==============================================================================================
Initiative tracker
Ellerie = 12
Brychan Llywarch = 8
Rak-Norag = 8
Khalid = 7
Temperance = 5
Rhen Daggerleaf = 5
Gibberlings = 3
==============================================================================================

Ellerie is the first one to respond to the attack, she slashes at the first gibberling, however the sword only finds air.

==============================================================================================

Brychan attacks the nearest gibberling to run up to Khalid, the creature makes an odd noise, convulses. A smell of singed hair and burnt flesh spreads through the air. It falls dead to the ground.

OOC: G11, out.

==============================================================================================

Rak-Norag notices a gibberling pop out of the crown, before it can react the creature is cleaved in half by barbarian.

OOC: G12, dead.

==============================================================================================

Khalid runs forward towards the two of the monsters standing almost shoulder to shoulder. A scimitar in his hand and the shield raised above his neck he slashes at the first creature, twirling full 360 degrees, then slashes for the second time. Both gibberlings fall to the ground dead.

OOC: G9, G1 dead.

==============================================================================================

Temperance has no problem circling around and getting herself behind the beefier party members. Her friendly donkey listens to her owner's command.

==============================================================================================

Rhen's vision must have been obstructed by a donkey, his aim is off at the bolt flies off into the forest.

==============================================================================================

G4 and G5 launch themselves at the group, snarling and slashing with their claws. One scratching at Khalid's armor, but not doing much, if any damage to the armor itself. The other
swiping at the barbarian (Rak-Norag), missing entirely.

The rest of the gibberlings dash towards the group attempting to overwhelm them, their animalistic howling and shrieking echoing through the forest.

==============================================================================================

End of round one. If no objections or required claritifications. Round 2.
A total of 8 gibberlings remain. The large mount, unsure if stated previously is G4.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:27, Thu 03 Dec 2020.

Figured I'd post since we're all before the Gib's?
Will we be doing individual or side init, or a mix of the two?

---

Seeing the creatures fall to sword and axe and whip, Brychan heartened and began to sing as he slew.

    But when indeed the day with her white steeds
    Held all the earth, resplendent to behold,
    First from the Luskans the loud-resounding din
    Of song triumphant came; and shrill at once
    Echo responded from the island rock.
    Then upon all Ruathym terror fell,
    Thus disappointed; for not as for flight
    The Host sang the holy pæan then,
    But setting forth to battle valiantly.

---

OOC:
00:14, Today: Brychan Llywarch rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  R2 Attack, whip, gibberling.
00:15, Today: Brychan Llywarch rolled 7 using 1d4+3.  R2 Damage whip.

In reply to Brychan Llywarch (msg # 69):

I find it easier to do side for one type of monster, as suggested by the book. Then case by case basis of players.

Rhen frowns as his shot goes wide. He falls back, glancing behind him as he tries to put a bit of distance between him and the gibberlings. He knocks another arrow and lets fly at the closest enemy. His aim is far truer this time, and the arrow streaks toward a gibberling's eye...

OOC:

22:32, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Atk w/ Longbow.
22:33, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 19 using 1d8+11.  Dmg (crit).

Rak-Norag yanks his bloody axe from the gibberling's body and swings it once more, but this time the attack is wild and clumsy.

But he seems unfazed. "All of you!" he yells at the creatures as they swarm the group. "All of you come and die!"


09:31, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  Greataxe Attack.

Moving forward to fully engage, Ellerie swings her short blade. Drawing upon the precision training she had instilled in her by her father inadvertently, she guides the blade towards the nearest gibberling.


21:59, Today: Ellerie rolled 5 using 1d6+3.  Damage.

21:57, Today: Ellerie rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Slice.
Use Martial Dice
21:58, Today: Ellerie rolled 1 using 1d6.  Precision.

Satisfied that Brick was now out of the way, Temperance turns her attention to the remaining gibberlings. She places one hand over her emblem and speaks, gesturing towards the closest gibberlings with the tip of her staff, calling forth a burst of grey-white flame.

Action: Cast Sacred Flame at nearest gibberling to her.
Gibberling must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw or take 2 Radiant damage.
16:59, Today: Temperance rolled 2 using 1d8. Sacred Flame.

• ==============================================================================================
• Initiative tracker
• Ellerie = 12
• Brychan Llywarch = 8
• Rak-Norag = 8
• Khalid = 7
• Temperance = 5
• Rhen Daggerleaf = 5
• Gibberlings = 3
• ==============================================================================================

==============================================================================================

Ellerie notices gibberlings dashing towards attempting to overwhelm them. She slices at one of them with her sword, cutting it's ear and gruesomely wounding it.

OOC: 5 damage G2
==============================================================================================

Brychan has his whip wraps itself around gibberling throat, breaking it's neck.

G13 is dead.
==============================================================================================

Barbarian misses an approaching creature.

==============================================================================================

Khalid surveys the area, pondering for a moment he dashes towards the larger mound.
"J-J-JAHEIRA! CAN YOU HEAR ME, M-M-M-MY LOVE?!", he yells breathing heavily as he runs.

OOC: Next time if not interrupted he will attempt to dig through the mound.

==============================================================================================

Temperance flame hits the gibberling which Ellerie already hit. The gibberling hair light up, the creature starts screaming in pain as it is engulfed by a flame.

OOC: G2 is dead
==============================================================================================

Rhen's arrow pierces gibberling eyes, the head explodes like a ripe pumpkin from the sheer force.
Headless corpse falls on the ground, while spraying the surrounding area and everyone around it with blood.

OOC: G3 is dead
==============================================================================================

The group hears some rumbling. The sounds of shrieking can be heard coming from beyond the edge of the forest and from below the ground.

Additional 6 gibberlings appear from the mounds.

G4 attempts to grapple Rak-Norag. It succeeds jumping on top of the barbarian and scratching at his body.

G5 slashes at Rak-Norag with it's crooked dagger and misses.

G6 thrashes at Rak-Norag missing with it's sharp claws.

OOC: DC 10 str or dex check to get out of grapple. Otherwise at advantage of stabby-stabby, scratchy-scratchy by gibberlings.

G7: Slashes at Khalid as he runs past by.

OOC: 6 points of damage to Khalid.

G8: The gibberling stabs Ellerie with it's dagger. The weapon finds it's way through the armor injuring the fighter.

OOC: 6 points of damage to Ellerie.

G10 attempts to grapple Ellerie, but misses.

G13 slashes at Brychan with the claws, injuring him.

OOC: 4 points of damage.

6 new gibberling appear to be reading themselves to attack the group.

==============================================================================================

You hear more howling and shrieking coming from beneath the ground...

==============================================================================================

TALLY:
G1-, G2-, G3-, G4, G5, G6, G7, G8, G9-, G10, G11-, G12-, G13-

H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:22, Fri 04 Dec 2020.

Rhen grins at the grisly result of his shot. However, it quickly transforms into a frown as he hears and sees gibberling reinforcements storm the area. He does his best to keep his distance from the oncoming attackers. When he sees one latch onto Rak-Norag, he lets fly an arrow at the grappling gibberling...

OOC:

10:38, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Atk w/ Longbow.
10:38, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 8 using 1d8+3.  Dmg.

Brychan loosed the whip from the broken neck of the creature, and shouted at Khalid, "FOCUS! Your ring says she's alive, so she's alive! But we won't be!"

He coiled his whip, readying it for another strike, but sent a bolt of fire at the gibberling who had attacked their employer.

---

OOC:
14:00, Today: Brychan Llywarch rolled 19 using 1d20+4.  Firebolt, attack G7.
14:01, Today: Brychan Llywarch rolled 3 using 1d12.  Firebolt damage G7.

Rak-Norag lets out a bellow and shakes off the grappling gibbering like it's no more than a annoying bug. He follows up with another swing of his greataxe. If the blade strikes true and the creature falls, he whips the blade out of its body and strikes at another one of the creatures with a brutal backswing.

Not sure if a 12 hits, but if it does, damage is 17. As that will almost certainly down the gibbering, as a bonus action he'll take another attack via Great Weapon Master feat.

15:57, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 11 using 1d12+5.  Damage.
15:57, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Bonus attack - Great Weapon Master.
14:53, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 17 using 1d12+5.  Damage.
14:52, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Greataxe Attack.
12:58, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 14 using 1d20+3.  Str Check vs Grapple w/Advantage - Roll One. (Actually 16, forgot prof bonus, but no matter)

"How is there more of them?" Temperance complains as she hears the cries of reinforcements.

She sees Khalid dash through everyone to the mound in the thick of battle, unheeding of everything else, places her hand over Ilmater's emblem again and reaches out to him, making a gesture with her hands as she speaks.

Action: Cast Sanctuary on Khalid.
Lasts for 1 minute (not concentration) or until Khalid breaks it.

• ==============================================================================================
• Initiative tracker
• Gibberlings II = 15
• Ellerie = 12
• Brychan Llywarch = 8
• Rak-Norag = 8
• Khalid = 7
• Gibberlings II = 6
• Temperance = 5
• Rhen Daggerleaf = 5
• Gibberlings = 3
• ==============================================================================================

============================================================================================
Newly arrived gibberlings do not lose any time running and slashing at the adventurers.

H1, H2, H3 attempting to run up to and overwhelm the barbarian.

H1 and H2 attach themselves to Rak-Norag one around the man's feet and another one attaches itself to the torso, it's clawing and trying to move to the back.

H3 slashes with it's small sword at the barbarian's feet, easily penetrating the pants and connecting with some flesh.
OOC: 6 points of damage. Both are again grappling with you, DC is the same

H4, H5 are trying to grab and and scratch at sorcerer protecting Khali. One hit succeeds, while another misses.

OOC: 3 points of damage

H6 attempting to attack Khalid, it misses.

============================================================================================
Ellerie attacks another gibberling running up to her. The attack is swift and deadly, the lobbed off head flies up into the sky, then shortly bounces off into the grass.

13:55, Today: Secret Roll: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Ellerie, rolled 6 using 1d6.

13:55, Today: Secret Roll: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Ellerie, rolled 23 using 1d20+

OOC: G5


==============================================================================================

Brychan's whip lands a hit on the gibberling. You swear you can hear it's lower, guttural, viscous giggle. It throws the dagger in it's mouth and attempts at jumping Khalid.

OOC: Good hit, still alive though G7.
==============================================================================================
The towering barbarian able to shake a mass of hair, it falls on the ground, then immediately pounded into the ground deeper by a hit from an axe. The creature no longer moves. As another gibberling attack Rak-Norag it is too split almost in half by a mighty hit from an axe.

OOC: G6 and G8, I believe.
==============================================================================================

Khalid wincing drops on the ground and starts digging around the soft soil. The look of triumphs momentarily switches to a look of shock, "T-t-there are more people here. At least 3! H-h-honey, h-h-h-oney!"

A dirt covered face of an elf with a grimace of pain and anger appears from below the mount, "WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG, KHALID?! I sure thought I would have been dead", Jaheira loudly says to Khalid enunciating every...single...word...very...clearly. "Unbind me, now!"

One can observe ashen looking faces of what looks like two humanoids bound next to Jaheira.t
==============================================================================================

Temperance spells cast hopefully will help Khalid.
==============================================================================================

The grappling gibberling already dead the ranger chooses another target. The shot is well placed, as the mass of matted hair lies dead on the ground a moment later.

OOC: G10 is gone.
==============================================================================================

Sole remaining gibberling from the original attacking group bites at Khalids ankle, it does not seem to do any damage to the armored boot.
==============================================================================================

You hear more rumblings from beneath the ground, as 2 new gibberlings jump out of the burrows.

OOC: Uh...oh...Who rolled well on gibberling knowledge? If you did above 15 a quick recollection of that memory may bring you an idea that colony of gibberlings may be anywhere between 250 to 1000 creatures.


TALLY:
G1-, G2-, G3-, G4, G5-, G6-, G7, G8-, G9-, G10-, G11-, G12-, G13-

H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6

I1, I2

"This is their home," Rhen replies to Temperance as he draws another arrow. "More will come so long as we stay." He glances over toward Khalid, and breathes a sigh of relief when it turns out the Half-Elf has found his wife.

"Free them and I shall cover you as best I can," he says as he lets another arrow fly---one that flies well wide of its mark. "Then I advise we retreat. Gibberling hordes can number in the hundreds."

OOC:

11:27, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 16 using 1d20+2.  Nature-Gibberling.
11:33, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  Atk w/ Longbow.

The gibberling hit Brychan, and attracted his attention.

"Dammit you filthy grub-botherer!" Brychan shouted and in a single smooth motion drew his curved sabre, and severed the head off the foul beast.

Risking leaving himself open to attack from the remaining gibberling, Brychan begins to withdraw away from the mound towards what relative safety exists away from the melee, but the monster took advantage of the opening, and a claw raked across the sorcerer's chest. [Private to GM: DM, would you please roll Damage? Unless they don't get to take OAs, lol.]

---

OOC:
16:45, Today: Brychan Llywarch rolled 9 using 1d6+3.  Damage Shortsword.
16:45, Today: Brychan Llywarch rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Attack H4, Shortsword.

16:57, Today: Secret Roll: Brychan Llywarch rolled 16 using 1d20.  Gibberling's OA on B (does not include bonus).
Welp. Guess I hope he does 3 or less damage!

"Hundreds?!" Ellerie exclaims incredulously. "Let's prepare to fall back." She breaths in deeply recollecting herself and slices at the nearest creature.

---

Bonus Action: Second Wind to heal to full
01:00, Today: Ellerie rolled 8 using 1d10+1.  Second Wind

Attack action
01:00, Today: Ellerie rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Attack.
01:00, Today: Ellerie rolled 6 using 1d6+3.  Damage.

Rak-Norag snarls and bellows as he shucks off two more gibberlings. They've scratched him a bit, but he shows no signs of slowing down. He swings his massive axe again, but the sheer number of foes may be getting to him, as it is not a particularly effective strike.

Grapple checks of 25 and 14 on the two gibberlings (figured out in PM, thanks DM)
Attack 11, Damage 14 (if that hits)
Bonus Attack if first one killed gibberling - 6 (natural one!)

11:17, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Possible Bonus Attack.
11:14, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 14 using 1d12+5.  Damage.
08:29, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 12 using 1d20+3.  Grappler 2 Str Check Roll 2.
08:29, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Grappler 2 Str Check Roll 1.
08:28, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  Str Check Roll 2.
08:28, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 9 using 1d20+3.  Grapple Str Check w/Adv Roll 1.
17:07, Yesterday: Rak-Norag rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  Greataxe Attack.

"Hundreds? Oh no..."

Temperance dashes to the mound, casting a spell on herself along the way, and settles in to help Khalid rescue everyone else trapped under there.

Casting Sanctuary on herself, then going to rescue everyone from the mound.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 80):

• ==============================================================================================
• Initiative tracker
• Jaheira = 17
• Gibberlings II = 15
• Ellerie = 12
• Brychan Llywarch = 8
• Rak-Norag = 8
• Khalid = 7
• Gibberlings III = 6
• Temperance = 5
• Rhen Daggerleaf = 5
• Gibberlings = 3
• ==============================================================================================

==============================================================================================

H1: While grappling the barbarian it attempts to claws at the man, however going for a wild ride it misses.

H2: Holding for a dear life it's claw find only air.

H3: The tiny dagger slashes at the boots of Rak-Norag, but fails to penetrate.

H4: Noticing Brychan attempting to run away, it smells his blood slashing at him, it however misses by a mile.

H5: It dashes towards and around Brychan attempting to corner him

H6: Thrusting it's dagger at a half elf attempting to rescue his wife, the creature throw's it arm out and drops the dagger.

OOC: Well...crap...unlucky rolls all around for me.
==============================================================================================

Seeing the fighter heal the gibberling is either startled or shocked. This pause proves to cost the creature it's life. The gibberlings head flies off it's shoulders.

OOC: H5
==============================================================================================

Brychan puts some distance between himself at attacking gibberlings. One lucky dodge and the creature misses him. The hit from a short sword turns the black hairy mass into a bloody, black mess.

OOC: H4. My apologies...or not. Did not see OA roll, did mine. Failed.
==============================================================================================

As the barbarian snarls and bellows at the gibberlings both of them fly off the man. One is stunned as it is floored into the ground and another is turned into a blood pulp by a raging madman.

OOC: H1.Impressive show of strength and grappling. I'll give disadventage to the both gibberlings as they are shaken off. One killed, one is on the ground.
==============================================================================================

Khalid is able to untie his wife. The woman looks around...at the bodies of gibberlings and bleeding husband and some of the party, "Run you fools! We will get overwhelmed!", she pushes Khalid towards the rest of the party and out of the forest.

==============================================================================================

Temperance able to run up to the mound and untie another person. Looking around the mound there are several other bodies sticking out of the ground, however none of them seem to be alive. The one you untie is a human, man in his 60s. Balding hair with a long, bushy beard. The man looks like he was starved nearly to death, his face, skin caked in death. There are several wounds all over his body.
==============================================================================================

Rhen's arrow punctures gibberling which attack the barbarian straight through.

OOC: H2
==============================================================================================

OOC: I would consider end of combat, you did very well against gibberlings and even though there are hundreds of them in the mounds, you seem to have done well keeping them at bay. My understanding after helping whoever you could, you have decided to otherwise cut your loses and escape with the victims. Good job. To be continued.

H1-, H2-, H3, H4-, H5-, H6

After approximately 20 minutes you are able to lose the gibberlings chasing you in the woods. You can still hear the shrieking and yelping of the creatures, soundings upset that they did not get to keep you for dinner.

The man who was rescued by Temperance is heavily breathing, a little longer and it looks like he may pass out. If one to look at him closer, one might see that at one point he was a very, well dressed man in an expensive clothes. Now...well, he is malnourished, old, man with barely hanging clothes, several abrasions and cuts around his body, as well as dirt covered face and otherwise disheveled opinion. He looks at Temperance, eyes slightly rolling in the back of his skull, he whispers something...swallows hard, whispers something again...shakes his head, then repeats, "Tha.....thank you, dear...."


==============================================================================================

Jaheira out of breath as well, however does not wait a moment to study her husband, then the man, then herself. She casts a few spells, murmuring something to herself, then nodding reassuringly, "Good...good. You should be alright, the infection did not fully set in, yet. Another two tendays and you both and I would have been dead...anyone else require my aid?"

============================================================================================

If one was to look at Khalid, one would describe him a happy man. A slight smile crosses his face, as he props himself against the tree.

============================================================================================

OOC: Milestone reached. You have reached level 2. Congratulations for surviving the ambush. If you'd like can do perception or knowledge on the man. Or ask whichever you would like either of NPCs. Jaheira will be more than happy to heal anyone else who requires that.

Reluctant to retreat but capable of understanding basic odds even while raging, Rak-Norag is the last to disengage, keeping the foes back with a wide swing of his axe as the others start to fall back. Finally, he spits at the enemies before turning to follow the others, his long legs carrying him rapidly through the forest as the rage of battle fades.

He takes a seat against a tree when the group finally stops, catching his breath. He watches the woman use her healing magic and a dark expression crosses his face. He has long been away from his Uthgardt homeland, but the tribe's aversion to magic still comes to him like a gut reaction, even though he has learned to accept that such things have their uses.

He waves her away. "I am fine. They barely touched me."

He takes a drink of water and keeps his eyes and ears on the woods.

Will use HD in short rest to gain back 3 HP lost, now at full

"Barely touched me as well, but," Brychan sighed, "I doubt they'll leave any scars to brag about. Alas.

"On the bright side, you all did help me drive off those pestilent beasts to rescue this fair maid, ah hah... matron! in need of aid." He gave a flourish and bowed to Jaheria. "Brychan Llywarch is my name, perhaps you've heard of me. No need for thanks; we're well compensated; hero's duty and all that."

---

OOC:
Knowing Jaheria from BGI&II I look forward to her and B getting along like a house on fire. Lol.

Despite the danger nipping at their heels during the retreat, Rhen cannot help but grin. The rescue attempt was successful, and Khalid is now reunited with his missing partner. Rescuing others from the gibberlings' grasp is an unexpected boon, but a welcome one. Surely, this will be a deed he can share with his people once his rite is over.

He goes over to Khalid and claps him on the back.

"A successful hunt," he says, "and a quick one, too. The stars smiled on us tonight."

Rhen takes inventory of the group's condition, silently observing the rescued members. He watches with interest as Jaheira treats the injured, and is clearly curious about the old man.

"Should I set up camp?" he asks the group. "Or should we continue on to the Friendly Arms?"

OOC:

09:53, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Perception.

I don't know if Rhen would have heard of the old man, but he'd probably recognize whether he was a sage, wizard, king, or miniature giant space hamster...

Temperance gently lowers the man she rescued to the ground. "You're always welcome. Rest for now, you're safe with us. The Friendly Arm Inn isn't too far away." She reaches into Brick's saddlebags and takes out some rations and water, passing them to her patient. "I have no healing magic left beyond food and water - take it slowly, you're at no risk of running out," she counsels.

When Rhen suggests setting up camp, Temperance looks to her patient and back. "If I could prevail on some of you to help carry Brick's supplies, I could have him carry our wounded back to the Inn."

Rak-Norag nods at Temperance's request. "I will help carry the load," he says. He will help move saddlebags, hoisting what he can onto his broad back and shoulders. He'll then help secure the injured man onto the mule. He gives Brick the occasional pat and kind word, figuring it is always a good idea to be on the good side of a helpful beast.

19:13, Today: Rak-Norag rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  Animal Handling.