Morning. you take Urvin’s wagon and wait for ireena at the gate.

after a bit she sneaks out under cloak and cowl.

“whew! i was going to go mad if i had to be part of that jamboree!”

You follow the directions to the winery.

You don't get a very good idea of the layout of the land, because the 100' pines are so close together it is stifling. The forest seems to exhale at you, then breathe in, hoping to inhale your very last inches of hope.

Sign posts indicate this cobblestone road is The Old Svalich Road. You go west. You come to a fork and the sign indicates The Winery is south. You go south.

After a half mile, the road becomes a muddy trail that meanders through the woods, descending gradually until the trees part, revealing a mist-shrouded meadow. The trail splits. One branch heads west into the valley, and the other leads south into dark woods. A wooden signpost at the intersection points west and reads, “Vineyard.”

You go west.

A light drizzle begins to fall. Unpainted fences blindly follow the trail, which skirts north of a sprawling vineyard before bending south toward a stately building. The fog takes on ghostly forms as it swirls between the neatly tended rows of grapevines. Here and there, you see rope-handled half-barrels used for hauling grapes. North of the trail is a large stand of trees. An old man wearing a dark cloak and cowl stands at the edge of the trees, beckoning you.

Lando helped Ireena into the wagon with a smile. "I'm glad we could spare you that.  I hope your brother fares well.  We'll need to address the problems in Vallaki once we get the wine back."

He left a letter with Urvin to be delivered to Ismark once they'd left.  It read, "My dear Ismark, Ireena has joined us on our travels today. I would have told you in person, but we needed to set off early.  She will be safe in our company until we return.  Your servant, Lando Courtigan."

As they traveled he commented on the landscape around them, "The forests are quite lush here, and when you get into open country, the scenery is rather pleasant."

When they saw the old man he said without getting too close, "Hail and well met, neighbor.  How may we be of service to you togay?"

Zrakrud remained quiet, mostly in awe of the Forests about them. He had never seen such thing. Where he was from, you'd be lucky to see one or two trees in a days travel. He's seen more tree's in his short time here then he would have ever seen back at home. This was a strange place, he began to formulate how he could possibly bring any of this home. Finally as they neared the turn off "Are all your homes like this? Tree's and other plant life everywhere? I've seen more trees, wood and metal in the few days I've been here then I've seen in the entirety my life prior to this."

Skuldja looked to Zrakrud. "Yep, there's lots of plants everywhere as far as I know. Lots of metal too. I think dwarves work together to bring it out of mountains."

Brankx walked behind the rest as they made their way, watching Lando fawn over the woman, and the others over the land. He rolled his eyes. “Yeah....lots o’ plants....makes me want ter chop them down and burn them. Now, can we damn well keep moving or just wonder at new things. Maybe how pretty th’ gloomy clouds are, or how nice th’ blood sucking vampire will be?”

He walked up to the man with Lando, and sighed audibly at his greetings towards him.

...the dwarf was surly

"Help. I need your help. I am Davian Martikov, owner of the Wizard of Wines. Druids attacked the winery and took my whole family hostage just earlier this morn'. I've been making my way to Vallaki to find help, but I'm old and can't get far fast. You lot look capable. It's four druids and their twig blights, about two dozen of the wretched things. Easy to kill, but my family are not warriors...will you help me?"

To Zrakrud he said, "my home is in the city which isn't so over grown, but yes out in the countryside there are quite a few trees and other plants."

To Brankx he chuckled and said, "your dourness puts other dwarves to shame, my friend.  Just because we're in this situation against our will doesn't mean we can't make the best of it, and I for one enjoy lush scenery."

To the old man he said, "We've just come from Vallaki.  What more can you tell us? how many people did they take?  Which way did they go?"

Rolling insight on the old man because I don't really trust anyone around here
20:15, Today: Lando rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  insight.

Brankx looks at Lando with narrowed eyes, and just sighs at his positive outlook. "If ye see lush scenery, ye need ya eyes checked boy!"

He crossed his arms, clearly showing his dwarvish dourness.

Skuldja brandished her great sword and nodded to the man. "It would be my pleasure to help you."

If Zrakrud's piercing glare could cut it probably would cut Brankx about now. But instead he stared for only a moment before turning to the one asking for help. The others had asked enough questions that would provide them with answers.

Davian doesn’t appear to be lying, but there is something he’s hiding, that’s obvious to Lando.

He explains the 9 people in his family:
Adrian, his eldest son
Elvir, his youngest son
Stefania, his adult daughter
Dag Tomescu, Stefania’s husband
Stefania and Dag’s four children: a teenage son named Claudiu, two young boys named Martin and Viggo, and a baby girl named Yolanda.

Davian isn’t sure who was taken where, but suggests the druids went to a place called Berez (U) and/or Yester Hill (Y). The Winery is W. He describes the areas and how to get there. “But first let’s see if anyone is still home. If you have a weapon to spare I will help you. I’m not too hearty but I won’t stand by as my family suffers.”

Have i given you the map yet??? https://media-waterdeep.cursec...hments/2/670/001.jpg

And of course, Ireena isn’t mute. “Fear not, Davian. I know it is the Night Mother’s grace that we have arrived at this time. We will be your salvation.” She turns to you, “Well? Any more questions? Blights are weak to fire. Druids are weak to a hot bath and a bar of soap.” She grins at her joke. But you can see through the ruse. She is terrified. She raises her pretty fingernails and a spark of magic appears. “What? I’m not helpless you know.” Her fingers shake.

Skuldja grinned widely at Ireena's joke. "I will keep the blights weakness in mind. Fire can be a great tool of destruction." Skuldja was excited to fight some blights. She moved a safe distance away and started swinger her great sword around, practicing techniques she had been taught by her tribe.

The dwarf ignored the glare from Zrakrud, and listened to the man, then Ireena. Despite himself, the dwarf chuckled. “Ye got a dark sense of humour girl….we gonna get on just fine.” He pulled two daggers and nodded. “I think we gotta trim th’ leave o’ these Druid bastards and teach ‘em a lesson”

The dwarf looked at Ireena. “Keep th’ blights busy, and I can deal with th’ druids”

Lando laughed at Ireena's joke. "Right then, we have a plan.  Brankx will take care of the druids, and we'll kill the blights.  There are a lot of them, but I do have some area magic, and some oil for fire. Unfortunately, I have few weapons, only a crossbow for range, and a dagger if they get close." He put his two oil flasks in his front pockets for easy access.

"My specialty is cold magic. I was born with frost on my fingers they say. I can help with the druids more so then those blight creatures. What ever they may be" Zrakrud offers as the crystal about his frosts over a moment as he focuses upon the spells that he has prepared.

Situated in the midst of the vineyard, the winery is an old, two-story stone building with multiple entrances, thick ivy covering every wall, and iron fencing along its roofline. The trail ends at an open loading dock on the ground floor.

A wooden stable of more recent construction is attached to the east side of the winery, next to the loading dock. West of the winery is a crumbling well and a wooden outhouse.

https://media-waterdeep.cursec.../697/600/825/028.jpg

You approach from the north and see movement in the loading dock (w2). You are 10' away from the opening and spot 3 twig blights: a monstrous bundle of animated sticks with evil black eyes. Despite their size they seem brittle enough to bash. And 1 druid: this evil master of nature is a wild man, his clothes made of bone and hide.

The dock is 20' wide and 25' deep, a 5' tall and 5' wide dock surrounds a large horseless wagon loaded with wine barrels. The top of this wagon is 5' and the barrels stick up another 3'. There is room on the wagon to stand on top, or hide underneath.

-----
Welcome to our first battle! Players first, no regard to init, I'll resolve in order of posts and always in player's favor. AOE spells don't need to worry about placement, I'll just roll a d6 or d8 depending on the spell to see how many it hits. I'll put MR for melee range to describe what enemies are provoking AOO.

TWIG BLIGHTS AC10 HP10
1
2
3

DRUID AC15 HP30
1

Zrakrud takes a step to the side as his begins to hum loudly, slowly the humming gets louder as he begins to writhe, step and weave his staff about him. Each step in rhythm as he begins his incantation.

OOC:

Begin Bladesong -- +3 AC, +10 Speed

Cast Tasha's Mindwhip: Int Save DC 13 or take 11 damage


11:21, Today: Zrakrud rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,6,1.  Tasha's Mind Whip.

quote:

You psychically lash out at one creature you can see within range. The target must make an Intelligence saving throw. On a failed save, the target takes 3d6 psychic damage, and it can't take a reaction until the end of its next turn. Moreover, on its next turn, it must choose whether it gets a move, an action, or a bonus action; it gets only one of the three. On a successful save, the target takes half as much damage and suffers none of the spell's other effects.

This message was last edited by the player at 17:06, Wed 16 June 2021.

Seeing the druid, Skuldja charges him roaring, with extreme blood lust. "RAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"

She swings wildly, leaving herself open for attack, and just misses the Druid's head.

OOC:

Raging and using reckless attack on the druid. Everything has advantage to attack me. Dang, I rolled really bad lol.

03:00, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 10 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Reckless Attack on Druid.

Lando said to Ireena, "stay by me.  We'll deal with the twig bights so that the others can focus on the druid." From his position a safe distance away, he leveled his crossbow, and his shot was true hitting one of the creatures in the middle.

Action: attack a twig blight
10:32, Today: Lando rolled 23 using 1d20+5.  attack.

10:32, Today: Lando rolled 9 using 1d8+3.  damage.

No movement.

Seeing Skuldja run in roaring, Brankx seized the overt unity, a dagger in each hand, and followed the warrior, as he attacked straight on, the dwarf nimbly stepped to the side, his blades flashing in an ‘x’ like arc at the druid, the dwarf a mask of grim determination.

<OOC: Attack time

Movement action - move up to druid
Action: dual wield attacking with two daggers.

Brankx rolled 17 using 1d20+4.  Attack - druid.
Brankx rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  Attack - druid.

Brankx rolled 4 using 1d4+2.  Damage - dagger.
Brankx rolled 5 using 2d6.  Sneak attack.
Brankx rolled 1 using 1d4.  Damage - dagger.

Bonus action: disengage 10 feet>

The one lando shot explodes a moment later. Ireena blows on her pointer finger like it's a gun. A small waft of smoke lingers from it. She smiles.

(quick note, no one gave Davian a weapon so he is just following along staying safe)

The one Zrakrud incants stops completely. Indistinguishable from a tree. All sense of murderous life from it is gone. All sense of any life from it is gone.

Ireena finishes off Lando's attack, stealing his kill.

Brankx gets very good hits on the druid, thanks to the distraction from Skuldja.
---
Our last twiggy runs to Brankx to ultimately miss striking him.
The druid looks like he wasn't expecting this. "Nananananaaaaaaa THUNDA!"

A massive blast of sound pushes against Branx and Skuldja, yet doesn't touch the twig blight. He turns and (if not dead aoo) runs into the house (w9)
Con Save dc12 for half of 9dmg and no push. Either of you not pushed gets an AOO on the druid.

----
TWIG BLIGHTS AC10 HP10
1 dead
2 dead
3 MR (melee range) Brankx

DRUID AC15 HP30 (w9)
1 hp-10

Skuldja stands firm against the blast of sound and then swings wildly at the druid, missing him again. She screams out at him in frustration.


16:27, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  Attack of Opportunity.
16:26, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 20 using 1d20+4.  Con Save.

Zrakrud in one consistent motion continues to writhe and dance to his own chant as he spins and turns, a blast of cold air stretches out from his finger tips towards the remaining blight, just missing Branx and Skuldja.

OOC: Move up to 45' to cast Frost Fingers to avoid hitting others DC 13 or 9 damage.

3:53, Today: Zrakrud rolled 9 using 2d8 with rolls of 4,5.  Frost Fingers

Freezing cold blasts from your fingertips in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a Constitution saving throw, taking 2d8 Cold Damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The Cold freezes nonmagical liquids in the area that aren't being worn or carried. At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the damage increased by 1d8 for each slot level above 1st.

"The wine!" Lando gasped when Zrakrud cast aspell dangerously close to the precious cargo.  But he soon regained his focus on the task at hand. He fired his crossbow at the last stick figure, but his aim was off and it struck a barrel.  "Oh no! the wine!" he gasped again.  fortunately his shot didn't penetrate.

20:21, Today: Lando rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  attack.

 Rabid, now focused on the twig beast, snarled as his daggered hands swung upwards in a fissions bladed uppercut.

<OOC: Action - attack with dagger

Brankx rolled 20 using 1d20+4.  Attack - Brankx rolled 4 using 1d4+2.  Damage - dagger.
Brankx rolled 7 using 2d6.  Sneak attack.

Bonus action: Attack with off hand

Brankx rolled 15 using 1d20+4.  Attack - dagger.
Brankx rolled 5 using 1d4+2.  Damage - dagger.>

(Brankx I don't see that you made a con save so I'm ignoring the aoo you made on Druid)

The last twiggy splinters for good.

Ireena rushes to the door to go in and stops. "What's the plan? We have no idea how many more are in there."

Skuldja rushes in after the druid to cut him down. At Ireena's question, Skuldja yells running past her, "Skuldja kill!"

Inside, Skuldja goes for the druid if she sees him and attacks him recklessly.

04:11, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 15 using 2d6+5.  Damage.
04:10, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 22 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Reckless Attack on Druid.

Lando was about to answer Ireena when Skuldja, still in the throws of battle rage, charged in, so he said, "alright then, I suppose Skuldja will take the lead.  Brankx, if you would help cover her from being surrounded by twig monsters, the rest of us will follow with ranged support."

Action: holding an crossbow attack if we see and enemies.

Movement: he will follow Brankx through the door
This message was last edited by the player at 16:40, Tue 22 June 2021.

Brankx, breathing hard, looks as the barbarian runs in screaming. “Yeah….great tactics dragon. Announce ter everyone we’re here” The dwarf looked at Lando and nodded with a dour expression. “Ye lucky I like ye girl, but I miss out on th’ fun, I’m gonna be pissed!”

<OOC: movement- leading the way>

The chant and beat of his steps continue for Zrakrud as he moves rapidly towards the door the druid went through. Unlike the Dragon, he wanted to at least get an idea of what he was heading into before entering the room and stopped at the door to examine his options.

Skuldja finds the druid didn't make it too far for her to catch up. WHAM!!!

w9 https://media-waterdeep.cursec...hments/2/697/028.jpg

This large room (55x20) is filled with 4 vats twice the size of a man. There are stairs in the center leading to a balcony so one could get to the tops of these vats. Skuldja and Druid 1 are to the northeast of the stairs, there are 3 druids spread out at the top of the stairs (south of vat 1, 3 and 4).

The stairs writhe with vines. STR DC12 to get up the stairs or be restrained.



DRUID AC15 HP30 (w9)
1 hp-25
2
3
4

Zrakrud looks at the three Druid's across the top of the stairs well protected from the vines, his movements graceful in form as he writhes and weaves his way into the room, a quick chant sends another mental spike towards one of the druids at the top of the stairs.

---

OOC:

Bladesong (3rd round) -- +3 AC, +10 Speed

Cast Tasha's Mindwhip: Int Save DC 13 or take 8 damage


17:37, Today: Zrakrud rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,1,5.  Tasha's Mind Whip.

quote:

You psychically lash out at one creature you can see within range. The target must make an Intelligence saving throw. On a failed save, the target takes 3d6 psychic damage, and it can't take a reaction until the end of its next turn. Moreover, on its next turn, it must choose whether it gets a move, an action, or a bonus action; it gets only one of the three. On a successful save, the target takes half as much damage and suffers none of the spell's other effects.

Skuldja recklessly brings her great sword down on the druid, cutting him in half vertically and causing blood to splatter everywhere. She then looks up to a druid, let's out a loud roar, and throws a handaxe at him.

02:10, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 36 using 2d20+5 ((13,18)).
02:11, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 17 using 2d6+5.  Damage.

Sorry forgot to put a 1 in the spot to drop the lowest d20 that time. Got 23 to hit. Reckless attacking again.

Also going into a Frenzy.

02:22, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 25 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Reckless Handaxe Attack on Druid.
02:23, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 10 using 2d6+5.  Crit Damage Yay!

Brank, following the others, comes into the room as the warrior attacks. "Typical....hoggin' th' fun" He muttered as he made his way closer

Lando ran through the door and saw three more druids on the catwalk.  Being prepared for more potential enemies, he shot the farthest one, then moved behind the nearest vat to gain some cover.

Action: attack the farthest druid with my crossbow

Movement: to the north wall just above the empty vat (vat 4?) to the eastern of the 2 squares above the vat

07:14, Today: Lando rolled 17 using 1d20+5.  attack.

07:15, Today: Lando rolled 5 using 1d8+3.  damage.

Ireena stays behind everyone, but her magic blasts over your heads and up into the stairway, missing.

2 and 3 move halfway down the stairs, 10' away from everyone BUT Lando, and send thunderwaves different directions in order to target everyone. Ireena is slammed into the wall.

EVERYONE (But Lando) DC12 CON SAVE or take 15dmg and pushed 10' away. 7dmg if you save.

The 4th druid says upstairs, 60' away, concentrating on the vines on the stairs.

The stairs writhe with vines. STR DC12 to get up the stairs or be restrained.

DRUID AC15 HP30 (w9)
1 dead
2 hp-18
3
4 hp-5

Brankx saw tbe tactics as the Druid's cast their spell, hitting  him, he grimaced through the spell, but managed to stay standing. With tbe stubbornness born of a dwarf, he looked at tbe druids and made up the stairs - even the pesky weeds wouldn't stop him.

He made it to the first druid and plunged his daggers in, one hitting armor, but the other finding flesh with some satisfaction from the dwarf.



<OOC: Brankx rolled 16 using 1d20+2.  con save.

Movement: Move up the stairs to closest druid

Brankx rolled 20 using 1d20+1.  Str save

Action: Attack with dagger

Brankx rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  Attack - dagger.

Bonus action: Attack with off hand dagger.

Brankx rolled 15 using 1d20+4.  Attack - dagger.

Brankx rolled 3 using 1d4.  damage - dagger.
Brankx rolled 6 using 2d6.  Sneak attack - dagger(if applicable)>

Skuldja ran up the stairs behind Brankx, resisting the thunderwave and the vines. She then recklessly swung her greatsword twice at the druid Brankx wasn't attacking. She connected twice and really messed him up.


00:49, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 12 using 2d6+5.  Damage 2.
00:49, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 11 using 2d6+5.  Damage 1.
00:48, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 20 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Reckless Attack on Druid #2.
00:48, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 19 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Reckless Attack on Druid.
00:45, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 20 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Run Up Stairs.

Lando poked his head out from behind the vat to shoot the druid again, but his shot went wide and struck the wall harmlessly.  He called to Brankx, "you're doing great! keep it up!" then he ducked back behind the vat.

action: shoot druid 4
20:39, Today: Lando rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  attack.

Bonus action: bardic inspiration 1d6 to Brankx

Move: move <15' to get a clear shot at druid 4, then move back to original position.

Zrakrud dances about the wave of destruction that crashed through their lines, each step in cadence with his chant as he flings his hand towards druid at the top of the stairs as the others engaged those on the stairs, a dagger of pure ice flew towards the druid striking him before exploding into shards of ice all about him. Without missing a beat he weaved his way through the vats of wine ending beneath the stairs.

---

OOC: Ice Knife 5 Piercing Damage, 9 Cold Damage DC 13 Dexterity save to avoid the Cold damage.

Move up to 45' along the southern edge of the map and the barrels to end beneath the stairs.

19:06, Today: Zrakrud rolled 5,9 using 1d10,2d6 with rolls of 5,3,6.  Ice Knife Damage.

19:06, Today: Zrakrud rolled 24 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 19.  <b>Ice Knife</b>.

19:01, Today: Zrakrud rolled 15 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 13.  <b>CON Save</b>.

"Skuldja you're a friggin' animal and I love you!" Ireena grinned as she wiped the blood from her lip, smiling as the dragonborn tore into the druid. Eldritch energy sparkled between her red painted nails and suddenly the druid's eyes went dull.

He plopped to the ground in front of Skuldja.

Branx's dagger digs deeply into the druid's back, but the man gargles a spell, clinging to his last breath, turns and hits Branx point blank with another thunderwave. (I'll give ya the sneak attack bc theater of the mind).
Branx and Skuldja CON SAV DC12 for 4 dmg, or take 9dmg and you're pushed off the stairs back into the first floor. Then you'll have to make a str check dc12 to get back up the stairs or be restrained.

Druid 4 ducks behind the railing of the balcony and continues to concentrate on the vines keeping you downstairs. Suprisingly, she speaks, in broken common you understand her: "You may defeat us, but Baba Lysaga's will is already in motion. We will not be stopped. The wereravens will be destroyed. We will purge the Raven Queen from Barovia."

DRUID AC15 HP30 (w9)
1 dead
2 hp-29 on stairs
3 dead
4 hp-5 UP Stairs 60' away from anyone downstairs, half cover AC17

Lando called back to the druid then he shot at her the last one on the stairs, "look here, I don't give a damn about any wereravens, and I don't even know who this Bella  Lugosi is, but you're in between me and a decent drink, and I really need a drink, so you've left me no options."  He ducked back into his hiding spot, and looked over at Ireena.  She hadn't done anything since the thunder wave.  If she was down, he'd use she seemed to be hit hard by that spell so he cast healing word by saying, "Ireena! come to me, it's safe here!"  He held out his hand to her.

Action: shoot druid 2 4 so the others can get up the stairs
18:07, Today: Lando rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  attack.
18:07, Today: Lando rolled 8 using 1d8+3.  damage.

Movement: move <15' to get a clear shot at druid 2, then move back to original position.

Bonus action: healing word on Ireena
18:21, Today: Lando rolled 6 using 1d4+3.  healing word.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:53, Tue 06 July 2021.

Skuldja got blasted back, through the railing, and down to the first floor. She was happy to see the druid that blasted her go down as she got back up. She started her way back up the stairs towards the last druid, snapping vines with little effort on her way up. 30ft away, and making sure none of her allies would get hit, she unleashed her breath weapon on the last druid. Then for good measure, she recklessly threw her second hand axe at them, but it hit and stuck into the railing they were taking cover behind.

23:36, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 5 using 1d20+4.  Con Save.
23:41, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 22 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Vines DC12.

Dex Save DC 14 for the druid. Save for half of Acid Breath damage
23:45, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 8 using 2d6.  Acid Breath.
23:47, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 12 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Throw Hand axe.

Middle of the round recap: skuldja kills druid 2, everyone else can focus on 4.

Zrakrud dances out from behind the vat of vines he was hiding behind, as he weaves his way through his dance, his staff points towards the Druid at the top of the stairs and sends a ray of blue-white light towards the druid. Just missing as it struck the wall behind the druid, freezing it solid for a moment before the ice begins to melt.

---

OOC: Cast Ray of Frost, Hit AC 12 6 Dam


16:33, Today: Zrakrud rolled 12,6 using d20+5,d8 with rolls of 7,6.  Ray of Frost.

STILL MID ROUND RECAP:
druid 4 hp-19

brankx and ireena still have turns then it will be next round.

“dagnabbit. crap.”

very unladylike words come from the lady’s mouth as her eldritch blast hits the balcony railing, the druid safely on the other side.

the druid slaps out more vines and ducks back into cover.

why would he risk his life? why not run?

60’ away, you must go up stairs to melee him…str check dc12
or…maybe athletics climb dc20 to get cool points.

druid 4
ac17 hp-19
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:20, Thu 15 July 2021.

Skuldja recklessly charged at the druid, snapping their vines like they were nothing. Her first attack hit, the second the druid just barely got out of the way in time.

03:19, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 10 using 2d6+5.  Damage.

03:18, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 16 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Second Attack.

03:18, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 21 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Charge Attack.

03:17, Today: Skuldja Blackrazor rolled 16 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Vines DC12.

The druid ducked down, and was hidden from view, Lando would have to leave the killing blow to his friends, but he could at least cheer them on.  "You've got this! finish them off!" he called out.

17:13, Today: Lando rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  perception.

bonus action: bardic inspiration for Brankx 1d6

That creature gains one Bardic Inspiration die, a d6.
Once within the next 10 minutes, the creature can roll the die and
add the number rolled to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw
it makes. The creature can wait until after it rolls the d20 before deciding
to use the Bardic Inspiration die, but must decide before
the DM says whether the roll succeeds or fails.

Zrakrud moves about the room, his chant and dance still going as he makes a plea to the Druid "Stop your attacks and free the family members and you may yet live."

Brankx, irritated at the druids, the stupid plants and stairs, charges the stairs, plowing through the vines out of sheer frustration and anger, reaching the druid, he swings his left hand, missing with a piece of vine making him misjudge his shot, but the second hits true with Lando’s words echoing in his ears. “Damn tree-hugger….leave decent people be!” He yells as he hits him.

<OOC: strength check vs vines

Brankx rolled 16 using 1d20+1.  Str roll.

Movement - up the stairs to the Druid

Action - attack druid with dagger

Brankx rolled 5 using 1d20+4.  Attack - dagger.

Bonus action - attack with dagger (off hand)

Brankx rolled 13 using 1d20+4.  Attack - dagger.
Brankx rolled 6 using 1d6.  Inspiration

Brankx rolled 4 using 1d4+2.  Damage - dagger.
Brankx rolled 4 using 2d6.  Sneak attack.(if applicable)>

And with that the room is finally still. You take a deep breath and the rich smell of fermenting wine fills your lungs.

The druids lie where they fell, their blood redder and livelier than it should be.

The silence is broken by the fluttering of birds. Ravens. Beneath the sloping roof stretch thick rafters, ravens have gathered. They watch you with great interest.

The balcony climbs another five feet as it continues along the west and east walls, ending at doors leading to the winery’s upper level. Underneath these side balconies are several doors, some of which hang open.

(just a bit of railroading to make up for my absence)

After searching the whole house you find no further druids, but also no sign of Davian's family.

Davian returns to you, meeting you in the fermentation room where he inspects the wine, which has definitely been poisoned.

Davian: "It's no good. We will have to start all over. But before that, my family must be saved. Yester Hill and the Ruins of Berez. I will join you, we can take my wagon. You said you needed to take wine to Urvin? It's not really on the way I'm afraid, and we must hurry."

He shows you a hand drawn map of the land:
https://media-waterdeep.cursec...hments/2/670/001.jpg

We are at W.
Yester Hill is at Y, only an hour away.
Berez is U, 7 hours away, a 2 hour detour to Vallaki could be made, if wine delivering is still important to you.

Skuldja looks down at Brankx, rage quickly fading from her face to be replaced with joy. "Yay! We did it! That was fun!" She then gives Brankx a pat on the back. "I enjoyed fighting druids with you on this day." She then looks over the balcony at everyone. "Good fighting everyone!"

When Davian arrived, she was quick to follow him. "Let's hurry then."

Brankx snorted as the Druid dropped, and the dwarf Ben down, wiping the blades on the druids cloth and searching them. The dwarf, ever practical, searched the druids, but left the winery alone, though he wished to, he knew the owner needed his riches.

With skuldja complimenting, he managed one of his rare smiles. “Ye got unite a swing there ye self.” He sheathed his blades and walked to the others. With no family, he listened to The man and sighed. “We find ye family…then we can talk about th’ wine.”

The dwarf, despite his bluster, had a soft spot

Brankx does find loot on the druids. (sent in PM)

If anyone wishes to, they can watch him, join him, or argue with him.

Likewise there are lootables that can be stolen from the winery, if anyone wants to roll sleight of hand.

Brankx gathered the items and came to the others, holding out a small vial of liquid, a ring and a black velvet mask. “I dunno if any of ye can tell if their magic or not. Personally, I can hold onto them until we find out.” The dwarf looked at the vial, suspecting it a potion of some sort, and guessed the ring could be magical as well

"Well done, friends!" Lando said when the fight was over.  He helped Brankx search the druids and the grounds. In particular, he was looking for a weapon for Davian to use.



 "What kind of monster would poison wine?!" Lando exclaimed, then he though on it and added, "well, I mean I know a few people who would poison wine, but only one glass at a time, designated to a specific target, not whole vats!  Why make everyone suffer?! Fear not, Davian, we'll save your family, but if these druids are any indication of the evil we face, you should arm yourself."

Zrakrud looked over the items with some interest but shook his head at the dwarf's request "I have yet to master that arcana, in my world magic was rare to begin with so seldom was it taught." He looked over to Lando and nodded in agreement.

\The druids staff's are as useful as a weapon as you find.

But then Davian chimes in, "I might be able to identify those things for you. I'm not a wizard per say, but I come from a long line, and at one time Wizards of Wine actually meant what it sounds like."

He begins to perform the ritual to identify your items.

"And speaking of Wizards...I suppose now I must tell you the rest of the story...the druids hate wereravens because Baba Lysaga hates the Raven Queen." He says it like it's common knowledge, but then explains:

"As the legend is told, hundreds of years ago there was a peasant from Berez named Marina.
Berez is a small village on the shore of the Luna River. Marina bore a striking resemblance to Strahd’s beloved Tatyana, both in appearance and manner, and she became Strahd’s obsession. He seduced her in the dead of night and feasted on her blood, but before she could be turned into a vampire, the burgomaster of Berez, Lazlo Ulrich, with the aid of a local priest named Brother Grigor, killed Marina to save her soul from damnation. Enraged, Strahd slew the priest and the burgomaster, then used his power over the land to swell the river, flooding the village and forcing the residents to flee. Later the marsh crept in, preventing the villagers from returning. Berez has remained mostly abandoned since.

The ruins of Berez are now home to Baba Lysaga, an almost mythic figure tied to Strahd’s ancient past. Baba Lysaga sacrifices beasts to Mother Night and collects their blood, then bathes in the blood on nights of the new moon in a ritual to stave off the effects of extreme old age. But some say that she is the avatar of Mother Night herself. Long has she waged war with our goddess: The Raven Queen.

the druids stole three magic gemstones from the vineyard, forcing us to try to reclaim them. The gems are  magic seeds passed on through my family, given to us by the Raven Queen at the dawn of this land's curse, before her powers were stifled by the dark. The gem is what allows the vines to grow...I'm sure the druids have put them to nefarious uses..."

The dwarf handed over the items as he listened to the tale. “So th’ raven queen fights this vampire….good ter know we may have allies in a church out there. And if these gemstones are out there, we may be able ter find them and use them ter our use.”

"Baba Lasagna?" Skuldja quietly asks as she listens. "We'll get those gems back for you."

Skuldja didn't want to admit it, but she was quite tired after going all out on the druids and a little hurt. She sat nearby, while the others went through the loot.

"You mentioned two places? Is that where the druids may be? And how do you know them so well?" Zrakrud responded to Davian.

you spend an hour caring your wounds and learning the magic properties of the loot from the corrupt druids.

Davian and Dag reappear with light armor, rapiers and crossbows.
“Now youve wasted enough time. Hurry. Please.”

Where to?

Brankx helps the group figure out the potion and ring are a potion of poison and a ring of animal influence. He holds the potion. “Perhaps they used these ter poison th’ wine.” He mused. He placed the ring on his finger absently. “If anyone wants this, speak up, else I’ll hold it fer now.”

"I have no need of poison." He noticed the ring slip onto Brankx's finger, "the ring should go to whom can best use it.  If you think you're the best with animals, we'll call on you when the need arises."

"Now, let's go get those gems."

"Poison is a cowards weapon." Skuldja looks to the ring on Brankx's finger. "I can be ok with animals, but  Brankx did find the ring and they do say finders keepers losers weepers." She then looked to everyone. "Should we go to Yester Hill first?"

Zrakrud rose from his kneeling position, placing away his items that had laid before him to regain some of his spell might. Nodding to the others he picked up his staff.

---

OOC: Regened 1x 2nd level spell slot & 3 hps from Lando's Song

Lando nodded in agreement with Skuldja, "Yester Hill is the closest,let's start there.  If they aren't there, then we can load up the wagon and drop the wine off on the way to the ruins."

Brankx shrugged at the others. "There will be other places and other treasures, I'm sure. As fer the ring, I think it would help any o' us, but no one want ter use it, then fer now I'm happy ter use it."

He looked at lando. "Sounds as good a plan as any....let's do it."