With the job agreed to, Gundren and Don-Jon Raskin laid out the remaining details of the plan, and went over it all one more time to make sure none of the important bits had been left out.

• Promised payment is 50g for each of you
• The wagon full of goods will be ready for you in the morning
• Deliver the goods to Phandalin
• Phandalin is about a 75 mile trip, so 2.5 days
• Delivery should be made to Elmar Barthen at Barthen's Provisions
• Hang around Phandalin for a few days after delivery, in case more work comes up

With the business out of the way, the two answered further questions, socialized for about another half an hour, and then excused themselves. "Don-Jon and I have two more people we need to speak to this evening here in Neverwinter, and then the two of us will be leaving for Phandalin before sunrise. Your breakfast has been paid for as part of your rooms tonight, so feel free to have a bit while you wait for the wagon to arrive. Akyra, I have given them your name and description, so as soon as it arrives they will come to find you and let you know the wagon has arrived."

Don-Jon added, "We need to see a blacksmith in Leilon for the last order. It's a bit outta the way, but with our early start and the wagon here being done round mid-morning, we reckon we should all get to Phandalin around noon on the third day."

As meals and drinks were finished, the plan laid out plainly, and payment options agreed upon, Gundren and Don-Jon said their goodbyes.

You can choose individually how your character wants to receive their payment. You don't need to discuss it in-character, you all make your own decision. He can give you the 50g now, which you can use to make other purchases from the PHB before you leave Neverwinter. You can do half up front and the other half after the goods have been delivered, or you can collect the full payment after the goods have been delivered. Let me know which option you take in your first post in this thread.

---

The following morning breakfast options are made to order. They have the usual fare you would expect from a city inn, in addition to today's specials of Skillet Fried Potatoes, Soft Pretzel with Buttery & Jam, and Egg on Toast.

At around 9:15 AM, a young half-elf with shoulder-length blond hair tied back in a messy tail arrives, looks around the room, and rushes over to Akyra with a smile. "Good morning, Lady Akyra, I'm Hiaenna. Master Gundren asked me to tell you when we had the wagon loaded and ready for you. We've got it outside right now, ready to go. Father says we can hold it for the next ten minutes if you still need to get your things ready."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:20, Sat 22 May 2021.

After a hearty breakfast, BonThot decides he's going to take the 50 gold upfront.

Akyra enjoys the company, and nods at Gundren as he explains the arrangements. The Dragonborn takes 25 gold up front, the other half on delivery.

The next morning, Akyra is up early, her gear packed and ready and comes downstairs. Hiaenna appraches her and speaks, and she nods. “Thank you. As soon as the others arrive, we will leave. Thank you for the arrangements.”
She places her Pack in the wagon, including her shield and warhammer, the battleaxe on her back. She stood by the caravan, her hands crossed, waiting for the others

Pavel stretches towards the ceiling of the room after he gets out of bed.
Better start thinking of how I want my money. Upfront would allow me to prepare better for the trek, but it doesn't leave me any incentive. Half and half balances prep and incentive, and all at the end provides all reward and no prep.
Pavel continues his ruminations over a simple breakfast of fruit and meat.

He finishes, decides that the dice might tell him something so he pulls out his dice set.

22:36, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 5 using 1d6.  Deciding on compensation.

He secrets the die back in a pouch with its fellows, picks up his handaxe and longbow, slings his quiver over his shoulder, and puts his dagger in his belt sheath.

He would take his money half and half. Catching sight of the cleric he waves.
"Great morning for a stroll through Nature eh? Sun on your skin, the earth beneath your boots, and wind in your hair." Pavel said as he walked closer.

He stowed his axe and his pack with rope, rations, a pole and medical supplies in the wagon.

Akyra nodded at Pavel as he came and spoke. “A good a morning as any. It looks like all the gear is here and ready....when the others arrive we will leave.”

She noted the weapons of the man. “You’re a ranged fighter from the look of your bow. Perhaps you should stay on the wagon with your bow handy....any attack you can attack from the wagon and use it as cover.”

Bharkel was still leery about the seeming ease of the job relative to the pay. She would opt, therefore, to take it all at the end. That way, if it proved to be more hazardous than advertised, she could push for a higher pay. It would also preclude any of these strangers from trying to rob her, or taking her cut should she fall.

She had not rested well, and so had been up and moving early. Having already had her breakfast, she was waiting at the corner of another shop, a woodcrafter, as she soaked in the warmth of the new day sun.

"You are Barkhal, yes?"

Without waiting for an answer, BonThot pushed on. "We have some common ground, I think. Would you like to talk with me as we walk? I promise to be a gentleman."

She smiled as she looked to the ground for a moment, gathering her thoughts.

"I should hope, not, actually. Gentlemen are nothing but useless, preening nobles who think their adherence to their own rules makes up for a deficit in anything that could be called a personality. If our journey is as pedestrian as is claimed, I will entertain conversation, with a warning."

There was an unsteadying smile on her face "The first utterances of family line, inheritance, legacy, or gods, and I will eat your tongue out of your mouth."

Akyra looked as Bonthot and Bharkel made there way to the wagon, catching the end of the conversation.

She smiled despite the threat aimed at him. "Limits conversation topics " she said, smiling at Bonthot but shrugs. "Despite my upbringing and obvious skills, I prefer to avoid talk of religion myself. Makes people uncomfortable and people's views are their own. Now talk of weapons and battles, that something I'll gladly talk on."

She crossed her arms. "Just waiting on tbe goblin, then we can go."

"As the Lady cleric suggested, I believe it might be advantageous if I were to be on the wagons as a ranged attacker. If someone has an alternate idea of where I should be positioned, please speak up." Pavel decides to talk shop and hopefully avoid bloodshed.

In reply to Akyra Clethtinthiallor (msg # 9):

"And now the prospects of a conversation have quickly devolved into a comittee, I see." She replied as she looked at Akyra. It would stand to reason that on this journey, everyone would probably be within earshot, but that didn't mean she had to like the idea of anyone shoving themselves into whatever topic they wanted.

BonThot laughed. "I suspect you would, too," he said. "No worries about any unscrupulous gentry. I'm more the 'kid whose parents brought him up right type of guy."

He then looked at Akyra and said, "I usually don't talk as much as listen."

Once the group had gathered their things and made their way outside, breakfast in their bellies, the reins of the wagon were handed over, and the party set out toward Phandalin in the wake of their employer some hours earlier. The wagon was well made, with two yoked oxen there to pull it for you. The beasts handled the load like it was nothing, but they moved no faster than a man on foot, so the lack of mounts for those not riding the wagon was no obstacle. (One person can drive the wagon, and another can ride up front with them. The rest will be on foot. For the sake of random encounters, let me know who's riding on the wagon and who's walking, or what the rotation is if you want to switch off.)

You can smell some moisture in the air as you leave the tavern, but there are no clouds above you to indicate why. As you reach the gates and pass through, however, you see a large storm quite some distance off to the southeast. Neverwinter rests on the top and side of an active volcano that constantly pours a stream of magma through the heart of the city (which is why it's Never-Winter), and the elevated view allows you to see for quite some distance even if you're too far away to make out details. One detail that it does not take a sharp eye to see, however, is that the storm system in the far distance is producing an incredible amount of lightning, with the worst of it seemingly drawn to the same spot. There's a large forest between it and you, so where the lighting is striking is anyone's guess, but from this great distance it looks like it's almost the same exact spot over and over.

Storm moves off to the east over the next hour before it drifts out of sight. The ground beneath you remains dry throughout the day, thankfully, and into the night as well. You pass a few travelers along the road, all headed toward Neverwinter or beyond, according to those who seem pleasant enough to share more than a nod or greeting. You spot some distant birds here and there, a couple of prairie dogs at one point, and a lone wild pig who stares at you for a moment from half a mile away before trotting off toward the woods.

As nighttime draws near and the moon shines brightly overhead, the time comes to decide what to do about camp. This particular stretch of land has no other cities or towns, or even lone inns along the road for you to have a comfortable rest, so the question is mostly one of (a) next to the road or (b) off in the nearby woods?

Pavel rides the wagon, bow strung and eyes scanning the road for danger to it or him.
His bow was his main weapon, though he had his hatchet and dagger if he needed to melee.

"A worthy march," BonThot said. "I will sleep well tonight. This is the first time I've really stretched out in quite some time. What is the watch rotation among out group?"

Akyra walks beside the wagon on the left, cloak and hood drawn up to hide her heritage, and the only thing in hand her shield as she walked. Any greeting she mirrored with a serious tone, but never removed her hood.

As they pulled up for the night, she removed her hood. “Let us g a little away from the road, find a defensible spot. My eyes are not too good at night, so I suggest someone who can see in the darkness take the middle watch. I am happy to take first or last. Let’s seperate it into 4 hour watches..,one or two per watch”

"Unless someone objects, I'll take the last watch. My eyes are pretty keen. And yes, moving off the beaten path makes good sense."

"I rode for most of the day so, I'll gladly take first watch." Pavel said as he started looking around for a good campsite for his companions.

The cleric nodded. "OK. Pavel....you take watch for the first few hours. Wake me when your done and i'll take the middle....the fire will need to be stoked so i can see, but theres nothing we can do about that. Bonthot, your last shift.  Any sounds and wake the others. Be ready."

The dragonborn then sets to making an evening meal and arranging her bedroll just under the back of the wagon. She ate her meal, and when she lay down, her shield and ae within reach

BonThot spends part of Pavel's watch in deep meditation before whispering a good night to Pavel. Once down, he stays down (Unless of course, somebody rousts him).

A campsite is picked, the watch order is set, and the group heads off to their respective places for sleep or watch.

Pavel takes the first watch alone for two hours, then is joined by Bharkel. The time passes by uneventfully before Pavel wakes Akyra. Occasional flashes of lightning shed the barest bit of light from the storm still firing off in the distance, but it definitely weakening and moving off.

Two more hours pass before Bharkel turns in and wakes Rosalyn. The dragonborn and goblin sit watch together, and spot two pairs of blue-green eyes catch and reflect the orange-yellow light of the fire. The eyes are far off, no threat when they are first spotted. They blink a few times, move back and forth for a few moment, but eventually go turn away and go dark.

Akyra swaps with BonThot, who then joins the goblin girl. They share a bit of conversation through their otherwise uneventful watch, until Rosalyn goes to wake the quiet young gentleman, Sakamoto. There's a...sound, far off in the distance. It's like a short bout of thunder, but the sound is wrong. It's off, but you're not sure how or why, only that it sounded wrong. You know it's far away, you just don't know what it was or why it sounded the way that it did.

The rest of the night goes by the same as the rest, and sunrise greets you. More birds welcome the morning sun with song as well as flight. The storm has moved off as far as any can tell, and another day of travel awaits you.

Sakamoto greets the sun as he has every morning since joining the Senken no mei no Shinden, and every day since coming to this strange and distant land. He was thankful for the gaining the attention of Gundren, who'd taken the quiet young hin under his wing for a time. When the letter reached his simple domicile, he was overjoyed at not only the potential for a reunion with his Dwarven benefactor, but also for the opportunity for both a job and travel.

He'd arrived late at the inn, long after the other party members had gone to bed, but arose early and was awake to greet them simply before they departed for the day. He'd answered what questions they asked, but mostly kept to himself, and the shadows.

Now that day had broken again, he finished his morning rituals, stretches and excercises as the others began to stir...

"You, newcomer, I haven't introduced myself. I am BonThot. Did you hear the thunder that was not thunder early this morning?"

ooc: BonThot is addressing Sakamoto.

Akyra woke at dawn, stretching and before putting on her Armor, sat crossed legged and held a medallion of silver and onyx as she closed her eyes. She sat still for minutes as she internally prayed to bahamut, lord of dragons. She then stood and dined her Armor without word, and grabbing her shield and axe, went a way from the others and went through a practice motion, almost like a martial dance.

....this was her usual morning ritual to her god.

She returned to hear bonthot speaking to the halfling. “Unusual thunder?” She looks in the distance. “Be that as it may, we have a long way to go. Rosalyn, pavel....ride the cart again. I will take the left, Bharkel the right. Sakamoto watch the back, bonthot, your backup.”

The military minded cleric was almost on autopilot as she allocated people,to places that suited their skills. “...any questions?”

"No questions, but I wonder what could cause that thunderous sound? Mayhap a battle?"

Newcomer? Sakamoto wondered. He wasn't particularly new, more a latecomer. He chalked it up to the vagaries of his relative unfamiliarity with the dialect of this region. A common language still vastly different than the one practiced in his homeland. "Indeed, I did, BonThot-san." Sakamoto said, accent strong but voice sure and certain. He bowed respectfully. "But, I could not - nor cannot now - identify the origin. It was unusual to say the least."

He offers the man speaking to him yet another, deeper bow. "Also, I must apologize. I appear to have overlooked you during my introductions as we travelled. I am Sakamoto. It is a pleasure to be traveling with you."

Introductions semi-interrupted by Akyra's arrival, he then turns to address her, tipping his head respectfully at her orders. "I understand, and concur. A light morning run sounds exquisite."

"Don't get too far ahead of yourselves.." Bharkel gives a loud warning to the group "Let's not go looking for a battle that doesn't need to happen. I'm sure that will happen all on its own in good time."

The Dragonborn nods at bharkel’s words, mirroring her thoughts. “Right now, this caravan is our priority...not some weird thunder. If it’s a battle ahead, I’m sure we will face it soon enough, and trust me when I say, any that stand between us will wish themselves that they didn’t right up until their dying breath.”

She looked at the cart. “Let’s get moving. Pack up and keep on.”

<OOC: was the thunderous sound towards our direction or behind us?>

ooc: I believe it was behind us. That was from a description by the DM.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Whatever it was, it did not sound natural. Happily, it was off in the distance, but even so, there was some spark to it that I found unusual. It might behoove us to have a watch in the back. I'll be happy to keep an eye out for anything that seems off or strange. I will consider that my watch for tonight."

There's a gleam of small humor as he declares such.

 (I've added a game map of the area. Note that the forested parts shown on the map are the literal forest, but there are many trees in all of the apparent grasslands around it as well. This map is technically from a different point in time, so it's not entirely accurate which is good for fresh adventurers who don't know all of the details anyway.)

Akyra helped to organize the group's positions for travel as others discussed the storm and the unusual thunder. Describing the location of the thunder was nearly as difficult as describing where it had come from. It certainly came from the general direction of the storm, but it was a large storm. Those who were awake at the time that it happened might say that it was almost came from beside the storm, a bit more to the west, but with canopies dispersing the sound and trunks bouncing it every which direction, it hard to tell exactly where.

With everyone in agreement that finding the exact source and location were not going to happen, equipment packed up and ready for travel once more, and the oxen yoked back up, the group took up their respective positions and proceeded toward Phandalin once again.

Birdsong increases and more signs of wildlife are seen as the morning progresses. Soon you come to the fork in the road that will take you eastward toward the town that you seek. You head more heavily into the woods with this road, and even though the sun shines brightly this morning in a mostly cloudless sky, the forest canopy blocks a large portion of it and you enter a world of shadow and shafts of light where it does happen to pierce.

Evidence of the storm becomes more apparent as you move east as the ground becomes softer with the rain, and temperature and humidity increase significantly. Those of you who are not used to life in a forest find your armor and clothing starting to stick to your skin and breathing the moist air may feel a bit odd or unpleasant. The smells of wet earth and compost become dominant.

This path winds much more than the road you were on yesterday, and around one of those bends and up a bit of a hill, lies a surprise that puts everyone on full alert. Akyra instinctively calls a halt as the sight of two dead horses pierced with arrows awaits some sixty feet ahead of you.

As the party stops to inspect the dead horses, BonThot turns and looks back up the trail from whence they cam. He finds a bit of cover in the trees and studies the surrounds with all senses.

14:57, Today: BonThot rolled Perception 11 using 1d20-1 ((12)).

Bharkel quickly spun around upon seeing the dead animals. Not that she immediately anticipated a threat; leaving out evidence of violence is a really bad way of creating an ambush. She could feel her blood racing at the sight, the anger of unnecessary death. She let her mind race, relishing in the thoughts and emotions that coursed through her. She tried to hold onto as much of it as possible, and by tying it all to faces, names, places, she would be able to hone in on this when she needed. She would channel her fury at whatever poor fool stood in her way, even if they have nothing to do with this.

And if they did? That would be fine too.

1:24, Today: Bharkel rolled 15 using 1d20 ((15)) Perception.

Akyra was used to heat....being a dragonborn her blood was more cool than warm, and preferred warmer weather, but even she was unused to the travel of this heat in her armor. She, however, made no indications of discomfort. She walked stoicly as they went along, her eyes moving along the path ahead.

Rounding the corner, her eyes fell on the horses, and she instantly took her axe from her hip, alert as she looked ahead. Trained with a more military mind than most clerics, the way the horses fell she thought an ambush.

"Spread out, stay sharp." She whispered. She saw Bonthot checking behind and nodded in affirmation, hoping Sakamoto would follow his lead. She looked at Bharkel and indicated she should follow. She finally looked at Rosalyn and Pavel. "Guard"

She then stepped forward, staying close to the left side of the path, her eyes scanning the area for movement.

<OOC: Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 22 using 1d20+2 (*Natural 20!) - Perception roll>

Pavel nocks an arrow, and looks at the scene.


"Must be goblins, cruel things and they have been known to use bows."

Ooc:23:43, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 11 using 1d20+6.  Active Perception in a forest. –
This message was last edited by the player at 03:46, Mon 31 May 2021.

Sakamoto had been enjoying the quiet speculative conversation with BonThot as they'd proceeded on their journey. The rear of the wagon was comfortable and provided a lovely view of where they'd been. This land was so different from his homeland and - mission aside - he was often in awe at the nature here.

When the wagon ground to a halt and they were called to alert by the front party members, he watches as BonThot retreats to one side of the rear of the wagon, then he moves quietly to the other side.

[OOC: Today: Sakamoto rolled 25,23 using 1d20+5,1d20+5 ((Stealth, Perception)). Ai-yah, too bad I don't get any bonuses, yet, from attacking from Stealth!!]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:11, Mon 31 May 2021.

Pavel keeps scanning.

"No offense intended about the goblin remark, just had run ins that were bad before."

The party went on alert and immediately started scanning the area for the source of the arrows. Pavel makes an educated guess that it might be goblins, and catching a better look at the arrows themselves, he sees the black shafts and feathers confirming his suspicions. He doesn't think it was goblins - he knows.

Pavel's trained eyes and ears seek out for the goblins. He knows they're here.

Sakamoto ducks behind the wagon quite easily with his small frame, and spots something straight away.

Akyra's eyes aren't made for spotting things in the dark, but Bahamut guides her and blesses her efforts.

Bharkel and BonThot are at the mercy of the others, and they have no idea of their own where the assailants might be hiding.

Normally I would have everyone roll initiative here, or I'd roll it for you. But, the goblins rolled a nat 1. So instead, I'm going to give initiative to the party.  The three people who are able to spot the goblins will have a link to the map with the goblins on it. For my B's, you two can roll Perception with advantage. If you can hit a DC 15, you see the goblins and can act normally. If not, you have no targets, so post actions accordingly.

01:43, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Goblin, rolled 3 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

Sakamoto's alert, trained eyes miss little. Somehow, he's able to notice that other's seem to have not noticed some of their assailants. Quickly, he thinks a message to Bharkel and BonThot. He then returns his eyes to the rear area behind the wagon, alert for any approaching danger.


[OOC: I'm assuming we're all within 30 ft of each other? -Ken]

Perception: 9 & 13

BonThot is surprised at the voice in his head. The feeling is a bit unnerving. But, he puts the information to good use and readies a spell.

The Dragonborn looked around the road, then north, and snarling, spoke in the draconian language as she stuck a claw into her own palm, a drop of blood on her hand. at the last, her shielded arm reaching out to the tree line to the north.

....and the three goblins within.

She stalked forward, shield and axe in hand towards them. “Come face your doom, little cowards!” She snarled

<OOC: movement: moves closer to the three goblins she spotted

Action: cast bane at three goblins. Charisma dc 12 save or whenever making a saving throw or attack, they must roll a d4 and subtract from their roll>
Bonus action: none>

BonThot calls out, "Akyra, where are they?"

The dragonborn snarls. "Trees, north of the horses"

BonThot follows the tree line to the north, careful as he can be to stay in cover. His eyes are seeking where the goblins might be.

Tried another Perception check - rolled an 18. Woo hoo!
This message was last edited by the player at 03:19, Fri 04 June 2021.

Pavel sights on the goblins to the south.

"Akyra! Goblins to the south of the horses as well!"
Pavel prepares a shot at any goblin trying to flank Akyra from the rear.

Edit

22:37, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 7 using 1d20+2 ((5)).
This message was last edited by the player at 02:38, Fri 04 June 2021.

BonThot moves at half speed, halts in the trees and readies an action (Magic Missile)

Akyra calls upon the power of the mighty platinum dragon to defend the group from the northern goblins. The sound of a dragon's roar fills the space around the dragons, unheard by those more than 30 feet away from them, but the sound of it fills them with terror and an unsteady hand as Akyra makes her way cautiously toward them. (All 3 fail their saves)
21:47, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Goblin, rolled 8,5,1 using d20-1,d20-1,d20-1.  Save vs Bane.

Bharkel (DM) takes heed from the voice inside her head and rushes off into the trees to the east. Luckily, doing so allows her to see two goblins ready to fire their bows at the party, and draws (a melee weapon) as she closes the remaining distance to put their aim off of the others. (move & dash)

BonThot moves toward the trees for cover of his own, as well as in hopes of spotting where the goblins have hid themselves. Though none are in a position to see it, the color drains from his eyes leaving only silver orbs. His hands and fingers move, playing out a series of arcane gestures as they pull apart from one another leaving three darts of silver-white energy floating in front of him. He holds the energy, ready to unleash it as soon as he sees a goblin, but as his eyes scan from his new location, he spots a shoulder and elbow drawing back on a shortbow, and the unerring darts are unleashed. (Action already triggered - Magic Missile deals 9 damage to Goblin 1, killing it)
22:35, Today: Psynister, on behalf of BonThot, rolled 3 using 1d4+1.  Magic Missile.

Pavel plants his feet upon the wagon's seat in order to leverage the bow properly, and knocks an arrow in wait for a goblin to close with Akyra. (Ready Attack, Trigger: goblin moves to flank Akyra)

Rosalyn calls out to Bharkel with a playful tease, bolstering the barbarian's resolve. (Bharkel gains Bardic Inspiration, allowing you to add 1d6 to any single d20 roll you make in the next 10 minutes)

Sakamoto keeps a watchful eye to the rear, hoping the others can handle those in the front well enough for the time being.

Monster numbering is basically left to right, top to bottom, or somewhat clockwise from the top

Goblin 1 is dead.

Goblin 2 fires a black arrow at Akyra, with near perfect aim. Rather, it would have been perfect, had the little goblin not been shaking in his scrap-leather boots. The arrow flies true but is released a moment too late as Akyra has more than enough time maneuver her shield to intercept it. (miss) The little creature then ducks back into the bushes and attempts to hide once more. (Goblin 2 is hidden. Perception DC 19 to spot them.)
22:49, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Goblin, rolled 2 using 1d4.  Bane.
22:48, Today: Goblin rolled 19,4 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Shortbow.
22:52, Today: Goblin rolled 19 using 1d20+6.  Goblin Stealth.

Goblin 3 fires at the cleric as well. The arrow does slip past the warrior priest's shield, but grazes the chain armor, catches, and bounces harmlessly away. (miss) This goblin also falls back further into the wood, though you hear it trip and stumble through the brush as it moves off to the northeast. (Goblin 3 is poorly hidden. Perception DC 7 to find them.)
22:57, Today: Goblin rolled 2 using 1d4.  Bane.
22:57, Today: Goblin rolled 16,3 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Shortbow.
22:59, Today: Goblin rolled 7 using 1d20+6.  Goblin Stealth.

The goblin's movement does, however, give (Pavel) a clean shot, which the ranger takes. The arrow flies into the brush just after the goblin does, leaving you uncertain of the attack's result. (miss)
23:14, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Pavel Marsk, rolled 11,8 using d20+3,d8+1.  Attack w/ Longbow.

Goblin 4 ducks back into the bushes (Disengage) to get away from the elven warrior, sends an arrow at her, then moves off further to the east. The arrow is sure to hit her, but Bharkel growls as she knocks the arrow away at the last moment with her (melee weapon). (Bharkel takes 5 Piercing damage)
23:05, Today: Goblin rolled 19,5 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Shortbow.

Goblin 5 sees the effectiveness of such a tactic and follows suit, tumbling through the brush and around trees (Disengage) to avoid Bharkel's attacks before firing an arrow at her while she's otherwise distracted. The arrow flies true and cuts into the barbarian's tricep. (Bharkel takes another 5 Piercing damage)
23:05, Today: Goblin rolled 23,5 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Shortbow.

Round 2 - Targets with more than 2 trees/bushes between you are considered to have Half Cover. Both goblins on the south side of the road are visible without Perception checks, while both on the north side are hidden and require Perception (Action). You can post contingent actions, so if you're going to move into the woods in search of the goblins, you can have an action like "If I can see a goblin, (do this). If I can't see any goblins, (do that instead)."



This message was last edited by the GM at 04:37, Sat 05 June 2021.

Keen senses detecting no goblins approaching from the rear, Sakamoto turns his attention to the front of the wagon and the scuffle going on there. He's lost some idea of placement for the Northernmost goblins, but can see the Southernside ones easily enough. His Barbarian companion was outnumbered and outmaneuvered. I think time to bring the fight to my level. he thinks, moving off with amazing speed and agility. He bounces up onto the wagon, then across it, launching, even, from one of the horses' heads before the poor horse even knew what had happened.

Touching down in the roadway, yet leaving nary a footprint or cloud of dust behind, Sakamoto continues to move for the closest goblin to him. He knows he won't be able to land a strike, but the sudden distraction of the bowman was his ultimate goal.

When he arrives beside the goblin, he projects his thought at the creature, hopefully startling and distracting it from its intended target - it can be very confusing to have a voice suddenly in your head with no apparent direction, after all!

"It is time for you and I to fight, now, yes?"

[OOC: This should be Base Movement + Dash Action to get into melee range with the Goblin. I don't believe I'll get an attack action this round. -Ken]

Pavel knocks another arrow, aims at the goblin near the acrobatic halfling and prepares to protect the martial artist from a flank.

Action Hold attack to cover Sakamoto against Goblin 5 from reinforcements. Most likely Goblin 4

From where he stands on the northern side, BonThot is delighted to find that he has a clear view of at least one of the goblins to the south. Without thought, he looses three magic missiles at the unfortunate humanoid: 14 pts damage.

Akyra saw the goblins fire at her then hide, the arrows glancing off her shield and armor.  She strode into the forest, her shield and axe ready.

<OOC: moving towards the goblins. If she sees them she will engage and attack.

Movement: move towards the goblins (or where they were)
Action: if close enough to attack - attacks

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Attack - battleaxe >
This message was last edited by the player at 08:37, Sat 05 June 2021.

Akyra moves into the woods with axe and shield at the ready. He knows roughly where one of them is, but not the other. As she moves in, though, the spots the more stealthy one and closes in to strike. The nimble sucker ducks out of the way, and the head plants itself into the tree's bark instead. (Miss) With a frustrated tug, Akyra pulls the axe free once more.

Bharkel (DM) feels the warrior blood of her ancestors burn hot, and she embraces that feeling as she lays into the goblin with all she's got, swinging the massive greataxe with wild abandon. (retroactively Rage, Reckless attack - kill G4 with 17 slashing damage)
20:01, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Bharkel, rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Reckless.
19:59, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Bharkel, rolled 8,15 using d20+5,d12+3.  Attack w/ Greataxe.

BonThot had sought to slay the furthest goblin with his Magic Missile spell, but as it dropped from Bharkel's strike, he aimed for the other one instead. Three magical darts shot from his hands, slamming into the goblin one after another. (G5 is dead from 14 Force damage)

Pavel knocks an arrow to protect Sakamoto's southern route, but he sees the goblins slain as well. He pivots to the left and retrains the arrow there watching for goblin movement. Moments later, he is not disappointed as the furthest goblin runs to the north through a small clearing. The arrow sinks into the creature's side, causing it to stumble, but the little creature regains his footing and flees to the north. (7 damage to G3)
(I rolled your attack in D&DB since it was handy. Hit AC 17 for 7)

Rosalyn cheers at Akyra, bolstering the dragonborn's confidence. (Bardic Inspiration to <purple>Akyra</purple for 1d6 to a d20 roll)

Sakamoto rushes toward the southern goblins to aid Bharkel against he pair of goblins. As he reaches the back of one of the oxen, ready to spring forward, he sees both of the southern goblins killed in an instant, and mid-stride, changes the trajectory of his intended jump, to go after the northern pair instead. (move & dash)


Goblin 2 does not have line of sight on any of his companions, and fights on thinking that the odds are still in their favor. Still spiritually shaken from Akyra's curse, the goblin shows his teeth in an attempt at aggression that comes across only as fear. (Miss)
20:18, Today: Goblin rolled 1 using 1d4.  Bane.
20:17, Today: Goblin rolled 7,8 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Scimitar.

Goblin 3 flees to the north, taking one of Pavel's arrows in his stomach as a souvenir. (Leaves combat, fleeing to the north at a speed the group cannot match)

Goblin 4 is dead.

Goblin 5 is dead.

Round 3 - Targets with more than 2 trees/bushes between you are considered to have Half Cover. Both goblins on the south side of the road are visible without Perception checks, while both on the north side are hidden and require Perception (Action). You can post contingent actions, so if you're going to move into the woods in search of the goblins, you can have an action like "If I can see a goblin, (do this). If I can't see any goblins, (do that instead)."



This message was last edited by the GM at 03:35, Tue 08 June 2021.

BonThot moves 3 squares to the right and searches for goblins in the southern portion of the forest. If he can see a live goblin, he'll cast magic missile again. If not, he'll hold steady where he winds up, scanning the southern portion of the forest.

Pavel moves closer to Akyra, keeping an eye out for returning combatants, while moving he pulls out his handmade.

OOC: Move to Akyra, switch to handaxe to provide flanking on combatants

Akyra, seeing the hissing goblin, moves up, a draconic smile as she steps forward, shield up, she swings her battleaxe with lethal efficiency.

<OOC: attacks the closest goblin

Action: Attack goblin
Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  Attack - battleaxe .
Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 10 using 1d8+3.  Damage - battleaxe .

Bonus action: none>

As the final goblin attempts to reposition itself away from Akyra to go and hide in the woods again, the cleric swings her battleaxe with brutal efficiency, cutting through ribs in the goblin's back and sending it to the ground death with the others.

Combat is over

The cleric snarls at the dead goblin, then bends over to search it for weapons or coins, then returns to the cart, blood spattered on her axe and armor, but a smile.

"Is anyone injured?" she calls out as she drops the gear near the wagon. "Gather weapons and coins...we can trade them later."

BonThot waits a moment in the trees to make sure there's no other enemies around, then pops out of the wood and onto the path.

"Nice scrap," he said to no one in particular. Then he begins the search for treasure.

"I'm hale and hearty. Let's examine the horses and the cart before we move on. We don't need ambushes on the road if we want to set up a supply line."

Pavel readies his axe and moves towards the horses, alert for more goblins.

The search for treasure is somewhat disappointing as most of the goblins possess nothing more than the shortbows and scimitars that they held when attacking you; the quality of the weapons isn't great, but they'll probably be worth something. They scraps of leather armor they wore would be unlikely to sell to a merchant, but you might get some silver from a collector if you can find one that's interested.

The final goblin to fall is the only one to possess anything extra, and that being a coin pouch with 17 pieces of silver, 36 copper, and 4 gold. The pouch they're contained in is clearly not of goblin make.

Examining the fallen horses, however, provides information. Firstly, Pavel recognizes one of the horses as having belonged to Gundren.  The other horse doesn't seem familiar, but when Pavel points out the one, Akyra chimes in that Don-Jon was well known for outliving every horse he ever rode.

The horse's saddlebags are empty, and an empty map case lies open and discarded between the horses.

"Our patrons have been waylaid." Sakamoto notes as he surveys the area, alert for more danger. "Should we press on, or set out looking for them instead? Either option presents a risk, to us or to them."

"It seems a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma." BonThot said. "How much coin did we get? I'm just curious - goblins don't usually carry more than few coins, or so I'm told. I wouldn't mind having a handful of coppers and a couple silver."

"Just out of curiosity, how do you know they were waylaid?

"I knew this sounded too easy" She said, still expecting a further trap. "We can't go looking for them without a sense of where they went. We need to continue on."

The cleric, following tbe others to the horses,  looked at them with a snort, a small wisp of green vapor coming from her nostrils.
She looked at the others. "Spread out....see if you can find a trail. if they took them,  their will be signs."

She looked at Bharkel. "The men who hired us have been taken, and not only that, he is one of my closest friends. If he is in danger and we find d a path, I say we go looking. This track isn't used much so the gear shod be safe if we can hide it. We leave them and come back it will be days and the trail will go cold."

She starts looking for signs of a trail

BonThot sighs. Looking at Sakamoto, he said, "Why don't they listen? Do you think they were waylaid?"

"The horses are here, dead, yet no sign of our patrons. Also no sign of blood or other struggle. Gundren is an at-least-capable fighter, so they must have been caught off guard to have been captured so easily." He shrugs. "Were I better at tracking, I would go in search of them, but best I could do is make an educated guess."

He pauses, surveying the scene. "My guess is they were taken into the forest, most likely North since that's where most of the Goblin attackers came from."

[OOC: Today: Sakamoto rolled 11 using 1d20+5. ((Perception)). - Or a not-so-educated guess! -Ken]

"Akyra, some sign near the fallen horses points to them being dragged North. Now that we have an idea, we can go that way, I  doubt this is the only trap the fiends left in our way though." Pavel says motioning to the blood trail north.

The cleric looked around. “This was an ambush. Two teams either side - it’s what I would do. I expect their will be traps, but given they have two prisoners, they will be slow moving.”

She looks at the caravan, then the group. “We must make a decision. Continue to town or save our friends. I can’t order this - we do this as a group.”

"I can get the supplies to the village safely while the rest of you go after Gundren and Don-Jo. Alone, any other goblins on this road would let me pass. It is Gundren who is paying us, so you've no need to fear that I would collect payment and flee without the rest of you."

And her player hasn't been seen in weeks, so I can remove her.

"You all have answered my question. Thank you."

As Pavel points it out, the rest of you are able to see the blood trail as well. A hasty attempt to cover signs of it was made. Following the signs, Pavel shows the path they were taken through toward the north as well as signs of where the struggle was active and when it seemed to ease up.

Tracks also indicate it was more than just goblins.

"Pavel, can you discern what the other tracks are?"

The dragonborn looked at tbe blood trail, anger welling inside her. But given tbe tracks, she suspected the others were Gundren and his companion. "I suspect some are tbe prisoners....which is a good sign. Means there still alive."

She looked at the goblin. "If your comfortable getting the wagon to town alone, do it, else we will hide it and you can guard...any goblins come and you can steer them away. The rest - let's get them back."

"Aye, I can track these miscreants down then we can bring the righteous fist of justice down on them!"

The information you do have on the other tracks is that they were medium-sized humanoids. It could be larger goblinoids like hobgoblins or bugbears, orcs, or just humans. They wore boots, so all you really have to go off of for the others is the size of their feet.

Rosalyn accepts the task of taking the wagon to Phandallin on her own, and leaves to do just that while the party prepares to go in search of Gundren and Don-Jon.
This message was last updated by the GM at 05:02, Thu 10 June 2021.

Rosalyn bids the group farewell with the ox and wagon, and the others delve into the forest with Pavel guiding their path. The man has no trouble keeping track of the signs, and moves through the wooded areas like he knows them well. Following his lead you're able to dodge natural hazards such as thorn bushes and poison ivy, and his familiarity with goblins even saves you some annoyances as he spots three traps that the goblins had laid out along the path. None of them would have been deadly, but a couple may have hurt a fair bit if it hit you just right.

After just over an hour of travel, you come to a clearing in the trees to discover the ruins of a castle.

The castle consists of seven crumbling towers of different sizes and heights, but the upper stories are all in varying states of collapse. A short flight of steps leads up to a terrace in front of the main entryway. Past the wreckage of a pair of sundered doors lies a shadowed hall. Round towers loom over the entranceway, with dark arrow slits looking down on the terrace. The walls that remain range around 15-20 feet in height, made of solid stone, though the structure does seem precarious in most places from what you can tell, and crumbled ruin from the towers litters the ground in places as well.

Your path has lead you to the castle from the west side, so that you now face the front entrance directly east of you. There's about 40 feet of clearing before where the left edge of the map begins.

"Is everyone prepared to deal with the darkness inside? I saw more than just goblin trail here, so be prepared for their larger cousins as well."

Do we still have inspiration?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BonThot isn't against mixing it up with goblin spawn, but it's hard not to recall that he's still a neophyte in his craft. One thing he can take away is that he is no coward.

"I'll help stand the line. but if I fire off my big daddy spell, I'm gonna be relegated to cantrips and my crossbow until I can at least get a short rest."

"We shouldn't loiter here." Bharkel warned, looking at the crumbling wastes. "Testaments to failed ambition like this are havens for vagabonds and monsters. Even if we slew every hostile thing that drew breath in here, it would not be long before it hosted new occupants."

"Let's get it done, and get out."

Inwardly, places like this bothered Bharkel. This was exactly what her tribal beliefs said was the evils and the trappings of alleged civilization. Aspiring to goals that are both unstoppable and unsustainable, leaving great scars on the surface as evidence to the hubris of the dead.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:29, Thu 10 June 2021.

Akyra looked at the tower with a sniff, and looked at BonThot. "Until we rest, My spell abilities are halved. I can heal one person in the meantime, but my skills in fighting remain. I can stabilise someone with minor magic, what wizards call a cantrip, but to properly heal, i can only do once for the moment. We can either rest now and enter, or take our chances."

"I think setting a watch and resting for a while would bring us to full strength. Unfortunately,it might allow more of the miscreants to surface."

Akyra looked at the tower. "Their numbers wont change if we guard the path in. There will be the same amount in the tower, and I'd rather be at full strength, both physically and magically before we enter. once in there, getting time to rest will not be wise....we would be ambushed on their grounds. Here, we can hide off the path, rest and go in, hopefully with surprise on our side"

Sakamoto speaks, but offers no outward sign nor gesture. "I am not in need of rest. The battle was easier on me than others, so if we decide to camp - and if so, I would suggest camping further back the way we came -" he interrupts himself. "If we decided to camp for however long a time, I am able and willing to keep a double watch so others may recover more."

Akyra looked at the monk and nodded at his wisdom. "If we rest and reain our spell abilities, we will need to retreat down the path and off the road. We don't want to be surprised."

The group choose to rest and replenish resources, leaving Gundren and Don-Jon in the hands of Fate for eight more hours. The sun peaked and pushed toward setting. Thankfully it was still summer, so there were another two hours of sunlight left in the day. The forest might reduce some of that, but thankfully the mountains were north rather than west, so there was still some light, at least.

Long Rest is successful, and no random encounters happened. Everyone is back to full HP and all resources have been replenished.

Akyra sat, eating a little dried ration, a little sleep and then meditation while holding her axe. When the time came to move, she stood and nodded, knowing all well what had to be done.

She started moving towards the tower, axe and shield in hand. She looked at the others. "Lets be as quiet as we can while we can. When surprise is gone, then we move with speed and purpose."

"I like Akrya's plan, using the forest to our advantage," BonThot said

Refreshed, the party repacked their things and made their way toward the castle, and up the steps.

As they reach the top of the stairs and begin moving toward the door, BonThot braced himself against the castle wall and the stone crumbled in his hands, causing rocks to fall and a gasp to escape his throat. Bharkel spun around with her large axe in hand to strike whatever had caused the noise, and the dirt between her boots and the stone floor caused a hissing-grinding sound as she pivoted.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
20:53, Today: Psynister rolled 9,7,14,7,10 using d20+1,d20+3,d20+5,d20+1,d20+1 with rolls of 8,4,9,6,9.  Stealth.

---

Everyone in the group collectively held their breath as they waited to see if the noised had drawn attention....

It seemed like maybe they were safe -

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
21:03, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Goblin, rolled 5,5,5,7 using d20-1,d20-1,d20-1,d20-1.  Perception.

---

Until two arrows came flying out of the southern tower. The first pierced right through Akyra's chainmail armor and stabbed into the flesh of her hip. The armor kept it from sinking deep, but the pain was still significant. (Akyra takes 7 damage) The second cut across Bharkel's right shoulder blade, cutting a good four-inch gash. (6 damage to Bharkel)

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
21:09, Today: Goblin rolled 18,7 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Shortbow.
21:10, Today: Goblin rolled 19,6 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Shortbow.

---

As the arrows flew, the goblins began to shout an alarm. The group had planned well, but even the best laid plans can fall apart the second you implement them. As the alarm was raised, voices and movement were heard inside the northern tower as well. So far, sounds of alarm had only come from the south side, but their alarm was clearly being heard.

Another arrow came zipping down from the north, but Akyra's reaction to the arrow stabbing into her hip caused her to raise the shield right in the arrow's path, deflecting it up and over the cleric's head instead. (missed) As everyone scrambles to react to the goblins' attack, one of the little humanoids pops out just inside the gate and fires another arrow at Akyra, which she thankfully blocks with the shield once again. (miss)

21:37, Today: Goblin rolled 6,6 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Shortbow.
21:42, Today: Goblin rolled 13,3 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Shortbow.

Round 1 - Two of the goblins were able to get a surprise attack off due to some terrible stealth rolls on your behalf (two 7s). There are goblins that you know of to the south, and at least two more to the north. How many more might have heard the alarm? We'll see!

Goblin order is top-to-bottom, 1-4.

21:31, Today: Psynister rolled 2,5,6,10,20,20 using d20+1,d20+3,d20+3,d20+1,d20+1,d20.  Group Initiative (A,Bh,S,Bo,P,Monsters).
21:47, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Sakamoto, rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Halfling Luck.

Akyra winced in pain as the arrow pierced her shoulder, weakening her somewhat. Using her shield hand, she reached up, tearing the arrow out as she whispered to Bahamut, to strengthen her on this time of need. She felt the warmth of healing energy flow through her as she glared at the only goblin she saw.

Sneering, she stalked forward, shield and axe in hand and swung, but the pain lingered in her shoulder, causing her shot to come short.

<OOC: OUCH!!

Bonus action: Cast Healing word on self

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 4 using 1d4+2.  Healing word.

Regained 4 HP

Movement, move to Goblin 2

Action: Attack Goblin 2

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  attack - battleaxe.

DAMNIT!>

Pavel aims at a goblin archer in the northeast tower and fires.

Ooc: fire at Goblin 4. 00:36, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  Attack goblin. – [roll=1623731798.58769.357079]
00:38, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 8 using 1d8+4 ((4)). Longbow damage
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:40, Tue 15 June 2021.

Sakamoto moves quickly, but only after fully surveying the situation. He then moves to engage the goblin on ground level (provided it's still standing) and strikes out at it with lightning slashes and kicks. Unfortunately, only one finds the agile goblin...

OOC: Today: Sakamoto rolled 22,14,6,7,4,4 using 1d20+5,1d20+5,1d20+5,1d6+3,1d6+0,1d4+3 ((17,9,1,4,4,1)).

Today: Sakamoto rolled 12 using 1d20+5 ((Luck Reroll)).

ALT ACTION if the Goblin on the ground is dead before Sakamoto's initiative: Sakamoto will HIDE and SNEAK further into the interior of the castle, seeking to make his way up into the Northern tower, or at least get a better idea of the layout.

[OOC: Today: Sakamoto rolled 15 using 1d20+5 ((Stealth Check))]

BonThot takes stock. The look on his face is resigned, but he calls forth the sorcerous energies anyway. He fires three magic missiles at three separate targets, hoping he kills at least two of the goblins. As the bolts of energy take flight, he looks around for cover.

Pavel moves to get a clear shot at the northern goblin, pauses to take aim and loose, then moves to the southern tower wall to prevent line of sight from the snipers above. (Goblin 1 takes 8 damage and is dead)

BonThot sends missiles flying at all three of the goblins that he can see. Each one flies perfectly true, slamming into their targets in tap-tap-tap succession. (Goblin 2 takes 5 damage and dies. G3 takes 2, G4 takes 3) As the last missile flies, he joins Pavel against the tower wall for cover from the snipers above.
22:44, Today: BonThot rolled 5,2,4 using d4+1,d4+1,d4+1 with rolls of 4,1,3.  Magic Missile.

Sakamoto prepares to rush the lower goblin, only to find a bolt of force kill the thing dead before he reached out. With the goblin dispatched, Sakamoto slipped inside the castle and around the wall to the north. He was met with an open door to the section of tower the snipers had fired from, with a sloping floor to give height to the archers. There was another door to the north as well, but was currently shut. In order to keep himself out of sight, the halfling moved into the tower room. (move & dash)

Bharkel (DM) took Sakamoto's idea, and went south toward the other two snipers. She reached the door, flung it open, and then went into a rage as she cleaved the goblin inside cleanly in two. (Goblin 3 takes 15 damage and is dead)
23:56, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Bharkel, rolled 18,13+2 using d20+5,d12+3.  Attack w/ Greataxe.

Akyra calls upon the Father of Dragons to sustain her, and feels His reassurance. (Akyra heals for 4) She then closes with the nearest goblin she can reach - the remaining sniper to the south. She swings her axe, but the nimble creature dodges easily. (miss)

Goblin 1 is dead.
Goblin 2 is dead.
Goblin 3 is dead.

Goblin 4 drops his shortbow and draws a blade, then retaliates against Akyra's strike. The scimitar finds its way to the cleric's neck and face, cutting into her scales. (Akyra takes 3 damage)
00:11, Today: Goblin rolled 19,3 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Scimitar.

The door next to Bharkel swings open, revealing at least two more goblins.

Goblin 5 opens the door with scimitar in hand, and its eyes go wide as it sees the barbarian standing before it. (used it's actions to get here)
Goblin 6 is draws back its shortbow and looses an arrow that sinks into Bharkel's shoulder, sending an additional jolt of pain as the head impacts bone. (Bharkel is critically hit for 5 damage)
00:14, Today: Goblin rolled 2 using 1d6.
00:14, Today: Goblin rolled 24,3 using d20+4,d6+2.

Just as Bharkel got used to the idea of facing two more goblins, a third stepped around the corner and loosed another arrow at her. The arrow flew harmlessly through the tribeswoman's hair. (miss)
00:29, Today: Goblin rolled 10,5 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Shortbow.

Round 2 - Good luck! The new goblins follow the same number scheme, top to bottom, 5-6-7


00:27, Today: Goblin rolled 4 using 2d6.  Goblin HP.
00:09, Today: Goblin rolled 3 using 2d6.  Goblin HP.
00:09, Today: Goblin rolled 5 using 2d6.  Goblin HP.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:38, Wed 16 June 2021.

Sakamoto quickly surveys the scene and sees that the fight is not to be in this tower. He sees two of his companions engaged in superior numbers, and taking wounds freely. Quickly eyeing the terrain around him he spots a daring path between himself and the goblin threatening Akyra. He takes a breath, centers himself, and the moves.

He bounces from the ledge to the highest box just below him, then up to a jutting flagpole driven into the side of the tower. Landing on it, he uses his downward momentum to flex the pole, launching him nearly straight into the air where he executes a graceful backflip, arcing over himself and directing his path up and towards the unaware goblin.

As he continues with the move, he concludes the flip with a strike at the goblin's head. Unfortunately, his trajectory is just off and the goblin moves fractionally during the course of combat. The attack misses, but now Sakamoto is in position to at least distract from further attacks on his comrades.

[OOC: Today: Sakamoto rolled 24 using 1d20+5 ((Athletics)).
Today: Sakamoto rolled 11,4 using 1D20+5,1D6+3 ((Attack, Damage)).
I'm assuming I don't get advantage or some sort of bonus for catching him unawares? -Ken]

BonThot shrugs, disappointed that he's used up the spell slots for his first level spells. Still, in the middle of combat beggars can't be choosers. He releases three more missiles at the nearest goblins: 3pts dmg, 4pts dmg & 4pts dmg.

OOC: BonThot will attack the two nearest goblins with the spell, combining the 3pts with the 4pts for seven dmg, and 4pts that stand alone.

Pavel decides to ready an arrow to attack the next enemy to come into view.

Ooc: not sure if G4 is alive after Bon Thot`s Magic Missles don't know if G5 or G6 can be targeted.

Akyra, again hit a savage blow, paused as she again called for the platinum dragons aide to heal her. She didn't expect that she would need the healing straight off. She had used her magic and now the best she could do was stabilise someone until they rest.

Again stepping up, she swung her axe, missing her prey.<OOC: OUCH again!

We need a tank to draw out the hits....or I need a magical shield!

Action: Attack

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Attack - battleaxe .

Bonus action: healingbword on self.

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 4 using 1d4+2+! Healing word.
Regains 4 hp>

Pavel falls back a few steps intent on counter-striking the sniper. He drops back a few steps and looses an arrow at the sniper, sinking the arrow into the goblin's skull just below the ear, right as Sakamoto lands inside the window. (G4 takes 5 damage and is dead)
00:11, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Pavel Marsk, rolled 21,5 using d20+3,d8+1.  Attack w/ Longbow.

BonThot moved into the castle in search of a target. Darts of force flew from his fingers, two sinking into the lead goblin and the third in the one behind it, ending the lives of both. (G5 takes 7 damage and is dead. G6 takes 4 damage and is dead.)

Sakamoto performs a parkour marvel and leaps across tower gaps. His landing would have scared the literal crap out of the goblin, if Pavel hadn't just killed it a split second before.

Bharkel (DM) moves in to kill the remaining goblin, takes a swing, but comes up short. Hearing noises of movement to the east, the barbarian quickly ducks and moves into the rubble to the south to cut off line of sight to whoever is in the very next room. (miss)

Akyra heals herself once more, draining the last of her magical reserves as well. (Akyra heals herself to 7/9)

Goblin 4 is killed by Pavel.

Goblin 5 is killed by BonThot.

Goblin 6 is killed by BonThot.

Goblin 7 disengages from Bharkel, narrowly missing an attack that would have taken off the creature's head. The goblin's body language clearly tells you it wishes to run east, but with no clear path around Bharkel, it chooses to leap from the archer's window to the west instead. The goblin tried to mimic Sakamoto's unseen move with the flagpole, but slipped and fell to the ground landing right on its neck. Bharkel actually hear's the crunching sound as the goblin's neck and back snap, lying dead from the fall. (G7 accidentally kills itself with fall damage)
00:35, Today: Goblin rolled 6 using 1d6.  Fall damage.

Combat is over - very well done.

Bharkel takes a quick peek into the next room before rushing back to rejoin the group when she notices the inhabitants' attention had not yet been drawn.

---

The party has a moment to take a breather while they observe their surroundings and Bharkel reports on what awaits in them next room.

Sniper Rooms - nothing special here, just the bodies of the dead goblins.

Ruined Barracks - (where G5-7 were) Several ragged bedrolls are scattered across the floor. A small, twisting passage of rubble leads east through the ruins. There seems to be nothing of value there either.

Bharkel reports that she was able to see another group of goblins sitting down to eat. There were at least four that she could see parts of, but from where they were looking and talking, there's probably closer to five or six, maybe more.

There are also 3 other doors that you've found, 1 near the north tower, and two to the east of the entrance.

You are able to get a Short Rest here inside the castle, or you can retreat to the woods if you prefer. I'm not going to hit you with a random encounter either way, you earned this rest.

Also, welcome your new Druid, Ariadne!

Sakamoto drops gracefully into a lotus position perched in the window ledge and adjusts his woven straw hat - which is somehow miraculously still atop his head. Though he doesn't need a rest, he knows the others might, so he waits to see who speaks in favor of where, when and for how long.

Entering the complex was a red headed half elf in rough leather armor,  holding a scimitar at the ready.  She looked like she'd been traveling in the deep woods, her eyes scanning about in an intensive and also feral way.
She spoke softly but clearly when she saw the Adventurers.
"Hello, all!  This looks like the group my friend Rosalyn said was in need of a helping  hand.   Permission to join in the fun?"
She smiled at the group, looking eager to get her hands dirty.

Akyra took a breath, breathing a few times as she looked around. She nodded at Bharkel as she checked and protected the east. Seeing movement behind, she brought her shield and axe up, ready, but relaxed when she spoke and spoke of their goblin companion.

"Well met and welcome. You are more than welcome to join us in wiping out some goblin filth and find our friends."

She looked at the rest of the group. "I am strong enough to move on  but my spells are limited until I have a long rest and meditate...maybe one more healing."

She looked at the others.

<OOC: so...with level 2 reached, I have one spell slot to use, and pretty much healed up. we have a room of goblins, but we have our new friend who can help with healing. So, do we push on, short rest or retreat and long rest.>

"The longer we rest and recover, the longer our enemies have time to discover their fallen comrades and come looking for the 'cause. I fear our rest would be interrupted. Best to press on, I feel." Sakamoto says from the shadows of his window perch where he, too, seems to be meditating.

Ariadne nodded,  looking around at her new Traveling Companions.
"I'm ready to stay or go, as the group sees fit.  I have access to some healing,  if anyone should need any,  as well"

"I say a cautious advance as we are slightly scratched. Sakamoto brings up a valid point. However, we need to be careful I have grown fond of my companions."

The dragonborn grimaced but nodded her head, heating her shield and waraxe.

"Forward we go then. Bharkel....this hall is small. You lead the way, I will follow."

Sakamoto speaks softly as he dismounts from his perch like flowing water, his voice, however, is like a tranquil pond. "I might suggest allowing myself to scout ahead. I am skilled in the way of shadows, and do not need to vocalize a warning if one is needed. I am Yūreikashikoi and can communicate with one of you mind-to-mind."

He bows deeply and respectfully, "If one of you would allow it."

Ariadne cocked her head,  blinking in surprise,  but smiled wryly
"That sounds weird and bizarre.   I like it.  I'll volunteer if you'd like.  Just don't look too deep.  You might not like what you see"

Sakamoto bows deeper, this time directly at Ariadne. "I cannot read thoughts, only ... 'hear' ... what you decide to share with me, Ariadne Greennthorn-sama. Having someone who can also move silently and communicate so with the others would be welcome to have ... what is the phrase? ... watch my back."

"I appreciate your offer and your skillset." He adds, speaking the last respectfully in a fluent, but accented, Elven tongue that matches Ariadne's own.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:05, Fri 18 June 2021.

Ariadne considered this, and nodded,  satisfied
"That works.  Okay, I'll be your messenger,  Little Warrior "
She did a bow back.  It was respectful,  though a bit awkward and clumsy

The dragonborn was hard to read, but her snort of greenish vapor showed her worry. "Very well. Any danger, you tell us and clear a path for myself and Bharkel. Parents and Bonthot come after and cover us."

BonThot shrugs. "I've got my cantrips, and my crossbow in a crunch, if need be. But I will lead from the rear, as they say, given that I have very little in the way of armor."

"I shall be right next to our magical crossbowman, guarding our rear flank."

Sakamoto makes his way through the small path far enough to see what awaits in the next room. As Bharkel reported, there is another gathering of goblins within - seven of them to be precise. They're all gathered around tables, talking and eating. The commotion of the earlier fight and the alarms being raised by the other goblins seems to have been drowned out by their own voices and eating.

There's a door leading north that looks as though it probably connects back to the main entry hall. There's another door off to the far east, beyond the goblins.

Sakamoto sends the information back to Ariadne, who then shares it quietly with the rest of the group.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:17, Tue 22 June 2021.

Akyra followed after the halfling on his mental prompting. The Dragonborn came in with no subtlety…a Dragonborn was intimidating, a black one more so. Akyra, armoured and armed, came in snarling. The Dragonborn rushed forward her axe swinging a savage blow at the closest goblin. As it cut, she pushed forward, the axe biting deeper..

<OOC: movement - move to the closest goblin

Action: attack with battleaxe

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Attack - battleaxe.

Use channel divinity - guided strike (hit ac 19)

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 9 using 1d8+3.  Damage - battleaxe.

Bonus action - Battle priest feature - war priest (extra attack)

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Attack - battleaxe.
Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 4 using 1d8+3.  Damage - battleaxe.>

Being a messenger for the strange mind talking halfling was an enjoyable experience for the druid.  She was always excited to try anything new and unique.
The dragonborn's rush to attack shook the half elf from her concentration,  however,  and she gleefully rushed to her new friend's side to help, swinging her trusty scimitar with great precision

OOC:
Movement,  move to next goblin

Action:  attack

07:07, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 8 using 1d6+3.  Damage
07:07, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Scimitar

 
This message was last edited by the player at 12:10, Tue 22 June 2021.

20:38, Today: BonThot rolled 12,4 using d20+5,d8 ((7,4)).

BonThot fires off a Ray of Frost at the nearest combatant. He's not certain if he hit his target.

Pavel decides that the sorcerer is doing enough offensive firing and switches to his handaxe to defend his magical charge should any goblin come to close.

BonThot looks at the ranger, smiles and nods thanks.

23:37, Today: Psynister rolled 10,23,19,12,16,9,17 using d20+1,d20+3,d20+3,d20+1,d20+1,d20+3,d20.  Group Initiative.

Ariadne crouch-ran up behind one of the goblins, scimitar drawn, and skewered the little yellow-green man right through the base of his skull, sending the tip out of its mouth. The display caught all of the goblins unawares, clearly shaking some of them as others scrambled into action. (G7 takes 8 damage and is dead)

Bharkel (DM) likes the idea of rushing in and hitting fast and hard, except she doesn't bother with any amount of stealth, she simply runs in and cleaves one nearly in two. (G5 takes 12 damage and is dead)
23:48, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Bharkel, rolled 19,12 using d20+5,d12+3.  Attack w/ Greataxe.

Goblin 1 closes in on Ariadne, drawing its own scimitar, and takes a swipe. She manages to block the blow, just barely, but it leaves her off balance and the effort leaves her winded as air is forced from her lungs at the shock of it. (Ariadne takes 6 slashing damage)
23:52, Today: Goblin rolled 18,6 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Scimitar.

Goblin 2 leaps over the table and onto the body of its fallen comrade. It takes advantage of Ariadne's balance issues and cuts into her side with its blade. Blood stains into her shirt and armor. (Ariadne takes 5 slashing damage)
23:54, Today: Goblin rolled 16,5 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Scimitar.

Goblin 3 also leaps the table, aiming for Bharkel. The goblins slashes with a scimitar, but the barbarian's axe knocks it aside with ease. (miss)
23:58, Today: Goblin rolled 13,3 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Scimitar. I was thinking they had pack tactics for a minute there
23:58, Today: Goblin rolled 13,7 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Scimitar.

Goblin 4 goes after the barbarian as well, but has better luck than the previous. The blade cuts into Bharkel's arm, but she doesn't even flinch at such a flesh wound. (Bharkel takes 5 slashing damage)
23:59, Today: Goblin rolled 12,<s>6 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Scimitar.</s> I was thinking they had pack tactics for a minute there
23:58, Today: Goblin rolled 18,5 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Scimitar.

Pavel looses an arrow into the melee, but chaos reigns and the arrow flies right through where a goblin had stood just a split second before, and instead shatters against the far wall. (miss)
00:06, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Pavel Marsk, rolled 7+2,8 using d20+3,d8+1.  Attack w/ Longbow.

BonThot sends a ray of blue-white energy into the room, with a crackly-hiss. The ray connects with the tabletop, forming a semi-circle of frost along the surface. (miss)

Akyra follows the melee rush, cuts down one goblin with a blow to it's skull (G6 takes 9 damage and is dead). She then steps on that goblin's corpse and takes a small leap as she brings the axe down again on the one standing behind it. (G4 takes 4 damage) The goblin takes the blow and snarls as he looks her straight in the eyes as if to challenge her.

Sakamoto pulls some dope monk shit, hopping through people's legs and around furniture, to position himself to aid Ariadne. He pulls out a handaxe and sinks it deep into the apparent-leader's ribs near the heart. (G1 takes 10 damage) The goblin gasps for breath, reaching to pull the blade free while staring daggers at the halfling. Before the creature could remove the axe, Sakamoto rammed an elbow into the back of the axehead, sending it into the heart. The goblin's eyes go wide for a second, face growing pale, then falls to the ground letting gravity free the axe. (G1 takes 4 more damage and is dead)
00:22, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Sakamoto, rolled 15,4 using d20+5,d4+3.  Unarmed Strike.
00:21, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Sakamoto, rolled 4 using 1d6.  Sneak Attack.
00:21, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Sakamoto, rolled 20,6 using d20+5,d6+3.  Handaxe.

Goblin 5 is already dead.
Goblin 6 is already dead.
Goblin 7 is already dead.

More than half of your foes lie dead at your feet.

Round 2 - Fight!


This message was last edited by the GM at 06:50, Fri 25 June 2021.

Ariadne rocked back, severely wounded by the goblins.  She gritted her teeth, and pushed forward, trying to finish the last goblin in front of her before trying to use her healing magic.
OOC:
00:44, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  scimitar.
 00:45, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 5 using 1d6+3.  damage.

BonThot looses another Ray of Frost at the closest goblin: 08:10, Today: BonThot rolled 20,2 using d20+5,d8 ((15,2)).

Then he follows behind Pavel, his head on swivel.

Sakamoto continues to move around the room with alacrity and agility, catching what off-guard foes he can. Eventually he settles on one who is already preoccupied with one of Sakamoto's companions. Sakamoto strikes quickly, twin kama, elbows and kicks flying. Only his initial strike finds its mark, but it is sufficiently strong enough to be a lethal blow.

[OOC: Today: Sakamoto rolled 16,12,7 using 1d20+5,1d20+5,1d20+5 ((Attack, Off-Hand, Martial Arts)).
Today: Sakamoto rolled 11 using 2d6+3 ((Damage w/ Sneak Attack))]

Seeing that his arrow missed, Pavel tightens his grip on his axe as he guards the sorcerer.

Akyra looks at the goblin, staring her down with a draconic grin. “You’ve got spine goblin…..I’M GONNA RIP IT FROM YOUR BODY” She yelled as she lunged forward, swiping a deep cut in the goblins abdomen.

<OOC: action - attack goblin 4

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  Attack - battleaxe.
Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 4 using 1d6+3.  Damage - battleaxe.

Nice attack, poor damage>

The newfound gash brought a surprising degree of disorienting pain for how seemingly minorit was. The Yelling of the dragonborn next to her wasn't helpful, causing her to miss with the swing of her axe.

15:01, Today: Bharkel rolled 8,15 using 1d20+5,1d12+3 ((3,12)).

Ariadne rocked back, severely wounded by the goblins. She gritted her teeth and pushed forward, slaying the goblin before her with hopes of having a respite to heal soon. (Ariadne dead 5 damage to G2, who is now dead)

Bharkel hissed at the painful new gash, mind and body reeling somewhat at the assault upon her senses. She took a powerful swing, but already thrown off by the situation, Akyra's shout came at the worst possible time, causing her to jump slightly and throw the aim off. (miss)

Goblin 2 is dead.

Goblin 3 swings at Akyra, aiming for he unprotected armpit with expert precision. As the blade drew to a hair's width away from sinking into flesh, the dragonborn brought down her shield and pinned the weapon harmlessly against her armor. (miss)
17:35, Today: Goblin rolled 17,8 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Scimitar.

Goblin 4 Takes a swing at Bharkel, hoping to take advantage of the barbarian woman's current state of mind and body. Akyra's shout startled the goblin too, however, and the blade caught nothing but air. (miss)
17:38, Today: Goblin rolled 6,7 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Scimitar.

Both goblins duck and run, trying to make an escape!

Pavel guards BonThot against any sneaky goblins who might come to harm him.

BonThot shoots another beam of frost at the fleeing goblins. This time he connects, slowing the goblin down as the cold seeps into its body. (G4 takes 2 damage, cutting its movement in half)

Akyra gives chase to chilled the goblin, laying into the creature's back with her axe. (G4 takes another 4 damage)

Sakamoto follows Akyra's lead, chops into the goblin's neck with his axe, severing the spine and ending the goblin's life, then moves into the hallway to see the other goblin fleeing to the north. <grean>(G4 takes 11 damage and is dead)</green>

The goblin is running toward a curtain the closes off the remainder of the hallway.

Round 3


This message was lightly edited by the GM at 03:37, Sat 26 June 2021.

Taking a breath to steady herself, Ariadne looked around at her surroundings.   She was in no immediate danger,  but there seemed to be at least one of the goblins trying to escape.   She was tempted to give chase, as a good apex predator would,  but realized that she'd be much less help to her new Traveling Companions if she were cut down in her wounded state.
Focusing her will on the power of the Natural Order,  she cast a spell of healing upon herself.

OOC: 18:15, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 9 using 1d8+2.  Cure wounds

"Good scrap," BonThot said to no one in particular.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:36, Sat 26 June 2021.

The dragonborn flicked her axe, flicking the blood from the edge as she looked at the halfling. "Does anyone need healing?"

She sees the halfling looking up the passage and smiles. "....after we gut a rat" She says, running after them
This message was last edited by the player at 02:51, Sat 26 June 2021.

In reply to Akyra Clethtinthiallor (msg # 129):

The druid nodded
"I should have  a bit of healing to share as well"

"I'm  hearty and whole, I  think the tribeslady took some hits."

Sakamoto gives chase, dashing off after the goblin and finally striking him down from behind. With the last monster dispatched, he once more shrouds himself in the shadows of the castle, alert for additional signs of danger or threat. He reaches out into the mind of Akyra. "I have stopped the escapee. Wait while the others heal and mend, I'll keep lookout and then proceed when everyone is ready."

Today: Sakamoto rolled 20,6,23,7 using 1D20+5,1D6+3,1d20+5,1d4+3 ((Attack, Damage. Martial Arts, Damage.)).
Today: Sakamoto rolled 20 using 1d20+7 ((Stealth))
Today: Sakamoto rolled 20 using 1d20+7 ((Perception)).

If no one else needed healing, the druid would make her way, quickly, to where the goblin had escaped, and began pursuit.

As Ariadne makes to leave, BonThot says to her, "I would not tell you what to do, but perhaps a short rest might be in order for you and some of our other companions. I suspect that final miscreant is not long for this world with the ascetic somewhere nearby. Take your ease."

Bharkhel was ready and able to get after the last enemy as well, make up for that last disapointment, but the tiny monk was already heading there. She dropped her guard for a moment, taking a deep breath.

"I would say it's nothing, but I think it affected my performance. I'd rather not have a repeat."

[Language unknown: E hoeeie Sonwasera a hou ilst prcheint...] she muttered to herself.

Overhearing Bharkel's small lament, BonThot nods and says, "I'll make a sorcerer of you yet!"

His eyes shine with a bit of laughter.

Ariadne takes advantage of her lack of aggressive goblins trying to kill her, to cure some of the wounds she has sustained. (Ariadne restores 9 hp)

Bharkel decided to leave the final goblin to Sakamoto, and took a breather with the rest of the group.

Goblin 3 meanwhile was not about to turn and face the group of overpowered adventurers alone.

Pavel confirms he's not injured.

BonThot talks to his companions, sure that the goblin would be handled.

Akyra left the goblin to Sakamoto with confidence, and cleaned his axe as he checked the others for need of healing.

Sakamoto will have a private message in just a moment, since I need some input from him.


Round 4 - Sakamoto is the only one still considered to be in combat. Everyone else is welcome to continue RP.

BonThot will take a short rest, if he can.

A few moments pass by while the party calms from the previous battle, shares a bit of healing, and waits for Sakamoto's return. BonThot moves to the nearby table to have a seat and hopefully catch a rest.

PL

Ariadne cocked her head, as if listening to the wind,  then looked at the others
"The monk says that the escaped goblin is bringing reinforcements,  possibly hobgoblins.  We have only a few moments to prepare. "

She moved to be near where the creatures would arrive

OOC:  is there enough plant life for an entangle spell?

You have 1 round of actions to prepare for the incoming enemies. Use the previous map for where you are and where you want to go.

Ariadne will move closer to the southern wall, but will.let the fighters have priority.
"I have magic that will cause the plants to Entangle anyone in that area.  That should slow them down and possibly weed a few out"

I seem to have screwed this whole plan up. Instead of Hadar, I'm going with Dissonent whispers. Will attack the first foe that comes into sight.

Sorry for any confusion I may have caused.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:55, Sun 27 June 2021.

Akyra snorts a greenish/purple vapor at the news of incomming. "Disable the goblins f you can....hold them, scare them, whatever. Bharkel, you take the hobgoblin. I'll keep the wolf off your back."

She looks at Pavel. "Try to use the corner as a bottleneck and keep them at a minimum. They all get free, we will be overwhelmed. Ariadne, you heal. My last spell will go on them to hopefully stop them hitting us."

In reply to Akyra Clethtinthiallor (msg # 145):

Ariadne shrugged
"I was going to Entangle them first,  though. Unless that's a problem?"

The dragonborn nodded. "That will also help, so do that first. anyone who needs aide though, that will be you"

Ariadne looked a little disappointed,  but nodded.
"Fair enough "
She prepared to cast

Pavel nods and hefts his axe.
"Ready!"

15:52, Today: BonThot rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,3,1.  Dissonant Whispers, Wis 13 vs Flee & half.

"Let them come. They clearly aren't enough to be a concern to us." Bharkhel said as she raised her greataxe, running headlong towards where the reinforcements would becoming, making up for in daring and confidence what she was lacking in tact.

The group made their preparations quickly, moving into position, sharing plans, and so forth. Then then waited for the enemies to arrive before springing their trap.

Ariadne stood upon the table for the clearest view of the area, ready to cast a spell to lock them in place. (cast entangle)
Bharkel rushed to the eastern wall, axe poised to take off a head, an arm, or whatever else stepped through. (ready attack)
Pavel  (ready attack)
BonThot positioned himself near Ariadne, using her and the table as cover while he prepared a magical assault of the mind. (cast dissonant whispers)
Akyra waited for enemies to show themselves, calling upon Bahamut's bane to curse them. (cast Bane)
Sakamoto made preparations of his own, in another area.

---

It did not take long for them to arrive. Two hobgoblins are seen first, but as readied spells are unleashed, a grey-black wolf comes bounding out of the hallway, leaping toward Akyra's throat!

Bharkel attacks the lead hobgoblin the second she sees him step into the doorway. He doesn't even have time to bring his hands up before the greataxe lodges itself into his shoulder. (Hobgoblin 1 is critically hit for 11 damage)
20:54, Fri 25 June: Bharkel rolled 5 using 1d12.
20:51, Fri 25 June: Bharkel rolled 25,6 using 1d20+5,1d12+3.

Akyra calls down a curse upon the wolf and hobgoblins. (cha DC 12) (Wolf fails it's saving throw, but both of the Hobgoblin resist the spell)
23:06, Today: Psynister, for the NPC H1, H2, Wolf, rolled 15,15,5 using d20-1,d20-1,d20-2.  Cha Saves.

Ariadne unleashed her magic to ensnare the enemies with roots. (str DC 13) (Hobgoblin 1 and Wolf are both Restrained, Hobgoblin 2 is not)
22:43, Today: Hobgoblin rolled 5 using 1d20+1.  Strength Save.
22:43, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Wolf, rolled 10 using 1d20+1.  Strength Save.
23:03, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Hobgoblin, rolled 18 using 1d20+1.  Strength Save.

Bharkel resists the entangling plants: 23:22, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Bharkel, rolled 22 using 1d20+3.  Str Save.
Sakamoto also resists the snare: 23:24, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Sakamoto, rolled 17 using 1d20+1.  Strength Save.

BonThot assaults the second hobgoblin's mind with psychic energy, hoping to send him fleeing back the way he'd come.
23:36, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Hobgoblin, rolled 10 using 1d20.  Wis save.

Pavel stepped forward after the spells were fired off, and went after the wolf with his axe. (Wolf takes 8 damage) The wolf lets out a painful yelp as the axe bites deep.
23:14, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Pavel Marsk, rolled 21,8 using d20+4,d6+2.  Attack w/ Handaxe.

Goblin 3 sees the display of magic and decides he's had enough. He turns back around and flees to the north. Just as he passes through the curtain, Sakamoto sees the goblin crushed by large, spiked mace before the curtain falls back into place and obscures the view of the room beyond. (Goblin 3 is dead)

Hobgoblin 1 ignores the vines in favor of trying to fend off the elven barbarian woman who nearly killed him. Even restrained as he was, the hobgoblin connected, slicing into muscle on Bharkel's shoulder and chest. (Bharkel takes 9 slashing damage and is badly wounded)
23:17, Today: Hobgoblin rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  Disadvantage.
23:16, Today: Hobgoblin rolled 16,9 using d20+3,d8+1.  Hobgoblin Longsword.

Hobgoblin 2's mind is filled with all things terrifying. He turns and flees, drawing an attack from Bharkel (miss) that is intercepted by the various plantlife filling the space. He runs through the plants, reacting to them as though they were hands reaching up from the grave, into the hall and off to the north to escape. As he runs by Sakamoto, the monk sinks his handaxe right between his eyes. (Hobgoblin 2 takes 12 damage and is dead from an opportunity attack)
23:41, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Bharkel, rolled 9,13 using d20+5,d12+3.  Attack w/ Greataxe.
23:40, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Sakamoto, rolled 24,8 using d20+5,d6+3.  Handaxe.
23:43, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Sakamoto, rolled 4 using 1d6.  Sneak Attack.

Sakamoto leaps down from his hiding spot and plants his axe into the hobgoblin's shoulder. (Hobgoblin 2 takes 9 damage, and is dead) He then struggles through the plants, walking over the hobgoblin's corpse, to reach the wolf. He swings a hammer-fist at the wolf just above the hips. (Hobgonlin 1 takes 6 damage and is dead)

Round 2? Currently all enemies you can see are dead. Sakamoto knows of at least 2 more.

Pavel tries to get to Bharkel to heal her with Cure Wounds.

Ariadne, seeing Pavel's efforts,  will come at Bharkel from the northern side,  to attempt a healing spell as well

"Sakamoto, did you see anymore bad guys?"

Sakamoto nods, solemnly. "Yes." He says in his usual whisper-soft voice. "A female drow and at least one other. I let them escape to come and assist you all with the combat. I apologize deeply for my error in judgment. I should have followed after them instead." He bows deeply and reverently to the party.

"Drow? That's, uh, something rarely seen. I wonder if they would parlay?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:36, Mon 28 June 2021.

The door in the northeast corner of the room swings open forcefully.

Reaching the elven warrior,  Ariadne casts a healing spell
"By the power of the Natural Order, heal my friend"

OOC:
20:35, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 4 using 1d8+2.  Cure wounds

The shock of the forceful portal entrance caused BonThot to hesitate. Turning, he looked about to see what was amiss.

Perception Check: 22:43, Today: BonThot rolled 17 using 1d20-1 ((18)).

PM

Akyra, having used the last of her magic, sighed as she looked as thenothers healed the warrior. She heard the door, and axe and shield came up by instinct alone. She had no access to bahamut's magic, but she had his might

...and she would protect her friends

Pavel touches the barbarian.

" By Nature's call let your wounds be healed!"

00:08, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 9 using 1d8+2 ((7) heal Bharkel.

"Hist!"

BonThot literally hisses at the other party members. "Something is amiss! I hear a sound over there, moving, sliding, very quiet along the stone. Occasional tapping or thumping, as if searching! It seems to have a soft touch, rather than hard. Beware!"

---

Sakamoto hears something on his side as well, and pushes through the overgrowth of foliage to intercept. Sneaking his way up to the curtain, he watches as shadows begin to darken it from the other side. He waits for them to grow dark enough to signal someone is in range, and then tries for a round-house body kick. His foot thumps into two different...somethings, hard to see how effective it was from this side of the curtain, though. (? damage is dealt to...someone? someones?) As soon as the blows land, he turns and flees toward the group.

LAIR ACTION - You all hear a deep, commanding voice calling out from the east, "Send in the Grick!"

-- BonThot and Akyra see tentacles starting to flail about and reach down through the top of the open doorway.

Everyone can hear the sound of boots running your direction from the west, seeing numerous figures running through the hallway from your view of the open doorway.

King Grol rips the curtain aside and strides forward, revealing Sakamoto in the doorway. The halfling now sees a large Bugbear carrying the spiked mace that he saw kill the goblin just moments before, along with the Mysterious Drow figure standing right there behind him. Sakamoto thanks his lack of stature as he ducks out of the way of the bugbear's swing. (miss)
22:00, Today: King Grol rolled 12,7 using d20+4,2d8+2.  Morning Star.

Bharkel received healing aid from two of her companions, grateful for the closing of wounds and restoration of energy. With sounds coming from both direction, the elven warrior felt her blood warming for the battle to come. As much as she wanted to fight, she'd not yet received the healing that was coming to her. So she waited impatiently, feeling her emotions swell. (Dodge)

Akyra pulled out the dagger that Gundren had inspected back in Neverwinter, when he'd asked her about swearing oaths and finding her path in this mess called life. The dagger that, when she had confirmed an emblem of Bahamut had appeared upon the blade. She stared at it as she prayed to Bahamut for his aid. And the dragon king answered. (Sakamoto, Bharkel, &  - all have their current and maximum HP increased by 5)

Hobgoblins came running toward the room from the northern section of the tower.
Hobgoblin 3 dashes toward the group.
Hobgoblin 4 dashes toward the group.
Hobgoblin 5 stops, seeing BonThot through the doorway, raises its longbow, and fires at the sorcerer. BonThot expends a fair amount of energy avoiding a broadhead to the sternum. (BonThot is hit for 4 piercing damage)
22:17, Today: Hobgoblin rolled 19,4 using d20+3,d8+1.  Hobgoblin Longbow.

BonThot recovers from the arrow, and retaliates with ray of freezing energy at the hobgoblin, giving her arm a bit of frostbite. (H6 takes 3 damage and is slowed)
22:22, Today: Psynister, on behalf of BonThot, rolled 23,3 using d20+5,d8.  Ray of Frost.

The Mysterious Drow narrows his eyes as he sees Sakamoto standing there, and stabs with a pair of shortswords. The first lands in the halfling's chest, sending a shock of pain and making it painful to breath. (Sakamoto is hit for 10 Piercing damage) The second, thankfully, he's able to parry aside. (miss)
22:27, Today: Mysterious Drow rolled 8,9 using d20+6,d6+4.  Drow Attacks.
22:26, Today: Mysterious Drow rolled 24,10 using d20+6,d6+4.  Drow Attacks.

Ariadne lays her healing hands on Bharkel. (Bharkel is healed for 4) Hopefully the barbarian would prove a precious asset in the battle to come.

Goblin 4 follows the last hobgoblin's lead and fires an arrow from its shortbow at BonThot. The first arrow had made the sorcerer weary enough to dodge sufficienty.
22:36, Today: Goblin rolled 9,4 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Shortbow.

A creature none of you has seen before, a Tentacly Worm Thing (Grick) with four barbed tentacles and a large bird-like beak, flompfs down from the ceiling, and crawls toward BonThot reaching out with the tentacles. BonThot dodges purely out of gross-freakout at the thing coming at him, thanking what few reflexes he had for preventing him from becoming worm food. (miss)
22:45, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Worm Thing, rolled 10,9 using d20+4,2d6+2.

Pavel moves to heal Bharkel as well. (Bharkel is healed for 7)

Round 3 - Good luck with the boss fight. Along with most of the remaining enemies in this dungeon.


This message was last edited by the GM at 05:10, Wed 30 June 2021.

"There are six of them? The goblin said three. Grol, give me the damn map, or you fight this battle on your own." The drow looked at the bugbear with a mix of frustration and determination. "My final offer is assistance with this fight now, or I come and claim it from your corpse after they've finished with you."

The drow seems intent to flee if he doesn't receive the map he's referring to

This message was last edited by the player at 04:24, Wed 30 June 2021.

Akyra took note of the various enemies, confused as to what to do, then she remembered the dwarf and his gift. With the shield still on her arm, she drew the dagger and whispered to it, calling bahamut's aid in this dire situation. the image on the dagger faded and the dragonborn

When her focus cleared the woman launched onto the table, having a clear view of the worm beast. Calling fourth her inner dragon, she let fourth a line of corrosive acid at the beast, landing beside Bonthot with her shield up. "Come at me, you ugly worm!"

<OOC: Movement, To the Grick

Action: Breath weapon. Dex 11 save or take 10 acid damage

 Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 10 using 2d6.  breath weapon - worm thingy.>

BonThot notes the oncoming attacks, casts Shield on himself (+5 to Armor Class for a total of 15 AC for one round as he moves to support Akyra.)

"By Nature's Call, Freeze the hearts of my enemies!!!"
Ariadne cast a spell, hurling an ice shard at Hobgoblin 3, striking him solidly.   The chard then exploded, causing a wave of cold to wash over Hobgoblin 3 and 4.

OOC:
07:43, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 11 using 2d6.  Cold damage to Hobgoblin 3 and 4
07:43, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 9 using 1d10.  Piercing damage from ice to Hobgoblin 4

"Drow..." Bharkel said gruffly "Finally, a chance to do some good here." She holstered her  great axe, instead drawing a pair of hand axes. Drow were as nimble as they were deceitful, and she was not going to take the chance.

Pavel moves to support Bonthot, wishing he had kept more healing magic in reserve. Doubting that Ensnaring Strike would stop the Grick. At least by protecting a  caster, he can prepare to get in a good position  to attack the dark elf if need be.

"You'll help me kill these rats and you'll give me the gold, or I'll kill you before you have a chance to run. Nobody comes to Cragmaw and makes demands of King Grol."

Intimidate: 21
19:33, Today: Psynister, on behalf of King Grol, rolled 21 using 2d20+2, dropping the lowest dice only.  Intimidation.

---

Sakamoto takes a moment to focus on self-preservation, extracting himself from the dangerous foes beside him to regroup with the others. (Disengage)

LAIR ACTION - King Grol slams his morningstar into the nearby all, causing rocks and other debris to rain down from the ceiling. The Walls Come a'Tumbling!"
(The following all take 1 Bludgeoning damage: Bharkel, BonThot, Pavel, Sakamoto.
Everyone else takes no damage.)
19:25, Today: Psynister rolled 1 using 1d4 with rolls of 1.  Walls Come a'Tumbling.
19:24, Today: Psynister rolled 55,48 using 6d20,6d20 with rolls of 18,15,1,7,9,5,5,10,5,9,1,18.  Dex Saves - Party, Monsters.

King Grol intimidates the Mysterious Drow into helping with the fight. (Drow stays)

Bharkel lets her greataxe drop to the tabletop next to her, and draws a pair of handaxes in anticipation of facing a drow.

Akyra wished there were a better angle, but she had to work with what she had. She leaped up onto the tabletop, opened her mouth, and spewed acid toward the creature. The Grick scurried partway up the wall to avoid the direct blast of acid, but was still hit by a good deal of splatter. (Grick passed its saving throw, taking 5 Acid damage)
19:37, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Grick, rolled 15 using 1d20+2.  Dex Save.

Hobgoblin 3 took a swing at Akyra, but the agile dragonborn dodged the blade completely. (miss)
19:44, Today: Hobgoblin rolled 9,4 using d20+3,d8+1.  Hobgoblin Longsword.

Hobgoblin 4 closes with Akyra as well, taking a powerful swing with his longsword, but the war priest was not new to this. She parried the attack as if it were nothing. (miss)
19:44, Today: Hobgoblin rolled 9,8 using d20+3,d8+1.  Hobgoblin Longsword.

Hobgoblin 5 likes her current location, and fires another arrow at BonThot. The sorcerer calls up a magical shield to protect himself, but not enough to fend off that arrow. It pierces the shield and into his flesh, prompting a pleased sneer on the hobgoblin woman's face. (BonThot takes 8 Piercing damage)
19:44, Today: Hobgoblin rolled 19,8 using d20+3,d8+1.  Hobgoblin Longbow.

BonThot knew he was in a precarious position, and choose to withdraw. He was tempted to go to the far wall, but with Grol pushing in on that side, he chose the center of the room for now. (Disengage)

The Mysterious Drow walks grudgingly into the room, angry at the situation he's found himself in. He takes to vicious stabs toward Bharkel, one missing completely and the second getting parried by one of her handaxes. The drow's eyes narrow in anger and determination as he stares Bharkel down. (miss and miss)
19:55, Today: Mysterious Drow rolled 10,7 using d20+6,d6+4.  Drow Attacks.
19:55, Today: Mysterious Drow rolled 7,6 using d20+6,d6+4.  Drow Attacks.

Ariadne throws a knife made of solid ice at the nearest hobgoblin, just as he and his companion close with Akyra. The knife pierces the first hobgoblin's heart and exits through his back, at which point the knife bursts in a cloud of freezing shards that disfigure and kill the other hobgoblin as well, but also pierces Akyra's scaly hide. (H3 takes 9 damage and is dead. H4 takes 11 damage and is dead. Akyra takes 5 Cold damage)
20:00, Today: Hobgoblin rolled 11,18 using d20+1,d20+1.  Dex Save.

Goblin 4 moves down into the room, looking for a clear shot. With the hobgoblins dead, the goblin's eyes grow large with fear, but he raises his shortbow to fire at Akyra. Nerves get the best of him, however, and the arrow breaks against the far wall. (miss)
20:13, Today: Goblin rolled 7,6 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Shortbow.

The Grick closes on Akyra, reaching out with its barbed tentacles. They find no purchase on the warrior's metallic armor, making squeaky-streaky sounds as they try and fail. (miss)
20:15, Today: (Fudged 3 rolls) Goblin rolled 11,8 using d20+4,2d6+2.  Tentacle Attack.

Pavel finds everyone's new position to be about as good as he can hope for with the given situation. He's blocking BonThot from some of the strongest foes in the drow and bugbear, and he's already in range of the drow, so he takes a swing. He lands about as solid a hit as he possibly could without striking something vital, and the drow swears at him in response. (Drow takes 8 damage) Though he certainly felt that one, he seems to consider it barely more than an annoyance.
20:20, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Pavel Marsk, rolled 21,8 using d20+4,d6+2.  Attack w/ Handaxe.

Round 4

21:47, Today: BonThot rolled 13,8 using d20+5,d8 ((8,8))

BonThot tries to return the favor to the Hobgoblin archer who most recently hit him with an arrow. His effort was a Mind sliver; as the spell is loosed, he moves back toward some modicum of safety.

Ariadne cast another Ice Knife spell at the King.  She might have missed, but the spell still exploded in arctic fury when hit the wall behind him.

OOC:


21:06, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 8 using 2d6.  cold damage.

21:02, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  Ice knife.

 

Akyra knew there was a goblin to her left, but for now, her main concern was the beast in front of her. She grimaced at the pain, but swung her axe twice, one hitting solidly, the other bouncing off the hard skin


<OOC: Action - attack grick

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  attack - battleae.
Uses channel divinity (Guided strike)

Hit AC 20

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 6 using 1d8+3.

Bonus action: War priest (Extra attack)

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  attack - battleaxe.>

Deciding to try to hamper the dark elf, Pavel channels  Ensnaring Strike into his axe and uses his inspiration.

OOC:23:59, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 15 using 1d20+4.  Attack drow ensnaring Strike roll 1.

00:02, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 4 using 1d6+2 ((2)).
This message was last edited by the player at 04:03, Fri 02 July 2021.

---

Sakamoto, wounded as he is, joins in the fight against the Drow, figuring his odds of being hit as one of three people were better than against the grick with only two. The axe struck a solid blow against the drow. (Drow is hit for 10 damage)
00:18, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Sakamoto, rolled 13,7 using d20+5,d4+3.  Unarmed Strike.
00:18, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Sakamoto, rolled 1 using 1d6.  Sneak Attack.
00:18, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Sakamoto, rolled 18,9 using d20+5,d6+3.  Handaxe.

LAIR ACTION - The bugbear king slams his morningstar into the wall once again, causing even more debris to tumble down from the crumbling ruins.
(Pavel takes 3 Bludgeoning damage, 18/22. Goblin 4 takes 3 damage)
00:10, Today: King Grol rolled 71,87,3 using 6d20,6d20,d4 with rolls of 14,11,19,12,3,12,17,13,10,15,14,18,3.  The Walls Come a'Tumblin.

King Grol finally moves in, and engages Bharkel. The barbarian woman
00:23, Today: King Grol rolled 19,6 using d20+4,2d8+2.  Morning Star.

Bharkel swung both axes at the drow elf, but true to the stories, he was incredibly agile and parried one while dodging the other. (miss x2)
00:27, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Bharkel, rolled 10,3 using d20+5,d6.  Attack w/ Handaxe2.
00:27, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Bharkel, rolled 11,8 using d20+5,d6+3.  Attack w/ Handaxe1.

Akyra turned up the assault on the grick, drawing on inspiration directly from Bahamut to swing twice with the axe. (Grick takes 6? damage) Akyra notices that the hard skin is indeed hard. Hard enough that it may even be a bit resistant.

Hobgoblin 5 fires another arrow, at Akyra, but the cleric's frenzied attack has blessed timing, knocking the arrow off track with an upswing between blows on the grick. (miss)
00:32, Today: Hobgoblin rolled 6,3 using d20+3,d8+1.  Hobgoblin Longbow.

BonThot invades the mind of the hobgoblin across the hallway with a cast of Mind Sliver. (H5 takes 1 )

The Mysterious Drow considers the change in numbers on either side, the hits he's landed, and those that have been thrown at him, and with frustration he shakes his head. He dodges a strike, tucks and rolls backwards through King Grol's legs, comes up to his feet, and takes off running down the hallway to the north. (Disengage)

Ariadne enjoyed her ice knife trick before, and tries to use it again. Reaching for the source of her druid power, however, she finds her reserves depleted. (You don't have any spell slots left for level 1 spells) Instead, she reaches out to the element of fire, produces a flame in her hands, and throws it at King Grol. (King Grol takes 2 damage)
00:39, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Ariadne Greenthorn, rolled 21,2 using d20+5,d8.  Produce Flame.

Goblin 4 doesn't like the shifting odds of this fight, but with no immediate threat, he shoots another arrow at Akyra. The arrow finds its mark, gapping her armor. (Akyra takes 6 damage, 6/18)
00:43, Today: Goblin rolled 23,6 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Shortbow.

The Grick continues to flail its tentacles around Akyra with no effect. (miss)
00:46, Today: Goblin rolled 14,6 using d20+4,2d6+2.  Tentacle Attack.

Pavel is left with the bitter taste of disappointment as he watches the drow flee. Victory was sweet, but having your prey slip away was always annoying. He stepped forward and swung his axe at King Grul instead. The bugbear battled the axe aside with great power. (miss)

Round 5 - half the party is at or below 1/2 HP, but half of the enemies are dead or have fled.


This message was last edited by the GM at 18:33, Sat 03 July 2021.

Akyra, wounded and desperate, felt the bleeding from her side where the arrow penetrated, still facing the trick, she realised that her axe wasn’t the most effective of weapons. Dropping her axe, she held her hand out, whispering. “Bahamut, hear my plea….use your divine fire to scorch this beast.”

<OOC: This thing is resistant to my axe…..oh darn, oh darn

Action: casts sacred flame at the wormy thing

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 1 using 1d8. (You gotta be kidding me!)

Dex save 12 or take 1 damage.

Should have stayed with the axe>

Out of most of her useful enchantments,  Ariadne charged the Grick, swinging her scimitar, to back up the dragonborn

OOC:  01:49, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 5 using 1d6+3.  Damage .
01:49, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 14 using 1d20+5. 16 with flanking? Scimitar

Sakamoto watches for a moment as the Drow flees. Even in his island empire, they had Drow elves, and they, too, were dark, cunning and sinister. It meant they could be reasoned with, at least, if the numbers or odds were against them. It was a foe to be tackled later, not now.

He turned his attention to King Grol, lashing out with Kama and Fist whenever the target appeared distracted enough by his barbarous opponent. His attacks, however, are shrugged off by the brute's thick armor and tenacious fighting style.

Today: Sakamoto rolled 9,8,4 using d20+5,d6+3,d6 ((Attack, Damage, Sneak attack damage)).
Today: Sakamoto rolled 6,4 using d20+5,d4+3 (Martial Arts, Damage)).
Today: Sakamoto rolled 11 using 1d20+5 ((Halfling Luck Reroll)).

Dammit!

BonThot sticks with Pavel, casts Ray of Frost: 20:28, Today: BonThot rolled 20,8 using d20+5,d8 ((15,8)). He attacked the hobgoblin that hit him before.

Nice!
This message was last edited by the player at 00:29, Tue 06 July 2021.

Pavel stares at King Grol and yells at him in Goblin.
[Language unknown: "EELIN NDCKCA PROUN E TISTUS, AINEV AT ARTCONARE OUNPROTIO IV HONGFONOTA!"] trying to get him to move recklessly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:28, Tue 06 July 2021.

---

Sakamoto ran through the taller ones' legs, and lashed out with Kama and Fist whenever the target appeared distracted enough by his barbarous opponent. His attacks, however, are shrugged off by the brute's thick armor and tenacious fighting style. (miss x2)

LAIR ACTION - King Grol shouts once more, "Release the owlbear!" You hear a hell-hoot from the eastern tower, followed by the death scream of a hobgoblin.

King Grol swings his morningstar at Pavel, but the warrior's training was more than up to the task of parrying such a reckless swing. (miss)
01:18, Today: King Grol rolled 6,7 using d20+4,2d8+2.  Morning Star.

Bharkel becomes enraged, taking frenzied swings at the bugbear, but even a muscle-bound goblinoid can move swiftly, dodging one and blocking the other. (miss x2)
01:20, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Bharkel, rolled 14,2 using d20+5,d6.  Attack w/ Handaxe2.
01:20, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Bharkel, rolled 8,7 using d20+5,d6+3.  Attack w/ Handaxe1.

Akyra called down the fiery breath of Bahamut, to burn the grick. (Grick takes 1 damage)
01:22, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Grick, rolled 9 using 1d20+2.  Dex Save.

Hobgoblin 5 continues to send arrow after arrow at Akyra, but comes up short once again. (miss)
01:24, Today: Hobgoblin rolled 6,7 using d20+3,d8+1.  Hobgoblin Longbow.

BonThot sees the hobgoblin enjoying the violence she was able to wreak on Akyra, and casts another ray of frost energy at her. This time it connects squarely with her chest, just below her throat, sending ice crystals over her face and neck before she falls down dead, and her frozen face shatters on the rock floor. (Hobgoblin 5 is dead)

The Mysterious Drow shouts as the bugbear nearly collides with it, and is then gone. (Drow has been removed from combat)

Ariadne rushed the grick with scimitar and shield. The blade bit into the creature's flesh, but not quite as deeply as she felt it should. (Grick is hit for 5 damage?)

Goblin 4 shoots another arrow at Akyra, barely holding onto its morale after seeing the hobgoblin killed. (miss)
01:30, Today: Goblin rolled 8,7 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Shortbow.

The Grick turns toward the biting blade and lashes out at a new target with its barbed tentacles. Somewhere deep in its heart of hearts, the grick hates itself for missing every single attack roll it makes. (miss)
01:32, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Grick, rolled 13,9 using d20+4,2d6+2.  Tentacle Attack.

Pavel mocks King Grol via the bugbear's mother... (effects, if any, to be revealed next round)

Round 6


This message was last edited by the GM at 06:38, Tue 06 July 2021.

Ariadne swung her scimitar again, but tried, despite the harried conditions,  to try to figure out why her weapon wasn't as effective as usual.


OOC: 01:55, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 5 using 1d20.  Int roll
01:54, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 5 using 1d6+3.  Damage .
01:54, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Scimitar

Akyra was suprised she was still conscious, tve various would ds on her body. She felt the blood under her armor, the fractures, and her strength weakening. But she pushed all that back and again held out her hand, calling fourth the flame of bahamut. The shot clipped the beast, and she cursed, picking up her axe again

<OOC: Movement - none

Action - casts sacred flame at the wormy thing

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 2 using 1d8. (Yep....still unlucky)

Dex save 12 or take 2 damage.

Bonus action - pick up battleaxe>

In Common "Dogpile the King!"
In Goblin "Go and boil your bottom, you silly goblin king!"

OOC: Taunt Cast DC 10 Wisdom save ?

This stupid beast had gotten lucky, but that luck wouldn't last for long. With her off-hand, she took a horizontal swipe across the bugbear's chest. Nimbly, she came back around, turning her back against the bugbear for just a moment to generate additional momentum and force, as she brought down her favored arm into it's shoulder, cutting in deep.

20:52, Today: Bharkel rolled 23,5 using d20+5,d6+3.
20:52, Today: Bharkel rolled 25,1 using d20+5,d6.
20:53, Today: Bharkel rolled 3 using 1d6.  Additional damage, crit.
9 damage total, between both attacks.

BonThot sends off another Freezing ray toward the lone goblin remaining.

21:44, Today: BonThot rolled 19,2 using d20+5,d8 ((14,2)).

ooc: maybe I scared him off.

---

Sakamoto lays into King Grol from behind with axe and fist, landing two solid blows. (King Grol takes 13 damage)
23:56, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Sakamoto, rolled 17,5 using d20+5,d4+3.  Unarmed Strike.
23:56, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Sakamoto, rolled 1 using 1d6.  Sneak Attack.
23:55, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Sakamoto, rolled 24,7 using d20+5,d6+3.  Handaxe.

LAIR ACTION - King Grol lets out a beastial roar. (Legendary Actions activated)

King Grol accepts Pavel's taunt and slams the morningstar into the man's left side, spikes penetrating down to the bone. (Pavel is hit for 11 piercing damage)
00:00, Today: King Grol rolled 20,11 using d20+4,2d8+2.  Morning Star.

Bharkel connects with two solid blows to the bugbear king, axes biting into flesh. (King Grol takes 9 damage) For the first time, the bugbear is finally bleeding and showing visible signs of the fight taking a toll.

Legendary Action (Counter Attack) King Grol swings a fist at Bharkel's face. It misses by this much. ||
0:05, Today: King Grol rolled 14 using 1d20+4.  Counter Attack, 3 damage.

Akyra calls the sacred flames down again, and the Grick continues to burn. (2 damage to the Grick) The creature screams out as its skin now blisters and oozes yellow-green blood.
00:08, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Grick, rolled 4 using 1d20+2.  Dex Save.

BonThot shoots the freezing ray at the goblin this time, causing it to dance wildly to avoid a direct hit. (Goblin 4 takes 2 damage)

Ariadne cuts the creature again, and feels that same reluctance to the creature's hide. (Ariadne deals 5? damage to the Grick) Maybe the skin is just thick? Maybe it's all in your head? Maybe your diet has been off for a day or two?

Legendary Action (Counter Attack) the goblin watches the Grick being struck and shouts a command at it in goblin, [Language unknown: "Ditr!"]. The grick swings its tail around and catches Ariadne full in the stomach, knocking the breath from her lungs for a moment. (Ariadne takes a critical hit for 8 bludgeoning damage)
00:15, Today: Goblin rolled 2 using 1d4.
00:15, Today: Goblin rolled 24,6 using d20+4,d4+2.  Command Follower.

Goblin 4 bounces another arrow harmlessly off of Akyra's shield. (miss)
00:18, Today: Goblin rolled 13,5 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Shortbow.

The Grick tries to take advantage of Ariadne's current condition by lashing out with its tentacles, and it's large eagle beak snapping for a taste of her flesh. Though winded, the druid barely manages to bat the tentacles away with her shield. (miss)
00:19, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Grick, rolled 15,7 using d20+4,2d6+2.  Tentacle Attack.

Pavel continues to mock King Grol, and seeing an opening, connects with his handaxe. (King Grol takes 6 damage)
00:21, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Pavel Marsk, rolled 19,6 using d20+4,d6+2.  Attack w/ Handaxe.

Legendary Action (Counter Attack) King Grol takes a swing at Pavel in retaliation, but the agile fighter danced away. (miss)
00:24, Today: King Grol rolled 13 using 1d20+4.  Counter Attack, 3 damage.

The Owlbear comes barreling through the curtain with an enraged roar and assaults Sakamoto with beak and claw. The halfling avoids his first literal near-death experience with a beast that can, and almost did, eat him. (miss x2)
00:29, Today: King Grol rolled 11,20 using d20+7,2d8+5.  Beak Attack.
00:29, Today: King Grol rolled 12,10 using d20+7,1d10+5.  Claw Attack.

Round 7


This message was last edited by the GM at 05:42, Wed 07 July 2021.

Ariadne, not able to think of other options, continues with her scimitar attack,  though she's distracted by the owlbear

OOC:
06:58, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 9 using 1d6+3.  Damage .
06:58, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  Scimitar

It always makes me sad when the damage roll is higher than the attack roll

Akyra grasped her axe, but knew the blade resisted its damage. She was torn between action, but decided to try the magic again, something she wasn't strong in but knew would hurt it.

...her instincts were wrong.

<OOC: what the hell....try sacred flame one more time.

Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 1 using 1d8 .

Nope...should've just cut the worm!>

Pavel lashes out with his axe again, hoping to bite bugbear flesh.


08:20, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 8 using 1d6+2.  handaxe damage.

08:19, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 14 using 1d20+4.  attack bugbear.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:21, Wed 07 July 2021.

Seeing the abomination that is the grick drawing closer, and noting the wounds on the beastie, BonThot offers prayers to Savras and reaches out to touch the beastie.

10:21, Today: BonThot rolled 24,6 using d20+5,d8 ((19,6)).

It seemed to work in some small measure. Then he retreats post haste...

Bharkel had to admit now that this thing wasn't just lucky, it was a more formidable opponent than she had estimated. In order to dodge his attack, she had to put herself into awkward footing, which made her own attack, a diagonal strike into his arm, come in at a poor angle and miss. Having gotten in close though, she was able to at least get a good attack in  with her other axe, a quick but forceful chop into its upper leg.

This was starting to get fun.

17:29, Today: Bharkel rolled 8,8 using d20+5,d6+3
17:30, Today: Bharkel rolled 22,4 using d20+5,d6

---

Sakamoto quickly removed himself from his deadly placement, dodging through Grol's legs and rolling through those of his companions as well. (Disengage)

King Grol screamed again, veins popping out across his forehead and down his neck and chest and he began swinging the morningstar with such strength it seemed he was trying to knock bodies through the walls. One such stroke caught Pavel at the base of his ribs, knocking the wind and consciousness out of the fighter. (Pavel takes 12 piercing damage and is unconscious)
18:37, Today: King Grol rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Reckless.
18:33, Today: King Grol rolled 12,12 using d20+4,2d8+2.  Morning Star.

Bharkel had to put herself into awkward footing, which made her own attack, a diagonal strike into his arm, come in at a poor angle and miss. Having gotten in close though, she was able to at least get a good attack in  with her other axe, a quick but forceful chop into its upper leg. (4 damage to King Grol))
18:41, Today: Psynister, on behalf of Bharkel, rolled 14 using 1d20+5.  Advantage.

Legendary Action (Counter Attack) King Grol swings a haymaker punch at Bharkel's face, but does not connect. (miss)
18:42, Today: King Grol rolled 11 using 1d20+4.  Reckless.
18:42, Today: King Grol rolled 13 using 1d20+4.  Counter Attack, 3 damage.

Akyra continues to bring fire down on the grick, who continues to burn in the righteous flames. (Grick takes 1 damage)
18:43, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Grick, rolled 10 using 1d20+2.  Dex Save.

BonThot shots a beam of frost energy at the Grick this time, and lands a solid hit dead-center, sending frost crackling up and down along the thing's body. It lets out a horrendous squeal-scream sound, barely holding on to life. (Grick takes 6 damage and is slowed)

Legendary Action (Command Follower) King Grol shouts at the goblin, "Kill them! Now!". The goblin fires an arrow at Akyra, but the cleric's armor continues to keep her safe. (miss)
18:50, Today: Goblin rolled 14,5 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Shortbow.

Ariadne is distracted by the presence of the owlbear, catching only stone flooring in her scimitar stroke. (miss)

Goblin 4 gathers his wavering morale and fires another arrow at Akyra. Whether the dragon god's blessings had run out, or the goblin's god had given a blessing of its own, was unclear. The goblin's aim however, was not. (Akyra takes 6 piercing damage and is unconscious)
18:52, Today: Goblin rolled 23,6 using d20+4,d6+2.  Goblin Shortbow.

The Grick focused its attention then on Ariadne. Barbed tentacles whipped around her, stabbing into the backs of her legs and pulling her toward the open beak. The pain was shocking, and her strength could not match that of the enraged worm. The Grick's beak bit deeply into her hip, crushing her into unconsciousness. (Ariadne takes 16 damage and is unconscious)
18:58, Today: King Grol rolled 4 using 1d6.  Crit Damage.
18:57, Today: King Grol rolled 24,7 using d20+4,1d6+2.  Beat Attack.
18:57, Today: King Grol rolled 21,5 using d20+4,2d6+2.  Tentacle Attack.

Pavel struggles to hold on to life... Pavel, you can make your death saves yourself if you want, or I can roll them and keep them secret. If you want to roll, do so twice in your next post to cover this round as well.

The Owlbear attacks the nearest target, clawing into King Grol's back. The bugbear spins around, avoiding the beak. (King Grol takes 9 crit damage)
19:04, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Owlbear, rolled 3 using 1d10.  Crit Damage.
19:04, Today: Psynister, for the NPC Owlbear, rolled 27,13 using d20+7,d20+7.  Advantage.
19:03, Today: King Grol rolled 10,15 using d20+7,2d8+5.  Beak Attack.
19:03, Today: King Grol rolled 19,6 using d20+7,1d10+5.  Claw Attack.

Legendary Action (Shove) King Grol body-rushes the owlbear, slamming it against the wall and then throwing it against the southern door. The rusted door bursts and the owlbear tumbles outside.

Round 8 - 3v3v1


This message was last edited by the GM at 00:53, Fri 09 July 2021.

BonThot goes for the kill on the grick: Ray of Frost - another good roll for BonThot: 20:41, Today: BonThot rolled 17,4 using d20+5,d8 ((12,4)).

Pavel gurgles on the ground in pain!
23:58, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 5 using 1d20+3.  deal save 2.

23:58, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  death save 1.

Ariadne fought for her life

OOC:  00:57, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 6 using 1d20.  Death save 1

Seeing a moment arise, and only peripherally aware of how many of his comrades have just fallen, Sakamoto launches an attack on the Bugbear while it is distracted by the rampaging owlbear. When Grol's back is turned, Sakamoto springs into action, leaping from tables to walls to land strikes on the King's back. His kama strikes true, but the bugbear's hide shrugs off most of the damage. Still, the hooked axe finds it's way into the bugbear's armor and hide and gives Sakamoto a momentary chance to strike with both palms a clubbing blow to the creature's ears, hopefully deafening - or at least disorienting - it.

Today: Sakamoto rolled 13,22,4,2 using d20+5,d20+5,d6+3,d6 ((Attack w/ Advantage, Damage, Sneak Attack)).
Today: Sakamoto rolled 22,10,4 using d20+5,d20+5,d4+3 ((Attack w/ Advantage, Damage)).
10 Damage Total. :\
Seriously? A 1, 2, 1 for damage rolls???
This message was last edited by the player at 06:25, Thu 08 July 2021.

Akyra grunts as the arrow pierces her armor and body. She looked at the goblin and snarled as she dropped to the ground.

<OOC: Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 13 using 1d20.  Death save.>

Pavel struggles to stay away from the light.


09:47, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 21 using 1d20+3 ((18)).
This message was last edited by the player at 13:48, Thu 08 July 2021.

16:39, Today: Bharkel rolled 16,7 using d20+5,d6+3.  2nd Attack.

16:37, Today: Bharkel rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Advantage.

06:41, Today: Bharkel rolled 15 using 1d20+5.

The would be King was panicking, trying to deflect whatever it could to hold out some last thread  of life. Bharkel made a powerful slashing attack, that Grot parried with both arms, to ensure it didn't connect. Effective, but poorly conceived, as it left him open to a follow-on attack.

Swiftly, Bharkel came in close, pushing the blade of her second axe directly into the hideous fat of his neck, and furiously pulling across. The sharp edge tore through flesh,fat, and veins, causing his hot blood to spurt out onto Bharkel, who seemed enthralled and encouraged by it.

"That's gonna leave a mark," BonThot said. "Nicely done, warrior."

Sakamoto catches King Grol with his kama, drawing a reaction that opens the bugbear to a two-handed strike to either ear. Grol reals back, blood gushing from his wounds as well as his nose. (King Grol takes 10 damage and is near death)

Legendary Action (Counter Attack) Grol takes a wild swing at Sakamoto in response, catching the monk on the chin. (Sakamoto takes 3 bludgeoning damage)
20:18, Today: King Grol rolled 18 using 2d20+4, dropping the lowest dice only.  Counter Attack, 3 damage.

King Grol roars with fury as he swings the morningstar at Bharkel. The spikes impale flesh, digging deep. (Bharkel takes 11 piercing, reduced to 5)
20:21, Today: King Grol rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Reckless.
20:21, Today: King Grol rolled 15,11 using d20+4,2d8+2.  Morning Star.

Bharkel made a powerful slashing attack, that Grol parried with both arms, to ensure it didn't connect. Effective, but poorly conceived, as it left him open to a follow-on attack. Swiftly, Bharkel came in close, pushing the blade of her second axe directly into the hideous fat of his neck, and furiously pulling across. The sharp edge tore through flesh,fat, and veins, causing his hot blood to spurt out onto Bharkel, who seemed enthralled and encouraged by it. (King Grol is dead)

Akyra lies unconscious and bleeding, though not as badly as she could be. (1 success, 0 failure)

BonThot sends another blast of frost magic at the Grick, causing another terrible scream to be released. (Grick takes 4 damage and is slowed)

Ariadne lies unconscious and bleeding, looking somewhat pale. (0 success, 1 failure)

Goblin 4 sees King Grol fall, and shouts to the grick, [Language unknown: "Ithou, andus! Pa!"] He then takes off running away from the group.

The Grick crawls away as quickly as it can, struggling against the frost magic. (Grick has fled the battlefield)

Pavel lies unconscious and bleeding, holding on for the moment. (1 success, 1 failure)

The Owlbear finally free from his prison, cares not one bit about the creatures within those stone walls. It returns to the wood, more than content to have found freedom. (owlbear has left combat)

Round 9 - Combat is over


This message was last edited by the GM at 01:40, Tue 13 July 2021.

OOC:  20:46, Today: Ariadne Greenthorn rolled 17 using 1d20.  Death save 2

22:22, Today: BonThot rolled 11 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 10.  Medicine.

Whomever has the least survivability is the one I'm trying to stabilize - FYI.

BonThot shows off some mad medicine man skills coming out of no where. "I need some help here!" he calls out. Ariadne is stabilized.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:27, Sat 10 July 2021.

<OOC: Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 2 using 1d20.  death save.>

"Bharkel, the Goblin, if you will." Sakamoto called to the raging Elf, knowing her rage would only remain while she remained in battle. "The monsters will likely pose no further threat to us."

He then went to the Dragonborn cleric, kneeling by her side and retrieving some poultices and wrappings from the pack worn across his body. "Remain calm, Akyra." he whispered. Seeing his initial efforts fail, though, he takes a moment to center his mind before trying again. "It has been some time since my last lessons in wound tending, I'm afraid ... "

Today: Sakamoto rolled 7 using 1d20+3, rerolling all ones ((Medicine Check)).
Dammit, I needed to ROLL a 7, not GET a 7. :(

This'll likely be my last post for the weekend. Sakamoto will keep trying to stabilize the injured for his actions while I'm gone.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:44, Sat 10 July 2021.

Sakamoto calls for Bharkel to go finish off the goblin and grick, and the raging elf woman complies. The monk attempts to stabilize Akyra, but the blood continues to flow. (failure)

Bharkel chases down the grick next turn, killing the beast. Some thirty seconds later, the goblin falls to her hand axes as well.

Akyra's breathing becomes a bit hoarse. (failed save, 1:1)

BonThot goes to assist the newest member of the group, the elven druid. He applies pressure to the wounds, and elevates what parts he can that are actively loosing blood, trying to keep it flowing into the safe parts of her body. After only a few moments, her breathing calms ands BonThot can see that the bleeding has successfully been stopped. (Ariadne is stable and does not need to make any more Death saves)

Ariadne experiences the closest state to actual sleep that she will ever experience in her life, as her body reaches a state of stability and the healing process begins.

Pavel is still bleeding, but not quite as much as he was a moment ago. His breathing is still dangerously shallow, but his odds seem good. (success, 2:1)

Round 10 - Akyra & Pavel, another Death Save from you both, please.


This message was last edited by the GM at 01:53, Tue 13 July 2021.

Ariadne snoozes for a bit

Pavel gurgles.

OOC:

22:34, Today: Pavel Marsk rolled 17 using 1d20+3 ((14)).
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:04, Tue 13 July 2021.

The panic spiral continues for the young him traveler as his attempts still yield no fruits. Sweat breaks out on his bald head, despite the cool air in the castle. "I believe I require assistance." he finally calls in shame, frowning deeply.

"I am sorry, Akrya-sama." he whispers, bowing deeply to her as his ministrations continue to offer no solace.
Today: Secret Roll: Sakamoto rolled 9 using 1d20+3, rerolling all ones.  Medicine Check.
DAMMIT!

<OOC: Akyra Clethtinthiallor rolled 17 using 1d20>

BonThot moves on to Pavel:

09:41, Today: BonThot rolled 20 using 1d20+1 ((19)).

Pavel is stabilized.

BonThot moves to the next wounded: Akyra

BonThot starts to feel the weight of the fallens' injuries. Sweat pours from his head, soaking his hair. Unbowed, he places his hands on Akyra in effort to save her.

His weariness takes a toll, this time Akyra does not respond.

09:48, Today: BonThot rolled 9 using 1d20+1 ((8)).


OOC: Is there anyone else who can step in?
This message was last edited by the player at 13:50, Tue 13 July 2021.

The King of Cragmaw Castle had been defeated, along with all of those who served him. Only a captured owlbear and a mysterious drow who had been trying to work some kind of deal had managed to escape, and neither of those seemed to want any part in facing this group.

All three of the companions who had taken serious injury to the point of being near death had been saved through the efforts of the those who remained. Pavel makes his 3rd save and stabilizes. Akyra passes her second and BonThot stabilizes her.)

The goblins were vanquished, darkness was setting in, and the wounded were in need of time to heal. Castle ruins may not be the prettiest place to catch some rest, but there were filthy goblin beds, dirty kitchen tables, and plenty of floor space available in some of the best shelter you could find for a number of miles (not to mention carrying 3 unconscious allies would be beyond you all).

Gundren was still yet to be found, half the castle had yet to be explored, but all of these heroes had survived odds that, coins to carrots, should have claimed all of their lives.

Welcome to level 3, everyone.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:47, Wed 14 July 2021.