Azatch soon spotted a row of medium-sized shrubs lined in a row, almost like an overgrown hedge. Slivers of sunlight penetrated the dense overhead foliage. They could see just enough of the area to set up a camp. Before they’d set down their packs, though, they heard rustling from the shrubs...

Simon's eyes narrow at the sounds, and he touches his ring, "Strengthen me, my friend, if you please. Just in case."

OOC
21:22, Today: Simon rolled 6 using 1d4+4.  False Life.

Within Lenelle Toreth there was conflict;  the young noblewoman who wanted to grab her head and scream at their predicament.  Versus the competent, resilient person she was striving to become.   The latter won out -- if only by a small margin.

She had spared some attention to listen to Simon.   At first with faint exasperation on her features; and then with something that may have been interest.

She was some consoled once Azatch suggested he could regain the trail come the morrow.   But any sense of ease fled at the rustling --  instinctively, she warded herself.  Something she should have done earlier:

Casting Mage Armor, AC=15   (ok, it's not much, but beats the hell out of 12)

Hour 1: Grog was full of excitement and wonder, his attention focused mostly upon the the waters.  Hour 2?  Not so much.  Eyes strained to find traces of anything, his attention clearly lacking.  By hour 3, he was little more then a cow among a herd.  If anything, the bugs gave him something to swat at.  His trudge had lost all traces of his previous zeal.  There was a while in there he visibly assessed tossing his glaive at the birds, but he eventually put it away after some light maintenance.

Hour 4, Grog cleaned off his hands, pulled his book from his bag, and read a while.  His height certainly worked to his advantage in this regard, though onlookers could see little more then somewhat sloppy handwriting in an unknown language.  The darkness didn't appear to hinder his reading much, however.  Twords the end of that hour, he seamed satisfied and put his book away again.

Once Azatch asked to make camp, Grog was quick to start his search, and quick to pick up on the others suddenly shifting to prepare for a fight.  The clasp holding his glaive came undone with a simple pull, and Grog was as ready as he needed to be.  In addition to assessing the shrub, the surrounding area also got a quick visual search.  His confidence was not shaken.

((OOC: +3 AC is huge!  And right before a planned rest?  Hardly a waste.))

Azatch readied himself, holding his javelin aloft, ready to skewed so dinner, hopefully.

Sundos normally carried his shield with a strap on his back. With practiced ease, he swung his shield down onto his arm in ready position. He readied his mace and took a few steps to stand next to Lenelle. "If you need to, don't be afraid to step behind me, I can protect you."

To get ready, Cela lowers her bag to the ground in the clearing - better to be more mobile.

She goes totally silent.  Her ears bend down, she crouches a bit, and her body stiffens.  Her claws are extended.

Lenelle glanced sidelong, somewhat askance, at the offer.

Cleric. Priest. Priests had cost her a home -- a family.   The fact of it ever rang like a discordant note, inside her. Empowered by the divine, yet oppressed by its mortal agents.

But she couldn't afford to prejudge; not here, not now.  There was a difference in the face; the eyes. She noted it, with what attention she could spare.

"Thanks," she told Sundos honestly.  "I'm not defenseless. We're all in this together. Our fates shall be the same," she assured him.

Simon shakes his head, "I am told Fate treats everyone differently. I have a friend who is quite...puzzled by Her."

Lenelle recollected the story he'd related.  And wondered how much of it might be personal, even if only in metaphor.

But now, there was the matter of that rustling...

The group heard the noises of a creature—or creatures—attempting to move stealthily through the brush. Grog, Lenelle, and any other party member gifted with darkvision peered toward the bushes and trees with vigilant eyes. They spotted a spear here and a shield there. Seconds later, the rustling grew louder as Lizardfolk charged into their campsite!

Five Lizardfolk warriors brandished spears, led by a slightly larger figure adorned in a headdress made of animal hide and smaller animal bones. The Shaman hissed orders in their Draconic tongue, ordering the five warriors to surround the party! The subordinates obeyed their leader, moving quickly in a flanking position...

OOC: Roll Initiative, y’all! First fight of the campaign is ON!

The Lizardfolk fighters are within 25 feet of the group. The shaman will hang back at 40 feet.



This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 17:15, Wed 07 Apr 2021.

Lenelle Toreth rolled 6 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

Lenelle gasped at first sight of these nemeses.   The fearsome aspect of the walking reptiles stalling her from reacting quicker than she might have...

In Draconic, Azatch says, “Stop, we are not you enemy or your food, but if you attack us, the swamp will feast on your flesh.”

Ooc: feel free to roll an intimidation check (+2) if you feel it is warranted, I am not intending to use an action to do it though.


Initiative 19

Grog was calm, focused, and until he saw the scales not particularly excited.  A grin formed.  "Talking dinners?  Good timing."

EDIT: Grog doesn't stop their flanking, but moves directly twords the druid, stopping 10' away from the closest lizardfolk. (Be that one blocking his advance or the druid given 30' movement.)

Once there, his action varies based on Az's actions:  (He went earlier.)  If the lizards paused their advance, Grog would respond defensively to further approach.  Should they not respond to his advance, Grog opens with a strike against said closest lizard.

Should he connect an attack before his next turn, he invokes his Fire Rune.  If not, he invokes the Stone Rune vs the druid should it be possible. (Needs a reaction, visibility, and at furthest a 30' distance at the end of the druid's turn.)

Grog rolled 12 using 1d20+1

((OOC: Sorry Azatch, Grog may already have an unhelpful opinion.  The swamp may miss a meal if they don't talk fast.  I was initially tempted to specifically mention Grog would counter their flanking effort as they made it, only to realize they kinda shot themselves in the foot doing so being outnumbered. Would be nice to see a battle-map as I am quite familiar with those, but keeping it edited and updated would be quite the pain.  Arbitrary instruction will work just fine.))
This message was last edited by the player at 20:51, Wed 07 Apr 2021.

14:21, Today: Cela rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  initiative.

Cela is ready, but waits for a reaction when she hears Azatch calling out to them.

Simon makes a rude gesture in the general direction of the shaman, and a bit of swamp just past it gets disturbed by the sheer rudeness of his gesture.

OOC:
11:42, Today: Simon rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  Eldritch Blast.
11:40, Today: Simon rolled 20 using 1d20+1.  initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:02, Wed 07 Apr 2021.

Even though it has been a long time since Sundos has been in the Army, old habits are hard to die. He called out, "Spears, Present!"

There was a prayer on his lips, ready to invoke the Lord of Light and Life. However, seeing Azatch trying to make contact with the lizards, waits to see what happens.

OOC:

13:35, Today: Sundos Brightblood rolled 17 using 1d20.  Initiative .
Hold action.

OOC:

Here’s the Initiative order, kindly organized by Cela (Thank you)

14:21, Today: Cela rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  initiative.
14:40, Today: Simon rolled 20 using 1d20+1.  initiaitve.
14:16, Today: Azatch rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.
15:35, Today: Sundos Brightblood rolled 17 using 1d20.  Initiative .
14:06, Today: Grog rolled 12 using 1d20+1.  Initiative .
13:35, Today: Lenelle Toreth rolled 6 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.
13:16, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 4 using 1d20.  Lizardfolk initiative.

Azatch, I’ll allow you an Intimidation or Persuasion roll with Advantage, based on your being a Local.

Once I get that roll, we’ll continue!

Nat 20!

OOC: 20:00, Today: Azatch rolled 22 using 2d20+2, dropping the lowest dice only.  intimidation w/ adv.

After a grueling day of marching through the swamp, the away party from The Swanmay readied themselves for an evening of rest. Before our heroes could set up camp, though, a small band of Lizardfolk interrupted them! Saurian warriors led by a shaman trained their spears on the group. In turn our heroes prepared a brutal response.

Cela stood ready for a fight, her feline muscles tensed for action! Simon The Warlock displayed his contempt for the Shaman with an obscene gesture known through most of The Forgotten Realms...and an Eldritch Blast. Although Simon was prepared, though, his blast went astray while Azatch attempted to cow the scaled intruders into leaving them alone. They were indeed intimidated, both by Simon’s magicks and the fearsome timbre in the Half-Orc’s threats.

However, the Shaman stood his ground and hissed at the trio who tried to flee. “Sssstay and fight, fools, or face Hisss wrath!”

Old habits ingrained by military training spurred Sundos into prepared action. He readied a defense while he prayed for the Light & Blessing of Pelor! The beloved God of Light heard his soft prayers, and within an instant, Azatch, Cela, & Grog felt their already powerful bodies quickened by an ecstatic rush of Divine power! [OOC: You three get a +1 bonus to hits & saves! ] Grog saw no threat from a handful of Lizardfolk. Any who came close would feel the wrath of his glaive or his runes! Lenelle found the sudden menace of slathering scaled jaws and sharp teeth momentarily unnerving, but recovered her wits and stood behind Sundos.

Despite the glowering intimidation from Azatch, the Lizardfolk felt more afraid of their Shaman! The Lizardfolk charged, brandishing sharp-tipped javelins and spiked shields! The first fighter rushed Cela, who sidestepped his thrust of his spear. However, the feint set her up for a jab from the spiked end of his shield, cutting into her furred flesh. (OOC: You take 3 points of damage, Cela.)

The second Lizard fighter snapped powerful jaws at Azatch, attempting to make a feast of the Half-Orc. The Barbarian held the Lizardman back with his powerful arms, but couldn’t avoid an upward thrust from the jagged edge shield. (OOC: 3 points damage for Azatch, too!)

A third Lizardfolk fighter thrust the spiked edge of his shield at Sundos and pierced his armor! Emboldened by his success, he tried to get a mouthful of the Cleric, but the Priest of Pelor reflexively dodged! (OOC: 5 points of damage, Sundos.)

The fourth Lizardman saw the success of his comrades, and felt a thrilling rush form the scent of spilled blood! He thrust a javelin at Grog and missed. Hissing in apparent frustration, if Lizardfolk felt such emotion, he rammed his spiked shield at the Minotaur with both hands! The spikes found their target, drawing blood! OOC: A Natural 20 on the 2nd attack, with a total damage of 12 points to Grog! Retaliate with an Attack of Opportunity, though.)

The remaining Lizard fighter found the courage to strike at the Warlock. His biting attack missed, but once more, the Lizardman demonstrated his tribe’s deadly proficiency with this visceral form of shield-bashing! (OOC: You lose 5 Hit Points, Simon!)

Finally, the Shaman waggled his fingers and his legs kicked in a strange dance as he invoked a prayer to Semuanya! Around the party, the swamp grass twitched and grew at an impossible rate in a writhing mass of grassy tendrils and vines! Unless our heroes were swift or stringer than the animated vines, they would soon find themselves Entangled!


OOC:

DC 12 to escape the Entangle spell!

22:10, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 20 using 1d20+4.  Lizardfolk #5 attack w/javelin.
22:09, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  Lizardfolk #5 attack w/bite.
22:08, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 24 using 1d20+4.  Lizardfolk #4 attack w/shield.
22:07, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 14 using 1d20+4.  Lizardfolk #4 attack w/javelin .
22:07, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 15 using 1d20+4.  Lizardfolk #3 attack w/bite.
22:06, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  Lizardfolk #3 attack w/shield.
22:05, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  Lizardfolk #2 attack w/spiked shield .
22:05, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 7 using 1d20+4.  Lizardfolk #2 attack w/javelin.
22:04, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Lizardfolk #1 attack with spiked shield .
22:04, Today: The Dungeonmaster rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  Lizardfolk #1 Attack w/javelin.



This message was last edited by the GM at 05:22, Fri 09 Apr 2021.

The Lizardman foolish enough to strike at Simon leaves him unwounded, but leaves him he does, flying back 10' and acquiring something of a headache in the process. Probably the invisible hand that pulled him off Simon. It tends to grab the head. "Thank you, my friend."

Simon points at the Shaman, "Burn, Scaly, Burn." Three rays leap towards the Shaman. One may even singe him.

OOC:
Reaction: Rebuke of the Talisman: 2 psychic damage and pushed back 10'.
Plus he had 6 temp hits from post #51. 1 is left.

20:00, Today: Simon rolled 13,6 using 4d6+2,2d6.

19:59, Today: Simon rolled 24,16,10 using 1d20+4,1d20+4,1d20+4.  Scorching Ray at Shaman.
20:04, Today: Simon rolled 13,15 using 1d20+4,1d20+4.  Disadvantage rolls.
Rolled in the wrong order: Damage from the one hit comes to 8 (fire) with Genies Wrath...assuming a  15 hits.

20:03, Today: Simon rolled 7 using 1d20+1.  Strength Save, Entangle.

20:51, Today: Simon rolled 16 using 1d20+1.  initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:51, Thu 08 Apr 2021.

Lenelle Toreth rolled 19 using 1d20-1.  strength save.

Mostly through sheer desperation, Lenelle managed to tug free of the grasping vegetation that sought to restrain her.   About her, her companions were being stabbed and bitten by the ill-tempered reptilians.   She had to do something about it. The shaman.   If he were to fall...

Lenelle Toreth rolled 8 using 1d20+2.  Initiative. (unclear if we're supposed to roll again; otherwise still at 6)   

Invoking the power within her, Lenelle supplied an extra surge of it, using a little trick that was most useful during a battle.  Not one but two shafts of sun-like radiance streamed from her raised hand -  one aimed at the shaman, and the other at the lizard man attacking Cela:

Casting Guiding Bolt as a 2nd level spell: (+1D6)
Twinned Spell (metamagic; 2 sorcery points)
Lenelle Toreth rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  guiding bolt. Shaman, to hit
Lenelle Toreth rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  guiding bolt. Cela's enemy, to hit
Lenelle Toreth rolled 24 using 5d6. Shaman, damage
Lenelle Toreth rolled 14 using 5d6.  Cela's foe, damage

Next attack on anyone struck by the Guidling Bolt will be advantaged, due to the lingering glow.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:39, Thu 08 Apr 2021.

Sundos attempted to bash in the lizard's head with his mace. However, a weed wrapped around his leg as he made his attack, throwing him off.

OOC
21:41, Today: Sundos Brightblood rolled 7 using 1d20+2.  Save vs Entanglement.
21:38, Today: Sundos Brightblood rolled 11 using 1d20+4.  attack lizard person.

Edit: 21:55, Today: Sundos Brightblood rolled 7 using 1d20.  Initiative round 2.

This message was last edited by the player at 03:57, Thu 08 Apr 2021.

OOC: Roll Initiative for around 2! If you’ve already posted, edit your new initiative roll into your post.

Azatch scoffs at the shaman's decision to die, and bats away his puny vines (critical success strength save vs entangle).

Incensed at the Shaman's stupidity and audacity, Azatch slips into a Rage.

His features become bestial and claws protrude from his hands and he begins tearing at the lizardfolk warrior closest to him, recklessly.



Att1: 15
Att2: 21
Dam1: 8
Dam2: 12

23:59, Today: Azatch rolled 8,12 using 1d6+6,1d6+6.  damages.
23:58, Today: Azatch rolled 21 using 2d20+6, dropping the lowest dice only.  att 2.
23:58, Today: Azatch rolled 15 using 2d20+6, dropping the lowest dice only.  claw attack vs lizardfolk warrior.
23:14, Today: Azatch rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  initiative round 2.
23:02, Today: Azatch rolled 26 using 1d20+6.  entangle save.

Conditions: Attacks vs Azatch made with advantage; not entangled