor, she hoped, their abilities. And if she could impress them here . . . perhaps she could join them when they departed. Though strangers new met, they seemed to share some sort of connection that she couldn't quite define and she had sensed that a direct offer of her skill for theirs would be somehow unwelcome. This was a chance to demonstrate her worth - to Sand, the hulking creature who crafted such beautiful mechanical animals, to Andraste, whose features suggested that she might know of the Sy’Tel’Quessir and to Althaea, whose singing had stirred emotions buried since Thorn's earliest childhood.

It was time. To fight. To secure allies. To put the endless caves of Vertigo far behind her. And, someday, to find what she sought.

Stealth Check: 19
Initiative: 22

In reply to Mathorn (msg # 34):

OOC:

Initiative Order:

Mathorn
Drow
Althaea
Andraste
Sand

Mathorn, you're up!

Given that most of the party is in a cloud of Darkness, for this first round, let's have everyone post when they can (Not Necessarily in Initiative Order) and we can use Private Messages as needed to adjust the posts as necessary, as say, when someone moves and gets out of the Darkness, what they then see, etc....

I will then do a recap post of the 1st Round, putting the pieces together of what happened.  Does this work for everyone?
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:07, Thu 09 July 2020.

Seeming to materialize from nowhere, two blurs of metal whir through the air. At the same moment, a piercing shriek of challenge rings out as a clockwork kite swoops across the room shooting a storm of sharp metal pinions toward the Drow.

Aiming one attack toward each Drow:

Thorn makes chakram attacks with advantage.
Primary Weapon -  25, 19
Damage - 11
Off-Hand Weapon - 16, 24
Damage - 8

From 60 feet away, Aisling attacks whichever Drow succeeds on his concentration check.
He then flies back to Thorn.
Pinion Storm - 11, 25 (if he gets advantage too)
Damage - 4
This message was last edited by the player at 14:49, Thu 09 July 2020.

This message was deleted by the player at 04:52, Sun 12 July 2020.

This message was deleted by the player at 18:33, Fri 10 July 2020.

This message was deleted by the player at 17:15, Fri 10 July 2020.

Chaos ensues as the darkness envelops the tavern's main room.  The citizens of Vertigo scared and panicking, never suspected a deadly threat to come from within their only sanctuary in this broken world.

Everyone was caught off guard when the attack begun.  Rory, cornered behind the bar, just couldn't find the nerve or will to react quickly, and as the Drow stride forward, Rory drops down in the corner of the bar, helpless.

Near the inn's entrance, you hear the piercing screams of a woman in torment, and can only imagine in her confused and blinded state, that she tried to run out the front door, but walked right into the burning hot fires of the hearth.

With the only escape route clouded in darkness, the frightened citizens not caught within the cloud were led by Corsica huddle in the lower left corner having just enough time to flip a table for cover.

In the lower right corner of the room, two spinning metal discs come racing out as a  figure emerges from the shadows.

The surprise on the Drow's face show that they didn't expect any resistance, especially not  with such ferocity.

Each of the two metal discs met their mark.  The first, slashing the leading Drow across his left arm, leaving a bleeding gash and then the second, a stinging blow across the other Drow's ribcage, finding purchase as the Drow was aiming with it's crossbow, dropping it due to the pain.

The Drow leader smiles, unruffled and unwavering, continuing his path forward, the other, putting away his weapon.

Following quickly after, a shrill sound cuts through the air, as a bird of prey materializes from above with murderous intent.  The Drow, reacting quickly to the sudden and unexpected onslaught of the cloaked figure, ducks and parries the metal shards.

The Lead Drow straightens himself, rapier and crossbow in hand, curling his lip.  The crossbow lowers, the Drow's gaze still ahead at the figure in front of him, and fires.  A scream of pain can be heard behind the bar and the Drow smirks as he hops up and over the bar with ease.

Quickly closing the distance to the figure ahead of him, he thrusts forward with his rapier, piercing through the leather armor with ease.  His blade embedded in the figure, his eyes light up with delight, as the poison at the end of his blade seeps in.  (Thorn: 9 damage + 4 poison damage, total 13 damage)

Seconds later, the other Drow, begins to gesture in an arcane manner, his thumb and pointer fingers of each hand touching, all spread wide.

Fire erupts forward, searing the female figure and the back right half of the inn. A couple paintings on the side and back walls, as well as some flowers and napkins on the nearby table, are now ablaze, the burning heat, almost unbearable in such close proximity.   (Thorn: 4 fire damage) (Running Total: 17 damage)

As quickly as it began, the fire from the Drow's fingertips stop.  Corsica holding a serving tray in front of her as added protection from the heat, is tucked away behind the table, as well as the other patrons she was able to round up.

The lead Drow makes a couple quick silent motions with his hand, while he continues engaging the figure, who looks in bad shape after the initial onslaught.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:32, Fri 10 July 2020.

A poison rapier pierced her flesh. Fire scorched her skin. The darkness remained. Yet Thorn didn't regret her decision. It had been risky, but - despite it's lack of success - tactically sound. And although she was badly wounded, the Drow hadn't killed her yet. They would regret that error.

As the leader signaled to his subordinate to move down the hall, she shouted in clear, if oddly accented, Common "Caster - hallway. Leader - melee, southwest corner. Both injured." She paused for a heartbeat, reluctant to admit to weakness, though under the circumstances it was foolish to do otherwise. "So am I."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:00, Fri 10 July 2020.

I heard an unfamiliar voice call out the drow had moved farther south into the tavern itself and that they had sustained injury. The leader of the drow was still in melee with her, but another attack could potentially be fatal from the way she seemed reluctant to voice that concern. I moved south toward the voice as quickly as I dared in the darkness. There were still tables and benches posing as obstacles to be avoided, so I was unable to make as much progress toward her as I would have hoped. Knowing the new position of the enemy, I calculated the leader was of a bigger threat at this instance and I wanted him away from the source of the voice. The pan flute I had fastened around my neck, for times when I needed my hands free, helped me weave the magic of the spell to life. Once my spell had taken flight, I shouted inspiring words to the voice I heard to help her in her time of need.

I am coming to help you, be not afraid!

Move: South along west wall, 20ft gained
Action: Dissonant Whispers cast against drow leader. Wis save DC: 13 required 10 damage
Bonus Action: Bardic Inspiration to Thorn. Duration: 10min. 1d6 to add to attack roll, saving throw, or ability check.

With the completion of the spell, the drow leader turns and runs from Thorn, whom he had been in close combat with toward his fellow drow in the hallway.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:35, Fri 10 July 2020.

In reply to Althaea Sylvaranth (msg # 42):

The Drow leader suddenly drops his rapier, as his hand instinctively flies to his head, holding it in agony, the pain of Althaea's discordant melody wracking his brain.  He turns, his only want to be away from the song only he can hear, cursing as he retreats from it, realizing he's left himself open for the enemy in front of him to swipe at him.

Thorn did not know precisely what she had expected, but it certainly wasn't music. For just a moment she was completely nonplussed and her confusion only grew when she saw agony appear on the arrogant Drow's face and his weapon clatter to the floor. Althaea's voice rang out, causing disconcerting feelings of confidence and well-being to flood Thorn. Troubled by the foreign emotions, yet buoyed by tide, she slashed out at her opponent as he fled.

Attack: 17
Damage: 7
This message was last edited by the player at 18:34, Fri 10 July 2020.

Taking hold of my pendant I hum a hymn asking Rao to help me protect others. I ready my shield before drawing my sword. I hear the cries of a badly injured women behind me but I cannot take the time to help her yet, there is a more pressing danger loose in the room. I advance towards the sound of fighting and the darkness falls away leaving me blinking at the sudden brightness. I can see the barmaid huddling behind a table and her serving tray to my right and it looks like the rest of the patrons have joined her in that corner. Near the entrance to a hallway, stands a badly injured female elf, she must have been who called out earlier, weapons in hand facing towards the hallway. I cannot see the drow anywhere in the main room and judging from the woman's posture I guess both of them have gone done the hallway. I stride forward, passed the elf placing myself to block the corridor. Down the hallway I can see both drow one holding a rapier seeming intent on a human women trapped in the corridor with them. No not human, half-orc maybe? Does not matter, the other drow crossbow in hand is further down the hallway clutching his head in pain. I take a defensive stance and and call out loudly in Elvish, “I doubt you were expecting resistance. Lay down your arms and we will resolve this peacefully.”

Turn Summary
Bonus Action: Cast Shield of Faith on self
Action: Equip Shield
Interaction: Equip Longsword
Move: Walk towards the hallway
Speak: See in bold above. (Persuasion: 24)
This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Fri 10 July 2020.

We will resolve this peacefully? Thorn could scarcely comprehend such fatal ignorance and naivety. Clearly, she had been as dangerously inaccurate in her assessment of Andraste as the half-elf was in her understanding of the Drow. Or perhaps her words were a spell like Command? Thorn would have to consider this and observe her carefully in the future.

For the moment, however, the tactical situation had changed: "Down the hall. Both of the them."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:09, Sat 11 July 2020.

The owl finally broke through of the darkness and started to look around for the spear, hooting. Locating it at the south west corner of the inn, prompted on the wall, it swoop down, grabbed it in its talon and tried to fly off with it, only to find it too encumbering, the end dragging on floor. Bravely, the familiar beat its mechanical wings furiously…

Sand heard the battle sounds, the screams, the screech of the mechanical kite and the tactical calls on the situation, but could not see a damned thing! Deciding to follow the sounds, he walked south with Clacker towards the battle, and after bumping in a few chairs, he finally got out of the darkness, seeing Scamp bravely trying to bring him his spear, Andraste’s back in the corridor and a badly wounded elf woman dressed in leather, with bizarre metal disks in hand, part of the inn in fire. There were still sounds of panic in the  darkness, but there was not much he could do while blinded!

Clacker, go help Andraste!

The mechanical beetle scampered off on it’s metallic legs, making no efforts to be stealthy to stand beside the half elf woman, mandible ready to strike. With Scamp bringing him his spear, he decided to go tend to the elven warrior.

Double move for both Clacker and Sand, to bring them as close as possible to respectively Andraste and Thorn.
Clacker's reaction is ready to protect Andraste and he has his own action right after mine.
Double move for Scamp, to bring the spear to Sand next turn.

In reply to Andraste Giltris (msg # 45):

Chuckling to himself, the Drow speaks:  You filthy half-breed.  Speak to me again and I will cut out every tongue in this shit-hole and feed them to you one by one before I rip open your chest and dance in it.  You have already lost, you just don't know it yet.

You have no idea who am I, do you?  There will be no laying down of weapons, unless they are yours should you be smart enough to surrender.  I suggest you run little half-elf, or you will die this night.  Be careful half-breed, your human weakness is showing.

Thorn was unimpressed, but hopefully the Drow's response had been sufficient to disabuse Andraste of her fool notion of negotiation. Suppressing her pain, Thorn darted to the hallway as quickly as she was able. She assessed the situation, pleased to see that the caster was still in range. As Aisling dove towards him, harrying the mage with beak and talons, Thorn murmured the word prey under her breath in Elven and spun her chakram through the air. The moment the weapon and Aisling returned to her, she ducked back to take cover behind the cave wall beside the door.

Aisling helps.
Thorn casts Hunter's Mark on the mage and attacks with advantage.
Attack: 15, 7
Damage: 14
This message was last edited by the player at 19:07, Sat 11 July 2020.

In reply to Mathorn (msg # 49):

As the two metal discs flew through the air, the bird of prey close behind them, Thorn new they wouldn't hit home.  The caster, was ready for the attack and was able to dodge them with ease, his Elvish grace making it almost look like a dance.  The bird, coming in for a swooping attack, was also no match, as the Elf ducked out of the way without barely a look, his gaze focused on prey of his own.

Suddenly, the cloud of darkness at the North end of the inn drops, immediately followed by an eerie blue glow that surrounds Alicia and Thorn.  The caster steps forward, thrusting his rapier at Andraste, slicing right through the magical barrier and into her ribs.  (8 damage + 9 poison damage)

As the Drow leans in with his rapier, he says:<i/> Your last thoughts will be of you wishing you never spoke to your Elvish superior with such nonsense.  A pity...you'd make a wonderful slave.

The Drow then darts back behind Alicia and puts the blade up to her throat.  Behind him, the Drow leader moves up behind them, readying his crossbow.

Put your weapons down NOW or this one dies.

Alaric looks in Alicia's eyes; a person who through their whole conversation has seemed at peace with the world they live in...until now.  Her eyes grow large, and she begins to lose it, murmuring, Please no...what do you want with me...I'm nobody."

Alaric, jumps back against the south wall of the hallway, pulling his sword as well, ready to fight.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:22, Sun 12 July 2020.

I continued to move to where the sounds of fighting could be heard until I was outside the radius of the darkness, blinking rapidly to adjust my eyes to the brightness of the tavern. I could see the two drow had cornered Alicia in the hallway, very near to Alaric. I would not allow him to be harmed by the drow.

Stepping forward, so Alicia, Alaric, and Thorn were clearly in my sight, I called upon an otherworldly version of myself, my beauty almost radiating from my person.

Again, playing a melody on my pan flute, magic settles around the caster, willing him to stay in place.

Move: Across from the hallway so I can see and be seen by Alicia, Alaric, and Thorn.
BA: Mantle of Inspiration- Alicia, Alaric, and Thorn are granted 5 temp HP. They can also immediately use their reaction to move (up to their movement speeds) without provoking Opportunity Attacks.
Action: Hold Person cast on the caster Drow. DC 13 Wis save.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:14, Sun 12 July 2020.

In reply to Althaea Sylvaranth (msg # 51):

The musical melody of the flute purposely drifts over to the Drow, who suddenly stiffens as the magic hits his ears, taking hold of him...his face and body frozen and unable to move.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 03:42, Sun 12 July 2020.

Seeing my spell take effect on the drow, a devilish smile creeps onto my face.

Alaric, be a dear and escort the lady out of the hallway. The drow will not attack you. In fact, their caster has been held up, so to speak. He won't be able to do much of anything for a minute.

In reply to Althaea Sylvaranth (msg # 53):

They always make that choice and it is always a tragedy. I try to deflect the one Drow’s rapier but am too slow. I have gotten too used to my armour. Another point for the list. He steps back after the strike and grabs the women before awkwardly holding his rapier to her throat.

“Put your weapons down NOW or this one dies.”

Well that is not going to happen. I will have to end this the other way.

More flute music comes from the back of the room and the Drow stiffens in place, a look of panic filling his eyes. Seizing the opportunity, I knock the women aside and drive my blade at the Drow’s centre of mass channeling all of my desire to save the women into the strike, glimpsing blue out of the corner of my eye.

The blow lands but the Drow is standing. I will leave me him to my allies for now and move to square off with the leader.

Turn Summary
Action: Attack Drow Caster (22 to hit for 25 damage)
Move: Square off with Drow Leader
This message was last edited by the player at 04:08, Sun 12 July 2020.